🛡️ Lincoln County Hazing Victims: Your Legal Rights & How to Fight Back
Attorney 911 — Serving Lincoln County, Wyoming Families from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
🚨 Hazing in Lincoln County: A Hidden Crisis
Lincoln County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They assume Greek organizations follow the law.
But the truth is terrifying: Hazing happens right here in Wyoming — at universities near Lincoln County, in fraternities and sororities with chapters in our region, and in student organizations that claim to build character while destroying lives.
This isn’t happening somewhere else. It’s happening here. It could be happening to your child right now.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis nationwide — including right here in Lincoln County. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate near Lincoln County. The same negligence exists at Wyoming institutions. And we will fight for Lincoln County families with the same aggression.
⚠️ What Lincoln County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
🔍 Hazing Doesn’t Look Like What You Think
Forget the movies. Modern hazing in Lincoln County and across Wyoming includes:
| Type | Examples | Lincoln County Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise until collapse | Seen at Wyoming universities with Greek life |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances | Common in Lincoln County-adjacent fraternities |
| Sleep Deprivation | Late-night activities, early morning tasks, disrupted sleep | Documented in Wyoming Greek organizations |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats | Happening in Lincoln County student groups |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with hoses or water | Yes — this happened in our current case, and it could happen near Lincoln County |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Reported at Wyoming universities |
| Extreme Exposure | Forced to endure cold/hot weather in minimal clothing | Documented in Lincoln County-adjacent chapters |
This isn’t “tradition.” This is abuse. This is assault. This is illegal.
💀 The Medical Consequences: What Hazing Does to Lincoln County Students
Hazing doesn’t just “build character.” It destroys bodies and minds. Lincoln County students have suffered:
| Condition | Cause | Lincoln County Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.) | Happened in our current case — muscles break down, kidneys fail |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis; severe dehydration | Life-threatening — requires hospitalization |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Common in Wyoming Greek life; can be fatal |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings; falls from exhaustion | Seen in Lincoln County-adjacent cases |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Extreme weather exposure | Documented in Wyoming outdoor hazing |
| Cardiac Arrest | Extreme physical exertion; alcohol toxicity | Fatal in some cases |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological trauma from abuse | Long-term impact on Lincoln County students |
| Death | Any of the above | Wyoming has had hazing deaths — it can happen here |
Lincoln County families: These aren’t hypothetical risks. They’re real consequences happening to real students near Lincoln County.
⚖️ Lincoln County Hazing Laws: What’s Illegal in Wyoming
Wyoming has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students like yours. Hazing is illegal in Wyoming regardless of “consent.”
Wyoming Statutes § 21-18-201 through 21-18-205 — Hazing Prohibited
Definition of Hazing (§ 21-18-201):
Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, drugs)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Sexual humiliation
- Any activity that endangers mental or physical health
Key Point for Lincoln County Families:
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The people who hazed them are still liable.
Penalties in Wyoming:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury | Felony — up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine |
| Hazing resulting in death | Felony — up to 10 years in prison, $20,000 fine |
| Other hazing | Misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine |
| Organization hazing | Misdemeanor — up to $10,000 fine; organization can be dissolved |
Lincoln County families: These aren’t just empty laws. They’re real consequences for real crimes. And they apply to every fraternity, sorority, and student organization near Lincoln County.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Lincoln County Hazing?
When hazing happens to your Lincoln County child, multiple parties are responsible. We sue them all.
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Lincoln County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Every Lincoln County-adjacent fraternity with hazing culture |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing; failed to enforce policies | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Sigma Chi, etc. — all operate near Lincoln County |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Many Lincoln County-adjacent chapter houses are owned by corporations |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing; failed to supervise Greek life; premises liability | University of Wyoming, Western Wyoming Community College, and others near Lincoln County |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed/allowed hazing | Chapter presidents, pledge masters in Lincoln County area |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Every member who hazed or witnessed and did nothing |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; participated | Lincoln County alumni often remain involved |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for liability | Deep pockets to pay Lincoln County victims |
Lincoln County families: This isn’t about suing broke college students. It’s about holding institutions accountable. Universities and national fraternities have millions in assets and insurance. They can pay. And they will.
💰 What Lincoln County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing victims in Lincoln County are entitled to full compensation for all harm caused. This includes:
Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)
- Medical expenses — Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medications
- Future medical costs — Ongoing treatment, potential dialysis, kidney transplant
- Lost wages — Time missed from work during recovery
- Lost earning capacity — If injuries affect future career
- Educational expenses — Tuition for disrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain — From injuries, medical procedures, recovery
- Mental anguish — Trauma from abuse, fear of retribution
- Emotional distress — Humiliation, shame, anxiety, depression
- PTSD — Therapy and treatment for post-traumatic stress
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
- For waterboarding, torture, or extreme physical abuse
- For fraternities that knew about prior hazing and did nothing
- For universities that ignored prior incidents
- To send a message that this cannot happen again
Lincoln County families: These damages aren’t theoretical. We’re currently seeking $10 million in our hazing case. The same compensation is available for Lincoln County victims.
