Hazing Lawyers for Adams County, Nebraska Families – Holding Fraternities and Universities Accountable

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Does Justice

Adams County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will provide a supportive environment for growth and friendship. But what happens when that trust is shattered by hazing – when “tradition” becomes torture, and brotherhood becomes brutality?

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from systematic abuse. This isn’t just a Houston problem – it’s happening at colleges and universities across Nebraska, including near Adams County.

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization near Adams County, we can help. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Adams County families, with the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to our current case.

The Hazing Crisis in Adams County and Beyond

Hazing isn’t “boys being boys” or “girls bonding.” It’s not “harmless tradition.” It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that has led to:

Hospitalizations from forced alcohol consumption, extreme physical exertion, and physical abuse
Permanent injuries including traumatic brain injuries, kidney damage, and psychological trauma
Deaths – at least one hazing death has occurred every year in America since 2000
Lifelong trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression

This is happening at universities near Adams County. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at the University of Houston have chapters at colleges throughout Nebraska. The same culture of secrecy and abuse exists – and the same institutional failures allow it to continue.

Our Current Case: A Warning for Adams County Families

Our attorneys are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. What happened to him could happen to any student near Adams County:

Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
Struck with wooden paddles as physical punishment
Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness during hazing – they kept going
Hospitalized for 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

This didn’t happen in a vacuum. Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017. The University of Houston had another student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They had 8 years to fix this – they chose not to.

Hazing Laws in Nebraska – Your Rights as an Adams County Family

Nebraska has strong laws against hazing, including:

Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06: Defines hazing as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization
Criminal penalties: Hazing is a Class II misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine
Consent is not a defense: Even if a student “agrees” to participate, hazing is still illegal
Institutional liability: Universities can be held responsible for failing to prevent hazing

Important for Adams County families: While Nebraska has its own hazing laws, federal civil rights claims and other legal theories allow us to pursue cases regardless of where the hazing occurred. Our federal court authority means we can represent Adams County victims no matter which university or state the hazing happened in.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Adams County?

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

The local chapter – The fraternity or sorority that directly organized and conducted the hazing
The national organization – They set the culture, provide oversight, and have deep pockets
The university – They have a duty to protect students and often own the property where hazing occurs
Individual members – Those who participated in or facilitated the hazing
Chapter officers – Leaders who directed or allowed the hazing to occur
Alumni – Former members who host hazing events at their homes
Housing corporations – Organizations that own fraternity/sorority houses

For Adams County families: The same entities exist at universities near Adams County. The same liability applies.

What Counts as Hazing for Adams County Students?

Hazing takes many forms, all of which are illegal and dangerous. Common hazing practices include:

Physical Abuse

Forced excessive exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, etc.)
Being struck with objects (paddles, belts, etc.)
Sleep deprivation
Exposure to extreme weather conditions
Confinement in small spaces

Forced Consumption

Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
Forced eating of food or non-food items
Forced consumption of large amounts of liquids

Psychological Abuse

Waterboarding or simulated drowning
Verbal abuse and humiliation
Threats of physical harm or expulsion
Forced to carry embarrassing objects
Sexual humiliation

Servitude and Control

Forced to perform personal services for members
Forced to drive members at all hours
Strict dress codes and behavioral rules
Mandatory study hours with members

If your child has experienced any of these at a university near Adams County, they have been hazed – and they have legal rights.

The Long-Term Impact of Hazing on Adams County Students

Hazing doesn’t just cause immediate physical harm – it can have lifelong consequences:

Physical health: Kidney damage, liver damage, traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain
Mental health: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
Academic impact: Lower grades, dropped classes, delayed graduation
Career impact: Lost internships, damaged professional reputation
Financial burden: Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages
Social impact: Damaged relationships, social withdrawal, trust issues

Adams County families: These consequences can follow your child for years. Our legal representation helps ensure they receive compensation for all these impacts.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Adams County

If you suspect your child has been hazed at a university near Adams County, take these steps immediately:

Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
Preserve all evidence – Save texts, photos, videos, social media posts
Document everything – Write down what happened, when, who was involved
Get witness information – Names and contact info of other victims or witnesses
Do NOT confront the organization – Let your attorney handle communications
Do NOT post about it on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
Contact an attorney immediately – Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply

For Adams County families: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We can guide you through the next steps and protect your child’s rights.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Adams County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is ongoing, which means we’re constantly gathering evidence, building strategies, and staying ahead of defense tactics. Adams County families get the benefit of our current experience.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to minimize payouts. We use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for Adams County families.

3. Nationwide Reach with Local Impact

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Adams County families. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses mean we can pursue cases against national organizations no matter where the hazing occurred.

4. Proven Track Record in Complex Litigation

BP Texas City explosion litigation – Experience with massive corporate defendants
Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements – Proven ability to win big cases
Federal court experience – Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction when needed
Criminal defense background – Understanding of parallel criminal investigations

5. We Travel to Adams County

We understand that Adams County families may not be able to travel to Texas. We come to you. We’ll travel to Adams County for depositions, client meetings, and court appearances as needed.

