Hazing Lawyers in Lewis and Clark County: Protecting Students and Holding Institutions Accountable

When “Tradition” Becomes Torture: The Hazing Crisis in Lewis and Clark County

Lewis and Clark County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their students from harm. But for too many students in Montana and across America, that trust is betrayed by a dangerous culture of hazing that has spiraled out of control.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis head-on. While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including students from Lewis and Clark County and surrounding areas. We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the systematic abuse that hospitalized a young man with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at universities near Lewis and Clark County. The same negligence exists at institutions serving Lewis and Clark County students. And we will fight for Lewis and Clark County families with the same determination we’re bringing to this landmark case.

What Lewis and Clark County Families Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing Isn’t “Boys Being Boys” — It’s Abuse

Hazing isn’t harmless fun or team-building. It’s systematic abuse that can cause severe physical and psychological harm. In our current case, a student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
• Humiliated and degraded with sexual objects and enforced dress codes
• Sleep-deprived through late-night activities and forced driving

This isn’t tradition. This is torture. And it happens at universities near Lewis and Clark County too.

The Medical Reality: Hazing Can Be Deadly

The student in our case was hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins that can destroy the kidneys.

But the dangers don’t stop there. Hazing has caused:

• Alcohol poisoning (the #1 cause of hazing deaths)
• Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
• Cardiac arrest from extreme physical exertion
• Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
• Permanent psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Death

Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. And these are just the cases we know about — many more go unreported.

Lewis and Clark County Students Are at Risk

Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity we’re suing, has 150+ chapters across America, including at universities near Lewis and Clark County. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, and other major fraternities operate in Montana too. These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. The same culture that hospitalized our client exists at Lewis and Clark County-area institutions.

Universities near Lewis and Clark County have the same responsibility to protect students as the University of Houston. When they fail, they must be held accountable.

The Legal Rights of Lewis and Clark County Hazing Victims

Montana Law Protects Students from Hazing

Montana has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Montana Code Annotated § 20-25-802, 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.”

This means that even if a student “consents” to hazing activities, the law still considers it illegal. The Montana legislature has been clear: consent is not a defense to hazing.

Who Is Liable for Lewis and Clark County Hazing?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. The local fraternity or sorority chapter — for organizing and conducting the hazing
2. National fraternity/sorority organizations — for failing to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
3. Universities and colleges — for failing to protect students and prevent hazing on their campuses
4. Individual members — for participating in or facilitating the hazing activities
5. Alumni or property owners — if hazing occurred at their homes or properties

In our current case, we’re pursuing all of these defendants — the chapter, the national organization, the university, and individual members.

Types of Compensation Available for Lewis and Clark County Victims

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Pain and suffering (physical pain from injuries)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Educational disruption (tuition costs, scholarship loss)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing)

In cases involving death, families may also recover for loss of companionship and funeral expenses.

Why Lewis and Clark County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us — it’s happening right now. Lewis and Clark County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in this landmark case.

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense lawyers. We’ve spent years working for the other side, learning how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize or deny claims. Now we use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for victims.

When a university or fraternity tries to claim “it wasn’t that bad” or “the victim consented,” we know exactly how to dismantle their arguments. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside — now we use it against them.

Nationwide Reach with Local Understanding

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Lewis and Clark County students. Through our:

• Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
• Video consultation technology
• Willingness to travel for Lewis and Clark County cases

We bring our expertise to Lewis and Clark County without you having to navigate the legal system alone. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

We Speak Your Language — Literally

Our staff is bilingual and we offer comprehensive Spanish-language services. We understand that hazing affects students from all backgrounds, and we’re committed to serving Lewis and Clark County’s diverse community.

Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront for Lewis and Clark County Families

We understand that the cost of hiring an attorney can be prohibitive, especially for students and families dealing with the trauma of hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront costs — you pay nothing to hire us
• No hourly fees — we don’t bill by the hour
• We take the risk — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing
• You get paid first — our fees come from the settlement or verdict

This levels the playing field, allowing Lewis and Clark County families to fight against powerful institutions with deep pockets.

We Come to Lewis and Clark County

For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys will travel to Lewis and Clark County as needed. We’re committed to providing personal, face-to-face representation to Lewis and Clark County hazing victims and their families.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Lewis and Clark County

Immediate Steps for Lewis and Clark County Families

If your child has been hazed, take these steps immediately:

1. Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Hazing injuries can be life-threatening.
2. Preserve all evidence — Save all text messages, social media posts, photos, videos, and other communications related to the hazing.
3. Document everything — Write down what happened, when it happened, who was involved, and how it has affected your child.
4. Do NOT talk to the organization — Anything you say can be used against you. Let us handle all communications.
5. Do NOT post on social media — Insurance companies and defendants will use your posts to minimize your claim.
6. Contact an attorney — Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Time is critical.

