If you’re reading this in Montana, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went to college with hopes of building friendships and finding a sense of belonging. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and potentially life-threatening trauma. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that grips parents in Montana when they discover their child has been hazed. We’re here to help families in Montana fight back against the fraternities, sororities, and universities that allow this barbaric behavior to continue.

Our firm, Attorney911, is not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it in court right now. We are currently prosecuting a $10 million lawsuit in Texas against a national fraternity and a major university for a hazing incident that left our client hospitalized with kidney failure. This is not a theoretical battle for us; it is today’s fight for justice, and it’s the exact same fight we will bring to your family in Montana.

Even though our offices are based in Texas, the crisis of hazing extends across our nation, reaching universities and communities throughout Montana, from Missoula to Bozeman, Billings to Great Falls. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters at the University of Montana, Montana State University, and other colleges across the state are often the very organizations implicated in hazing deaths and severe injuries nationwide. The patterns of abuse, the institutional negligence, and the profound trauma inflicted upon students are disturbingly similar, no matter where they occur. We possess the federal court authority and the determination to travel to Montana, ensuring that families here receive the same aggressive, expert representation as those in Texas.

We know that when parents in Montana search for answers at 2 AM, they are looking for more than just legal advice; they are looking for hope, for a champion in their corner, and for a team that genuinely understands the nightmare they are living. We are that team. We are your first responders to a legal emergency, ready to act on behalf of your child and your family in Montana.

The $10 Million Fight for Justice: A Warning to Montana Families

Hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a brutal reality happening right now, even at reputable universities. Just imagine the horror that Leonel Bermudez and his family endured, a horror that unfolded recently in Houston, Texas, at the University of Houston. This incident, which forms the core of our ongoing $10 million lawsuit, serves as a stark warning to every parent in Montana considering sending their child off to college. It demonstrates precisely what modern hazing looks like and how Attorney911 is relentlessly pursuing accountability for those responsible.

Leonel Bermudez was not even an enrolled student at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush,” planning to transfer in the upcoming semester, eager to become part of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What he encountered instead was a weeks-long campaign of systematic abuse and psychological torture. This wasn’t harmless pranks or mild discomfort; this was calculated degradation that led to his hospitalization with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

We filed this $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court in November 2025, naming not only the Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters and its local chapter but also the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This comprehensive approach is critical because hazing is rarely the fault of just one person; it is often embedded in the culture of the chapter, enabled by the national organization, and allowed to fester by institutional negligence at the university level.

The Hazing Timeline: A Descent into Torture

Leonel’s ordeal began on September 16, 2025, when he accepted an invitation to pledge Pi Kappa Phi. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to an escalating series of barbaric acts:

• Simulated Waterboarding: He was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, a terrifying act that simulates drowning. As one news report rightly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.”
• Forced Consumption and Vomiting: Leonel was compelled to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even then, he was forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress, often having to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Exertion: He endured endless rounds of 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed under duress, threatened with instant expulsion if he stopped. This relentless physical punishment pushed his body to its absolute limit, eventually causing his muscles to break down.
• Physical Assault: He was struck with wooden paddles. This is not brotherhood; this is criminal assault.
• Humiliation and Degradation: Leonel was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These are acts designed to break a person’s spirit.
• Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, contributing to severe exhaustion.

This horrific abuse culminated on November 3, 2025, following a punishment for missing an event. Leonel was compelled to perform such extreme exercises that his body gave out. He collapsed, unable to stand without help, and literally crawled up the stairs to his bed when he finally made it home. The pain intensified over the next two days until, on November 6, his worried mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. Diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, Leonel spent three nights and four days hospitalized, fighting for his life. He now faces the risk of permanent kidney damage.

You can find more details about this shocking case from verifiable news sources like ABC13 Houston (https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/), KHOU 11 (https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/university-of-houston-hazing-lawsuit-uh-pi-kappa-phi/285-8d6916f4-23b9-456a-a484-77c916ceac71), and Houston Public Media (https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2025/11/24/536961/uh-lawsuit-hazing-allegations-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/).

The Medical Nightmare: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel’s diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis is a testament to the extreme physical abuse he endured. This severe condition occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to acute kidney failure. The brown urine he passed was a classic sign of this life-threatening condition. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has prior expertise in litigating rhabdomyolysis cases resulting from hazing, giving us a unique advantage in understanding the medical complexities and long-term implications for our clients.

