Hazing Lawyers in Missoula County: Protecting Students from Abuse in Montana’s Greek Life

Missoula County Families: Hazing Is Happening Here, and We Can Help

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Missoula County, you’re not alone. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized a University of Houston student in our landmark $10 million case are happening right here in Montana—at the University of Montana, Carroll College, and other institutions across Missoula County. Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Missoula County have the same hazing cultures we’re fighting nationwide.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a pledge who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just a Texas problem—it’s happening in Missoula County too.

If your child has been hazed in Missoula County, we will fight for you with the same aggression. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable—no matter where the abuse occurred.

Hazing in Missoula County: What Montana Families Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Montana

Under Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-627, hazing is a misdemeanor offense that can carry jail time, fines, and civil liability. The law defines hazing as:

“Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them—regardless of their willingness to participate.”

This means:

• “Tradition” is not an excuse – Even if hazing has been going on for years, it’s still illegal.
• Consent doesn’t matter – If your child was pressured, threatened, or coerced, they cannot legally “consent” to abuse.
• Universities can be held liable – If a school in Missoula County knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it, they share responsibility.

2. Hazing Happens at Missoula County Schools

Missoula County is home to multiple colleges and universities with active Greek life, including:

The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million UH case have chapters near Missoula County. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Missoula County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

3. The Most Dangerous Hazing Practices in Missoula County

Based on our casework and national hazing trends, these are the most common—and most dangerous—hazing practices happening in Missoula County:

These aren’t “pranks.” They’re crimes. And they’re happening right here in Missoula County.

Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed in Missoula County

Hazing is often hidden, but these red flags may indicate your child is being abused:

✅ Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones
✅ Extreme exhaustion – Falling asleep in class, missing deadlines, declining grades
✅ Sudden weight loss or gain – Forced eating, starvation, or dehydration
✅ Secretive behavior – Avoiding questions about Greek life, lying about where they’re going
✅ Withdrawal from friends/family – Only associating with fraternity/sorority members
✅ Mood changes – Anxiety, depression, anger, or fear
✅ Unexplained expenses – Paying for “pledge dues,” alcohol, or fraternity events
✅ Sleep disturbances – Nightmares, insomnia, or sleeping at odd hours
✅ Defensive about Greek life – Getting angry when you ask about their experience

If you notice any of these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Missoula County

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

Hazing injuries—especially rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning—can be life-threatening. If your child shows any of these symptoms, take them to the ER right away:

🚨 Brown or dark urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
🚨 Severe muscle pain or weakness
🚨 Confusion, vomiting, or inability to wake up (alcohol poisoning)
🚨 Difficulty breathing or chest pain
🚨 Signs of a concussion (headache, dizziness, memory loss)

Missoula County hospitals that can help:

• Community Medical Center (Missoula) – (406) 728-4100
• St. Patrick Hospital (Missoula) – (406) 543-7271
• Providence St. Joseph Medical Center (Polson) – (406) 883-5600

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Do not delete anything. Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Save the following:

📱 Text messages & social media – Screenshots of GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, or any messages about hazing
📸 Photos & videos – Any images of injuries, hazing activities, or fraternity events
📝 Documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, or any written rules given to your child
📞 Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges, friends, or bystanders
🏥 Medical records – Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, test results

If your child is still in the hazing process, have them:
✔️ Take photos of injuries as they heal (bruises, cuts, burns)
✔️ Write down everything that happened (dates, times, locations, who was involved)
✔️ Save all communications (texts, emails, social media posts)

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone

Universities and fraternities will try to silence victims. If you report hazing to the school or Greek organization, they will:
❌ Downplay the severity (“It’s just tradition, not hazing”)
❌ Pressure your child to drop the complaint (“You’ll ruin your reputation”)
❌ Destroy evidence (deleting messages, altering logs)
❌ Offer a quick, lowball settlement (to make the problem go away)

Before you speak to anyone, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We will handle all communications with the fraternity, sorority, and university—so they can’t manipulate your child or cover up the abuse.

Step 4: Report to Authorities (If Safe to Do So)

Hazing is a crime in Montana. You can report it to:
🚔 Missoula Police Department – (406) 552-6300
🚔 University of Montana Police Department – (406) 243-6131
🚔 Montana Office of Public Instruction (for K-12 hazing) – (406) 444-3095

If you’re unsure whether to report, call us first. We can guide you through the process and protect your child’s rights.

