Hazing Lawyers for Otoe County Families: Justice for Victims of Fraternity and Sorority Abuse

Protecting Nebraska Students from Dangerous Hazing Traditions

If your child was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized by hazing at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Otoe County, you have legal rights. The same national Greek organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths operate chapters at Nebraska universities. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now – we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Otoe County families.

Why Otoe County Families Need Specialized Hazing Attorneys

Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Otoe County have the same hazing cultures that led to our client being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same national organizations that paid $10 million in the Stone Foltz case and $6.1 million in the Max Gruver case have active chapters at Nebraska universities. If your child attends or plans to attend college near Otoe County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

The Hazing Crisis in Nebraska: What Otoe County Families Need to Know

Nebraska Universities with Greek Life Presence

While Otoe County itself doesn’t have a major university, several institutions with active Greek organizations are within reasonable distance:

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) – Approximately 60 miles from Nebraska City
• University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) – Approximately 50 miles from Nebraska City
• Creighton University – Approximately 55 miles from Nebraska City
• Nebraska Wesleyan University – Approximately 45 miles from Nebraska City

These universities host chapters of national fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing incidents nationwide, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M case)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple hazing deaths)
• Sigma Chi (recent lawsuit at University of Texas)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Stone Foltz case)
• Beta Theta Pi (Timothy Piazza case – $110M+ settlement)

The Reality of Hazing in Nebraska

Nebraska has not been immune to the national hazing crisis. While specific incidents near Otoe County may not have made national news, the same patterns exist:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (national statistic that applies to Nebraska)
• 95% of hazing victims don’t report it (many Nebraska students stay silent)
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations at Nebraska universities
• Nebraska law prohibits hazing, making it a criminal offense

Nebraska Hazing Laws: Your Legal Protections

Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06 defines hazing as:

“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 of Nebraska hazing law:

• Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still prohibits hazing
• Criminal penalties – Hazing is a Class II misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine)
• If serious bodily injury occurs – Upgraded to Class I misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail)
• If death occurs – Potential felony charges
• Organizational liability – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be held responsible

Our Current Hazing Case: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Nebraska

The $10 Million Fight We’re Bringing to Otoe County

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush” – a prospective member expected to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester. What happened to him shows exactly what Nebraska students face:

The Hazing Timeline:

• September 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi
• September-November 2025: Weeks of systematic abuse
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• October 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness during forced workout
• November 3, 2025: Bermudez punished with 500 squats, 100+ pushups, two-mile warmups, and other extreme exercises
• November 3, 2025: Collapses from exhaustion, can’t stand without help
• November 4-5, 2025: Condition worsens; can’t move
• November 6, 2025: Mother rushes him to hospital with kidney failure
• November 6-10, 2025: Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls
• Carry a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather
• Sprayed with hose while minimally clothed
• Forced to drive members during early morning hours (sleep deprivation)

The Medical Consequences:

• Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Acute kidney failure (life-threatening)
• Three nights, four days hospitalized
• Permanent kidney damage possible
• Psychological trauma from torture

Why This Case Matters for Otoe County Families

1. Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Otoe County – The same organization that did this in Houston has active chapters within driving distance of Otoe County.
2. The same “traditions” exist in Nebraska – Waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical punishment – these aren’t isolated incidents.
3. Universities near Otoe County have the same liability – If a Nebraska university owns or controls Greek housing, they can be held responsible.
4. The national organization knew about the risks – Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey) and did nothing to prevent this from happening again.
5. Nebraska students are at the same risk – If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Otoe County, they face the same dangers.

Legal Rights for Otoe County Hazing Victims

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Nebraska

When hazing occurs near Otoe County, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. The Local Chapter – Directly organized and conducted the hazing
2. National Fraternity/Sorority – Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies
3. University/College – Failed to protect students, especially if they own/control the property
4. Chapter Officers – President, pledgemaster, risk manager – leadership responsibility
5. Individual Members – Those who participated in hazing activities
6. Alumni – If hazing occurred at their residence
7. Housing Corporations – If they own/control the property where hazing occurred

Types of Legal Claims Available to Otoe County Families

Damages Otoe County Families Can Recover

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Otoe County

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Rights

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
   • Document all injuries (photos, medical records)
   • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Save all communications: Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails
   • Take photos/videos: Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
   • Document everything: Write down dates, times, what happened, who was involved
   • Get witness information: Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel

   • Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
   • They may ask you to sign documents or give statements
   • Anything you say can be used against you in legal proceedings

4. Report the Incident Appropriately

   • Consider filing a police report (hazing is a crime in Nebraska)
   • Report to university administration (but be cautious – they protect the institution)
   • Report to national organization (but expect damage control)

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

   • The statute of limitations in Nebraska is typically 2 years – don’t wait
   • Evidence disappears quickly
   • Witnesses forget details
   • Organizations destroy records

Why You Need a Specialized Hazing Attorney

1. We Know the Playbook – Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize liability
2. We Understand Greek Culture – We know how fraternities and sororities operate and where they’re vulnerable
3. We Have Proven Results – We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case with documented torture
4. We Work on Contingency – $0 upfront for Otoe County families – we only get paid if we win your case
5. We Travel to You – We’ll come to Otoe County for meetings, depositions, and court appearances
6. We Offer Remote Consultations – Video calls available for Otoe County families who can’t travel

