🚨 Hazing Lawyer for Petroleum County, Montana — Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

When “tradition” becomes torture, Attorney 911 fights back.

If you or your child has been the victim of hazing in Petroleum County, Montana — whether at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization — you are not alone. The same national Greek organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate right here in Montana. Petroleum County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we provide nationwide.

We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — proving that hazing is not “boys being boys,” but a dangerous, illegal practice that can cause permanent physical and psychological harm. The same fraternities with chapters near Petroleum County have the same hazing cultures. We will fight for Petroleum County victims with the same determination.

⚠️ Hazing in Montana: The Hidden Crisis

Petroleum County may be rural, but the dangers of hazing reach every corner of America. Montana’s universities and colleges host active Greek life chapters — and where there are fraternities and sororities, hazing often follows.

Hazing Happens in Montana — Even in Petroleum County

While Montana doesn’t have the same population density as Texas or California, the same national fraternities and sororities operate at Montana’s universities, including:

• Montana State University (Bozeman) — Home to multiple fraternities and sororities, including chapters of national organizations with documented hazing histories.
• University of Montana (Missoula) — Active Greek life presence with fraternities and sororities that face the same risks.
• Montana Tech (Butte) — Smaller but still vulnerable to hazing culture.
• Rocky Mountain College (Billings) — Private institution with Greek organizations.
• Carroll College (Helena) — Another private college where Greek life thrives.

These are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing nationwide. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others have chapters across Montana — and they bring the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Texas.

Petroleum County families: If your child attends college anywhere in Montana — or is considering Greek life — they face the same risks that sent our client to the hospital with kidney failure.

🔥 What Is Hazing? Montana’s Legal Definition

Montana law defines hazing as:

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

This includes:

In our current case, a student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth
• Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This isn’t “tradition.” This is torture. And it happens in Montana too.

⚖️ Montana Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights

Montana has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-627, hazing is a criminal offense that can result in:

Importantly, Montana law states:

“Consent of the victim is not a defense to hazing.”

This means that even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held legally responsible.

Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Damages

Beyond criminal charges, Montana law allows victims to sue for civil damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

Petroleum County families: If your child has been hazed in Montana, you have the right to pursue compensation — and we can help you do it, no matter where in the state you are.

💰 Hazing Settlements & Verdicts: What Montana Victims Can Expect

Hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts nationwide. While each case is unique, these precedents show what’s possible for Montana victims:

What this means for Petroleum County families:

• Hazing cases win big. Juries and courts take these cases seriously.
• The same fraternities operate in Montana. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have Montana chapters — and the same hazing cultures.
• Universities are liable too. If a Montana university knew about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be sued.
• Punitive damages are available. When conduct is egregious (like waterboarding), courts award extra damages to punish the wrongdoers.

🏢 Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Montana?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

In our current case, we are suing:

• Pi Kappa Phi National
• The local chapter
• The housing corporation
• The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members and officers

The same strategy applies to Montana cases. If hazing occurs at a Montana university, we will pursue every liable party — from the national organization to the university to the individual perpetrators.

🚨 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Petroleum County or Montana

If you suspect or know that your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and Montana has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Hazing injuries can be life-threatening. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, and hypothermia are medical emergencies.
• Document everything. Medical records are crucial evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• DO NOT delete any communications (texts, emails, social media messages, GroupMe chats).
• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
• Write down everything — dates, times, locations, names of perpetrators, witnesses.
• Save all clothing or items used in hazing (paddles, blindfolds, etc.).

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel.
• Do NOT sign any documents from the organization.
• Do NOT give statements to university administrators without an attorney present.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

We will:

• Evaluate your case at no cost
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Handle all communications with the organization and university
• Fight for maximum compensation for your child’s injuries

We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.

🎯 Why Petroleum County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

• We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.
• Petroleum County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Montana

• Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Montana.
• Federal court authority — We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York.
• We travel to Montana for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
• We know how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to deny liability.
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.

4. Proven Track Record of Million-Dollar Results

• BP Texas City explosion litigation — Multi-billion dollar case experience.
• Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements across all practice areas.
• Hazing-specific expertise — We’ve handled Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, and rhabdomyolysis cases.

5. We Speak Your Language

• Se habla español — Our team is bilingual, serving Spanish-speaking families.
• We understand rural communities — Petroleum County values matter to us.
• We treat you like family — You’re not just a case to us.

6. No Upfront Costs — We Work on Contingency

• $0 upfront — You pay nothing to hire us.
• We don’t get paid unless we win — Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict.
• No risk to you — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

📞 Petroleum County Families: Call Now for Free Consultation

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “fun.” It’s abuse. And it’s illegal.

If your child has been hazed in Petroleum County or anywhere in Montana, we can help. The same legal strategies that are winning our $10 million case in Texas apply to Montana victims.

Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We will travel to Petroleum County. We will fight for you. And we will make them pay.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Petroleum County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they “consented” to participate. 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 organization and individuals can still be held liable. In our current case, the fraternity argued that our client “consented,” but Texas law (like Montana law) says consent doesn’t matter.

