π¨ 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.
π Dodge County Families: Call Now for Immediate Help
1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 β Free Consultation
π 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:
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Physical abuse β beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
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Forced consumption β alcohol, food, or non-food substances
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Psychological torture β waterboarding, humiliation, isolation
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Sleep deprivation β forced late nights, early mornings
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Exposure to elements β cold weather, heat, confined spaces
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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.
β οΈ 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.
ποΈ 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.
π° What Compensation Is Available for Dodge County Hazing Victims?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to millions of dollars in compensation, including:
π₯ 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
π’ 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
π₯ 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.
β³ Time Is Running Out β Dodge County Families Must Act Fast
β οΈ 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.
π What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Dodge County
Immediate Steps β Preserve Evidence Now
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1οΈβ£ | Seek medical attention | Document injuries; protect health |
| 2οΈβ£ | Preserve all evidence | Take photos of injuries; screenshot texts, social media, GroupMe chats; save physical items (clothing, paddles, etc.) |
| 3οΈβ£ | Do NOT talk to the organization | They will try to control the narrative; anything you say can be used against you |
| 4οΈβ£ | Do NOT post on social media | Insurance companies and defendants will use your posts against you |
| 5οΈβ£ | Do NOT sign anything | You may unknowingly waive your rights |
| 6οΈβ£ | Contact Attorney 911 immediately | 1-888-ATTY-911 β we’ll guide you through the process |
π‘οΈ Why Dodge County Families Choose Attorney 911
β 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.
β 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.
β 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
β 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.
β 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.
π― 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.
π’ 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.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront costs. We fight for Dodge County families.
β 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.
π 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.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
We fight for Dodge County families. We win millions for hazing victims. We will fight for you.