# Hazing Victims in Rolette County: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – And Neither Do We

Rolette County families, we see you. We know the fear, the shame, and the anger you’re feeling right now. Your child went to college expecting opportunity and belonging. Instead, they faced torture disguised as “tradition.” Forced drinking until vomiting. Extreme physical punishment. Waterboarding with garden hoses. Humiliation that leaves scars no one can see.

This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening right here in North Dakota. At universities near Rolette County. In fraternities and sororities that operate in our community. And we’re fighting back.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – a case that’s making national headlines. We’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Rolette County families. Because what happened in Houston is happening here. The same fraternities. The same negligence. The same broken promises from universities that claim to protect students.

The Hazing Crisis in Rolette County: What Local Families Need to Know

Hazing Is Happening at Universities Near Rolette County

While we can’t comment on specific incidents without verified information, we know for a fact that the same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and hospitalizations across America have active chapters at institutions near Rolette County.

Universities in our region with Greek life presence include:

• Minot State University (Minot, ND) – Home to multiple fraternities and sororities
• University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND) – Large Greek system with over 20 chapters
• North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND) – Active Greek organizations
• Valley City State University (Valley City, ND) – Smaller but present Greek life
• Mayville State University (Mayville, ND) – Greek organizations on campus

The same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters near Rolette County:

• Pi Kappa Phi – Currently being sued by our firm for $10M after a pledge was hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Paid $6.1M verdict in the Max Gruver case (LSU)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Paid $10.1M in the Stone Foltz case (Bowling Green)
• Beta Theta Pi – Paid $110M+ in the Timothy Piazza case (Penn State)
• Phi Delta Theta – Subject of multiple hazing lawsuits
• Sigma Chi – Recently sued for hazing at University of Texas

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any university near Rolette County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

What Hazing Looks Like in North Dakota

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless pranks.” It’s systematic abuse designed to break a person down. Based on our current case and documented national incidents, here’s what hazing looks like at universities near Rolette County:

Physical Abuse That Can Cause Permanent Damage

• Extreme exercise until collapse – 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills)
• Forced physical endurance – 100-yard crawls, two-mile “warmups,” wheelbarrows (partner exercises)
• Being struck with objects – Wooden paddles, belts, or other items
• Exposure to elements – Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather, sprayed with hoses
• Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, late-night activities

Forced Consumption That Can Be Deadly

• Binge drinking – Forced to drink entire bottles of alcohol (beer, liquor, etc.)
• Forced eating – Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns, or other foods until vomiting
• Continuing after vomiting – Forced to keep exercising or drinking after becoming sick
• Lying in vomit – Punishment for vomiting during hazing

Psychological Torture That Leaves Invisible Scars

• Waterboarding/simulated drowning – Using hoses or other methods to create fear of drowning
• Humiliation – Forced to carry sexual objects, wear embarrassing clothing, perform degrading tasks
• False imprisonment – Hog-tying, binding, or restraining pledges
• Threats – Threats of physical punishment or expulsion for non-compliance
• Isolation – Cutting off communication with family and friends

Medical Consequences Rolette County Families Should Know About

These aren’t just “rough initiation rituals.” They can cause permanent, life-threatening injuries:

This is what’s at stake for Rolette County students. This isn’t about “toughening up” – it’s about permanent physical and psychological damage.

The Legal Rights of Rolette County Hazing Victims

North Dakota Hazing Law: What You Need to Know

North Dakota has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-17:

“Hazing” means any activity which endangers the physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.

Key provisions of North Dakota law:

1. Criminal penalties – Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $1,500 in fines
2. Consent is not a defense – Even if the victim “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal
3. Organizational liability – The group can be held responsible, not just individuals
4. Reporting requirements – Schools must report hazing incidents

This law applies to ALL organizations at North Dakota universities – fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and more.

Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable

Criminal charges aren’t the only way to seek justice. Rolette County families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

1. Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment
2. Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional trauma
3. Lost wages – Time missed from work or internships
4. Educational disruption – Tuition for lost semesters, scholarship loss
5. Punitive damages – To punish the organization and deter future hazing

Who can be sued in a hazing case?

• The local chapter – For directly organizing the hazing
• The national organization – For failing to supervise and prevent hazing
• The university – For failing to protect students (especially if they own the property)
• Individual members – For participating in or facilitating the hazing
• Alumni/hosts – For allowing hazing at their homes or properties

The Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait to Act

North Dakota law gives you only 6 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, we strongly recommend acting immediately for these reasons:

1. Evidence disappears – Text messages get deleted, witnesses forget details
2. Organizations destroy records – Fraternities have been known to delete evidence
3. Insurance companies deny claims – The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case
4. Other victims come forward – Multiple victims strengthen each other’s cases

If your child was hazed in the last 6 years, you may still have time to take legal action. But don’t wait – contact us immediately for a free consultation.

