🛡️ Hazing Victims’ Legal Guide: Your Rights in Franklin County, Nebraska

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Franklin County, you have powerful legal rights — and we’re fighting to protect them.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This same fraternity operates chapters near Franklin County, and the same negligence exists at institutions in your community. Franklin County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide nationwide.

This guide explains your rights, what to do if your child was hazed, and how we can help Franklin County victims seek justice.

🚨 What Is Hazing? The Reality in Franklin County

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “building character.” It’s abuse disguised as initiation.

In our current case, a student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning, considered torture by the U.S. government
• Forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down — causing rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising in his own vomit
• Hog-tied face-down on a table — another pledge was subjected to this for over an hour
• Threatened with expulsion — if he didn’t comply

This isn’t happening just in Texas. It’s happening at colleges and universities near Franklin County too.

National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma have chapters at institutions in and around Franklin County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in your community.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Franklin County Hazing Victim

1. Nebraska Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws

Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-311.06 defines hazing as:

Any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.

This includes:

• Physical brutality (paddling, beatings, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation)
• Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects)

Criminal Penalties in Nebraska:

• Hazing is a Class II misdemeanor — up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine
• If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it becomes a Class I misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine
• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000

Franklin County families: If your child was hazed, the people who did this could face jail time. We can help you report the crime to local law enforcement.

2. Consent Is Not a Defense

Some fraternities will claim: “Your child agreed to participate. They knew the risks.”

Nebraska law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.

Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-311.06 specifically states:

Consent of the victim is not a defense to a charge of hazing.

This is critical for Franklin County victims. When fraternities argue that your child “consented” to waterboarding, forced drinking, or physical abuse, the law explicitly rejects that argument.

3. You Can Sue for Civil Damages

Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for financial compensation through civil lawsuits.

Who Can Be Sued in Franklin County:

• The local fraternity chapter
• The national fraternity organization
• The university or college
• Individual members who participated
• Alumni who hosted hazing activities
• Housing corporations that own fraternity property

Types of Damages You Can Recover:

💰 What Hazing Cases Are Worth: Multi-Million Dollar Precedents

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:

Franklin County families: These results are possible for victims in your community too. The same legal strategies that won millions for other families apply to Franklin County cases.

🏫 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Franklin County?

Hazing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Multiple parties share responsibility — and liability.

1. The Local Fraternity Chapter

• Directly organized and conducted hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) are personally liable
• Current members who participated

2. The National Fraternity Organization

• Failed to supervise local chapters
• Knew about hazing culture but did nothing
• Have deep pockets and insurance policies

Example: Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide. They knew about deadly hazing at Florida State in 2017. They did nothing. Now a student was hospitalized in Texas. The same nationals operate near Franklin County.

3. The University or College

• Have power to regulate Greek life
• Often own fraternity houses (premises liability)
• Failed to protect students despite knowing hazing occurs
• Have substantial institutional resources

Example: In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where waterboarding occurred. They collected rent while students were tortured.

4. Individual Members and Alumni

• Participated in hazing
• Failed to stop hazing
• Hosted hazing at their homes
• Can be sued personally

Example: In our case, a former member and his spouse are named defendants because hazing occurred at their residence.

5. Housing Corporations

• Own fraternity property
• Have insurance policies that may cover damages

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Franklin County

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS — PRESERVE EVIDENCE

1. Get Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records create documentation for your case

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages of healing
• Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails
• Document everything — write down what happened, when, who was involved
• Get witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
• Do not give statements to university administrators without legal counsel
• Do not sign anything from the organization
• Anything you say can be used against you

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Do not post about the incident
• Do not post photos that make you look “fine”
• Do not engage with Greek life members online
• Social media posts can destroy your case

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget details
• Statutes of limitations apply (2 years in Nebraska)
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

⏳ Why You Can’t Wait: The Statute of Limitations

Nebraska law gives you only 2 YEARS from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.

If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

Why victims delay (and why you shouldn’t):

• Shame or embarrassment
• Fear of retaliation or social consequences
• Loyalty to the organization
• Not recognizing it as hazing
• Pressure from members to stay quiet

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your rights.

🏥 Common Hazing Injuries We Handle for Franklin County Victims

Franklin County families: If your child suffered any of these injuries from hazing, we can help you pursue compensation.

🎯 How We Help Franklin County Hazing Victims

1. Free Case Evaluation

• We listen to what happened
• We explain your legal options
• We tell you if you have a strong case
• No cost, no obligation

2. Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Demand they preserve all communications and evidence
• Prevent destruction of critical proof

3. Medical Coordination

• Help you get proper medical treatment
• Document all injuries and treatment
• Calculate future medical needs

4. Investigation

• Interview witnesses
• Obtain security camera footage
• Gather fraternity documents and communications
• Identify all liable parties

5. Negotiation

• Demand fair compensation from all defendants
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Push for maximum settlement

6. Litigation

• File lawsuit if settlement isn’t fair
• Conduct depositions of all defendants
• Present your case to a jury if needed

7. Nationwide Representation

• We represent hazing victims anywhere in America
• Federal court admission allows us to pursue national fraternities
• We travel to Franklin County for depositions and trials

💼 Why Franklin County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

• Currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit
• Our case involves waterboarding, rhabdomyolysis, and kidney failure
• We know how to build these cases and win

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• We know how insurance companies think
• We know their tactics to minimize claims
• We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. Federal Court Authority

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Can pursue Franklin County cases in federal court
• Experience with national fraternity litigation

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses

• Licensed in Texas and New York
• Strategic advantage for cases against national organizations

5. Contingency Fee Representation

• $0 upfront cost for Franklin County families
• We don’t get paid unless you get paid
• No financial risk to pursue justice

6. Bilingual Services

• Se habla español
• Can serve Spanish-speaking Franklin County families without language barriers

7. Proven Track Record

• Recovered millions for personal injury victims
• Experience with catastrophic injury cases
• Aggressive representation against powerful institutions

📞 Franklin County Families: Call Now for Help

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Franklin County, call us immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Franklin County hazing emergencies

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultation
• Immediate help preserving evidence
• Aggressive representation against powerful defendants
• Nationwide service for Franklin County victims

Remember:

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget details
• The statute of limitations is ticking
• The sooner you call, the stronger your case

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Franklin County Families

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

We understand the fear of retaliation and social consequences. However:

• Evidence disappears — the longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case
• Other students are at risk — if you don’t report it, the hazing will continue
• You may lose your legal rights — statutes of limitations apply

We can protect your child’s identity and help them report safely. Call us to discuss your options.

