🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Phillips County, Montana — Protecting Students and Families from Greek Life Abuse
Attorney 911 — Serving Phillips County Hazing Victims Nationwide
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
🏆 Why Phillips County Families Trust Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
Phillips County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They believe Greek organizations will provide positive experiences. Too often, that trust is betrayed.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, 500 squats until kidney failure, and systematic abuse disguised as “tradition.” The same national fraternities operate at universities near Phillips County. The same negligence exists at Montana institutions. We will bring the same aggressive representation to Phillips County families.
While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including students from Phillips County who attend college anywhere in America. Distance is not a barrier to justice. We offer:
- Free consultations for Phillips County families
- Video consultations so you don’t have to travel
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront, we only get paid if you win
- Willingness to travel to Phillips County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or any student organization near Phillips County, call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Montana and Beyond — What Phillips County Families Need to Know
Hazing is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.” It’s not “making memories.” Hazing is abuse. It is assault. It is battery. It is torture. And it is happening at universities near Phillips County.
Common hazing activities include:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, extreme exercise until collapse
- Forced consumption: Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
- Sleep deprivation: All-night activities, forced driving, disrupted sleep
- Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation
- Waterboarding/drowning: Simulated drowning with hoses or other methods
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Servitude: Forced cleaning, errands, driving members at all hours
These are not pranks. These are crimes. And universities near Phillips County have a legal duty to stop them.
The Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Phillips County Parents Must Understand
Hazing doesn’t just cause bruises. It causes life-threatening injuries and permanent damage. In our current case, a student was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats. This is what hazing can do to your child:
| Injury | Description | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle tissue breakdown releasing toxic proteins into blood | Acute kidney failure; potential dialysis or transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking leading to dangerously high BAC | Death; brain damage; organ failure |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings, falls, or being struck with objects | Permanent cognitive impairment; memory loss |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | From exposure to cold/heat | Organ damage; cardiac issues |
| Cardiac Arrest | From extreme physical exertion | Death; permanent heart damage |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | From psychological abuse | Therapy; medication; lifelong mental health struggles |
| Death | From any of the above | Irreversible loss for families |
Phillips County families: If your child has been hazed, seek medical attention immediately — even if they seem “fine.” Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms right away.
Montana Hazing Laws — Your Legal Rights as a Phillips County Family
While we are based in Texas, we are well-versed in Montana hazing laws and can pursue cases involving Montana students or institutions. Montana Code Annotated § 20-5-621 defines hazing as:
“Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.”
Key legal points for Phillips County families:
- Consent is not a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter.
- Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued for allowing hazing.
- Individuals can be held personally liable — Chapter officers and members who participated can be sued individually.
- Criminal charges are possible — Hazing is a crime in Montana, punishable by fines and jail time.
- Civil lawsuits can recover damages — Compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Montana also has a “Good Samaritan” law (MCA § 20-5-624) that requires individuals to report hazing they witness. Failure to report is a crime.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Phillips County?
Hazing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Multiple parties share responsibility, and we pursue them all:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Phillips County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapters at Montana universities engage in the same activities |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowledge of hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others operate near Phillips County |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing despite power to regulate Greek life | Montana State University, University of Montana, and others have oversight responsibility |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Students from Phillips County may be involved in or affected by hazing |
| Housing Corporations | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Many fraternity houses are owned by corporations or alumni groups |
| Alumni/Advisors | Knew or should have known about hazing | Alumni from Phillips County may be involved in chapter oversight |
In our current case, we are suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local UH chapter
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston
- Individual members (president, pledgemaster, others)
- Former members and their spouses (for hosting hazing)
Phillips County families: We will pursue the same comprehensive liability strategy for your case.
💰 What Your Phillips County Hazing Case Could Be Worth
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | $4+ million settlement |
Our current case is seeking $10 million for a student hospitalized with kidney failure. Phillips County families can seek the same compensation.
What You Can Recover:
| Category | Examples | Phillips County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | Medical bills from hazing injuries |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | Lost income from part-time jobs or internships |
| Educational Impact | Tuition for lost semester, transfer costs | Disruption to your child’s education |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma | The agony of hazing and its aftermath |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced exercise, beatings |
| Wrongful Death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship | If hazing results in death |
Phillips County families: You don’t have to accept a lowball settlement. We fight for the full compensation you deserve.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Phillips County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Go to the ER or urgent care — even if your child seems “fine”
- Document everything — ask for detailed medical records
- Tell the doctor that the injuries resulted from hazing
- Follow up with specialists if needed (nephrologist for kidney issues, therapist for PTSD)
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Get witness information — names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
- Document everything — keep a journal of what happened, how it affected your child
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do NOT confront the fraternity/sorority or university alone
- Do NOT give statements to their lawyers or insurance companies
- Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media
Step 4: Report the Hazing
- File a police report — hazing is a crime in Montana
- Report to the university — request a Title IX investigation
- Report to the national organization — demand accountability
Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- We will handle all communications with the organization, university, and insurance companies
- We will preserve evidence and build your case
- We will fight for maximum compensation
Phillips County families: Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Call us today.
⚖️ Why Phillips County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
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. Phillips County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and defense firms before switching sides. We know how they think. We know how they try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Cases Nationwide
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal litigation. This allows us to pursue hazing cases anywhere in America, including cases involving Phillips County students.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses — Texas and New York
We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic flexibility to pursue cases against national organizations headquartered in either state.
5. Willingness to Travel to Phillips County
We will travel to Phillips County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Trials
- Court appearances
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. Bilingual Representation — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide full bilingual representation — no language barriers to justice.
7. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront
We understand that Phillips County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if you win.