Institutional Cover-Ups and Admissions

What’s particularly damning in Leonel’s case is the response from the institutions involved. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, in a statement on their website (https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/), confirmed they closed the Beta Nu chapter on November 14, 2025 – just seven days before our lawsuit was filed. This swift action, taken before public litigation, is a clear admission of guilt and an attempt to distance themselves from the egregious conduct. They stated the closure was “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” acknowledging that their own rules were broken. Yet, alarmingly, the statement concluded with, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a comment that smacks of a profound lack of remorse and a deeply concerning “business as usual” mentality.

The University of Houston’s spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting that “potential criminal charges” were being considered. This acknowledgment by the university further underscores the severity of the hazing and the failure of institutional oversight. What’s more, the hazing occurred at a fraternity house owned by the University of Houston, clearly establishing premises liability and a direct responsibility to ensure student safety on their property.

Why This Matters to Families in Montana

This case out of Houston is not merely a local incident; it is a critical illustration of the systemic problem of hazing that impacts universities and families across the entire country, including those in Montana.

• National Organizations Operate Everywhere: Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including near Montana campuses like the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez can happen, and likely are happening, at these chapters.
• Universities Have a Duty of Care: Every university in Montana, whether public or private, has a responsibility to protect its students. The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where these acts occurred, yet failed to prevent them. Universities in Montana face the same liability when they turn a blind eye or fail to adequately supervise Greek life.
• A Pattern of Negligence: This is not the first hazing crisis for Pi Kappa Phi. In 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi hazing event at Florida State University. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This establishes a clear pattern of knowing negligence by the national organization. Similarly, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity. Both Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston had ample time and clear warnings to address their hazing problems, yet they failed their students.
• Fear of Retribution is Real: Our client, Leonel, is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a common and heartbreaking reality for hazing victims. Families in Montana may face similar pressures from powerful university structures and close-knit Greek communities. We protect our clients from such intimidation.
• $10 Million Sends a Message: The demand for $10 million is not arbitrary; it is a calculated measure to hold these powerful institutions accountable and to send an unequivocal message: hazing will not be tolerated, and the cost of negligence is immense. Families in Montana deserve no less aggressive pursuit of justice.

We want every parent in Montana to understand that this is the kind of aggressive, well-documented, data-driven fight Attorney911 brings to the table. We don’t just talk theories; we are in the courtroom right now, fighting for real victims, and we are ready to fight for your child in Montana with the same unwavering commitment.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes in Montana

When parents in Montana think of hazing, they might envision harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But the truth, as illuminated by cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, is far more sinister. Hazing today is often systematic torture, designed to break spirits, inflict pain, and guarantee submission. It is not about building character or camaraderie; it is about power, control, and abuse, often with devastating physical and psychological consequences for students at universities and colleges across Montana.

We need to shatter the misconceptions about hazing to make Montana families understand the true danger their children face. These are not isolated incidents of “boys being boys” or “unfortunate traditions.” This is criminal behavior that can and does lead to severe injury, permanent trauma, and death.

The True Face of Modern Hazing:

• Physical Brutality: This includes beatings, paddling, branding, forced calisthenics to exhaustion, and exposure to extreme elements. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, it included being struck with wooden paddles and forced physical exertion so extreme it caused his muscles to break down and his kidneys to fail.
• Forced Consumption: Beyond alcohol (which is rampant, often involving binge drinking and chugging), hazing frequently involves forced eating of disgusting or dangerous substances until vomiting, as Leonel experienced, or even ingesting non-food items. The goal is degradation and loss of control.
• Simulated Waterboarding: This unthinkable act, which Leonel endured, simulates drowning and is a recognized form of torture. To subject a young person to such psychological and physical trauma under the guise of “initiation” is unconscionable.
• Humiliation and Degradation: Victims are forced to strip naked, endure verbal abuse, carry demeaning objects (like Leonel’s fanny pack with sexual items), or perform acts that are humiliating and psychologically damaging. The hog-tying of another pledge mentioned in Leonel’s case underscores this objective.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often intentionally deprived of sleep through forced late-night activities and early-morning duties, leading to severe exhaustion, impaired judgment, and increased vulnerability.
• Sexual Harassment and Assault: Hazing too often escalates to forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, or even outright sexual assault. The presence of “objects of a sexual nature” in Leonel’s fanny pack hints at this dark possibility.
• Isolation and Psychological Torture: Victims are often isolated from outside contact, subjected to constant criticism, threats, and intimidation. This erodes self-worth and creates an environment where resistance feels impossible. The fear of retribution expressed by Leonel is a direct result of this psychological manipulation.

