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Dawson County (Earth/North America/United States/Nebraska/Dawson County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Pike Settlements: $24M | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 17 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims Legal Support in Dawson County, Nebraska

Attorney 911: Fighting for Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Victims in Dawson County

🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Dawson County — What Families Need to Know

Dawson County is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at universities near Dawson County, and the same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements nationwide operate right here in Nebraska.

You’re not alone. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — proving that fraternities engage in torture disguised as “tradition.” The same culture exists at Dawson County-area institutions. If your child was hazed near Dawson County, we will fight for you with the same fury.

⚠️ What Hazing Looks Like in Dawson County

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. It’s systematic abuse that can lead to:

  • Physical injuries: Broken bones, burns, bruises, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
  • Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
  • Hospitalization: Like our client who spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure
  • Death: Since 2000, at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the U.S.

In our current case, hazing activities included:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
  • Extreme physical punishment: 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls
  • Sleep deprivation: Forced to drive members at all hours
  • Psychological torture: Hog-tying pledges for over an hour

This isn’t tradition. It’s torture. And it happens near Dawson County.

📚 Why Dawson County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. 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 — we’re in the courtroom, in the media, and in the fight. Dawson County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to deny liability. We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for Dawson County victims.

3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere

While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Dawson County, through:

  • Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
  • Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
  • Willingness to travel to Dawson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
  • Video consultations for Dawson County families who cannot travel

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

  • BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience against major corporations
  • Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
  • $6.5 million personal judgment against a fraternity president (Stone Foltz case)
  • $10+ million in settlements in our current hazing case

We know how to win against institutions with deep pockets.

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many Dawson County families speak Spanish at home. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:

  • Initial consultations in Spanish
  • Ongoing case communication in Spanish
  • Document translation and explanation
  • Courtroom interpretation coordination

Language should never be a barrier to justice.

6. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront for Dawson County Families

We understand that cost can be a prohibitive factor in hiring a lawyer. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.

How it works:

  • No upfront fees
  • No hourly billing
  • We cover all case expenses during litigation
  • You only pay if we recover compensation for you

We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

⚖️ Legal Rights for Dawson County Hazing Victims

Nebraska Hazing Laws — What You Need to Know

Nebraska has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.06, hazing is defined 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 continued membership in any organization.

This includes:

  • Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
  • Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
  • Any activity that creates a risk of harm

Key Legal Points for Dawson County Families:

  • Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, hazing is illegal.
  • Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, universities, and national organizations can all be sued.
  • Individuals can be held personally liable — Chapter officers and members who participated can be sued individually.
  • Criminal penalties apply — Hazing can result in misdemeanor or felony charges for perpetrators.
  • Civil lawsuits are available — Victims can sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and more.

Who Can Be Sued in Dawson County Hazing Cases?

We pursue every liable party to maximize compensation for Dawson County victims:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing culture
University/College Failed to protect students; may own fraternity/sorority property
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities
Individual Members Participated in hazing; failed to stop abuse
Alumni Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for institutional liability

The more defendants we sue, the more compensation we can recover for Dawson County families.

💰 What Dawson County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. In our current $10 million case, we are pursuing:

Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)

  • Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, rehabilitation)
  • Future medical care (ongoing treatment, potential surgeries)
  • Lost wages (time missed from work or school)
  • Educational disruption (tuition reimbursement, academic setbacks)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

  • Physical pain from injuries (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, broken bones)
  • Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • Emotional distress (humiliation, fear of retribution)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience, social life)

Punitive Damages (Punishing Egregious Conduct)

  • Awarded when defendants acted with gross negligence or intentional harm
  • Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
  • No cap in Nebraska for punitive damages in hazing cases

Precedent Cases Show Dawson County Victims Can Win Big:

  • $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
  • $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
  • $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)

These same results are possible for Dawson County victims.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Dawson County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and psychological trauma may not appear immediately
  • Medical records are critical evidence for your case

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages of healing
  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails)
  • Document everything (dates, times, locations, participants)
  • Get witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders)
  • Do NOT delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing or irrelevant

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

  • Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
  • They may offer settlements that undervalue your claim
  • They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses
  • Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Dawson County hazing emergencies)
  • Email ralph@atty911.com
  • Schedule a free consultation (in-person or video)

The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

🎯 Why Dawson County Families Trust Attorney 911

We Understand the Culture

Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach who understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures young people face. We know how hazing thrives in environments where authority figures look the other way.

We Protect Our Clients

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We take that fear seriously. We protect our clients’ privacy, safety, and legal rights at every step.

We Don’t Back Down

Institutions like universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize claims. We have 25+ years of litigation experience and aren’t intimidated. We will fight for Dawson County families until we get justice.

