🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Toole County, Montana — Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Attorney 911 — Nationwide Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving Toole County, Montana Hazing Victims

📞 24/7 Hazing Victim Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing

Toole County Parents & Students: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hospitalized, traumatized, or harmed by fraternity or sorority hazing in Toole County or at any college or university in Montana, you have legal rights. The same national fraternities involved in the $10 million University of Houston hazing lawsuit operate at institutions across Montana. The same dangerous “traditions” that sent our client to the hospital with kidney failure exist at Greek organizations near Toole County.

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. We know how to hold institutions accountable. Toole County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Texas.

The Hazing Crisis in Toole County & Montana

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — It Happens in Montana Too

Toole County may be a rural community in north-central Montana, but its students attend colleges and universities across the state where Greek life thrives. Montana State University in Bozeman, the University of Montana in Missoula, and Carroll College in Helena all have active fraternity and sorority systems. The same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — maintain chapters at Montana institutions.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Montana, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

What Hazing Looks Like in Montana

Hazing in Montana fraternities and sororities takes many forms, all of which are dangerous and illegal:

These aren’t just “pranks” or “traditions.” They are illegal, life-threatening activities that can lead to hospitalization, permanent injury, or death.

The $10 Million Warning: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Toole County

Our Current Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

Filed: November 21, 2025 — This is happening RIGHT NOW
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Attorney 911

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston Could Happen to Your Child in Montana

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse and hazing that sent him to the hospital for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Him:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to perform 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
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass — after vomiting from forced consumption
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather — exposure to the elements
• Sprayed with a hose while minimally clothed — further exposure and humiliation
• Carried a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature at all times — sexual humiliation
• Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour — witnessed by Bermudez
• A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout — fraternity members did nothing to stop the hazing

The Result:

• November 3, 2025: Bermudez collapsed after being forced to exercise until he couldn’t stand
• November 4-5, 2025: His condition worsened; he couldn’t move
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital with brown urine (a sign of muscle breakdown)
• Diagnosis: Severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Hospitalization: 3 nights, 4 days
• Long-term risks: Chronic kidney disease, need for dialysis, potential kidney transplant

Why This Matters to Toole County Families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including in Montana
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez exist at Montana fraternities
• Universities in Montana face the same liability failures as UH — they own or control fraternity houses and fail to supervise
• If your child is hazed in Montana, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case

Montana Hazing Laws: What Toole County Families Need to Know

Montana Anti-Hazing Statute: MCA § 20-5-622

Montana law explicitly prohibits hazing at all public and private schools, colleges, and universities. The statute 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.

Key Provisions for Toole County Families:

1. Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
2. Criminal penalties — Hazing is a misdemeanor in Montana, punishable by fines and jail time.
3. Civil liability — Victims can sue for damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
4. Institutional responsibility — Schools and organizations can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing.

Who Can Be Sued in Montana Hazing Cases?

If your child is hazed in Montana, multiple parties may be liable:

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions — Toole County Families Can Too

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These cases prove that victims and families can and do win against powerful institutions.

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

💰 Total Recovery: $10.1 Million

• Victim: Stone Foltz, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after forced drinking
• Defendants: University ($2.9M) + Pi Kappa Alpha ($7.2M)
• Outcome: Largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history

Why It Matters for Toole County:

• Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent
• Both universities and fraternities pay substantial amounts
• If your child is hazed in Montana, $10 million+ is possible

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

💰 Total: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• Victim: Max Gruver, 18, died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
• Outcome: Jury awarded $6.1 million; criminal conviction for hazing
• Legislation: Max Gruver Act — made hazing a felony in Louisiana

Why It Matters for Toole County:

• Juries award millions in hazing cases
• Criminal + civil liability possible in Montana
• Hazing cases drive legislative change — Montana could strengthen its laws

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

💰 Total: $110+ Million (Estimated)

• Victim: Tim Piazza, 19, died after falling down stairs while intoxicated; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
• Outcome: Confidential settlement estimated at $110M+; multiple criminal convictions
• Legislation: Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law — Pennsylvania

Why It Matters for Toole County:

• Strong evidence = massive outcome — our case has detailed documentation
• Criminal charges are possible in Montana hazing cases
• Institutions pay when they fail to protect students

