π¨ Hazing Victims in Scotts Bluff County: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back
You are not alone. What happened to you was not your fault. And you have the power to hold them accountable.
If you or your child has been hazed in Scotts Bluff County β whether at Western Nebraska Community College, local high schools, or any other institution β you may be entitled to significant compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and the emotional trauma you’ve endured. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements nationwide operate right here in Nebraska. The same negligence that led to our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston exists at institutions near Scotts Bluff County.
Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We’re currently representing a hazing victim who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will fight just as hard for Scotts Bluff County families.
π Scotts Bluff County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911 β Available 24/7
Email: ralph@atty911.com
π₯ What Counts as Hazing in Scotts Bluff County?
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Nebraska law, hazing includes any activity 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:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion (like our client who did 500 squats until his kidneys failed)
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or other substances to the point of vomiting or passing out
- Psychological torture: Waterboarding (yes, this happens in Nebraska too), humiliation, sleep deprivation
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Dangerous activities: Extreme weather exposure, confined spaces, physical challenges beyond reasonable limits
In our current case, a student was:
β Waterboarded with a garden hose
β Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
β Struck with wooden paddles
β Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
β Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth (another pledge)
β Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in Scotts Bluff County too.
βοΈ Your Legal Rights as a Scotts Bluff County Hazing Victim
1. You Can Sue for Money Damages
Even if you “consented” to participate, Nebraska law says consent is not a defense to hazing. The people who hazed you are legally responsible for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages (if you missed work or can’t work due to injuries)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Punitive damages (to punish especially egregious conduct)
Precedent: We’re currently suing for $10 million in a similar case. Other hazing cases have resulted in $6.1 million jury verdicts and $110+ million settlements.
2. Multiple Defendants Can Be Held Liable
In our current case, we’re suing:
- The local fraternity chapter (direct perpetrators)
- The national organization (failed to supervise despite knowing about “a hazing crisis”)
- The university (owned the fraternity house and failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents)
- Individual members (each person who participated or allowed it to happen)
The same deep pockets exist for Scotts Bluff County hazing victims.
3. Criminal Charges May Be Filed
Hazing can be a misdemeanor or felony in Nebraska. Our client’s case has already been referred for potential criminal charges. You don’t have to choose between criminal and civil proceedings β you can pursue both.
4. You Have Time β But Not Much
Nebraska has a 4-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but you should act immediately. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records.
π₯ Medical Consequences of Hazing β What Scotts Bluff County Victims Face
Hazing isn’t just embarrassing β it can cause serious, life-long injuries. Our current client suffered:
| Injury | Description | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle tissue breakdown releasing toxic proteins into blood | Kidney damage, potential kidney failure, risk of death |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys unable to filter waste | Dialysis, kidney transplant, lifelong monitoring |
| Physical Trauma | Bruises, broken bones, internal injuries | Chronic pain, mobility issues, scarring |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking leading to dangerously high BAC | Brain damage, death, long-term organ damage |
| Psychological Trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Therapy, medication, impact on relationships and career |
| Heat Stroke/Hypothermia | Extreme weather exposure | Organ damage, neurological issues |
| Sexual Assault Injuries | Physical and psychological trauma | PTSD, trust issues, long-term mental health impact |
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after hazing, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY:
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
- Dark or brown urine
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Confusion or disorientation
- Vomiting or nausea
- Headaches or dizziness
- Signs of depression or anxiety
- Nightmares or flashbacks
π What Scotts Bluff County Hazing Victims Should Do RIGHT NOW
1. Get Medical Help
Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately if you have any symptoms. Tell the doctor:
- You were hazed
- What activities you were forced to do
- How you’re feeling now
- This creates a medical record that will be crucial for your case
Recommended Scotts Bluff County medical providers:
- Regional West Medical Center (Scottsbluff)
- Scotts Bluff County Health Department
- Regional West Physicians Clinic – Urgent Care
2. Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:
- Text messages (GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Snapchat)
- Social media posts (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter/X)
- Photos/videos (of injuries, hazing activities, locations)
- Emails (from the organization, university, members)
- Physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
- Witness information (names and contact info of other victims or bystanders)
If you don’t have evidence, write down everything you remember:
- Dates and times of hazing activities
- Names of people involved
- Specific activities you were forced to do
- Any injuries or symptoms you experienced
3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers
- Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not sign anything they give you
- Do not post about the incident on social media
- Do not confront the people who hazed you
- Anything you say can be used against you
4. Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)
- Police: File a report with Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office or Scottsbluff Police Department
- University/College: Report to the Title IX office or student conduct office (if applicable)
- National Organization: Report to the fraternity/sorority’s national headquarters
Note: Reporting to authorities can help your legal case and may prevent future hazing.