Why Rolette County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Not Just Hazing Lawyers – We’re Hazing Fighters

At Attorney 911, we don’t just handle hazing cases – we’re actively fighting the hazing crisis. Right now, we’re litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles.

This isn’t theoretical for us. We’re in the courtroom right now, fighting for hazing victims. And we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Rolette County families.

Our Unique Advantages for Rolette County Hazing Victims

What Sets Us Apart: Our Approach to Hazing Cases

1. We Don’t Just Sue – We Investigate

• We work with private investigators to uncover hidden evidence
• We subpoena text messages, social media, and internal documents
• We interview witnesses and other victims
• We build airtight cases that force defendants to settle

2. We Don’t Just Settle – We Fight

• We’re not afraid to take cases to trial
• We’ve won millions in jury verdicts
• We don’t accept lowball offers from insurance companies

3. We Don’t Just Represent – We Advocate

• We work with legislators to change hazing laws
• We partner with anti-hazing organizations
• We use media coverage to expose dangerous organizations
• We help families navigate Title IX and criminal investigations

4. We Don’t Just Win Cases – We Change Culture

• Our Pi Kappa Phi case has already led to the chapter being shut down
• We’re working to ensure no other student suffers what our client endured
• We want to make Rolette County universities safer for all students

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Rolette County

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

If your child is currently being hazed or has recent injuries:

1. Remove them from the situation immediately
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) can worsen quickly
3. Document everything – Take photos of injuries, save clothing with evidence
4. Preserve physical evidence – Don’t wash clothes that may have blood, vomit, or other evidence

If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence – This Is Critical

Evidence disappears fast. Here’s what to save:

⚠️ WARNING: Do NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization or university
• Give statements to university administrators alone
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

Report to multiple authorities to create a paper trail:

1. Local Law Enforcement

   • File a police report with your local police department
   • In Rolette County, contact the Rolette County Sheriff’s Office
   • Phone: (701) 477-5627
   • Address: 102 3rd St NE, Rolla, ND 58367

2. University Authorities

   • File a formal complaint with the university’s Title IX office
   • For universities near Rolette County:
     • Minot State University: Title IX Coordinator – (701) 858-3399
     • University of North Dakota: Title IX Office – (701) 777-4368
     • North Dakota State University: Title IX Coordinator – (701) 231-7708
     • Valley City State University: Title IX Coordinator – (701) 845-7238
     • Mayville State University: Title IX Coordinator – (701) 788-4770

3. National Organization (if applicable)

   • Report to the national fraternity/sorority headquarters
   • Request written confirmation of your report

4. North Dakota University System

   • Report to the North Dakota University System Office
   • Phone: (701) 328-2960
   • Website: https://ndus.edu

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

This is where Attorney 911 comes in. We’ll handle everything from this point forward:

✅ Free, confidential consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
✅ Immediate evidence preservation – We’ll send legal holds to preserve evidence
✅ Medical documentation – We’ll help coordinate medical care and document injuries
✅ Communication control – We’ll handle all contact with the organization and university
✅ Insurance negotiations – We’ll deal with insurance companies so you don’t have to
✅ Legal strategy – We’ll build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com

What to Expect When You Contact Attorney 911

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

• We’ll listen to your story in a confidential, no-pressure consultation
• We’ll evaluate the strength of your case based on:
  • The nature and severity of the hazing
  • The injuries suffered (physical and psychological)
  • The evidence available
  • The potential defendants (chapter, nationals, university, individuals)
  • The statute of limitations

Step 2: Evidence Collection

We’ll work with you to gather:

• Medical records documenting injuries
• Photographs and videos of hazing activities
• Text messages, social media posts, and other communications
• Witness statements from other victims or bystanders
• Internal documents from the fraternity/sorority or university

Step 3: Legal Strategy Development

We’ll determine:

• Who to sue (chapter, nationals, university, individuals)
• What legal claims to bring (negligence, assault, battery, etc.)
• Whether to pursue criminal charges alongside civil litigation
• The best venue for your case (state or federal court)

Step 4: Demand Letter and Negotiation

• We’ll send a demand letter to all defendants outlining your claims
• We’ll negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
• If defendants refuse to offer fair compensation, we’ll file a lawsuit

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our litigation process includes:

• Filing the lawsuit
• Conducting discovery (depositions, document requests, interrogatories)
• Retaining expert witnesses (medical experts, hazing culture experts)
• Preparing for trial
• Presenting your case to a judge and jury

Step 6: Resolution

We’ll work to achieve the best possible outcome for your family, whether through:

• Settlement agreement
• Jury verdict
• Alternative dispute resolution (mediation or arbitration)

Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

The Potential Value of Your Hazing Case

Hazing cases can result in significant compensation for victims and their families. Here’s what Rolette County families may be entitled to:

Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

Punitive Damages (To Punish and Deter)

Punitive damages are awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. In hazing cases, they can be substantial due to the egregious nature of the conduct.

