🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving Converse County, Wyoming — Protecting Students and Families from Greek Life Abuse
When “tradition” becomes torture, Attorney 911 fights back — serving Converse County families with aggressive hazing litigation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — And Neither Do We
Converse County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They assume Greek organizations operate with basic decency.
That trust is being betrayed.
Hazing is happening at universities near Converse County. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student in Houston operate chapters across Wyoming and the nation. The same negligence that hospitalized our client exists at institutions where Converse County students attend.
If your child has been hazed — physically, psychologically, or sexually — we will fight for you.
While we’re headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Converse County families. Our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), and commitment to traveling for your case mean distance is not a barrier to justice.
This Is What Hazing Looks Like — And It’s Happening Near Converse County
The Case That Shows Converse County Families What’s at Stake
In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join the fraternity.
What happened to him is happening to students near Converse County right now.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — until his muscles broke down
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to keep running
- Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed — fraternity members did nothing
- Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours — causing sleep deprivation and exhaustion
- Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion if they didn’t comply
Result: Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His muscles literally broke down from the physical abuse.
This isn’t “tradition.” This isn’t “brotherhood.” This is torture. And it’s happening at universities near Converse County.
The Same Fraternities Operate Near Converse County
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in states near Wyoming. The same national organization that allowed a student to be waterboarded in Houston oversees chapters where Converse County students attend.
Other national fraternities with documented hazing histories also operate near Converse County:
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Multiple hazing deaths, including at Texas A&M
- Sigma Chi — Wrongful death lawsuit filed in 2025 at University of Texas
- Kappa Sigma — Hazing death at University of Nevada, Reno
- Phi Delta Theta — $6.1 million jury verdict in Louisiana for hazing death
- Beta Theta Pi — $110+ million settlement after hazing death at Penn State
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Converse County, they face the same risks.
Universities Near Converse County Have the Same Liability Failures
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 where a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen. They did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
Universities near Converse County face the same liability risks:
- They have oversight authority over Greek organizations
- They often own or control fraternity and sorority houses
- They have policies against hazing — but fail to enforce them
- When they know hazing is happening and do nothing, they become legally responsible
If your child was hazed at a university near Converse County, the institution may be liable.
Converse County Families Deserve the Same Aggressive Representation We Provide in Houston
We are currently litigating the $10 million Pi Kappa Phi case in Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. We know how to win.
Converse County families get the same aggressive representation:
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how they think, and we know how to dismantle their defenses
✅ Federal court authority — We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for national organizations
✅ Willingness to travel — We come to Converse County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ Remote consultations — Converse County families can video chat with our attorneys
✅ Contingency fee basis — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you get paid
✅ Bilingual representation — Se habla español; we serve Spanish-speaking families
What Constitutes Hazing in Wyoming?
Hazing isn’t just about alcohol. It includes any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation.
Common Hazing Activities Near Converse County:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion, waterboarding |
| 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, isolation, threats |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands |
If your child experienced any of these, they may have a legal claim — even if they “consented” to participate.
Wyoming Law: Consent Is Not a Defense
One of the most common defenses in hazing cases is: “They agreed to participate. They knew the risks.”
Wyoming law says: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE.
While Wyoming doesn’t have a specific anti-hazing statute like Texas, hazing activities often violate other laws, including:
- Assault and battery — intentional harmful or offensive contact
- Reckless endangerment — creating substantial risk of serious bodily injury
- False imprisonment — restraining someone against their will
- Sexual assault — if sexual acts are involved
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they cannot consent to being a victim of a crime.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing Near Converse County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties share responsibility. We pursue every liable entity to maximize your recovery.
Potential Defendants in Converse County Hazing Cases:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew or should have known about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite oversight authority; premises liability if they own the property |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed or allowed hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities |
| Former Members | Hosted hazing at their residence |
| Spouses of Members | Allowed hazing at their home; premises liability |
| Housing Corporations | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Advisors/Alumni | Failed to intervene despite knowledge |
We don’t just sue broke college students — we go after the deep pockets: national organizations, universities, and insurance companies.
Damages Available for Converse County Hazing Victims
Hazing causes real harm — physically, emotionally, and financially. Converse County families can pursue compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills — hospital stays, ER visits, specialists, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
- Lost academic investment — tuition, fees, scholarships lost due to withdrawal or academic decline
- Future earning capacity — if injuries cause permanent limitations
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering — the agony of injuries and recovery
- Mental anguish — trauma from abuse, fear of retribution, anxiety, depression
- Emotional distress — humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of enjoyment of life — inability to participate in normal activities
- Disfigurement — scars from burns, branding, or injuries
Punitive Damages:
- Awarded when conduct is egregious, intentional, or grossly negligent
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Appropriate when institutions knew about hazing and did nothing
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These outcomes are possible for Converse County victims too.
Landmark Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Our $10 million demand in the Pi Kappa Phi case is directly in line with these precedents.
What Converse County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire.
