24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Cherry County

Cherry County (Earth/North America/United States/Nebraska/Cherry County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 25 min read
cherry-county-featured-image.png

Here is the complete, publication-ready, location-optimized content for Cherry County, Nebraska families facing hazing incidents. This content is comprehensive, culturally relevant, and optimized for local search while maintaining factual accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Hazing Lawyers in Cherry County, Nebraska – Attorney 911 Fights for Your Child

Fraternity & Sorority Hazing in Cherry County: We Hold Abusers Accountable

If your child was hazed in Cherry County, Nebraska – at a university, fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization – you have legal rights. And you are not alone.

Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme abuse. This same fraternity, and others like it, operate at universities near Cherry County. The same negligence exists at institutions in and around Nebraska.

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

📞 Call our Hazing Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Free Consultation: attorney911.com/hazing

Why Cherry County Families Trust Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now – And Winning

We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was:

  • Waterboarded (simulated drowning with a garden hose)
  • Forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure

This isn’t just a case for us. It’s a mission. And we bring the same aggressive representation to Cherry County families.

2. We Know How to Sue Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities

Hazing cases are complex. Universities and national Greek organizations have teams of lawyers working to minimize claims. You need attorneys who know their playbook – because we used to be on their side.

  • Ralph Manginello – Former insurance defense attorney; knows how insurers try to deny claims
  • Lupe Peña – Former national defense firm attorney (Litchfield Cavo); understands corporate liability
  • Dual-State Licensed – Texas AND New York; can pursue national organizations anywhere
  • Federal Court Authority – Admitted to U.S. District Court; can sue in federal jurisdiction

3. We Serve Cherry County, Nebraska – No Matter Where the Hazing Happened

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Cherry County. We offer:
Free remote consultations (video calls)
Travel to Cherry County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Contingency fee representation$0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
Bilingual support – Se habla español

If your child was hazed at a university near Cherry County, we can help.

4. We’ve Won Millions for Hazing Victims and Their Families

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in recent years:

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1M+
Maxwell Gruver LSU Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1M
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110M+
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (major)
Adam Oakes VCU Delta Chi Settlement $4M+

Your Cherry County family deserves the same justice.

5. We Understand the Cherry County Community

Cherry County is a place of strong family values, hard work, and community pride. When a child leaves for college, parents trust that universities will keep them safe. That trust is being betrayed.

We understand:

  • The rural Nebraska values that shape Cherry County families
  • The pressure students feel to fit in at college
  • The devastation when a child is abused in the name of “tradition”
  • The fear of speaking out against powerful institutions

We see your child as a person – not a paycheck. And we will fight for them like family.

Hazing in Cherry County, Nebraska: What Parents Need to Know

Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen at Big Universities – It Happens Near Cherry County Too

Many Cherry County families send their children to colleges and universities across Nebraska and the region, including:

  • Chadron State College (Chadron, NE – 1 hour from Cherry County)
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, NE)
  • University of Nebraska at Kearney (Kearney, NE)
  • University of Nebraska at Omaha (Omaha, NE)
  • South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD – near Nebraska border)
  • University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY – near Nebraska border)

These schools have active Greek life organizations – including fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories.

The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate Near Cherry County

Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity we’re suing in the $10 million case, has 150+ chapters nationwide, including in the region. Other high-risk fraternities with chapters near Cherry County include:

  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
  • Sigma Chi
  • Kappa Sigma
  • Beta Theta Pi
  • Phi Delta Theta

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Cherry County, they could be at risk.

Hazing Isn’t Just “Boys Being Boys” – It’s Abuse

Hazing often starts with “harmless” activities but quickly escalates. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi pledges were:
Waterboarded (simulated drowning)
Forced to do 500 squats until collapsing
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to eat until vomiting
Sleep-deprived (driving members at all hours)
Humiliated (carrying sexual objects, stripping in cold weather)

This is not tradition. It’s torture.

Cherry County Parents: Watch for These Warning Signs

Hazing is often hidden, but these red flags may indicate your child is being abused:

  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
  • Sudden weight loss or exhaustion
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Secretive behavior about Greek life activities
  • Decline in academic performance
  • Signs of anxiety, depression, or PTSD
  • Fear of speaking about their experiences
  • Mysterious late-night or early-morning activities
  • Talk of “traditions” that sound extreme or dangerous

If you notice these signs, act immediately. Evidence disappears quickly.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Cherry County, Nebraska

Step 1: Ensure Their Safety

  • Remove them from the situation immediately. If they’re in danger, call 911.
  • Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear immediately.
  • Document everything. Take photos of injuries, save text messages, and preserve any evidence.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. Do not delete anything.
Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs – Screenshot everything.
Photos/videos – Save all images, even if they seem harmless.
Social media posts – Hazing is often bragged about online.
Witness information – Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses.
Medical records – Request copies of all hospital/doctor visits.
Fraternity/sorority documents – Pledge manuals, calendars, or rules.

