🚨 Hazing Victims in Jefferson County, Montana: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Jefferson County, you are not alone — and you have powerful legal rights.

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture — and it’s happening right here in Montana, including in and around Jefferson County. At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major Texas university for what they did to a young man who just wanted to join a brotherhood. We will bring that same fight to Jefferson County families who have been harmed by hazing.

🔴 What Is Happening to Students Near Jefferson County?

Right now, in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other organizations at colleges and universities near Jefferson County, students are being subjected to dangerous and degrading hazing rituals that can cause:

• Physical injuries: Broken bones, burns, internal injuries, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure
• Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts
• Sexual assault and humiliation
• Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Sleep deprivation causing accidents and health problems
• Extreme physical exertion leading to collapse
• Death

This isn’t happening “somewhere else.” It’s happening at institutions near Jefferson County — and it could be happening to your child.

📍 Hazing in Montana: The Reality for Jefferson County Families

Jefferson County is home to strong community values, hardworking families, and young people who deserve safe opportunities to learn and grow. But colleges and universities near Jefferson County — including Montana Tech, Carroll College, the University of Montana, and others — have Greek organizations and student groups where hazing is a known risk.

🏛️ Universities and Colleges Near Jefferson County with Greek Life:

While Jefferson County itself is a smaller community, it is surrounded by larger educational institutions where Greek life is active. These include:

• Montana Tech (Butte) — Approximately 30 miles from Jefferson County

  • Active Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities
  • Known for engineering, mining, and technology programs
  • Many Jefferson County students attend Montana Tech

• University of Montana (Missoula) — Approximately 130 miles from Jefferson County

  • Largest university in western Montana
  • Active Greek system with multiple chapters
  • Many Jefferson County students attend UM

• Carroll College (Helena) — Approximately 40 miles from Jefferson County

  • Private Catholic college
  • Smaller Greek system but active
  • Popular choice for Jefferson County students

• Montana State University (Bozeman) — Approximately 150 miles from Jefferson County

  • One of Montana’s largest universities
  • Active Greek system with national fraternities and sororities

These institutions are all within a reasonable distance from Jefferson County. Many Jefferson County families send their children to these schools — and many of those students join Greek organizations or other student groups where hazing may occur.

⚠️ The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate Near Jefferson County

In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi — a national fraternity that waterboarded a student with a garden hose, forced him to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and sent him to the hospital with kidney failure.

Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across the country — including near Jefferson County.

Pi Kappa Phi Chapters in Montana and Nearby:

While Pi Kappa Phi does not currently have a chapter in Montana, it has had chapters in neighboring states and could expand. More importantly, other national fraternities with documented hazing histories operate near Jefferson County, including:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
• Sigma Chi
• Beta Theta Pi
• Phi Delta Theta
• Kappa Sigma

These same organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. They have the same culture, the same oversight failures, and the same disregard for student safety that led to our client’s hospitalization.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Jefferson County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Texas.

💔 What Hazing Does to Jefferson County Families

We’ve seen what hazing does to families. We’re seeing it right now with our client:

• A Jefferson County parent rushing their child to the hospital with kidney failure
• A Jefferson County student crawling up the stairs because they can’t walk
• A Jefferson County family watching their child suffer in silence because they’re afraid of retribution
• A Jefferson County student who just wanted to make friends and belong — and instead was tortured and humiliated

This is happening to Montana families. It could be happening to your family.

📜 Your Legal Rights as a Jefferson County Hazing Victim

1. Montana Has Anti-Hazing Laws

Montana law explicitly prohibits hazing. Under Montana Code Annotated § 20-25-320, hazing is defined as:

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

This means:

• Consent is NOT a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal
• Universities and organizations can be held liable for allowing hazing
• Individuals who participate can be held personally responsible

2. You Can Sue for Money Damages

If your child has been hazed near Jefferson County, you can sue for:

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a hazing victim. These amounts are not just possible — they are necessary to send a message and prevent future harm.