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

🚨 Same Fraternity as Our Current Case

• Victim: Andrew Coffey, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after forced drinking
• Outcome: Chapter permanently closed; criminal charges filed
• Civil Suit: Settlement (amount confidential)

Why It Matters for Toole County:

• Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing
• The same national organization operates in Montana
• They had 8 years to fix their culture — they failed

What To Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Toole County or Montana

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation — get them out of the fraternity/sorority house immediately
• Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor, get them checked by a doctor
• Document everything — take photos of injuries, save all communications

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Evidence is critical to building your case.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel

• Fraternities/sororities will try to control the narrative — they will pressure your child to stay quiet
• Universities will try to protect their reputation — they may downplay the incident
• Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim — they are not on your side

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call our 24/7 hazing victim hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• We offer free, confidential consultations — no obligation, no upfront cost
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case

Why Toole County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We know how to build hazing cases because we’re doing it right now
• We understand the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability
• We have the experience to counter their defenses

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how they value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Toole County & All of Montana

• Federal court authority — we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
• Willingness to travel — we come to Montana for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote consultations — Toole County families can meet with us via video

4. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

• BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience against large corporations
• Wrongful death cases — experience with catastrophic injury claims
• Hazing-specific expertise — rhabdomyolysis, Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M cases

5. We Treat Toole County Families Like Family

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett, Client

“They made me feel like family best Law Firm.” — MOSTHATED MILYYY’, Client

We understand the trauma Toole County families face when their child is hazed. We provide compassionate, personalized representation — not just legal services.

6. No Upfront Costs — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

• Contingency fee representation — we don’t get paid unless you get paid
• No hourly billing — no surprise legal bills
• We take the risk — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing

Who We Sue for Toole County Hazing Victims

When your child is hazed in Montana, we pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.

Our goal is to hold every responsible party accountable — not just the students, but the institutions that enabled the abuse.

Damages Toole County Families Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families are entitled to full and fair compensation for all harms suffered.

Economic Damages — The Tangible Costs

Non-Economic Damages — Pain and Suffering

Punitive Damages — Punishing Egregious Conduct

When conduct is especially outrageous, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Examples of Conduct That May Warrant Punitive Damages in Montana:

• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Forced consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical abuse causing hospitalization
• Sexual assault or humiliation
• Cover-up attempts by the organization

Toole County-Specific Considerations

Montana’s Rural Challenges for Hazing Victims

Toole County families face unique challenges when pursuing hazing cases:

1. Distance from Legal Resources

   • Toole County is 200+ miles from the nearest major legal market (Great Falls)
   • Many Montana law firms lack experience with hazing litigation
   • We serve Toole County remotely — video consultations, phone calls, and travel as needed

2. Small-Town Stigma

   • Montana’s tight-knit communities can make victims fear speaking out
   • We protect your privacy — your case is confidential
   • We understand the pressure Toole County families face

3. Limited Healthcare Access

   • Rural Montana has fewer specialists — victims may need to travel for treatment
   • We work with medical experts to document injuries and future needs
   • We ensure all medical costs are included in your claim

4. University Power Dynamics

   • Montana’s universities have significant influence in the state
   • We level the playing field — we’re not intimidated by institutions

The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Fight for Toole County Families

1. Immediate Response — We Move Fast to Protect Your Rights

• 24/7 availability — call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime
• Evidence preservation — we send immediate preservation letters to prevent destruction of evidence
• Medical documentation — we ensure all injuries are properly documented

2. Aggressive Investigation — We Leave No Stone Unturned

• Interview witnesses — other pledges, bystanders, chapter members
• Obtain communications — text messages, social media, emails
• Review university policies — what they knew and when they knew it
• Identify all liable parties — not just the chapter, but the nationals and university

3. Expert Network — We Build a Strong Case

• Medical experts — to document injuries and future medical needs
• Hazing culture experts — to explain the systemic nature of the problem
• Economic experts — to calculate lost wages and future earning capacity
• Forensic experts — to analyze digital evidence

4. Media & Public Pressure — We Force Accountability

• Media outreach — we ensure the public knows what happened
• Legislative advocacy — we push for stronger hazing laws in Montana
• Alumni pressure — we contact major donors to demand change

5. Trial-Ready Representation — We Don’t Back Down

• We are not afraid to go to trial — many firms settle for less than you deserve
• We prepare every case for trial — this forces defendants to offer fair settlements
• We have a proven track record in court — juries understand the severity of hazing