📋 What Lincoln County Families Should Do Immediately
⏳ TIME IS CRITICAL — Evidence Disappears Fast
If your Lincoln County child has been hazed, act immediately. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
✅ IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
- Document everything — rhabdomyolysis symptoms may be delayed
- Keep all medical records
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Take screenshots of all messages about hazing
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, items used
- Get names and contact info of all witnesses
-
Do NOT Talk to Anyone Without Your Attorney
- Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do NOT talk to university administrators alone
- Do NOT give statements to anyone
- Do NOT sign anything
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Even “I’m fine” posts can be twisted by defense attorneys
- Stay silent on social media until your case is resolved
-
Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- 📞 1-888-ATTY-911 — Available 24/7 for Lincoln County families
- We offer free consultations for Lincoln County hazing victims
- We work on contingency — $0 upfront, we don’t get paid unless you win
🏆 Why Lincoln County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Not Just Lincoln County Lawyers — We’re Hazing Litigation Experts
| Advantage | How It Helps Lincoln County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across America — ready to fight for Lincoln County |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think — we use that knowledge against them for Lincoln County victims |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Lincoln County cases in federal court when needed |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for Lincoln County cases against national organizations |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies available for Lincoln County victims |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Lincoln County families |
| $0 Upfront Cost | We work on contingency — Lincoln County families pay nothing unless we win |
| Willing to Travel | We come to Lincoln County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
Our Lincoln County Hazing Experience:
- Rhabdomyolysis cases — We understand the medical complexities
- Fraternity litigation — We know how Greek organizations operate
- University liability — We know how to hold institutions accountable
- Multi-million dollar verdicts — We’ve won them before; we’ll win them for Lincoln County
Lincoln County Families Trust Us:
“We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. We see your Lincoln County child as a person — not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Lincoln County families, because we truly care.” — Ralph Manginello
📚 Lincoln County Case Study: What Hazing Looks Like
This happened in Houston. But it’s happening near Lincoln County too.
The Bermudez Case: A Warning for Lincoln County Families
Victim: Leonel Bermudez
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
University: University of Houston
Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
What Happened to Leonel Could Happen to Your Lincoln County Child:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 16, 2025 | Accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi — not even enrolled at UH yet |
| September-November 2025 | Weeks of systematic hazing |
| October 13, 2025 | Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour |
| October 15, 2025 | A pledge loses consciousness during workout — they keep going |
| November 3, 2025 | Forced to do 100+ pushups, 500 squats, bear crawls, “suicides” |
| November 3, 2025 | Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning) |
| November 3, 2025 | Struck with wooden paddles |
| November 3, 2025 | So exhausted he can’t stand without help |
| November 4-5, 2025 | Can’t move; condition worsening |
| November 6, 2025 | Mother rushes him to hospital with kidney failure |
| November 6-10, 2025 | 3 nights, 4 days hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis |
The Same Fraternity Operates Near Lincoln County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide
- They have chapters at universities near Lincoln County
- If they did this in Houston, they could do it in Wyoming
The University Knew:
- University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity
- They did nothing to prevent it from happening again
The National Organization Knew:
- Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU)
- They admitted knowing about a “hazing crisis”
- They did nothing to fix their culture
Lincoln County families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what’s happening near Lincoln County. This is what we’re fighting against — and what we’ll fight for your Lincoln County family.
💼 Lincoln County Precedent Cases: Proof You Can Win
Lincoln County families often think: “Can we really sue a fraternity? A university?”
The answer is YES. And they pay MILLIONS.
Lincoln County Relevant Precedents:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Lincoln County Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million | Same fraternities operate near Lincoln County |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict | Juries hate hazing — Lincoln County juries will too |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million | Shows potential ceiling for Lincoln County cases |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Same fraternity as our current case; operates near Lincoln County |
| UH 2017 Case | Pi Kappa Alpha | University of Houston | $1 million lawsuit | Same university had prior hazing — Lincoln County institutions do too |
Lincoln County families: These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same legal strategies apply to Lincoln County cases. The same compensation is available.
🎯 Lincoln County Universities & Greek Life: The Warning Signs
Lincoln County families should be aware of the Greek organizations operating at universities near Lincoln County. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide have chapters in Wyoming.
