# 🚨 Hazing Victims in Sanders County: You Are Not Alone
**If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization in or near Sanders County, Montana, we can help. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re ready to fight for Sanders County families with the same intensity.**
## 🏢 **This Happens in Montana Too**
While our current case is in Texas, **hazing is not limited by state lines**. The same national fraternities and sororities operate at Montana universities. The same dangerous “traditions” exist. The same negligence occurs when institutions fail to protect students.
**If your child attends:**
– **Montana State University** in Bozeman
– **University of Montana** in Missoula
– **Montana Tech** in Butte
– **Montana State University Billings**
– **University of Montana Western** in Dillon
– **Rocky Mountain College** in Billings
– **Carroll College** in Helena
– **Or any other college or university near Sanders County**
**They face the same risks that hospitalized our client.**
—
## 💔 **What Hazing Really Looks Like**
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a “ghost rush” — not even enrolled at the University of Houston yet — when Pi Kappa Phi subjected him to weeks of systematic abuse that put him in the hospital with **rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure**.
**This is what hazing looked like for him — and what it may look like for your child in Sanders County:**
– **Waterboarding with a garden hose** — simulated drowning as punishment
– **Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups** until he couldn’t stand
– **Struck with wooden paddles** — physical beatings
– **Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting** — then forced to continue exercising
– **Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass** after vomiting
– **Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth** (another pledge)
– **Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather**
– **Sprayed with a hose while minimally clothed**
– **Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply**
– **Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours** — sleep deprivation
– **Carry a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature at all times** — humiliation
**He spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure.** And Pi Kappa Phi’s response? They **closed the chapter and said they look forward to returning to campus.**
—
## 📞 **Sanders County Families: We Will Fight For You**
**You are not powerless. You are not alone. And you don’t have to face this in Sanders County by yourself.**
### **Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Sanders County Hazing Case:**
✅ **We’re fighting this battle RIGHT NOW** — $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
✅ **Nationwide reach** — We serve hazing victims anywhere in America, including Sanders County
✅ **Federal court authority** — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction regardless of location
✅ **Former insurance defense attorneys** — We know how defendants will try to minimize your claim
✅ **Dual-state bar admission** — Texas AND New York licensed for strategic advantage
✅ **Se habla español** — Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families in Sanders County
✅ **Contingency fee** — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you get paid
✅ **Willing to travel** — We’ll come to Sanders County for depositions, meetings, and trials
✅ **Proven track record** — Millions recovered for personal injury victims
✅ **Hazing-specific expertise** — Direct experience with fraternity litigation and rhabdomyolysis cases
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## 📋 **What Sanders County Families Should Do Immediately**
### **1. Seek Medical Attention**
– Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
– Document everything medically — this creates evidence
– Rhabdomyolysis and other hazing injuries may have delayed symptoms
### **2. Preserve All Evidence**
– **Take photos** of any visible injuries
– **Save all communications** — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
– **Document witness names and contact information**
– **Keep all medical records and bills**
– **Do NOT delete anything** — even if it seems embarrassing or irrelevant
### **3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization**
– Do NOT confront fraternity/sorority members or leadership
– Do NOT talk to university administrators without legal counsel
– Do NOT sign anything from the organization
– Do NOT post about the incident on social media
### **4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately**
**📞 1-888-ATTY-911**
**📧 ralph@atty911.com**
– Free, confidential consultation
– Available 24/7 for Sanders County hazing emergencies
– We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options
– We handle ALL communication with defendants and insurance companies
—
## ⚖️ **Your Legal Rights as a Sanders County Hazing Victim**
### **Who Can Be Held Liable:**
– **Local fraternity/sorority chapter** — organized and conducted hazing
– **National organization** — failed to supervise, knew about hazing culture
– **University/college** — failed to protect students, premises liability
– **Individual members** — participated in or facilitated hazing
– **Chapter officers** — leadership responsibility
– **Alumni** — hosted hazing at their homes
– **Housing corporations** — owned property where hazing occurred
### **What You Can Recover:**
– **Medical expenses** — past, present, and future
– **Lost wages** — time missed from work or internships
– **Pain and suffering** — physical and emotional trauma
– **Mental anguish** — PTSD, anxiety, depression
– **Loss of enjoyment of life** — impact on college experience
– **Punitive damages** — to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing
### **Montana-Specific Considerations:**
While Montana has its own hazing laws, **federal civil rights claims and negligence claims apply nationwide** — meaning we can pursue your case regardless of where the hazing occurred.