Toole County Hazing Victims: Your Next Steps

If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Montana:

1. Ensure their safety — remove them from the dangerous environment
2. Seek medical attention — document all injuries
3. Preserve evidence — save texts, photos, witness info
4. Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
5. Contact Attorney 911 immediately — call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com

If You’re Considering Joining a Fraternity or Sorority in Montana:

1. Ask about hazing policies — if they hesitate, that’s a red flag
2. Talk to current members — ask about their pledge experience
3. Research the chapter’s history — look for past hazing incidents
4. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is
5. Know your rights — hazing is illegal, and you can report it anonymously

Toole County Parents: Questions to Ask Your Child About Greek Life

If your child is considering joining a fraternity or sorority in Montana, ask them these questions:

1. Have you witnessed or experienced any activities that made you uncomfortable?
2. Have you been asked to keep secrets about pledge activities?
3. Have you been pressured to drink alcohol or consume substances?
4. Have you been physically punished or forced to exercise to exhaustion?
5. Have you been humiliated or degraded in front of others?
6. Do you feel safe in the fraternity/sorority house?
7. Do you know how to report hazing if it happens?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” your child may be at risk.

Montana Universities with Greek Life — What Toole County Families Should Know

Note: Even at smaller schools, hazing can occur. No university is immune.

Montana Hazing Resources for Toole County Families

Toole County Hazing Lawyers: Frequently Asked Questions

1. My child was hazed in Montana. Can you help even though you’re based in Texas?

Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Toole County and all of Montana. We have:

• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
• Willingness to travel to Montana for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote consultation capabilities for Toole County families

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

2. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We don’t get paid unless you get paid
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This allows Toole County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.

3. What if my child consented to participate in hazing?

Consent is NOT a defense in Montana. Montana law (MCA § 20-5-622) explicitly states that even if your child agreed to participate, hazing is still illegal.

Fraternities and sororities will try to argue that your child “knew what they were getting into.” The law says that doesn’t matter.

4. How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Montana?

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

• Evidence disappears quickly (texts deleted, witnesses forget)
• Universities and fraternities may destroy records
• Insurance companies start building their defense immediately

Don’t wait. Contact us today to protect your rights.

5. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear speaking out. We protect our clients by:

• Keeping your case confidential
• Preventing the fraternity/sorority from contacting you directly
• Pursuing legal action against anyone who retaliates
• Providing emotional support throughout the process

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

6. Can we sue the university if the hazing happened off campus?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing, even if it occurs off campus. If the university:

• Knew or should have known about hazing
• Failed to implement adequate policies
• Failed to supervise Greek life
• Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred

They can be held liable.

7. What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?

Hazing causes psychological trauma even without physical injuries. You can still pursue compensation for:

• PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Therapy and counseling costs
• Emotional distress and humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Psychological harm is just as real as physical harm.

8. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing cases typically result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, sexual assault, etc.)
• University/fraternity knowledge of prior hazing incidents
• Attempts to cover up the hazing
• Long-term impact on your child’s life

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million. Your case could be worth as much or more.

9. What if the fraternity says it was just “tradition”?

“Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse. If a tradition involves:

• Breaking the law
• Endangering students
• Causing physical or psychological harm

It is illegal. Courts do not accept “tradition” as a defense to hazing.

10. How do I report hazing in Montana?

You can report hazing to:

• The university’s student conduct office
• The Montana Department of Justice
• Local law enforcement
• Attorney 911 — we can guide you through the reporting process

We recommend contacting us first so we can ensure your rights are protected during the investigation.

Toole County Hazing Lawyers: Contact Us Today

If your child has been hazed in Montana, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and the statute of limitations is ticking.

📞 Call our 24/7 hazing victim hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing

We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations — no obligation
✅ No upfront costs — you pay nothing unless we win
✅ Nationwide representation — we serve Toole County and all of Montana
✅ Aggressive advocacy — we don’t back down from powerful institutions

Toole County Families: Enough Is Enough

The hazing that hospitalized our client in Houston is happening in Montana. The same fraternities. The same negligence. The same betrayal of trust.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

With the right legal team, Toole County families can:

• Hold fraternities and universities accountable
• Secure compensation for medical bills and trauma
• Prevent future hazing by sending a strong message
• Protect other Montana students from the same abuse

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Toole County families.

Call us today. Your child’s future may depend on it.

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