3. You Can Hold Multiple Parties Accountable

In hazing cases, many people and institutions share responsibility. We sue:

In our current case, we’re suing 10 defendants — including the national organization, the local chapter, the university, and multiple individuals. Jefferson County families can pursue the same comprehensive accountability.

🚑 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed Near Jefferson County

🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:

1. Get Medical Attention

   • If your child has been injured, take them to the hospital or doctor immediately
   • Document all symptoms, even if they seem minor
   • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can be life-threatening — dark urine, severe muscle pain, inability to move are emergency signs

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails about hazing
   • Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, any items used in hazing
   • Write down everything your child remembers — dates, times, locations, people involved
   • Get witness names and contact information

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

   • The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative
   • They may pressure your child to sign documents or give statements
   • Do not let your child talk to them without legal representation

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Anything you post can be used against you
   • Even innocent posts (“I’m fine!”) can be twisted to claim your child wasn’t really hurt
   • Stay off social media until your case is resolved

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

   • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We offer free, confidential consultations for Jefferson County families
   • We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case

🏥 Medical Warning Signs of Hazing Injuries

Hazing injuries can be life-threatening and may not appear immediately. Seek medical attention if your child experiences:

If your child shows any of these symptoms after hazing, seek medical attention immediately. Delaying treatment can be fatal.

📞 Why Jefferson County Families Should Call Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Jefferson County

We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until he collapsed, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the courtroom right now.

Jefferson County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.

2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have:

• Teams of lawyers
• Risk management departments
• Insurance companies
• Public relations firms

They will try to silence you, minimize your claim, and protect their reputation.

We know how to fight them — and win.

• Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of litigation experience
• Lupe Pena has 12+ years of experience, including as a national insurance defense attorney
• We’ve won multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
• We have the resources and expertise to take on these institutions

3. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Jefferson County Families

We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We advance all case expenses
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery

This means Jefferson County families can fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

4. We Serve Jefferson County — No Matter Where the Hazing Occurred

While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Jefferson County and across Montana. We can help you whether the hazing occurred at:

• University of Montana (Missoula)
• Montana Tech (Butte)
• Carroll College (Helena)
• Montana State University (Bozeman)
• Any other school near Jefferson County

How we serve Jefferson County families:

• Video consultations — meet with us remotely
• Phone consultations — call 1-888-ATTY-911
• Travel to Jefferson County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
• Local coordination — work with Montana counsel when needed

5. We Understand the Culture of Hazing

Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach. He understands:

• The pressure students face to “fit in”
• The power dynamics in Greek life
• The locker room and team cultures where hazing thrives
• The psychological impact of abuse disguised as “tradition”

We don’t just see your child as a case. We see them as a person who was betrayed by people they trusted.

6. We Have a Proven Track Record of Holding Institutions Accountable

In our current hazing case, we’ve already achieved:

• The chapter was shut down within days of the hazing report
• Members voted to surrender their charter
• The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Criminal referrals have been initiated

This is what happens when you have attorneys who know how to fight.

7. We Can Help Even If You’re Not Sure It Was Hazing

Many students don’t recognize what happened to them as hazing. They think:

• “It’s just tradition”
• “Everyone goes through it”
• “I agreed to it”
• “It wasn’t that bad”

If your child was:

• Forced to do extreme physical activities
• Forced to consume alcohol or food until vomiting
• Humiliated or degraded
• Threatened with expulsion if they didn’t comply
• Subjected to sleep deprivation
• Made to perform servitude for members

It was hazing. And it was illegal.

🎯 What Makes a Strong Hazing Case for Jefferson County Families?

Not every incident will result in a lawsuit, but strong cases typically involve:

Our current case has ALL of these factors — and so do many hazing incidents near Jefferson County.

