🛡️ Hazing Victim Legal Support in Yellowstone County, Montana
You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting for Yellowstone County Students.
Hazing doesn’t just happen at big universities in other states. It happens right here in Yellowstone County, Montana—at our colleges, on our campuses, and in our communities. If you or someone you love has been a victim of fraternity hazing, sorority hazing, or any form of abusive initiation rituals in Yellowstone County, you have legal rights, and you deserve justice.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that fraternities and universities can and should be held accountable when they allow dangerous, abusive, or life-threatening hazing to occur. We bring that same fight to Yellowstone County.
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are former insurance defense lawyers who know exactly how these institutions try to avoid responsibility. We use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for victims and their families—no matter where in Montana the hazing occurred.
🚨 Hazing in Yellowstone County: What Families Need to Know
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines—It Happens Here Too
While our current case is based in Texas, the same fraternities, sororities, and hazardous traditions exist at institutions near Yellowstone County, including:
- Montana State University Billings (MSU Billings)
- Rocky Mountain College (Billings)
- Montana State University (Bozeman, ~150 miles from Billings)
- University of Montana (Missoula, ~350 miles from Billings)
- Community colleges and private institutions across Montana
National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, and others operate chapters at or near Yellowstone County. The same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide have active chapters where your child may be pledging.
If it can happen in Houston, it can happen in Billings. If it can happen at UH, it can happen at MSU Billings or Rocky Mountain College.
🔍 What Counts as Hazing in Yellowstone County?
Montana law defines hazing as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. This includes, but is not limited to:
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Montana Legal Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beating, forced exercise to exhaustion, branding | Criminal charges (up to felony); civil liability |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol poisoning, forced eating/drinking until vomiting, drugs | Criminal charges; civil lawsuits |
| Psychological Abuse | Sleep deprivation, humiliation, verbal abuse, threats | Civil liability; emotional distress claims |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Criminal charges; civil claims |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning with hoses or submersion | Assault; battery; potential felony charges |
| Extreme Exposure | Forced outdoor activities in extreme cold/heat | Reckless endangerment; civil liability |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members | Civil liability |
In Montana, consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators and institutions accountable.
💔 Real Hazing Cases: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Yellowstone County
Our Current Case: Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston (2025)
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter. His experiences included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he could not stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to run sprints while vomiting and lying in vomit-soaked grass
- Hog-tying of another pledge for over an hour
- A pledge losing consciousness during forced workouts
Bermudez was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure. He was not even a UH student yet—he was a “ghost rush” expected to transfer the following semester.
This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is abuse. And it happens in Montana too.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Costs Millions
Hazing cases across the country have resulted in multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, proving that institutions can and will pay when they allow dangerous hazing to occur:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1M+ |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
The same legal strategies that won these cases apply to Yellowstone County victims. We know how to build these cases—and we know how to win.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Yellowstone County Hazing Victim
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In Montana, multiple parties can be held legally responsible for hazing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew of hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; negligent oversight |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property |
| Insurance Companies | Provided coverage for institutional liability |
We sue everyone responsible. No one gets to hide behind the organization.
Damages You Can Recover
If you or your child has been hazed in Yellowstone County, you may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damage | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries or trauma |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from abuse, injuries, or medical treatment |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities or college life |
| Educational Disruption | Missed classes, failed courses, delayed graduation |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct |
In Montana, there is no cap on pain and suffering damages. Juries can award what they believe is fair based on the evidence.
🛑 What to Do If You or Your Child Has Been Hazed in Yellowstone County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Do not delete anything.
- Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, or other communications about hazing.
- Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, or any items used in hazing.
- Write down the names and contact information of witnesses.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
- They may ask you to sign documents or give statements—do not do this without an attorney.
- Anything you say can be used against you.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Yellowstone County.
- We offer remote consultations—you don’t have to travel to Texas.
