🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Support for Garfield County, Montana Families
You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We Will Fight for Garfield County Families Too.
Garfield County parents and students: If your child has been subjected to hazing at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Garfield County, you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Garfield County families.
This isn’t just happening in Houston. It’s happening across Montana. And it’s time to stop it.
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Montana and Garfield County
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in other states. It happens right here in Montana — at state universities, private colleges, community colleges, and even high schools near Garfield County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters at institutions near Garfield County. The same culture of secrecy, intimidation, and abuse exists in Montana Greek life and student organizations.
Garfield County families deserve to know: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Montana university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
🔥 What Happened in Houston — And What’s Happening Near Garfield County
The Case That Shows Garfield County Families What Hazing Really Looks Like
Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez
University: University of Houston
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring 4 days of hospitalization
Lawsuit: $10 million filed November 21, 2025
What They Did to Him:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts — they kept going
- Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
The Result: Bermudez was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure. His muscles broke down from the extreme physical abuse. He could barely walk. He crawled up the stairs when he got home.
Garfield County Families: This is not “tradition.” This is not “building character.” This is torture. And it’s happening at universities near Garfield County right now.
⚠️ The Same Fraternities Operate Near Garfield County
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including at universities in Montana. The same national organization that waterboarded our client in Houston has chapters where your Garfield County children might be pledging.
Other national fraternities with documented hazing histories also operate near Garfield County:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — $10.1 million settlement (Stone Foltz case)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits
- Beta Theta Pi — $110+ million settlement (Timothy Piazza case)
- Phi Delta Theta — $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver case)
These organizations have paid millions in settlements — and they will pay again for Garfield County victims.
📚 Universities Near Garfield County with Greek Life — The Same Risks Exist Here
While Garfield County itself may not have a major university, Montana has several institutions with active Greek life where hazing occurs:
Montana State University (Bozeman)
- Distance from Garfield County: ~250 miles
- Greek Life: Active fraternity and sorority system
- Hazing Risk: Documented incidents in past; same national fraternities operate here
University of Montana (Missoula)
- Distance from Garfield County: ~350 miles
- Greek Life: Active Greek system
- Hazing Risk: Past incidents reported; same culture exists
Montana Tech (Butte)
- Distance from Garfield County: ~300 miles
- Greek Life: Smaller but present Greek organizations
- Hazing Risk: Less oversight, higher risk
Rocky Mountain College (Billings)
- Distance from Garfield County: ~200 miles
- Greek Life: Active Greek organizations
- Hazing Risk: Smaller school, less oversight
Carroll College (Helena)
- Distance from Garfield County: ~300 miles
- Greek Life: Active Greek system
- Hazing Risk: Past incidents reported
Garfield County Families: These schools are within driving distance of Garfield County. Your children may attend these universities. And they face the same hazing risks.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Garfield County Hazing Victim
Montana Hazing Laws Protect You
Montana has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all educational institutions in the state — including universities near Garfield County.
Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-628 — Hazing:
(1) A person commits the offense of hazing when, in connection with the initiation into or affiliation with any organization, the person knowingly or purposely engages in conduct that:
(a) creates a substantial risk of physical injury or mental harm to any individual; or
(b) causes physical injury or mental harm to any individual.
Penalties:
- Misdemeanor — Up to 6 months in jail and/or $500 fine
- Felony — If death or serious bodily injury results (up to 10 years in prison)
Consent is NOT a Defense: Like Texas, Montana law explicitly states that a victim’s consent to hazing does not excuse the conduct.
Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-628(4):
“The implied or express consent of a person to hazing is not a defense to a prosecution under this section.”
This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity or organization can still be held liable.
Civil Lawsuits — Holding Institutions Accountable
Beyond criminal charges, Garfield County families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for injuries caused by hazing. These lawsuits target:
- Local fraternity/sorority chapters — The individuals who conducted the hazing
- National organizations — The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise
- Universities — The institution that failed to protect students
- Individual members — Every person who participated or allowed the hazing
Damages You Can Recover:
- Medical expenses — Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — Time missed from work or school
- Pain and suffering — Physical and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages — To punish the defendants and prevent future hazing
- Educational damages — Impact on academic performance and opportunities
💰 Hazing Cases Win Millions — Garfield County Victims Can Too
Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. These same results are possible for Garfield County victims.
Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Max Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Tucker Hipps | Sigma Phi Epsilon | Clemson | Settlement | $500,000+ |
Garfield County Families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases win big. The same legal strategies apply to Montana cases.
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Garfield County Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just embarrassing or uncomfortable — it can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. Many hazing activities are designed to push the human body to its absolute limits, often with catastrophic results.
Common Hazing Injuries:
| Injury | Cause | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.) | Muscle breakdown → kidney failure → hospitalization → potential permanent damage |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis or dehydration | Life-threatening; may require dialysis or transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Confusion, vomiting, seizures, coma, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, head trauma | Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes |
| Heat Stroke | Forced exercise in hot conditions | Organ failure, brain damage, death |
| Hypothermia | Exposure to cold without proper clothing | Dangerously low body temperature, organ failure |
| Internal Bleeding | Blunt force trauma (paddling, beatings) | Life-threatening; requires emergency surgery |
| Fractures | Physical abuse | Broken bones, long-term mobility issues |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological torture | Long-term mental health treatment required |
| Death | Extreme physical or psychological trauma | Wrongful death lawsuits; criminal charges |
Garfield County Parents: If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms after hazing, seek medical attention immediately. Then call us.
