Hazing Victims in Blaine County: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back

🚨 When Tradition Becomes Torture: The Hazing Crisis in Blaine County

Every year, students across Montana—including right here in Blaine County—are subjected to dangerous, degrading, and sometimes life-threatening hazing rituals under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” What many don’t realize is that these aren’t harmless pranks or rites of passage. They’re illegal, they’re abusive, and they can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a landmark $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston, where a student was waterboarded, forced to perform extreme physical exercises until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities, sororities, and organizations that engage in these practices operate right here in Blaine County. The same culture of abuse exists in our community.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of hazing in Blaine County, you have legal rights. And we’re here to fight for them.

🏛️ The Hazing Problem in Blaine County

Blaine County is home to several educational institutions where Greek life and student organizations thrive, including:

• Montana State University-Northern (Havre) – Just a short drive from Blaine County
• Great Falls College MSU (Great Falls) – Serving Blaine County students
• Stone Child College (Box Elder) – Serving the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation
• Local high schools – Where hazing often begins

These institutions host chapters of national fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing incidents nationwide, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi (currently facing our $10 million lawsuit)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (has paid millions in hazing settlements)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (involved in multiple hazing deaths)
• Sigma Chi (recently sued for hazing in Texas)
• Kappa Sigma (involved in hazing deaths)
• Beta Theta Pi (responsible for Timothy Piazza’s death)

The reality in Blaine County: These organizations operate under the same national structures that have allowed hazing to continue despite repeated incidents. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist in Greek organizations across Montana.

🔍 What Counts as Hazing in Blaine County?

Montana law (MCA § 45-5-627) defines hazing as any activity that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Is expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in an organization
• Includes coercion or intimidation

Common hazing practices in Blaine County and across Montana include:

Physical Abuse

• Forced calisthenics (pushups, sit-ups, squats until exhaustion)
• Paddling or spanking with objects
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (forced to stay outside in cold weather)
• Being struck, hit, or tackled
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or non-food substances

Psychological Abuse

• Verbal harassment
• Humiliation rituals
• Forced to wear embarrassing clothing
• Isolation from friends/family
• Sleep deprivation causing mental distress
• Threats of expulsion or social ostracism

Dangerous Activities

• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical exertion causing rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Blindfolded activities that risk injury
• Forced participation in illegal activities

Important: In Montana, consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held legally responsible.

💔 The Real Cost of Hazing: What We’ve Seen in Blaine County

Hazing doesn’t just leave physical scars. The psychological and long-term impacts can last a lifetime. In our work with hazing victims in Montana and nationwide, we’ve seen:

Physical Injuries

• Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure (like our Houston client)
• Alcohol poisoning – From forced binge drinking
• Broken bones and fractures – From physical abuse or dangerous activities
• Internal injuries – From being struck or tackled
• Traumatic brain injuries – From falls or blows to the head
• Hypothermia or heatstroke – From exposure to extreme temperatures

Psychological Trauma

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety
• Depression – Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness
• Anxiety disorders – Constant worry, panic attacks
• Suicidal ideation – Many hazing victims report thoughts of self-harm
• Trust issues – Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal
• Academic decline – Inability to focus on studies

Long-Term Consequences

• Permanent physical disabilities – Chronic pain, limited mobility
• Substance abuse – Self-medicating to cope with trauma
• Career limitations – Missed opportunities due to injuries or psychological impact
• Financial burden – Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages
• Relationship problems – Difficulty maintaining personal relationships

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Blaine County Hazing Victim

If you’ve been hazed in Blaine County, you have powerful legal rights under Montana law. Our team is here to help you understand and exercise these rights.

1. Criminal Charges Against Perpetrators

Hazing is a crime in Montana. Under MCA § 45-5-627:

• Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine
• If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine

We can help: We work with local law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure criminal charges are filed against those responsible.

2. Civil Lawsuit for Compensation

You can sue for financial compensation to cover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Therapy and counseling costs
• Lost wages (if you had to miss work)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)

Who can be sued in Blaine County?

• The local chapter of the fraternity/sorority
• The national organization
• Individual members who participated
• The university or college (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
• Housing corporations (if hazing occurred on their property)

3. Protection Against Retaliation

It’s illegal for organizations to retaliate against you for reporting hazing. This includes:

• Being expelled from the organization
• Being socially ostracized
• Receiving threats or harassment
• Having your reputation damaged

We protect our clients: We take immediate legal action against any retaliation.

