🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Support in Pondera County, Montana

Pondera County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in Pondera County, it’s illegal.

If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Pondera County, you have legal rights. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements nationwide operate in Montana. The same negligence that hospitalized our client in Houston exists at institutions serving Pondera County students.

We are Attorney 911 — the hazing litigation experts. We’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for waterboarding, forced exercise to kidney failure, and systematic abuse. Pondera County families get the same aggressive representation.

The Hazing Crisis in Pondera County

What Pondera County Parents Need to Know

Hazing happens in Montana — at colleges, universities, Greek organizations, sports teams, and clubs near Pondera County. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide have chapters at Montana institutions.

Common hazing activities in Pondera County and across Montana include:

• Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging)
• Extreme physical punishment (excessive exercise, paddling)
• Psychological torture (sleep deprivation, humiliation)
• Waterboarding and simulated drowning (as seen in our current case)
• Forced eating until vomiting
• Sexual humiliation and assault
• Sleep deprivation leading to exhaustion

Medical consequences can be severe:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
• Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• Hypothermia or heat stroke (from exposure)
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Wrongful death

Pondera County families: If your child has experienced any of these, they have been hazed — and you have legal rights.

The Landmark Case: Why Pondera County Families Should Pay Attention

This Is Happening in Houston — It Could Happen in Pondera County

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025 — $10 million lawsuit
Victim: Leonel Bermudez — hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after hazing
Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, individual members

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet), accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse including:

• Waterboarding 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 collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15 — they kept going
• On November 3, 2025, he was punished with extreme exercise until he couldn’t stand
• November 6, 2025: Mother rushed him to the hospital with kidney failure
• Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis

This happened in Houston. It could happen — and likely is happening — in Pondera County.

Why This Case Matters to Pondera County

1. Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide — including near Pondera County

   • The same national organization that waterboarded our client operates in Montana
   • They have a documented history: Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017

2. Universities near Pondera County face the same liability failures

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
   • They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it from happening again
   • Institutions near Pondera County have the same duty to protect students

3. The same “traditions” exist in Pondera County

   • Forced drinking, physical abuse, psychological torture — these aren’t unique to Texas
   • If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Pondera County, they face the same risks

4. $10 million sends a message — Pondera County families can demand the same

   • Our case is setting a precedent for hazing litigation nationwide
   • Pondera County victims deserve the same aggressive representation

Montana Hazing Laws: What Pondera County Families Need to Know

Hazing Is Illegal in Montana

Montana has strong anti-hazing laws. Under Montana Code Annotated § 20-25-501 to 503, hazing is defined as:

Any activity expected of someone joining a group that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that person, whether or not the person consents to participate.

This includes:

• Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding)
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions
• Confinement in small spaces
• Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm

Consent Is Not a Defense in Montana

“It is not a defense to prosecution that the victim consented to the hazing activity.” — MCA § 20-25-503

This is critical for Pondera County families: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they cannot legally consent to hazing. The law is on your side.

Criminal Penalties in Montana

Pondera County families: If your child has been seriously injured or killed due to hazing, the perpetrators can face felony charges.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Pondera County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible — not just the individuals who directly participated.

1. Local Chapters (Fraternities/Sororities)

• Directly organize and conduct hazing activities
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) face personal liability
• Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations

• Have actual knowledge of hazing risks (our case proves this)
• Fail to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Have deep pockets and insurance policies that can pay damages
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant in our $10 million lawsuit

3. Universities and Colleges Near Pondera County

• Have a duty to protect students
• Often own or control fraternity/sorority houses
• Receive tuition and fees from hazed students
• Can be liable for negligent supervision and premises liability
• Example: University of Houston is a defendant in our case for owning the fraternity house

4. Individual Members and Officers

• Personally participate in hazing
• Direct or encourage hazing activities
• Fail to stop hazing they witness
• Can be sued individually and face criminal charges

5. Alumni and Hosts

• Allow hazing to occur at their homes
• Premises liability for unsafe conditions
• Can be named as defendants (as in our case)

Precedent Cases: Pondera County Victims Can Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These same results are possible for Pondera County families.

Pondera County families: These cases prove that hazing victims win. The same legal strategies apply to Montana cases.