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Time is critical. Montana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
🎯 Why Yellowstone County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case
We are not just talking about hazing—we are actively litigating a high-profile hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Yellowstone County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook, and we use it against them.
3. Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue hazing cases nationwide—including in Montana.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities.
5. Bilingual Representation (Se Habla Español)
We serve Spanish-speaking families in Yellowstone County without language barriers.
6. No Upfront Costs
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. No hourly fees, no retainers.
7. We Travel to Yellowstone County
For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys come to you in Montana.
8. Proven Track Record
We have won millions for personal injury victims, including cases against large institutions.
📞 Yellowstone County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been hazed in Yellowstone County, Montana, you don’t have to suffer in silence. You have legal rights, and you deserve justice.
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Our attorneys are available 24/7 to listen, advise, and fight for you. We serve hazing victims across Montana, including Billings, Laurel, Lockwood, and surrounding areas.
This is not just about compensation. It’s about accountability. It’s about making sure no other Yellowstone County student has to go through what you did.
🔥 A Message to Yellowstone County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities and universities operating in Yellowstone County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that are securing multi-million-dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Montana, we will pursue every liable entity—the university, the national organization, the housing corporation, and every individual member.
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. Your chapter could be next.
📚 Additional Resources for Yellowstone County Families
Montana Hazing Laws
- Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-227: Defines hazing and criminal penalties.
- Montana Board of Regents Policy 303.1: Prohibits hazing at Montana University System institutions.
National Hazing Prevention Organizations
- HazingPrevention.org: Education and advocacy.
- StopHazing.org: Research and policy resources.
- Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).
Local Support in Yellowstone County
- Yellowstone County Crisis Line: 406-252-3367
- MSU Billings Counseling Services: 406-657-2180
- Rocky Mountain College Counseling Center: 406-657-1100
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Yellowstone County Families
Q: Can I sue if I was hazed at a Montana college or university?
A: Yes. If you were injured due to hazing at a college or university near Yellowstone County, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If it occurred at a private residence, fraternity house, or other location, the property owner and participants can still be held liable.
Q: I’m afraid of retaliation. Will my name be kept private?
A: We protect our clients’ privacy. Many hazing cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, and we work to keep your identity confidential when possible.
Q: What if I “consented” to the hazing? Does that mean I can’t sue?
A: No. Montana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if you agreed to participate, the law still holds perpetrators and institutions accountable.
Q: How much is my hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors that affect case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- Impact on education and career
- Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
- Egregiousness of the conduct
We have won millions for hazing victims, and we fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Q: I don’t live in Texas. Can Attorney 911 still help me?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Montana. We offer remote consultations and travel to Yellowstone County for your case.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
A: Montana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s critical to act now.
Q: What if the fraternity or university tries to cover it up?
A: We are experienced in uncovering cover-ups. We use discovery tools, subpoenas, and expert witnesses to reveal the truth. In our current case, we are suing both the fraternity and the university for failing to act despite knowing about the hazing.
🏆 Our Commitment to Yellowstone County Hazing Victims
At Attorney 911, we don’t just see you as a case. We see you as a person—a student, a child, a member of the Yellowstone County community who was betrayed by the very institutions that were supposed to protect you.
We are committed to:
- Fighting aggressively for maximum compensation.
- Holding every responsible party accountable—no matter how powerful.
- Protecting your privacy and minimizing stress during the legal process.
- Preventing future hazing by sending a message that this behavior will not be tolerated in Yellowstone County.
You are not alone. We are here to help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
📍 Serving Yellowstone County and All of Montana
Attorney 911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Yellowstone County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve hazing victims in:
- Billings
- Laurel
- Lockwood
- Huntley
- Shepherd
- Worden
- Pompeys Pillar
- Acton
- Broadview
- And across Montana
Distance is not a barrier. We come to you.
🔒 Confidential. Compassionate. Aggressive.
Your fight is our fight. Let’s win it together.
