Hazing Victims in Lincoln County: Your Legal Rights and How to Get Justice

🚨 Lincoln County Families: Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines

If your child attends college near Lincoln County, Nebraska, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. The same national fraternities operate at universities across the Midwest. The same dangerous “traditions” exist. And the same institutions fail to protect students.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we’re ready to fight for Lincoln County families with the same aggression.

You are not alone. Justice is possible. Lincoln County hazing victims deserve the same representation we provide nationwide.

🏢 Who We Are: Lincoln County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide — including Lincoln County, Nebraska.

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, are both former insurance defense lawyers — we know how the other side thinks, and we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.

Why Lincoln County Families Choose Attorney 911:

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis: What Lincoln County Families Need to Know

Lincoln County’s Colleges and Universities Are Not Immune

While we’re based in Texas, hazing is a national epidemic that affects colleges and universities near Lincoln County, including:

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) – Home to 40+ Greek organizations, including multiple fraternities with documented hazing histories nationwide
• Creighton University (Omaha) – Private Jesuit institution with active Greek life
• Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln) – Smaller school with Greek organizations
• Doane University (Crete) – Private university with fraternities and sororities
• Community colleges and technical schools – Hazing occurs in clubs, sports teams, and other organizations, not just Greek life

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide have active chapters at Lincoln County-area universities:

• Pi Kappa Phi – Currently being sued in our $10M case
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple hazing deaths nationally
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – $10.1M settlement in Ohio hazing death
• Beta Theta Pi – $110M+ settlement in Penn State case
• Phi Delta Theta – $6.1M jury verdict in Louisiana

Lincoln County Parents: Your Child Is at Risk

Hazing doesn’t just happen in fraternities. It occurs in:

• Sororities – Psychological abuse, forced alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation
• Sports teams – Forced workouts, dangerous rituals, physical abuse
• Marching bands – Physical punishment, sleep deprivation, humiliation
• ROTC programs – Extreme physical training, psychological abuse
• Honor societies and clubs – Initiation rituals that cross the line

The statistics are alarming:

• 55% of college students in Greek organizations experience hazing
• 40% of student athletes report hazing
• Since 2000, there has been at least ONE hazing death every year in the United States
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it

📰 The Landmark Case: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Lincoln County

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston – $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)

Lincoln County families, this is what hazing looks like. This is what we’re fighting against. And this could happen to your child at a university near Lincoln County.

Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez – A “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet) who was expected to transfer for Spring 2026

What Happened:

• Accepted bid to Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025
• Subjected to weeks of systematic abuse and torture
• Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills)
• Waterboarded with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout on October 15, 2025
• On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event – forced to do extreme exercises until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
• November 6, 2025 – Mother rushes him to hospital with kidney failure
• Diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure
• Hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days

The Defendants We’re Suing:

• Pi Kappa Phi National Organization – Failed to supervise despite knowing about “a hazing crisis”
• Beta Nu Chapter (UH) – Directly organized and conducted hazing
• University of Houston – Owned the fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents
• UH Board of Regents – Institutional oversight failure
• Fraternity President and Pledgemaster – Leadership who allowed hazing
• Individual Members – Participated in hazing
• Former Members and Spouse – Hazing occurred at their residence

Why This Matters to Lincoln County:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America – including near Lincoln County
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Lincoln County-area fraternities
• Universities near Lincoln County face the same liability failures as UH
• If your child is being hazed at a university near Lincoln County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston

💰 Precedent Cases: Lincoln County Victims Can Win Big

These Results Are Possible for Lincoln County Hazing Victims

Lincoln County families, these cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same legal strategies apply to Lincoln County cases.

What This Means for Lincoln County Victims:

• $10 million verdicts and settlements are real
• Juries award millions for hazing injuries and deaths
• Universities and national fraternities both pay substantial amounts
• Lincoln County victims can achieve the same results

⚖️ Legal Framework: Lincoln County Victims’ Rights

Nebraska Hazing Laws

While we’re based in Texas, hazing is illegal in Nebraska and gives rise to both criminal and civil liability.

Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06 – Hazing:

(1) A person commits hazing if he or she intentionally or recklessly engages in any act or causes any situation which endangers the physical or mental health or safety of any student or other person for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization at an educational institution.

Penalties:

• Class II misdemeanor – Up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine
• If serious bodily injury occurs: Class I misdemeanor – Up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine
• If death occurs: Class IIIA felony – Up to 3 years in prison and $10,000 fine

Consent is NOT a Defense:
Nebraska law explicitly states that consent of the victim is not a defense to hazing.

Civil Liability:
In addition to criminal penalties, Lincoln County hazing victims can sue for:

• Negligence – Failure to protect students
• Assault and Battery – Physical abuse
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress – Psychological harm
• Premises Liability – If hazing occurred on university property
• Wrongful Death – If hazing results in death

Federal Civil Rights Claims:
Hazing that involves discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other protected classes may give rise to federal civil rights claims under Title IX or Section 1983.

