🏢 Attorney 911 — Gallatin County’s Premier Hazing Litigation Experts
Protecting Gallatin County Students from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse
Serving Gallatin County, Montana and nationwide with aggressive hazing litigation
🚨 The Hazing Crisis Has Reached Gallatin County
Gallatin County is home to vibrant college communities, including Montana State University in Bozeman, one of the largest universities in the state. With over 16,000 students and a thriving Greek life presence, Gallatin County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But behind the Greek letters and campus traditions, a dangerous culture of hazing persists.
The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements nationwide operate right here in Gallatin County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston — waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical punishment — happen at Gallatin County universities too.
If your child has been hazed in Gallatin County, you are not alone. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Gallatin County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
⚠️ What Gallatin County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen at “Big Schools”
Many Gallatin County families assume hazing is a problem at large universities in other states — not here. But the reality is that hazing occurs at colleges of all sizes, including those in Gallatin County. Whether your child attends Montana State University, a smaller college, or even a community college with Greek organizations, they face the same risks.
The Same Fraternities Operate in Gallatin County
National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Beta Theta Pi, and others have chapters at universities across America — including near Gallatin County. These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. The culture that led to our client’s hospitalization in Houston exists right here in Montana.
Hazing is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is often dismissed as “tradition” or “boys being boys.” But when that “tradition” involves waterboarding, forced alcohol consumption, physical beatings, and extreme exercise leading to kidney failure, it’s not tradition — it’s abuse, it’s assault, and it’s illegal.
Universities Near Gallatin County Have the Same Liability Failures
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter. They chose not to. Universities near Gallatin County have the same responsibilities — and the same failures when they don’t act.
💔 Real Hazing Incidents That Could Happen in Gallatin County
The Houston Case That Shows What Gallatin County Families Face
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What happened to him is happening to students in Gallatin County right now.
Here’s what they did to him — and what they’re doing to students near Gallatin County:
| Activity | Description | Medical Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with a garden hose while doing calisthenics | Hypoxia, psychological trauma, drowning |
| Forced Eating | Large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting | Choking, aspiration, gastrointestinal distress |
| Extreme Exercise | 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, cardiac arrest |
| Wooden Paddles | Struck with wooden paddles | Bruising, internal injuries, broken bones |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive members during early morning hours | Exhaustion, accidents, impaired judgment |
| Cold Exposure | Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather | Hypothermia, frostbite |
| Psychological Abuse | Carrying fanny pack with sexual objects, threats of expulsion | PTSD, anxiety, depression |
This is not tradition. This is torture. And it’s happening at universities near Gallatin County.
📚 Hazing at Montana State University and Gallatin County Colleges
Montana State University in Bozeman has a significant Greek life presence, with multiple fraternities and sororities active on campus. While MSU has policies against hazing, the same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements operate here in Gallatin County.
Greek Organizations Near Gallatin County with Hazing Histories
| Organization | Notable Hazing Incidents Nationwide | Gallatin County Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit (2025); Andrew Coffey death (2017) | Potential chapters near Gallatin County |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Chemical burns case (2021); multiple deaths | Active at MSU and other Montana schools |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death (2021); $10M settlement | Potential chapters near Gallatin County |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death (2017); $110M+ settlement | Potential chapters near Gallatin County |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver death (2017); $6.1M verdict | Potential chapters near Gallatin County |
These are the same organizations your children may be joining in Gallatin County. They have the same cultures, the same risks, and the same histories of abuse.
🏛️ Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens in Gallatin County?
When hazing occurs in Gallatin County, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. We pursue every liable entity to maximize compensation for our clients.
1. The Local Chapter
The Gallatin County chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing is primarily responsible. This includes:
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
- Members who participated in hazing
- Members who failed to stop hazing
2. The National Organization
National fraternities and sororities have deep pockets and substantial insurance coverage. They are liable for:
- Failing to supervise local chapters
- Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Maintaining a culture that enables hazing
- Knowing about prior hazing incidents and failing to act
3. The University
Universities near Gallatin County have a duty to protect students. They can be liable for:
- Failing to supervise Greek organizations
- Failing to respond to hazing reports
- Owning or controlling property where hazing occurs
- Having prior knowledge of hazing risks
4. Housing Corporations
Many fraternity and sorority houses in Gallatin County are owned by separate housing corporations. These entities are responsible for:
- Maintaining safe premises
- Preventing hazing on their property
- Responding to reports of hazing
5. Individual Members and Alumni
Every person who participated in, facilitated, or failed to stop hazing can be held personally liable. This includes:
- Active members
- Alumni who host hazing events
- Spouses who allow hazing at their homes
⚖️ Legal Rights for Gallatin County Hazing Victims
Montana and Federal Laws Protect Hazing Victims
While our firm is based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Gallatin County. The same legal principles apply:
-
Hazing is Illegal in Montana
- Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-626 defines hazing as a misdemeanor
- Hazing that causes serious bodily injury is a felony
- Consent is not a defense — even if the victim agreed to participate
-
Civil Liability for Hazing
- Victims can sue for negligence, assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Universities and national organizations can be sued for negligent supervision and premises liability
-
Federal Civil Rights Claims
- Hazing that targets individuals based on race, gender, religion, or other protected classes may violate federal civil rights laws
- Title IX claims may apply if hazing involves sexual harassment or assault
-
Wrongful Death Claims
- If hazing results in death, families can sue for wrongful death
- Damages include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and punitive damages
💰 What Gallatin County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what Gallatin County victims can recover:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy)
- Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
- Future medical costs (ongoing treatment for injuries)
- Educational expenses (tuition refunds, academic disruption costs)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering (physical pain from injuries)
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience)
Punitive Damages
- Punitive damages are awarded when conduct is egregious or intentional
- They are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Punitive damages in hazing cases often exceed compensatory damages
Precedent Settlements for Hazing Cases
| Case | Fraternity | University | Settlement Amount | Injury/Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million | Death |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million | Death |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million | Death |
| Leonel Bermudez | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure |
Gallatin County families can recover the same compensation as victims in other states.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Gallatin County
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear immediately
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries, the hazing location, and any items used in hazing
- Save all communications (texts, social media messages, emails)
- Document witness names and contact information
- Keep all medical records from hospital visits or doctor appointments
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- Report to the university (Title IX office, Greek life office)
- File a police report — hazing is a crime in Montana
- Report to the national organization (if applicable)
Step 4: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
- Do not give statements to the fraternity, university, or their attorneys
- Do not sign any documents without legal counsel
- Do not post about the incident on social media
Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- We offer remote consultations for Gallatin County families
- We travel to Gallatin County for depositions, meetings, and trials
🎯 Why Gallatin County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case
We are not just talking about hazing litigation — we are in the fight right now. Our attorneys are representing Leonel Bermudez in his lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Gallatin County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. 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 minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize recovery for Gallatin County victims.
