🚨 Hazing Justice for Carter County Families: You Are Not Alone
Carter County parents, students, and families — we see you. We hear you. And we are fighting for you.
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in Carter County, you are not powerless. You are not alone. And you do not have to stay silent.
This is happening in Carter County. The same fraternities operate here. The same negligence exists at our institutions. The same culture of abuse is harming our children.
At Attorney 911, 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. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to Carter County families.
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Carter County
Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities in other states. It’s happening right here in Carter County.
The fraternities that waterboarded a student in Houston have chapters near Carter County.
The same national organizations that paid millions in settlements operate in our region.
The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Carter County institutions.
Carter County families deserve the same protection we’re fighting for in Houston.
🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen Here
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez — a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet — was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed by Pi Kappa Phi.
What they did to him:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to keep running through his own vomit
- Humiliated and degraded — carried sexual objects, stripped in cold weather
- Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness — they kept going
He spent 4 days in the hospital fighting for his life.
The fraternity’s response? They closed their chapter — and then announced they “look forward to returning to campus.”
The university’s response? They called it “deeply disturbing” — after it happened.
This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is abuse. This is torture.
And it’s happening in Carter County too.
🎓 Carter County’s Greek Life Problem
Carter County is home to Montana State University – Northern in Havre, a campus where Greek life thrives. While we cannot comment on specific incidents without verified information, we know this:
The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide operate at institutions near Carter County.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — these organizations have chapters across Montana and the nation. They have the same cultures. They face the same oversight failures. They pose the same risks.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Carter County, they face the same dangers that hospitalized our client in Houston.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights in Carter County
Montana Hazing Laws
Montana has strong anti-hazing laws. Under Montana Code Annotated § 20-25-514, hazing is defined 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 points:
- Consent is not a defense — even if your child agreed to participate, it doesn’t matter
- Criminal penalties — hazing is a misdemeanor in Montana, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $500 fine
- Organizational liability — fraternities and sororities can be held responsible
- Institutional liability — universities can be held responsible for failing to protect students
Civil Liability for Hazing in Carter County
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can sue for:
- Negligence — failure to protect students
- Assault and battery — intentional harmful contact
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress — extreme and outrageous conduct
- Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university-owned property
- Negligent supervision — universities and national organizations failing to oversee chapters
These claims exist in Montana. Carter County families can pursue them.
💰 What Hazing Cases Are Worth in Carter County
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts nationwide. The same compensation is available for Carter County families.
Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (LSU) | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State) | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey (FSU) | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Leonel Bermudez (UH) | Pi Kappa Phi | Pending | $10 million |
These results are possible for Carter County victims too.
Damages available in Carter County hazing cases include:
- Medical expenses — past and future
- Pain and suffering — physical and emotional
- Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Lost wages — time missed from work or school
- Educational disruption — impact on academic progress
- Punitive damages — to punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Carter County
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and other hazing injuries can be life-threatening
- Medical records create critical evidence
-
Preserve all evidence
- Take photos of injuries
- Save all text messages, social media posts, GroupMe chats
- Document witness names and contact information
- Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
-
Do NOT talk to the organization or university without legal counsel
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will try to minimize your child’s injuries
- They will try to get your child to sign away their rights
-
Do NOT post about the incident on social media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Do not delete old posts — that’s destruction of evidence
-
Contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately
- Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for Carter County families
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
🏆 Why Carter County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Currently Fighting This Battle — And We Will Fight for Carter County
Our $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston is active litigation. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will bring that same expertise to Carter County.