📋 What Lincoln County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

Immediate Action Steps for Lincoln County Hazing Victims

1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
• Go to the emergency room – Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms immediately
• Document everything medically – Request copies of all medical records

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photographs of any physical injuries at all stages of healing
• Save all communications – Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails
• Document the timeline of events in writing while memories are fresh
• Identify witnesses – Get names and contact information of other victims or bystanders
• Preserve clothing or other physical evidence – Don’t wash clothing worn during hazing

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

• Do NOT confront fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do NOT give statements to university administrators without legal counsel
• Do NOT sign anything from the organization or university
• Do NOT post about the incident on social media

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 – Free consultation for Lincoln County families
• We offer video consultations – You don’t need to travel to Texas
• We work on contingency – $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win

5. Report the Incident (With Legal Counsel)

• Consider filing a police report – Hazing is a crime in Nebraska
• File a Title IX report if the hazing involved sexual harassment or gender discrimination
• File a university conduct report – But do this with your attorney present

6. Document the Impact

• Keep a journal of your child’s physical and emotional symptoms
• Document any missed school or work
• Track all medical appointments and treatments
• Note any impact on academic performance or mental health

🎯 Who Is Liable for Lincoln County Hazing?

Lincoln County Families Can Sue Multiple Defendants

1. Local Chapter (Fraternity/Sorority)

• Directly organized and conducted hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) have leadership responsibility
• Individual members who participated

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Failed to supervise local chapter
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Knew or should have known about hazing culture
• Have deep pockets and insurance coverage

3. University/College

• Failed to protect students despite having authority to regulate organizations
• Failed to respond to prior hazing incidents
• Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred (premises liability)
• Have substantial institutional resources

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Each person who participated in hazing
• Each person who witnessed and failed to stop hazing
• May have personal assets or homeowner’s insurance coverage

5. Housing Corporations

• Owned or controlled fraternity/sorority house
• Failed to prevent hazing on their property

6. Alumni/Advisors

• May have hosted hazing events at their homes
• May have provided alcohol or other resources

💼 Damages Lincoln County Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages – Financial Losses

Non-Economic Damages – Pain and Suffering

Punitive Damages – Punishing Egregious Conduct

Punitive damages are awarded when conduct is:

• Grossly negligent
• Reckless
• Intentional
• Designed to harm

Examples in Hazing Cases:

• Forced consumption of alcohol to the point of alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical abuse (beating, paddling, branding)
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Forced exercise to the point of rhabdomyolysis or collapse
• Sexual assault or humiliation

Punitive damages send a message: This cannot happen again.

⏳ Lincoln County Statute of Limitations: Time Is Running Out

Nebraska Deadlines for Hazing Lawsuits

Personal Injury:

• 4 years from date of injury (Nebraska Revised Statute § 25-207)

Wrongful Death:

• 2 years from date of death (Nebraska Revised Statute § 30-810)

Why Lincoln County Families Must Act Now:

• Evidence disappears (texts deleted, witnesses forget)
• Organizations destroy records
• Your legal rights expire
• The sooner you act, the stronger your case

Attorney 911’s Urgency:
We’re currently litigating the UH Pi Kappa Phi case where our client was hospitalized November 6, 2025, and we filed the lawsuit within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.

🔍 How Attorney 911 Builds Lincoln County Hazing Cases

Our Proven Process for Lincoln County Families

1. Free Case Evaluation

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
• We evaluate the strength of your Lincoln County case
• We explain your legal options in plain language

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Demand that all evidence (texts, photos, videos) be preserved
• Begin collecting medical records and other documentation

3. Comprehensive Investigation

• Interview witnesses
• Obtain police reports and university documents
• Identify all liable parties
• Work with experts (medical, hazing culture, institutional negligence)

4. Medical Treatment Coordination

• Ensure your child receives proper medical and psychological care
• Document all injuries and treatments
• Work with life care planners to project future medical needs

5. Demand Package Preparation

• Compile all evidence and damages
• Send demand letter to defendants
• Begin settlement negotiations

6. Aggressive Litigation (If Necessary)

• File lawsuit in appropriate jurisdiction
• Conduct depositions of all defendants
• File motions to compel evidence
• Prepare for trial

7. Settlement or Trial

• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
• If defendants refuse to offer fair settlement, take the case to trial
• Present compelling case to judge and jury

8. Recovery and Closure

• Collect settlement or judgment
• Distribute funds to cover medical bills, damages, and attorney fees
• Help your family move forward

🏆 Why Lincoln County Families Choose Attorney 911

Our Competitive Advantages for Lincoln County Hazing Victims

1. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know their playbook – how they try to minimize claims
• We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses

2. Nationwide Hazing Expertise

• Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases, fraternity hazing, and university liability
• Knowledge of Greek life culture and institutional dynamics

3. Federal Court Authority

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Can pursue Lincoln County cases in federal jurisdiction
• Strategic advantage for cases involving national organizations