2. The fraternity says my child consented. Is that a defense?

No. Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.

3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be sued?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — they can’t claim ignorance.

4. My child was hazed at a private college near Franklin County. Can we still sue?

Yes. Private colleges have the same duty to protect students as public universities. We can pursue claims against private institutions in Franklin County.

5. My child was hazed but wasn’t seriously injured. Do we still have a case?

Possibly. Even without hospitalization, hazing can cause:

• PTSD and psychological trauma
• Academic disruption
• Loss of scholarships or internships
• Emotional distress

We evaluate each case individually. Call for a free consultation.

6. The hazing happened off-campus. Does that matter?

No. Nebraska’s hazing law applies on or off campus. If the hazing was related to the organization, location doesn’t matter.

7. My child is afraid of retaliation. How do we protect them?

We take retaliation concerns very seriously:

• We can help report hazing anonymously
• We can protect your child’s identity during legal proceedings
• We can pursue claims against individuals who retaliate
• Universities have anti-retaliation policies we can enforce

Your child’s safety is our priority.

8. How much will it cost to hire an attorney?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis:

• No hourly charges
• No retainer required
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict

Franklin County families pay $0 unless we recover money for you.

9. How long will a hazing case take?

Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take:

• 6-12 months for minor injuries
• 1-3 years for serious injuries
• 2-4 years for wrongful death or complex cases

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

10. My child was hazed at a community college near Franklin County. Can we sue?

Yes. Community colleges are subject to the same anti-hazing laws as universities. We can pursue claims against community colleges and their student organizations.

🏛️ Colleges and Universities Near Franklin County Where Hazing Occurs

Franklin County is served by several institutions of higher education where Greek life and student organizations operate. Hazing happens at all types of schools — not just large universities.

Public Universities Near Franklin County:

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) — Approximately 150 miles northeast
  • Home to multiple fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, and others have active chapters
• University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) — Approximately 100 miles northwest
  • Smaller Greek system but still at risk for hazing
• University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) — Approximately 200 miles northeast
  • Urban campus with active Greek life

Private Colleges Near Franklin County:

• Hastings College — Located in Hastings, NE (approximately 25 miles from Franklin)
  • Private liberal arts college with Greek organizations
  • Smaller community but still vulnerable to hazing culture
• Doane University — Campuses in Crete and Lincoln (approximately 100 miles northeast)
  • Private university with Greek life presence
• Nebraska Wesleyan University — Lincoln, NE (approximately 150 miles northeast)
  • Private university with active Greek system

Community Colleges Near Franklin County:

• Central Community College — Multiple campuses including Hastings and Holdrege
  • Student clubs and organizations can engage in hazing
• Southeast Community College — Multiple campuses including Beatrice
  • Smaller organizations but still at risk

Greek Organizations Operating Near Franklin County:

Franklin County families: If your child attends or pledges any organization at these institutions, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client.

🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing in Franklin County

Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs. If your child shows these signs, they may be a hazing victim:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Complaints of muscle pain or weakness
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Signs of dehydration or exhaustion
• Weight loss
• Changes in sleep patterns

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden secrecy about activities
• Fear or anxiety about attending events
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Sudden change in academic performance
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Talking about “traditions” or “tests” they can’t describe

Academic Signs:

• Skipping classes
• Falling grades
• Missing deadlines
• Dropping out of activities they previously enjoyed

Social Signs:

• New group of friends they’re reluctant to introduce
• Wearing matching clothing or accessories
• Carrying unusual items (like fanny packs with sexual objects)
• Avoiding social media or posting cryptic messages

Psychological Signs:

• Symptoms of PTSD (nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance)
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts or statements
• Loss of self-confidence

If you notice these signs, talk to your child — and call us for help.

📢 A Message to Franklin County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Franklin County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha — if your chapter operates near Franklin County, know this:

• We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for waterboarding a student
• We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements
• We know universities near Franklin County are failing to protect students
• If your chapter harms a student, we will pursue every liable entity

Universities near Franklin County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now — or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership at Franklin County institutions:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

🏆 Our Commitment to Franklin County Families

At Attorney 911, we believe hazing victims deserve justice, accountability, and compensation. We’re committed to:

1. Fighting for Franklin County families with the same aggression we bring to our current case
2. Protecting students from abuse disguised as tradition
3. Holding institutions accountable for failing to protect their students
4. Changing the culture so no Franklin County family has to go through this again

Franklin County parents: Your child trusted these organizations to keep them safe. When that trust is betrayed, we will fight for you.

📞 Final Call to Action: Franklin County Families, Contact Us Today

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Franklin County, you have legal rights — but you must act quickly.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Franklin County hazing emergencies

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultation
• Immediate help preserving evidence
• Aggressive representation against powerful defendants
• Nationwide service for Franklin County victims
• $0 upfront cost — we only get paid if you win

Franklin County families: The same fraternities that waterboarded our client operate in your community. The same universities that failed to protect students exist near you. Your child could be next.

Don’t wait. Call now.