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

February 23, 2026 24 min read
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πŸ›‘οΈ Attorney 911: Dixon County’s Trusted Hazing Litigation Experts

Protecting Students, Empowering Families, Demanding Accountability

🚨 HAZING HAPPENS IN DIXON COUNTY TOO β€” AND WE’RE HERE TO FIGHT FOR YOU

Dixon County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to provide positive experiences. But too often, that trust is betrayed by dangerous hazing rituals that leave students injured, traumatized β€” or worse.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from forced waterboarding, extreme exercise, and physical abuse. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Dixon County families.

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Dixon County β€” you are not alone. You have legal rights. And we can help.

πŸ“ž DIXON COUNTY HAZING VICTIMS: CALL NOW FOR FREE CONSULTATION

24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We serve Dixon County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont β€” and we travel to Dixon County for your case.

🏒 WHO WE ARE: DIXON COUNTY’S HAZING LITIGATION EXPERTS

Legal Emergency Lawyersβ„’ β€” Now Serving Dixon County

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re headquartered in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Dixon County families.

Our hazing litigation team:

  • Ralph Manginello β€” 25+ years of litigation experience, former insurance defense attorney, currently fighting $10M hazing lawsuit
  • Lupe Pena β€” Former national insurance defense attorney with 12+ years of litigation experience
  • Bilingual staff β€” Fluent Spanish available for Dixon County families

WHY DIXON COUNTY FAMILIES CHOOSE ATTORNEY 911

Advantage Why It Matters for Dixon County Families
25+ Years Courtroom Experience Proven track record fighting for victims β€” available for Dixon County cases
Former Insurance Defense Insight We know how insurance companies think β€” we use that knowledge against Dixon County defendants
Federal Court Admission Can pursue Dixon County hazing cases in federal court when appropriate
Dual-State Bar Licenses Texas AND New York β€” strategic advantage for cases against national organizations
Nationwide Hazing Expertise Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case β€” same strategies available for Dixon County victims
Se Habla EspaΓ±ol Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Dixon County families
Contingency Fee Representation $0 upfront β€” we don’t get paid unless you get paid
Willingness to Travel We come to Dixon County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

🚨 THE HAZING CRISIS IN DIXON COUNTY: IT’S HAPPENING HERE

Dixon County Families Need to Know the Truth

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in other states. It happens right here in Dixon County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements operate at Dixon County institutions. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Dixon County schools.

Dixon County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority, they face the same risks.

What Hazing Looks Like in Dixon County

Based on our current case and nationwide patterns, hazing in Dixon County may include:

Category Dixon County Hazing Examples
Physical Abuse Beatings, paddling, branding, extreme exercise to exhaustion
Forced Consumption Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting
Waterboarding Simulated drowning with hoses or other methods
Sleep Deprivation Forced late-night activities, early morning demands
Psychological Torture Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats of expulsion
Sexual Humiliation Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexualized rituals
Servitude Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands
Extreme Exposure Forced activities in extreme heat or cold without proper clothing

Medical consequences in Dixon County:

  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) leading to kidney failure
  • Traumatic brain injury from beatings or falls
  • Hypothermia or heat stroke
  • Broken bones and internal injuries
  • PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological trauma
  • Death

⚠️ OUR LANDMARK CASE: WHY IT MATTERS TO DIXON COUNTY

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi β€” The $10 Million Fight

This case is happening NOW. This is what hazing looks like. This could happen to your Dixon County child.

What happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic hazing that included:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups as punishment
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
  • Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting
  • Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
  • Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
  • A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during forced workout
  • Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion if he didn’t comply

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event with extreme exercise. He became so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

The defendants:

  • Pi Kappa Phi National Organization
  • Beta Nu Chapter at UH
  • University of Houston (owned the fraternity house)
  • Individual fraternity members and officers
  • Former members and their spouses (hazing occurred at their home)

The outcome so far:

  • $10 million lawsuit filed November 21, 2025
  • Chapter permanently closed by national organization
  • Criminal investigation ongoing (UH spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges”)
  • Media coverage from ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media

WHY THIS CASE MATTERS TO DIXON COUNTY

  1. THE SAME FRATERNITIES OPERATE IN DIXON COUNTY

    • Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and other national organizations have chapters at universities near Dixon County
    • The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen in Dixon County
  2. DIXON COUNTY UNIVERSITIES FACE THE SAME LIABILITY

    • If a Dixon County university owns or controls fraternity property, they can be held liable
    • If they fail to supervise Greek life, they can be held liable
    • If they knew or should have known about hazing, they can be held liable
  3. THE SAME LEGAL STRATEGIES APPLY TO DIXON COUNTY

    • We’re currently using these strategies in our $10 million case
    • They work in Texas courts
    • They work in federal courts
    • They will work for Dixon County families
  4. WE KNOW HOW TO WIN

    • We’re not just talking about hazing litigation β€” we’re actively doing it
    • We understand the culture, the evidence, the legal strategies
    • We know how to hold institutions accountable
  5. DIXON COUNTY FAMILIES DESERVE THE SAME AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION

    • Your child deserves justice
    • Your family deserves compensation
    • Dixon County deserves accountability

βš–οΈ DIXON COUNTY HAZING VICTIMS’ LEGAL RIGHTS

What Dixon County Families Need to Know

Hazing is illegal in Nebraska. Under Nebraska law, hazing includes any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.

Consent is not a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

Multiple parties can be held liable:

  • The local chapter that organized the hazing
  • The national organization that failed to supervise
  • The university that failed to protect students
  • Individual members who participated
  • Property owners where hazing occurred

You have the right to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Punitive damages (in cases of egregious conduct)

The statute of limitations:

  • In Nebraska, you generally have 4 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
  • Do not wait β€” evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire

πŸ’° WHAT DIXON COUNTY HAZING CASES ARE WORTH

Multi-Million Dollar Precedents Show Dixon County Families Can Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts when victims have strong legal representation. These are real cases with real outcomes:

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+ (est.)
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (major)
Tucker Hipps Clemson Sigma Phi Epsilon Settlement $500,000+

Our current case: We’re seeking $10 million for Leonel Bermudez’s injuries. This amount is supported by precedent and reflects the severity of his medical condition and the egregious nature of the hazing.

Dixon County families: These same outcomes are possible for your case. The same legal strategies apply. The same institutions are liable.

πŸ“‹ WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DIXON COUNTY CHILD HAS BEEN HAZED

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Dixon County Families

1. Ensure your child’s immediate safety

  • Remove them from the dangerous situation
  • Seek medical attention immediately β€” even if injuries seem minor

2. Document everything

  • Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
  • Preserve all communications (texts, emails, social media, GroupMe)
  • Document witness names and contact information
  • Save any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

3. Do NOT talk to the organization without legal counsel

  • The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
  • They will try to get your child to sign documents
  • They will try to minimize the incident
  • Nothing they say is in your child’s best interest

4. Do NOT post on social media about the incident

  • Anything you post can be used against you
  • Do not delete old posts (that’s destruction of evidence)
  • Stay quiet until you consult with an attorney

5. Contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately

  • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
  • We offer free consultations for Dixon County families
  • We work on contingency β€” $0 upfront cost
  • We can evaluate your case and explain your options

6. Report to authorities (with legal guidance)

  • Consider filing a police report
  • Consider reporting to university Title IX office
  • Consult with us first β€” we can guide you through this process

7. Follow medical advice

  • Attend all follow-up appointments
  • Document all symptoms and treatments
  • Follow your doctor’s recommendations

🎯 WHO WE SUE FOR DIXON COUNTY HAZING VICTIMS

Holding Every Responsible Party Accountable

When we represent Dixon County hazing victims, we pursue every liable party:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Failed to supervise chapter; knew or should have known about hazing culture
University/College Failed to protect students; owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
Individual Members Participated in hazing; failed to stop abuse
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities
Property Owners Allowed hazing to occur on their property
Alumni Hosted hazing events; facilitated abuse
Insurance Companies Coverage for institutional liability