Hazing is not just about physical pain; it inflicts deep, lasting psychological scars. Many victims develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and struggle with trust issues, academic decline, and even suicidal thoughts. These are not visible injuries, but they are just as devastating.

Medical Consequences Beyond the Physical:

The physical manifestations of hazing are often profound and life-threatening:

• Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure: As suffered by Leonel Bermudez, this can lead to permanent organ damage or death.
• Alcohol Poisoning: The leading cause of hazing deaths, as seen in the tragic cases of Andrew Coffey, Max Gruver, and Stone Foltz.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Resulting from beatings, falls, or other physical assaults.
• Hypothermia or Heatstroke: From forced exposure to extreme weather.
• Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion.
• Infections: From wounds or unsanitary conditions.

These are not “pranks” that went too far. These are calculated acts of violence and abuse, and they are happening in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, and other student organizations on campuses throughout Montana. When parents in Montana learn of their child being subjected to such an ordeal, they are not overreacting; they are confronting a reality far darker than they could have imagined. And we are here to fight that darkness.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Entity Accountable in Montana

One of the most crucial aspects of an effective hazing lawsuit in Montana is identifying and pursuing every single party that bears responsibility. Hazing is a complex problem, and accountability rarely rests with just a few individuals. Our strategy, proven in the Leonel Bermudez case, is to cast a wide net, ensuring that every entity that contributed to or allowed the abuse is held financially liable. This includes the students who actively participated, the local chapter, the national organization, and the university itself.

The Defendants in Leonel’s Case and How They Translate to Montana:

1. The Local Chapter: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi directly organized and conducted the hazing of Leonel Bermudez. They are the frontline perpetrators. In Montana, this would be the local chapter of any fraternity, sorority, or organization whose members engage in hazing. They are often unincorporated associations, but they have assets and can be sued.
2. Chapter Officers and Members: We have named the fraternity president, pledgemaster, and 13 individual members in Leonel’s lawsuit. These are the individuals who directly orchestrated the hazing, participated in it, or stood by and allowed it to happen. In Montana, individual students who actively participate in hazing can and should be held personally liable. This sends a powerful message that these actions carry severe personal consequences, not just institutional ones.
3. Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, former members and even the spouse of one former member were named defendants because hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This expands the scope of liability beyond current students, reaching alumni who facilitate hazing, as well as property owners who permit such activities on their premises. This is a critical avenue to explore in Montana cases, as hazing often moves off-campus to private residences.
4. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary target in our lawsuit. These national bodies oversee hundreds of chapters across the country, including in Montana. They create the rules, provide “risk management” training, and often have disciplinary authority. However, they frequently turn a blind eye to hazing until tragedy strikes. In Leonel’s case, the national organization shut down the chapter before our lawsuit was filed, a clear acknowledgment of their responsibility. These national organizations typically have vast financial resources, including substantial liability insurance policies, making them a “deep pocket” defendant crucial for meaningful compensation.
5. The University or College: The University of Houston and its Board of Regents are also defendants in our lawsuit. This is a crucial distinction. Universities often claim that Greek life is “student-run” or that they have limited control over off-campus activities. However, universities have a deep responsibility to protect their students. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place, establishing direct premises liability. Furthermore, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, meaning they had clear actual notice of the dangers on their campus and failed to prevent a repeat. Universities across Montana, like the University of Montana or Montana State University, have varying degrees of oversight and control over their Greek systems, but all have a fundamental duty to ensure a safe learning environment.
6. Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and sometimes even individual homeowners, are insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña understand the intricate world of insurance policies, including commercial general liability, directors and officers (D&O) liability, and homeowners’ policies. We know how to identify these policies, interpret their coverage, and leverage this knowledge to maximize the compensation for our clients in Montana. This is why our firm uniquely positions ourselves to secure significant settlements, because we know the “other side’s” playbook.

