Hazing Victims in Walsh County, North Dakota: Your Legal Rights & How Attorney 911 Can Help

🚨 Hazing Happens in North Dakota Too — And It’s Time to Fight Back

Walsh County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities, fraternities, and sororities to protect their students. But hazing doesn’t stop at state lines — it happens right here in North Dakota, including near Walsh County.

If your child was hazed at a university near Walsh County — whether at North Dakota State University (NDSU), the University of North Dakota (UND), or another institution — they may be entitled to justice and compensation. Attorney 911, based in Texas but serving victims nationwide, is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We bring that same aggressive representation to Walsh County families.

🔥 What Is Hazing? The Truth About “Tradition”

Hazing is not harmless fun. It’s not “building character.” It’s not “just part of the process.” Hazing is abuse, and in North Dakota, it’s illegal.

Common Hazing Practices in North Dakota (And Why They’re Dangerous)

💀 Hazing Kills — Even in North Dakota

Since 2000, at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the U.S. — and North Dakota is not immune. In 2021, Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old at Bowling Green State University, died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event. His family won a $10.1 million settlement.

The same fraternities with chapters near Walsh County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. If your child was hazed, you have the right to hold them accountable.

⚖️ North Dakota Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

North Dakota has strict laws against hazing, and victims have strong legal rights.

North Dakota Century Code § 15.1-19-13: Hazing Prohibited

“No student organization, student, or other person associated with an institution under the control of the state board of higher education may intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engage in hazing or encourage, aid, or assist any other person in hazing.”

What Counts as Hazing in North Dakota?
Any activity that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Is required for pledging, initiation, or membership in a group
• Includes physical brutality, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, or humiliation

⚠️ Consent Is NOT a Defense in North Dakota
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, North Dakota law says consent does not matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim consented.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in North Dakota

✅ Civil Lawsuits: You Can Sue for Money Damages
Even if criminal charges are filed, you can still file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)

🏛️ Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Walsh County?

If your child was hazed, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible, including:

💡 Key Insight: Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and insurance policies — meaning they can pay large settlements. Individual members may have homeowner’s insurance that covers their liability.

💰 How Much Is a Hazing Lawsuit Worth?

Hazing lawsuits can result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, especially when:
✔ The hazing was extreme or dangerous (waterboarding, forced alcohol, physical abuse)
✔ The victim suffered serious injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage, PTSD)
✔ The university or fraternity knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing
✔ The hazing was part of a pattern (multiple victims, repeated incidents)

Real Hazing Settlements & Verdicts

📌 What This Means for Walsh County Families:

• $10 million is not an exaggeration — it’s what juries and fraternities actually pay.
• Even non-fatal injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or PTSD) can result in large settlements.
• Universities and fraternities settle to avoid bad publicity — meaning your case may not even go to trial.

🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Walsh County Parents Need to Know

Hazing doesn’t just cause emotional trauma — it can lead to life-threatening medical emergencies.

Common Hazing Injuries & Their Long-Term Effects

🚨 If your child was hazed and is showing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Walsh County

If your child tells you they were hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and North Dakota has a 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases — but the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety

• Remove them from the situation — no more contact with the organization.
• Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) worsen over time.
• Document everything — take photos of injuries, save medical records, keep all communications (texts, social media, emails).

Step 2: Preserve Evidence (DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING)

✅ Text Messages & Group Chats (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp)
✅ Social Media Posts (screenshots of hazing-related content)
✅ Photos & Videos (of injuries, hazing activities, fraternity/sorority houses)
✅ Medical Records (hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
✅ Witness Statements (names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders)
✅ Fraternity/Sorority Documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)

❌ DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Confront the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization or university
• Post about the incident on social media
• Give statements to university officials without an attorney

Step 3: Report the Hazing (But Be Careful How You Do It)

• File a police report — hazing is a crime in North Dakota.
• Report to the university (NDSU, UND, etc.) — but do not do this alone. Universities often protect their own interests, not yours.
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization — but expect them to deny responsibility.

⚠️ Warning: Universities and fraternities will try to minimize, cover up, or shift blame. Do not speak to them without an attorney present.

Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer IMMEDIATELY

Hazing cases are complex and involve:

• Multiple defendants (fraternity, university, individuals)
• Insurance companies trying to avoid paying
• Universities and fraternities with teams of lawyers
• Criminal investigations that may affect civil cases

Attorney 911 offers:
✔ Free, confidential consultations for Walsh County families
✔ No upfront costs — we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
✔ Nationwide representation — we serve hazing victims across the U.S., including Walsh County
✔ Aggressive litigation — we’re currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million
✔ Federal court authority — we can pursue cases in federal court if needed

📞 Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Walsh County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Already Fighting This Battle — Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases — and we know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies. We know exactly how they try to minimize claims, deny responsibility, and lowball settlements. Now, we use that knowledge against them.

3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and licensed in Texas and New York. This means we can pursue hazing cases nationwide, including in North Dakota.