Q: The fraternity says this was just “a few bad apples.” Is that true?

A: NO. Hazing is a systemic problem in Greek life. In our current case:

• The hazing lasted 7 weeks.
• Another pledge lost consciousness a month before our client collapsed.
• The national organization knew about “a hazing crisis” and did nothing.
• The university knew about a 2017 hazing incident at another fraternity and did nothing.

This wasn’t a few bad apples — it was a rotten culture.

Q: We’re in Petroleum County. Can you really help us?

A: YES. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Montana. We offer:

• Video consultations — Meet with us remotely.
• Travel to Montana — For depositions, trials, and client meetings.
• Federal court authority — We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
• Experience with rural communities — We understand Petroleum County values.

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases typically involve:

• Medical expenses (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (if the conduct was egregious)

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million for a victim who survived but suffered kidney failure. Death cases often settle for much more.

Q: What if the university says they didn’t know?

Universities often claim ignorance, but they have a duty to know. In our current case:

• The university owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
• The university had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity.
• The university has a Greek Life office responsible for oversight.

If a Montana university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they are liable.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?

We understand the fear of retaliation — our current client is too afraid to do media interviews because of it. We will:

• Handle all communications with the organization and university.
• Protect your child’s identity to the extent possible.
• Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates.
• Build a strong case so the organization has no reason to target your child.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

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

• Evidence disappears (texts, photos, witness memories fade).
• Organizations destroy records.
• The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a private event off campus?

Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. In our current case, some hazing occurred at a former member’s private residence — and we are suing the homeowners for premises liability. If hazing happens anywhere in Montana, we can pursue the responsible parties.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, not just the local chapter?

YES. National organizations often have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. In our current case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to supervise their chapter despite knowing about “a hazing crisis.”

The same applies to Montana chapters of national fraternities and sororities.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in Petroleum County?

Hazing isn’t just a college problem — it happens in high schools too. Montana’s anti-hazing law applies to all educational institutions, including high schools. If your child was hazed at a Petroleum County high school, we can help.

🔍 How to Spot Hazing in Petroleum County Schools

Hazing can be subtle or extreme. Warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing include:

If you notice these signs, talk to your child — and call us immediately.

🏛️ Montana Universities with Greek Life — Know the Risks

The following Montana universities have active Greek life chapters. If your child attends or plans to attend one of these schools, they face hazing risks:

National fraternities with Montana chapters include:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Sigma Chi
• Kappa Sigma
• Phi Delta Theta
• Delta Chi
• Tau Kappa Epsilon
• Alpha Gamma Delta
• Alpha Phi
• Chi Omega
• Delta Gamma
• Kappa Delta

These are the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.

📢 A Message to Montana Fraternities and Sororities

To the Greek organizations operating in Montana:

We are watching. We are tracking your chapters. We know your national organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries.

Pi Kappa Phi — You paid after Andrew Coffey died in 2017. You’re paying again after Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025. When will you stop?

Sigma Alpha Epsilon — You’ve had multiple hazing deaths. How many more?

Sigma Chi — You’ve had lawsuits. When will you change?

To every fraternity and sorority with a Montana chapter:

• We know your house corporations.
• We know your insurance policies.
• We know your national headquarters’ assets.
• If you haze students in Montana, we will find every liable entity.

The same legal strategies that are winning our $10 million case apply to your chapter. Your chapter could be next.

📢 A Message to Montana Universities

To the administrators at Montana State University, University of Montana, Montana Tech, Rocky Mountain College, Carroll College, and all other Montana institutions:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you allow Greek life on your campus, you assume responsibility for their actions.

• You know hazing happens.
• You know the risks.
• You have the power to stop it.

If you fail to act, you will be held accountable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017. They did nothing. Now they’re being sued.

Montana universities: You have been warned. Protect your students — or face the consequences.

📢 A Message to Petroleum County Parents

Petroleum County families: You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust that the university and Greek organizations will look out for them.

That trust is being betrayed.

Hazing isn’t “fun.” It isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse, and it’s happening right here in Montana.

If your child has been hazed:

• They are not to blame.
• They do not deserve this.
• You have the right to fight back.

We are here to help. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We will listen. We will fight. And we will make them pay.

🏆 Our Commitment to Petroleum County Families

At Attorney 911, we believe that every child deserves to go to college without fear of torture. We are committed to:

1. Ending the culture of hazing in Montana and nationwide.
2. Holding institutions accountable — from national fraternities to local universities.
3. Protecting Petroleum County families from the physical and emotional trauma of hazing.
4. Securing justice for victims, so no other family has to go through what ours have.

We don’t just talk about fighting hazing. We’re doing it right now — and we’ll do it for Petroleum County families too.

🚨 Petroleum County Families: Act Now

Time is running out. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations clock is ticking.

If your child has been hazed in Petroleum County or anywhere in Montana, call us NOW:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We will travel to Petroleum County. We will fight for you. And we will make them pay.

© 2025 Attorney 911. All rights reserved.
Serving Petroleum County, Montana and nationwide.
Hazing litigation experts — fighting for justice.