Hazing Victims in Walworth County: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Does Justice
If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Walworth County, South Dakota, you’re not alone. The same fraternities, sororities, and organizations that have paid millions in settlements nationwide operate right here in Walworth County. And Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now — with a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing.
This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in Walworth County. And we will fight for Walworth County families.
What Is Hazing? It’s Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is any intentional, reckless, or negligent act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
In Walworth County, this includes:
- Physical abuse: Forced exercise until collapse, beatings, paddling
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or substances until vomiting
- Psychological torture: Waterboarding, humiliation, sleep deprivation
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, assault
- Servitude: Forced errands, driving members at all hours
This is not “building brotherhood.” This is assault. This is battery. This is criminal.
Real Hazing Cases — Real Consequences
The Case We’re Fighting Right Now: $10 Million for a Hazing Victim
Victim: Leonel Bermudez
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi (University of Houston)
What Happened:
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls until he couldn’t stand
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious during hazing
- Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Result: We filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and individual members.
Why This Matters to Walworth County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters nationwide — including near Walworth County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen here
- Universities in Walworth County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed in Walworth County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston
Other Hazing Cases That Won Millions
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement |
| Max Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Tim Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Chapter closed; criminal charges |
These cases prove that hazing victims WIN. The same legal strategies apply to Walworth County cases.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Walworth County?
If your child was hazed in Walworth County, multiple parties can be sued:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students; knew hazing was happening |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes |
Walworth County families: You don’t have to sue just the students. The national organizations and universities have deep pockets and insurance policies that can pay for your child’s injuries.
What Are Your Legal Rights in Walworth County?
1. Criminal Charges Against Perpetrators
Hazing is a crime in South Dakota. Under South Dakota law (SDCL 22-19A-1), hazing is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines. If hazing causes serious injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.
What this means for Walworth County victims:
- Perpetrators can go to jail
- Criminal convictions strengthen civil lawsuits
- South Dakota law does not allow consent as a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal
2. Civil Lawsuit for Compensation
You can sue for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages (if your child missed work or school)
- Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)
- Wrongful death (if hazing resulted in death)
Walworth County families: These cases often settle for millions of dollars. The same fraternities and universities that pay in other states will pay in Walworth County.
3. University Accountability
Universities in Walworth County have a duty to protect students. If they knew about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable.
Examples of university negligence in Walworth County:
- Failing to investigate hazing reports
- Allowing dangerous organizations to operate
- Ignoring prior incidents
- Owning fraternity/sorority houses where hazing occurs
What Should You Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Walworth County?
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications: Texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails
- Take photos/videos: Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Write down everything: Dates, times, what happened, who was involved
- Get witness information: Other victims, bystanders who saw the hazing
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without a lawyer
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Contact an Attorney Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines. In South Dakota, you generally have 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but sooner is always better.
Why Attorney 911?
✅ We’re fighting this battle right now — $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
✅ Nationwide reach — We serve hazing victims across America, including Walworth County
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how the other side thinks
✅ Federal court authority — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ $0 upfront — We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
✅ We travel to Walworth County — For depositions, trials, and client meetings
Call us 24/7: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Common Defenses in Hazing Cases — And How We Defeat Them
Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”
Our Response:
- South Dakota law says consent is NOT a defense (SDCL 22-19A-1)
- Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent — no one “agrees” to torture
- Fear of retaliation (being ostracized, losing membership) prevents true consent
Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition”
Our Response:
- Tradition does not justify abuse — assault is assault
- Juries hate this argument — they see it for what it is: an excuse
Defense 3: “We Didn’t Know”
Our Response:
- National organizations and universities KNOW hazing happens — we have the evidence
- Prior incidents prove they knew — like the 2017 hazing case at UH
- They had a duty to supervise — and they failed
What Compensation Can Walworth County Families Recover?
Hazing cases often settle for millions of dollars. Here’s what you can recover:
| Category | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | $50,000–$500,000+ |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | $100,000–$5,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Missed work, lost internships | $10,000–$100,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish the defendants for egregious conduct | $100,000–$2,000,000+ per defendant |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing resulted in death | $1,000,000–$10,000,000+ |
Total potential recovery: $1,000,000–$10,000,000+
Why Walworth County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now. Walworth County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Nationwide Reach — Including Walworth County
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Walworth County. We have:
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Willingness to travel to Walworth County for depositions and trials
- Remote consultation technology for Walworth County families
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys used to work for insurance companies — defending them against injury claims. We know their playbook, their tactics, and how they try to minimize claims. Now we use that knowledge to MAXIMIZE recovery for victims.
4. $0 Upfront — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We understand that cost can be a barrier. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- No upfront fees — $0 to hire us
- No hourly billing — We don’t charge by the hour
- We take the risk — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
- We only get paid if you get paid
5. We Protect You From Retaliation
Hazing victims often fear retaliation from their organizations. We protect our clients by:
- Handling all communications with the defendants
- Preventing intimidation tactics
- Ensuring your voice is heard without fear
Fraternities and Sororities in Walworth County — We’re Watching
The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate in Walworth County. We know who they are. We know their history. And we’re watching.
National organizations with chapters near Walworth County:
- Pi Kappa Phi (same fraternity as our $10 million case)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- And many others
Universities near Walworth County with Greek life:
- Northern State University (Aberdeen, SD)
- South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD)
- University of South Dakota (Vermillion, SD)
- Other regional colleges and universities
Message to Greek organizations in Walworth County:
“We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Walworth County, we will pursue every liable entity. We already shut down Beta Nu. Your chapter could be next.”
What to Do Next: Walworth County Families, Take Action
If Your Child Was Hazed:
- Get medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor
- Preserve all evidence — texts, photos, witness info
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without a lawyer
- Call Attorney 911 immediately: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
If You Suspect Hazing Is Happening:
- Document everything — take notes, save communications
- Report it to the university (but don’t trust them to handle it alone)
- Contact us for guidance — we can help protect your child
If You’re Being Pressured to Stay Silent:
- You have rights — no one can force you to stay quiet
- We protect our clients — we’ll handle the legal battle so you don’t have to
- Call us for a confidential consultation
Walworth County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is a national epidemic, but so is justice. The same fraternities and universities that have paid millions in other states will pay in Walworth County.
Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.
- We’re fighting this battle right now — $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
- We serve Walworth County families — no matter where the hazing occurred
- We know how to win — former insurance defense attorneys on your side
- $0 upfront — you pay nothing unless we win
Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Walworth County families: Enough is enough. It’s time to hold them accountable.
