Hazing Lawyer in Stanley County, SD | Attorney911 Fights for Victims

Justice for Hazing Victims in Stanley County and Across South Dakota

If your child or loved one has been a victim of hazing at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization in Stanley County, South Dakota, you are not alone. Hazing is not “tradition”—it is abuse, and it is illegal. At Attorney911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a national fraternity and university, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Stanley County families.

We understand the unique challenges faced by students and families in Stanley County, Pierre, Fort Pierre, and surrounding areas—whether at local high schools, colleges, or universities with Greek life chapters. Our attorneys have 25+ years of experience fighting for victims of institutional negligence, and we will hold fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals accountable for the harm they cause.

Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Stanley County Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. This case has been covered by ABC13, KHOU 11, and the Houston Chronicle, and we are using the same legal strategies to fight for Stanley County victims.

This is not theoretical—we are in the courtroom right now.

2. We Understand Stanley County’s Unique Needs

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Stanley County, SD. We know that:

• Local schools and universities may have Greek life chapters with hazing risks
• Families in rural areas may feel isolated when seeking justice
• Victims may fear retaliation from powerful organizations
• Stanley County parents want the same aggressive representation we provide in major cities

We offer remote consultations and are willing to travel to Stanley County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—worked as insurance defense lawyers before switching to represent victims. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to minimize claims, and we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for our clients.

We don’t just fight for Stanley County victims—we outsmart the institutions trying to silence them.

4. We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims in Stanley County and South Dakota come from Spanish-speaking families. Our team is bilingual, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent justice.

5. No Upfront Costs—We Work on Contingency

We understand that Stanley County families may be concerned about legal fees. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

How Hazing Happens in Stanley County, SD

Hazing is not limited to large universities. It happens in high schools, colleges, and student organizations across Stanley County and South Dakota, including:

Fraternities & Sororities

Many national fraternities and sororities have chapters near Stanley County, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi (the same fraternity we’re suing in Texas)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
• Kappa Sigma
• Sigma Chi
• Phi Delta Theta
• Delta Chi
• And many others

These organizations operate under the same national policies that failed to prevent hazing in other states. If your child was hazed at a Stanley County fraternity or sorority, we can pursue the local chapter, national organization, and university for negligence.

Sports Teams

Hazing is common in high school and college sports, including:

• Football
• Wrestling
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Cheerleading
• Marching bands

Coaches and school administrators often ignore or downplay hazing, but they have a legal duty to protect students. If your child was injured due to hazing on a Stanley County sports team, we can hold the school, coaches, and district accountable.

Other Student Organizations

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. It also occurs in:

• ROTC programs
• Marching bands
• Honor societies
• Clubs and student groups

No organization is above the law. If your child was hazed in any Stanley County student group, we will fight for justice.

What Counts as Hazing in South Dakota?

South Dakota law defines hazing as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.

Common Hazing Activities in Stanley County

Hazing is not “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It is abuse, and it is illegal in South Dakota.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Stanley County

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Stanley County, SD, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Follow these steps:

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get medical documentation
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear right away
• Medical records are crucial evidence in your case

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
• Get witness names and contact information
• Do not delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

• Fraternities, sororities, and schools will try to control the narrative
• They may pressure your child to sign documents or give statements
• Anything your child says can be used against them

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Avoid posting about the incident
• Avoid posting photos that make your child look “fine”
• Insurance companies and lawyers will use posts against you

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately

• South Dakota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases
• Evidence disappears fast—witnesses forget, messages get deleted
• We offer free, confidential consultations for Stanley County families

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Stanley County?

Hazing cases involve multiple responsible parties. We pursue everyone who contributed to the abuse, including:

We don’t just sue the students—we go after the institutions with deep pockets.

Damages We Can Recover for Stanley County Victims

Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. We fight for full compensation, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or school)
• Educational costs (tuition, scholarships lost due to hazing)
• Future medical expenses (if injuries require long-term care)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages

• Punishes the organization for egregious conduct
• Deters future hazing by other organizations
• Available when conduct is intentional or grossly negligent

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million—Stanley County victims deserve the same.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases routinely result in multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. These are not “frivolous lawsuits”—they are justice for victims and deterrents for institutions.

