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Dakota County (Earth/North America/United States/Nebraska/Dakota County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down by Our $10M Lawsuit | Attorney911 — Federal Court Admitted | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 20 min read
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Hazing Lawyers Serving Dakota County, Nebraska – Attorney 911

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, or any student organization in Dakota County, Nebraska, you’re not alone. Hazing happens at colleges and universities across the country—including those near Dakota County—and the consequences can be devastating.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of a student hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. This isn’t just happening in Texas—the same fraternities, the same culture, and the same negligence exist at institutions near Dakota County.

We serve hazing victims nationwide—including Dakota County families. If your child was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized by hazing, we will fight for you.

Why Dakota County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – And Winning

We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—the same fraternity that operates near Dakota County. Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure after being subjected to:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles as punishment
  • Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
  • Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing—yet they continued

If this can happen in Houston, it can happen in Dakota County. The same fraternities, the same culture, and the same negligence exist at universities near Dakota County. We know how to hold them accountable.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—started their careers defending insurance companies. We know exactly how they:

  • Try to minimize claims
  • Delay settlements
  • Shift blame onto victims
  • Destroy evidence

Now, we use that insider knowledge against them. We know their tactics—and we counter them with aggressive, data-driven litigation.

3. We Serve Dakota County Families – No Matter Where Hazing Happened

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide—including Dakota County, Nebraska. We can help you whether the hazing occurred at:

  • Nebraska colleges near Dakota County (Wayne State College, Northeast Community College, etc.)
  • Out-of-state universities where Dakota County students attend
  • Military academies, sports teams, or other organizations

How We Serve Dakota County Families:
Free remote consultations – Meet with us via video call
Travel to Dakota County – For depositions, client meetings, and trials
Federal court authority – We can sue national fraternities in federal court
Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York (critical for national fraternity cases)
Contingency fee representation$0 upfront. We only get paid if we win.

4. We’ve Won Millions for Hazing Victims – Dakota County Families Get the Same Fight

We’ve studied every major hazing verdict and settlement in the U.S., including:

  • $10.1 million (Bowling Green State / Pi Kappa Alpha)
  • $6.1 million jury verdict (LSU / Phi Delta Theta)
  • $110+ million (Penn State / Beta Theta Pi)
  • $4+ million (VCU / Delta Chi)

Our $10 million demand in the Pi Kappa Phi case is backed by precedent. If your child was hazed in Dakota County, we’ll fight for the same justice.

5. We Don’t Just Sue Individuals – We Go After the Institutions That Enable Hazing

Hazing isn’t just the fault of a few bad actors—universities and national fraternities enable it. In our current case, we’re suing:

  • Pi Kappa Phi National (for failing to stop hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”)
  • University of Houston (for owning the fraternity house where hazing occurred)
  • Individual fraternity members (for direct participation)

The same liability applies to Dakota County institutions. If your child was hazed, we’ll pursue:
The local fraternity/sorority chapter
The national organization (they have deep pockets)
The university (if they knew or should have known)
Individual perpetrators (personal liability)

6. We Protect Dakota County Victims from Retaliation

Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward due to:

  • Threats from fraternity/sorority members
  • Fear of social ostracization
  • Pressure to “stay quiet”

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was too afraid to speak publicly due to retribution. We understand the fear—and we protect our clients at every step.

7. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims are international students or from immigrant families. We provide bilingual legal services so language barriers don’t prevent justice.

What Counts as Hazing in Dakota County, Nebraska?

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Nebraska law, hazing includes any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in an organization.

Common Hazing Activities in Dakota County (and Across Nebraska)

Physical Abuse Forced Consumption Psychological Torture Sleep Deprivation Sexual Humiliation
Beatings with paddles Forced alcohol consumption Waterboarding (simulated drowning) All-night workouts Forced nudity
Extreme exercise (500+ squats, 100+ pushups) Forced eating until vomiting Threats of expulsion Late-night driving for members Carrying sexual objects
Branding/burning Chugging games Public humiliation Early-morning activities Sexualized tasks
Confinement in small spaces Drinking games (“Bible Study,” “Big Brother Night”) Verbal abuse Forced wake-ups Inappropriate touching
Exposure to extreme heat/cold Consuming non-food items (peppercorns, milk) Isolation Sleep deprivation Sexual assault

If your child experienced any of these, they were hazed—and they have legal rights.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Dakota County

✅ Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can cause kidney failure—like our client.
  • Alcohol poisoning can be fatal.
  • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) requires documentation.