The Financial Scale of Accountability: Don’t Let Them Say It’s Just “College Kids”

One of the common defenses in hazing cases in Montana, as elsewhere, is to portray it as “kids being kids” and imply that there are no financial resources for compensation. This is a deliberate misdirection. While individual students may have limited assets, the larger organizational defendants do not:

• National Greek Organizations: These are multi-million dollar corporations with substantial endowments, real estate holdings, and comprehensive liability insurance policies that can easily reach into the tens of millions.
• Universities and Colleges: Institutions like the University of Montana System and Montana State University have vast budgets, state or private funding, significant endowments, and robust insurance coverage designed to handle large liability claims.
• Housing Corporations: Many fraternities and sororities operate through housing corporations that own valuable real estate, which can also be a source of recovery.

Our goal is not merely to punish these entities, but to achieve maximum compensation for victims in Montana while simultaneously sending an unambiguous message that such reckless behavior will no longer be tolerated. By suing every responsible party, we create a network of liability that makes it impossible for them to escape accountability, and this approach is fully applicable to hazing cases in Montana.

Multi-Million Dollar Proof: What Hazing Cases Win, and What That Means for Montana

The legal landscape of hazing litigation has been dramatically reshaped by landmark verdicts and settlements, consistently demonstrating that juries and courts are no longer tolerating this egregious behavior. These cases, many of which have resulted in multi-million dollar payouts, provide powerful precedent for families pursuing justice in Montana. They show that accountability, both financial and criminal, is possible, and that the same aggressive legal strategies we employ can secure substantial recoveries for hazing victims in Montana.

The Precedent Cases: A Clear Message to Fraternities and Universities in Montana

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): >$10.1 Million

   • What Happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
   • The Outcome: His family received a combined settlement of over $10.1 million. This included $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and individual members. Most recently, in December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay an additional $6.5 million in a personal judgment.
   • Montana Relevance: This case directly supports our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that universities and national fraternities are willing to pay significant amounts, even before a jury verdict, to resolve these claims. It also shows personal liability for individuals. The same Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) fraternity has chapters at universities accessible to Montana students.

2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Verdict

   • What Happened: Max Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers.
   • The Outcome: A jury delivered a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity. Additionally, criminal charges like negligent homicide were brought against individual members, resulting in prison time.
   • Montana Relevance: This jury verdict underscores the outrage juries feel towards hazing. It highlights that if organizations refuse to settle fairly, a jury will hold them accountable with substantial financial awards. The “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, which made hazing a felony, also shows how these cases drive legislative change.

3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Estimated $110+ Million

   • What Happened: Timothy Piazza was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs, and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from a traumatic brain injury. Surveillance cameras within the fraternity house documented the entire horrific incident.
   • The Outcome: While the civil settlement amount was confidential, it is widely estimated to be well over $110 million. Criminal charges were brought against 18 fraternity members, with multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter and hazing. The “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” was enacted in Pennsylvania.
   • Montana Relevance: This case illustrates that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregiously reckless, settlements can reach astronomical figures. His is a prime example of institutional failure and the power of compelling evidence (which we have in the Bermudez case through detailed allegations).

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement

   • What Happened: Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event, forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
   • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, and the chapter was permanently closed. A civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement.
   • Montana Relevance: This case is particularly significant because it involves the same national fraternity as Leonel Bermudez’s case – Pi Kappa Phi. This prior death establishes that Pi Kappa Phi National had clear actual knowledge of the deadly risks within its chapters in 2017 and failed to prevent a similar outcome eight years later with Leonel. This pattern evidence is critical for establishing gross negligence and demanding punitive damages.

5. Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4+ Million

   • What Happened: Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi hazing event at VCU.
   • The Outcome: The family settled for over $4 million in October 2024, after originally seeking $28 million. Six fraternity members faced criminal charges for hazing.
   • Montana Relevance: This recent settlement further reinforces the multi-million dollar value of hazing cases and shows that even cases with lower settlement figures are still substantial. It also highlights the importance of pursuing legislative change, as “Adam’s Law” was later passed in Virginia.

Why Montana Families Should Take Heed:

These cases are not just headlines from distant states; they represent a national reckoning with hazing.