Immediate Steps for Converse County Families:
- Ensure your child’s safety — Remove them from the dangerous situation immediately
- Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, document everything medically
- Preserve all evidence — Texts, photos, videos, social media posts, witness contact info
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority or university alone — They will try to control the narrative
- Do NOT post on social media about the incident — Anything you post can be used against you
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately — Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
What We Do for Converse County Families:
- Immediate evidence preservation — We send preservation letters to prevent destruction
- Medical documentation — We ensure all injuries are properly documented
- Witness interviews — We identify and interview other victims and bystanders
- Legal strategy development — We build a case for maximum compensation
- Negotiation with defendants — We fight for a fair settlement
- Litigation if necessary — We take the case to trial if defendants won’t settle fairly
Why Converse County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- We know how to build these cases
- We know how to win
- Converse County families get the same aggressive representation
2. We Know How the Other Side Thinks
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys
- We know how insurance companies try to minimize claims
- We know how universities try to protect their reputation
- We know how national fraternities try to distance themselves from liability
- We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses
3. We Have the Resources to Take on Powerful Institutions
- National fraternities have millions in assets and insurance
- Universities have substantial endowments and legal teams
- We have the experience, resources, and determination to take them on
4. We Travel to Converse County for Your Case
- We come to Converse County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- We offer remote consultations for families who cannot travel
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
6. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
- Hazing affects students from all backgrounds
- We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers
- Se habla español — all consultations and communications available in Spanish
Common Questions from Converse County Families
Q: My child “consented” to participate. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they cannot consent to being a victim of a crime. In many states, including Wyoming, consent does not excuse assault, battery, or reckless endangerment.
Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: No. “Tradition” does not justify abuse. If the activities endangered your child’s health or safety, it is hazing — and it is illegal. Juries do not accept “tradition” as an excuse for torture.
Q: We’re in Converse County, and you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and willingness to travel mean we can represent Converse County families no matter where the hazing occurred.
Q: How much is our case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, etc.)
- Pattern of hazing at the chapter or university
- Institutional knowledge and failure to act
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Q: What if the fraternity or university threatens our child with retaliation?
A: Retaliation is illegal. If the fraternity, university, or any individual threatens your child for speaking out, they can be held liable for additional damages. We protect our clients from retaliation.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Statutes of limitations vary by state, but they are typically 2 years from the date of injury. However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the process takes time. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Q: Will this affect my child’s academic or athletic future?
A: We understand the importance of your child’s education and future. Our goal is to hold the responsible parties accountable without jeopardizing your child’s academic or athletic opportunities. We work to resolve cases efficiently and discreetly.
Converse County Families: This Is Your Warning to Fraternities Near You
To every fraternity operating near Converse County:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapter.
- Pi Kappa Phi — we’re litigating against you right now
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon — we’ve handled your cases before
- Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — your chapters have paid millions
- Every national fraternity with chapters near Converse County — you are on notice
If your chapter hazes students, we will:
- Identify every liable entity — your chapter, your nationals, your university, your housing corporation
- Pursue every insurance policy providing coverage
- Sue every individual who participated or facilitated
- Seek punitive damages to punish your culture of abuse
- Work to shut down your chapter permanently
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
Converse County Universities: The Same Institutional Negligence Exists at Your Campus
To universities near Converse County:
You own the fraternity houses. You have oversight authority. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
When you know hazing is happening and do nothing, you become legally responsible.
- The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where a student was waterboarded
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it from happening again
- They are now a defendant in our $10 million lawsuit
The same institutional negligence exists at your university.
Act now or face the same accountability.
Converse County Parents: Protect Your Children
Hazing doesn’t just happen at big state schools. It happens at:
- Universities near Converse County
- Private colleges in Wyoming and neighboring states
- Community colleges with Greek organizations
- Military academies and ROTC programs
- Sports teams, marching bands, and clubs
Talk to your children about hazing. Tell them:
- It’s okay to say no
- It’s okay to walk away
- It’s okay to report it
- You will support them no matter what
If hazing has already happened, call us. We will fight for them.
Converse County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing leaves victims feeling shamed, isolated, and afraid. Many don’t come forward because they:
- Feel responsible for “agreeing” to participate
- Fear retaliation from the organization
- Don’t want to get friends in trouble
- Believe “it’s just tradition”
- Think no one will believe them
You are not alone. We believe you. We will fight for you.
Leonel Bermudez was afraid to do an interview because of retribution. That fear is real — and it’s evidence of the psychological harm hazing causes. We protected him. We will protect your child.
Enough is enough.
Converse County Families: Contact Attorney 911 Today
If your child has been hazed — physically, psychologically, or sexually — call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Free consultation — $0 upfront — We don’t get paid unless you get paid
We serve Converse County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
What Happens When You Call Attorney 911:
- Free Case Evaluation — We listen to your story and evaluate your case
- Immediate Evidence Preservation — We send letters to prevent destruction of evidence
- Medical Documentation — We ensure all injuries are properly documented
- Legal Strategy Development — We build a case for maximum compensation
- Negotiation with Defendants — We fight for a fair settlement
- Litigation if Necessary — We take the case to trial if defendants won’t settle fairly
- Justice and Accountability — We hold every responsible party accountable
Converse County Families: The Time to Act Is Now
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Legal deadlines expire.
Don’t let the fraternity, the university, or the national organization silence your child.
Call Attorney 911 today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
We are fighting this fight right now. We will fight for Converse County families with the same fury.
🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Converse County, Wyoming — Aggressive Representation. Nationwide Reach. Justice for Your Family.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Converse County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — with nationwide hazing litigation authority
📍 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com