🚨 Hazing Victims in Deer Lodge County: Your Rights, Your Justice
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Deer Lodge County, you are not powerless. You have legal rights. And we are fighting this battle right now — for a student just like yours.
At Attorney 911, we are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and beaten with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi fraternity hazing at the University of Houston.
This didn’t just happen in Houston. It happens at colleges and universities near Deer Lodge County. And we will fight for Deer Lodge County families with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.
📍 Hazing in Deer Lodge County: What You Need to Know
Deer Lodge County may be small, but the colleges and universities in Montana and surrounding states have active Greek life systems — and that means hazing happens here too.
Colleges and Universities Near Deer Lodge County with Greek Life:
While Deer Lodge County itself is a rural area in western Montana, it is within reach of several colleges and universities where Greek life is active, including:
-
Montana Tech of the University of Montana (Butte, MT) — Approximately 40 miles from Deer Lodge County
- Home to fraternities and sororities including Sigma Nu, Phi Kappa Tau, and Kappa Sigma
- Known for engineering and technical programs with active student organizations
-
University of Montana (Missoula, MT) — Approximately 120 miles from Deer Lodge County
- Major public university with 15+ fraternities and sororities
- Greek life deeply embedded in campus culture
- Recent concerns about alcohol use and hazing in Greek organizations
-
Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) — Approximately 150 miles from Deer Lodge County
- Large research university with 10+ Greek organizations
- National fraternities including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, and Sigma Nu have chapters
- Known for competitive Greek recruitment and social events
-
Carroll College (Helena, MT) — Approximately 100 miles from Deer Lodge County
- Private Catholic liberal arts college
- Smaller Greek system but active fraternities and sororities
- Close-knit community where hazing can be hidden
-
Other regional institutions within driving distance:
- Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID) — Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Phi, others
- University of Idaho (Moscow, ID) — Large Greek system with national fraternities
- Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA) — Active Greek life presence
The same national fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston operate chapters at these institutions. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Deer Lodge County, they face the same risks.
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis: It’s Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is not harmless fun. It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s not “tradition.”
It is:
- Assault
- Battery
- Torture
- Reckless endangerment
- Sometimes manslaughter
- Sometimes murder
What Hazing Looks Like Near Deer Lodge County
Based on documented cases nationwide — including our current lawsuit — hazing near Deer Lodge County may include:
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, death |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, organ damage |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late-night activities, early morning workouts | Impaired judgment, accidents, mental health crises |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
| Waterboarding / Drowning | Simulated drowning with hoses or buckets | Near-drowning, asphyxiation, psychological trauma |
| Exposure | Forced nudity in cold weather, heat exposure | Hypothermia, heat stroke, dehydration |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, errands, driving members | Exhaustion, inability to focus on studies |
This isn’t hypothetical. This is happening at colleges near Deer Lodge County. And it’s happening to Deer Lodge County students.
⚠️ The Warning Signs: Is Your Child Being Hazed?
Many Deer Lodge County parents don’t realize their child is being hazed until it’s too late. Hazing is often hidden, and victims are pressured to stay silent.
Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazing Victim:
✅ Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- Difficulty walking or moving normally
- Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
- Vomiting or signs of alcohol poisoning
- Sudden weight loss or gain
✅ Behavioral Signs:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Sudden decline in academic performance
- Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Fear of talking about Greek life
- Reluctance to leave the house
- Secretive about phone or social media use
✅ Financial Signs:
- Unexplained expenses (paying for alcohol, events, “fines”)
- Missing money or valuables
- Pressure to buy fraternity/sorority merchandise
✅ Academic Signs:
- Skipping classes
- Falling grades
- Dropping out of activities they once enjoyed
✅ Social Signs:
- Sudden change in friend group
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Fear of social events
- Talking about “pledge duties” or “initiation”
If you notice any of these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Act immediately.
💔 What Happened to Leonel Bermudez — And What Could Happen to Your Child
This is not a hypothetical case. This is real. This is happening.
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student planning to enroll at University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in September 2025. He wasn’t even a UH student yet — he was a “ghost rush”, expected to transfer for Spring 2026.
What followed was seven weeks of systematic torture and abuse that sent him to the hospital with kidney failure.
The Hazing That Hospitalized Him:
| Activity | Description | Torture Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with a garden hose while doing calisthenics | Waterboarding is considered torture by the U.S. government |
| 500+ Squats | Forced to perform 500+ squats as punishment | Caused rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure |
| 100+ Pushups | Forced to perform 100+ pushups | Extreme physical punishment |
| Wooden Paddles | Struck with wooden paddles | Physical assault with a weapon |
| Forced Eating | Forced to consume milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting | Torture; risk of choking, aspiration |
| Post-Vomiting Continuation | Forced to continue running after vomiting | Reckless disregard for health |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive members during early morning hours | Impaired judgment, exhaustion |
| Hog-Tying | Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour | False imprisonment; psychological torture |
The Medical Consequences:
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme physical exercise until he collapsed. He crawled up the stairs when he got home.