4. University Accountability

Under Title IX and other laws, universities have a duty to protect students from harassment and violence. If they fail to:

• Investigate hazing reports
• Implement adequate safety measures
• Discipline those responsible
• Prevent known hazards

They can be held legally responsible.

🏆 Proven Results: How We Fight for Hazing Victims

At Attorney 911, we’re not just talking about hazing cases—we’re actively fighting them. Right now, we’re litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for a student who was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to exercise through the vomit
• Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

The result so far:

• The chapter was permanently closed
• Multiple individuals are facing potential criminal charges
• The university has acknowledged the conduct was “deeply disturbing”
• The national organization admitted to “violations of risk management policies”

This is the level of accountability we bring to every case—including those in Blaine County.

Our Approach to Blaine County Hazing Cases:

1. Immediate Response – We act fast to preserve evidence before it disappears
2. Comprehensive Investigation – We gather all available evidence (texts, photos, videos, witness statements)
3. Medical Documentation – We ensure all injuries are properly documented by medical professionals
4. Multi-Defendant Strategy – We sue everyone responsible: individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
5. Criminal Coordination – We work with law enforcement to pursue criminal charges
6. Media Strategy – We use media attention to pressure defendants and protect other students
7. Legislative Advocacy – We work to strengthen hazing laws in Montana
8. Maximum Compensation – We fight for every dollar you deserve

📋 What to Do If You’ve Been Hazed in Blaine County

If you or someone you know has been hazed in Blaine County, take these steps immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Go to the emergency room or urgent care if you have any injuries
• Document all symptoms, even if they seem minor
• Keep all medical records and bills

Local medical facilities serving Blaine County:

• Northern Montana Health Care (Havre) – (406) 265-2211
• Great Falls Clinic Hospital (Great Falls) – (406) 454-2171
• Benefis Health System (Great Falls) – (406) 455-5000

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, etc.
• Take screenshots of all social media posts about the hazing
• Save any photos or videos from the incident
• Write down everything you remember while it’s fresh
• Get names and contact information of any witnesses

3. Report the Incident

• To the police: File a report with your local law enforcement
  • Blaine County Sheriff’s Office – (406) 357-3260
  • Havre Police Department – (406) 265-4361
  • Chinook Police Department – (406) 357-2223
• To your school:
  • Montana State University-Northern: (406) 265-3700
  • Great Falls College MSU: (406) 771-4300
  • Stone Child College: (406) 395-4313
• To the organization’s national headquarters (if applicable)

4. Do NOT Sign Anything

• Organizations may try to get you to sign a waiver or settlement
• Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney first

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email ralph@atty911.com
• We offer free, confidential consultations

Why act fast?

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records
• Montana has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims

💰 What Your Blaine County Hazing Case Could Be Worth

Every hazing case is unique, but based on our experience and precedent cases nationwide, here’s what hazing victims in Blaine County might expect:

Our current case: We’re seeking $10 million for our client who suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This is in line with recent hazing verdicts and settlements:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Ohio, 2021)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana, 2017)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania, 2017)

Blaine County families: You deserve the same level of compensation. We’ll fight for every dollar.

🏛️ Who Can Be Held Responsible in Blaine County?

When we take on hazing cases in Blaine County, we pursue everyone who played a role in the abuse:

1. The Local Chapter

• The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized the hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledge master, etc.)
• Individual members who participated

2. The National Organization

• National fraternity/sorority headquarters
• For failing to supervise local chapters
• For failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• For having a culture that enables hazing

3. The University or College

• For failing to protect students
• For failing to investigate reports of hazing
• For failing to discipline organizations with hazing histories
• Especially if they own or control the property where hazing occurred

4. Housing Corporations

• If hazing occurred at a fraternity/sorority house
• For failing to maintain safe premises
• For failing to prevent illegal activities

5. Individual Perpetrators

• Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing
• Every person who witnessed and failed to stop it

6. Alumni

• Former members who host or facilitate hazing
• Alumni who provide financial support to chapters with hazing histories

🚫 Common Defenses (and How We Defeat Them)

When organizations are sued for hazing, they often try to avoid responsibility with these arguments:

Defense: “It was just tradition”

Our Response:

• “Tradition” doesn’t make illegal activity legal
• Hazing has been illegal in Montana for years
• Courts don’t accept “we’ve always done it this way” as a defense

Defense: “The victim consented”

Our Response:

