🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Hill County, Montana – Protecting Students from Abuse

When “tradition” becomes torture, we fight back.

Hill County families trust Attorney 911 to stand up against hazing abuse at Montana State University-Northern, local colleges, and Greek organizations. If your child has been subjected to dangerous initiation rituals, forced drinking, physical abuse, or psychological torment, you have legal rights — and we have the experience to enforce them.

Based in Texas but serving hazing victims nationwide, our team is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate in Hill County. The same negligence exists at Montana institutions. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Hill County families.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Why Hill County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure. Hill County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.

2. Nationwide Reach – Local Commitment

We’re based in Texas but serve hazing victims across America, including Hill County. Our attorneys:

• Travel to Hill County for depositions and meetings
• Offer video consultations for Hill County families
• Understand Montana’s legal landscape
• Have federal court authority to pursue national fraternities

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they’ll try to deny your claim — and how to beat them.

4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Cases

• $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending (Pi Kappa Phi/University of Houston)
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience (mass tort against major corporation)
• Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)

5. We Speak Your Language

• Se habla español – Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families
• Compassionate communication – We treat Hill County families like family
• Contingency fee basis – $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win

What Hazing Looks Like in Hill County

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s assault, battery, and sometimes torture disguised as “tradition.” In our current case, a University of Houston student was subjected to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500 squats until his muscles broke down
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
• Hog-tied with an object in his mouth (another pledge)
• Forced to carry sexual objects in a fanny pack at all times
• Extreme sleep deprivation – forced to drive fraternity members at all hours

These same activities happen at Hill County institutions. If your child has experienced any of the following, call us immediately:

Physical Hazing:

• Beatings or paddling
• Forced exercise to exhaustion
• Branding or burning
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Exposure to extreme heat or cold
• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or non-food substances

Psychological Hazing:

• Sleep deprivation
• Verbal abuse or humiliation
• Isolation or confinement
• Threats of violence or expulsion
• Forced to perform degrading acts
• Sexual humiliation

Medical Consequences:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) – like our current client
• Alcohol poisoning – potentially fatal
• Traumatic brain injury – from beatings or falls
• Broken bones – from physical abuse
• PTSD, anxiety, depression – long-term psychological damage
• Death – wrongful death claims for families

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hill County Hazing?

Many Hill County families don’t realize how many people and organizations share responsibility for hazing. In our current case, we’re suing:

Hill County families: These same defendants exist at Montana institutions. We know how to pursue them.

Montana Hazing Laws – What Hill County Families Need to Know

Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-627 – Hazing

Montana law defines hazing as:

“Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers that person, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”

Key provisions for Hill County families:

1. Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter
2. Criminal penalties – Hazing is a misdemeanor in Montana
3. Institutional liability – Schools can be held responsible for failing to prevent hazing
4. Civil lawsuits – Victims can sue for compensation

How Montana Law Compares to Texas (Where We’re Based)

Even though we’re based in Texas, we can represent Hill County families because:

• Hazing cases often involve federal civil rights claims
• National fraternities operate across state lines
• We have federal court authority to pursue cases nationwide
• Montana courts respect out-of-state attorneys with proven expertise

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Hill County

Immediate Steps – Protect Your Rights

1. Get Medical Attention

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately
   • Rhabdomyolysis and other conditions may not show symptoms right away
   • Medical records are critical evidence

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Take photos of injuries at all stages (immediately and as they heal)
   • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
   • Document everything – write down dates, times, locations, what happened
   • Get witness names – other pledges may have seen what happened
   • Don’t delete anything – even if it’s embarrassing, it’s evidence

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

   • They will try to control the narrative
   • They may destroy evidence
   • They may intimidate witnesses
   • Let us handle all communication

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Anything you post can be used against you
   • Don’t post about “being fine” or attending parties
   • Don’t engage with Greek life members online
   • Stay quiet until your case is resolved

5. Call Attorney 911 Immediately

   • 1-888-ATTY-911 – 24/7 legal emergency line
   • Free consultation for Hill County families
   • We’ll tell you your rights and options

Our Hill County Hazing Case Process

1. Free Consultation

   • Phone or video call with our attorneys
   • Review what happened to your child
   • Explain your legal rights and options

2. Evidence Preservation

   • Send preservation letters to all defendants
   • Demand they keep all evidence (texts, photos, videos)
   • Prevent destruction of critical documentation