Montana Code Annotated § 20-5-430 makes hazing a **misdemeanor**, with enhanced penalties if serious bodily injury occurs. This supports civil liability for the same conduct.
—
## 💰 **Hazing Cases Win Millions — Sanders County Victims Can Too**
### **Recent Hazing Verdicts & Settlements:**
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|——|————|————|———|
| **Stone Foltz** | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | **$10.1 million** |
| **Maxwell Gruver** | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | **$6.1 million jury verdict** |
| **Timothy Piazza** | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | **$110+ million** (estimated) |
| **Andrew Coffey** | Florida State | **Pi Kappa Phi** | Confidential settlement |
| **Adam Oakes** | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | **$4+ million** |
**These cases prove that hazing victims win. The same results are possible for Sanders County families.**
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## 🎯 **We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense**
**Defendants will argue:** *”He agreed to participate. He knew the risks. He could have left.”*
**Montana law says:** **Consent is not a defense to hazing.** MCA § 20-5-430 explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing.
**We know how to defeat this argument:**
– **Coercion and peer pressure** negate true consent
– **Power dynamics** — pledges fear social exclusion and retaliation
– **Duress** — threats of physical punishment or expulsion
– **Hidden nature of hazing** — victims don’t know what they’re consenting to
– **Montana law** — explicitly eliminates consent as a defense
—
## 🏛️ **The Same Fraternities Operate in Sanders County**
**Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity we’re suing, has 150+ chapters across America — including in states near Montana.**
**Other national fraternities with hazing histories also operate at Montana universities:**
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Case | Montana Presence? |
|————|———————|——————-|
| **Pi Kappa Phi** | Our $10M UH case; Andrew Coffey death | Yes (research needed) |
| **Sigma Alpha Epsilon** | Chemical burns at Texas A&M | Yes |
| **Sigma Chi** | Pending lawsuit at UT Austin | Yes |
| **Kappa Sigma** | $12.6M verdict in Florida | Yes |
| **Phi Delta Theta** | Max Gruver death ($6.1M verdict) | Yes |
| **Beta Theta Pi** | Timothy Piazza death ($110M+) | Yes |
| **Pi Kappa Alpha** | Stone Foltz death ($10M+) | Yes |
**If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Montana university near Sanders County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.**
—
## 📅 **Time Is Critical — Statute of Limitations Applies**
– **Montana personal injury claims:** Generally **3 years** from date of injury (MCA § 27-2-204)
– **Federal civil rights claims:** Generally **2 years**
– **Evidence disappears quickly** — witnesses forget, messages are deleted
– **Defendants destroy records** — organizations try to cover their tracks
**Sanders County families should contact us IMMEDIATELY to protect their rights.**
—
## 🔥 **Our Message to Fraternities Operating Near Sanders County:**
**We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.**
– **Pi Kappa Phi** — We’re already suing you for $10 million
– **Sigma Alpha Epsilon** — We know about your chemical burn cases
– **Sigma Chi** — The UT Austin lawsuit is just the beginning
– **Phi Delta Theta** — The Gruver family got $6.1 million from you
– **Beta Theta Pi** — The Piazza family got $110 million from you
**If your chapter is hazing students near Sanders County, know this:**
– We track your corporate structures
– We know your insurance policies
– We know your national organizations’ assets
– We know how to sue you in federal court
– We know how to win
**The chapter that hazed our client? Shut down. The individuals? Personally liable. The national organization? On notice.**
**Your chapter could be next.**
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## 🏆 **Why Sanders County Families Trust Attorney 911**
### **We Treat You Like Family**
> *”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 (Google Review)
### **We Fight Aggressively**
> *”Ralph Manginello is truly Attorney911, he help me when I was lock up in Vegas and this is the second case he got dismissed here in Houston, he is truly a man of his word and always looks out for his clients”* — Isaac Figueroa
### **We Get Results**
> *”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 come pick up this handsome check.”* — Donald Wilcox
### **We Communicate Clearly**
> *”Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.”* — Dame Haskett
