Hazing Injury Lawyer in Johnson County, Wyoming – Protecting Students from Abuse
At Attorney 911, we stand up for students who have been physically or psychologically harmed by hazing in Johnson County and across Wyoming. If you or your child has been subjected to dangerous initiation rituals, forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, or other forms of hazing at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization, you have legal rights—and we fight to hold those responsible accountable.
Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to perform extreme physical punishments, and subjected to psychological abuse. This same fraternity operates chapters near Johnson County, and we are prepared to bring the same aggressive legal action to Wyoming.
If you’ve been hazed in Johnson County, Wyoming, call us now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
Why Johnson County Families Trust Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
Our attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case has been covered by ABC13, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media, proving our ability to take on powerful institutions and win.
Johnson County families deserve the same level of aggressive representation. While we are based in Texas, our federal court authority and nationwide experience allow us to represent hazing victims in Wyoming and across the country.
2. We Know How to Win Against Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations
Hazing cases are complex, but we have the experience to navigate them. Our firm has:
- Successfully litigated multi-million-dollar personal injury cases, including the BP Texas City explosion (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)
- Represented victims of fraternity abuse, including cases involving Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M hazing, and rhabdomyolysis injuries
- Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims, and we fight back
- Federal court admission—we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is critical when suing national organizations
3. We Understand the Unique Dangers of Hazing in Johnson County
While Johnson County, Wyoming, may not have a major university, students from the area often attend colleges in nearby states where Greek life is prevalent, including:
- University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY) – Active Greek system with fraternities and sororities
- Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO) – Strong Greek presence
- University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO) – Known for Greek life culture
- Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) – Fraternities and sororities with documented hazing risks
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others—operate chapters near Johnson County. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they face the same risks we’re fighting in court right now.
4. We Protect Victims Who Fear Retaliation
Many hazing victims stay silent because they fear:
- Social ostracization from their peers
- Retaliation from fraternity/sorority members
- Academic consequences if they speak out
- Being labeled a “snitch” or “weak”
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was so afraid of retribution that he hesitated to speak publicly. We understand these fears, and we protect our clients’ identities and safety while aggressively pursuing justice.
What Is Hazing? Wyoming’s Legal Definition
Under Wyoming law (W.S. § 21-18-201), hazing is defined as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, or by another person acting in concert with a student, against another student, for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students at an educational institution.”
This includes:
✔ Physical abuse (beating, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion)
✔ Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
✔ Psychological torture (waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation)
✔ Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects)
✔ Dangerous stunts (blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure)
Wyoming law explicitly states:
“Consent is not a defense to hazing.”
(W.S. § 21-18-202)
This means: Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held legally responsible.
Common Hazing Injuries We Handle in Johnson County Cases
Hazing can cause life-altering physical and psychological harm, including:
Physical Injuries
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – Our current client suffered this after being forced to do 500 squats
- Alcohol poisoning (forced binge drinking, chugging)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings, falls, or being struck with objects)
- Broken bones (from physical abuse or dangerous stunts)
- Internal bleeding (from blunt force trauma)
- Hypothermia or heatstroke (from exposure to extreme weather)
- Burns (from branding, hot objects, or chemicals)
- Sexual assault injuries (from forced nudity or assault)
Psychological Trauma
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Severe anxiety and depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Trust issues and social withdrawal
- Academic decline (inability to focus, dropping out)
If your child has suffered any of these injuries due to hazing in Johnson County or at a nearby university, call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Johnson County?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example from Our Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local fraternity/sorority chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter (UH) |
| National fraternity/sorority organization | Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies; knew about “hazing crisis” | Pi Kappa Phi National |
| University/college | Failed to supervise Greek life; owned property where hazing occurred | University of Houston (owned the fraternity house) |
| Chapter officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Directed hazing activities | Named in our lawsuit |
| Individual members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing | Multiple defendants |
| Former members/alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes | Named in our lawsuit |
| Spouses of members | Premises liability for hazing at their residence | Named in our lawsuit |
| Housing corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Beta Nu Housing Corporation |
We sue EVERYONE responsible to maximize compensation for Johnson County victims.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Johnson County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and internal injuries may not be immediately obvious.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.).
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
- Write down everything (dates, times, what happened, who was involved).
- Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative and may pressure you to sign away your rights.
- Do not give statements to university administrators, fraternity leaders, or insurance companies without legal counsel.
- Anything you say can be used against you in a lawsuit.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We will guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Compensation Available for Johnson County Hazing Victims
If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damages | What It Covers | Example from Our Case |
|---|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | Our client spent 4 days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis |
| Lost wages | Time missed from work due to injuries | If your child had to take time off for recovery |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain and emotional distress | Waterboarding, 500 squats, paddling |
| Mental anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Our client feared retribution for speaking out |
| Future medical costs | Ongoing treatment (dialysis, therapy) | Kidney damage may require lifelong care |
| Punitive damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding = torture; 500 squats = reckless endangerment |
| Wrongful death | If hazing resulted in death | Funeral costs, loss of companionship |
Recent hazing cases have resulted in multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, including:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State University)
- $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)
Our $10 million demand in the Pi Kappa Phi case is in line with these precedents—and Johnson County families deserve the same justice.
