Hazing Lawyers Serving Dakota County, Nebraska – Attorney 911
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, or any student organization in Dakota County, Nebraska, you’re not alone. Hazing happens at colleges and universities across the country—including those near Dakota County—and the consequences can be devastating.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of a student hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. This isn’t just happening in Texas—the same fraternities, the same culture, and the same negligence exist at institutions near Dakota County.
We serve hazing victims nationwide—including Dakota County families. If your child was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized by hazing, we will fight for you.
Why Dakota County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – And Winning
We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—the same fraternity that operates near Dakota County. Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure after being subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles as punishment
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing—yet they continued
If this can happen in Houston, it can happen in Dakota County. The same fraternities, the same culture, and the same negligence exist at universities near Dakota County. We know how to hold them accountable.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—started their careers defending insurance companies. We know exactly how they:
- Try to minimize claims
- Delay settlements
- Shift blame onto victims
- Destroy evidence
Now, we use that insider knowledge against them. We know their tactics—and we counter them with aggressive, data-driven litigation.
3. We Serve Dakota County Families – No Matter Where Hazing Happened
While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide—including Dakota County, Nebraska. We can help you whether the hazing occurred at:
- Nebraska colleges near Dakota County (Wayne State College, Northeast Community College, etc.)
- Out-of-state universities where Dakota County students attend
- Military academies, sports teams, or other organizations
How We Serve Dakota County Families:
✅ Free remote consultations – Meet with us via video call
✅ Travel to Dakota County – For depositions, client meetings, and trials
✅ Federal court authority – We can sue national fraternities in federal court
✅ Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York (critical for national fraternity cases)
✅ Contingency fee representation – $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win.
4. We’ve Won Millions for Hazing Victims – Dakota County Families Get the Same Fight
We’ve studied every major hazing verdict and settlement in the U.S., including:
- $10.1 million (Bowling Green State / Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million jury verdict (LSU / Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million (Penn State / Beta Theta Pi)
- $4+ million (VCU / Delta Chi)
Our $10 million demand in the Pi Kappa Phi case is backed by precedent. If your child was hazed in Dakota County, we’ll fight for the same justice.
5. We Don’t Just Sue Individuals – We Go After the Institutions That Enable Hazing
Hazing isn’t just the fault of a few bad actors—universities and national fraternities enable it. In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National (for failing to stop hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”)
- University of Houston (for owning the fraternity house where hazing occurred)
- Individual fraternity members (for direct participation)
The same liability applies to Dakota County institutions. If your child was hazed, we’ll pursue:
✔ The local fraternity/sorority chapter
✔ The national organization (they have deep pockets)
✔ The university (if they knew or should have known)
✔ Individual perpetrators (personal liability)
6. We Protect Dakota County Victims from Retaliation
Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward due to:
- Threats from fraternity/sorority members
- Fear of social ostracization
- Pressure to “stay quiet”
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was too afraid to speak publicly due to retribution. We understand the fear—and we protect our clients at every step.
7. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims are international students or from immigrant families. We provide bilingual legal services so language barriers don’t prevent justice.
What Counts as Hazing in Dakota County, Nebraska?
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Nebraska law, hazing includes any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in an organization.
Common Hazing Activities in Dakota County (and Across Nebraska)
| Physical Abuse | Forced Consumption | Psychological Torture | Sleep Deprivation | Sexual Humiliation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beatings with paddles | Forced alcohol consumption | Waterboarding (simulated drowning) | All-night workouts | Forced nudity |
| Extreme exercise (500+ squats, 100+ pushups) | Forced eating until vomiting | Threats of expulsion | Late-night driving for members | Carrying sexual objects |
| Branding/burning | Chugging games | Public humiliation | Early-morning activities | Sexualized tasks |
| Confinement in small spaces | Drinking games (“Bible Study,” “Big Brother Night”) | Verbal abuse | Forced wake-ups | Inappropriate touching |
| Exposure to extreme heat/cold | Consuming non-food items (peppercorns, milk) | Isolation | Sleep deprivation | Sexual assault |
If your child experienced any of these, they were hazed—and they have legal rights.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Dakota County
✅ Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can cause kidney failure—like our client.
- Alcohol poisoning can be fatal.
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) requires documentation.
✅ Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Photos/videos of injuries or hazing activities
- Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
- Witness names and contact information
- Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
- Social media posts (even if they seem unrelated)
✅ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to control the narrative.
- They will pressure your child to “move on.”
- They will destroy evidence if they can.
- Anything your child says can be used against them.
✅ Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911
- Free, confidential consultation – We’ll evaluate your case.
- No upfront costs – We work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win).
- We handle everything – From evidence preservation to negotiations to trial.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Dakota County?
Hazing cases aren’t just about suing a few college students—they’re about holding the institutions that enable abuse accountable. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing risks |
| University | Owned the fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Advisors/Alumni | Hosted hazing events; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
If your child was hazed in Dakota County, we’ll identify every liable party and pursue them aggressively.
What Can Dakota County Families Recover?
Hazing victims can recover compensation for:
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages | Punitive Damages |
|---|---|---|
| Medical bills (hospital stays, therapy, medications) | Physical pain and suffering | Punishment for egregious conduct |
| Future medical expenses (dialysis, kidney transplant) | Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression) | Deterrence to prevent future hazing |
| Lost wages (missed work, internships) | Loss of enjoyment of life | |
| Tuition reimbursement (if forced to drop out) | Disfigurement/scarring | |
| Therapy/counseling costs | Loss of reputation |
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re seeking $10 million—backed by precedent from other hazing verdicts.
Nebraska Hazing Laws – What Dakota County Families Need to Know
Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06 – Hazing Prohibited
Under Nebraska law, hazing is a Class II misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
Who Can Be Charged?