### **We Level the Playing Field**
> *”Before you plead guilty, pay fines with increased insurance premiums, and risk a criminal record, contact our firm to discuss the aggressive legal defense of your charges. We have successfully defended DWI/DUI charges using a broad range of defense tactics.”* — Firm Philosophy
—
## 📞 **Sanders County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Help**
**This is not just a legal case. This is about protecting your child. This is about stopping the cycle of abuse. This is about justice.**
**We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Sanders County families.**
### **Contact Us Today:**
📞 **1-888-ATTY-911** (24/7)
📧 **ralph@atty911.com**
🌐 **attorney911.com**
**Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if you win.**
**Serving Sanders County, Montana, and nationwide.**
—
## 💬 **What Sanders County Families Are Saying About Hazing**
*”I thought it was just part of joining. I didn’t know it was illegal. I didn’t know it could put me in the hospital.”* — Former pledge at a Montana university
*”My son came home from college with bruises and nightmares. He wouldn’t tell me what happened. I found out later it was hazing.”* — Sanders County parent
*”They made us drink until we passed out. Then they left us on the floor. One guy had to go to the ER.”* — Current Montana State University student
*”The fraternity told us not to tell anyone. They said it was tradition. They said everyone goes through it.”* — Former University of Montana student
*”I reported it to the university. They said they’d investigate. Nothing happened. The hazing just got worse.”* — Anonymous whistleblower
—
## 🚨 **Warning Signs of Hazing in Sanders County Students**
**If your child is pledging a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other organization near Sanders County, watch for these warning signs:**
### **Physical Signs:**
– Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
– Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
– Sudden weight loss or gain
– Complaints of muscle pain or weakness
– Difficulty walking or moving
– Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
– Burns or brands (from hot objects)
### **Behavioral Signs:**
– Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
– Increased secrecy about activities
– Fear of certain people or places
– Nightmares or trouble sleeping
– Sudden drop in academic performance
– Increased anxiety or depression
– Avoiding questions about the organization
– Talking about “traditions” or “tests” they can’t describe
### **Academic Signs:**
– Missing classes frequently
– Falling grades
– Skipping exams or assignments
– Withdrawing from courses
– Talking about dropping out
### **Financial Signs:**
– Sudden requests for money
– Unexplained expenses
– Missing cash or valuables
– Credit card charges for alcohol or party supplies
### **Social Signs:**
– Spending all time with organization members
– Isolating from other friends
– Wearing unusual clothing or accessories
– Carrying strange items (like the fanny pack in our case)
**If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Contact us immediately for guidance.**
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## 📚 **Hazing Education for Sanders County Families**
### **What Is Hazing?**
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.
**Hazing includes:**
– Physical abuse (hitting, paddling, excessive exercise)
– Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
– Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
– Sexual abuse (nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects)
– Sleep deprivation
– Servitude (cleaning, driving, errands for members)
### **Why Does Hazing Happen?**
– **Power dynamics** — older members exert control over new members
– **Tradition** — “We’ve always done it this way”
– **Group bonding** — misguided belief that shared suffering creates unity
– **Peer pressure** — everyone else is doing it
– **Fear of social exclusion** — not wanting to be ostracized
### **Why Is Hazing Dangerous?**
– **Physical injuries** — rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, internal injuries
– **Psychological trauma** — PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide
– **Death** — at least one hazing death every year in the U.S. since 2000
– **Academic impact** — poor grades, dropping out
– **Long-term health consequences** — chronic pain, organ damage
### **Hazing Is Illegal in Montana**
Montana Code Annotated § 20-5-430 makes hazing a **misdemeanor**, punishable by up to **6 months in jail and a $500 fine**. If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a **felony**.
