Hazing Lawyers Serving Wibaux County, Montana – Attorney 911

When Tradition Becomes Torture: Your Child Deserves Justice

Wibaux County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and fraternities will protect their students, not endanger them. But for too many families across Montana and America, that trust is shattered when hazing turns deadly or leaves lasting scars.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the systematic hazing that hospitalized a young man with kidney failure after forced waterboarding, extreme physical punishment, and psychological abuse. The same fraternities operate at universities near Wibaux County. The same negligence exists in Montana institutions. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Wibaux County families who have been betrayed by the very organizations that promised to protect their children.

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Wibaux County, you are not alone. We will fight for you.

The Hazing Crisis in Montana and Beyond

What Wibaux County Families Need to Know

Hazing is not harmless tradition. It is not “boys being boys.” It is not “building character.” It is abuse. It is assault. It is sometimes criminal. And it happens right here in Montana.

The Reality of Hazing in America:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
• 40% of student athletes report hazing
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
• 95% of hazing victims do not report it due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student groups

The Medical Consequences:
Hazing can cause:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that leads to kidney failure – exactly what happened to our client in Houston)
• Acute alcohol poisoning (from forced binge drinking)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• Hypothermia or heat stroke (from exposure to extreme temperatures)
• Cardiac arrest (from extreme physical exertion)
• Permanent psychological damage (PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide)
• Death

The Landmark Case That Shows What’s Possible for Wibaux County Families

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi – $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)

This case happened in Houston, but it could happen anywhere – including near Wibaux County.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez – a young man who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. He wasn’t even a student there yet – he was a “ghost rush,” expected to transfer for the upcoming semester.

The Hazing:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to continue running
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• A pledge lost consciousness during a forced workout – others had to elevate his legs until he recovered

The Result:

• Bermudez became so exhausted he could not stand without help
• He crawled up the stairs when he got home
• The next day, he was “really sore and couldn’t really move”
• The day after that, his condition worsened
• His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• He spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital

The Response:

• Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter 7 days before the lawsuit was filed – they knew what was coming
• The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Both defendants admitted that what happened was wrong

The Lawsuit:

• $10 million in damages sought
• Filed by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena of Attorney 911
• Covered by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media

Why This Case Matters for Wibaux County Families

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Wibaux County
   Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in states near Montana. The same national organizations that allowed this to happen in Houston have chapters at universities near Wibaux County.

2. Universities Near Wibaux County Have the Same Power – and the Same Failures
   The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter. They failed to do so. Universities near Wibaux County have the same responsibilities – and the same potential liabilities when they fail to protect students.

3. They Knew It Was Happening – and They Did Nothing

   • Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at Florida State University)
   • The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (Jared Munoz at another fraternity)
   • They had 8 years to fix their culture – and they did nothing
   • The same pattern of negligence exists at institutions near Wibaux County

4. $10 Million Sends a Message
   This isn’t just about compensation. It’s about accountability. It’s about making sure this never happens again to another Wibaux County family.

What Constitutes Hazing? Wibaux County Families Need to Recognize the Signs

Hazing can take many forms, and it often starts with seemingly harmless activities that escalate into abuse. Under Montana law, hazing is defined as any activity that subjects a student to humiliation, degradation, abuse, or endangerment, regardless of whether the student consents.

Common Hazing Activities That Are Illegal in Montana:

• Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Forced consumption: Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
• Sleep deprivation: Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep
• Psychological abuse: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats, isolation
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Exposure to extreme temperatures: Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces
• Servitude: Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands

Warning Signs That Your Child May Be a Victim of Hazing:

• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
• Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Decline in academic performance
• Unusual sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Sudden reluctance to talk about their organization or activities
• Signs of anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Unexplained absences or late-night activities

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Wibaux County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can – and should – be held accountable. At Attorney 911, we pursue every liable party to maximize compensation for our clients.

1. Local Chapters

The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing is directly liable. This includes:

• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.)
• Active members who participated
• Members who knew about the hazing and failed to stop it

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing multiple individual members personally.

2. National Organizations

National fraternities and sororities have substantial resources and insurance policies that can provide compensation to victims. They are liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Ignoring prior incidents of hazing
• Allowing a culture of abuse to continue

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing the national organization for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.”

3. Universities and Colleges

Universities have a duty to protect their students. They can be held liable for:

• Failing to monitor Greek life organizations
• Failing to respond to reports of hazing
• Owning or controlling property where hazing occurs
• Allowing a culture of hazing to persist on campus

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They are named as defendants.

4. Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held personally liable. This includes:

• Members who directly abused victims
• Members who encouraged or enabled hazing
• Alumni who hosted hazing events
• Spouses or partners who allowed hazing on their property

In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was held personally liable for $6.5 million.

5. Insurance Companies

Many of these defendants have liability insurance policies that can provide compensation to victims. This includes:

• Fraternity/sorority national insurance
• University liability insurance
• Homeowner’s insurance for off-campus locations
• Personal liability insurance for individual defendants

As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know how to pursue these policies aggressively.

Legal Rights for Wibaux County Hazing Victims

Montana Hazing Laws

Montana has strong laws against hazing. Under Montana Code Annotated § 20-5-501, hazing is defined as:

“Any activity by which a person recklessly or intentionally endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization at a school, college, or university.”

