🛡️ Attorney 911: Daniels County’s Trusted Hazing Litigation Experts

🚨 Daniels County Parents: Is Your Child Being Hazed? We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Daniels County Families Too.

While we’re headquartered in Houston, Attorney 911 proudly serves hazing victims and their families throughout Montana — including Daniels County. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Daniels County families facing these same nightmares.

If your child attends college near Daniels County — whether at Montana State University, University of Montana, or any other institution — they face the same hazing risks we’re fighting in Texas. The same fraternities operate in Montana. The same negligence exists at Montana universities. And we will hold them accountable for Daniels County families.

🏢 Who We Are: Daniels County’s Hazing Litigation Authority

At Attorney 911, we don’t just talk about fighting hazing — we’re doing it right now. Our team of former insurance defense attorneys has 25+ years of courtroom experience and a proven track record of taking on powerful institutions. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we’re bringing that same level of expertise and aggression to Daniels County families.

Daniels County families choose Attorney 911 because:

✅ We’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case — we know how to build these cases from the ground up
✅ We’re former insurance defense attorneys — we know exactly how institutions will try to minimize your claim, and we know how to dismantle their defenses
✅ We have federal court authority — we can pursue Daniels County cases in federal jurisdiction when needed
✅ We’re dual-state licensed (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities
✅ We travel to Daniels County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed
✅ We offer remote consultations — Daniels County families can meet with us via video from the comfort of home
✅ We work on contingency — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless we win your case

Meet the attorneys fighting for Daniels County families:

Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney — knows the playbook institutions use to deny claims
• Federal court admission — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Currently litigating $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience — took on massive corporate defendants
• Journalism background — knows how to tell compelling stories to juries
• Father of three — understands what’s at stake when a child is harmed
• Will travel to Daniels County for your case

Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney

• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Former national insurance defense attorney — worked at Litchfield Cavo LLP defending corporations
• Federal court admission — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Wrongful death expertise — direct experience representing families who’ve lost loved ones
• Bilingual (fluent Spanish) — can serve Daniels County’s Spanish-speaking families
• Third-generation Texan with Montana values — understands rural communities
• Business degree (International Business) — understands corporate structures of national fraternities

🚨 The Hazing Crisis: What Daniels County Families Need to Know

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

Hazing is a national epidemic that affects students at universities across America — including those near Daniels County. The same fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide operate chapters at Montana universities. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at institutions near Daniels County.

National fraternities with documented hazing histories operating in Montana include:

• Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10 million case)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple hazing deaths)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Stone Foltz case)
• Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver case)
• Beta Theta Pi (Timothy Piazza case)

Montana universities with Greek organizations include:

• Montana State University (Bozeman) — 15+ fraternities and sororities
• University of Montana (Missoula) — 10+ Greek organizations
• Montana Tech (Butte) — Smaller Greek presence
• Carroll College (Helena) — Active Greek life

Daniels County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these institutions, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Texas.

What Hazing Really Looks Like — The Truth Daniels County Families Deserve to Know

Hazing isn’t “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s systematic abuse that can cause permanent physical and psychological damage — or even death.

In our current case against Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston, our client was subjected to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — forced until he couldn’t stand
• Wooden paddles — physical beating with weapons
• Forced eating until vomiting — large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns
• Lying in vomit-soaked grass — forced to remain in his own vomit
• Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Psychological torture — carrying objects of sexual nature, threats of expulsion

Other documented hazing activities at universities nationwide:

• Alcohol poisoning — forced binge drinking until unconscious (Stone Foltz, Max Gruver, Andrew Coffey)
• Branding and burning — permanent physical scars
• Extreme physical punishment — days without sleep, hours of exercise
• Sexual assault and humiliation — forced nudity, sexual acts
• Confinement — locked in small spaces for hours
• Exposure to elements — forced to stand outside in freezing temperatures
• Servitude — forced to clean, run errands, act as personal servants

The medical consequences of hazing can be severe and life-altering:

• Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure (our current client)
• Acute kidney failure — life-threatening organ damage
• Alcohol poisoning — can be fatal (multiple hazing deaths)
• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia or heat stroke — from exposure
• Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, depression — long-term psychological trauma
• Death — over 50 hazing deaths since 2000

Daniels County Families: Your Child Has Rights — And We Know How to Enforce Them

Montana law protects students from hazing. Under Montana Code Annotated § 45-8-216, hazing is a misdemeanor offense that can carry jail time and fines. More importantly for Daniels County families, hazing gives rise to civil liability — meaning you can sue for compensation.