✅ Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:

  • Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
  • Photos/videos of injuries or hazing activities
  • Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
  • Witness names and contact information
  • Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
  • Social media posts (even if they seem unrelated)

✅ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer

  • They will try to control the narrative.
  • They will pressure your child to “move on.”
  • They will destroy evidence if they can.
  • Anything your child says can be used against them.

✅ Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

  • Free, confidential consultation – We’ll evaluate your case.
  • No upfront costs – We work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win).
  • We handle everything – From evidence preservation to negotiations to trial.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Dakota County?

Hazing cases aren’t just about suing a few college students—they’re about holding the institutions that enable abuse accountable. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Fraternity/Sorority Organization Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing risks
University Owned the fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing
Chapter Advisors/Alumni Hosted hazing events; premises liability
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for institutional liability

If your child was hazed in Dakota County, we’ll identify every liable party and pursue them aggressively.

What Can Dakota County Families Recover?

Hazing victims can recover compensation for:

Economic Damages Non-Economic Damages Punitive Damages
Medical bills (hospital stays, therapy, medications) Physical pain and suffering Punishment for egregious conduct
Future medical expenses (dialysis, kidney transplant) Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression) Deterrence to prevent future hazing
Lost wages (missed work, internships) Loss of enjoyment of life
Tuition reimbursement (if forced to drop out) Disfigurement/scarring
Therapy/counseling costs Loss of reputation

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re seeking $10 million—backed by precedent from other hazing verdicts.

Nebraska Hazing Laws – What Dakota County Families Need to Know

Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06 – Hazing Prohibited

Under Nebraska law, hazing is a Class II misdemeanor, punishable by:

  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • Fines up to $1,000

Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.

Who Can Be Charged?

  • Individuals who participate in hazing
  • Organizations that condone hazing
  • University officials who fail to report hazing

Civil Liability in Nebraska

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for damages under:

  • Negligence (failure to protect students)
  • Assault & battery (physical abuse)
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress (psychological torture)
  • Premises liability (if hazing occurred on university property)

Our attorneys are licensed in multiple states and can pursue your Dakota County case in federal court if needed.

Universities Near Dakota County Where Hazing Occurs

While we don’t have specific reports of hazing incidents at these schools, hazing is a nationwide problem—and the same fraternities and sororities that operate in Texas have chapters at Nebraska institutions.

Colleges & Universities Near Dakota County, Nebraska

Institution Location Greek Life Presence
Wayne State College Wayne, NE Active fraternities & sororities
Northeast Community College Norfolk, NE Limited Greek life
University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NE Major Greek system
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE Large Greek community
Creighton University Omaha, NE Active Greek life
Midland University Fremont, NE Greek organizations present

If your child was hazed at any of these schools—or any school near Dakota County—we can help.

Fraternities & Sororities Near Dakota County with Hazing Histories

The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate chapters near Dakota County. These organizations have paid millions in settlements—and they will pay again if they haze Dakota County students.

Fraternities with Documented Hazing Histories

Fraternity Notable Hazing Cases Universities Near Dakota County with Chapters
Pi Kappa Phi $10M lawsuit (UH, 2025); Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017) University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021); $10.1M settlement University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical burns (Texas A&M, 2021); $1M+ settlement University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Phi Delta Theta Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017); $6.1M verdict University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza death (Penn State, 2017); $110M+ settlement University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Sigma Chi UT Austin TBI case (2023); pending lawsuit University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kappa Sigma Tucker Hipps death (Clemson, 2014); $500K+ settlement University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Sororities with Hazing Concerns

While hazing deaths are more common in fraternities, sororities also engage in hazing, including:

  • Forced alcohol consumption
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Psychological abuse
  • Exclusionary rituals

If your daughter was hazed in a sorority near Dakota County, we can pursue her case.