Why Johnson County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Fight for Maximum Compensation
We don’t settle for lowball offers from insurance companies. We aggressively negotiate or take cases to trial to secure the compensation our clients deserve.
2. We Understand the Trauma of Hazing
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was so afraid of retribution that he hesitated to speak publicly. We understand the psychological toll hazing takes, and we protect our clients’ privacy and safety while pursuing justice.
3. We Have Insider Knowledge of How Defendants Operate
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how universities, fraternities, and insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims, and we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
4. We Travel to Johnson County for Your Case
While we are based in Texas, we serve clients nationwide, including Johnson County, Wyoming. We offer:
- Free video consultations for Johnson County families
- Willingness to travel to Wyoming for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Remote case management so you don’t have to come to Texas
5. We Work on Contingency—No Upfront Costs
We understand that Johnson County families may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis:
- $0 upfront costs
- No hourly fees
- We only get paid if we win your case
- You keep the majority of the settlement
Fraternities Near Johnson County with Documented Hazing Histories
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate chapters at universities near Johnson County, including:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Johnson County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 – death); Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 – kidney failure) | University of Wyoming, Colorado State University |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 – death); David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012 – death) | University of Colorado Boulder, University of Wyoming |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple lawsuits for alcohol poisoning, physical abuse | Colorado State University |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 – death) | University of Colorado Boulder |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 – death) | University of Wyoming |
| Sigma Chi | Recent wrongful death lawsuit at UT Austin (2025) | Colorado State University |
If your child is pledging any of these fraternities, they are at risk—and we can help if something goes wrong.
What Johnson County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing Is Not “Tradition”—It’s Abuse
Fraternities and sororities often claim hazing is “tradition” or “brotherhood-building.” This is a lie.
- Waterboarding is torture—the U.S. government considers it a war crime.
- Forcing 500 squats until kidney failure is not “team-building”—it’s reckless endangerment.
- Beating pledges with paddles is assault.
These are not “pranks.” They are crimes.
2. Universities Know Hazing Happens—and Do Little to Stop It
- Our lawsuit alleges that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about “a hazing crisis” and failed to act.
- The University of Houston had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha) and did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
- Universities near Johnson County have the same oversight failures.
If your child is hazed, the university is likely complicit—and we will hold them accountable.
3. Consent Is Not a Defense in Wyoming
Wyoming law (W.S. § 21-18-202) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
4. Criminal Charges May Apply
Hazing is a misdemeanor or felony in Wyoming, depending on the severity of the injuries. Possible charges include:
- Misdemeanor hazing (up to 6 months in jail, $750 fine)
- Felony hazing (if serious bodily injury or death occurs)
Our firm works with prosecutors to pursue criminal charges alongside civil lawsuits.
5. Time Is Running Out to Take Legal Action
- Wyoming has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.
- Evidence disappears quickly—witnesses forget, messages get deleted, fraternities destroy records.
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
If your child was hazed in Johnson County or at a nearby university, call us NOW: 1-888-ATTY-911
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Johnson County
Q: My child was hazed but didn’t go to the hospital. Do we have a case?
A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for:
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, fear, social ostracization)
- Physical injuries (bruises, sprains, minor fractures)
Call us for a free evaluation—we’ll help you understand your legal options.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Does that matter?
A: No. Wyoming law (W.S. § 21-18-202) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
Q: We’re in Johnson County, but the hazing happened at a university in another state. Can you help?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Johnson County families whose children were hazed at out-of-state universities. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases across state lines.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- You pay $0 to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict—you keep the majority
Q: What if the fraternity or university threatens my child with expulsion?
A: They cannot retaliate against your child for reporting hazing. If they do, we can:
- File a Title IX complaint (for gender-based harassment)
- Pursue additional legal action for retaliation
- Protect your child’s academic standing
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases (especially against universities and national organizations) can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.
Q: Can we sue the individual fraternity members who hazed our child?
A: Yes. In addition to suing the chapter and national organization, we can pursue individual members who participated in or facilitated hazing. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million.
Johnson County Hazing Lawyer: Free Consultation
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near Johnson County, Wyoming, call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Johnson County and all of Wyoming—no matter where the hazing occurred.
Don’t Wait—Your Legal Rights Are at Stake
- Evidence disappears quickly (texts, photos, witness memories fade)
- Wyoming’s 2-year statute of limitations applies—act now
- The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Justice for Johnson County hazing victims starts here.