• Hazing Costs Millions: The message is clear: torturing students has a monumental financial cost. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is well within the realm of established legal precedent.
• Universities Are Complicit: In many of these cases, and certainly in Leonel’s, universities shielded themselves by claiming ignorance or lack of control. But the courts are increasingly holding institutions accountable for their negligence and failure to protect students.
• National Fraternities Have a Pattern: The repeated involvement of specific national organizations, like Pi Kappa Phi, illustrates a systemic problem that permeates Greek life nationwide, including chapters existing throughout Montana.
• Your Child’s Case Matters: If your child has been injured or died due to hazing in Montana, their story can contribute to this wave of accountability, not just for your family but for future generations of students.

We understand that pursuing a lawsuit is daunting, especially when grieving or dealing with the aftermath of trauma. But these precedents confirm that justice can be won, and our firm has the demonstrated expertise to navigate these complex legal battles on behalf of families in Montana.

Texas Law Protects You: A Legal Framework for Montana Victims

While our firm is based in Texas, the core principles of hazing law, institutional liability, and civil remedies apply nationwide, often mirrored in state statutes across the country. Understanding the strength of Texas hazing laws provides a clear roadmap for how we approach similar cases for families in Montana. We leverage these powerful legal frameworks to ensure that institutions and individuals are held accountable for their actions, regardless of state lines.

Texas Hazing Statute: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

Texas has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the country, forming a robust foundation for pursuing both criminal and civil liability. These laws define hazing broadly and carry significant penalties.

• Broad Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. Our client Leonel Bermudez’s case perfectly aligns with multiple aspects of this definition, including physical brutality (paddles), sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, calisthenics that caused unreasonable risk (rhabdomyolysis), and forced consumption until vomiting. Most states, including Montana, have similar statutes that criminalize or prohibit these forms of conduct.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing face criminal charges ranging from Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days jail) to State Jail Felonies (180 days to 2 years in state jail) if hazing causes death. In Leonel’s case, his severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would constitute “serious bodily injury,” making the responsible individuals exposed to Class A misdemeanor charges (up to 1 year jail). The University of Houston spokesperson even highlighted “potential criminal charges” in their public response. This criminal aspect can add significant pressure to civil settlement negotiations.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Crucially, Texas law holds organizations themselves responsible if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if an officer, member, pledge, or alumnus commits or assists in hazing. Penalties include substantial fines and denial of the right to operate on campus. This directly targets local chapters, national organizations, and even housing corporations, which is why we named them all in Leonel’s lawsuit.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is one of the most powerful provisions and a cornerstone of our argument: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This explicitly shuts down the common defense argument that “he agreed to participate” or “he could have left.” The law recognizes the inherent power imbalance and peer pressure in hazing. This principle is vital for hazing cases in Montana as well, whether enshrined in statute or established through common law.
• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally mandated to report hazing incidents. Failure to do so carries its own criminal penalties, highlighting the institutional responsibility to track and address hazing.

Civil Liability Theories: How We Build a Case for Montana Victims

Beyond criminal prosecution, which seeks to punish, our civil lawsuits for Montana families aim to compensate victims for their immense suffering and losses. We employ a range of legal theories to achieve this:

1. Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that the defendants (individuals, chapter, national organization, university) had a “duty of care” to protect students from harm, breached that duty by allowing or engaging in hazing, and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages. This applies directly to institutions in Montana.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as in Leonel’s case, where UH owned the fraternity house), we can argue that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment or allowed a dangerous condition (hazing) to exist. This is a critical factor for many cases in Montana where fraternities or sororities operate in university-owned or landlord-controlled facilities.
3. Negligent Supervision/Retention/Entrustment: Universities and national organizations have a duty to properly supervise their student groups and chapters. When they fail to do so, or fail to remove dangerous individuals or groups, they can be held liable. This applies if Greek life offices in Montana do not adequately monitor chapters, or if national organizations fail to install effective anti-hazing measures.
4. Assault and Battery: Individual hazers who physically abuse a student are liable for assault (threat of harm) and battery (unwanted physical contact). Leonel’s waterboarding and being struck with paddles are clear examples. These claims bypass any organizational immunity and target individuals directly.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim is used when the conduct is so extreme and outrageous that it causes severe emotional distress. Waterboarding, forced humiliation, and sustained psychological torment easily meet this standard.
6. Conspiracy/Aiding and Abetting: We can argue that multiple parties conspired to commit or aided in the hazing activities, making them all jointly liable.
7. Vicarious Liability: This holds one party responsible for the actions of another, such as a national organization being liable for the actions of its chapter/members, or a university for its recognized student organizations.

