Montgomery County Hazing Lawyers – Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving Montgomery County Families from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
If your child has been the victim of hazing at a Montgomery County college or university, you are not alone. The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate right here in Montgomery County. The same institutional failures that allowed a University of Houston student to be hospitalized with kidney failure after waterboarding and forced exercise exist at Montgomery County schools.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the fight right now. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to Montgomery County families.
The Hazing Crisis in Montgomery County
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse. And it’s happening at colleges and universities across Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Schools with Greek Life Presence
While we cannot comment on specific incidents at Montgomery County institutions without verified information, we can confirm that major universities near Montgomery County have active Greek life communities where the same national fraternities and sororities implicated in hazing deaths and lawsuits maintain chapters:
- University of Maryland, College Park – One of the largest Greek systems in the region with over 50 fraternities and sororities
- Montgomery College – Multiple campuses with active student organizations
- The Universities at Shady Grove – Partnership with UMD and other institutions
- Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore) – Major Greek life presence
- George Washington University (DC) – Large Greek system
- Georgetown University (DC) – Active Greek organizations
These institutions, like many across America, face the same challenges with Greek life oversight that led to our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
The Reality of Hazing in Greek Life
The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths operate chapters at Montgomery County-area schools:
- Pi Kappa Phi – Currently being sued by our firm for $10 million after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from waterboarding and forced exercise
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Paid $6.1 million after a student died from alcohol poisoning during hazing
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Paid $10.1 million after a student died from forced alcohol consumption
- Beta Theta Pi – Paid $110+ million after a student died from traumatic brain injury during hazing
- Phi Delta Theta – Multiple hazing deaths and settlements
These organizations have documented histories of hazing. They know the risks. They’ve paid millions before. And yet, the same dangerous practices continue at chapters across Montgomery County.
Our Current Hazing Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case demonstrates exactly what Montgomery County families are up against.
What Happened to Our Client
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student who wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse after accepting a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning torture
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – Until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting – Then forced to continue exercising
- Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive members during early morning hours
- Psychological abuse – Carried sexual objects, stripped in cold weather, humiliated
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme exercises until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. The day after that, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
He spent three nights and four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
This Could Happen to a Montgomery County Student
The same Pi Kappa Phi chapter that did this to our client has 150+ chapters across America. The same national organization that failed to prevent Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 failed to prevent our client’s hospitalization in 2025.
This is not an isolated incident. This is a pattern. And it’s happening at Montgomery County schools too.
Why Montgomery County Families Need Legal Representation
1. The Institutions Won’t Protect Your Child
Universities and national fraternities have proven time and again that they won’t take meaningful action until forced to. In our case:
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
- The university had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 at a different fraternity
- Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own policies
- They only acted after our client was hospitalized
They won’t protect your child until it’s too late. We will.
2. The Hazing Culture is Systemic
The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths operate chapters at Montgomery County-area schools. These organizations:
- Have documented histories of hazing
- Have paid millions in settlements
- Have had chapters closed for hazing
- Continue the same practices despite knowing the risks
This is not about “a few bad apples.” This is about institutional culture that enables abuse.
3. The Legal System is Your Only Protection
When institutions fail, the legal system is the only way to:
- Hold perpetrators accountable
- Force institutions to change
- Obtain compensation for medical bills and trauma
- Prevent future victims
Without aggressive legal action, the cycle continues.
What Montgomery County Families Can Do
If Your Child Has Been Hazed
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Preserve all evidence – Text messages, photos, videos, social media posts
- Do not talk to the fraternity or university alone – They will try to control the narrative
- Do not post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
- Contact an attorney immediately – Evidence disappears quickly
If You Suspect Hazing is Happening
- Talk to your child – Ask direct questions about their experiences
- Look for warning signs – Unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, withdrawal
- Educate yourself – Learn the common hazing practices (see below)
- Report concerns – To the university and, if necessary, to law enforcement
- Consult with an attorney – We can help you understand your options
Common Hazing Practices in Montgomery County
Hazing takes many forms, but common practices include:
Physical Abuse
- Beatings with paddles or other objects
- Forced exercise to exhaustion (like our client’s 500 squats)
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Waterboarding or other drowning simulations
Forced Consumption
- Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking)
- Forced eating of food or non-food substances
- Forced consumption until vomiting
- Forced use of drugs
Psychological Abuse
- Humiliation rituals
- Degrading tasks
- Isolation from friends/family
- Verbal abuse and threats
- Carrying embarrassing objects
Sexual Abuse
- Forced nudity
- Sexual acts
- Sexual humiliation
- Inappropriate touching
Servitude
- Forced cleaning
- Forced errands for members
- Forced driving at all hours
- Financial exploitation
Legal Rights for Montgomery County Hazing Victims
Maryland Hazing Laws
Maryland has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to Montgomery County students:
- Criminal Hazing Law (Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-306) – Makes hazing a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $500 fine
- Consent is not a defense – Even if the victim “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal
- Organizational liability – Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be held responsible
- University responsibility – Institutions have a duty to protect students from hazing
Civil Lawsuits
In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims can file civil lawsuits to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
- Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional trauma
- Lost wages – Time missed from work or school
- Educational disruption – Impact on academic performance
- Punitive damages – To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Montgomery County Hazing Case
1. We’re Currently Fighting This Battle
We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the fight right now. Montgomery County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance defense firms before representing victims. We know how the other side thinks. We know their strategies. And we know how to beat them.