Potential punitive damages range: $500,000 – $5,000,000+ per defendant

Factors that increase punitive damages:

• Extreme and outrageous conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption until vomiting)
• Prior knowledge of hazing risks (prior incidents at the same chapter or university)
• Attempts to cover up the hazing
• Refusal to implement safety measures despite warnings

Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts

These cases show what’s possible for Rolette County families:

These results are possible for Rolette County hazing victims too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases

1. My child “consented” to the hazing. Can we still sue?

Absolutely. North Dakota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for their actions.

North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-17(3):

“Consent of the victim is not a defense to a charge under this section.”

Why this matters:

• Hazing often involves coercion and peer pressure
• Victims may not understand the risks they’re agreeing to
• The law recognizes that true consent isn’t possible in these situations
• Organizations can’t hide behind “tradition” or “voluntary participation”

2. The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. Hazing is illegal regardless of how long it’s been going on.

What the law says:

• Hazing is defined by its dangerousness, not its history
• Even if it’s been happening for decades, it’s still illegal
• Organizations can’t claim “we’ve always done it this way” to avoid liability

What we say:

“If ‘tradition’ involves waterboarding, forced drinking until vomiting, or extreme physical abuse, then it’s time to end that tradition. Permanently.”

3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?

Yes, they can still be liable. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held responsible.

How universities can be liable:

• Premises liability – If they own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Negligent supervision – If they failed to monitor Greek organizations
• Failure to act on prior incidents – If they had knowledge of previous hazing
• Violation of their own policies – If they didn’t follow their stated safety procedures

In our current Pi Kappa Phi case, the University of Houston owns the fraternity house where the hazing occurred – making their liability clear.

4. We’re worried about retaliation. What can we do?

Retaliation is illegal and we take it very seriously. Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward because of potential retaliation from the organization or its members.

What we do to protect you:

• Confidentiality – We protect your identity throughout the legal process
• Legal protections – Retaliation is illegal and can lead to additional legal claims
• Evidence preservation – We document everything to build a strong case
• Media strategy – We can use media coverage to expose the organization and protect you
• Title IX protections – We help you navigate university reporting processes

What you should know:

• Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13)
• This fear is real and understandable
• But silence allows the abuse to continue
• With our legal protection, you can come forward safely

5. How long will a hazing lawsuit take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, but here’s what Rolette County families can expect:

Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months. However, complex cases with multiple defendants (like our Pi Kappa Phi case) may take longer.

We work on a contingency fee basis – you don’t pay unless we win, so we’re motivated to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.

6. How much will this cost us?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We advance all case expenses
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33-40%)

Why this matters for Rolette County families:

• You don’t need to worry about legal fees while dealing with medical bills and recovery
• We take on the financial risk of the case
• We’re motivated to maximize your recovery
• You can afford top-tier legal representation regardless of your financial situation

7. My child is an immigrant/international student. Can we still pursue legal action?

Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to pursue a hazing claim.

What you should know:

• Hazing is illegal regardless of immigration status
• Pursuing legal action will not negatively impact your child’s visa or immigration status
• We have bilingual staff to assist Spanish-speaking families
• We understand the unique concerns of immigrant families and will protect your rights

In our current Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re representing a hazing victim regardless of their enrollment status – we’ll do the same for Rolette County families.

8. The hazing happened off-campus. Does that matter?

No. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on-campus or off-campus.

North Dakota law applies to:

• On-campus fraternity/sorority houses
• Off-campus private residences
• Hotels or rented spaces
• Outdoor locations
• Anywhere hazing occurs

In our current case, hazing occurred at both a university-owned fraternity house and a private residence – both locations are covered by the law.

9. What if my child was hazed by a sports team or other organization, not a fraternity?

Hazing happens in many organizations, not just Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in:

• Sports teams (football, basketball, hockey, etc.)
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Honor societies
• Student clubs
• Military academies
• Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation”

The same legal principles apply regardless of the organization.

10. How can we prevent this from happening to other students?

Holding organizations accountable is the best way to prevent future hazing. When fraternities, sororities, and universities face real consequences (financial, legal, reputational), they’re forced to change.