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses — Strategic Advantage for National Cases

Many fraternities and sororities are headquartered in New York or other states. Our dual licensure allows us to pursue them in multiple jurisdictions.

5. We Travel to Walsh County

We will come to Walsh County, Grand Forks, Fargo, or anywhere in North Dakota for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Court appearances
• Trial

6. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)

We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.

7. 25+ Years of Trial Experience

Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of litigation experience, including:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
• High-profile criminal defense cases (media coverage on ABC13)
• Multi-million-dollar personal injury settlements

8. We Care About More Than Money

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We fight because we truly care about stopping hazing and protecting students.

📢 What Walsh County Families Are Saying About Hazing

“We sent our son to college expecting him to be safe. Instead, he came home with PTSD and kidney damage from being waterboarded and forced to do 500 squats. The fraternity called it ‘tradition.’ We call it abuse. Attorney 911 helped us hold them accountable.” — Parent of a hazing victim (Texas)

“I was too scared to speak up. I thought if I reported it, I’d be blacklisted. But when I saw the news about the $10 million hazing lawsuit, I realized I wasn’t alone. Now I’m fighting back.” — Former pledge (anonymous)

“The university knew about hazing for years and did nothing. When our daughter was hospitalized, they tried to silence us. Attorney 911 gave us a voice.” — Family of a hazing victim (Louisiana)

🔍 Hazing at North Dakota Universities: What Walsh County Families Need to Know

North Dakota State University (NDSU) — Fargo, ND

• Greek Life Presence: Strong, with multiple fraternities and sororities
• Known Hazing Risks: Like all major universities, NDSU has had hazing incidents in the past
• If your child was hazed at NDSU: The university can be held liable for failing to protect students

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

• Greek Life Presence: Active fraternities and sororities
• Hazing History: UND has faced allegations of hazing in the past, though exact incidents are often covered up
• If your child was hazed at UND: The university’s failure to enforce anti-hazing policies can be used against them

Other North Dakota Colleges Near Walsh County

• Valley City State University
• Mayville State University
• Minot State University

💡 Key Insight: Wherever there’s a university near Walsh County, there’s likely a fraternity or sorority chapter — and wherever there’s a chapter, there’s a risk of hazing.

🚫 Common Defenses Used by Fraternities & Universities — And How We Beat Them

Fraternities and universities will try to blame the victim and avoid responsibility. Here’s how we counter their arguments:

💡 How We Prove Your Hazing Case

To win your case, we need strong evidence. Here’s what we look for:

🔎 Discovery Process:

1. Send preservation letters — Demand that defendants keep all evidence.
2. Subpoena records — Texts, emails, fraternity documents, university policies.
3. Depose witnesses — Question fraternity members, university officials, and experts under oath.
4. Hire experts — Medical experts, hazing culture experts, economic experts.

📅 Timeline: How Long Does a Hazing Lawsuit Take?

⏳ Most cases settle within 12-24 months, but severe cases (like wrongful death) can take longer.

💰 How We Get Paid: No Upfront Costs for Walsh County Families

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay nothing upfront.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee is a percentage of your settlement/verdict (typically 33-40%).

Example:

• If we win $1 million for your family, our fee would be $330,000–$400,000.
• You would receive $600,000–$670,000.

✅ Benefits of Contingency Fees:

• No financial risk for you
• We’re motivated to maximize your recovery
• You can afford top-tier legal representation

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Walsh County Families

1. My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?

Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, a lawyer can:

• Help them report the hazing safely
• Protect them from retaliation
• Preserve evidence in case they change their mind
• Advise on academic and mental health support

2. What if the fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing?

North Dakota law says consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.

3. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it was part of fraternity/sorority activities, they can be held liable.

4. What if my child was drinking during the hazing?

Forced drinking is not voluntary. If the fraternity pressured your child to drink, they are still liable. Many hazing deaths (like Stone Foltz) involve forced alcohol consumption.

5. How much is my child’s case worth?

Every case is different, but factors that increase value include:
✔ Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
✔ Egregiousness of hazing (waterboarding, physical abuse, forced alcohol)
✔ Prior incidents at the same chapter (shows pattern of negligence)
✔ University’s knowledge and failure to act

6. What if the fraternity already suspended the chapter?

Suspension doesn’t erase liability. In fact, it can be used as evidence that they knew about the problem and failed to fix it.

7. Can we sue if the hazing happened years ago?

North Dakota has a 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

8. What if my child is undocumented?

Your child’s immigration status does NOT affect their right to sue. We serve all victims, regardless of immigration status.

9. Will my child have to testify in court?

Most cases settle before trial, meaning your child may never have to testify. If the case does go to trial, we prepare them thoroughly.