We Travel to Dawson County

While based in Texas, we serve Dawson County families through:

  • Video consultations for remote meetings
  • Travel to Dawson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
  • Local partnerships with Nebraska legal professionals when needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🚫 Common Mistakes Dawson County Families Make After Hazing

Mistake Why It Hurts Your Case What to Do Instead
Waiting to report Evidence disappears; witnesses forget; statutes of limitations expire Contact us immediately
Talking to the fraternity/university alone They’ll use your words against you; may destroy evidence Let us handle all communication
Posting on social media Defense will use posts to argue you weren’t really hurt Stay off social media until your case is resolved
Deleting messages/photos Destruction of evidence; can lead to spoliation sanctions Preserve everything
Accepting a quick settlement First offers are always lowball; may not cover future medical bills Consult us before accepting anything

📞 Dawson County Families: Contact Us Today

If your child was hazed near Dawson County, you have legal rights. We can help.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)

Email ralph@atty911.com

Schedule a free consultation (in-person or video)

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Dawson County Families

1. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?

Nothing upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning:

  • You pay $0 to hire us
  • We cover all case expenses during litigation
  • You only pay if we win compensation for you
  • Our fee is a percentage of your recovery

2. How long do hazing cases take to resolve?

Every case is different, but most hazing cases take 12-24 months to resolve. Factors that affect timeline:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Number of defendants
  • Whether the case settles or goes to trial

We work as quickly as possible to get Dawson County families the compensation they deserve.

3. Can we sue even if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, a park, or any other location, you can still sue:

  • The fraternity/sorority
  • The national organization
  • The individuals involved
  • The property owner (if applicable)

4. What if my child participated in the hazing activities?

Consent is NOT a defense under Nebraska law. Even if your child participated in some activities, they can still sue if:

  • They were coerced or pressured
  • They didn’t know the true risks
  • The activities went beyond what was described
  • They were under the influence of alcohol/drugs provided by the organization

5. Can we sue if no one was physically injured?

Yes. Hazing causes psychological trauma even without physical injuries. Victims can sue for:

  • PTSD
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

6. What if the fraternity/sorority has already suspended the chapter?

Suspension does not protect them from liability. In fact, it can be used as evidence that they knew the conduct was wrong. We will pursue:

  • The national organization
  • The university
  • Individual members
  • Any other liable parties

7. Can international students or undocumented students sue?

Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to sue. We have experience representing immigrant families and will protect your privacy.

8. What if the hazing happened at a university outside Nebraska?

We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

  • Students from Dawson County attending out-of-state schools
  • Students hazed while visiting other campuses
  • Students hazed at national fraternity/sorority events

9. Can we sue if the hazing happened years ago?

Nebraska has a 4-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, there are exceptions for:

  • Minors (clock may not start until victim turns 18)
  • Delayed discovery of injuries (e.g., PTSD diagnosed years later)

Contact us immediately to discuss your timeline.

10. What if my child is afraid of retribution?

We understand. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We take this seriously and will:

  • Protect your privacy
  • Handle all communication with defendants
  • Take legal action if retaliation occurs

🏆 Our Commitment to Dawson County Families

At Attorney 911, we don’t just see cases — we see people. We understand that behind every hazing incident is a family that trusted an institution to protect their child. When that trust is broken, we step in to fight for justice, accountability, and change.

Our promise to Dawson County families:

  1. We will listen — Your story matters.
  2. We will investigate — We’ll gather the evidence to build a strong case.
  3. We will fight — We won’t back down from powerful institutions.
  4. We will win — We’ll pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation.
  5. We will protect — Your safety and privacy are our top priorities.

If your child was hazed near Dawson County, we are here to help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

📍 Serving Dawson County and Surrounding Areas

While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims throughout Nebraska and nationwide, including:

Nearby Universities with Greek Life:

  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, NE) — 50 miles from Dawson County
  • University of Nebraska at Kearney (Kearney, NE) — 30 miles from Dawson County
  • Hastings College (Hastings, NE) — 40 miles from Dawson County
  • Central Community College (Grand Island, NE) — 60 miles from Dawson County

Greek Organizations Operating Near Dawson County:

  • Pi Kappa Phi (same fraternity as our current $10M case)
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon
  • Sigma Chi
  • Phi Delta Theta
  • Beta Theta Pi
  • Kappa Sigma
  • Delta Tau Delta
  • And many more

If your child was hazed at any of these institutions, we can help.

🚨 Dawson County Families: Act Now

Hazing victims have a limited time to take legal action. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire.

Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.

1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)

ralph@atty911.com

attorney911.com

We don’t get paid unless you get paid. Let’s fight for justice together.

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