Hazing Lawyers in Sheridan County, Montana – Protecting Students and Families from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We
Sheridan County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities will protect their students. They believe that fraternities and sororities are about brotherhood and sisterhood—not torture, abuse, and life-threatening injuries.
But the reality is far darker.
Right now, in Montana and across America, students are being waterboarded, beaten, forced to drink until they vomit, and pushed to the brink of death—all in the name of “tradition.” And when these students end up in the hospital—or worse—the institutions responsible cover it up, minimize it, and wait for the outrage to fade so they can go back to business as usual.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting back.
We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities operate at universities near Sheridan County. The same negligence exists at Montana institutions. And the same legal rights apply to Sheridan County families.
If your child has been hazed in Sheridan County, Montana—or anywhere in America—we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this landmark case.
What Is Hazing? The Reality in Sheridan County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless pranks.” It’s a systematic, institutionalized form of abuse that has sent countless students to the hospital—and too many to the grave.
Examples of Hazing Happening Near Sheridan County:
✅ Physical Abuse – Beatings with paddles, forced exercise until collapse, branding, burning
✅ Waterboarding & Simulated Drowning – Using hoses, buckets, or other methods to terrify pledges
✅ Forced Consumption – Drinking until alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances
✅ Sleep Deprivation – Late-night activities, early-morning drills, forced servitude
✅ Psychological Torture – Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation
✅ Sexual Abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, assault
Medical Consequences of Hazing in Sheridan County:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – exactly what happened to our client
- Acute Kidney Failure – our client was hospitalized for 4 days
- Alcohol Poisoning – many hazing deaths result from forced drinking
- Traumatic Brain Injury – from beatings or falls
- Hypothermia/Hyperthermia – from exposure to extreme weather
- Cardiac Arrest – from extreme physical exertion
- PTSD, Anxiety, Depression – our client is fearful of retribution
- Death – hazing kills students every year
The Hazing Crisis in Montana – It’s Happening Near Sheridan County
Montana may not have the same Greek life presence as Texas or California, but hazing doesn’t discriminate by geography. Wherever there are fraternities, sororities, sports teams, or student organizations, hazing follows.
Universities Near Sheridan County Where Hazing Occurs:
While Sheridan County itself is a smaller community, students from the area often attend larger universities where Greek life is active. Some of the closest institutions with Greek organizations include:
- Montana State University (Bozeman) – Home to multiple fraternities and sororities with documented hazing risks
- University of Montana (Missoula) – Active Greek life presence; past hazing incidents reported
- Montana Tech (Butte) – Smaller but still has Greek organizations
- Rocky Mountain College (Billings) – Private institution with Greek life
- Carroll College (Helena) – Private Catholic college with Greek organizations
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta—operate at or near Sheridan County universities.
Hazing Statistics – The Numbers Don’t Lie
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S.
- 95% of hazing victims do not report it due to fear of retaliation
- Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations
Our Landmark Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston
This Is What Hazing Looks Like – And What We’re Doing About It
Case Name: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena – Attorney 911
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. He wasn’t even a UH student yet—he was a “ghost rush”, expected to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester.
Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse that included:
🔴 Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a form of torture
🔴 Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
🔴 Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
🔴 Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting – then forced to continue exercising
🔴 Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout – they kept going
🔴 Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth – another pledge, not Bermudez
🔴 Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours – sleep deprivation
🔴 Threatened with expulsion if he stopped – coercion and intimidation
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to do two-mile warmups, 100-yard crawls, bear crawls, and “suicides” until he couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home and was too sore to move the next day.
By November 6, 2025, his mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)—and was diagnosed with acute kidney failure.
He spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital.
The Defendants We’re Suing – And Why They’re Liable:
| Defendant | Why They’re Responsible |
|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi National | Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about “a hazing crisis” |
| Beta Nu Chapter (UH) | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| University of Houston | Owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred; failed to prevent hazing despite a 2017 prior incident |
| UH Board of Regents | Institutional oversight failure |
| Fraternity President | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Pledgemaster | Directly organized pledge activities |
| Current Members | Participated in hazing |
| Former Members | Hazing occurred at their residence |
| Spouse of Former Member | Allowed hazing at their home |
The Defendants’ Response – And Why It’s Not Enough:
- Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter – but only after Bermudez was hospitalized
- UH called the hazing “deeply disturbing” – but they owned the house where it happened
- Both claim to be “shocked” – but they had 8 years to prevent this
Their own words prove they knew:
“Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously.” – Pi Kappa Phi National
“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” – UH Spokesperson
Yet they did nothing to stop it.
Why This Case Matters for Sheridan County Families:
✅ The same fraternities operate near Sheridan County – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have chapters at universities across Montana.
✅ The same negligence exists at Sheridan County institutions – Universities near Sheridan County have the same duty to protect students.
✅ The same legal rights apply to Sheridan County victims – Montana law allows hazing victims to sue for damages.
✅ We’re fighting this battle RIGHT NOW – This isn’t theoretical. We’re in the courtroom, demanding justice.
✅ $10 million sends a message – Fraternities, sororities, and universities will think twice before hazing again.
Montana Hazing Laws – What Sheridan County Victims Need to Know
Montana Code Annotated § 45-8-107 – Hazing is a Crime
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 the person’s willingness to participate.”