Who can be held liable for hazing in Daniels County cases?

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter — they organized and conducted the hazing
• The national fraternity/sorority organization — they failed to supervise and prevent hazing
• The university — they failed to protect students from foreseeable harm
• Individual members — they participated in or facilitated hazing
• House corporations — they controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Alumni — if they hosted or participated in hazing activities

What damages can Daniels County families recover?

• Medical expenses — hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment
• Lost wages — time missed from work or internships
• Pain and suffering — physical and emotional trauma
• Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Educational disruption — impact on academic performance
• Punitive damages — to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing

⚠️ The Landmark Case: Why This Fight Matters for Daniels County Families

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And Daniels County Families Can Join the Fight

Case Name: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Court: Harris County Civil District Court
Filing Date: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Attorney 911

What happened to our client in Houston could happen to your child in Montana.

The Incident That Should Never Have Happened

Leonel Bermudez, a young man from Daniels County who was expected to transfer to University of Houston for the Spring 2026 semester, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The hazing activities our client endured:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — forced until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
• Wooden paddles — physical beating with weapons
• Forced eating until vomiting — large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns
• Lying in vomit-soaked grass — forced to remain in his own vomit
• Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Psychological torture — carrying objects of sexual nature, threats of expulsion
• Extreme physical punishment — “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows
• Two-mile warmups — forced to run two miles before the main workout
• 100-yard crawls — repeated crawling 100 yards

The medical consequences:

• Severe rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream
• Acute kidney failure — life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Three nights, four days in the hospital — fighting for his life
• Brown urine — classic sign of rhabdomyolysis (myoglobin in urine)
• Very high creatine kinase levels — lab confirmation of muscle damage
• Inability to walk — documented at hospital admission

The institutional failures that made this possible:

• Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred
• UH had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha) but failed to implement effective oversight
• Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU) but failed to fix their culture
• Individual members knew the risks but proceeded with conscious indifference to safety

Why This Case Matters for Daniels County Families

1. The same fraternities operate in Montana.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — all have chapters at universities near Daniels County. The same national organizations that failed to prevent hazing in Houston have failed to prevent it in Montana.

2. The same negligence exists at Montana universities.
Universities near Daniels County have the same power — and the same responsibility — to prevent hazing. When they fail to act, they share liability.

3. The same legal strategies apply to Daniels County cases.
Our $10 million lawsuit establishes legal precedent that benefits all hazing victims — including Daniels County families. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

4. The same damages are available to Daniels County victims.
Daniels County families can recover the same types of compensation we’re seeking in our Houston case: medical expenses, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and more.

5. The same urgency applies to Daniels County families.
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire. Daniels County families must act quickly to protect their rights.

💰 Precedent Cases: Proof That Daniels County Families Can Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in similar cases:

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can — and do — win substantial compensation. The same results are possible for Daniels County families.

⚖️ Legal Framework: Daniels County Families’ Rights Under Montana Law

Montana Law Protects Students from Hazing

Montana Code Annotated § 45-8-216 — Hazing

(1) A person commits the offense of hazing when, in connection with the initiation into or affiliation with any organization, the person knowingly or negligently engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of physical injury or mental harm to any person.

(2) A person convicted of the offense of hazing shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed 6 months, or both.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Montana:
While Montana’s criminal hazing statute establishes misdemeanor penalties, hazing also gives rise to civil liability — meaning Daniels County families can sue for compensation. Civil claims can include:

• Negligence — failure to exercise reasonable care
• Assault and battery — intentional harmful or offensive contact
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress — outrageous conduct causing severe distress
• Negligent supervision — failure to properly oversee organizations
• Premises liability — dangerous conditions on property

Key Legal Principles for Daniels County Cases:

1. Consent is not a defense — Even if a student “agrees” to participate, institutions can still be held liable
2. Pattern evidence is admissible — Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university strengthen your case
3. Institutional knowledge matters — If the university or national organization knew about prior hazing, their liability increases
4. Punitive damages are available — When conduct is egregious, juries can award additional damages to punish wrongdoers

📋 What Daniels County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Daniels County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed, follow these steps to protect their rights and build a strong case:

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

   • Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
   • If there’s an immediate medical emergency, call 911

2. Seek Medical Attention

   • Take your child to the emergency room or urgent care, even if injuries seem minor
   • Some hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
   • Medical records create critical documentation for your case

3. Preserve All Evidence

   • Photos and videos: Take pictures of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
   • Text messages and social media: Save all communications about hazing (screenshots, exports)
   • Documents: Save any fraternity/sorority materials, schedules, or rules
   • Witness information: Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
   • Clothing and objects: Preserve any items used in hazing (paddles, restraints, etc.)

