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Powder River County (Earth/North America/United States/Montana/Powder River County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 14 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Powder River County: You Are Not Alone

If your child was hazed at a university near Powder River County, we can help — no matter where in Montana you are.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities operate at universities near Powder River County. The same negligence exists at Powder River County institutions. And we will fight for Powder River County families with the same determination.

📞 Powder River County Families: Call Now — Free Consultation

1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Powder River County hazing emergencies

🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Powder River County

In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a young man hoping to transfer to the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse:

  • Waterboarding — simulated drowning with a garden hose
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups — until his muscles broke down
  • Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
  • Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
  • Another pledge collapsed unconscious — they kept going

On November 6, 2025, Bermudez was rushed to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days fighting for his life.

This wasn’t the first time. In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. The fraternity had 8 years to fix their culture. They did nothing. Now, they’re already planning to return to campus — as if nothing happened.

⚠️ Hazing Happens Near Powder River County Too

Powder River County families send their children to universities across Montana and nearby states, including:

  • Montana State University (Bozeman) — 300 miles from Powder River County
  • University of Montana (Missoula) — 400 miles from Powder River County
  • Rocky Mountain College (Billings) — 200 miles from Powder River County
  • Montana Tech (Butte) — 350 miles from Powder River County
  • And many others in Wyoming, South Dakota, and beyond

The same national fraternities with hazing cultures operate at these schools. If it happened in Houston, it can — and likely does — happen near Powder River County.

💔 Why Powder River County Families Need Legal Help

1. Universities Protect Themselves — Not Your Child

When hazing is exposed, universities often:

  • Downplay the severity
  • Claim they “didn’t know”
  • Protect their reputation over victim safety
  • Our job is to make them accountable.

2. Fraternities Will Try to Silence You

Victims are often pressured to:

  • “Keep it quiet for the good of the fraternity”
  • “It’s just tradition — don’t ruin it for everyone”
  • “You consented to this”
  • We protect our clients from intimidation.

3. Evidence Disappears Fast

  • Text messages get deleted
  • Photos get erased
  • Witnesses forget details
  • The sooner you act, the stronger your case.

4. Medical Bills Pile Up

Hazing injuries can lead to:

  • Hospitalization (like Bermudez’s 4-day stay)
  • Ongoing treatment for kidney damage, PTSD, or other long-term effects
  • Lost wages from missed work or school
  • You shouldn’t pay for their abuse.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Powder River County Hazing Victim

Under Montana law and federal civil rights protections, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Type of Damage What It Covers Powder River County Application
Medical Expenses Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, PTSD
Lost Wages Time missed from work or school Recovery time, academic disruption
Pain and Suffering Physical pain from hazing Beatings, forced exercise, waterboarding
Emotional Distress PTSD, anxiety, depression Trauma from abuse, fear of retaliation
Punitive Damages Punishment for egregious conduct Waterboarding, forced vomiting, paddling
Wrongful Death If hazing caused a fatality Funeral costs, loss of companionship

Montana has no cap on damages for personal injury cases, meaning juries can award what they believe is fair — and precedent shows that can be millions.

🏆 We Have Won Millions for Victims Like You

Our attorneys are currently litigating the $10 million Pi Kappa Phi case, but this isn’t our first fight against hazing. We have experience with:

  • Rhabdomyolysis cases — like Bermudez’s kidney failure
  • Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation — holding chapters accountable
  • Texas A&M hazing cases — university liability
  • Wrongful death claims — when hazing turns fatal

We know how to win. And we know how to make institutions change.

📋 What Powder River County Families Should Do RIGHT NOW

If your child was hazed at a university near Powder River County, follow these steps immediately:

  1. Seek Medical Attention

    • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
    • Document everything — medical records are critical evidence.
  2. Preserve All Evidence

    • Save all text messages, social media posts, GroupMe chats, photos, and videos related to the hazing.
    • Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.
    • Write down names of witnesses, dates, times, and locations of hazing activities.
  3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

    • They will try to control the narrative.
    • They may ask you to sign documents waiving your rights.
    • Anything you say can be used against you in court.
  4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

    • Avoid posting about the incident, your injuries, or your feelings.
    • Defendants will use your posts to argue you weren’t really hurt.
  5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

    • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — free, confidential consultation.
    • We will guide you through the next steps.
    • We come to Powder River County — for depositions, meetings, and trials.