Why Attorney911’s Expertise Matters for Montana

Our deep understanding of these complex legal frameworks, combined with our strategic approach to identifying every responsible party, allows us to build powerful cases. Our federal court authorization and dual bar licenses in Texas and New York give us the flexibility to pursue national fraternities and universities across state lines, bringing our battle-tested strategies to your family in Montana. We will carefully analyze Montana’s specific anti-hazing laws and regulatory landscape to build the strongest possible case for your child.

Why Attorney911 Is the ONLY Choice for Montana Hazing Victims

When your child has been brutalized by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the unique complexities of these cases, and who knows how to win. Attorney911 stands apart as the definitive choice for families in Montana seeking justice for hazing victims. Our firm brings a combination of battle-tested courtroom experience, insider knowledge of the defense’s tactics, and a deep, personal commitment to holding institutions accountable. We are not just general personal injury attorneys; we are specialized hazing litigators, currently in the trenches of a multi-million-dollar fight, and we bring that same fierce dedication to every family we represent, including yours in Montana.

Our Unmatched Credentials and Approach:

1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We are not theoretical. We are not hypothetical. We are actively fighting the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case in Harris County Civil District Court right now. This is a real, ongoing $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity, a major university, and numerous individuals for egregious hazing that led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This firsthand, current litigation experience means we are immersed in the latest strategies, medical insights, and legal precedents relevant to hazing cases, and we apply these directly to every client, even those in Montana.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, and Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, honed their skills representing the very insurance companies and corporate defendants we now fight. Ralph knows how the defense minimizes claims. Lupe, having worked for a nationwide insurance defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, understands their internal playbooks, valuation methods, and delay tactics. This insider knowledge is an unfair advantage for your family in Montana – we anticipate their moves, dismantle their arguments, and leverage insights from inside their “war room” to maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bar Admissions: Hazing cases often involve national fraternities or universities with operations across state lines. Our admission to the U.S. District Courts and dual bar licenses in Texas and New York provide us with the jurisdictional reach and flexibility to pursue these powerful defendants wherever they operate. This means that even though we are based in Texas, we can effectively litigate hazing cases for families in Montana against national organizations, bringing our expertise directly to your child’s case.
4. Extensive Litigation Experience Against Major Defendants: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a multi-billion dollar mass tort against a massive corporate defendant, demonstrates our capacity to take on and win against the largest institutions. This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases involving powerful national fraternities and well-funded universities in Montana.
5. Specialized Hazing Expertise: We don’t just handle all personal injury; we have a specific focus on hazing litigation, including rhabdomyolysis cases like Leonel’s, and wrongful death from hazing. We understand Greek life culture, its inherent dangers, and the patterns of institutional negligence. This specialized knowledge means we hit the ground running, understanding the nuances of your Montana case from day one.
6. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, complete with IRS EINs, legal names, and corporate structures. This “hazing intelligence database” allows us to instantly identify every entity behind the Greek letters, from house corporations to alumni chapters to national headquarters. When hazing happens in Montana, we don’t guess who to sue – we already know their corporate structure, their assets, and their insurance policies. For instance, the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas, directly tied to the UH chapter we sued, is part of this database. This meticulous data approach is crucial for building airtight cases.
7. Deep Technical and Medical Understanding: Cases like Leonel’s often involve complex medical conditions like rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Our team ensures that these medical realities are thoroughly documented and presented, working with top medical experts to convey the full extent of the short-term and long-term damages to juries and opposing counsel.
8. Compassion and Personal Investment: Ralph and Lupe are both fathers. They understand, personally, the anguish a parent faces when a child is harmed. Lupe Peña’s roots as a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land, and Ralph Manginello’s deep Houston ties, combined with their roles as fathers, means they approach every case with genuine empathy and righteous fury. Lupe Peña’s quote, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough,” encapsulates our firm’s mission. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we will translate that care into aggressive advocacy for your family in Montana.
9. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español): For Montana’s diverse communities, including our Hispanic families, Lupe Peña’s fluency in Spanish ensures that language is never a barrier to justice. We ensure that Spanish-speaking clients in Montana receive comprehensive, clear legal services without miscommunication.
10. Contingency Fee Representation: We understand that the financial burdens following a hazing incident can be overwhelming. We take hazing cases for families in Montana on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront; we only get paid if and when we win your case. This eliminates financial risk for your family and ensures that powerful institutions cannot outspend you in the pursuit of justice.

