🚨 Hazing Victims in McPherson County, Nebraska: You Are Not Alone
If you or your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near McPherson County, Nebraska — we can help. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas, and we will bring that same aggressive representation to McPherson County families.
🔥 What Happened in Texas Could Happen in McPherson County
In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The fraternity:
- Waterboarded him with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced him to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck him with wooden paddles
- Forced him to eat until he vomited
- Made him run sprints while lying in his own vomit
This didn’t happen in some far-off state. This happened at a major university, just like the colleges and universities near McPherson County. The same fraternities operate in Nebraska. The same culture of abuse exists here. The same negligence by universities and national organizations allows it to continue.
McPherson County families: If your child is being hazed, we will fight for you with the same intensity we’re bringing to the Texas case.
⚠️ Hazing in Nebraska: The Hidden Crisis
McPherson County may be small, but hazing happens everywhere — including at Nebraska’s colleges and universities. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters in Texas have active chapters across Nebraska, including near McPherson County.
Nebraska Universities with Greek Life Presence:
While McPherson County itself has no major universities, several institutions with Greek organizations operate within driving distance or serve Nebraska students:
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) — One of the largest Greek systems in the region
- University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)
- University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)
- Creighton University (Omaha) — Private Jesuit university with Greek life
- Doane University (Crete) — Smaller private university with Greek presence
- Hastings College — Another smaller institution with Greek organizations
These same fraternities have been involved in hazing incidents nationwide:
- Pi Kappa Phi (our current case)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
The “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Texas exist at Nebraska fraternities and sororities too. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Nebraska, they face the same risks.
🏥 The Medical Reality of Hazing: What McPherson County Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” It causes real, life-threatening injuries — just like what happened to our client.
Common Hazing Injuries We’ve Seen:
| Injury Type | What Happens | Real Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown releases toxins that destroy kidneys | Our client — hospitalized 4 days, kidney failure |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys stop filtering waste; can be fatal | Our client — life-threatening complication |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking can cause coma or death | Stone Foltz (BGSU), Max Gruver (LSU) — both died |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings, falls, or being struck | Multiple documented cases |
| Hypothermia | Forced exposure to cold weather | Common in outdoor hazing rituals |
| Heat Stroke | Extreme physical activity in hot conditions | Documented in forced workouts |
| Broken Bones | From physical abuse or falls | Multiple cases of fractures |
| Internal Bleeding | From blunt force trauma | Timothy Piazza (Penn State) — died from internal bleeding |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological trauma from abuse | Long-term therapy required in many cases |
These aren’t hypothetical risks. These are real injuries happening to real students — including students in Nebraska.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a McPherson County Hazing Victim
Nebraska Hazing Law: What You Need to Know
Nebraska has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students — including those from McPherson County attending schools elsewhere in the state.
Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06:
“Hazing means any activity by which a person intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health or safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization.”
Key Provisions:
- Hazing is a CRIME in Nebraska
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if the victim agreed to participate
- Organizations can be penalized — fines, loss of recognition
- Individuals can be charged — criminal prosecution possible
Penalties:
- Class II Misdemeanor — Up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine
- Class I Misdemeanor if serious bodily injury occurs — Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine
- Felony if death occurs — Up to 20 years in prison
This means: If your child was hazed in Nebraska, the people who did it can go to jail — and you can sue them for damages.
Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable
Beyond criminal charges, McPherson County families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for injuries. These lawsuits can target:
- Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapters — The individuals who conducted the hazing
- National Organizations — The fraternity/sorority national headquarters
- Universities/Colleges — For failing to protect students
- Individual Members — Personal liability for their actions
- Alumni/Hosts — If hazing occurred at private residences
Types of Damages You Can Recover:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages (if hazing affected employment)
- Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships lost)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Our current Texas case seeks $10 million for these exact damages. The same compensation is available for McPherson County families.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
McPherson County families: These aren’t just numbers. These are real families who stood up to powerful institutions — and won.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Max Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
The same results are possible for McPherson County victims. If your child was injured by hazing, you can recover substantial compensation — just like these families did.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Nebraska
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS FOR McPHERSON COUNTY FAMILIES:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor immediately
- Document everything medically — this creates evidence for your case
- If your child is showing signs of rhabdomyolysis (dark urine, severe muscle pain, inability to move), go to the ER immediately
-
Preserve Evidence
- Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs about hazing
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Document the hazing location (fraternity house, field, private residence)
- Get witness names and contact information
- Save any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure your child to “keep it quiet”
- They may offer money to “make it go away” — this is a trap
- Do not sign anything without legal counsel
-
Report the Incident
- File a police report — hazing is a crime in Nebraska
- Report to the university — but expect them to protect their reputation
- Report to the national organization — but don’t expect meaningful action
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- The statute of limitations is ticking — you have limited time to take legal action
- Evidence disappears quickly — organizations destroy records, witnesses forget
- Insurance companies will lowball you — they want to pay as little as possible
📞 McPherson County Families: Call Us Now
We are Attorney 911 — the lawyers who are fighting hazing RIGHT NOW.
- We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas
- We have 25+ years of litigation experience
- We’re former insurance defense attorneys — we know how they’ll fight back
- We’re admitted to federal court — we can pursue your case nationwide
- We travel to McPherson County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
- We offer video consultations — for McPherson County families who can’t travel
- We work on contingency — $0 upfront, we only get paid if you win
McPherson County Hazing Victims: Your Free Consultation
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We will:
- Evaluate your case for free
- Explain your legal rights
- Develop a strategy to hold the perpetrators accountable
- Fight for maximum compensation
- Protect your child from retaliation
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for McPherson County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a Nebraska university. Can you help even though you’re in Texas?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Nebraska. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel means we can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win your case. There are no hourly fees, no retainers, no hidden costs. McPherson County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Q: What if my child participated in the hazing activities? 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 organization can still be held liable. The law protects victims regardless of their choices under pressure.
Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious injuries? Is it still worth pursuing?
A: YES. Even “minor” hazing can cause significant psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These injuries are compensable. Additionally, pursuing legal action can prevent future hazing and protect other students.
Q: What if the university already punished the fraternity? Do we still need a lawyer?
A: YES. University disciplinary actions are not enough. They don’t compensate your child for medical bills, pain and suffering, or long-term consequences. A civil lawsuit is the only way to recover financial compensation and send a message that hazing won’t be tolerated.
Q: How long do we have to take legal action?
A: Typically 2 years from the date of the hazing incident in Nebraska. However, there are exceptions for minors and delayed discovery of injuries. The sooner you contact us, the better — evidence disappears quickly.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Our client in the Texas case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take these concerns seriously and will protect your child’s identity to the extent possible. We also pursue claims against individuals who retaliate against victims.
Q: What kind of compensation can we recover?
A: Every case is different, but compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages (if hazing affected employment)
- Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships lost)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Our current case seeks $10 million for these damages. The same compensation is available for McPherson County families.
🎯 Why McPherson County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Fight RIGHT NOW
While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. We know the defendants’ tactics because we’re facing them in court right now. McPherson County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense
The #1 argument fraternities make is: “The victim agreed to participate.” Nebraska law says consent is not a defense. We know how to defeat this argument and hold organizations accountable regardless of what the victim agreed to.
3. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Before we represented victims, we worked for insurance companies. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We know how to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.
4. We Have Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue hazing cases nationwide — including in Nebraska. We can sue national organizations in federal court, where they can’t hide behind state laws.
5. We Travel to McPherson County
We don’t expect McPherson County families to come to us. We come to you. We travel to McPherson County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We also offer video consultations for families who can’t travel.
6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
McPherson County families 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.
7. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We have bilingual staff who can communicate in Spanish, ensuring language is never a barrier to justice.