Our Experience Fighting Hazing: Why Otoe County Families Choose Attorney 911

Proven Results in Hazing Litigation

Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston

• Waterboarding, forced eating, 500 squats, wooden paddles
• Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure requiring 4-day hospitalization
• Same fraternity that had a student die from hazing in 2017
• Same university that had a hazing hospitalization in 2017

Hazing-Specific Experience:

• Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation – Represented victims of hazing
• Texas A&M University hazing cases – Experience with university liability
• Rhabdomyolysis injury cases – Medical expertise in this specific condition
• Wrongful death from hazing – Represented families of hazing victims

Why We’re Different: Our Unique Advantages for Otoe County Families

1. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

   • We know how insurance companies think and strategize
   • We know their playbook – now we use it against them
   • Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides

2. Federal Court Authority

   • Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
   • Can pursue hazing cases in federal court when appropriate
   • Experience with federal civil rights claims

3. Dual-State Bar Admission

   • Licensed in Texas AND New York
   • Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities headquartered in different states

4. Aggressive Litigation Approach

   • We don’t just settle for what the insurance company offers
   • We’re willing to take cases to trial when necessary
   • We’ve won multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements

5. Nationwide Reach

   • While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide
   • We travel to Otoe County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
   • Video consultations available for remote representation

6. Bilingual Services

   • Se habla español – We serve Spanish-speaking Otoe County families
   • No language barriers to justice

7. Comprehensive Support

   • We handle ALL aspects of your case so you can focus on recovery
   • Medical record collection
   • Evidence preservation
   • Negotiations with defendants
   • Court filings and litigation
   • We keep you informed every step of the way

Our Attorneys: Fighting for Otoe County Hazing Victims

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney – knows their tactics
• Federal court admission – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Dual-state licensed – Texas and New York
• Currently litigating $10M hazing case
• Journalism background – knows how to tell your story effectively
• Hall of Fame athlete – understands team culture and dynamics

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney

• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Former national defense firm attorney – Litchfield Cavo LLP
• Federal court admission – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Wrongful death expertise – experience with catastrophic injury cases
• Fluent in Spanish – serves Spanish-speaking Otoe County families
• Third-generation Texan – understands the values of Nebraska families

Client Testimonials: What Otoe County Families Can Expect

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett

“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” – Vivian Ruiz

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” – Donald Wilcox

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” – Chad Harris

“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.” – Debra Cambric-Chisolm

The Attorney 911 Approach to Hazing Cases

How We Serve Otoe County Families

1. Immediate Response

   • We move quickly to preserve evidence
   • Send preservation letters to all defendants
   • Begin building your case immediately

2. Comprehensive Investigation

   • Gather all medical records
   • Interview witnesses
   • Collect and preserve all communications
   • Document the full extent of damages

3. Strategic Legal Action

   • File lawsuits against all responsible parties
   • Pursue both civil and criminal accountability
   • Coordinate with law enforcement when appropriate

4. Aggressive Negotiation

   • Demand fair compensation from insurance companies
   • Push for maximum settlement offers
   • Be prepared to take cases to trial if necessary

5. Full Support for Otoe County Families

   • Handle all communications with defendants
   • Protect you from intimidation tactics
   • Guide you through the legal process
   • Fight for your rights at every step

Our Promise to Otoe County Families

1. We will listen to your story – No judgment, just support
2. We will fight for maximum compensation – Not just what the insurance company offers
3. We will hold all responsible parties accountable – From individual members to national organizations
4. We will protect your rights – Against intimidation and retaliation
5. We will travel to Otoe County – For meetings, depositions, and court appearances
6. We will work on contingency – $0 upfront – we only get paid if we win your case

Common Hazing Scenarios We Handle for Otoe County Families

Physical Abuse Cases

• Extreme physical punishment – Forced exercise to exhaustion (like our 500 squats case)
• Beatings – Paddling, striking, other physical abuse
• Branding/burning – Permanent physical damage
• Restraint – Hog-tying, binding, other restraints
• Exposure – Forced to stay outside in extreme weather

Forced Consumption Cases

• Alcohol poisoning – Forced binge drinking
• Food consumption – Forced to eat until vomiting
• Non-food substances – Forced consumption of harmful substances
• Drugs – Forced consumption of illegal or prescription drugs

Psychological Torture Cases

• Waterboarding/simulated drowning (like our current case)
• Sleep deprivation – Forced late nights, early mornings
• Humiliation – Forced nudity, sexual humiliation
• Isolation – Social exclusion, confinement
• Threats – Threats of physical harm or expulsion

Sexual Abuse Cases

• Sexual assault – Any non-consensual sexual contact
• Sexual harassment – Unwanted sexual attention
• Forced nudity – Humiliation through exposure
• Sexualized activities – Forced participation in sexualized rituals

Wrongful Death Cases

• Death from alcohol poisoning – Forced drinking leading to death
• Death from physical abuse – Injuries leading to death
• Death from rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure
• Suicide from hazing trauma – Psychological damage leading to suicide

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases for Otoe County Families

Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

A: Consent is NOT a defense under Nebraska law. Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06 explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still prohibits the conduct. This is true in most states, which is why hazing is illegal even when victims “volunteer.”