4. Willingness to Travel

• We come to Lincoln County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Distance is not a barrier to justice
• Offer video consultations for Lincoln County families

5. Contingency Fee Representation

• $0 upfront – We don’t get paid unless you win
• No financial risk to Lincoln County families
• Aligns our interests with yours – we only succeed if you do

6. Bilingual Services

• Se habla español
• Can serve Lincoln County Hispanic families without language barriers

7. Compassionate, Aggressive Representation

• We understand the trauma Lincoln County hazing victims experience
• We treat our clients like family
• We fight aggressively against powerful institutions

📞 Lincoln County Families: Contact Attorney 911 Today

Free Consultation for Lincoln County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed at a university near Lincoln County, Nebraska, you have legal rights. We can help.

Call us 24/7 at:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email:
ralph@atty911.com

Website:
attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free, confidential case evaluation
• Video consultations for Lincoln County families
• Willingness to travel to Lincoln County
• Contingency fee representation – $0 upfront

Lincoln County families, don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 today and let us fight for your child.

🏛️ Lincoln County Universities: A Warning

To fraternities and sororities operating near Lincoln County, Nebraska:

We are watching. We are coming for you. The same legal strategies that are securing $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta – if your chapter operates near Lincoln County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.

Every national fraternity with chapters near Lincoln County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.

Universities near Lincoln County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership at Lincoln County-area institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

🎓 Lincoln County Parents: Protect Your Child

Warning Signs of Hazing

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
• Weight loss or changes in appetite
• Sleep deprivation (dark circles, extreme tiredness)

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from friends or family
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Reluctance to talk about Greek life or club activities
• Anxiety or depression
• Changes in mood or personality
• Decline in academic performance
• Missing classes or appointments
• Sudden interest in or avoidance of alcohol

Environmental Signs:

• Your child spending excessive time at fraternity/sorority house
• Your child being required to carry strange items (fanny packs, paddles, etc.)
• Your child referring to “big brothers” or “little brothers” in unusual ways
• Your child mentioning “pledge activities” that sound concerning

📚 Educational Resources for Lincoln County Families

Hazing Prevention and Awareness

Organizations:

• HazingPrevention.Org – National organization dedicated to hazing prevention
• StopHazing – Research and education on hazing prevention
• Gordie Center – Focuses on alcohol education and hazing prevention
• Clery Center – Campus safety resources

Books:

• Hazing: Destroying Young Lives by Hank Nuwer
• Wrongs of Passage: Fraternities, Sororities, Hazing, and Binge Drinking by Hank Nuwer
• Broken Pledges: The Deadly Rite of Hazing by Hank Nuwer

Documentaries:

• Haze (2008) – Documentary on college hazing
• The Hunting Ground (2015) – Covers campus sexual assault and institutional failures
• Breathe, Nolan, Breathe (2023) – Documentary on hazing death at University of Missouri

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Lincoln County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation or social ostracism. It’s important to:

• Listen to your child and validate their feelings
• Explain that hazing is illegal and dangerous
• Contact an attorney to understand your legal options
• An attorney can help protect your child’s identity and rights

Lincoln County families: Attorney 911 can guide you through this process confidentially.

Q: The fraternity says my child consented to the activities. Is that a defense?

A: No. Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: We’re in Lincoln County, Nebraska. Can you still represent us?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We offer:

• Video consultations
• Willingness to travel to Lincoln County
• Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
• Experience with national fraternities and universities

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Lincoln County hazing case?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there’s no financial risk to your family.

Q: What if the hazing happened last year? Is it too late to sue?

A: Nebraska has a 4-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately because:

• Evidence disappears over time
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records
• The sooner we start, the stronger your case

Q: Can we sue both the fraternity and the university?

A: Yes. In many hazing cases, both the organization and the university share liability. The university may be liable for:

• Failing to supervise Greek life
• Failing to respond to prior hazing incidents
• Owning or controlling property where hazing occurred
• Failing to protect students

Q: What if my child was hazed but wasn’t physically injured?

A: Psychological trauma from hazing is also compensable. You can sue for:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Q: The fraternity has already suspended the chapter. Isn’t that enough?

A: No. Suspending the chapter is a damage control move, not accountability. Many chapters reopen under new names. A lawsuit:

• Holds individuals personally accountable
• Forces institutions to implement real change
• Provides compensation for your child’s injuries
• Sends a message that hazing will not be tolerated

📢 Lincoln County: Enough Is Enough

Lincoln County families, your children deserve to attend college without fear of torture, abuse, or death.

Universities near Lincoln County, you have the power to stop hazing. Use it.

National fraternities and sororities, your “traditions” are killing and injuring students. It ends now.

Attorney 911 is fighting this battle in court. We’re fighting for justice. We’re fighting for Lincoln County victims.

If your child has been hazed, call us. We will fight for you.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Justice for Lincoln County hazing victims starts with a phone call.