🚨 Hazing Victims in Blaine County: You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting This Battle Now.
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in Blaine County, Nebraska — we can help.
Right now, our attorneys are fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel Bermudez. He was waterboarded. Forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. Struck with wooden paddles. Hospitalized with kidney failure.
The same thing happens in Blaine County. The same fraternities operate at universities near Blaine County. The same negligence exists at Blaine County institutions. And we will fight for Blaine County families with the same aggression.
🔥 What Happened in Houston — And What Happens in Blaine County
The Houston Case That Proves Blaine County Families Can Win
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez — a transfer student not even enrolled at University of Houston yet — was subjected to weeks of torture by Pi Kappa Phi fraternity:
| Hazing Activity | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with a garden hose while doing calisthenics |
| 500+ Squats | Forced to perform 500+ squats as punishment |
| 100+ Pushups | Forced to perform 100+ pushups |
| Wooden Paddles | Struck with wooden paddles |
| Forced Eating | Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue running |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion |
| Psychological Torture | Forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times; another pledge hog-tied for over an hour |
| Extreme Exercise | Two-mile warmups, 100-yard crawls, bear crawls, “suicides” |
Result: Bermudez collapsed, couldn’t stand, crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day he was “really sore and couldn’t move.” The day after that, his mother rushed him to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days hospitalized.
What the Fraternity Did Next: They closed the chapter — but only after Bermudez was hospitalized. Then they said: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”
What the University Did: They owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred. They knew about hazing in 2017 at another fraternity. They did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
This Same Hazing Happens in Blaine County
Blaine County, Nebraska, is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is:
- The same national fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters at universities near Blaine County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez exist in Blaine County fraternities and sororities
- The same negligence — universities that own fraternity houses, know about hazing, and do nothing — exists in Blaine County
- The same fear of speaking out keeps Blaine County victims silent
Blaine County families: If your child was hazed, abused, or injured at a fraternity or sorority near Blaine County, we can help. The same legal strategies that won $10 million in Houston will work for Blaine County victims.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights in Blaine County
Hazing is Illegal in Nebraska
Nebraska has strong anti-hazing laws. Under 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 as a condition for continued membership in a student or other organization.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Nebraska law also states:
“It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, consent is not a defense. The fraternity is still liable.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in Blaine County?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity/Sorority | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity property |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
Blaine County families: These same defendants can be held accountable for hazing in Blaine County.
What Compensation Can Blaine County Victims Recover?
| Damage Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, specialists, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from hazing activities |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal college life |
| Punitive Damages | Additional damages to punish outrageous conduct and prevent future hazing |
In our Houston case, we’re seeking $10 million. Blaine County victims can recover similar compensation.
🏛️ Universities and Fraternities Near Blaine County
While Blaine County itself is a small rural county, it is surrounded by educational institutions where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities and sororities that hazed our client in Houston have active chapters at universities near Blaine County.
Universities Near Blaine County with Greek Life:
| University | Location | Distance from Blaine County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, NE | ~250 miles southeast | Strong Greek system with 30+ fraternities and sororities |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | Kearney, NE | ~150 miles southeast | Active Greek organizations |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha, NE | ~300 miles southeast | Greek life with multiple chapters |
| Chadron State College | Chadron, NE | ~70 miles northwest | Smaller Greek system |
| Northeast Community College | Norfolk, NE | ~200 miles east | Some Greek organizations |
Fraternities with Chapters Near Blaine County:
The following fraternities — including Pi Kappa Phi, the same fraternity we’re suing in Houston — have chapters at Nebraska universities:
| Fraternity | Chapters Near Blaine County | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Same national organization as our Houston case — Andrew Coffey died in 2017; Leonel Bermudez hospitalized in 2025 |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple Nebraska campuses | Chemical burns case at Texas A&M; multiple hazing deaths |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Stone Foltz death (2021) — $10M settlement |
| Beta Theta Pi | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Timothy Piazza death (2017) — $110M+ settlement |
| Phi Delta Theta | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Maxwell Gruver death (2017) — $6.1M jury verdict |
| Sigma Chi | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Multiple hazing incidents nationally |
| Kappa Sigma | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Ralph Manginello has specific hazing litigation experience with this fraternity |
Blaine County families: If your child was hazed by any of these fraternities — or any other organization — at a university near Blaine County, we can help.