6. Contingency Fee Representation

We know that Adams County families may be concerned about the cost of legal representation. You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – we only get paid if we win your case. There’s no financial risk to you.

7. Compassionate, Bilingual Representation

Our staff is bilingual and genuinely cares about our clients. Adams County Spanish-speaking families are welcome. We treat every client like family and provide the support you need during this difficult time.

The Legal Process for Adams County Hazing Victims

When you choose Attorney 911 to represent your Adams County family, here’s what to expect:

Free Initial Consultation – We evaluate your case and explain your rights
Case Investigation – We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case
Medical Treatment – We ensure you receive proper medical care and document all injuries
Demand Package – We compile all damages and send a demand to defendants
Negotiation – We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
Litigation – If necessary, we file a lawsuit and take your case to court
Resolution – We recover maximum compensation for your injuries

Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening with your case.

Universities Near Adams County with Greek Life

Adams County families should be aware that Greek organizations operate at many universities throughout Nebraska. While we can’t comment on specific incidents at these institutions, we know that the same national fraternities and sororities involved in our current case have chapters at:

University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and many others)
University of Nebraska-Kearney
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Creighton University
Doane University

If your child attends or plans to attend any university near Adams County, they may be at risk. The same culture of hazing that hospitalized our client exists at these institutions.

Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen in Fraternities

While Greek life is often associated with hazing, it can occur in any student organization. We represent victims from:

Fraternities and sororities near Adams County
Sports teams (football, basketball, wrestling, etc.)
Marching bands and music groups
ROTC programs
Academic clubs and honor societies
Service organizations
Student government

If your child has been hazed in any organization at a university near Adams County, we can help.

The Time to Act is Now – Adams County Families

Hazing cases are subject to statutes of limitations, which limit the time you have to file a lawsuit. In Nebraska, you typically have 4 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim, but this can vary depending on the circumstances.

Important for Adams County families:

Evidence disappears quickly
Witnesses forget details
Organizations destroy records
Your legal rights expire

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your child has been hazed at a university near Adams County, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

What Adams County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

In a hazing lawsuit, Adams County families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

Past and future medical expenses
Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Tuition and academic expenses
Travel costs for medical treatment

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Mental anguish and emotional distress
PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement or permanent disability

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.

Our current $10 million lawsuit seeks compensation for all these damages, and we’ll pursue the same comprehensive recovery for Adams County families.

Frequently Asked Questions for Adams County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they “agreed” to participate. 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 hazing is still illegal and the perpetrators can be held liable.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still responsible?

A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. Given the widespread nature of hazing in Greek life, universities should know it’s happening and take steps to prevent it. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred – they absolutely knew or should have known.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?

A: We understand these concerns. Our client in the current case is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We take these concerns seriously and have strategies to protect victims from retaliation, including:

Confidential legal proceedings
Protective orders
Anonymous reporting options
Legal protections against retaliation

Q: We’re in Adams County – can you still represent us?

A: ABSOLUTELY. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Adams County families. We offer:

Video consultations
Phone meetings
Travel to Adams County for important meetings and depositions
Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines

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

A: NOTHING UPFRONT. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case
We advance all case expenses
Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

Adams County families: There’s no financial risk to pursuing justice.

Q: What if the hazing happened at a university outside Nebraska?

A: We can still help. Our attorneys are licensed in Texas and New York, and we can pursue cases in federal court regardless of where the hazing occurred. We’re currently representing a hazing victim from Houston – we can represent Adams County victims no matter where the incident happened.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. Some cases settle within 6-12 months, while others may take 2-3 years if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your compensation.

Q: Can the individuals who hazed my child be held personally responsible?

A: YES. In our current case, we’ve named individual fraternity members and officers as defendants. In a landmark hazing case, a fraternity president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally for his role in a student’s death.

Q: What if my child signed a waiver or release?

A: Waivers are often unenforceable in hazing cases. Courts recognize that students are pressured into signing these documents and that they don’t absolve organizations of liability for illegal conduct.

Adams County Families: This Is Your Moment

For too long, hazing has been dismissed as “tradition” or “no big deal.” But when a student is waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until their muscles break down, or hospitalized with kidney failure – it’s a big deal.

Our current case proves that:

Hazing causes real, serious harm
Universities and fraternities can be held accountable
Victims can win significant compensation
Legal action can prevent future hazing

Adams County families: If your child has been hazed at a university near Adams County or anywhere in America, you have the power to make a difference. You can hold the perpetrators accountable. You can recover compensation for your child’s injuries. And you can help prevent this from happening to another Adams County family.

Contact Attorney 911 Today – Free Consultation for Adams County Families

If your child has been hazed at a university near Adams County, don’t wait to seek justice. Evidence disappears quickly, and your legal rights have time limits.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We serve Adams County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

The same aggressive representation we’re bringing to our $10 million hazing case is available to Adams County victims. Let’s hold them accountable – together.