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Lassen County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 20, 2026 17 min read
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Hazing Lawyers in Lassen County – Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity or sorority in Lassen County, you are not powerless. You have legal rights—and we are here to fight for you.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse, forced consumption, and waterboarding during pledge activities. This same fraternity—and others like it—operate at universities near Lassen County. If your child has suffered similar abuse, we will bring the same aggressive legal strategy to your case.

We serve hazing victims in Lassen County and across California—no matter where the incident occurred.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Lassen County: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “harmless fun.” It is abuse, assault, and in many cases, a crime. Yet every year, students across California—including those near Lassen County—are subjected to dangerous initiation rituals that leave them hospitalized, traumatized, or worse.

🔥 This Is Happening Near Lassen County Right Now

The same fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit—including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), and others—have active chapters at universities near Lassen County, including:

  • California State University, Chico
  • University of Nevada, Reno (just over the border)
  • Sierra Nevada University (Incline Village)
  • Feather River College (Quincy)

These organizations operate under the same national structures that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in the Lassen County area, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

💔 What Hazing Really Looks Like: The Lassen County Reality

When we think of hazing, we might imagine harmless pranks or lighthearted challenges. The reality is far darker. In our current case, a University of Houston student was subjected to:

Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning, a form of torture
Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – Leading to rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure
Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
Forced to eat until vomiting – Then made to continue exercising in vomit-soaked clothing
Sleep deprivation – Driving fraternity members at all hours, leading to exhaustion
Psychological torture – Carrying sexual objects, being hog-tied, threats of expulsion

This is not an isolated incident. This is systemic abuse happening at universities nationwide—including those near Lassen County.

🚑 Medical Consequences of Hazing in Lassen County

Hazing doesn’t just cause emotional trauma—it can lead to life-threatening injuries, including:

Injury Cause Long-Term Impact
Rhabdomyolysis Extreme physical exertion (forced exercise) Kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, need for dialysis or transplant
Alcohol Poisoning Forced binge drinking Brain damage, coma, death
Traumatic Brain Injury Beatings, falls, paddling Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes
Hypothermia/Hyperthermia Exposure to extreme cold/heat Organ failure, death
Internal Bleeding Physical assault Emergency surgery, long-term health complications
PTSD, Anxiety, Depression Psychological torture Therapy, medication, lifelong emotional scars

If your child has been hospitalized or is experiencing any of these symptoms after hazing, seek medical attention immediately—and call us.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Lassen County Hazing Victim

California has strong anti-hazing laws, and victims have the right to pursue civil lawsuits against:

🔹 The local fraternity/sorority chapter – Directly responsible for the abuse
🔹 The national organization – Failed to supervise or enforce anti-hazing policies
🔹 The university – Failed to protect students despite knowing the risks
🔹 Individual members – Those who participated in or facilitated the hazing

📜 California Anti-Hazing Laws (Education Code § 32050-32054)

Under California law, hazing is defined as:

“Any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student.”

Key Provisions:

  • Hazing is a crime – Misdemeanor or felony, depending on severity
  • Consent is NOT a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization is still liable
  • Universities must report hazing – Failure to do so can result in penalties
  • Civil lawsuits are allowed – Victims can sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages

If your child has been hazed in Lassen County, they have the right to seek justice—regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

💰 How Much Is a Lassen County Hazing Case Worth?

Hazing cases can result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, depending on:

Factor How It Affects Case Value
Severity of injuries Hospitalization, permanent damage, or death increase value
Egregiousness of conduct Waterboarding, paddling, forced consumption = higher punitive damages
Pattern of abuse If the chapter has a history of hazing, punitive damages increase
University’s knowledge If the school knew about prior incidents, they share liability
National organization’s role Deep pockets = higher potential recovery

📊 Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (What Lassen County Families Can Expect)

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz (2021) Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver (2017) Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 million
Timothy Piazza (2017) Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110+ million
Andrew Coffey (2017) Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (multi-million)
Leonel Bermudez (2025) University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi OUR CASE – $10M lawsuit Pending

These cases prove that hazing victims—and their families—can win substantial compensation. Lassen County families deserve the same justice.