We Have the Experience Carter County Families Need
| Experience | Why It Matters for Carter County |
|---|---|
| 25+ years of litigation | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts — available for Carter County cases |
| Former insurance defense attorneys | We know how insurance companies think and fight — we use that knowledge against them for Carter County victims |
| Multi-billion dollar case experience | BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can take on massive institutional defendants — same skills apply to Carter County universities and fraternities |
| Dual-state bar admission | Licensed in Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for Carter County cases against national organizations headquartered anywhere |
| Federal court authority | Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas — can pursue Carter County cases in federal jurisdiction |
| Hazing-specific expertise | Direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university accountability — currently litigating $10M hazing case |
| Hall of Fame athlete & youth coach | Ralph Manginello understands team culture, locker room dynamics, and the pressures that lead to hazing abuse at Carter County institutions |
| Bilingual representation | Se habla español — we serve Carter County’s Hispanic families without language barriers |
| We travel to Carter County | For depositions, client meetings, and trials — distance is not a barrier to justice |
We Protect Carter County Families Like Family
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris, former client
Carter County families are treated with the same care, respect, and dedication as our Houston clients.
📞 Carter County Families: Call Now — Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Carter County, you have legal rights. You have options. You are not alone.
Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
We offer video consultations — Carter County families can meet with us remotely.
We travel to Carter County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Carter County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Your child’s safety and health come first. If they are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Then contact an attorney. We can help protect their identity and guide them through the process with minimal exposure. Many hazing victims fear retribution — we understand and can help mitigate those risks.
Q: The fraternity said my child “consented” to the activities. Is that a defense?
A: No. Montana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still liable for any harm caused. This is a common defense tactic — don’t let it intimidate you.
Q: The university said they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be held responsible?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect their students. If they failed to implement adequate oversight of Greek organizations, they can be held liable for negligent supervision. In our Houston case, the university owned the fraternity house — they had full power to inspect and regulate, and they failed.
Q: My child is an athlete, not in a fraternity. Can they still be hazed?
A: Yes. Hazing occurs in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and other student organizations. If your child was subjected to dangerous or humiliating activities as part of team initiation, that is hazing and is illegal.
Q: We’re in Carter County. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We have federal court authority and are licensed in multiple states. We offer video consultations and travel to Carter County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there is no financial risk to you. Carter County families can pursue justice without worrying about cost.
Q: What if the hazing happened months ago?
A: You may still have time. Montana has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, evidence disappears quickly, and memories fade. Contact us immediately to evaluate your options.
Q: The organization offered my child a settlement. Should we accept it?
A: Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Initial settlement offers are always lowball attempts to minimize liability. Insurance companies and organizations will try to settle quickly and quietly. We can evaluate whether the offer is fair and negotiate for maximum compensation.
🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing in Carter County
Parents, coaches, and students in Carter County — be alert for these warning signs:
PHYSICAL SIGNS:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (confusion, vomiting, unconsciousness)
- Weight loss or dehydration
- Wearing unusual or embarrassing clothing
BEHAVIORAL SIGNS:
- Sudden withdrawal from friends or family
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Fear or anxiety about attending school or team events
- Sudden drop in academic performance
- Avoiding certain locations or people
- Talking about “traditions” or “initiations” in vague terms
ORGANIZATIONAL SIGNS:
- Secrecy about new member activities
- Mandatory late-night or early-morning meetings
- Sudden changes in behavior after joining a group
- References to “pledging” or “new member education”
- Pressure to participate in activities that make your child uncomfortable
If you see these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Trust your instincts. Act immediately.
🏆 Our Promise to Carter County Families
We promise to fight for Carter County families with the same fury we’re bringing to the Houston case.
We promise to treat your child with dignity and respect.
We promise to hold every responsible party accountable — from the individual perpetrators to the national organizations.
We promise to pursue every legal avenue to get your family justice.
We promise that if your child was hazed in Carter County, we will make sure it never happens to another Carter County family.
📢 Carter County: This Ends With Us
To the fraternities operating near Carter County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Carter County, we will find every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Carter County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To the universities in Carter County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at Carter County institutions:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
💙 To the Hazing Victims of Carter County
You are not alone. You are not to blame. You did not deserve this.
What happened to you was not “tradition.” It was not “bonding.” It was abuse. It was wrong.
You have the right to seek justice. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to make sure this never happens to anyone else.
We believe you. We will fight for you. And we will make them stop.
🚨 Carter County Families: Call Now — Free Consultation
This is happening in Carter County. The time to act is now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Carter County. We fight for Carter County. We protect Carter County families.
You are not alone. We are Attorney 911.