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Nebraska hazing law applies to activities “on or off” campus. Many hazing incidents occur at off-campus locations like fraternity houses, private residences, or rented event spaces. Where the hazing occurred doesn’t affect liability.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand and we protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear retribution from fraternity/sorority members. Our client in the current Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13). We take these concerns seriously and:

• Protect your identity when possible
• Take legal action against any retaliation
• Work with law enforcement to ensure your safety
• Provide support throughout the process

Q: How much is my hazing case worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in substantial compensation. Factors that affect case value include:

• Severity of physical injuries
• Extent of psychological trauma
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering endured
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• The egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, torture, etc.)
• Whether criminal charges are filed

Recent hazing case results:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz case (Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million – Max Gruver case (Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza case (Beta Theta Pi)

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

A: Typically 2 years from the date of injury in Nebraska. This is called the statute of limitations. However, there are exceptions:

• If the victim was a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18
• If injuries weren’t discovered immediately, the clock may start when they’re discovered
• If the university or fraternity concealed the hazing, the clock may be extended

Important: Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a university outside Otoe County?

A: We can still represent you. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• University of Nebraska at Omaha
• Creighton University
• Nebraska Wesleyan University
• Any university in Nebraska or across the country

We offer:

• Video consultations for remote representation
• Travel to Nebraska for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.

Q: What if the fraternity or sorority claims they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: We prove they knew or should have known. Universities and national organizations often claim ignorance, but we gather evidence to prove otherwise:

• Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Prior hazing incidents at other chapters of the same organization
• Complaints filed with the university
• Risk management reports
• Internal communications
• Training materials that weren’t followed

In our current Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re alleging the national organization knew about “a hazing crisis” but failed to act.

Q: Can the university be held responsible?

A: Yes, in many cases. Universities can be held liable when:

• They own or control the property where hazing occurred
• They have prior knowledge of hazing at that organization
• They fail to implement adequate oversight of Greek organizations
• They fail to respond appropriately to hazing reports
• They have policies that aren’t enforced

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred, making their liability clear.

Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?

A: Psychological trauma is compensable. Even if there are no physical injuries, hazing victims can recover compensation for:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Academic disruption
• Therapy costs

Psychological injuries can be just as damaging as physical injuries and often require long-term treatment.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?

A: $0 upfront for Otoe County families. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No upfront costs – You pay nothing to hire us
• No hourly fees – We don’t charge by the hour
• We take the risk – If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
• We only get paid if you get paid – Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict

This allows Otoe County families to fight powerful institutions without financial barriers.

The Hazing Prevention Message: Protecting Future Otoe County Students

Our Mission Beyond Individual Cases

While we fight for individual Otoe County families, we’re also working to prevent hazing from happening to other students. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi is about more than just compensation – it’s about sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

Lupe Pena put it best:

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

How Otoe County Families Can Help Prevent Hazing

1. Educate Your Children

   • Talk to your kids about the dangers of hazing
   • Explain that “tradition” is not an excuse for abuse
   • Teach them to recognize hazing and report it

2. Report Hazing When You See It

   • Encourage students to report hazing to authorities
   • Report to university administration
   • Report to national organizations
   • Consider filing police reports (hazing is a crime)

3. Support Anti-Hazing Legislation

   • Nebraska has anti-hazing laws, but they can be strengthened
   • Support federal legislation like the Stop Campus Hazing Act
   • Contact Nebraska legislators to advocate for stronger laws

4. Hold Institutions Accountable

   • Demand transparency from universities about hazing incidents
   • Ask universities about their Greek life oversight policies
   • Support universities that take hazing seriously

5. Share Your Story

   • If you or your child was hazed, consider sharing your story (anonymously if needed)
   • Speaking out helps break the culture of silence
   • Your story could prevent the next tragedy

Contact Attorney 911: Free Consultation for Otoe County Families

If your child was hazed at a university near Otoe County, call us immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations – No obligation
✅ $0 upfront costs – We work on contingency
✅ Remote representation – Video consultations available
✅ Travel to Otoe County – For meetings and court appearances
✅ Bilingual services – Se habla español
✅ Aggressive representation – We fight for maximum compensation

What to Expect When You Call

1. Immediate response – We answer calls 24/7 for hazing emergencies
2. Confidential consultation – We listen to your story without judgment
3. Case evaluation – We assess the strength of your case
4. Clear next steps – We explain your legal options
5. Immediate action – We begin preserving evidence right away

Don’t Wait – The Clock Is Ticking

• Evidence disappears quickly – Texts get deleted, witnesses forget
• The statute of limitations is typically 2 years – Don’t lose your rights
• Universities and fraternities will try to control the narrative – Protect yourself with legal counsel
• Other victims may come forward – Strength in numbers

Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re fighting this battle right now, and we’re ready to fight for Otoe County families.