What Pondera County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation
• Call 911 if there is a medical emergency

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and concussions may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 3: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages of healing
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails)
• Document everything in writing (dates, times, what happened, who was involved)
• Get witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders)
• Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing

Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

• Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do not sign anything from the organization or university
• Do not post on social media about the incident
• Anything you say can be used against you

Step 5: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Free consultation — we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront

Pondera County families: The statute of limitations in Montana is 3 years for personal injury and 2 years for wrongful death. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

Why Pondera County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Hazing Litigation Experts

• Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Proven track record in hazing cases, including rhabdomyolysis and wrongful death
• Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks

2. We Serve Pondera County Families Nationwide

• Headquartered in Houston, Texas — with offices in Austin and Beaumont
• Federal court authority — we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
• Video consultations available for Pondera County families
• We travel to Pondera County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

3. We Fight for Maximum Compensation

• Economic damages: Medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity
• Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD
• Punitive damages: To punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing

4. We Understand the Culture

• Ralph Manginello is a former college athlete and youth coach
• We understand team dynamics, Greek life culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing
• We know how to expose institutional failures

5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Pondera County Families

• No hourly fees
• No upfront costs
• We only get paid if you win
• You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

What Pondera County Families Can Expect When They Call Us

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

• We’ll listen to your story
• We’ll evaluate the strength of your case
• We’ll explain your legal options

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We’ll send preservation letters to all defendants
• We’ll ensure evidence isn’t destroyed
• We’ll begin gathering medical records and documentation

Step 3: Investigation and Strategy

• We’ll identify all liable parties (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities)
• We’ll build a comprehensive case strategy
• We’ll work with medical and hazing experts

Step 4: Demand and Negotiation

• We’ll send a demand letter to all defendants
• We’ll negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
• We’ll fight for maximum compensation

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

• If defendants refuse to settle fairly, we’ll file a lawsuit
• We’ll handle all court filings, depositions, and discovery
• We’ll be prepared to take your case to trial

Step 6: Resolution

• We’ll recover compensation for your family
• We’ll ensure the defendants are held accountable
• We’ll work to prevent future hazing in Pondera County

Pondera County Hazing: Common Questions Answered

Q: My child consented to 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, they cannot legally consent to being hazed. The law protects victims regardless of consent.

Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Hazing is assault. It is battery. It is torture. No amount of tradition makes it legal.

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

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

• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere
• Video consultation technology for remote meetings
• Willingness to travel to Pondera County for your case
• Experience with out-of-state cases — we know how to serve defendants anywhere

Q: How much is our hazing case worth?

A: It depends on the severity of the injuries and the defendants’ ability to pay. Factors include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma
• Punitive damages (for egregious conduct)

Recent hazing cases have settled for $4 million to $110 million. We will fight for the maximum compensation your case deserves.

Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury?

A: You may still have a case. Hazing often causes:

• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Emotional distress
• Humiliation and shame

These are all compensable injuries. Contact us for a free evaluation.

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

A: In Montana:

• Personal injury: 3 years from the date of injury
• Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Q: Will my child have to testify?

A: Possibly, but we’ll prepare them. Many cases settle before trial. If we do go to trial, we’ll work closely with your child to ensure they’re comfortable and prepared.

Pondera County Fraternities on Notice

To Fraternities Operating Near Pondera County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Pondera County, we will:

• Sue your chapter
• Sue your national organization
• Sue your university
• Sue your officers individually
• Pursue every liable entity

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Pondera County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

Your chapter could be next.

Universities Near Pondera County: You Have a Duty to Protect Students

To Administrators at Institutions Serving Pondera County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

You have a legal duty to:

• Monitor Greek organizations
• Enforce anti-hazing policies
• Inspect fraternity/sorority properties
• Act on reports of hazing
• Protect your students

When you fail, you face liability. University of Houston is learning this lesson now. Will your institution be next?

Pondera County Parents: You Are Not Alone

We understand what you’re going through.

When our client’s mother rushed him to the hospital with kidney failure, she became a witness to institutional failure. When Pondera County families lose children to hazing, they deserve answers and justice.

You are not powerless. You have legal rights. You have Attorney 911.

Contact Attorney 911 — Pondera County’s Hazing Legal Experts

If your child has been hazed in Pondera County or anywhere in Montana, call us now.

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

Free consultation • No upfront costs • We only get paid if you win

We serve Pondera County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Pondera County Hazing Victims: The Time to Act Is Now

Every day you wait:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• Your rights expire

Every day we fight:

• We preserve evidence
• We hold perpetrators accountable
• We secure justice for your family

Call Attorney 911 today. 1-888-ATTY-911.

Enough is enough.