What we do to create change:

1. Aggressive litigation – We sue for maximum damages to send a message
2. Media exposure – We work with journalists to expose dangerous organizations
3. Legislative advocacy – We support stronger hazing laws
4. University pressure – We demand real oversight of Greek life
5. National organization accountability – We hold nationals responsible for chapter actions

In our current Pi Kappa Phi case, the chapter was shut down within days of the hazing being exposed. That’s the power of legal action.

The Rolette County Hazing Watch: Organizations Under Our Radar

At Attorney 911, we maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in the country. We track:

• IRS-registered fraternity and sorority housing corporations
• National organization structures
• Chapter locations and affiliations
• Insurance policies and coverage limits

Why this matters for Rolette County families:
When hazing happens, we already know:

• Who to sue
• What their corporate structure is
• What insurance coverage they have
• What prior incidents they’ve been involved in

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The housing corporation
• The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members and officers

We’ll bring the same comprehensive approach to Rolette County cases.

Fraternities Near Rolette County With Hazing Histories

We’re watching these organizations closely:

If your child was hazed by any of these organizations at a North Dakota university, we can help.

Universities Near Rolette County: Their Greek Life Oversight Failures

University of North Dakota (UND) – Grand Forks, ND

Greek Life Presence:

• 10 fraternities
• 8 sororities
• Over 1,000 students involved

Known Issues:

• UND has faced criticism for Greek life oversight in the past
• Multiple reports of alcohol-related incidents
• Concerns about lack of transparency in disciplinary actions

Why This Matters:
UND has a duty to protect students from hazing. If they’ve failed in that duty, they can be held liable.

North Dakota State University (NDSU) – Fargo, ND

Greek Life Presence:

• 13 fraternities
• 8 sororities
• Large and active Greek community

Known Issues:

• NDSU has faced scrutiny over Greek life culture
• Reports of alcohol-related incidents
• Concerns about lack of accountability for chapters

Why This Matters:
NDSU’s size and Greek life presence mean more students are at risk of hazing. Strong legal action is needed to force change.

Minot State University – Minot, ND

Greek Life Presence:

• 4 fraternities
• 4 sororities
• Smaller but active Greek community

Why This Matters:
Even at smaller schools, hazing can be just as dangerous. No university is immune.

The Message to Rolette County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Rolette County:
We are watching. We are tracking your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.

If you haze students in North Dakota, we will:

• Sue your local chapter
• Sue your national organization
• Sue your housing corporation
• Sue your individual members
• Pursue every liable entity

We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. Your chapter could be next.

To the universities near Rolette County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the property. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.

Act now or face the same accountability.

Rolette County Families: You Are Not Alone

We know how isolating this feels. You sent your child to college expecting safety and opportunity. Instead, they came home traumatized, injured, or worse.

You are not powerless. The law is on your side. We are on your side.

What you’re feeling is valid:

• Anger – at the organization that hurt your child
• Betrayal – by the university that was supposed to protect them
• Guilt – for not knowing what was happening
• Fear – about retaliation or your child’s future
• Helplessness – feeling like nothing can be done

We’re here to turn those feelings into action.

• Your anger can become accountability
• Your betrayal can become justice
• Your guilt can become prevention for other families
• Your fear can become protection for your child
• Your helplessness can become empowerment

This is what we do every day. We take families who feel powerless and give them the tools to fight back against powerful institutions.

How Rolette County Families Can Reach Us

24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Hazing Victims:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email:

ralph@atty911.com

Website:

attorney911.com

Video Consultations Available:

We understand that distance can be a barrier. Rolette County families can meet with us via secure video conference.

We Will Travel to Rolette County:

For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys will travel to Rolette County as needed.

The Time to Act Is Now

Every day you wait:
❌ Evidence disappears
❌ Witnesses forget details
❌ Organizations destroy records
❌ Your legal rights expire

Every day you act:
✅ Evidence is preserved
✅ Witnesses are interviewed
✅ Organizations are held accountable
✅ Other students are protected

Rolette County families: This is your moment.

• For your child – to get the justice they deserve
• For other students – to prevent this from happening again
• For your family – to begin the healing process

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. The call is confidential. The help is real.

Together, We Can End the Hazing Crisis in Rolette County

This is our promise to Rolette County families:

1. We will listen – without judgment, without pressure
2. We will fight – aggressively, relentlessly, professionally
3. We will win – maximum compensation for your family
4. We will protect – your child from retaliation
5. We will change – the culture that allows hazing to continue

We’re not just fighting for Leonel Bermudez in Texas. We’re fighting for every hazing victim in Rolette County and across America.

The hazing stops here. The accountability starts now.

1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Rolette County and all of North Dakota from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont

“When a legal emergency hits – whether it’s on a North Dakota campus or a fraternity house anywhere in America – we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.”