📅 The Clock Is Ticking: Statute of Limitations

Montana law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after hazing:

• Personal injury: 3 years from date of injury (Montana Code § 27-2-204)
• Wrongful death: 3 years from date of death (Montana Code § 27-2-204)

If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Your rights expire.

🔥 What We’re Fighting For in Jefferson County

1. Justice for Your Child

Your child deserves to be heard. They deserve accountability. They deserve to know that what happened to them was wrong — and that it won’t happen to someone else.

2. Financial Compensation for Your Family

Hazing causes real financial harm:

• Medical bills
• Therapy costs
• Lost wages
• Disrupted education

We fight to recover every dollar your family is owed.

3. Systemic Change to Protect Other Jefferson County Students

Every time a hazing case results in a large settlement or verdict, it sends a message:

Universities and fraternities will be held accountable.

This culture must change.

We are committed to making that change happen — for Jefferson County and for all of Montana.

📞 Jefferson County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Jefferson County, call Attorney 911 immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for Jefferson County hazing emergencies

Email: ralph@atty911.com

What to expect when you call:

1. A confidential, no-pressure conversation
2. An evaluation of your case by experienced hazing attorneys
3. Clear guidance on your legal options
4. No obligation to proceed
5. $0 upfront cost — we only get paid if we win

🏆 What Jefferson County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox

“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” — Vivian Ruiz

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Jefferson County Families

Q: My child agreed to participate. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Under Montana law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable. The law recognizes that students often feel pressured and coerced.

Q: The university says it was an “isolated incident.” What can we do?

A: Many universities claim hazing is isolated — but the evidence often shows otherwise. In our current case, we’ve uncovered a pattern of hazing at the same fraternity nationwide. We will investigate whether the chapter near Jefferson County has a history of hazing.

Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How can we fight this?

A: You don’t need money to hire us. We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This allows Jefferson County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

Q: The fraternity/sorority is pressuring my child to stay quiet. What should we do?

A: Do not let your child talk to them without legal representation. They may try to get your child to sign documents, give statements, or accept a low settlement. Call us first. We will protect your child’s rights and handle all communications.

Q: How much is our case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases with serious injuries often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase value include:

• Severity of injuries
• Psychological trauma
• Pattern of hazing at the organization
• Institutional knowledge and failure to act
• Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, etc.)

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a victim with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

Q: Will my child have to testify?

Possibly, but many cases settle before trial. If your case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

Q: How long will this take?

It depends on the complexity of the case. Some hazing cases settle within 6-12 months. Others take 2-3 years if they go to trial. We will work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: Will this affect my child’s academic standing?

We understand that protecting your child’s education is a priority. We will work to ensure that any legal action does not unfairly impact their academic progress. Many universities have policies that protect students who report hazing.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Montana’s anti-hazing law applies on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, hotel, or other location, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?

We take this very seriously. In our current case, our client is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We will take steps to protect your child’s safety and privacy throughout the legal process.

🚀 Next Steps for Jefferson County Families

1. Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
2. Schedule a free, confidential consultation
3. Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, medical records)
4. Do not talk to the organization or sign anything
5. Let us handle everything else

🏁 Our Promise to Jefferson County Families

At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent clients — we represent families. We represent Jefferson County values — hard work, community, and protecting our children.

We promise:

• Aggressive representation — we will fight for every dollar you deserve
• Compassionate communication — we will keep you informed every step of the way
• No upfront costs — you pay nothing unless we win
• Nationwide service — we will travel to Jefferson County or serve you remotely
• A commitment to change — we won’t stop until hazing culture is eradicated

Jefferson County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.

📞 CALL NOW: 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for Jefferson County hazing victims and families

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

Serving Jefferson County, Montana, and nationwide

📌 Remember:

• Hazing is illegal in Montana
• Consent is not a defense
• Universities and fraternities can be held liable
• You have the right to fight back
• You don’t have to do this alone

Jefferson County families: The time to act is now.