Our approach for Dixon County cases:

  • Identify every liable party
  • Pursue every available insurance policy
  • Build a case that maximizes recovery
  • Send a message that hazing won’t be tolerated in Dixon County

πŸ” HOW WE BUILD DIXON COUNTY HAZING CASES

Our Proven Process for Dixon County Families

1. Immediate Case Evaluation

  • Free consultation for Dixon County families
  • Evaluate case strength and potential value
  • Explain legal options and next steps

2. Evidence Preservation

  • Send preservation letters to all defendants
  • Demand preservation of all communications and evidence
  • Obtain medical records and documentation
  • Interview witnesses

3. Comprehensive Investigation

  • Document the hazing timeline
  • Identify all participants and responsible parties
  • Gather pattern evidence from other incidents
  • Research institutional knowledge

4. Expert Consultation

  • Medical experts to document injuries
  • Greek life culture experts
  • Economic experts to calculate damages
  • Life care planners for long-term needs

5. Strategic Negotiation

  • Present demand package to defendants
  • Negotiate from position of strength
  • Push for policy limits when appropriate

6. Aggressive Litigation (if needed)

  • File lawsuit in appropriate jurisdiction
  • Conduct discovery to uncover all evidence
  • Depose defendants and witnesses
  • Prepare for trial if settlement isn’t fair

7. Trial or Settlement

  • Present case to jury if necessary
  • Secure maximum compensation
  • Ensure accountability and institutional change

πŸ† WHY CHOOSE ATTORNEY 911 FOR YOUR DIXON COUNTY HAZING CASE

The Attorney 911 Difference

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

  • We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
  • We know the strategies that work
  • We know the defenses defendants will use
  • We know how to counter them

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

  • Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies
  • We know how they think
  • We know how they try to minimize claims
  • We use that knowledge against them

3. Nationwide Reach with Local Commitment

  • We serve Dixon County families from our Texas offices
  • We travel to Dixon County for your case
  • We understand the unique challenges of out-of-state representation
  • We make the legal process convenient for Dixon County families

4. Contingency Fee Representation

  • $0 upfront cost for Dixon County families
  • We don’t get paid unless you get paid
  • No financial risk to pursue justice
  • Aligns our interests with yours

5. Bilingual Services

  • Fluent Spanish available
  • No language barriers to justice
  • Cultural understanding for Dixon County Hispanic families

6. Compassionate, Client-Focused Approach

  • We treat Dixon County families like family
  • We understand the trauma of hazing
  • We provide emotional support throughout the process
  • We fight aggressively while supporting you personally

7. Proven Track Record

  • 25+ years of litigation experience
  • Millions recovered for personal injury victims
  • Former insurance defense insight
  • Federal court admission
  • Dual-state bar licenses

πŸ“ž DIXON COUNTY HAZING VICTIMS: CALL NOW

Free Consultation β€” No Obligation β€” Available 24/7

If your child has been hazed in Dixon County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We serve Dixon County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont β€” and we travel to Dixon County for your case.

πŸ“… DIXON COUNTY HAZING RESOURCES

Organizations That Can Help

Organization Contact Services
StopHazing stophazing.org Research, education, prevention resources
HazingPrevention.Org hazingprevention.org Education, training, prevention
Clery Center clerycenter.org Campus safety resources
RAINN rainn.org Support for sexual assault victims
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 Crisis support for emotional trauma

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DIXON COUNTY HAZING CASES

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: We understand the fear of retaliation and social consequences. However, hazing often continues if not reported, putting other students at risk. We can help you explore options confidentially and protect your child’s identity during the legal process. Many victims find that taking action helps them regain control and prevents future incidents.

Q: Can we sue even if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Hazing is illegal regardless of where it occurs. If the hazing was organized by a student organization or involved university-affiliated individuals, the university and national organization may still be liable. We’ll evaluate the specific circumstances of your Dixon County case.

Q: What if my child participated in some of the activities? Will that hurt our case?