- Individuals who participate in hazing
- Organizations that condone hazing
- University officials who fail to report hazing
Civil Liability in Nebraska
In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for damages under:
- Negligence (failure to protect students)
- Assault & battery (physical abuse)
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress (psychological torture)
- Premises liability (if hazing occurred on university property)
Our attorneys are licensed in multiple states and can pursue your Dakota County case in federal court if needed.
Universities Near Dakota County Where Hazing Occurs
While we don’t have specific reports of hazing incidents at these schools, hazing is a nationwide problem—and the same fraternities and sororities that operate in Texas have chapters at Nebraska institutions.
Colleges & Universities Near Dakota County, Nebraska
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Wayne State College | Wayne, NE | Active fraternities & sororities |
| Northeast Community College | Norfolk, NE | Limited Greek life |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha, NE | Major Greek system |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, NE | Large Greek community |
| Creighton University | Omaha, NE | Active Greek life |
| Midland University | Fremont, NE | Greek organizations present |
If your child was hazed at any of these schools—or any school near Dakota County—we can help.
Fraternities & Sororities Near Dakota County with Hazing Histories
The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate chapters near Dakota County. These organizations have paid millions in settlements—and they will pay again if they haze Dakota County students.
Fraternities with Documented Hazing Histories
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Dakota County with Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit (UH, 2025); Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017) | University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021); $10.1M settlement | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Chemical burns (Texas A&M, 2021); $1M+ settlement | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017); $6.1M verdict | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death (Penn State, 2017); $110M+ settlement | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Sigma Chi | UT Austin TBI case (2023); pending lawsuit | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Kappa Sigma | Tucker Hipps death (Clemson, 2014); $500K+ settlement | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
Sororities with Hazing Concerns
While hazing deaths are more common in fraternities, sororities also engage in hazing, including:
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Exclusionary rituals
If your daughter was hazed in a sorority near Dakota County, we can pursue her case.
What Happens If You Wait? The Risks of Delaying Legal Action
1. Evidence Disappears
- Text messages get deleted
- Social media posts vanish
- Witnesses forget details
- Universities destroy records
2. Statute of Limitations Expires
- Nebraska personal injury claims: 4 years (but don’t wait—evidence fades)
- Wrongful death claims: 2 years
- If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
3. The Fraternity/Sorority Covers It Up
- They’ll coordinate their story
- They’ll pressure witnesses to stay silent
- They’ll destroy evidence
4. The University Protects Itself
- They’ll claim they didn’t know
- They’ll shift blame onto your child
- They’ll offer a lowball settlement to make the case go away
Don’t let them get away with it. Call Attorney 911 today.
Frequently Asked Questions for Dakota County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they “consented.” Can we still sue?
A: YES. Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal, and the perpetrators can be held liable.
Q: The fraternity/sorority says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse. Courts have repeatedly ruled that hazing—even if it’s been happening for years—is illegal and can result in criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How do you protect them?
A: We take retaliation threats seriously. We:
- File protective orders if necessary
- Handle all communications with the fraternity, sorority, and university
- Protect your child’s identity in legal filings
- Pursue additional claims if retaliation occurs
Q: We’re in Dakota County, but the hazing happened out of state. Can you still help?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:
- Dakota County students hazed at out-of-state universities
- Out-of-state students hazed at Nebraska schools
- Military academies, sports teams, and other organizations
We have federal court authority and can sue national fraternities no matter where the hazing occurred.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
This levels the playing field—you get the same aggressive representation as the fraternities and universities have.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
A: Psychological trauma is just as real. Many hazing victims suffer:
- PTSD
- Anxiety & depression
- Academic decline
- Social withdrawal
We pursue compensation for emotional distress, therapy costs, and lost opportunities.
Q: The university says they’re “investigating.” Should we wait?
A: NO. University investigations are not on your side. Their goal is to:
- Protect the institution
- Minimize liability
- Shift blame onto your child
Call us immediately so we can conduct our own investigation before evidence disappears.
Dakota County Hazing Victims: It’s Time to Fight Back
Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.
If your child was hazed in Dakota County—or anywhere in Nebraska—you have legal rights. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters near Dakota County. The same universities that failed to protect students in Texas fail students in Nebraska too.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. And we are fighting for Dakota County families.
Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless we win. Dakota County families pay $0 upfront.
What Happens Next? Our Process for Dakota County Hazing Cases
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation
- We listen to your story
- We review medical records, texts, photos, and other evidence
- We explain your legal rights and options
Step 2: Evidence Preservation
- We send preservation letters to the fraternity, sorority, and university
- We demand they save all communications, photos, and videos
- We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted evidence
Step 3: Investigation
- We interview witnesses
- We obtain fraternity/sorority records
- We gather medical and academic documentation
- We identify all liable parties (individuals, organizations, universities)
Step 4: Demand Letter
- We send a formal demand to the defendants
- We outline their liability and our damages claim
- We give them a chance to settle before filing a lawsuit
Step 5: Negotiation or Litigation
- If they offer a fair settlement, we negotiate on your behalf
- If they refuse to take responsibility, we file a lawsuit
- We prepare for trial—and we’re not afraid to go to court
Step 6: Justice for Your Child
- We fight for maximum compensation
- We hold every liable party accountable
- We work to prevent this from happening to another Dakota County family
Dakota County Parents: You Are Not Powerless
When our client was rushed to the hospital with kidney failure, his mother became a witness to institutional failure. When fraternities and universities prioritize reputation over safety, families pay the price.
But you don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept their excuses. And you don’t have to fight them alone.
We are Attorney 911. We are the hazing lawyers for Dakota County families. And we will fight for your child.