• Montana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense (MCA § 45-5-627)
• Victims often feel coerced or pressured to participate
• You can’t “consent” to being a victim of a crime

Defense: “We didn’t know it was happening”

Our Response:

• Organizations have a duty to supervise their members
• If they didn’t know, it’s because they chose not to know
• National organizations receive reports of hazing at their chapters

Defense: “It was just a prank”

Our Response:

• Waterboarding is not a prank
• Forcing someone to exercise until they collapse is not a prank
• Sending someone to the hospital is not a prank

Defense: “The victim is exaggerating”

Our Response:

• Medical records prove the injuries
• Witnesses corroborate the abuse
• Photos and videos document what happened

🎓 Special Considerations for Blaine County Students

1. Tribal College Students

Blaine County includes the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, home to Stone Child College. Hazing at tribal colleges raises unique legal considerations:

• Tribal jurisdiction may apply in some cases
• Cultural sensitivity in addressing hazing within tribal communities
• Federal funding implications for tribal colleges
• Tribal law may provide additional avenues for justice

We understand: Our team has experience working with tribal communities and understands the unique legal landscape.

2. High School Students

Hazing often begins in high school, particularly in:

• Sports teams
• Marching bands
• Clubs and organizations
• ROTC programs

High school hazing is just as illegal and just as serious. We represent high school students who have been hazed in Blaine County.

3. Military-Affiliated Students

Blaine County is home to many military families and veterans. Hazing in ROTC programs or military-affiliated organizations carries additional consequences:

• Military justice system may also apply
• VA benefits could be affected by hazing injuries
• Security clearances could be jeopardized

📚 The History of Hazing in Montana

Montana has seen its share of hazing incidents, though many go unreported. Some notable cases:

University of Montana (Missoula)

• 2018: Sigma Chi fraternity suspended for hazing violations
• 2015: Kappa Sigma fraternity suspended for hazing
• 2012: Multiple fraternities and sororities disciplined for hazing

Montana State University (Bozeman)

• 2020: Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity suspended for hazing
• 2017: Multiple organizations disciplined for hazing violations
• 2014: Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity suspended for hazing

Montana Tech (Butte)

• 2019: Delta Sigma Phi fraternity suspended for hazing

High Schools Across Montana

• 2021: Billings high school football team suspended for hazing
• 2018: Helena high school wrestling team investigated for hazing
• 2016: Bozeman high school football team disciplined for hazing

The pattern is clear: Hazing is widespread in Montana, and institutions often fail to address it until it’s too late. Blaine County is not immune to this problem.

🏆 How We’ve Helped Hazing Victims Nationwide

Our current $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is just the latest in our fight against hazing culture. Here’s how we’ve helped victims in the past:

Case 1: Kappa Sigma Hazing at Texas A&M

• Injury: Pledge suffered severe chemical burns during hazing ritual
• Result: Confidential settlement in excess of $1 million
• Impact: Chapter implemented new safety protocols

Case 2: University of Houston Hazing Incident

• Injury: Pledge hospitalized with lacerated spleen
• Result: Confidential settlement
• Impact: National fraternity indicted by grand jury (later dismissed on technical grounds)

Case 3: High School Football Hazing in Texas

• Injury: Freshman player sexually assaulted during hazing ritual
• Result: $2.5 million settlement
• Impact: School district implemented new anti-hazing policies

Case 4: Marching Band Hazing in Louisiana

• Injury: Student suffered heatstroke during forced exercise
• Result: $750,000 settlement
• Impact: School district banned hazing in all organizations

Blaine County families: These results are possible for you too. We have the experience, the resources, and the determination to fight for Blaine County hazing victims.

🛡️ Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Blaine County Hazing Case

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know the tactics defendants use, we know the evidence that wins cases, and we know how to maximize compensation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think, we know their strategies, and we know how to beat them.

3. Nationwide Reach, Blaine County Focus

Based in Texas but serving clients nationwide, including Blaine County. We:

• Offer video consultations for Blaine County families
• Travel to Blaine County for depositions and meetings
• Understand Montana law and local courts
• Have federal court authority to pursue cases nationwide

4. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation

We treat our clients like family. We fight aggressively for your rights while providing compassionate support throughout the process.

5. No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

6. Bilingual Services

Se habla español. We serve Blaine County’s diverse community, including Spanish-speaking families.