A: No. Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still responsible for the harm caused. We’ll focus on the conduct of the organization, not the choices of the victim.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Dixon County hazing case?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis β€” we don’t get paid unless you get paid. There are no hourly fees or retainers. This allows Dixon County families to pursue justice without financial risk.

Q: What if the fraternity/sorority says it was just “tradition” and not hazing?

A: “Tradition” is not a legal defense. If the activities endangered your child’s physical or mental health, they likely meet the legal definition of hazing. We’ll document the specific activities and their impact to build a strong case.

Q: Can we still sue if the university has already suspended the chapter?

A: Yes. Suspension is a disciplinary action, not compensation for your child’s injuries. You still have the right to pursue civil damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. In fact, suspension can be evidence that the university acknowledges wrongdoing.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We take retaliation concerns very seriously. We can help you document any threats or intimidation. Many universities have policies against retaliation, and we can hold them accountable if it occurs. Your child’s safety and well-being are our top priorities.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Dixon County?

A: In Nebraska, you generally have 4 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, we recommend acting much sooner. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights may be harder to protect as time passes.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?

A: Yes. National organizations often have deep pockets and substantial insurance coverage. They can be held liable for failing to supervise local chapters and failing to prevent hazing. In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi National for exactly these reasons.

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

A: Even without serious physical injury, hazing can cause significant psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These injuries are compensable. We’ll work with mental health professionals to document the impact on your child’s life.

Q: Can we pursue criminal charges in addition to a civil lawsuit?

A: Yes. Hazing can result in criminal charges under Nebraska law. We can help you coordinate with law enforcement and ensure that criminal proceedings don’t interfere with your civil case. Many families pursue both criminal and civil actions.

Q: What if my child is an international student?

A: International students have the same legal rights as domestic students. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process while protecting your child’s visa status.

Q: How do we prove what happened if there are no witnesses?

A: We use multiple strategies to prove hazing cases:

  • Medical records documenting injuries consistent with hazing
  • Communications (texts, social media, emails) referencing hazing
  • Pattern evidence from other incidents at the same chapter
  • Institutional records showing knowledge of hazing culture
  • Expert testimony on Greek life practices
  • Your child’s testimony about what happened

πŸ”₯ MESSAGE TO DIXON COUNTY FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES

We Are Watching. The Same Legal Strategies That Secured $10+ Million Verdicts Nationwide Apply to Your Chapter.

To fraternities and sororities operating in Dixon County:

We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations’ hazing death records. We know how much they’ve paid in settlements.

If you haze students in Dixon County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. We will hold every responsible party accountable.

Pi Kappa Phi’s 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 Dixon County.

Your chapter could be next.

πŸ›οΈ MESSAGE TO DIXON COUNTY UNIVERSITIES

The Same Institutional Negligence That Made University of Houston a Defendant Exists at Your Campus

To Dixon County universities and colleges:

You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students. When you fail in that duty, you become liable for the harm that results.

University of Houston owned the fraternity house where waterboarding occurred. They knew about prior hazing incidents. They failed to implement effective oversight. Now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.

The same failures exist at Dixon County institutions.

If you own or control Greek housing, you have premises liability. If you have prior hazing incidents, you have actual notice. If you fail to supervise student organizations, you have negligent oversight.

We will hold Dixon County universities accountable for hazing on your campuses.

πŸ“ž DIXON COUNTY HAZING VICTIMS: CALL NOW

You are not alone. You have rights. We can help.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Free consultation β€” $0 upfront β€” We travel to Dixon County

πŸ† ATTORNEY 911: DIXON COUNTY’S HAZING LITIGATION EXPERTS

Legal Emergency Lawyersβ„’ β€” Fighting for Dixon County Families

Houston Office: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Austin Office: Serving Dixon County
Beaumont Office: Serving Dixon County

Dixon County Service Area: We represent hazing victims at all Dixon County educational institutions and nationwide

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Β© 2025 Attorney 911. All rights reserved.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique. Contact Attorney 911 for a free consultation regarding your specific situation.

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