3. Medical Documentation

   • Work with Hill County medical providers
   • Obtain complete medical records
   • Consult with experts about long-term impact

4. Investigation

   • Interview witnesses
   • Gather physical evidence
   • Research prior incidents at the organization
   • Identify all liable parties

5. Demand Letter

   • Send comprehensive demand to defendants
   • Outline all damages (medical, emotional, punitive)
   • Demand fair settlement

6. Negotiation or Litigation

   • Aggressive negotiation with defendants
   • If no fair settlement, file lawsuit
   • Prepare for trial if necessary

7. Recovery

   • Secure maximum compensation
   • Ensure defendants are held accountable
   • Prevent future hazing incidents

What Hill County Families Can Recover

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work)
• Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships)
• Rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and embarrassment
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to relationships

Punitive Damages:

• Awarded when conduct is egregious
• Meant to punish the wrongdoers
• Meant to deter future hazing
• Can be millions of dollars

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a student who survived. Wrongful death cases can reach $100 million or more.

Frequently Asked Questions from Hill County Families

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. Can you protect them?

A: Absolutely. We understand the fear of retaliation is very real. In our current case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We will:

• Protect your child’s identity when possible
• Take legal action against anyone who retaliates
• Work with law enforcement if threats occur
• Ensure your child feels safe throughout the process

Q: The fraternity says my child consented. Does that matter?

A: No. Both Montana and Texas law explicitly state that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter. The law recognizes that peer pressure and social coercion negate true consent.

Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – we only get paid if we win your case. There are no hourly fees or retainers. This allows Hill County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

Q: The university says they didn’t know. Can they be held liable?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:

• Own the fraternity house (like UH did)
• Have prior knowledge of hazing (like UH did in 2017)
• Have the power to regulate Greek life
• Fail to implement effective oversight

…then they can be held liable. In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house and had prior knowledge of hazing problems.

Q: How long do we have to take action?

A: Time is critical.

• Montana criminal charges: Typically 1 year for misdemeanors
• Montana civil lawsuits: Typically 3 years from date of injury
• Federal civil rights claims: Typically 2 years

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: My child attends MSU-Northern. Which fraternities are dangerous?

A: While we can’t comment on specific Hill County chapters without evidence, national fraternities with documented hazing histories include:

• Pi Kappa Phi (our current case – waterboarding, 500 squats)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Stone Foltz death, $10.1M settlement)
• Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver death, $6.1M verdict)
• Beta Theta Pi (Timothy Piazza death, $110M+ settlement)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple hazing deaths)
• Sigma Chi (recent lawsuit at University of Texas)

If your child is pledging any fraternity at MSU-Northern or other Hill County institutions, they face the same risks our client did.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If it’s part of the initiation process for a school-affiliated organization, the university and national organization can still be held liable.

Q: Can you help if the hazing happened last year?

A: Possibly. The statute of limitations is typically 3 years in Montana for civil cases. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears over time. Call us immediately for a case evaluation.

Q: My child was hazed but not physically injured. Can you help?

A: Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is a serious injury. We can pursue compensation for:

• Therapy costs
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Academic disruption

Hill County Hazing Resources

Local Support:

• Montana State University-Northern Counseling Services
  • (406) 265-3704
  • https://www.msun.edu/studentlife/counseling.aspx
• Northern Montana Health Care
  • (406) 265-2211
  • https://www.nmhcare.org
• Hill County Victim/Witness Assistance Program
  • (406) 265-5481
  • Part of Hill County Attorney’s Office

National Support:

• HazingPrevention.Org
  • https://hazingprevention.org
• National Hazing Hotline
  • 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• StopHazing
  • https://stophazing.org

Reporting:

• MSU-Northern Student Conduct
  • (406) 265-3704
  • https://www.msun.edu/studentlife/studentconduct.aspx
• Montana Office of Public Instruction
  • (406) 444-3095
  • https://opi.mt.gov
• Local Law Enforcement
  • Havre Police Department: (406) 265-4361
  • Hill County Sheriff: (406) 265-5481

Why Hill County Families Trust Attorney 911

Client Testimonials:

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett

“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” – Vivian Ruiz

“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.” – Chad Harris

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way.” – Kiwi Potato

Media Coverage of Our Current Hazing Case:

• ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges”
• KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations”
• Houston Chronicle: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit”
• Houston Public Media: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing”

Our Commitment to Hill County:

While we’re based in Texas, we’re committed to serving Hill County families because:

• We believe every student deserves to be safe
• We know hazing is a nationwide epidemic
• We have the experience to hold institutions accountable
• We offer free consultations and $0 upfront costs
• We travel to Hill County for depositions and meetings

The Attorney 911 Difference for Hill County Families

Hill County Hazing Warning Signs

Parents: Be alert for these signs that your child may be experiencing hazing:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Weight loss or gain
• Exhaustion or sleep deprivation
• Changes in hygiene
• Wearing unusual clothing (all black, matching outfits)

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family/friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Anxiety or depression
• Drop in academic performance
• Avoiding questions about Greek life
• Sudden change in friend group

Academic Signs:

• Missing classes
• Falling grades
• Skipping exams
• Withdrawing from courses
• Talking about dropping out

Financial Signs:

• Unexplained expenses
• Requests for money
• Missing valuables
• Unexplained purchases (alcohol, paddles, etc.)

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child immediately and contact Attorney 911 for guidance.

Our Promise to Hill County Families

1. We will listen – Your child’s story matters.
2. We will investigate – We’ll uncover the truth.
3. We will fight – We won’t back down from powerful institutions.
4. We will protect – We’ll keep your child safe from retaliation.
5. We will win – We have the experience to get results.

Hill County families: You are not alone. We are Attorney 911. We are your legal emergency responders.

Contact Attorney 911 – Hill County’s Hazing Lawyers

📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
📍 Serving Hill County from our Texas offices: Houston, Austin, Beaumont

Free Consultation for Hill County Families:

• Phone Consultation: Available immediately
• Video Consultation: Schedule online
• In-Person Meeting: We travel to Hill County

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Attorney Profiles – The Lawyers Fighting for Hill County

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney – knows their playbook
• Federal court admission – can sue national fraternities
• Dual-state bar license (Texas & New York)
• Currently litigating $10M hazing case
• Father of three – understands what’s at stake

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” – Ralph on our current hazing client

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney

• Former national insurance defense attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP)
• Fluent in Spanish – serving Hill County’s Hispanic families
• Federal court admission
• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Third-generation Texan with deep community roots

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe on our current hazing case

Hill County Hazing Case Evaluation

Answer these questions to see if you have a case:

1. Was your child subjected to any physical or psychological abuse as part of joining an organization?

   • Yes
   • No

2. Did the abuse include any of the following?

   • Forced drinking
   • Physical beatings
   • Extreme exercise
   • Sleep deprivation
   • Humiliation or degradation
   • Other dangerous activities

3. Did your child experience any of the following as a result?

   • Physical injuries
   • Hospitalization
   • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
   • Academic disruption
   • Other negative consequences

4. Did the abuse occur at or through any of the following?

   • Fraternity or sorority at MSU-Northern
   • Sports team
   • Marching band
   • ROTC
   • Other school-affiliated organization

5. Did you report the incident to the school or authorities?

   • Yes
   • No

If you checked any boxes, you likely have a case. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for a free consultation.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hill County families: Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your rights.

• Evidence disappears – Texts get deleted, photos get lost, memories fade
• Witnesses forget – Details become unclear
• Statutes of limitations expire – You lose your right to sue forever
• Defendants destroy records – Organizations cover their tracks

Our current hazing client was hospitalized on November 6, 2025. We filed a $10 million lawsuit on November 21. That’s how quickly you need to act.

Final Message to Hill County Families

To the parents of Hill County:

You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the fraternity. You trusted that these institutions would protect your child.

That trust was betrayed.

Your child was subjected to torture disguised as “tradition.” They were waterboarded. They were forced to exercise until their muscles broke down. They were humiliated. They were hospitalized.

We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the rage. And we’re here to turn that pain and rage into justice.

To the students of Hill County:

You wanted to belong. You wanted to make friends. You wanted to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Instead, you were abused. You were degraded. You were broken.

It’s not your fault. You didn’t deserve this. And you don’t have to suffer in silence.

To the institutions of Hill County:

We see you. We know what you’re doing. We know you’re protecting your reputation instead of protecting students. We know you’re covering up instead of cleaning up.

We are coming for you. We are Attorney 911. And we will hold you accountable.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The fight for justice starts today.