Hazing Victims in Colusa County: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – And Neither Do We

Colusa County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations near Colusa County will protect their students from harm. But when that trust is betrayed through hazing, the consequences can be devastating – hospitalization, permanent injuries, emotional trauma, or even wrongful death.

At Attorney 911, 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’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Colusa County families who have been affected by hazing.

Colusa County parents and students: If your child has been hazed at a university near Colusa County, you are not alone. You have legal rights. And we will fight for you.

What Is Hazing? The Reality in Colusa County and Beyond

Hazing is often dismissed as “harmless tradition” or “just part of joining.” But the truth is far darker.

Hazing is abuse. It is assault. It is torture disguised as tradition. And it happens at universities near Colusa County.

Real Hazing Incidents – The Same Ones Happening Near Colusa County

In our current case, a University of Houston student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to keep running
• Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This didn’t happen in some distant state. It happened in Texas – the same state where Colusa County students attend college. The same national fraternities operate at universities near Colusa County. The same negligence exists at institutions near Colusa County.

If it can happen at UH, it can happen at universities near Colusa County.

Why Hazing Happens at Universities Near Colusa County

1. The Culture of Silence

Greek organizations near Colusa County operate with little oversight. Students are pressured to stay quiet about hazing to avoid social retaliation. Many victims don’t report because they fear:

• Being ostracized by their peers
• Losing their fraternity/sorority membership
• Being labeled a “snitch”
• Retaliation from members

Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real – and it’s why hazing continues.

2. Universities Near Colusa County Fail to Act

In our UH case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous activities. But they didn’t.

This isn’t unique to UH. Universities near Colusa County have the same power – and the same failure to use it.

3. National Organizations Turn a Blind Eye

Pi Kappa Phi knew about deadly hazing at their chapters. In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University. The fraternity had 8 years to fix their culture. They did nothing.

Now, another student has been hospitalized. The same national organization operates near Colusa County.

Colusa County Families: You Have Legal Rights

Hazing is illegal in California. It is also a civil wrong that gives victims the right to sue for compensation. If your child has been hazed at a university near Colusa County, you may be entitled to:

1. Compensation for Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Specialists and ongoing treatment
• Physical therapy
• Mental health counseling (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure. Medical bills from hazing can be substantial – and they should be paid by those responsible.

2. Compensation for Pain and Suffering

Hazing causes deep psychological trauma. Victims often suffer:

• PTSD from abusive rituals
• Anxiety and depression
• Loss of trust in institutions
• Humiliation and shame
• Fear of social retaliation

This is not just physical harm – it’s emotional devastation.

3. Punitive Damages – Holding Institutions Accountable

When hazing is particularly egregious, courts can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and prevent future abuse.

In our UH case, we are seeking $10 million in damages – not just to compensate our client, but to send a message: Hazing will not be tolerated.

4. Wrongful Death Claims

If hazing results in death, families can sue for:

• Loss of companionship
• Funeral expenses
• Future lost earnings
• Pain and suffering before death

Hazing deaths are preventable. When they happen, the institutions responsible must be held accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing Near Colusa County?

Hazing is never the fault of the victim. Multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

• Directly organizes and conducts hazing activities
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be personally liable
• Members who participated in hazing can be sued individually

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Provides oversight and policies
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing rules
• Deep pockets – substantial assets and insurance

In our UH case, Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant because they knew about the “hazing crisis” and did nothing.

3. The University

• Owns or controls fraternity/sorority houses
• Has power to regulate Greek life
• Failed to protect students despite prior hazing incidents
• Premises liability – responsible for unsafe conditions on their property

UH owned the house where our client was waterboarded. Universities near Colusa County have the same responsibility.

4. Individual Members

• Those who directly participated in hazing
• Those who witnessed and failed to stop it
• Leadership who directed or allowed hazing

In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

5. Housing Corporations

• Own the fraternity/sorority property
• Responsible for conditions on the premises

6. Alumni Who Host Hazing

• Allow hazing at their homes
• Premises liability applies

Colusa County Families: What You Should Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records are critical evidence.

2. Document Everything

• Take photos of injuries
• Save all text messages, social media posts, and emails about hazing
• Write down what happened while it’s fresh in your mind
• Get names and contact information of witnesses

Evidence disappears quickly. Preserve it now.