3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Gallatin County
While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Gallatin County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases in any state.
4. We Travel to Gallatin County
We come to Gallatin County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Court appearances
- Trials
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront
We understand that Gallatin County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
6. Bilingual Services — Se Habla Español
Our staff is bilingual, ensuring clear communication for Spanish-speaking Gallatin County families.
7. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of personal injury, wrongful death, and institutional negligence. Gallatin County hazing victims deserve the same results.
🏆 Our Experience with Hazing Litigation
Specific Hazing Case Experience
- Kappa Sigma Fraternity — Represented victims of hazing resulting in hospitalization
- Texas A&M University — Handled cases involving extreme physical hazing
- Rhabdomyolysis Cases — Specific medical expertise in this condition caused by hazing
- University of Houston Case — Currently litigating $10 million hazing lawsuit
Related Experience That Strengthens Hazing Cases
| Case Type | Relevance to Hazing Litigation |
|---|---|
| Wrongful Death | Hazing often results in death; we know how to pursue these cases |
| Assault and Battery | Hazing involves physical abuse; we have extensive experience |
| Institutional Negligence | Universities and national organizations fail to protect students |
| Federal Civil Rights | Title IX and civil rights claims often apply in hazing cases |
| Insurance Litigation | We know how to pursue fraternity and university insurance policies |
📞 Gallatin County Families: Contact Us Immediately
If your child has been hazed in Gallatin County, time is critical.
- Evidence disappears — fraternities delete messages, destroy records
- Witnesses forget — memories fade quickly
- Statutes of limitations expire — you only have 2 years to file a lawsuit in most cases
How Gallatin County Families Can Reach Us
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — Available 24/7 for Gallatin County hazing emergencies
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
📍 Remote Consultations: Available for Gallatin County families who cannot travel
🚗 We Come to Gallatin County: For depositions, meetings, and trials
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions for Gallatin County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still contact an attorney?
A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. Hazing is a crime, and reporting it can prevent future incidents. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still sue?
A: Yes. In Montana, consent is not a defense to hazing. Montana law explicitly states that even if a victim agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal. The fraternity cannot use consent as an excuse.
Q: We’re in Gallatin County, and you’re in Texas. Can you still represent us?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Gallatin County. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can handle your case no matter where you are.
Q: The university says they’re investigating. Should we wait?
A: No. University investigations are designed to protect the institution, not your child. Contact an attorney immediately to ensure your child’s rights are protected and evidence is preserved.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Gallatin County hazing case?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that Gallatin County families can pursue justice without financial barriers.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand that fear of retaliation is common in hazing cases. We will protect your child’s identity and pursue legal action without exposing them to unnecessary risk. Our client in the Houston case was also afraid of retribution — we know how to handle these sensitive situations.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?
A: You can sue both. National organizations often have deep pockets and substantial insurance coverage. They are responsible for failing to supervise local chapters and prevent hazing. We pursue every liable party to maximize compensation.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing that occurs off-campus is still illegal and still gives rise to civil liability. Fraternities and sororities often host hazing events at private residences, and both the local chapter and the property owners can be held responsible.
📢 Message to Gallatin County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating in Gallatin County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements oversee your activities.
If you haze students in Gallatin County, we will pursue every liable entity — your local chapter, your national organization, your housing corporation, your university, and every individual member.
The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in America. That’s what will happen in Gallatin County.
🏆 Our Commitment to Gallatin County Families
At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent clients — we fight for justice. We fight to hold institutions accountable. We fight to protect the next generation of Gallatin County students.
When you hire us, you get:
- Aggressive representation — we don’t back down from powerful institutions
- Compassionate advocacy — we understand the trauma hazing causes
- Nationwide expertise — we know how to pursue hazing cases in any state
- A team that cares — we treat Gallatin County families like our own
Gallatin County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
🚨 Gallatin County Hazing Victims: Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
The same fight we’re bringing to Houston, we bring to Gallatin County.
If your child has been hazed in Gallatin County, contact us immediately. We offer free consultations and represent clients on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Serving Gallatin County, Montana and nationwide.