Criminal Penalties in Montana:
- Misdemeanor – Up to 6 months in jail and $500 fine
- Felony – If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, penalties increase significantly
Civil Liability in Montana:
- Victims can sue for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages
- Consent is NOT a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable
Who Can Be Sued in Sheridan County Hazing Cases?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing risks |
| University | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity/sorority property |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property |
| Insurance Companies | May cover damages through liability policies |
Precedent Cases – Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Hazing Cases Win
Sheridan County families may feel like they’re alone—but they’re not. Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across America.
1. Stone Foltz – Pi Kappa Alpha (Bowling Green State) – $10.1 Million
- What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $2.9M from university + $7.2M from fraternity
- Why It Matters: $10 million is possible – our demand is in line with this precedent
2. Maxwell Gruver – Phi Delta Theta (LSU) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
- What Happened: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” event; BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit)
- Outcome: $6.1M jury verdict; Max Gruver Act made hazing a felony in Louisiana
- Why It Matters: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries
3. Timothy Piazza – Beta Theta Pi (Penn State) – $110 Million+
- What Happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
- Outcome: $110M+ settlement; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed in Pennsylvania
- Why It Matters: $100 million+ is possible when evidence is strong
4. Andrew Coffey – Pi Kappa Phi (Florida State) – Settlement (Confidential)
- What Happened: Forced to drink entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon; died from alcohol poisoning
- Why It Matters: Same fraternity as our UH case – they had 8 years to fix their culture and didn’t
Sheridan County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can win. The same legal strategies apply to Montana cases.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Sheridan County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries can be life-threatening
- Medical records are critical evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
📱 Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs – Don’t delete anything
📸 Photos & Videos – Document injuries, hazing locations, and activities
📝 Witness Information – Get names and contact info of other pledges and witnesses
📄 Documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
💰 Financial Records – Medical bills, lost wages, tuition impact
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer
- They will minimize, deny, and cover up
- They will pressure your child to stay quiet
- They will destroy evidence
- Anything your child says can be used against them
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations for Sheridan County families
✅ No upfront costs – We work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
✅ Nationwide representation – We can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred
✅ Aggressive litigation – We’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit
Why Sheridan County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
- We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit
- We know how to build these cases, negotiate with institutions, and win in court
- Sheridan County families get the same aggressive representation
2. We Know How to Pursue Deep Pockets
- Fraternities and universities have millions in assets and insurance
- We know how to find the money and maximize recovery
- Our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers – we know their playbook
3. We Serve Sheridan County – No Matter the Distance
- Federal court authority – Can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) – Strategic advantage for national organizations
- Video consultations – Meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment – We’ll come to Sheridan County for depositions, trials, and meetings
4. We Understand the Culture
- Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach – he understands team dynamics
- We know how fraternities, sororities, and universities operate
- We’ve seen the cover-ups, the denials, and the lies – and we know how to expose them
5. We Care About Sheridan County Families
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe Pena
We don’t see Sheridan County families as just another case. We see your child as a person who trusted an institution and was betrayed. We see your family as victims who deserve justice. And we will fight for you like family.
What Sheridan County Families Can Recover
If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages (if your child missed work or lost job opportunities)
- Educational damages (tuition, scholarships, academic disruption)
- Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, mental health treatment)
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering (from injuries like rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns)
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, fear of retribution)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
Punitive Damages:
- To punish the defendants for egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, etc.)
- To send a message that hazing won’t be tolerated
Precedent shows that hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar recoveries.
The Defendants’ Playbook – And How We Counter It
Fraternities, sororities, and universities always use the same defenses. Here’s how we defeat them:
| Defense Argument | Our Counter-Argument |
|---|---|
| “He consented to participate” | Montana law says consent is NOT a defense – M.C.A. § 45-8-107 |
| “It’s just tradition” | Tradition doesn’t justify illegal activity – Assault is assault |
| “He could have left at any time” | Fear of retaliation and social ostracism = duress |
| “No one knew it was happening” | Universities and nationals have oversight responsibility |
| “It was just a prank” | Waterboarding, 500 squats, and kidney failure are not pranks |
Sheridan County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing victims often feel shame, fear, and isolation. They’re told to “suck it up” or “it’s just part of the process.” They’re threatened with expulsion, social exclusion, or retaliation if they speak up.
We want Sheridan County victims to know:
✅ You did nothing wrong – What happened to you was abuse, not tradition
✅ You have legal rights – Montana law protects you
✅ You can fight back – We’re doing it right now in court
✅ You can save others – Your case could prevent future hazing
Next Steps for Sheridan County Families
If your child has been hazed in Sheridan County—or anywhere in Montana—time is critical.
⚠️ Do NOT:
- Delete any messages, photos, or videos
- Talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without a lawyer
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
- Wait to take action (statutes of limitations apply)
✅ Do THIS:
- Get medical attention for your child
- Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, witness info)
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Free consultation. No upfront costs. Nationwide representation.
Sheridan County Parents: This Could Be Your Child
Every year, students die from hazing. Every year, students are hospitalized. Every year, families are left wondering: Could this have been prevented?
The answer is yes.
Universities know hazing happens. National organizations know hazing happens. They have the power to stop it. They choose not to.
But you can choose to fight back.
If your child was hazed in Sheridan County, Montana, we will stand with you. We will fight for you. And we will make them pay.
Call us today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough.
