🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Seward County, Nebraska – Attorney 911 Fights for Victims

Seward County families: If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization, we can help. Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we bring that same aggressive representation to Seward County victims.

Call now for a free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Seward County and Beyond

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition” – it’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that has sent countless students to the hospital and even the morgue. Right here in Nebraska, and across the country, young people are being subjected to physical abuse, psychological torture, and life-threatening activities in the name of “initiation.”

The same fraternities that have killed students at Penn State, LSU, and Florida State operate chapters near Seward County. The same universities that failed to protect students in Texas have similar oversight failures at Nebraska institutions. And the same culture of silence and intimidation that allowed our client to be waterboarded and hospitalized exists right here in our community.

📍 Hazing Happens in Nebraska Too

While our current case is in Texas, we know hazing occurs at universities and colleges across Nebraska, including those near Seward County. Institutions like:

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• University of Nebraska at Omaha
• Creighton University
• Nebraska Wesleyan University
• Doane University
• Concordia University Nebraska

…all have active Greek life communities where hazing could be happening right now.

Seward County parents: If your child attends or plans to attend college near here, they could be at risk. The same national organizations that allowed our client to be hospitalized have chapters at Nebraska schools.

⚠️ What Is Hazing? Nebraska’s Legal Definition

Under Nebraska law, hazing is defined as any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Common hazing activities include:

• Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, drinking games)
• Extreme physical exercise (hundreds of pushups, squats, running)
• Physical abuse (paddling, beating, branding)
• Psychological abuse (sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats)
• Sexual humiliation or assault
• Waterboarding or other forms of simulated drowning
• Forced consumption of food, liquids, or non-food items until vomiting
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (cold showers, standing outside in winter)
• Servitude (acting as personal servants to members)

In our current case, we’re seeing:

• Waterboarding with garden hoses
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then continue exercising
• Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing
• Our client ended up in the hospital with kidney failure

This isn’t “tradition.” This is torture. And it’s happening near Seward County.

💔 The Devastating Consequences of Hazing

Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars – it can cause serious physical injuries, long-term health problems, and even death. The consequences we’re seeing in our current case are all too common:

🏥 Physical Injuries

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure) – exactly what our client suffered
• Acute kidney failure – also suffered by our client
• Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
• Traumatic brain injuries from falls or beatings
• Broken bones from physical abuse
• Internal bleeding from extreme physical exertion
• Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
• Severe dehydration

🧠 Psychological Trauma

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Trust issues and difficulty forming relationships
• Academic decline
• Substance abuse (self-medicating to cope)

💀 Wrongful Death

Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death in the United States every single year. Some recent cases:

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021) – died from alcohol poisoning
• Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta, 2017) – died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495)
• Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi, 2017) – died from traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs
• Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi, 2017) – died from alcohol poisoning

Seward County families: This could happen to your child. And if it does, you need attorneys who know how to fight these powerful institutions.

⚖️ Nebraska Hazing Laws – Know Your Rights

Nebraska has specific laws against hazing, and victims have legal rights to compensation. Here’s what you need to know:

📜 Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06 – Hazing

Definition: 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.

Penalties:

• Class II misdemeanor for hazing that doesn’t cause serious bodily injury
• Class I misdemeanor for hazing that causes serious bodily injury
• Class IIIA felony for hazing that causes death

Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.

🏛️ Civil Liability – You Can Sue

Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)

Who can be sued?

• The local chapter (fraternity/sorority)
• The national organization
• The university or college
• Individual members who participated
• Alumni who facilitated hazing
• Housing corporations

🏢 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Seward County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility. In our current case, we’re suing:

1. The Local Chapter – The fraternity or sorority that directly organized and conducted the hazing
2. The National Organization – They set policies, collect dues, and have ultimate oversight responsibility
3. The University – They have a duty to protect students and often own the fraternity houses
4. Individual Members – Those who participated in or facilitated the hazing
5. Alumni – Former members who may have hosted hazing events
6. Housing Corporations – Entities that own or control fraternity/sorority property

Seward County parents: If your child is hazed at a Nebraska university, these same defendants can be held accountable.

💰 Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Settlements and Verdicts

Hazing cases result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. Here are some recent examples:

Seward County families: These results are possible for Nebraska victims too. The same legal strategies apply.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Seward County

If you suspect your child has been hazed, act immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and Nebraska’s statute of limitations is running.

🚨 Immediate Steps:

1. Get Medical Attention

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
   • Document all injuries and symptoms
   • Rhabdomyolysis (like our client suffered) can be life-threatening – dark urine is a warning sign

2. Preserve Evidence

   • Save all communications: texts, emails, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
   • Take photos/videos: injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
   • Document everything: dates, times, what happened, who was involved
   • Get witness names: other pledges, bystanders who saw what happened

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

   • The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
   • They may pressure your child to sign documents or make statements
   • Do not give any statements without legal counsel

4. Contact a Hazing Attorney Immediately

   • Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We offer free consultations for Seward County families
   • We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

5. Consider Reporting

   • File a police report (hazing is a crime in Nebraska)
   • Report to the university’s Title IX office
   • Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization

🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Seward County Hazing Case?