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• They will try to control the narrative
• They may destroy evidence
• They may intimidate witnesses
• Anything you say can be used against you

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Do not post about the incident
• Do not post photos that make it look like you’re “fine”
• Insurance companies and lawyers will use your posts against you

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Statutes of limitations apply – you have limited time to act
• Evidence must be preserved
• The organization will have lawyers – you need one too

Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.

Why Colusa 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. And we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Colusa County families.

2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions

• Former insurance defense attorneys – we know how they think
• Federal court admission – we can pursue cases nationwide
• Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York
• Proven results – we’ve recovered millions for victims

We know how to take on universities and national fraternities – and win.

3. We Travel to Colusa County

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We will:

• Offer video consultations for Colusa County families
• Travel to Colusa County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Handle all communications with defendants and insurance companies

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront

We understand that Colusa County families may be concerned about legal costs. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We don’t get paid unless you win
• No financial risk to you

5. We Care About Your Child

We see your child as a person – not a paycheck. We understand the emotional toll hazing takes. We will fight for your family with compassion and determination.

Colusa County Universities: The Hazing Risk Is Real

Colusa County students attend universities across California and the nation. Many of these institutions have active Greek life – and the same hazing risks we’re fighting at UH.

Universities Near Colusa County with Greek Life

California is home to major university systems with active Greek organizations, including:

• University of California (UC) System – UCLA, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and more
• California State University (CSU) System – Chico State, Sacramento State, San Francisco State, and more
• Private universities – Stanford, USC, University of the Pacific, and others

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths operate at universities near Colusa County:

• Pi Kappa Phi (our current case)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – multiple hazing deaths nationwide
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Stone Foltz case ($10.1 million)
• Phi Delta Theta – Max Gruver case ($6.1 million)
• Beta Theta Pi – Timothy Piazza case ($110+ million)

Colusa County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Colusa County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

Fraternities Near Colusa County With Hazing Histories

These are not isolated incidents. These are patterns of abuse at fraternities operating near Colusa County.

California Hazing Laws: Your Legal Protections

California has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students near Colusa County.

California Education Code § 32050 – Hazing Defined

Hazing is defined as:

“Any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state.”

California Penal Code § 245.6 – Criminal Hazing

Hazing that causes serious bodily injury is a misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 1 year in county jail
• Fines up to $5,000

If hazing results in death, it can be charged as manslaughter or homicide.

Consent Is Not a Defense

Like Texas, California law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Colusa County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

1. Statutes of Limitations Apply

In California, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation.

2. Evidence Disappears Quickly

• Text messages get deleted
• Social media posts get removed
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records

The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

3. The Organization Will Have Lawyers – You Need One Too

Universities and national fraternities have:

• In-house legal teams
• Insurance company lawyers
• Risk management professionals
• Crisis PR teams

You need a legal team that knows how to fight them.

How Attorney 911 Will Fight for Colusa County Families

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We will:

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they keep all evidence
• Obtain text messages, social media posts, and emails
• Secure security camera footage (if available)
• Identify and interview witnesses

2. Comprehensive Investigation

We will:

• Review medical records to document injuries
• Consult hazing experts to explain the culture
• Investigate prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Identify all responsible parties

3. Aggressive Legal Strategy

We will:

• File lawsuits against all liable parties – fraternity, nationals, university, individuals
• Pursue punitive damages where appropriate
• Fight any attempts to dismiss the case
• Take the case to trial if necessary

4. Coordination with Criminal Authorities

• Hazing is a crime in California
• We will coordinate with local law enforcement and prosecutors
• Criminal convictions can strengthen civil cases

5. Media and Public Pressure

• We will expose the truth about hazing near Colusa County
• We will pressure institutions to change their culture
• We will support legislative reform to prevent future hazing

Colusa County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing leaves victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and powerless. But you are not alone.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are fighting this battle right now – and we’re ready to fight for Colusa County families.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Colusa County, call us today for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

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

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

Together, We Can Stop Hazing Near Colusa County

Every hazing case we win sends a message: This ends now.

Every lawsuit we file forces institutions to change.

Every victim we represent helps protect the next student.

Colusa County families: If your child has been hazed, step forward. Let’s hold them accountable. Let’s make sure this never happens to another Colusa County student.

Call Attorney 911 today. The fight for justice starts now.