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Dodge County (Earth/North America/United States/Nebraska/Dodge County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 14 min read
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🚨 Hazing Legal Emergency: Your Rights & How to Fight Back in Dodge County

If your child has been hazed at a Dodge County college or university, you have legal rights β€” and Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now.

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 hazing. The same fraternities operate at colleges near Dodge County. The same negligence exists at Dodge County institutions. We will bring the same aggressive representation to Dodge County families.

πŸ“ž Dodge County Families: Call Now for Immediate Help

1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 β€” Free Consultation

πŸ” What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Nebraska)

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization. This includes:

βœ… Physical abuse β€” beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
βœ… Forced consumption β€” alcohol, food, or non-food substances
βœ… Psychological torture β€” waterboarding, humiliation, isolation
βœ… Sleep deprivation β€” forced late nights, early mornings
βœ… Exposure to elements β€” cold weather, heat, confined spaces
βœ… Sexual abuse β€” forced nudity, inappropriate touching

In Nebraska, hazing is a crime. Consent is not a defense β€” even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

⚠️ Real Hazing Cases Near Dodge County β€” The Same Danger Exists Here

The $10 Million Case We’re Fighting Right Now

Victim: Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, Fall 2025)
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
What Happened: Bermudez was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and forced to eat until vomiting. He was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Status: $10 million lawsuit filed; fraternity chapter permanently closed.
Why This Matters to Dodge County: Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities across the country β€” including near Dodge County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Dodge County fraternities.

Other Recent Hazing Cases That Could Happen in Dodge County

Victim University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Died from forced drinking $10.1M settlement
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Died from forced drinking $6.1M jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Died after falling down stairs $110M+ settlement
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Died from forced drinking $4M+ settlement
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Died from forced drinking Settlement (confidential)

These aren’t isolated incidents. This is a nationwide crisis β€” and Dodge County is not immune.

πŸ›οΈ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Dodge County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible. In our current case, we are suing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Organized and conducted the hazing
National Organization Knew about hazing culture and failed to stop it
University/College Failed to protect students despite knowing the risks
Chapter Officers Leaders who directed or allowed the hazing
Individual Members Participated in or failed to stop the hazing
Property Owners Allowed hazing to occur on their premises
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for the above defendants

Dodge County families: If your child was hazed at a college near Dodge County, we will pursue every liable party β€” no matter where they are.

πŸ’° What Compensation Is Available for Dodge County Hazing Victims?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to millions of dollars in compensation, including:

πŸ₯ Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)

  • Medical expenses β€” hospital bills, therapy, medications, future treatment
  • Lost wages β€” time missed from work during recovery
  • Educational disruption β€” tuition, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
  • Rehabilitation costs β€” physical therapy, counseling

😒 Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

  • Physical pain from injuries
  • Emotional distress β€” PTSD, anxiety, depression
  • Humiliation and shame from hazing activities
  • Loss of enjoyment of life β€” impact on college experience
  • Disfigurement β€” scars, permanent injuries

πŸ’₯ Punitive Damages (To Punish Egregious Conduct)

  • Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent
  • Waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, paddling β€” these support punitive damages
  • Designed to send a message and prevent future hazing

Recent hazing verdicts and settlements range from $4 million to $110 million. Your Dodge County case could be worth millions.

⏳ Time Is Running Out β€” Dodge County Families Must Act Fast

⚠️ Nebraska Statute of Limitations

  • Personal injury claims: 4 years from the date of injury (Neb. Rev. Stat. Β§ 25-207)
  • Wrongful death claims: 2 years from the date of death (Neb. Rev. Stat. Β§ 30-810)

However, evidence disappears quickly:

  • Text messages and social media posts get deleted
  • Witnesses forget details
  • Organizations destroy records
  • Physical evidence vanishes

Dodge County families: Do not wait. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Dodge County

Immediate Steps β€” Preserve Evidence Now

Step Action Why It Matters
1️⃣ Seek medical attention Document injuries; protect health
2️⃣ Preserve all evidence Take photos of injuries; screenshot texts, social media, GroupMe chats; save physical items (clothing, paddles, etc.)
3️⃣ Do NOT talk to the organization They will try to control the narrative; anything you say can be used against you
4️⃣ Do NOT post on social media Insurance companies and defendants will use your posts against you
5️⃣ Do NOT sign anything You may unknowingly waive your rights
6️⃣ Contact Attorney 911 immediately 1-888-ATTY-911 β€” we’ll guide you through the process

πŸ›‘οΈ Why Dodge County Families Choose Attorney 911

βœ… We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This is not theoretical β€” we are in the fight. Dodge County families get the same aggressive representation.