5. Call an Attorney β FREE Consultation for Scotts Bluff County Victims
1-888-ATTY-911 β Available 24/7
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluation
- No upfront costs β we only get paid if you win
- Remote consultations β you don’t need to travel to Houston
- Aggressive representation with a track record of million-dollar settlements
π° What Your Scotts Bluff County Hazing Case Could Be Worth
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation, especially when:
| Factor | How It Increases Your Case Value |
|---|---|
| Severe physical injuries | Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage |
| Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression requiring therapy |
| Pattern of abuse | Not a one-time incident; systematic hazing |
| Institutional knowledge | University/organization knew about prior hazing |
| Egregious conduct | Waterboarding, sexual abuse, torture |
| Multiple victims | Other students were hazed too |
| Media attention | Public pressure increases settlement value |
| Criminal charges | Establishes wrongdoing |
Recent hazing case outcomes:
- $10.1 million β Stone Foltz (Ohio)
- $6.1 million jury verdict β Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana)
- $110+ million β Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania)
- $10 million (pending) β Our current case (Texas)
Your Scotts Bluff County case could be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
π― Why Scotts Bluff County Hazing Victims Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
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, and we’ll bring the same expertise to Scotts Bluff County.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they’ll try to deny your claim β and we know how to defeat their tactics.
3. Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, meaning we can pursue your Scotts Bluff County case in federal court if needed.
4. Dual-State Licensed
Licensed in Texas and New York β strategic advantage for cases involving national organizations headquartered out of state.
5. We Come to You
We’ll travel to Scotts Bluff County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
Our staff is bilingual. We can serve Spanish-speaking Scotts Bluff County families without language barriers.
7. No Upfront Costs
We work on contingency β you pay $0 unless we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
8. Proven Track Record
- 25+ years of litigation experience
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
- Experience with catastrophic injury cases
- Former insurance defense insight β we know their playbook
ποΈ Who We Can Sue for Scotts Bluff County Hazing Victims
1. The Local Chapter
- The fraternity/sorority chapter that organized the hazing
- Individual members who participated
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.)
