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February 23, 2026 19 min read
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🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Fillmore County: Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Attorney 911 β€” Fighting for Fillmore County Hazing Victims Nationwide

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in Fillmore County, Nebraska, you’re not alone. Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition” β€” it’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often criminal. And it’s happening right here in Fillmore County.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β€” a case that exposed waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical punishment that hospitalized our client. The same fraternities operate at universities near Fillmore County. The same negligence exists here. And we will fight for Fillmore County families with the same aggressive representation.

⚠️ Hazing in Fillmore County β€” The Reality

Fillmore County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at universities across Nebraska β€” including those near Fillmore County. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and hospitalizations nationwide have active chapters at institutions in and around Fillmore County.

Common Hazing Practices Near Fillmore County:

  • Physical abuse: Forced exercise to exhaustion, beatings with paddles, branding
  • Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting, non-food substances
  • Psychological torture: Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation
  • Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects

These aren’t “pranks.” They’re not “team-building.” They’re crimes. And they’re happening right here in Nebraska.

πŸ₯ When Hazing Becomes Life-Threatening

Our client in Houston was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises. He was waterboarded with a garden hose. He was struck with wooden paddles. He was forced to eat until he vomited.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Hazing sends students to the hospital β€” and worse β€” every year in America. And Fillmore County students are at risk.

Medical Consequences of Hazing:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) β€” can lead to kidney failure
  • Acute kidney failure β€” life-threatening
  • Alcohol poisoning β€” potentially fatal
  • Traumatic brain injury β€” from beatings or falls
  • Hypothermia/hyperthermia β€” from exposure
  • Cardiac arrest β€” from extreme physical exertion
  • PTSD, anxiety, depression β€” long-term psychological damage
  • Death

βš–οΈ Your Legal Rights as a Fillmore County Hazing Victim

If your child was hazed in Fillmore County, you have legal rights. Nebraska law prohibits hazing, and civil lawsuits can hold fraternities, sororities, universities, and individual members accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Fillmore County:

  • Local chapter β€” The fraternity/sorority that conducted the hazing
  • National organization β€” Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture
  • University/college β€” Failed to protect students despite having authority to regulate
  • Individual members β€” Those who participated in or facilitated hazing
  • Housing corporations β€” Owners of fraternity/sorority houses where hazing occurred
  • Alumni β€” Those who hosted or allowed hazing at their homes

Types of Compensation Available for Fillmore County Victims:

  • Medical expenses β€” Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
  • Lost wages β€” Time missed from work or school
  • Pain and suffering β€” Physical and emotional trauma
  • Punitive damages β€” To punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing
  • Educational disruption β€” Impact on academic performance and opportunities

πŸ’° Multi-Million Dollar Precedents β€” Fillmore County Victims Can Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in recent cases β€” and what Fillmore County victims can expect:

Case Fraternity University Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State Settlement $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver Phi Delta Theta Louisiana State Jury Verdict $6.1 million
Timothy Piazza Beta Theta Pi Penn State Settlement $110+ million
Andrew Coffey Pi Kappa Phi Florida State Settlement Confidential (major)
Tucker Hipps Sigma Phi Epsilon Clemson Settlement $500,000+

Our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and UH is seeking $10 million β€” the same amount awarded in the Stone Foltz case. Fillmore County families can expect similar results when fraternities and universities are held accountable.

πŸ›οΈ Nebraska Hazing Laws β€” What Fillmore County Families Need to Know

Nebraska has strong anti-hazing laws, and Fillmore County victims have legal protections:

Nebraska Revised Statutes Β§ 28-311.06 β€” Hazing

Definition:
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 group.

Penalties:

  • Class I misdemeanor β€” Up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine
  • Class IV felony β€” If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death

Important Note: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.

Civil Liability in Nebraska

In addition to criminal charges, Fillmore County hazing victims can file civil lawsuits for:

  • Negligence β€” Failure to protect students
  • Assault and battery β€” Physical abuse
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress β€” Psychological torture
  • Premises liability β€” Hazing on university or fraternity property
  • Wrongful death β€” If hazing results in death

🏒 Who We Sue for Fillmore County Hazing Victims

When we represent Fillmore County hazing victims, we pursue every liable party to maximize compensation and accountability:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National organization Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture
University/college Failed to protect students; premises liability
Individual members Participated in or facilitated hazing
Housing corporation Owned property where hazing occurred
Alumni Hosted hazing at their homes
Insurance companies Provide coverage for liability

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Fillmore County

If your child was hazed at a university near Fillmore County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines approach. Here’s what to do right now:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Document all symptoms and treatment
  • Keep copies of all medical records