Step 5: Contact a Hazing Lawyer in Missoula County

Hazing cases are complex. Fraternities, sororities, and universities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need an attorney who knows how to fight them—and win.

At Attorney 911, we:
✅ Handle hazing cases nationwide – Including Missoula County
✅ Work on contingency – You pay nothing upfront; we only get paid if we win
✅ Travel to Missoula County – For depositions, meetings, and trials
✅ Offer free consultations – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit—and we will bring the same fight to Missoula County.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Missoula County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible. In our cases, we sue:

Universities in Missoula County often own or control Greek housing. If hazing happens in a fraternity or sorority house owned by the school, the university can be held liable for failing to protect students.

What Compensation Can Missoula County Hazing Victims Recover?

Hazing can cause lifelong physical, emotional, and financial harm. In our cases, we pursue full compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgery and rehabilitation
• Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Future medical costs (if injuries are permanent)

2. Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional trauma from abuse
• Humiliation and degradation
• Loss of enjoyment of life

3. Lost Wages & Future Earnings

• Time missed from work during recovery
• Lost internship or job opportunities
• Reduced earning capacity (if injuries affect career)

4. Educational Damages

• Tuition reimbursement (if forced to drop out)
• Lost scholarships
• Cost of transferring schools

5. Punitive Damages

• Additional money to punish the defendants for extreme misconduct
• Only awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm
• Our $10 million UH case includes punitive damages for waterboarding and forced exercise

Montana does not cap damages in personal injury cases, meaning juries can award full compensation for the harm suffered.

Missoula County Hazing Cases We Can Handle

We represent victims of all types of hazing in Missoula County, including:

🔹 Fraternity & Sorority Hazing – Physical abuse, forced drinking, paddling, waterboarding
🔹 Sports Team Hazing – Abuse in high school or college athletics
🔹 Marching Band Hazing – Physical or psychological abuse in band programs
🔹 ROTC & Military Hazing – Abuse in military training programs
🔹 Club & Organization Hazing – Abuse in academic clubs, honor societies, or student groups
🔹 Wrongful Death from Hazing – If hazing leads to a student’s death, we fight for the family

If your child was hazed in Missoula County, we can help—no matter what organization was involved.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Missoula County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

We are actively litigating a hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight right now. We know how to build these cases, and we will bring that same expertise to Missoula County families.

2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense

Fraternities and universities will argue:
❌ “They agreed to participate.”
❌ “It’s just tradition.”
❌ “They could have left at any time.”

We know how to destroy these arguments. In Texas, consent is not a defense to hazing. We will prove that your child was coerced, threatened, or manipulated—and that the defendants knew the risks and did nothing to stop them.

3. We’ve Beaten Insurance Companies Before

Both attorneys at Attorney 911 are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies try to lowball victims and deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.

4. We Serve Missoula County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Missoula County. We offer:
✔ Free video consultations – Meet with us remotely
✔ Travel to Missoula County – For depositions, meetings, and trials
✔ Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction

5. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Upfront

We understand that cost is a concern for Missoula County families. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency—meaning:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

6. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims in Missoula County are Spanish-speaking students or families. Our staff is bilingual, so we can:

• Conduct consultations in Spanish
• Explain legal rights in Spanish
• Handle all case communications in Spanish

No language barriers. No excuses.

Missoula County Hazing Lawsuit: What to Expect

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review:

• What happened to your child
• The evidence you’ve collected
• The potential defendants (fraternity, university, individuals)
• Your legal options

Step 2: Evidence Preservation & Investigation

We’ll:
✔ Send preservation letters to all defendants (so they can’t destroy evidence)
✔ Gather medical records, witness statements, and communications
✔ Consult with hazing experts and medical professionals
✔ Identify all liable parties (fraternity, university, individuals)

Step 3: Demand Letter & Negotiation

We’ll send a demand letter to the defendants outlining:

• The abuse your child suffered
• The medical and emotional harm caused
• The compensation you’re seeking

Many cases settle at this stage. If the defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit.