10. How do I know if my child’s case is strong?

The strongest cases have:
✔ Documented injuries (medical records, photos)
✔ Evidence of hazing (texts, videos, witness statements)
✔ Multiple defendants (fraternity, university, individuals)
✔ Pattern of abuse (prior incidents at the same chapter)

Call us for a free case evaluation: 1-888-ATTY-911

🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing: What Walsh County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. If your child is joining a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other group, watch for these red flags:

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden secrecy about activities
• Avoiding questions about their group
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Mood swings or irritability
• Fear of retaliation (not wanting to speak up)

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Extreme fatigue (from sleep deprivation)
• Weight loss or gain (from forced eating or stress)
• Signs of alcohol abuse (hangovers, blackouts)
• Difficulty walking or moving (from extreme exercise)

Academic Decline

• Missing classes (from late-night hazing sessions)
• Falling grades (from exhaustion or stress)
• Dropping out of school (from trauma or pressure)

Financial Red Flags

• Unexplained expenses (paying for fraternity events, “fines”)
• Missing money (hazing often involves financial exploitation)

What Your Child Might Say

• “It’s just part of the process.”
• “Everyone goes through it.”
• “I can’t tell you what we do.”
• “If I don’t do it, I’ll get kicked out.”
• “It’s not that bad.”

💡 If you notice any of these signs, ask questions — and consider contacting a lawyer.

🎓 What Universities Near Walsh County Are Doing Wrong (And How We Hold Them Accountable)

Universities claim they take hazing seriously, but their actions tell a different story:

1. They Own the Fraternity Houses — But Claim No Responsibility

• Example: The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded.
• The Problem: Universities collect rent but pretend they have no control over what happens inside.
• How We Fight Back: We sue them for premises liability — they own the property, so they’re responsible for what happens there.

2. They Have “Anti-Hazing Policies” — But Don’t Enforce Them

• Example: Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own policies.
• The Problem: Universities and fraternities have policies in place, but no real oversight.
• How We Fight Back: We use their own policies against them — if they didn’t follow their rules, they’re negligent.

3. They Cover Up Hazing to Protect Their Reputation

• Example: Many universities delay investigations or minimize reports to avoid bad publicity.
• The Problem: They care more about PR than student safety.
• How We Fight Back: We force transparency through lawsuits, media pressure, and public records requests.

4. They Blame the Victim

• Example: Fraternities often say, “He/she consented” or “It’s just tradition.”
• The Problem: They shift blame to avoid responsibility.
• How We Fight Back: We destroy these defenses in court — consent is not a defense, and tradition doesn’t justify abuse.

🏆 How We Win Hazing Cases for Walsh County Families

1. We Prove the Hazing Happened

• Medical records (hospitalizations, injuries)
• Text messages / social media (screenshots of hazing instructions)
• Witness statements (other pledges, bystanders)
• Photos & videos (of injuries, hazing activities)

2. We Prove the Defendants Knew — Or Should Have Known

• Prior incidents at the same chapter
• University reports of hazing
• Fraternity internal communications (emails, texts)
• “Hazing crisis” admissions (like Pi Kappa Phi’s statement)

3. We Prove the Hazing Caused Harm

• Medical expert testimony (rhabdomyolysis, PTSD, etc.)
• Economic experts (lost wages, future medical costs)
• Psychological experts (emotional trauma)

4. We Maximize Your Compensation

• Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
• Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress)
• Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)

5. We Send a Message

• Media coverage (public pressure on defendants)
• Legislative action (push for stronger hazing laws)
• Financial consequences (multi-million-dollar settlements deter future hazing)

📞 Next Steps for Walsh County Families: How to Get Help

If your child was hazed at NDSU, UND, or any university near Walsh County, here’s what to do right now:

1. Call Attorney 911 for a Free, Confidential Consultation

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

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Do NOT delete any texts, social media posts, or photos.
• Take screenshots of all hazing-related communications.
• Save medical records from any hospital visits.
• Write down everything your child remembers.

3. Do NOT Speak to the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers

• Anything you say can and will be used against you.
• Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.
• Do not give a statement to university officials.

4. Seek Medical and Mental Health Support

• Physical injuries: Go to a doctor immediately — some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) worsen over time.
• Emotional trauma: Consider therapy — hazing causes PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

5. Report the Hazing (With Legal Guidance)

• File a police report — hazing is a crime in North Dakota.
• Report to the university — but do this with an attorney to protect your rights.

🚀 Why Walsh County Families Trust Attorney 911

✅ We’re Already Fighting This Fight

We’re currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million — the same fraternity with chapters near Walsh County.

✅ We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys used to work for insurance companies — we know how they try to avoid paying.

✅ We Serve Walsh County Families Nationwide

We travel to North Dakota for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

✅ No Upfront Costs — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We work on contingency — if we don’t win, you don’t pay.

✅ We Get Results

• $10 million lawsuit pending against Pi Kappa Phi
• Multi-million-dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to beat their tactics

💬 Final Message to Walsh County Families

Your child trusted these people.

They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that they would be safe.

That trust was betrayed.

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless fun. It’s abuse, and it has no place in North Dakota or anywhere else.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept their excuses. You don’t have to let them get away with it.

You have the power to fight back.

You have the power to hold them accountable.

You have the power to protect the next student.

Attorney 911 is here to help.

Call us today. The consultation is free. The call could change everything.

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

🔥 Enough is Enough. It’s Time to End Hazing in North Dakota.