2. The National Organization
- National fraternity/sorority headquarters
- Failed to supervise local chapters
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Deep pockets β substantial assets and insurance
3. The School or University
- Premises liability β if hazing occurred on school property
- Negligent supervision β failed to monitor Greek life
- Institutional knowledge β knew about hazing risks
- Failed to protect students despite duty of care
Scotts Bluff County institutions with Greek life or student organizations:
- Western Nebraska Community College
- Local high schools with clubs, sports teams, or traditions that may involve hazing
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Each person who participated in hazing
- Each person who knew about it and failed to stop it
- Personal assets may be at risk
- Homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage
5. Alumni or Hosts
- Former members who hosted hazing events
- Spouses or family members who allowed hazing on their property
6. Insurance Companies
- National organization’s liability insurance
- University’s institutional insurance
- Homeowner’s insurance for off-campus locations
- Individual liability policies
π Scotts Bluff County Hazing Timeline: What to Expect
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | 1 day | Free case evaluation; sign retainer |
| Investigation | 1-3 months | Gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain records |
| Medical Treatment | 2-12+ months | Complete treatment; reach Maximum Medical Improvement |
| Demand Package | After MMI | Compile damages; send demand to defendants |
| Negotiation | 1-4 months | Back-and-forth settlement discussions |
| Litigation (if needed) | 6-18 months | File lawsuit, discovery, depositions |
| Mediation | 1 day | Neutral mediator facilitates settlement |
| Trial (if needed) | Days to weeks | Present case to judge/jury |
| Resolution | Varies | Settlement or verdict; payment |
Total timeline: 6 months to 3 years (most cases settle within 1-2 years)
π« Common Mistakes Scotts Bluff County Hazing Victims Make
1. Waiting Too Long to Act
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget details
- Statute of limitations may expire
2. Talking to the Organization Without a Lawyer
- They’ll try to get you to sign away your rights
- They’ll twist your words to use against you
- They’ll pressure you to accept a low settlement
3. Posting on Social Media
- Even innocent posts can be used against you
- “I’m fine” posts can undermine your injury claims
- Photos of you socializing can be used to argue you weren’t really hurt
4. Deleting Evidence
- Destroying evidence can lead to spoliation sanctions
- Courts can assume you destroyed harmful evidence
- You may lose your case entirely
5. Assuming You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
- We work on contingency β you pay nothing upfront
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
- Our fee comes from the settlement, so you keep the rest
6. Thinking “It Wasn’t That Bad”
- Hazing often causes delayed-onset injuries (like rhabdomyolysis)
- Psychological trauma may not appear immediately
- What seems minor now could become serious later
7. Not Reporting to Authorities
- Reporting creates an official record
- Can prevent future hazing
- May support criminal charges
β Success Stories: How We’ve Helped Hazing Victims
Case 1: $10 Million Lawsuit β Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston
- What happened: Client waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles
- Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi national, local chapter, university, individual members
- Status: Lawsuit filed November 2025; ongoing
- Why it matters for Scotts Bluff County: Same fraternities operate in Nebraska; same negligence exists at local institutions
Case 2: Multi-Million Dollar Settlement β Kappa Sigma Hazing
- What happened: Client hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis after forced exercise
- Injuries: Kidney damage, long-term health consequences
- Outcome: Confidential settlement in the millions
- Why it matters for Scotts Bluff County: Shows rhabdomyolysis cases win big settlements
Case 3: Wrongful Death Claim β Texas A&M Hazing
- What happened: Student died from alcohol poisoning during hazing
- Outcome: Confidential settlement; fraternity chapter closed
- Why it matters for Scotts Bluff County: Demonstrates university liability for hazing deaths
π How We Prove Your Scotts Bluff County Hazing Case
1. Medical Records
- Hospital records
- ER reports
- Doctor’s notes
- Therapy records
- Prescriptions
2. Physical Evidence
- Photos of injuries
- Photos of hazing locations
- Objects used in hazing
- Clothing worn during hazing
3. Digital Evidence
- Text messages
- GroupMe/Snapchat/Instagram messages
- Emails
- Social media posts
4. Witness Testimony
- Other pledges who were hazed
- Bystanders who saw what happened
- Friends/family who noticed changes in you
5. Expert Testimony
- Medical experts β Explain your injuries and prognosis
- Hazing culture experts β Explain the dynamics of Greek life
- Psychological experts β Explain your trauma and treatment needs
- Economic experts β Calculate future medical costs and lost wages
6. Pattern Evidence
- Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
- Hazing incidents at other chapters of the same organization
- University’s knowledge of prior hazing
- National organization’s knowledge of “hazing crisis”
7. Defendant Admissions
- Statements from organization leaders
- Internal communications
- Public statements (like Pi Kappa Phi’s statement about closing the UH chapter)
π€ What Our Clients Say About Us
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” β Dame Haskett
“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.” β Donald Wilcox
“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!” β Devin Hebert
“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.” β Chad Harris
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” β Kiwi Potato
π Scotts Bluff County Hazing Victims: Your Next Step
You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to fight for you.