The next day, he couldn’t move. His condition worsened. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital.
He was diagnosed with:
- Severe rhabdomyolysis — his muscles were breaking down
- Acute kidney failure — his kidneys were shutting down
- Myoglobinuria — brown urine, classic sign of muscle breakdown
He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.
This is what hazing does. This is what it looks like. This could happen to your child at a college near Deer Lodge County.
📜 Your Legal Rights as a Deer Lodge County Hazing Victim
You have legal rights. You can hold the individuals and institutions accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
| Defendant | Basis for Liability |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
What You Can Sue For:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, future treatment, medications |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Educational Damages | Tuition loss, scholarship loss, academic disruption |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death |
In Texas, there is NO CAP on pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases. Juries have awarded millions in hazing cases.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These same results are possible for Deer Lodge County victims.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (same fraternity as our case) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
The same fraternities operate at colleges near Deer Lodge County. The same negligence exists. The same legal strategies apply.
⚖️ Montana Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
While our firm is based in Texas, Montana has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students near Deer Lodge County.
Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-627 — Hazing
Definition:
“Hazing” means any activity that:
(a) endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student;
(b) is expected of a student for admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in an organization; and
(c) is not consistent with the academic mission of the educational institution.
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (Misdemeanor) | Up to 6 months jail, $500 fine |
| Hazing causing serious bodily injury (Felony) | Up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death (Felony) | Up to 10 years prison, $50,000 fine |
Consent is NOT a Defense:
Montana law explicitly states that consent of the victim is not a defense to hazing.
Institutional Reporting:
Universities must report hazing incidents to state authorities.
Civil Liability:
Victims can sue for damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
🛡️ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Deer Lodge County
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately.
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor.
- Rhabdomyolysis symptoms (muscle pain, dark urine) can be life-threatening.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries.
- Save all communications — texts, social media, emails, GroupMe chats.
- Document everything — dates, times, locations, witnesses.
- Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership.
- Do not sign anything.
- Do not make statements to university administrators alone.
- Anything you say can be used against you.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
- We offer free consultations for Deer Lodge County hazing victims.
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
- We will handle all communication with the organization and insurance companies.
Step 5: Report the Incident
- Consider filing a police report.
- File a Title IX complaint with the university.
- Report to Montana state authorities if serious injury or death occurred.
🏢 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Deer Lodge County Hazing Case
We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the battle right now, and we’re bringing that same fight to Deer Lodge County.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook. We know how they try to deny claims. We know how to dismantle their defenses.
Nationwide Representation
While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Deer Lodge County and all of Montana. We can:
- File cases in federal court
- Travel to Deer Lodge County for depositions and trials
- Offer video consultations for Deer Lodge County families
- Pursue cases against national fraternities and universities
Proven Track Record
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- 12+ years of litigation experience (Lupe Pena)
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- Former national insurance defense firm experience (Lupe Pena at Litchfield Cavo)
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience directly applicable to hazing cases
We Speak Spanish
Many Deer Lodge County families speak Spanish at home. Se habla español. We can serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
We Come to You
We will travel to Deer Lodge County for:
- Free initial consultations
- Depositions
- Client meetings
- Court appearances
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Deer Lodge County, call us immediately.
✅ Free consultation — no obligation
✅ $0 upfront — we work on contingency
✅ 24/7 availability — legal emergencies don’t wait
✅ Nationwide representation — we serve Deer Lodge County
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to win
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Montana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: The fraternity says it was “just tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault, battery, and torture are not protected by tradition.
Q: We’re in Deer Lodge County. Can you represent us?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Deer Lodge County. We offer video consultations and travel to Montana for cases.
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Montana, the statute of limitations is typically 3 years for personal injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget. Contact us immediately.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. If the activity was related to joining the organization, it’s still hazing.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity?
A: YES. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance. They can be held liable for failing to supervise local chapters.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear retribution. We protect our clients and ensure their safety throughout the process.
Q: What if the university says they didn’t know?
A: Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held liable for negligence.
🔥 The Message to Universities and Fraternities Near Deer Lodge County
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Deer Lodge County:
We are watching. We are coming. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
If you haze students near Deer Lodge County, we will pursue every liable entity — the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and the individuals involved.
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
To the universities near Deer Lodge County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
🏆 We Will Fight for Deer Lodge County Families
Deer Lodge County parents: Your child trusted these institutions. They trusted that they would be safe. That trust was betrayed.
We understand the pain. We understand the rage. We understand the fear.
We are here to turn that pain into justice.
We will fight for your child. We will fight for your family. We will fight to ensure this never happens to another Deer Lodge County student.
Call us now. The clock is ticking.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Deer Lodge County and Nationwide
Free Consultation • $0 Upfront • We Travel to You