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

  • Save all communications: Texts, emails, social media, GroupMe, Snapchat
  • Take photos: Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
  • Document witnesses: Names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
  • Save physical evidence: Clothing, objects used in hazing

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization

  • Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership β€” They will try to control the narrative
  • Do not sign anything β€” You may waive your rights without realizing
  • Do not post on social media β€” Anything you post can be used against you

Step 4: Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)

  • File a police report β€” Hazing is a crime in Nebraska
  • Report to university Title IX office β€” For institutional accountability
  • Report to national organization β€” May trigger internal investigation

Step 5: Contact a Fillmore County Hazing Lawyer Immediately

  • Free consultation β€” We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
  • Evidence preservation β€” We’ll ensure critical evidence isn’t lost
  • Legal protection β€” We’ll handle all communications with defendants
  • No upfront cost β€” We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win

πŸ“ž Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com

Attorney 911 β€” Fighting for Fillmore County Hazing Victims Nationwide

πŸ† Why Fillmore County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

We’re not just talking about hazing β€” we’re actively fighting it in court right now. Our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is exposing the brutal reality of fraternity hazing. Fillmore County families get the same aggressive representation.

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys β€” Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena β€” are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies and fraternities will try to deny or minimize your claim. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside β€” and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

Nationwide Reach β€” We Come to Fillmore County

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Fillmore County. We can:

  • Travel to Fillmore County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
  • Offer video consultations for Fillmore County families
  • Pursue cases in federal court β€” we’re admitted to U.S. District Court
  • Handle all communications remotely β€” no need to travel to Texas

Bilingual Services β€” Se Habla EspaΓ±ol

We have bilingual staff and attorneys who can serve Spanish-speaking families in Fillmore County without language barriers.

Proven Results in Complex Cases

Our attorneys have:

  • Litigated the BP Texas City explosion case β€” mass tort experience
  • Won multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
  • Secured criminal case dismissals through aggressive defense
  • Represented clients in federal court β€” including appellate level

We Care About Fillmore County Families

We don’t just see hazing victims as cases. We see them as someone’s child. We see the fear, the trauma, the betrayal. We fight hard for Fillmore County families because we truly care about justice and accountability.

πŸ›οΈ Common Hazing Scenarios at Fillmore County-Area Universities

Hazing happens across all types of student organizations at universities near Fillmore County. Common scenarios include:

Fraternities and Sororities

  • Forced alcohol consumption β€” “Drink this or you’re out”
  • Extreme physical punishment β€” Paddling, branding, excessive exercise
  • Waterboarding and simulated drowning β€” As seen in our current case
  • Forced eating β€” Until vomiting, then forced to continue
  • Sleep deprivation β€” Late-night activities, early morning workouts
  • Humiliation rituals β€” Carrying sexual objects, forced nudity

Sports Teams

  • Excessive physical exertion β€” Workouts until collapse
  • Alcohol poisoning β€” Forced drinking as “team bonding”
  • Bullying and intimidation β€” Psychological abuse
  • Sexual assault β€” Including “rookie nights” with forced acts

Marching Bands

  • Extreme physical demands β€” Practices in extreme heat or cold
  • Sleep deprivation β€” All-night rehearsals
  • Humiliation rituals β€” Public shaming, forced behaviors

ROTC and Military Programs

  • Excessive physical training β€” Beyond military standards
  • Psychological abuse β€” Verbal harassment, intimidation
  • Sleep deprivation β€” Extended exercises

Honor Societies and Clubs

  • Initiation rituals β€” Often involving physical or psychological abuse
  • Forced servitude β€” Cleaning, running errands for members
  • Public humiliation β€” Dressing in costumes, performing degrading acts

πŸŽ“ Universities Near Fillmore County with Greek Life

While Fillmore County itself is home to smaller community colleges, several major universities with active Greek life are within driving distance. These institutions β€” and the fraternities and sororities operating on their campuses β€” can be held accountable for hazing that occurs:

University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)

  • Location: Lincoln, NE (~150 miles from Fillmore County)
  • Greek Life: 40+ fraternities and sororities
  • Hazing History: Documented incidents; university has taken disciplinary action against chapters
  • Fillmore County Connection: Many students from Fillmore County attend UNL

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)

  • Location: Omaha, NE (~200 miles from Fillmore County)
  • Greek Life: 20+ fraternities and sororities
  • Hazing History: Incidents reported; university has Greek life oversight policies
  • Fillmore County Connection: Students from Fillmore County attend UNO

University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)

  • Location: Kearney, NE (~250 miles from Fillmore County)
  • Greek Life: 10+ fraternities and sororities
  • Hazing History: Incidents reported; university has taken action against chapters
  • Fillmore County Connection: Students from Fillmore County attend UNK

Creighton University (Omaha)