Do NOT:
❌ Talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel.
❌ Post about the incident on social media.
❌ Sign any documents from the organization.
❌ Confront the perpetrators directly.

Step 3: Report the Hazing

  • File a police report in Cherry County or the jurisdiction where the hazing occurred.
  • Report to the university’s Title IX office (if applicable).
  • Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization.
  • Report to the Nebraska Department of Education (if at a state school).

We can guide you through this process.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Hazing cases have strict deadlines (typically 2 years in Nebraska). The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

📞 Call our Hazing Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

We offer:
Free, confidential case evaluation
$0 upfront – we work on contingency
Immediate evidence preservation
Aggressive representation against powerful institutions

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Cherry County?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, all of whom can be held accountable:

1. The Fraternity or Sorority (Local Chapter)

  • Directly organized and conducted the hazing.
  • Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be sued individually.
  • Members who participated can be held personally liable.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

  • Failed to supervise the local chapter.
  • Knew about prior hazing incidents but did nothing.
  • Have deep pockets and insurance policies.

Example: Pi Kappa Phi National is a defendant in our $10 million case because they knew about a “hazing crisis” and failed to stop it.

3. The University or College

  • Failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents.
  • Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred.
  • Had a duty to protect students.

Example: The University of Houston owns the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was hazed. They are a defendant in our lawsuit.

4. Individual Perpetrators

  • Chapter officers, members, and alumni who participated.
  • Can be sued personally for assault, battery, and emotional distress.

Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million.

5. Housing Corporations and Property Owners

  • If hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowner can be liable.
  • In our case, a former member and his spouse are defendants for allowing hazing at their home.

What Damages Can Cherry County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families can recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills (hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future treatment)
Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
Future earning capacity (if injuries cause long-term limitations)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

Physical pain from injuries (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, broken bones)
Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Humiliation and shame from hazing activities
Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
Disfigurement (scars from burns, branding, or injuries)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing involved torture, extreme cruelty, or reckless disregard for safety, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct.

Example: In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the waterboarding, 500 squats, and wooden paddles support punitive damages.

Nebraska Hazing Laws: What Cherry County Families Need to Know

Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.08 – Hazing

Nebraska law 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 as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.”

Key Points:

  • Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it doesn’t matter.
  • Hazing is a crime. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity.
  • Organizations can be penalized. Fraternities, sororities, and universities can face fines or loss of recognition.

Nebraska’s Statute of Limitations

  • Personal injury claims: 4 years from the date of injury.
  • Wrongful death claims: 2 years from the date of death.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

Common Hazing Defenses – And How We Defeat Them

Defense 1: “It Was Just Tradition”

Our Response:

  • Tradition does not justify abuse. Would you accept “tradition” as an excuse for bullying, assault, or torture?
  • Universities and fraternities have policies against hazing. If they allow it, they’re breaking their own rules.
  • Courts have repeatedly rejected this defense. Hazing is illegal in Nebraska, regardless of “tradition.”

Defense 2: “The Victim Consented”

Our Response:

  • Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.08)
  • Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent. Would your child really “choose” to be waterboarded or do 500 squats?
  • Power dynamics matter. Fraternity/sorority members hold power over pledges. This creates an environment of duress.

Defense 3: “We Didn’t Know”

Our Response:

  • Universities and national organizations have a duty to supervise.
  • If they had prior hazing incidents and did nothing, they’re liable.
  • In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the national organization admitted knowing about a “hazing crisis.”

Defense 4: “It Wasn’t That Bad”

Our Response:

  • Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and hospitalization are “that bad.”
  • Psychological trauma can last a lifetime.
  • Juries decide what’s “bad enough.” And they’ve awarded millions for hazing.

Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen in Fraternities – It Happens Everywhere

While fraternities and sororities are the most common perpetrators, hazing occurs in many student organizations near Cherry County, including:

  • Sports teams (football, basketball, wrestling, etc.)
  • Marching bands
  • ROTC programs
  • Honor societies
  • Club sports
  • Academic clubs
  • Military academies

If your child was hazed in any organization, we can help.

Cherry County Families: You Have Options

Option 1: Civil Lawsuit (What We Do)

  • Hold all responsible parties accountable (fraternity, university, individuals).
  • Recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
  • Force institutions to change their policies.

Option 2: Criminal Charges

  • Hazing is a crime in Nebraska.
  • We can coordinate with local prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against perpetrators.
  • Criminal convictions strengthen civil cases.

Option 3: Title IX Complaint

  • If the hazing was gender-based (e.g., sorority hazing), it may violate Title IX.
  • We can file a Title IX complaint with the university and the U.S. Department of Education.