These cases prove that hazing victims can—and do—win big.

Stanley County Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

South Dakota Hazing Law (SDCL 13-32-9)

South Dakota law makes hazing a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $2,000

Key Legal Points:
✅ Consent is NOT a defense—even if a student “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal
✅ Organizations can be held liable—fraternities, sororities, and schools can be sued
✅ Criminal charges are possible—in addition to civil lawsuits

Federal Laws That Apply to Stanley County Hazing

• Title IX (gender discrimination in education)
• Civil Rights Act (if hazing is racially or sexually motivated)
• Stop Campus Hazing Act (pending federal legislation)

We pursue both state and federal claims to maximize compensation.

Why Stanley County Victims Need a Specialized Hazing Lawyer

Hazing cases are not like other personal injury claims. They require:
✔ Knowledge of Greek life culture (how fraternities/sororities operate)
✔ Experience with institutional negligence (how universities fail to protect students)
✔ Aggressive discovery strategies (to uncover hidden evidence)
✔ Willingness to take on powerful defendants (national organizations, universities)
✔ Compassion for victims (many are traumatized and afraid to come forward)

Most personal injury lawyers don’t have this experience. We do.

What to Expect When You Hire Attorney911

1. Free, Confidential Consultation

• We listen to your story
• We explain your legal rights
• We answer all your questions

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Obtain medical records, text messages, photos
• Interview witnesses

3. Aggressive Negotiation

• Demand full compensation from insurance companies
• Push for policy limits from defendants
• Refuse lowball settlement offers

4. Litigation (If Necessary)

• File a lawsuit if defendants refuse to settle
• Conduct depositions of fraternity members, university officials
• Present your case to a jury if needed

5. Maximum Compensation

• Medical bills paid in full
• Pain and suffering compensated
• Punitive damages awarded for egregious conduct

Stanley County Hazing Cases We Handle

We represent victims of hazing in all types of cases, including:

If your child was hazed in Stanley County, we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Stanley County

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

Yes. South Dakota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still liable.

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

No. “Tradition” does not excuse abuse. If the activities were dangerous, humiliating, or illegal, the organization is liable.

3. We’re in Stanley County. Can you still help us?

Absolutely. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Stanley County, SD. We offer remote consultations and will travel to Stanley County for your case.

4. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases routinely settle for millions. Factors that increase value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
• Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse)
• Institutional knowledge (did the university/fraternity know about prior hazing?)
• Pattern of abuse (was this a one-time incident or systemic?)

5. What if the fraternity tries to intimidate my child?

We protect our clients from retaliation. If the fraternity or university tries to intimidate your child, we will take legal action against them.

6. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

South Dakota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Do not wait—contact us immediately.

7. Can we sue the university, not just the fraternity?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.

8. What if my child was hazed off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus.

Stanley County Hazing Resources

If you or someone you know is being hazed in Stanley County, SD, these resources can help:

Stanley County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing leaves victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and afraid. But you are not alone. We are fighting for hazing victims every day, and we will fight for you.

If your child was hazed in Stanley County, SD, call us now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Only Get Paid If You Win

About Attorney911 – Stanley County’s Hazing Lawyers

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney (knows how defendants think)
• Federal court admission (can pursue cases nationwide)
• Dual-state bar license (Texas & New York)
• Currently litigating $10 million hazing case

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney

• Former national insurance defense lawyer (Litchfield Cavo LLP)
• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Fluent in Spanish (Se habla español)
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injury specialist

Why Stanley County Families Trust Us

✅ We are actively fighting a hazing case right now (not just talking about it)
✅ We know how to take on powerful institutions (universities, national fraternities)
✅ We offer remote consultations for Stanley County families
✅ We travel to Stanley County for depositions and trials
✅ We work on contingency—no upfront costs

Next Steps for Stanley County Families

1. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
2. Preserve all evidence (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Do not talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university alone
4. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on your child’s recovery

Justice for Stanley County hazing victims starts with a phone call.

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