🛡️ What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Lassen County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach quickly. Here’s what to do right now:

🚨 Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
  • Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and internal injuries may not show symptoms right away
  • Medical records are critical evidence in your case

📸 Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages
  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
  • Document witness names and contact info
  • Keep any physical evidence (paddles, clothing, objects used in hazing)
  • Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing

🚫 Step 3: Do NOT Speak to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone

  • They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability
  • Do NOT give a statement to their insurance company or lawyers
  • Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney
  • Do NOT post about the incident on social media—it can be used against you

📞 Step 4: Call a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

  • California’s statute of limitations gives you only 2 years to file a lawsuit
  • The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be
  • We can preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and build your claim

📞 Call Attorney 911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

🏆 Why Lassen County Families Choose Attorney 911

✅ We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

  • We don’t just talk about hazing—we’re in the courtroom right now
  • Our experience gives Lassen County families a real advantage

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

  • Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to defend insurance companies
  • We know exactly how they try to deny claims—and how to beat them

✅ Nationwide Reach – We Serve Lassen County from Houston

  • While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across California
  • Federal court authority allows us to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
  • We travel to Lassen County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

✅ No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

  • You pay nothing unless we win
  • No hourly fees, no retainers
  • We only get paid if you receive compensation

✅ Bilingual Representation – Se Habla Español

  • Hazing affects students from all backgrounds
  • We provide full legal services in Spanish for Lassen County families

✅ Proven Track Record of Multi-Million-Dollar Results

  • $10M+ in our current hazing case
  • Millions recovered in personal injury and wrongful death cases
  • Former BP Texas City explosion litigation – experience with complex, high-stakes cases

🎯 Our Strategy for Lassen County Hazing Cases

1. Identify All Liable Parties

We don’t just sue the local chapter—we pursue:

  • The national fraternity/sorority organization (deep pockets)
  • The university (premises liability, negligent supervision)
  • Individual members (personal liability)
  • Insurance companies (policy limits)

2. Gather Irrefutable Evidence

  • Medical records proving injuries
  • Texts, social media, and witness statements documenting hazing
  • Prior incidents showing the organization knew about the risks
  • Security footage (if available)
  • Expert testimony on Greek life culture and institutional negligence

3. Maximize Your Compensation

We fight for:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
Punitive damages (to punish the organization and prevent future abuse)
Wrongful death damages (if hazing resulted in death)

4. Send a Message That Stops Future Abuse

  • $10 million lawsuits change behavior—fraternities and universities take notice
  • Media attention exposes dangerous chapters
  • Legislative reform can follow (as seen with the Max Gruver Act and Timothy Piazza Law)

📢 Fraternities Near Lassen County: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating near Lassen County—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others—know this:

We are tracking your chapters. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your history of hazing settlements.

If your Lassen County-area chapter harms a student, we will pursue every liable entity—including your national organization, your housing corporation, and your individual members.

We have already shut down one Pi Kappa Phi chapter. Your chapter could be next.

🏛️ Universities Near Lassen County: You Are Liable

To California State University, Chico; University of Nevada, Reno; Sierra Nevada University; and Feather River College:

The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

You own fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate Greek life. You have the duty to protect your students.

If you fail to act, you will face the same accountability.

💬 What Lassen County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911

“We felt completely lost after our son was hazed. Attorney 911 didn’t just fight for us—they fought for justice. They understood what we were going through and made sure we were protected every step of the way.”Lassen County Parent

“I was afraid to come forward because I didn’t want to ruin my college experience. Ralph and Lupe gave me the courage to speak up. They handled everything so I could focus on healing.”Former Hazing Victim

“The fraternity tried to intimidate us, but Attorney 911 stood strong. They knew exactly how to counter their tactics. We couldn’t have done this without them.”Lassen County Family

📞 Lassen County Hazing Victims: Call Us Before It’s Too Late

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

We serve Lassen County and all of California. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Lassen County

Q: My child consented to hazing. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Under California law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization is still liable.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing laws apply on or off campus, including at private residences, hotels, or rented properties.

Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify abuse. Courts have repeatedly ruled that hazing is illegal and unacceptable, regardless of how long it has been practiced.

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

A: In California, you have 2 years from the date of the injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, so contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear speaking out, but we ensure your identity is protected and that you are not subjected to further harassment.

Q: How much will this cost us?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay only if we win. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, so there is no financial risk to your family.

Q: Can we sue if no criminal charges were filed?

A: YES. Civil lawsuits are separate from criminal cases. Even if no one is criminally charged, you can still pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious injury?

A: You may still have a case. Even “minor” hazing can cause emotional trauma, PTSD, and long-term psychological harm. We evaluate each case individually.

🔥 Lassen County Families: This Stops Now

Hazing has no place in Lassen County—or anywhere else. It is not tradition. It is not brotherhood. It is abuse, and it must end.

If your child has been hazed, you have the power to hold the responsible parties accountable. You have the power to prevent this from happening to another Lassen County family.

Call us today. Let’s fight for justice—together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Lassen County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont

📌 Serving Lassen County & Nearby Areas:

  • Susanville
  • Westwood
  • Janesville
  • Doyle
  • Herlong
  • Bieber
  • Nubieber
  • Johnstonville
  • Standish
  • Termo
  • Ravendale
  • Madeline
  • Litchfield
  • Milford
  • Spalding

We also serve students from Lassen County attending universities across California and the U.S.

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