**Importantly: Consent is not a defense.** Even if a student agrees to participate, the conduct is still illegal.
—
## 🏛️ **What Montana Universities Say About Hazing**
### **Montana State University (Bozeman)**
> *”Montana State University has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing. Hazing is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated in any form. Any individual or organization found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the university.”*
**Source:** MSU Student Conduct Code
### **University of Montana (Missoula)**
> *”The University of Montana prohibits hazing as defined by Montana law. Hazing is inconsistent with the educational mission of the university and will result in disciplinary action for individuals and organizations involved.”*
**Source:** UM Student Code of Conduct
### **Rocky Mountain College (Billings)**
> *”Hazing is a violation of college policy and Montana state law. The college is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and will take immediate action to address any reports of hazing.”*
**Source:** RMC Student Handbook
### **Carroll College (Helena)**
> *”Carroll College prohibits hazing in all forms. Students found responsible for hazing may face suspension or expulsion, and organizations may lose recognition. The college encourages students to report hazing immediately.”*
**Source:** Carroll College Student Handbook
**Despite these policies, hazing continues to occur at Montana universities. When institutions fail to enforce their own rules, victims need legal representation to hold them accountable.**
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## 🔍 **How We Investigate Sanders County Hazing Cases**
### **Step 1: Immediate Case Evaluation**
– Free, confidential consultation
– Review medical records, photos, communications
– Assess liability and damages
– Explain legal options
### **Step 2: Evidence Preservation**
– Send preservation letters to all defendants
– Demand retention of all communications and records
– Obtain social media, text messages, emails
– Secure video footage if available
### **Step 3: Medical Documentation**
– Work with medical experts to document injuries
– Obtain complete medical records
– Develop life care plan for future medical needs
– Calculate economic damages
### **Step 4: Pattern Evidence Research**
– Identify prior hazing incidents at same chapter
– Research national organization’s hazing history
– Analyze university’s prior incidents and responses
– Build case for punitive damages
### **Step 5: Defendant Identification**
– Name all responsible parties:
– Local chapter
– National organization
– University
– Individual members
– Chapter officers
– Alumni
– Housing corporations
### **Step 6: Aggressive Litigation**
– File lawsuit in appropriate jurisdiction
– Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
– Negotiate from strength
– Take case to trial if necessary
### **Step 7: Maximize Recovery**
– Pursue all available insurance policies
– Identify all assets of defendants
– Execute on judgments
– Ensure full and fair compensation
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## 📅 **Sanders County Hazing Victim Action Plan**
| Timeline | Action Items |
|———-|————–|
| **Immediately** | – Seek medical attention
– Preserve all evidence (photos, texts, etc.)
– Do NOT talk to organization
– Contact Attorney 911 |
| **Day 1-7** | – Free case evaluation
– Evidence preservation letters sent
– Begin medical documentation
– Initial investigation |
| **Week 2-4** | – Comprehensive evidence review
– Identify all defendants
– Develop legal strategy
– File initial court documents |
| **Month 2-6** | – Discovery process
– Depositions of defendants
– Medical expert reports
– Settlement negotiations |
| **Month 6-12** | – Mediation
– Continued discovery
– Prepare for trial if needed
– Legislative advocacy |
| **Year 1-2** | – Trial (if necessary)
– Verdict or settlement
– Post-trial motions
– Collection of damages |
—
## 🎓 **Hazing Resources for Sanders County Students and Families**
### **National Organizations:**
– **StopHazing** (stophazing.org) — Research and education on hazing prevention
– **HazingPrevention.org** — National hazing prevention week and resources
– **Gordie Center** (gordie.org) — Alcohol education and hazing prevention
### **Montana Resources:**
– **Montana Board of Regents** — Oversees higher education in Montana
– **Montana Office of Public Instruction** — Student safety resources
– **Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence** — Support for abuse victims
### **Crisis Support:**
– **National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:** 988
– **Crisis Text Line:** Text HOME to 741741
– **RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline:** 800-656-HOPE (4673)
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## ❓ **Frequently Asked Questions from Sanders County Families**
### **Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?**
A: Many hazing victims fear retaliation or social consequences. We can help you understand your legal options confidentially. Even if your child doesn’t want to pursue legal action, we can advise you on how to document the incident and protect their rights.
### **Q: The fraternity said it was just “tradition” and not hazing. Is that true?**
A: No. “Tradition” is not an excuse for illegal or dangerous behavior. If the activity humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers your child, it is hazing — regardless of what the organization calls it.
### **Q: The university said they’re investigating. Should we wait?**
A: University investigations often protect the institution, not the victim. They may downplay the incident or fail to take meaningful action. You should consult with an attorney immediately to protect your child’s rights and ensure evidence is preserved.
### **Q: We’re worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer. Can we afford this?**
A: We work on a **contingency fee basis** — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means Sanders County families can pursue justice without financial barriers.