Step 4: Filing the Lawsuit

If necessary, we’ll sue:

• The fraternity/sorority
• The national organization
• The university
• Individual members

We are not afraid to take these cases to trial. In fact, we welcome it—because juries hate hazing.

Step 5: Discovery & Depositions

We’ll:
✔ Depose fraternity members, university officials, and witnesses
✔ Request internal documents (emails, texts, fraternity records)
✔ Uncover prior hazing incidents (to prove pattern of abuse)

Step 6: Settlement or Trial

• Most cases settle before trial (90%+)
• If the defendants refuse to pay fairly, we take the case to a jury
• Juries award millions in hazing cases—we’ve seen it happen

Step 7: Justice for Your Family

Whether through settlement or verdict, we fight for:
✔ Full compensation for your child’s injuries
✔ Accountability for the fraternity, sorority, and university
✔ Changes in policy to prevent future hazing

Missoula County Hazing Lawyers: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I sue a fraternity or sorority in Missoula County?

Yes. Fraternities and sororities are not above the law. If they hazed your child, we can sue:

• The local chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi at UM)
• The national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National)
• The university (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
• Individual members who participated

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

Consent is not a defense in Montana. Under Montana Code § 45-5-627, even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity, sorority, and university can still be held liable if the activities were dangerous or humiliating.

3. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Montana?

Montana has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act immediately because:

• Evidence disappears (texts, photos, witnesses forget)
• Universities and fraternities destroy records
• The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights.

4. Can I sue the University of Montana for hazing?

Yes, if the university knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it. For example:

• If the university owns the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• If the university received prior hazing complaints about the chapter
• If the university failed to enforce anti-hazing policies

The University of Montana has a duty to protect students. If they failed, we can hold them accountable.

5. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. We’ve sued fraternities for hazing that occurred at:

• Private homes
• Off-campus apartments
• Bars and restaurants
• Hotels
• Outdoor locations

6. Can I sue if my child wasn’t physically injured?

Yes. Hazing causes psychological trauma even without physical injuries. We can sue for:

• PTSD
• Anxiety and depression
• Humiliation and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

7. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in six- or seven-figure settlements. Factors that increase case value include:
✔ Severe physical injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
✔ Psychological trauma (PTSD, therapy, medication)
✔ University involvement (if they knew and did nothing)
✔ Pattern of hazing (if the chapter has a history of abuse)
✔ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, paddling)

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million. We will fight for maximum compensation for your child.

8. Will my child’s name be made public?

We protect your child’s privacy. Many hazing victims choose to:

• File under a pseudonym (e.g., “John Doe”)
• Keep their identity confidential during litigation
• Settle out of court to avoid public attention

We will discuss privacy options with you during your free consultation.

9. Can I afford a hazing lawyer in Missoula County?

Yes. We work on contingency, meaning:

• You pay $0 upfront
• We only get paid if we win
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

10. What if the fraternity is already suspended or closed?

It doesn’t matter. Even if the chapter is suspended or closed, we can still sue:

• The national organization (they have deep pockets)
• The university (if they failed to prevent hazing)
• Individual members (they can’t hide behind the fraternity)

In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the UH chapter—but we’re still suing them for $10 million.

Missoula County Hazing Resources

Emergency & Medical Help

🏥 Community Medical Center (Missoula) – (406) 728-4100
🏥 St. Patrick Hospital (Missoula) – (406) 543-7271
🏥 Providence St. Joseph Medical Center (Polson) – (406) 883-5600
🚔 Missoula Police Department – (406) 552-6300
🚔 University of Montana Police Department – (406) 243-6131

Reporting Hazing

📞 University of Montana Dean of Students – (406) 243-6413
📞 Carroll College Student Life – (406) 447-4344
📞 Montana Office of Public Instruction (K-12 hazing) – (406) 444-3095
📞 Montana Board of Regents – (406) 444-6570

Mental Health Support

🧠 Montana Crisis Line – Call or text 988
🧠 University of Montana Counseling Services – (406) 243-4712
🧠 Carroll College Counseling Services – (406) 447-5441

Missoula County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s not “building character.”

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal.

If your child has been hazed in Missoula County, we will fight for you. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit, and we will bring that same aggression, experience, and dedication to your case.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:

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

We serve Missoula County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—and we will travel to Montana for your case.

Enough is enough. It’s time to hold them accountable.