Call Now for Free, Confidential Consultation:
1-888-ATTY-911 β Available 24/7
Email: ralph@atty911.com
What to Expect When You Call:
- We’ll listen to your story
- We’ll explain your legal rights
- We’ll evaluate your case for free
- We’ll tell you if you have a viable claim
- We’ll outline your options moving forward
- No pressure, no obligation
We Offer:
- Free case evaluation
- No upfront costs
- Remote consultations
- Aggressive representation
- Million-dollar track record
β Frequently Asked Questions for Scotts Bluff County Hazing Victims
Q: I’m embarrassed about what happened. Should I still come forward?
A: Absolutely. What happened to you was not your fault. Hazing is about power and control β not your worth as a person. Many victims feel shame, but the only people who should be ashamed are the ones who hurt you. Coming forward can prevent this from happening to others.
Q: I “consented” to participate. Does that mean I can’t sue?
A: No. Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that peer pressure, social coercion, and fear of exclusion make true consent impossible in hazing situations.
Q: I don’t want to get anyone in trouble. Should I still pursue this?
A: Holding people accountable isn’t about “getting them in trouble” β it’s about preventing future harm. If you don’t speak up, the same people will continue hazing others. Our goal is to stop the cycle of abuse, not just punish individuals.
Q: What if I was drinking or using drugs during the hazing?
A: Even if you were drinking or using drugs, the organization is still responsible for what happened. They put you in that situation. They created the environment where you felt pressured to participate. This doesn’t absolve them of liability.
Q: I don’t live in Houston. Can you still help me?
A: Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Scotts Bluff County. We offer:
- Remote consultations via phone or video
- Travel to Scotts Bluff County for depositions and meetings
- Federal court authority to pursue your case
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency β we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, so you keep the rest. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
Q: What if the organization offers me money to stay quiet?
A: Do not accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Organizations often offer lowball settlements immediately after an incident, hoping you’ll accept before you know the full extent of your injuries. We can negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
Q: Can I lose my scholarship or get kicked out of school for suing?
A: No. It is illegal for schools to retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights. If they try to punish you for speaking up, that’s another legal claim we can pursue.
Q: What if I’m undocumented? Can I still sue?
A: Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation. We’ve helped many immigrant clients, and we can serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Nebraska, you generally have 4 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should act immediately β evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records.
π₯ Message to Scotts Bluff County Fraternities and Organizations
To the fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and clubs operating in Scotts Bluff County:
We are watching. We are documenting. And we are coming for you.
The same legal strategies that are securing $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Scotts Bluff County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue:
- Your local chapter
- Your national organization
- Your university
- Your individual members
- Your alumni hosts
- Your insurance companies
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Phi Epsilon β if your chapter operates in Scotts Bluff County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
π Our Commitment to Scotts Bluff County Hazing Victims
We promise Scotts Bluff County families:
- You will be treated with respect and compassion β not like a case number
- We will fight aggressively for maximum compensation β no lowball settlements
- We will pursue every liable party β no stone left unturned
- We will keep you informed every step of the way β no surprises
- We will travel to Scotts Bluff County β to meet with you, take depositions, and try your case
- We will work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win
- We will honor your bravery β by ensuring this never happens to another Scotts Bluff County student
π Final Call to Action for Scotts Bluff County Hazing Victims
If you or your child has been hazed in Scotts Bluff County, the time to act is NOW.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911
Email ralph@atty911.com
Visit attorney911.com
We’re fighting this battle right now. We know how to win. And we will fight just as hard for Scotts Bluff County families.
You are not alone. You are not to blame. And you have the power to hold them accountable.
Scotts Bluff County hazing victims: Enough is enough.