We’re not just any law firm – we’re hazing litigation specialists with a proven track record of taking on powerful institutions. Here’s why Seward County families choose us:

✅ We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us – we’re in the courtroom fighting this exact type of case right now.

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys used to work for insurance companies defending these exact types of cases. We know their playbook, and now we use that knowledge against them.

✅ No Upfront Costs for Seward County Families

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

✅ We’ll Travel to Seward County

While we’re based in Texas, we serve clients nationwide. We’ll come to Seward County for depositions, meetings, and trials.

✅ Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, giving us the ability to pursue cases against national organizations anywhere in the country.

✅ Dual-State Licensed (Texas and New York)

This gives us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities and universities.

✅ Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)

We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.

✅ Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including in complex cases against large institutions.

👨🏫 About Our Attorneys – Fighting for Seward County Families

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney – knows how they try to deny claims
• Currently litigating $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi
• Admitted to federal court (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Experienced in high-stakes litigation (BP Texas City explosion, mass torts)
• Journalism background – knows how to tell your story to a jury

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney

• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Former national defense firm attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP)
• Worked on insurance defense, personal injury, construction law
• Federal court admission
• Third-generation Texan with deep understanding of institutional culture
• Fluent in Spanish – serves Spanish-speaking clients

📞 Seward County Families: Contact Us Now

If your child has been hazed at a Nebraska university or college, call us immediately for a free consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for legal emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for Seward County families
• Video consultations – no need to travel
• Immediate response – we understand the urgency
• No upfront costs – you pay nothing unless we win

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Seward County

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. Should we still contact a lawyer?

A: Yes. Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation or social consequences, but the longer you wait, the harder it is to build a case. We can help protect your child’s identity and guide you through the process. Additionally, Nebraska law requires universities to report hazing – if they know about it and don’t act, they’re breaking the law.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held liable?

A: Absolutely. Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The fraternity, sorority, and university can still be held liable.

Q: We’re in Seward County, and the hazing happened at a university in another part of Nebraska. Can you still help us?

A: Yes. We serve clients nationwide, including all of Nebraska. We can evaluate your case regardless of where the hazing occurred. We offer video consultations and will travel to you for important meetings.

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

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We cover all case expenses while the case is pending
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict – you never pay out of pocket

Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injuries? Can we still sue?

A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have suffered:

• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Emotional distress
• Humiliation and degradation
• Academic decline
• Lost opportunities

These are all compensable damages in a civil lawsuit.

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

A: In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally 4 years. However, you should not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to build a strong case.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be held liable?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they had reason to know hazing was happening (through prior incidents, complaints, or general knowledge of Greek life culture) and failed to act, they can be held liable for negligent supervision.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in Seward County?

A: Hazing happens at the high school level too. We handle hazing cases involving:

• High school sports teams
• Marching bands
• Clubs and organizations
• The same legal principles apply – schools have a duty to protect students

🏆 Our Commitment to Seward County Families

We’re not just fighting for compensation – we’re fighting to change the culture that allows hazing to continue. When we take on a hazing case, we’re committed to:

1. Holding every responsible party accountable – from the individuals who participated to the institutions that enabled it
2. Getting you maximum compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages
3. Protecting your child from retaliation – we’ll make sure they’re safe
4. Preventing future hazing – our cases send a message that this behavior won’t be tolerated
5. Supporting you through the process – we know this is traumatic, and we’re here to help

📢 To Fraternities and Sororities Near Seward County: We Are Watching

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and all other Greek organizations with chapters in Nebraska:

We are watching. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. We know your playbook.

The same legal strategies that are securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your Nebraska chapters. The same pattern of negligence that led to our $10 million lawsuit exists in your organizations.

If you haze students in Seward County or anywhere in Nebraska, we will:

• Sue your local chapter
• Sue your national organization
• Sue your housing corporation
• Sue your individual members
• Pursue every available insurance policy
• Seek punitive damages to make sure you never do it again

The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston? Closed. The members who waterboarded our client? Named in our lawsuit. The university that owned the house where it happened? Named in our lawsuit.

Your chapter could be next.

🏁 Final Message to Seward County Families

If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. You are not powerless. And you don’t have to accept this.

The fraternities, sororities, and universities want you to stay silent. They want you to think you don’t have options. They want you to believe that “tradition” justifies abuse.

We’re here to tell you: It doesn’t.

Hazing is illegal. It’s dangerous. It’s torture. And it needs to stop.

Call Attorney 911 today. Let us fight for your child. Let us hold these institutions accountable. Let us make sure this never happens to another Seward County family.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Seward County families: We are your legal emergency responders. Call now.