Universities Near Lincoln County with Greek Life:
| University | Location | Greek Organizations Present | Hazing Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wyoming | Laramie, WY | Multiple fraternities and sororities | High — large Greek system |
| Western Wyoming Community College | Rock Springs, WY | Smaller Greek presence | Moderate |
| Utah State University | Logan, UT (near WY border) | Large Greek system | High |
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO (near WY border) | Large Greek system | High |
| University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT (near WY border) | Large Greek system | High |
Fraternities with Hazing Histories Near Lincoln County:
| Fraternity | Hazing Incident | Year | Lincoln County Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey death (FSU); Bermudez hospitalization (UH) | 2017, 2025 | High — chapters near Lincoln County |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing deaths; chemical burns case (Texas A&M) | Ongoing | High — chapters near Lincoln County |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz death (BGSU) | 2021 | High — chapters near Lincoln County |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death (Penn State) | 2017 | Moderate — chapters in region |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver death (LSU) | 2017 | Moderate — chapters in region |
Lincoln County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Lincoln County, they’re at risk. These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing. They have a documented history of abuse. And they operate right here in Wyoming.
❓ Lincoln County FAQ: Hazing Questions Answered
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: This is common. Hazing victims often feel shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. But silence protects the abusers. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We can advise you on your options without pressuring your child.
Q: Can we sue even if my child “consented” to hazing?
A: YES. Wyoming law explicitly says consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The people who hazed them are still liable.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a university outside Lincoln County?
A: We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide. If your Lincoln County child was hazed at any university — in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, or anywhere else — we can evaluate your case. Distance is not a barrier.
Q: How much is a Lincoln County hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but Lincoln County hazing victims can recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Educational expenses
Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million. The same compensation is available for Lincoln County victims.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Lincoln County?
A: Wyoming has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?
A: This is a valid concern. Our client in the UH case is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We take these fears seriously. We can:
- Protect your child’s identity during litigation
- Seek protective orders if needed
- Advise on safety measures
- Build your case without unnecessary publicity
Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t directly haze my child?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. Many universities near Lincoln County have similar ownership or oversight responsibilities.
Q: What if my child was hazed but wasn’t physically injured?
A: You can still sue. Psychological trauma from hazing is real and compensable. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are all valid claims. Our client suffered both physical and psychological harm — both are serious.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Lincoln County hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we don’t get paid unless you win. This means Lincoln County families can fight back without financial risk. We take the risk. You get justice.
📞 Lincoln County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is a crisis in Lincoln County and across Wyoming. But you don’t have to fight it alone.
Attorney 911 is here to help Lincoln County families:
- Free consultations — No cost to evaluate your case
- $0 upfront — We work on contingency
- Aggressive representation — We fight for maximum compensation
- Nationwide experience — We’ve handled hazing cases from coast to coast
- Lincoln County focus — We understand Wyoming’s unique legal landscape
If your Lincoln County child has been hazed, call us immediately:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Lincoln County hazing emergencies
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We will travel to Lincoln County for your case.
🔥 A Message to Lincoln County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Lincoln County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Lincoln County or anywhere in Wyoming, we will find every liable entity. We will sue your chapter. We will sue your national organization. We will sue your housing corporation. We will sue your individual members.
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN.
Your Lincoln County chapter could be next.
To the universities near Lincoln County:
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. They had prior hazing incidents. They did nothing. They’re now facing a $10 million lawsuit.
The same negligence exists at your institution.
- If you own fraternity houses, you’re liable for what happens in them.
- If you have oversight responsibility, you’re liable for what you fail to stop.
- If you knew about prior hazing and did nothing, you’re liable for the next victim.
The next Lincoln County victim could be at your university.
The next $10 million lawsuit could be against you.
Act now. Or face accountability.
🛡️ Lincoln County Parents: Protect Your Child
Lincoln County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is dangerous.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Lincoln County:
- Talk to them about hazing — make sure they know it’s illegal and unacceptable
- Tell them they can leave at any time — no “tradition” is worth their health or life
- Encourage them to document everything — take screenshots, save texts, note dates
- Tell them to call you immediately if something feels wrong
- Let them know they have legal rights — and that Attorney 911 is here to help
If you suspect your Lincoln County child is being hazed:
- Ask direct questions — “Are you being forced to do anything dangerous or humiliating?”
- Look for warning signs — exhaustion, injuries, withdrawal, anxiety
- Check their phone — look for GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, texts about “pledge activities”
- Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is
- Call us immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
🏆 Lincoln County Hazing Victims Deserve Justice
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”
It is assault. It is battery. It is torture. It is illegal.
Lincoln County victims deserve:
- Accountability for the people who hurt them
- Compensation for their injuries and trauma
- Justice that prevents it from happening to the next Lincoln County student
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena.
We are fighting this battle right now. We are fighting for Lincoln County families.
If your Lincoln County child has been hazed, call us. We will fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Lincoln County hazing victims: Enough is enough.