βœ… Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

βœ… Nationwide Reach β€” We Serve Dodge County

While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Dodge County. We have:

  • Federal court authority β€” can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
  • Dual-state bar licenses β€” Texas and New York
  • Willingness to travel β€” we come to Dodge County for depositions and trials
  • Remote consultations β€” video meetings for Dodge County families

βœ… No Upfront Costs for Dodge County Families

We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field against universities and national organizations with deep pockets.

βœ… Comprehensive Legal Strategy

We don’t just sue the fraternity. We pursue:

  • The local chapter
  • The national organization
  • The university/college
  • Individual members
  • Property owners
  • Insurance companies

We leave no stone unturned and no pocket unchecked.

🎯 Our Message to Dodge County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Dodge County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Dodge County, we will find every liable entity.

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and all other national organizations:
If your chapter operates near Dodge County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We have proven these cases can be won. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

To universities and colleges near Dodge County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

πŸ“’ Dodge County Parents: You Are Not Powerless

We understand what you’re going through. You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the fraternity. That trust was betrayed.

But you are not powerless. The law is on your side. Juries are outraged by hazing. And Attorney 911 knows how to win these cases.

If your child was hazed at a college near Dodge County, call us now.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We fight for Dodge County families.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Dodge County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact you?

A: Yes. Even if your child is hesitant, it’s important to understand your legal rights. We offer free, confidential consultations. Many victims change their minds once they realize the extent of their injuries and the organization’s liability. Your child’s medical bills and trauma may entitle them to significant compensation β€” even if they “consented” to hazing.

Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition” and not hazing. Is that true?

A: No. “Tradition” is not a defense. Nebraska law defines hazing clearly, and activities like waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, and paddling clearly qualify. If it endangered your child’s health or safety, it’s hazing β€” no matter what the organization calls it.

Q: The university says they had no knowledge of hazing. Can they still be liable?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek organizations, they can be held liable for negligent supervision β€” even if they claim ignorance. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. That level of control creates liability.

Q: My child is an international student. Can we still pursue a case?

A: Absolutely. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process while protecting your status.

Q: How much is my Dodge County hazing case worth?

A: Every case is unique, but recent hazing verdicts and settlements range from $4 million to $110 million. Factors that increase case value include:

  • Severity of physical injuries
  • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • University’s knowledge of prior hazing incidents
  • Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, paddling, etc.)
  • Whether the victim died or suffered permanent injuries
  • Number of liable defendants (chapter, nationals, university, individuals)

Contact us for a free case evaluation to determine the potential value of your Dodge County case.

Q: How long will a Dodge County hazing case take?

A: Most cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases with multiple defendants (like ours) can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin building your case.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Location doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on-campus, off-campus, at a fraternity house, or at a private residence. If it was part of the organization’s activities, the chapter, nationals, and individuals can still be held liable.

Q: Can individual fraternity members be held personally liable?

A: Yes. Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued individually. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. We pursue both the organization and the individuals responsible.

Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing?

A: Forced consumption is not voluntary. If the organization provided alcohol or pressured your child to drink, they can still be held liable. Additionally, consent is not a defense under Nebraska law. Even if your child drank voluntarily, the organization can still be liable for the hazing activities.

Q: How do I know if my child’s experience qualifies as hazing?

A: If your child experienced any of the following as part of initiation or membership, it likely qualifies as hazing:

  • Forced physical activity (pushups, squats, running, etc.)
  • Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Humiliation or degradation
  • Isolation
  • Physical abuse (paddling, beating, etc.)
  • Psychological torture (waterboarding, threats, etc.)
  • Sexual abuse or nudity

Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you determine if your child’s experience qualifies as hazing under Nebraska law.

πŸ“ž Dodge County Families: This Is Your Legal Emergency

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.”

It is:

  • Assault
  • Battery
  • Torture
  • Reckless endangerment
  • Sometimes manslaughter
  • Sometimes murder

Dodge County families: You have the power to stop this.

Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We fight for Dodge County families. We win millions for hazing victims. We will fight for you.

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