Evidence Preservation for Lewis and Clark County Cases

The more evidence we have, the stronger your case will be. Preserve:

• Medical records (hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
• Photos and videos (injuries, hazing activities, locations)
• Text messages and social media (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.)
• Emails (any communications about hazing)
• Witness information (names and contact info of other victims or witnesses)
• Physical evidence (items used in hazing, clothing, etc.)
• Academic records (showing impact on grades or enrollment)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hazing victims and their families often make mistakes that can hurt their cases:

• Waiting too long to act — Evidence disappears and statutes of limitations expire
• Talking to the organization directly — They will try to control the narrative
• Posting on social media — Insurance companies will use your posts against you
• Signing documents from the organization — You may be waiving your rights
• Assuming it’s not “that bad” — Hazing often escalates; what seems minor can be part of a pattern

The Attorney 911 Approach to Lewis and Clark County Hazing Cases

Our Process for Lewis and Clark County Families

1. Free Consultation — We evaluate your case at no cost to you.
2. Immediate Evidence Preservation — We send preservation letters to all defendants.
3. Comprehensive Investigation — We gather all available evidence and identify all liable parties.
4. Medical Documentation — We work with medical experts to document the full extent of injuries.
5. Demand Package — We compile all evidence and send a demand to defendants.
6. Aggressive Negotiation — We fight for maximum compensation.
7. Litigation (if needed) — If defendants won’t offer a fair settlement, we take them to court.
8. Resolution — We secure compensation for your injuries and hold defendants accountable.

Why We’re Different: Our Unique Advantages

1. We’re Former Insurance Defense Lawyers

• We know how insurance companies value claims
• We know how they try to deny or minimize claims
• We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery

2. We Have Federal Court Authority

• Can pursue cases in federal court when appropriate
• Experience with complex multi-defendant litigation

3. We’re Willing to Go to Trial

• Many firms settle for less than you deserve
• We prepare every case for trial
• Our reputation makes defendants take us seriously

4. We Have a Proven Track Record

• Currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
• Recovered millions for personal injury victims
• Experience with wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases

5. We Care About Our Clients

• We treat Lewis and Clark County families like family
• We provide regular updates and clear communication
• We fight for you as if you were our own child

Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis and Clark County Hazing Cases

Can I sue if my child was hazed in Lewis and Clark County?

Yes. If your child was injured due to hazing, you may have a legal claim against:

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The university or college
• Individual members who participated
• Property owners where hazing occurred

What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

Consent is not a defense under Montana law. Montana Code Annotated § 20-25-802 explicitly states that hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim consented. Organizations cannot escape liability by claiming the victim “agreed” to participate.

How much is my Lewis and Clark County hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that affect case value include:

• Severity of physical injuries
• Extent of psychological trauma
• Whether the victim was hospitalized
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• Whether there was a pattern of abuse
• The egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, etc.)

Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

• $10.1 million settlement (Stone Foltz case)
• $6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver case)
• $110+ million estimated settlement (Timothy Piazza case)

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Lewis and Clark County?

Montana has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, it’s critical to act immediately because:

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records
• The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be

Can I afford a hazing lawyer in Lewis and Clark County?

Yes. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No upfront costs — you pay nothing to hire us
• No hourly fees — we don’t bill by the hour
• We take the risk — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing
• You get paid first — our fees come from the settlement or verdict

This allows Lewis and Clark County families to fight against powerful institutions without financial barriers.

Will my Lewis and Clark County case go to trial?

Most cases settle out of court. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case does go to court.

What if the hazing happened at a university outside Lewis and Clark County?

We represent hazing victims nationwide, regardless of where the incident occurred. Through our federal court authority and willingness to travel, we can pursue cases anywhere in the United States.

Can I sue if my child wasn’t physically injured?

Yes. Even without physical injuries, hazing can cause severe psychological trauma including:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Academic decline

These injuries are compensable in a legal claim.

What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation for speaking out. We take steps to protect our clients, including:

• Handling all communications with defendants
• Protecting your identity when possible
• Taking legal action against any retaliation
• Providing support throughout the process

Can I sue if my child was hazed but isn’t a student at the university?

Yes. In our current case, the victim was a “ghost rush” — he wasn’t even enrolled at the university yet. Organizations that haze non-students are even more negligent because they’re targeting individuals who aren’t under the university’s direct supervision.

The Hazing Cases That Changed America — And What They Mean for Lewis and Clark County

Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million Settlement

What happened: Stone Foltz, a student at Bowling Green State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity event.

Outcome: $10.1 million settlement, including $2.9 million from the university and $7.2 million from the fraternity.

Why it matters for Lewis and Clark County: This case shows that universities and fraternities both pay substantial amounts when hazing causes harm. Our $10 million demand for Lewis and Clark County cases is directly in line with this precedent.

Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

What happened: Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old at Louisiana State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where wrong answers resulted in more drinking.

Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; criminal convictions; passage of the Max Gruver Act (made hazing a felony in Louisiana).

Why it matters for Lewis and Clark County: Juries award millions when they hear about egregious hazing. The Gruver case also shows that hazing cases can lead to criminal charges and legislative change.

Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million Settlement

What happened: Timothy Piazza, a Penn State student, died after falling down stairs multiple times during a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.

Outcome: Estimated $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions; passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.

Why it matters for Lewis and Clark County: When evidence is strong (as it is in our case), settlements reach $100+ million. This case also shows that criminal charges often follow hazing deaths.