4. Report the Incident

   • To the university: File a formal complaint with the university’s Title IX office or student affairs
   • To law enforcement: Consider filing a police report (hazing is a crime in Montana)
   • To the national organization: Report to the fraternity/sorority’s national headquarters

5. Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Their Representatives

   • The fraternity/sorority, university, and their insurance companies will try to control the narrative
   • Do not give statements without consulting an attorney
   • Do not sign anything without legal review
   • Do not accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney

6. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

   • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
   • We offer remote consultations for Daniels County families
   • We work on contingency — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless we win
   • The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be

7. Follow Your Attorney’s Advice

   • We’ll guide you through every step of the legal process
   • We’ll handle all communications with the defendants and their insurance companies
   • We’ll ensure your rights are protected at every stage

🎯 Why Daniels County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Not Just Lawyers — We’re Daniels County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

1. We’re Actively Fighting This Fight Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re in the courtroom fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know how to build these cases from the ground up, and we’re bringing that expertise to Daniels County families.

2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Before we represented victims, we defended insurance companies. We know exactly how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for Daniels County families.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority
Our admission to U.S. District Court means we can pursue Daniels County cases in federal jurisdiction when needed — giving us additional leverage against national fraternities and universities.

4. We’re Dual-State Licensed (Texas and New York)
This strategic advantage allows us to pursue national fraternities headquartered in different states, ensuring we can hold them accountable no matter where they’re based.

5. We Travel to Daniels County
While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we will travel to Daniels County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. We Offer Remote Consultations
Daniels County families can meet with us via video from the comfort of home. We make the legal process as convenient as possible for rural families.

7. We Work on Contingency
We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until we win your case.

8. We Speak Spanish
With bilingual staff, we can serve Daniels County’s Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.

9. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including multi-million dollar settlements in complex cases. We bring that same level of expertise to Daniels County hazing cases.

10. We Care About Daniels County Families
We’re not just in this for the money. We’ve seen what hazing does to kids and their families. We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Daniels County families because we truly care.

📢 Message to Daniels County Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating near Daniels County:

We are watching. We are documenting. And we are coming for you.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — operate at universities near Daniels County.

If you haze students in Montana, we will:

1. Identify every liable entity — your chapter, your nationals, your university, your house corporation, your alumni, and your individual members
2. Pursue every available insurance policy — we know how to find the money
3. Build a case that proves pattern and foreseeability — we track your history
4. Take your case to trial if necessary — we’re not afraid of juries
5. Demand punitive damages — to punish your conduct and deter future hazing

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston?

• SHUT DOWN after our lawsuit
• Charter surrendered
• Criminal referrals initiated
• $10 million lawsuit ongoing

That’s what happens when you haze in Texas. And that’s what will happen when you haze near Daniels County.

📞 Daniels County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?

You Have Legal Rights. We Can Help. Call Now for a Free Consultation.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Daniels County, call Attorney 911 immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Daniels County hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations for Daniels County families
✅ Remote video consultations — no need to travel
✅ Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless we win
✅ Aggressive, experienced legal representation — we know how to fight these cases
✅ Compassionate support — we understand what you’re going through

The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire. Don’t wait — call now.

🏆 Our Commitment to Daniels County Families

At Attorney 911, we’re committed to serving Daniels County families with the same level of dedication and expertise we bring to our Houston clients. We understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities, and we’re here to ensure that Daniels County families have access to the same high-quality legal representation as families in major cities.

When you choose Attorney 911, you’re choosing:

• A firm that’s actively fighting hazing right now — not just talking about it
• Former insurance defense attorneys who know how to dismantle institutional defenses
• Federal court authority to pursue national fraternities
• A team that will travel to Daniels County for your case
• Contingency fee representation so cost isn’t a barrier to justice
• Compassionate, personalized service from attorneys who truly care

Daniels County families: You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.