📋 What Blaine County Families Should Do Immediately
If Your Child Was Hazed in Blaine County:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything medically — this creates evidence
- Hazing can cause hidden injuries (rhabdomyolysis, internal damage, psychological trauma)
-
Preserve All Evidence
- DO NOT delete any communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails)
- Take screenshots of all messages about hazing
- Save photos and videos from hazing activities
- Document witness names and contact information
- Keep clothing or objects used in hazing
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure you to sign documents or give statements
- Do not speak to them without legal counsel
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Do not post about the incident or your health
- Do not engage with Greek life members online
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Nebraska has a statute of limitations — you have limited time to file a claim
- Evidence disappears quickly
- The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case
📞 Blaine County Families: Call Us Now — Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Blaine County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations — no obligation
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- Travel to Blaine County — for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Contingency fee representation — you pay $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
Blaine County families: You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now in Houston. We will fight for you in Blaine County.
🛡️ Why Blaine County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case
- We know how to build these cases
- We know how to hold institutions accountable
- We know how to win
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know exactly how they try to minimize or deny claims
- We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Handle Blaine County Cases Nationwide
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Dual-state bar admission (Texas AND New York)
- Can pursue cases in federal court anywhere in the country
4. Willing to Travel to Blaine County
- We will come to Blaine County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
5. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront for Blaine County Families
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
6. Bilingual Services — Se Habla Español
- Many hazing victims are from Spanish-speaking families
- We provide full legal services in Spanish
- No language barrier to justice
7. Proven Track Record — Millions Recovered for Victims
- Recovered millions for personal injury victims
- Experience with catastrophic injury cases
- Aggressive representation against powerful institutions
8. We Care About Blaine County Families
“We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We will fight hard for Blaine County families because we truly care.” — Ralph Manginello
📢 Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Blaine County
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Blaine County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that are securing $10 million verdicts in Houston apply to your chapters. We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national insurance structures.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Blaine County, know this:
- We have proven these cases can be won
- We will pursue every liable entity — national, local, university, individuals
- We will shut down your chapter if you haze students
- We will hold your officers personally liable
- We will go after your insurance policies
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Nebraska.
Clean up your chapters. Enforce your policies. Protect your members. Because if you don’t, we will.
🏆 Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements — What Blaine County Families Can Expect
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 Million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110 Million+ |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4 Million+ |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Pending | $10 Million |
Blaine County families: These results are possible for your case.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Blaine County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still contact you?
A: Yes. Many hazing victims are afraid of retribution or feel conflicted about suing. We can:
- Explain your legal rights
- Discuss options without pressure
- Help you understand the risks of not acting
- Preserve evidence for potential future action
Many victims change their minds after learning about the legal process and their rights.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still sue?
A: Yes. Nebraska law explicitly says that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity is still liable.
Q: We’re in Blaine County. You’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote case management
- Travel to Blaine County for key meetings
- Federal court jurisdiction for nationwide cases
Distance is not a barrier. We will fight for Blaine County families.
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
This means Blaine County families can afford top-tier legal representation.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Nebraska, you typically have 4 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However:
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget
- The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case
Do not wait. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a university outside Nebraska?
A: We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide. The location of the university does not matter — we can pursue the case in federal court or the state where the incident occurred.
Q: Can we sue the university, not just the fraternity?
A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for:
- Failing to supervise Greek life
- Failing to prevent hazing despite knowledge
- Owning or controlling fraternity property
- Failing to protect students
In our Houston case, we’re suing both the fraternity and the university.
Q: My child was injured but not hospitalized. Is it still worth contacting you?
A: Yes. Many hazing injuries don’t require hospitalization but still cause:
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Physical pain
- Academic disruption
- Emotional distress
These damages are compensable. Contact us for a free evaluation.
Q: What if the hazing happened last year? Is it too late?
A: It depends on when it happened and the specifics of your case. In Nebraska, you typically have 4 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However:
- Some circumstances may shorten or extend this deadline
- Evidence preservation is critical
Contact us immediately. The sooner we evaluate your case, the better.
📞 Blaine County Families: Call Now — Your Child Deserves Justice
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free, confidential consultation. No obligation. $0 upfront.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Blaine County hazing victims.