Andrew Coffey — Pi Kappa Phi’s Deadly Pattern

What happened: Andrew Coffey, a Florida State University student, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi event.

Outcome: Multiple criminal charges; chapter permanently closed.

Why it matters for Lewis and Clark County: This is the same fraternity we’re currently suing for the hospitalization of Leonel Bermudez. Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their hazing culture after Andrew Coffey’s death — and they did nothing. This establishes a pattern of negligence that supports punitive damages.

The Lewis and Clark County Hazing Case That’s Making Headlines

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Lawsuit

What happened: Leonel Bermudez, a prospective member of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting
• Humiliated with sexual objects
• Sleep-deprived through late-night activities

Why it matters for Lewis and Clark County: This case shows that:

• The same fraternities operate near Lewis and Clark County — Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide
• Universities near Lewis and Clark County face the same liability — UH owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
• $10 million is a reasonable demand — recent cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements
• Criminal charges may follow — UH’s spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges”
• Pattern evidence matters — Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death (Andrew Coffey) and UH had a prior hazing hospitalization

What This Means for Lewis and Clark County Students

The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exist at Lewis and Clark County-area fraternities. The same negligence exists at institutions serving Lewis and Clark County students. And the same legal strategies that are winning this case can win for Lewis and Clark County victims.

How We Hold Lewis and Clark County Hazing Defendants Accountable

1. Pi Kappa Phi and Other Fraternities Near Lewis and Clark County

To fraternities operating near Lewis and Clark County: We are watching.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, and other national fraternities with chapters near Lewis and Clark County should know:

• We track your house corporations, alumni chapters, and insurance structures
• We know your national organization’s hazing death record
• We know how much you’ve paid in settlements
• If your Lewis and Clark County-area chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your Lewis and Clark County-area chapter could be next.

2. Universities Serving Lewis and Clark County Students

To universities near Lewis and Clark County: The same institutional negligence exists at your campus.

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. They knew about a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it from happening again. They failed to protect their students.

Universities near Lewis and Clark County have the same responsibility. When they own fraternity houses, have the power to regulate Greek life, and fail to act on warnings, they share liability for hazing injuries.

3. Individual Members in Lewis and Clark County

To fraternity and sorority members near Lewis and Clark County: You are personally liable.

In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. Individual members who participate in or facilitate hazing can be held personally responsible, both civilly and criminally.

We will pursue:

• Chapter presidents
• Pledgemasters
• Active members who participated
• Alumni who hosted hazing
• Anyone who enabled the abuse

4. Insurance Companies Covering Lewis and Clark County Defendants

To insurance companies: We know your playbook.

As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how insurance companies:

• Try to minimize claims
• Delay payments
• Deny coverage
• Pressure victims to accept lowball offers

We use that knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients. We know how to:

• Identify all applicable policies
• Demand full policy limits
• Overcome coverage denials
• Negotiate from a position of strength

What Lewis and Clark County Families Can Expect When They Call Us

Step 1: Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we’ll:

• Listen to your story
• Evaluate the strength of your case
• Explain your legal rights
• Answer all your questions
• Provide honest advice about your options

This consultation is completely free and completely confidential.

Step 2: Immediate Action

If we take your case, we’ll immediately:

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they preserve evidence
• Begin gathering medical records and other documentation
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Develop a strategy tailored to your case

Step 3: Comprehensive Investigation

We’ll conduct a thorough investigation, including:

• Interviewing witnesses
• Collecting text messages, social media posts, and other communications
• Obtaining security camera footage (if available)
• Reviewing university policies and procedures
• Consulting with medical experts

Step 4: Medical Documentation

We work with medical experts to:

• Document the full extent of physical injuries
• Assess long-term health consequences
• Calculate future medical expenses
• Connect injuries to the hazing activities

Step 5: Demand and Negotiation

We’ll compile all evidence into a demand package and send it to defendants. We’ll aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation.

Step 6: Litigation (If Needed)

If defendants won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court. We have:

• Federal court admission
• Experience with complex litigation
• A track record of success at trial

Step 7: Resolution

Our goal is to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and hold defendants accountable. We’ll fight for:

• Full payment of medical bills
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Damages for emotional distress
• Punitive damages when appropriate
• Justice for your family

Contact Attorney 911 — Lewis and Clark County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Lewis and Clark County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a university near Lewis and Clark County, we can help. We’re fighting this battle right now, and we’ll fight for Lewis and Clark County families with the same determination.

Call us 24/7 for a free consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free consultations for Lewis and Clark County families
• Video consultations for remote meetings
• Willingness to travel to Lewis and Clark County
• Contingency fee representation ($0 upfront)
• Bilingual services (Se habla español)

Lewis and Clark County Hazing Victims: Time Is Critical

Do not wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations expire. Call us today to protect your rights and begin the process of holding those responsible accountable.

Lewis and Clark County Families Deserve Justice

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it has no place on Lewis and Clark County-area campuses.

We will fight for Lewis and Clark County families until every university, every fraternity, and every individual who enables hazing is held accountable.

Call Attorney 911 today. Enough is enough.