Key Provisions of Montana Hazing Law:

• Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine
• Consent is not a defense – even if a student agrees to participate, the organization can still be held liable
• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
• Schools are required to adopt anti-hazing policies and report hazing incidents

This means that even if your child “agreed” to participate in hazing activities, the organization can still be held legally responsible for any harm caused.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Montana

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims in Wibaux County can pursue civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries. This includes:

1. Negligence Claims

   • Duty of care owed to students
   • Breach of that duty through hazing
   • Causation of injuries
   • Damages

2. Premises Liability

   • If hazing occurred on university property
   • Property owner responsibility

3. Negligent Supervision

   • National organization failed to supervise local chapter
   • University failed to monitor Greek life

4. Assault and Battery

   • Intentional harmful contact

5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

   • Outrageous conduct
   • Severe emotional distress

6. Wrongful Death

   • If hazing results in death

Damages Available for Wibaux County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
  • Hospital bills
  • Doctor visits
  • Medications
  • Rehabilitation
  • Therapy
• Lost wages (if your child missed work due to injuries)
• Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future career prospects)
• Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
• Property damage (if personal belongings were damaged during hazing)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain and suffering (the agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns, etc.)
• Mental anguish (trauma from waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution)
• Humiliation and degradation (from psychological abuse and humiliation rituals)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars from burns, branding, or other injuries)

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases of egregious misconduct to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. They are appropriate when:

• The conduct was intentional
• The conduct was reckless
• The defendants knew about the risks and did nothing
• The conduct was outrageous (such as waterboarding, forced consumption to the point of vomiting, extreme physical punishment)

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, punitive damages are warranted due to:

• Waterboarding (simulated drowning – a form of torture)
• Forced exercise to the point of collapse and kidney failure
• Prior knowledge of deadly hazing culture (Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017)
• Failure to implement effective safeguards despite 8 years of notice

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Wibaux County

If you suspect or know that your child has been hazed, take action immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations can bar your claim if you wait too long.

Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety

• Remove them from the dangerous situation immediately
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document all injuries with photographs

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Do not delete any communications (texts, social media messages, emails)
• Take screenshots of all relevant messages, posts, and photos
• Save physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
• Document witness names and contact information
• Keep a journal of your child’s symptoms and experiences

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• Report to the university (ask for a written report)
• Report to local law enforcement (file a police report)
• Report to the national organization (if applicable)

Step 4: Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Their Representatives

• Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders
• Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney
• Do not post on social media about the incident
• Avoid discussing details with anyone except your attorney

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
• We will evaluate your case and explain your legal options
• We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

Why Wibaux County Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know the legal strategies that work. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we know how to win.

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to defeat their defenses.

Nationwide Reach with Local Commitment

While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Wibaux County. We have:

• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
• A commitment to traveling to Wibaux County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Video consultation technology for remote meetings

Aggressive, Compassionate Representation

We understand the trauma that hazing victims and their families experience. We treat every client with compassion, respect, and dignity. But when it comes to the courtroom, we are aggressive, relentless, and unyielding.

Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

• Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit
• Experience with multi-million dollar personal injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
• Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• High-profile media cases (ABC13, KHOU 11 coverage)

We Speak Your Language – Literally

Our staff is bilingual (English and Spanish), ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice.

Contingency Fee Representation

We understand that the cost of legal representation can be a concern, especially for families dealing with medical bills and other expenses. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions for Wibaux County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they “consented” to participate. Can we still sue?

Yes. Under Montana law, 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. The law recognizes that peer pressure, fear of social exclusion, and intimidation can coerce students into “consenting” to activities they would otherwise refuse.

2. The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. Assault is assault, battery is battery, and reckless endangerment is a crime – regardless of whether it’s called “tradition.” Courts and juries will not accept “tradition” as an excuse for abuse.

3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?

Possibly. Universities have a duty to monitor and regulate student organizations, especially Greek life. If they failed to implement adequate oversight, ignored prior incidents, or allowed a culture of hazing to persist, they can be held liable for negligent supervision.

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect and regulate the property. Their failure to do so makes them liable.

4. The national fraternity says they enforce anti-hazing policies. Can they still be sued?

Absolutely. National organizations often claim they have strong anti-hazing policies, but their failure to enforce those policies makes them liable. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” and failed to take effective action. Their inaction makes them responsible.

5. My child was hazed off-campus. Can we still sue the university?

Possibly. Even if hazing occurs off-campus, universities can still be liable if:

• They knew or should have known about the hazing
• They failed to take action to prevent it
• The hazing was connected to a recognized student organization

6. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, and the value depends on factors such as:

• The severity of the injuries
• The egregiousness of the conduct
• The number of liable defendants
• The available insurance coverage
• The impact on your child’s life and future

Precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits can result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)

7. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In Montana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 3 years from the date of the injury. However, it’s critical to act quickly because:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records

Do not wait. Contact Attorney 911 as soon as possible to protect your rights.

8. My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation from the organization or its members. Your safety is our priority. We will:

• Advise you on steps to protect your child
• Work with law enforcement if threats are made
• Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
• Keep your case confidential to the extent possible

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, our client was fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We take these concerns seriously and will protect your family.

9. The fraternity offered us a settlement. Should we accept it?

Do not accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and fraternities often offer lowball settlements immediately after an incident, hoping to take advantage of victims who are still in shock.

An experienced hazing attorney can:

• Evaluate whether the offer is fair
• Negotiate for a higher settlement
• Advise you on the long-term consequences of accepting the offer

Remember: Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to pursue additional compensation, even if your child’s injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought.

10. We’re in Wibaux County, and you’re in Texas. Can you still represent us?

Yes. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Wibaux County. We have:

• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
• A commitment to traveling to Wibaux County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Video consultation technology for remote meetings

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing leaves deep scars – physical, emotional, and psychological. But with the right legal representation, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation your child deserves.

Wibaux County families: You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for you.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Wibaux County hazing emergencies)

📧 ralph@atty911.com

🌐 attorney911.com

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win

Together, We Can End the Hazing Crisis

Hazing doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of college life. With strong legal action, sustained pressure, and a commitment to justice, we can change the culture that allows this abuse to continue.

Wibaux County families: Your child deserves better. Your family deserves justice. And we are here to fight for you.