Attorney911 is more than just a law firm; we are a dedicated collective of legal first responders ready to fight for your child in Montana. We bring a potent combination of legal acumen, strategic insight honed from past defense work, and heartfelt conviction to every case. When you choose us, you are choosing a team that understands the trauma of hazing, knows the tactics of the opposition, and is committed to securing justice for your family in Montana.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for Montana Families

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Montana, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While emotional distress and confusion are natural, acting swiftly and strategically can significantly impact the strength and outcome of a potential legal claim. We’ve prepared clear, actionable steps for parents in Montana to navigate this terrifying situation. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone; we are here to guide you.

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Child and Their Case in Montana:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is the absolute priority if your child has sustained any physical injury from hazing. Call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room in Montana. Even if injuries seem minor, or if they are primarily psychological, medical documentation is paramount. Every diagnosis, every test result, every doctor’s note, and every bill creates an indisputable record of the harm inflicted. As our videos emphasize, delays in seeking treatment can be used by the defense to argue your child wasn’t seriously injured.
2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Without Delay: Hazing incidents often leave a digital trail.
   • Text Messages: Save every text message on your child’s phone and their friends’ phones. This includes individual texts, group chats, messages from fraternity/sorority members, and any threats or instructions. Do NOT delete anything.
   • Social Media: Preserve all communications from platforms like GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, and even publicly visible posts. Screenshots with timestamps are vital. Again, do NOT delete anything, and advise your child not to post anything about the incident or their recovery on social media (as our “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” video warns). Defense attorneys will scour these accounts for anything that can undermine a claim.
   • Photos and Videos: If any photos or videos of the hazing activities exist, secure them immediately. Photograph any visible injuries on your child as they occur and as they heal. This visual evidence is incredibly powerful. As Ralph Manginello stresses in our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to. And what’s surprising is even though everyone seems like everyone has a phone with a camera on it, not everyone takes pictures. Um, and so it’s super important to document everything.”
   • Witness Information: Collect names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or student leaders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents provided by the organization.
3. Do NOT Communicate with the Fraternity/Sorority or University Without Legal Counsel: This is a crucial mistake many families in Montana make. Do not allow your child, or yourself, to speak with fraternity leadership, alumni advisors, university administrators, or their attorneys. They are not on your side; their priority is to protect the institution. Any statements made can be twisted and used against your child. Do NOT sign anything they present to you, as this may waive your legal rights. Let us handle all communication.
4. Confirm the Statute of Limitations: In Montana, as in most states, there are strict deadlines, known as the “statute of limitations,” for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In many cases, for personal injury, this is two years from the date of injury. For wrongful death, it’s two years from the date of death. While this may seem like ample time, evidence disappears, memories fade, and the investigative process takes time. Delaying can severely jeopardize your case. As our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” makes clear, “If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.”
5. Engage an Experienced Hazing Attorney IMMEDIATELY: Contact us as soon as possible for a free, no-obligation consultation. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can issue legal preservation letters to all potential defendants, preventing them from destroying evidence. We can initiate a thorough investigation, compile all necessary documents, and begin building a strong case while memories are fresh and evidence is abundant. We offer video consultations for families in Montana, making it easy to connect with our expert team remotely.
6. Understand Your Rights Regarding Consent: In Montana, as in Texas, the argument that “your child consented to the hazing” is often legally invalid. You cannot consent to being assaulted or to engaging in criminal acts. We can dismantle this common defense tactic.
7. Know That You Can Afford Legal Help: Hazing victims and their families often worry about the cost of fighting powerful institutions. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This allows any family in Montana, regardless of their financial situation, to access top-tier legal representation.