7. Proven Track Record

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Millions recovered for personal injury victims
• Successful track record against large institutions
• Former insurance defense insight

📞 Blaine County Families: Contact Us Today

If you or someone you love has been a victim of hazing in Blaine County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and your legal rights have a time limit.

Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email:

📧 ralph@atty911.com

What to Expect:

1. Free case evaluation – We’ll review your situation at no cost
2. Confidential consultation – Your information is protected
3. Honest assessment – We’ll tell you if you have a case
4. Immediate action plan – We’ll start preserving evidence right away
5. No pressure – You decide if you want to move forward

We Come to You:

We offer:

• In-person meetings in Blaine County
• Video consultations via Zoom, FaceTime, or other platforms
• Phone consultations
• Travel to your location for depositions and court appearances

Remember: The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

🚀 Next Steps: How Your Blaine County Hazing Case Will Proceed

When you contact Attorney 911 about your Blaine County hazing case, here’s what happens next:

Phase 1: Case Evaluation (Week 1)

• Free, confidential consultation
• Review of all available evidence
• Initial assessment of legal options
• Explanation of your rights under Montana law

Phase 2: Evidence Preservation (Week 1-2)

• Send preservation letters to all potential defendants
• Collect and secure all evidence (texts, photos, videos)
• Identify and interview witnesses
• Obtain medical records

Phase 3: Investigation (Week 2-4)

• Conduct thorough investigation
• Research the organization’s hazing history
• Identify all potential defendants
• Consult with medical and hazing experts

Phase 4: Demand and Negotiation (Month 1-3)

• Send demand letters to all defendants
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Pursue early settlement if appropriate

Phase 5: Filing the Lawsuit (If Necessary)

• File lawsuit in appropriate court
• Serve defendants with legal papers
• Begin formal discovery process

Phase 6: Discovery (Month 3-12)

• Take depositions of all defendants
• Request documents from organizations
• Consult with expert witnesses
• Build the strongest possible case

Phase 7: Settlement Negotiations or Trial

• Engage in settlement discussions
• If no fair settlement, prepare for trial
• Present your case to a jury
• Fight for maximum compensation

Phase 8: Resolution

• Receive compensation
• Ensure all medical bills are paid
• Work to implement safety changes at the organization

Throughout the process: We keep you informed, we answer your questions, and we fight aggressively for your rights.

🏆 Our Promise to Blaine County Hazing Victims

1. We will listen – Your story matters. We’ll hear every detail.
2. We will believe you – Too many hazing victims are dismissed. We take your claims seriously.
3. We will fight for you – We’ll pursue every legal avenue to hold the perpetrators accountable.
4. We will protect you – From retaliation, from intimidation, from further harm.
5. We will seek justice – Not just for you, but for all future students who might be hazed.
6. We will maximize your compensation – We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve.
7. We will be there for you – Through every step of the process, we’ll support you.

📢 A Message to Blaine County Fraternities, Sororities, and Organizations

To the organizations operating in Blaine County:

We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your chapters. We know your leadership.

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that are winning our $10 million hazing case apply to your chapter. The same precedent cases apply to you. The same Montana laws apply to you.

If you haze students in Blaine County, we will find you. We will sue you. We will hold you accountable.

To the national organizations:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• Sigma Chi
• Kappa Sigma
• Beta Theta Pi
• And all others

If your chapters are hazing students in Blaine County, we will pursue you for every penny. We will expose your culture of abuse. We will make an example of you.

To the universities and colleges in and around Blaine County:
You have a duty to protect your students. If you fail to:

• Investigate hazing reports
• Implement adequate safety measures
• Discipline those responsible
• Prevent known hazards

We will hold you accountable. We will sue you. We will make sure you implement real change.

The message is clear: The era of hazing is over. The era of accountability has begun.

🎗️ A Final Message to Blaine County Hazing Victims

If you’re reading this and you’ve been hazed, you might be feeling:

• Ashamed – You shouldn’t be. What happened to you was wrong.
• Afraid – Of retaliation, of social consequences. We can protect you.
• Alone – You’re not. We’re here for you, and there are others like you.
• Hopeless – It’s not hopeless. We can help you fight back.

You have the power to stop this. By coming forward, you can:

• Hold those responsible accountable
• Prevent this from happening to others
• Get the compensation you deserve
• Begin the healing process

We believe you. We support you. And we’re ready to fight for you.

Call us today: 1-888-ATTY-911

Enough is enough. It’s time to end hazing in Blaine County.

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

Serving Blaine County and all of Montana with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We come to you.