3. Nationwide Reach with Montgomery County Focus
While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Montgomery County. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.
4. Comprehensive Approach
We don’t just sue the local chapter. We pursue:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The university
- Individual members
- Housing corporations
- Insurance carriers
We leave no stone unturned.
5. Contingency Fee Representation
We understand that cost can be a barrier to seeking justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Our Hazing Litigation Experience
Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, local chapter, University of Houston, individual members
- Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
- Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, forced exercise, physical abuse, psychological torture
- Status: Active litigation
Previous Hazing Cases
- Kappa Sigma Fraternity – Represented victims of hazing at Texas A&M
- Rhabdomyolysis Cases – Specific expertise in this dangerous medical condition caused by forced exercise
- University Accountability – Experience holding institutions responsible for Greek life oversight failures
Related Experience
- BP Texas City Explosion – Mass tort litigation experience against major corporations
- Wrongful Death Cases – Representing families who have lost loved ones
- Federal Court Litigation – U.S. District Court admission allows us to pursue cases nationwide
What to Expect When You Contact Us
- Free Consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- Immediate Action – We’ll send preservation letters to protect evidence
- Comprehensive Investigation – Gather medical records, witness statements, communications
- Aggressive Negotiation – Demand fair compensation from all responsible parties
- Trial-Ready Preparation – We’re prepared to take your case to court if necessary
Montgomery County Hazing Resources
Immediate Help
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Montgomery County Police: 301-279-8000
- Montgomery County Crisis Center: 240-777-4000
Educational Resources
- HazingPrevention.Org: www.hazingprevention.org
- StopHazing: www.stophazing.org
- Gordie Center: www.gordie.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Montgomery County
Q: My child says it’s “not that bad” and doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Many hazing victims minimize what happened due to:
- Fear of retaliation
- Loyalty to the organization
- Not recognizing it as hazing
- Shame or embarrassment
Even if your child doesn’t want to report it, you should:
- Document everything (save texts, photos, etc.)
- Consult with an attorney to understand your options
- Consider reporting to the university anonymously
- Seek medical attention for any injuries
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Is that a defense?
A: No. Maryland law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for any harm caused.
Q: How much is a Montgomery County hazing case worth?
A: Hazing case values depend on:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- Institutional knowledge of prior incidents
- Egregiousness of the conduct
Recent hazing settlements and verdicts:
- $110 million (Penn State/Beta Theta Pi)
- $10.1 million (Bowling Green/Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million (LSU/Phi Delta Theta)
Our current case seeks $10 million for injuries including kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis.
Q: How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Maryland?
A: Maryland has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act immediately because:
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget details
- Institutions may destroy records
Q: The university says they’re “investigating.” Should I wait?
A: No. University investigations are designed to protect the institution, not your child. They may:
- Minimize the incident
- Pressure witnesses not to cooperate
- Destroy evidence
- Delay until the statute of limitations expires
Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Q: My child is an international student. Can they still pursue a case?
A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and can help navigate any concerns about visa status.
Q: We’re not in Montgomery County. Can you still help us?
A: Yes. While we’re highlighting Montgomery County in this content, we represent hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.
Contact Montgomery County’s Hazing Lawyers Today
If your child has been the victim of hazing at a Montgomery County college or university, contact Attorney 911 immediately for a free consultation.
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free case evaluations for Montgomery County families
- Contingency fee representation – no upfront costs
- Video consultations available
- Willingness to travel to Montgomery County for your case
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and Maryland has a 3-year statute of limitations. Contact us today to protect your rights and hold those responsible accountable.
The Time to Act is Now
The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths operate chapters at Montgomery County schools. The same institutional failures that allowed our client to be hospitalized with kidney failure exist at Montgomery County institutions.
You have the power to stop this cycle. By holding those responsible accountable, you can:
- Obtain justice for your child
- Prevent future victims
- Force institutions to change
We are Attorney 911. We fight for Montgomery County hazing victims. And we’re ready to fight for you.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