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing — What Garfield County Families Should Watch For
Hazing is often hidden behind secrecy and intimidation. Many victims are afraid to speak out due to fear of retaliation or social ostracism. Garfield County parents should be aware of these warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing:
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Avoiding questions about Greek life or student organizations
- Signs of depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Sudden drop in academic performance
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Fear of certain people or places
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Signs of extreme exhaustion (dark circles, constant fatigue)
- Weight loss or gain
- Changes in eating habits
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Complaints of muscle pain or weakness
Financial Signs:
- Unexplained expenses (buying alcohol, special clothing, etc.)
- Requests for money without explanation
- Missing cash or valuables
Communication Patterns:
- New group chats or apps you don’t recognize
- Deleted text messages or social media posts
- Reluctance to let you see their phone
- New slang or code words in conversation
Garfield County Parents: If you notice any of these signs, ask questions. Your child may be afraid to speak up. Let them know they are not alone and that help is available.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Garfield County
If you suspect your child has been hazed at a Montana university, act immediately. Every moment counts.
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation
- Seek medical attention if they have any injuries
- Contact campus security or local law enforcement if necessary
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries, hazing locations, or physical evidence
- Save all communications — text messages, social media posts, emails, GroupMe chats
- Document everything — write down dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what happened
- Get witness information — names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
- Keep all medical records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- To the university — File a formal complaint with the school’s Title IX office or student affairs department
- To law enforcement — Consider filing a police report; hazing is a crime in Montana
- To the national organization — If a fraternity/sorority is involved, report to the national headquarters
Step 4: Contact an Attorney
- Do NOT speak to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
- Call Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
Garfield County Families: We offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
🎯 Why Garfield County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case — Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing, we are actively fighting this battle in court. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is ongoing — and we are bringing that same aggressive representation to Garfield County families.
We Have Unique Expertise in Hazing Litigation
- Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how insurance companies and institutions will try to deny your claim
- Federal court admission — We can pursue your case in federal court if needed
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York; strategic advantage against national fraternities
- Proven track record — Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — Experience taking on massive institutional defendants
We Understand the Culture of Hazing
- Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach — he understands team dynamics and the pressures that lead to hazing
- We know how Greek life operates — the secrecy, the intimidation, the culture of silence
- We know how universities fail to protect students — and how to hold them accountable
We Serve Garfield County Families with Compassion and Aggression
- We treat you like family — Garfield County families are not just case numbers to us
- We speak Spanish — Se habla español; no language barriers to justice
- We work on contingency — $0 upfront; you pay nothing unless we win
- We travel to Garfield County — For depositions, meetings, and trials
- We offer remote consultations — Video calls available for Garfield County families
📞 Garfield County Families — Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a Montana university, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Call us NOW for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Garfield County families across Montana. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Garfield County Hazing Cases
Q: My child “consented” to the hazing. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Montana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity or organization can still be held liable.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek life or student organizations, they can be held liable for negligent supervision.
Q: The hazing happened off-campus. Can we still sue the university?
A: YES. Universities can be held liable for hazing that occurs off-campus if they have control over the organization or if the hazing is connected to university-recognized activities.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We take retaliation very seriously. We can:
- File protective orders
- Demand confidentiality
- Pursue additional claims for retaliation
- Work with university officials to ensure your child’s safety
Q: How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is unique, but hazing cases typically result in substantial compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
- Lost educational opportunities
Recent hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from $500,000 to over $100 million.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Montana has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act immediately — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights may be affected by university investigations.
Q: We’re in Garfield County. How can a Houston law firm help us?
We serve hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can represent Garfield County families regardless of location. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Travel to Garfield County for meetings and depositions
- Remote case management
- Local counsel partnerships when needed
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?
You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.
🏆 Our Commitment to Garfield County Families
At Attorney 911, we believe that no child should be tortured in the name of tradition. We are committed to:
- Holding institutions accountable — Fraternities, sororities, and universities must change
- Protecting Garfield County students — Creating safer campuses across Montana
- Supporting victims and families — Providing compassionate, aggressive legal representation
- Changing the culture — Ending hazing through litigation, legislation, and education
Garfield County families: You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for you.
📢 A Message to Montana Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Garfield County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that are securing multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Montana, we will find every liable entity — the chapter, the nationals, the university, and every individual member.
To the universities near Garfield County:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail to monitor Greek life, when you ignore hazing reports, when you allow dangerous traditions to continue — you become liable. The same lawsuits that are costing universities millions in other states can happen in Montana.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and all other national organizations:
You have paid millions in settlements. You have seen students die. You have watched as your chapters torture young people. Enough is enough. Clean up your chapters — or we will clean them out in court.
🔗 Additional Resources for Garfield County Families
- StopHazing.org — Research and resources on hazing prevention
- HazingPrevention.org — Education and advocacy
- Clery Center — Campus safety resources
- Montana Board of Regents — University oversight information
- Montana Office of Public Instruction — K-12 hazing policies
🚨 Garfield County Families — Act Now
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not sisterhood. It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal.
If your child has been hazed at a Montana university, you have legal rights. You have the right to hold the perpetrators accountable. You have the right to compensation for your child’s injuries. You have the right to demand change.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Garfield County families across Montana. We travel to you. We fight for you. We win for you.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Garfield County families from hazing abuse