📞 Powder River County Hazing Victims: Call Now

1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7

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

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Powder River County Families

Q: My child was hazed at a university near Powder River County. Can you still help us?

A: YES. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We have federal court authority and are licensed in multiple states. We will travel to Powder River County for your case.

Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

A: Consent is NOT a defense. Under Montana law and most state laws, victims cannot consent to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. We can still pursue the fraternity, university, and individuals involved.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win your case. This means Powder River County families pay nothing out of pocket.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear speaking out. We ensure your child’s identity is protected, and we take legal action against anyone who retaliates.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: Typically 2-3 years, depending on the state. However, evidence disappears fast. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Powder River County Hazing Case?

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. Powder River County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to minimize payouts. We use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to U.S. District Court, meaning we can pursue your Powder River County case in federal court if needed.

4. Dual-State Licensed

We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic flexibility to pursue national fraternities and universities.

5. We Travel to Powder River County

We will come to Powder River County for:

  • Client meetings
  • Depositions
  • Trials
  • Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Bilingual Support

Se habla español. We serve Spanish-speaking Powder River County families without language barriers.

7. Proven Track Record

  • $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending
  • Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
  • Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — experience with complex, high-stakes cases
  • Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence

8. We Treat You Like Family

Our clients say it best:

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato (Google Review)

🔍 How We Build Your Powder River County Hazing Case

Step 1: Free Consultation

  • We listen to your story.
  • We evaluate the strength of your case.
  • We explain your legal options.

Step 2: Evidence Preservation

  • Send preservation letters to all defendants.
  • Demand they save all evidence (texts, photos, videos, documents).
  • Begin gathering medical records, witness statements, and financial documents.

Step 3: Identify All Liable Parties

We pursue everyone responsible, including:

  • The local fraternity chapter
  • The national fraternity organization
  • The university (if they knew or should have known)
  • Individual members who participated
  • Housing corporations
  • Insurance companies

Step 4: File the Lawsuit

  • Draft and file the complaint in the appropriate court.
  • Serve defendants with legal process.
  • Begin the discovery phase.

Step 5: Discovery — Uncover the Truth

  • Depose fraternity members, university officials, and witnesses.
  • Subpoena text messages, social media posts, and internal documents.
  • Request all prior hazing complaints and investigations.
  • Demand insurance policies and financial records.

Step 6: Negotiate or Go to Trial

  • Negotiate aggressively with defendants’ attorneys.
  • If they won’t offer a fair settlement, we take them to trial.
  • Our goal: Maximum compensation and accountability.

🏛️ Who We Sue for Powder River County Hazing Victims

Defendant Why They’re Liable Powder River County Application
Local Fraternity Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing Same chapters exist at universities near Powder River County
National Fraternity Organization Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, SAE, and others operate near Powder River County
University Failed to protect students; owned fraternity property MSU, UM, Rocky Mountain College, and others have similar oversight failures
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing Every person involved can be held personally liable
Housing Corporations Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred Many fraternity houses are owned by separate corporations
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for institutional liability Deep pockets for compensation

💡 The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing victims often delay seeking help because of:

  • Shame or embarrassment
  • Fear of retaliation
  • Loyalty to the fraternity or sorority
  • Not realizing it was illegal

But every day you wait:

  • Evidence disappears
  • Witnesses forget
  • Statutes of limitations run out
  • The fraternity and university try to cover it up

Powder River County families: Don’t let them silence you. Don’t let them get away with it.

📞 Call Attorney 911 Today — Free Consultation

1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Powder River County hazing emergencies

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

We don’t get paid unless you win. Powder River County families pay $0 upfront.

🎖️ Together, We Can End Hazing Near Powder River County

Leonel Bermudez’s attorney, Lupe Pena, said it best:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Your Powder River County case can save lives. By holding fraternities and universities accountable, you protect the next student. You force them to change. You make sure no other Powder River County family has to go through what you’re experiencing.

We are ready to fight for you. Are you ready to fight back?

🚨 Powder River County Hazing Victims: The Choice Is Yours

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
Justice starts today.

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