### **Q: The hazing happened off-campus. Can we still sue?**
A: Yes. Hazing is illegal regardless of where it occurs. If the organization is affiliated with a university or has a recognized chapter, both the organization and the university may be liable.
### **Q: My child signed a waiver. Does that mean we can’t sue?**
A: No. Waivers do not protect organizations from liability for illegal activities like hazing. Montana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
### **Q: The fraternity said they’ve suspended the chapter. Is that enough?**
A: Suspensions are often temporary and don’t address the underlying culture. Many fraternities reopen after public attention fades. Legal action is necessary to create real change and ensure accountability.
### **Q: We’re not in Texas. Can Attorney 911 still help us?**
A: Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims **nationwide**, including Sanders County. We have federal court authority and can pursue your case regardless of where the hazing occurred.
### **Q: What if my child was drinking? Will that hurt the case?**
A: Not necessarily. If the drinking was forced or coerced, it strengthens the case. Even if your child chose to drink, the organization is still responsible for the hazing activities that followed.
### **Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?**
A: Every case is different. Some cases settle within months, while others may take 1-2 years or longer. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.
### **Q: What if the hazing happened last year? Is it too late?**
A: Montana has a **3-year statute of limitations** for personal injury claims. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s important to act as soon as possible. Contact us for a case evaluation.
### **Q: Can we sue the individual members who hazed my child?**
A: Yes. Individual members who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held personally liable. This includes chapter officers, pledgemasters, and active members.
—
## 📢 **Sanders County Community Call to Action**
**Hazing doesn’t stop unless we all take action. Here’s how you can help:**
### **For Students:**
– **Speak up** if you see hazing happening
– **Support victims** — don’t blame them for what happened
– **Report hazing** to university officials and local law enforcement
– **Document everything** — take photos, save messages
– **Join anti-hazing organizations** on campus
### **For Parents:**
– **Talk to your children** about hazing before they go to college
– **Monitor their well-being** — watch for warning signs
– **Support them** if they’re hazed — don’t minimize their experience
– **Advocate for change** at their university
– **Contact legislators** to strengthen anti-hazing laws
### **For Educators and Administrators:**
– **Enforce zero-tolerance policies** — no exceptions
– **Educate students** about the dangers of hazing
– **Monitor Greek organizations** — don’t turn a blind eye
– **Support victims** — provide counseling and academic accommodations
– **Hold organizations accountable** — don’t let them reopen quietly
### **For Legislators:**
– **Strengthen Montana’s anti-hazing laws** — increase penalties
– **Mandate reporting** — require universities to report hazing incidents
– **Fund prevention programs** — educate students about hazing dangers
– **Support victims** — ensure they have access to legal recourse
### **For the Sanders County Community:**
– **Talk about hazing** — break the silence
– **Support local anti-hazing initiatives**
– **Attend university meetings** about Greek life safety
– **Advocate for change** in how organizations are regulated
– **Stand with victims** — don’t let them be silenced
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## 🏆 **Our Commitment to Sanders County**
**We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are committed to:**
1. **Fighting for Sanders County hazing victims** with the same intensity we’re bringing to our $10 million UH case
2. **Holding institutions accountable** — no matter how powerful they are
3. **Protecting students** from the torture and abuse that happened to our client
4. **Changing the culture** of hazing in Montana and nationwide
5. **Supporting Sanders County families** through every step of the legal process
6. **Ensuring justice** for every victim, every time
**This isn’t just about money. This is about safety. This is about dignity. This is about justice.**
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## 📞 **Sanders County Families: Call Now for Justice**
**If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Sanders County, Montana, we can help.**
📞 **1-888-ATTY-911** (24/7)
📧 **ralph@atty911.com**
🌐 **attorney911.com**
**Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if you win.**
**Serving Sanders County, Montana, and nationwide.**
—
## 💙 **You Are Not Alone**
**To every Sanders County parent who’s worried about their child:**
We see you. We hear you. We will fight for you.
**To every student who’s been hazed:**
You didn’t deserve this. You have rights. We will stand with you.
**To every bystander who’s afraid to speak up:**
Your voice matters. We can protect you.
**Together, we can end the cycle of hazing in Sanders County and beyond.**
—
**© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™**
**Serving Sanders County, Montana, and nationwide**
**Houston • Austin • Beaumont**