🏢 Meet Your Phillips County Hazing Lawyers
Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner
Why Phillips County Families Trust Ralph:
- 25+ years of litigation experience — battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts
- Former insurance defense attorney — knows how insurance companies try to deny claims
- Multi-billion dollar case experience — handled BP Texas City explosion litigation
- Federal court admission — can pursue Phillips County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Hazing-specific expertise — currently litigating $10M UH hazing case
- Father of three — understands what’s at stake for Phillips County families
Ralph on the UH hazing case:
“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”
Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney
Why Phillips County Families Trust Lupe:
- Former national defense firm attorney — worked at Litchfield Cavo LLP defending insurance companies
- 12+ years of litigation experience — knows how to dismantle defense strategies
- Federal court admission — can pursue Phillips County cases in federal court
- Wrongful death expertise — experience representing families who’ve lost loved ones
- Bilingual (Spanish) — can serve Phillips County Hispanic families without language barriers
- Third-generation Texan — deep roots and values that resonate with Phillips County families
Lupe on the UH hazing case:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
📞 Phillips County Families — Call Now for a Free Consultation
🚨 If your child has been hazed, call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
What happens when you call:
- Free case evaluation — We’ll listen to your story and explain your rights
- Immediate action plan — We’ll tell you what to do next to protect your case
- No obligation — You decide if you want to move forward
- Contingency fee confirmation — $0 upfront, we only get paid if you win
Phillips County families: You don’t have to fight this alone. We are here to help.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Phillips County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university in another state. Can you still help us?
A: Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Phillips County students who attend college anywhere in America. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases across state lines.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held liable?
A: Yes. Montana law (and most state laws) explicitly state that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The fraternity is still liable.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?
A: $0 upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict. Phillips County families pay nothing out of pocket.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement adequate oversight of Greek life, they can be held liable for negligent supervision. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — they had full power to inspect and regulate.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We take retaliation seriously. We can:
- File protective orders if necessary
- Advise your child on how to document any retaliation
- Pursue additional claims for retaliation
- Work with university officials to ensure your child’s safety
Phillips County families: Your child’s safety is our priority.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Time is critical. Most states have a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Montana’s statute of limitations for hazing is also 2 years. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious injuries?
A: Even minor hazing can support a lawsuit. Psychological trauma, humiliation, and emotional distress are all compensable injuries. If your child suffered any harm from hazing, they deserve compensation.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
A: Yes. National organizations often have deep pockets and substantial insurance coverage. They can be held liable for failing to supervise their chapters. In our current case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.”
Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in Phillips County?
A: We can help. Hazing occurs at high schools too, and the same legal principles apply. Contact us for a free consultation.
Q: Will this affect my child’s ability to stay in school?
A: We work to protect your child’s academic future. Many universities have policies that protect victims of hazing. We can advocate for accommodations and ensure your child’s education isn’t disrupted.
🎓 Hazing at Montana Universities — What Phillips County Families Should Know
While Phillips County is a small community, its students attend universities across Montana and the nation where hazing is a serious problem. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at Montana institutions:
Montana State University (Bozeman)
- Greek life presence: Strong — multiple fraternities and sororities
- Hazing history: Documented incidents in past decades; recent crackdowns
- Oversight: MSU has Greek life policies and hazing prevention programs
- Risk for Phillips County students: Moderate to high — Greek life is popular among Montana students
University of Montana (Missoula)
- Greek life presence: Active — several fraternities and sororities
- Hazing history: Past incidents reported; ongoing monitoring
- Oversight: UM has Greek life policies and conducts anti-hazing training
- Risk for Phillips County students: Moderate
Montana Tech (Butte)
- Greek life presence: Smaller, but present
- Hazing history: Less documented, but potential for isolated incidents
- Risk for Phillips County students: Lower, but not zero
Carroll College (Helena)
- Greek life presence: Active — several fraternities and sororities
- Hazing history: Past incidents reported
- Risk for Phillips County students: Moderate
Rocky Mountain College (Billings)
- Greek life presence: Present
- Risk for Phillips County students: Lower, but vigilance is needed
National Fraternities with Montana Chapters
Many of the same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters at Montana universities. These include:
- Pi Kappa Phi — Involved in our current $10M lawsuit
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Multiple hazing deaths nationally
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — Involved in Stone Foltz $10.1M case
- Beta Theta Pi — Involved in Timothy Piazza $110M+ case
- Phi Delta Theta — Involved in Maxwell Gruver $6.1M verdict
Phillips County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Montana university — or anywhere in America — they face the same risks as students in our current case.
📢 A Message to Montana Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Phillips County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students at Montana universities, we will find every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta — if your chapter operates near Phillips County, know this:
- We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi National for $10 million
- We have 25+ years of litigation experience
- We know your corporate structures, insurance policies, and national headquarters
- We will pursue every liable party — the chapter, the nationals, the university, the individuals
- We will travel to Phillips County for depositions and trials
- We will hold you accountable
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in America. Your chapter could be next.
🏆 Our Commitment to Phillips County Families
At Attorney 911, we see hazing victims as people, not paychecks. We see Phillips County families as families, not cases. We are committed to:
- Aggressive representation — We don’t back down from powerful institutions
- Compassionate advocacy — We understand the trauma you’re experiencing
- Maximum compensation — We fight for every dollar you deserve
- Preventing future hazing — We want to make sure no other Phillips County family goes through this
- Protecting your child’s future — We work to minimize academic and social disruptions
Phillips County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
📞 Call Now — Free Consultation for Phillips County Hazing Victims
🚨 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Phillips County families
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including students from Phillips County.
$0 upfront. We only get paid if you win.
Phillips County families: Enough is enough. Call us today.