8. We Have a Proven Track Record
Our firm has:
- Recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims
- Successfully litigated complex cases against major institutions
- 4.9-star Google rating with 250+ reviews
- Experience in federal court and multi-defendant litigation
🏛️ Who We Sue for McPherson County Hazing Victims
When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility. We pursue all of them to maximize your recovery:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example from Our Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter waterboarded our client |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi National knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability | UH owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed hazing | Chapter president, pledgemaster named in lawsuit |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at private residences | Former member and spouse named in lawsuit |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for defendants | Multiple insurance policies may apply |
In our Texas case, we’re suing all of these parties. We’ll do the same for McPherson County families.
📅 Timeline: What to Expect in Your McPherson County Hazing Case
| Phase | What Happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Free Consultation | We evaluate your case, explain your rights | Immediate |
| 2. Investigation | Gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain records | 1-3 months |
| 3. Medical Treatment | Your child completes treatment (if ongoing) | Varies (weeks to months) |
| 4. Demand Package | We compile damages and send demand to defendants | After medical treatment |
| 5. Negotiation | Back-and-forth settlement discussions | 1-6 months |
| 6. Litigation (if needed) | File lawsuit, conduct discovery, depositions | 6-18 months |
| 7. Mediation | Neutral mediator facilitates settlement | 1 day |
| 8. Trial (if needed) | Present case to judge/jury | Days to weeks |
| 9. Resolution | Settlement or verdict; payment | Varies |
Total Timeline: 6 months to 2+ years (depends on complexity and whether case settles)
🔍 How We Prove Your McPherson County Hazing Case
1. Medical Evidence
- Hospital records
- Doctor’s notes
- Diagnostic test results (blood work, urinalysis, imaging)
- Therapy records (for psychological trauma)
2. Communications
- Text messages
- GroupMe/Snapchat/Instagram DMs
- Emails
- Social media posts
3. Physical Evidence
- Photos of injuries
- Photos of hazing locations
- Objects used in hazing
- Clothing worn during hazing
4. Witness Testimony
- Other pledges
- Bystanders
- University staff
- Medical professionals
5. Pattern Evidence
- Prior hazing incidents at same chapter
- Prior incidents at same university
- National organization’s history of hazing
6. Institutional Records
- University policies on Greek life
- Fraternity/sorority risk management policies
- Inspection reports
- Complaint records
🚫 Common Defenses We Defeat for McPherson County Families
Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to avoid liability. We know their arguments and how to defeat them:
| Defense | Our Counter-Argument |
|---|---|
| “He consented to participate” | Nebraska law says consent is not a defense (§ 28-311.06) |
| “He knew the risks” | Victims rarely know the true extent of hazing until it happens |
| “He could have left at any time” | Fear of retaliation, social ostracism, and losing membership create duress |
| “It’s just tradition” | Tradition doesn’t justify illegal activity; assault is assault |
| “We didn’t know it was happening” | Universities and nationals have oversight responsibility; prior incidents show knowledge |
| “He was drinking voluntarily” | Forced consumption ≠ voluntary; peer pressure creates coercion |
🏆 What Success Looks Like for McPherson County Families
For Our Client in Texas:
- $10 million lawsuit filed against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Chapter permanently closed — they can’t hurt anyone else
- National organization exposed — their “hazing crisis” knowledge revealed
- University accountability — they owned the fraternity house where torture occurred
- Media coverage — ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
- Criminal investigation — UH spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges”
For McPherson County Families, Success Means:
✅ Financial compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term consequences
✅ Accountability for the individuals who conducted the hazing
✅ Institutional change — forcing universities and nationals to implement real oversight
✅ Prevention — protecting future students from the same abuse
✅ Justice — holding powerful organizations accountable for harming our children
📞 McPherson County Families: The Time to Act Is Now
Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations keeps ticking.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We are Attorney 911 — the legal emergency lawyers fighting for McPherson County hazing victims.
You are not alone. We will fight for you.