We understand that speaking out against powerful fraternities, sororities, or universities in Montana can be intimidating. There may be fear of social ostracization, academic repercussions, or character assassination. Leonel Bermudez is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a fear we understand and actively protect against. But by choosing to fight, you not only seek justice for your child but also play a critical role in preventing future tragedies.

Families in Montana: This is your call to action. We are ready to listen, to believe you, and to fight for you. Your courage in coming forward can be the catalyst for change, turning a devastating experience into a powerful message of accountability.

Montana Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed? Call Us Now.

If you’re a parent in Montana whose child has suffered through the trauma of hazing, you are likely feeling overwhelmed, angry, and desperate for answers. We want you to know you are not alone, and you have powerful legal allies ready to fight for you. Attorney911 is currently leading the charge in a multi-million-dollar hazing lawsuit that epitomizes our aggressive, data-driven approach to obtaining justice for victims, and we are ready to bring that exact same fight to your family in Montana.

Our firm is committed to ensuring that fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals are held fully accountable for the devastating harm they inflict through hazing. We understand that this isn’t just about a lawsuit; it’s about protecting future generations of students in Montana and across the country from these senseless acts of abuse.

Montana Families: Contact us for a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION

We are available 24/7 for Montana hazing emergencies. Don’t wait; time is critical, and evidence must be preserved.

📞 CALL OUR LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Why Montana Families Trust Attorney911:

• No Upfront Costs: We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely $0 upfront. We only get paid if and when we successfully win your case. This removes the financial burden and allows your family to focus on healing. You can find out more about how this works by watching our video: “How Contingency Fees Work” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• Proven Aggression: We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case right now. This is not theoretical; it’s our daily reality. We know how to build these cases, demand accountability from powerful institutions, and secure significant compensation.
• National Reach with Local Commitment: Although our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to effectively represent clients nationwide, including throughout Montana. We routinely conduct remote consultations via video conference for our Montana clients and are fully prepared to travel to Montana for depositions, client meetings, and trial, wherever and whenever needed.
• Insider Knowledge of the Defense: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. We know exactly how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies strategize to deny or minimize claims. That insider perspective becomes your unfair advantage.
• Comprehensive Legal Support: We guide your family through every step of the legal process, from preserving critical evidence (as discussed in our educational video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) to navigating complex medical and psychological trauma claims. We take care of the legal fight so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
• Long-Term Advocacy: We understand that a hazing incident can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and academic consequences. Our commitment is to secure compensation not just for immediate medical bills and lost enrollment, but for future care, lost earning potential, and the profound pain and suffering your child has endured.

What to Do Right Now if You Suspect Hazing in Montana:

1. Prioritize Safety and Medical Care: Ensure your child is safe from further harm and receives immediate, thorough medical and psychological evaluation. Document everything.
2. Preserve Evidence: Save every text, email, social media message, photo, and video related to the hazing. Do not delete anything from your phone or your child’s phone.
3. Avoid Speaking to Institutions: Do not engage in discussions with the fraternity/sorority, university, or their legal representatives without consulting with us first. Do not sign anything.
4. Understand Deadlines: Most states, including Montana, have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have a limited window to file a lawsuit. Delaying can mean losing your rights entirely. Our video “Texas Statutes of Limitations” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c provides crucial general information on these deadlines.
5. Call Attorney911 Immediately: The sooner we are involved, the stronger your case will be. We can prevent crucial evidence from disappearing and ensure your legal rights are protected from the outset. We help avoid “Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” as outlined in our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

Our Message to Hazing Perpetrators in Montana:

We are Attorney911, and we are coming for every institution, every national organization, and every individual who thinks they can torture our kids and walk away. The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi learned this the hard way at the University of Houston; your chapter in Montana could be next.

• When you waterboard a student in Montana, you pay.
• When you force someone to exercise until their kidneys fail, you pay.
• When you hog-tie a pledge with an object in his mouth, you pay.
• When you lie in vomit-soaked grass and call it brotherhood, someone pays.

We know who you are. We know where you are. We know your corporate structure. We know your national organization’s hazing death record and how much they have paid in settlements. And when you haze students in Montana, we will use every piece of this intelligence to hold you accountable.

If you or your loved one has been harmed by hazing in Montana, do not suffer in silence. Contact Attorney911 today. Let us fight for the justice your family deserves.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com