  • Location: Omaha, NE (~200 miles from Fillmore County)
  • Greek Life: 10+ fraternities and sororities
  • Hazing History: Private university with documented Greek life issues
  • Fillmore County Connection: Students from Fillmore County attend Creighton

Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln)

  • Location: Lincoln, NE (~150 miles from Fillmore County)
  • Greek Life: 10+ fraternities and sororities
  • Hazing History: Smaller school but Greek life culture exists
  • Fillmore County Connection: Students from Fillmore County attend

Doane University (Crete)

  • Location: Crete, NE (~100 miles from Fillmore County)
  • Greek Life: Smaller Greek system
  • Hazing History: Private university with Greek life oversight challenges
  • Fillmore County Connection: Close proximity to Fillmore County

Important Note: Hazing can occur at ANY university with Greek life β€” even smaller or private institutions. The presence of national fraternities and sororities means the same hazing culture that hospitalized our client in Houston exists at universities near Fillmore County.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Hazing in Fillmore County

Parents of Fillmore County students should be aware of potential warning signs that their child may be experiencing hazing:

Behavioral Changes:

  • Sudden withdrawal or depression
  • Increased anxiety or fearfulness
  • Avoiding specific people or places
  • Secretive behavior about new friends or activities
  • Sudden decline in academic performance
  • Unexplained injuries or bruises

Physical Signs:

  • Exhaustion or sleep deprivation
  • Weight loss or changes in eating habits
  • Signs of alcohol or substance abuse
  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, sprains)
  • Difficulty walking or moving normally

Social Signs:

  • New group of friends that excludes old friends
  • Sudden interest in joining Greek life or other organizations
  • Unexplained absences from home or school
  • Possession of strange items (sexual objects, paddles, etc.)
  • Wearing unusual clothing or accessories

Digital Signs:

  • Deleted text messages or social media activity
  • Joining new group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, etc.)
  • Sudden privacy about phone or computer use
  • Posts about “traditions” or “pledging”

If you notice these signs in your Fillmore County student, ask questions. Hazing thrives in secrecy, and your child may be afraid to speak up.

πŸ“ž What to Do Next: Contact a Fillmore County Hazing Lawyer

If your child was hazed at a university near Fillmore County, contact Attorney 911 immediately. We offer:

βœ… Free, confidential consultation β€” We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
βœ… No upfront fees β€” We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
βœ… Nationwide representation β€” We serve Fillmore County and all of Nebraska
βœ… Aggressive advocacy β€” We fight for maximum compensation and accountability
βœ… Compassionate support β€” We understand the trauma your family is experiencing

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Legal deadlines approach. Protect your child’s rights and your family’s future.

πŸ”₯ Our Message to Fillmore County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Fillmore County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements in other hazing cases apply to your chapters.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Delta Tau Delta, Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Nu, Lambda Chi Alpha, Theta Chi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Zeta Beta Tau, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Iota Phi Theta, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Phi Mu, Chi Omega, Kappa Delta, Delta Delta Delta, Alpha Delta Pi, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Pi Beta Phi:

If your chapter operates near Fillmore County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We have proven these cases can be won. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi. We shut down their UH chapter. Your chapter could be next.

To the universities near Fillmore County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

πŸ“š Educational Resources for Fillmore County Families

Understanding Hazing:

  • It’s not “tradition” β€” It’s abuse, assault, and often criminal
  • It’s not “building character” β€” It’s breaking spirits and bodies
  • It’s not “team bonding” β€” It’s creating trauma and fear
  • Consent is not a defense β€” Nebraska law says so

Statistics:

  • 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
  • 40% of student athletes report hazing
  • Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S.
  • 95% of students who are hazed do not report it

What Parents Can Do:

  • Talk to your children about hazing before they go to college
  • Encourage them to trust their instincts β€” if something feels wrong, it probably is
  • Make sure they know they can come to you without judgment
  • Research Greek organizations before allowing your child to join
  • Stay involved and ask questions about their experiences

πŸ† Our Commitment to Fillmore County

At Attorney 911, we are committed to protecting Fillmore County students from hazing. Our work includes:

  • Litigating aggressively β€” We fight for maximum compensation and accountability
  • Advocating for change β€” We work with legislators to strengthen anti-hazing laws
  • Educating families β€” We provide resources to help Fillmore County parents and students
  • Supporting victims β€” We offer compassionate, confidential support throughout the legal process

Fillmore County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide nationwide. If your child was hazed, we will fight for you.

πŸ“ž Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com

Attorney 911 β€” Fighting for Fillmore County Hazing Victims Nationwide

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. If you believe you have a legal claim, contact Attorney 911 for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation. Attorney-client relationship is not established until a signed agreement is in place.

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