What Happens If You Wait? The Risks of Delaying Legal Action

1. Evidence Disappears

  • Text messages get deleted
  • Social media posts vanish
  • Witnesses forget details
  • Universities destroy records

2. Statute of Limitations Expires

  • Nebraska personal injury claims: 4 years (but don’t wait—evidence fades)
  • Wrongful death claims: 2 years
  • If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

3. The Fraternity/Sorority Covers It Up

  • They’ll coordinate their story
  • They’ll pressure witnesses to stay silent
  • They’ll destroy evidence

4. The University Protects Itself

  • They’ll claim they didn’t know
  • They’ll shift blame onto your child
  • They’ll offer a lowball settlement to make the case go away

Don’t let them get away with it. Call Attorney 911 today.

Frequently Asked Questions for Dakota County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they “consented.” 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 fraternity/sorority says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse. Courts have repeatedly ruled that hazing—even if it’s been happening for years—is illegal and can result in criminal charges and civil lawsuits.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How do you protect them?

A: We take retaliation threats seriously. We:

  • File protective orders if necessary
  • Handle all communications with the fraternity, sorority, and university
  • Protect your child’s identity in legal filings
  • Pursue additional claims if retaliation occurs

Q: We’re in Dakota County, but the hazing happened out of state. Can you still help?

A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

  • Dakota County students hazed at out-of-state universities
  • Out-of-state students hazed at Nebraska schools
  • Military academies, sports teams, and other organizations

We have federal court authority and can sue national fraternities no matter where the hazing occurred.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

  • You pay nothing to hire us
  • We only get paid if we win your case
  • Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict

This levels the playing field—you get the same aggressive representation as the fraternities and universities have.

Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?

A: Psychological trauma is just as real. Many hazing victims suffer:

  • PTSD
  • Anxiety & depression
  • Academic decline
  • Social withdrawal

We pursue compensation for emotional distress, therapy costs, and lost opportunities.

Q: The university says they’re “investigating.” Should we wait?

A: NO. University investigations are not on your side. Their goal is to:

  • Protect the institution
  • Minimize liability
  • Shift blame onto your child

Call us immediately so we can conduct our own investigation before evidence disappears.

Dakota County Hazing Victims: It’s Time to Fight Back

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.

If your child was hazed in Dakota County—or anywhere in Nebraska—you have legal rights. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters near Dakota County. The same universities that failed to protect students in Texas fail students in Nebraska too.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. And we are fighting for Dakota County families.

Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

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

We don’t get paid unless we win. Dakota County families pay $0 upfront.

What Happens Next? Our Process for Dakota County Hazing Cases

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

  • We listen to your story
  • We review medical records, texts, photos, and other evidence
  • We explain your legal rights and options

Step 2: Evidence Preservation

  • We send preservation letters to the fraternity, sorority, and university
  • We demand they save all communications, photos, and videos
  • We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted evidence

Step 3: Investigation

  • We interview witnesses
  • We obtain fraternity/sorority records
  • We gather medical and academic documentation
  • We identify all liable parties (individuals, organizations, universities)

Step 4: Demand Letter

  • We send a formal demand to the defendants
  • We outline their liability and our damages claim
  • We give them a chance to settle before filing a lawsuit

Step 5: Negotiation or Litigation

  • If they offer a fair settlement, we negotiate on your behalf
  • If they refuse to take responsibility, we file a lawsuit
  • We prepare for trial—and we’re not afraid to go to court

Step 6: Justice for Your Child

  • We fight for maximum compensation
  • We hold every liable party accountable
  • We work to prevent this from happening to another Dakota County family

Dakota County Parents: You Are Not Powerless

When our client was rushed to the hospital with kidney failure, his mother became a witness to institutional failure. When fraternities and universities prioritize reputation over safety, families pay the price.

But you don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept their excuses. And you don’t have to fight them alone.

We are Attorney 911. We are the hazing lawyers for Dakota County families. And we will fight for your child.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now – Before It’s Too Late.

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