Hazing Victim Legal Support in Traill County, North Dakota

Attorney 911: Fighting for Justice Against Fraternity and Sorority Hazing in Traill County

At Attorney 911, we understand the devastating impact hazing can have on students and their families in Traill County. While our firm is based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including those at colleges and universities across North Dakota. If your child has been a victim of fraternity or sorority hazing in Traill County, we’re here to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.

The Hazing Crisis in North Dakota and Traill County

Hazing is a serious problem that affects colleges and universities throughout North Dakota, including institutions near Traill County. While specific hazing incidents in Traill County may not always make headlines, the same national fraternities and sororities with chapters at North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota, and other institutions across the state have been involved in high-profile hazing cases nationwide.

The same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters at universities near Traill County. This means the same dangerous “traditions” that have hospitalized and killed students in other states could be happening right here in North Dakota.

Our Current Hazing Case: A Warning for Traill County Families

We are currently litigating a high-profile hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston, seeking $10 million in damages. This case demonstrates the severe consequences of hazing and serves as a warning to Greek organizations operating near Traill County.

What Happened in Our Current Case:

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was subjected to extreme hazing activities after accepting a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. Despite not even being enrolled at the university yet (he was a “ghost rush” expected to transfer), he was forced to endure:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Being struck with wooden paddles
• Extreme physical punishment including 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls
• Sleep deprivation from forced driving of members during early morning hours
• Psychological humiliation including carrying objects of a sexual nature

The result? Bermudez developed severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization. This same fraternity has chapters at universities across the country, including near Traill County.

Why Traill County Families Need Specialized Hazing Attorneys

Hazing cases are complex and require specialized legal expertise. Many personal injury attorneys in Traill County may not have experience with the unique legal challenges presented by hazing litigation. At Attorney 911, we offer:

1. Nationwide Experience: While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across the country, including in North Dakota.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides, giving us insider knowledge of how they defend these cases.
3. Federal Court Authority: We’re admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases nationwide.
4. Dual-State Licensing: Licensed in both Texas and New York, we can take on national fraternity organizations headquartered anywhere in the country.
5. Proven Track Record: We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex personal injury cases.

Common Hazing Practices at Traill County-Area Colleges

While we can’t comment on specific incidents at Traill County institutions without documented evidence, we know that common hazing practices at colleges and universities near Traill County often include:

• Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical exertion causing rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Physical abuse including paddling, beating, or branding
• Sleep deprivation through forced late-night activities
• Psychological abuse including humiliation and degradation
• Forced consumption of non-food substances
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• Servitude requiring pledges to perform personal tasks for members

These activities can lead to serious injuries, hospitalization, and even death. If your child has experienced any of these at a Traill County-area college, they may have a legal claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Traill County?

In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapters: The specific chapter that conducted the hazing.
2. National Organizations: The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise its local chapter.
3. Universities and Colleges: Institutions that knew or should have known about hazing and failed to prevent it.
4. Individual Members: Those who directly participated in or organized hazing activities.
5. Chapter Advisors: Adults who oversee chapter activities.
6. Housing Corporations: Organizations that own or control fraternity/sorority houses.

North Dakota Hazing Laws

While our current case is in Texas, North Dakota has its own hazing laws that apply to Traill County incidents:

North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-01 defines hazing as:

“Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers that person, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”

Penalties for hazing in North Dakota include:

• Class B misdemeanor for hazing that doesn’t cause serious bodily injury
• Class A misdemeanor for hazing that causes serious bodily injury
• Felony for hazing that causes death

Importantly, North Dakota law states:

“Consent of the victim is not a defense to a charge of hazing.”

This means that even if your child “agreed” to participate in hazing activities, that doesn’t absolve the organization of responsibility.

Potential Damages in Traill County Hazing Cases

Victims of hazing in Traill County may be entitled to compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, future medical care
2. Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress caused by the hazing
3. Lost Wages: Time missed from work due to injuries
4. Educational Disruption: Impact on academic performance and opportunities
5. Psychological Treatment: Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, or depression
6. Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm

In wrongful death cases, families may also recover damages for loss of companionship and funeral expenses.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Traill County

If you suspect your child has been hazed at a Traill County-area college:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms right away.
2. Document Everything: Take photos of injuries, save text messages and social media posts, get witness contact information.
3. Preserve Evidence: Don’t delete anything related to the hazing.
4. Report the Incident: File reports with the university, local law enforcement, and the national organization.
5. Contact an Attorney: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Traill County Hazing Case

1. We Understand the Culture: Our attorneys understand the dynamics of Greek life and how hazing operates.
2. We Know How to Build Cases: We work with medical experts, investigators, and other professionals to build strong cases.
3. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial: Many hazing cases settle, but we’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
4. We Offer Free Consultations: Traill County families can call us anytime for a no-obligation case evaluation.
5. We Work on Contingency: You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Our Commitment to Traill County Families

At Attorney 911, we’re committed to fighting for hazing victims in Traill County and across North Dakota. We understand the unique challenges faced by families in rural areas when dealing with legal issues involving large institutions. That’s why we offer:

• Remote consultations via phone or video conference
• Willingness to travel to Traill County for meetings and depositions
• Compassionate representation that treats your family with respect
• Aggressive advocacy against powerful institutions

The Time to Act Is Now

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Traill County, you have a limited time to take legal action. North Dakota has a statute of limitations that restricts how long you have to file a lawsuit. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek justice.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

For a free, confidential consultation about your Traill County hazing case, call us 24/7 at:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Or email us at: ralph@atty911.com

We’re here to help Traill County families fight back against hazing and hold those responsible accountable. Don’t let your child’s suffering go unanswered. Contact Attorney 911 today.