Option 4: Media and Public Pressure

  • Hazing thrives in secrecy. We can help expose the truth through media coverage.
  • Public pressure forces institutions to act.

We will pursue every available option to get justice for your family.

Why Cherry County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Not Afraid of Big Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers, PR firms, and insurance adjusters working to minimize claims. We know their playbook because we used to be on their side.

  • Ralph Manginello – Former insurance defense attorney; knows how insurers try to deny claims.
  • Lupe Peña – Former national defense firm attorney (Litchfield Cavo); understands corporate liability.

We don’t back down. We fight to win.

2. We Travel to Cherry County

While we’re based in Texas, we serve clients nationwide, including Cherry County. We offer:
Free remote consultations (video calls)
Travel to Cherry County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Local court filings in Nebraska when needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

3. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront

We understand that legal fees can be a barrier, especially for families dealing with medical bills and emotional trauma. That’s why we work on contingency:

  • $0 upfront costs.
  • We only get paid if you win.
  • Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict – never out of pocket.

4. We Speak Your Language

  • Se habla español. Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide bilingual legal support to ensure you understand your rights.
  • We understand rural Nebraska values. Cherry County families deserve respect, honesty, and aggressive representation.

5. We Have a Proven Track Record

  • $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and UH.
  • Millions recovered for personal injury and wrongful death victims.
  • 4.9-star Google rating (250+ reviews) for client satisfaction.
  • Media coverage from ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media.

Cherry County Hazing Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My child was hazed at a university near Cherry County. Can you help?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Nebraska. We offer free remote consultations and travel to Cherry County for your case.

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

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if you win. Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict.

Q: What if my child signed a waiver or agreed to participate?

A: Consent is not a defense under Nebraska law. Even if your child “agreed” to hazing, the fraternity, sorority, or university can still be held liable.

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

A: 4 years for personal injury claims. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s best to act immediately.

Q: Can I sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to supervise Greek life or ignored prior hazing incidents, they can be held liable.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. We can take legal action against anyone who retaliates. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, our client was fearful of speaking out due to retribution – but we’re fighting for him anyway.

Q: What damages can I recover in a hazing lawsuit?

A: You can recover:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Punitive damages (if the conduct was egregious)

Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury?

A: Psychological trauma is enough. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are compensable injuries. In some cases, the emotional harm can be worse than physical injuries.

Q: Can I sue if my child died from hazing?

A: Yes. We handle wrongful death claims for families who have lost children to hazing. These cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: It depends 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 quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Cherry County Families: We’re Here to Help

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s abuse.

If your child was hazed at a university near Cherry County, Nebraska, you have legal rights. And you don’t have to fight alone.

Attorney 911 is here to help.

📞 Call our Hazing Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Free Consultation: attorney911.com/hazing

We serve Cherry County, Nebraska – and hazing victims nationwide.

About Attorney 911 – Your Cherry County Hazing Lawyers

Our Firm

Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™ is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Cherry County, Nebraska.

Our Attorneys

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

  • 25+ years of litigation experience
  • Former insurance defense attorney – knows how insurers try to deny claims
  • Federal court admission – can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Dual-state licensed – Texas AND New York
  • Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney

  • 12+ years of litigation experience
  • Former national defense firm attorney (Litchfield Cavo) – understands corporate liability
  • Federal court admission
  • Fluent in Spanish – provides bilingual legal support
  • Wrongful death and catastrophic injury expertise

Our Approach

We treat every client like family. We know what’s at stake when a child is hazed – because we’re fighting this battle right now.

Our approach:
Immediate response – We act fast to preserve evidence.
Aggressive representation – We don’t back down from powerful institutions.
Compassionate support – We understand the emotional toll of hazing.
Proven results – Millions recovered for personal injury victims.

Our Offices

Headquarters (Serving Cherry County, Nebraska):
1177 W Loop S, Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
📞 1-888-ATTY-911

We travel to Cherry County for your case.

Why Cherry County Families Choose Us

  1. We’re fighting hazing right now – $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi.
  2. We know how to sue fraternities, sororities, and universities.
  3. We serve Cherry County, Nebraska – no matter where the hazing happened.
  4. We work on contingency – $0 upfront.
  5. We understand the Cherry County community and its values.

Cherry County Hazing Resources

Report Hazing

Support for Victims

  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Hazing Education

Final Message to Cherry County Families

Your child trusted these people.

They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that these institutions would keep them safe.

That trust was betrayed.

We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the anger. We understand the fear of speaking out against powerful institutions.

But you are not powerless.

Attorney 911 is here to fight for you. We’re here to hold the abusers accountable. We’re here to get justice for your child.

Call us today. The consultation is free. The fight is worth it.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing

We serve Cherry County, Nebraska – and hazing victims nationwide.

© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
All rights reserved.
Cherry County, Nebraska hazing lawyers serving families across Nebraska and the nation.

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911