🛡️ Hazing Victims in Frontier County, Nebraska: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Does Justice
Frontier County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to provide a positive, enriching experience. But when that trust is betrayed through hazing, the consequences can be devastating — even life-threatening.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening across America — including in Nebraska.
If your child has been hazed in Frontier County or at any university near Frontier County, you have legal rights. And we are here to fight for you.
🚨 What Is Hazing? The Legal Definition in Nebraska
Nebraska law defines hazing as any activity that:
- Endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student
- Is done for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization
- Includes physical brutality, forced consumption of substances, sleep deprivation, or any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Important: In Nebraska, consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law does not allow organizations to use hazing as a condition of membership.
Examples of Hazing That Violate Nebraska Law:
| Activity | Legal Violation |
|---|---|
| Physical abuse — beatings, paddling, branding | Assault, battery |
| Forced alcohol consumption — binge drinking, chugging | Reckless endangerment |
| Extreme physical exercise — 500+ squats, bear crawls, forced runs | Reckless endangerment, hazing |
| Waterboarding or simulated drowning | Torture, assault |
| Sleep deprivation — forced late nights, early mornings | Hazing, reckless endangerment |
| Psychological abuse — humiliation, threats, isolation | Intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| Forced consumption of food/substances — eating until vomiting | Hazing, reckless endangerment |
If your child experienced any of these in Frontier County or at a university near Frontier County, they may have a legal claim — even if they weren’t hospitalized.
💔 The Real Cost of Hazing in Frontier County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. And the consequences can last a lifetime.
Physical Injuries from Hazing:
- Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure (like our client in Houston)
- Alcohol poisoning — can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
- Broken bones, burns, or internal injuries — from physical abuse
- Hypothermia or heatstroke — from exposure to extreme weather
- Sexual assault injuries — unfortunately common in hazing rituals
Psychological Trauma from Hazing:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
- Depression and anxiety — long-term mental health struggles
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts — hazing victims are at higher risk
- Loss of trust and self-esteem — difficulty forming relationships
- Academic decline — dropping grades, failing courses, dropping out
Financial Costs of Hazing:
- Medical bills — emergency room, hospitalization, ongoing treatment
- Therapy and counseling — for PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
- Educational disruption — tuition for wasted semesters, lost scholarships
- Future earning potential — if injuries affect career options
These costs add up quickly — often into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. And the organizations responsible should pay.
🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Frontier County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current lawsuit, we are pursuing:
| Defendant Type | Why They’re Liable | Frontier County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | The fraternity/sorority chapter near Frontier County that hazed your child |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing risks | The national fraternity/sorority that oversees the Frontier County chapter |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite ability to regulate | The university near Frontier County where the hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | The students who directly hazed your child |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | The president, pledgemaster, or other leaders |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | The entity that owns the fraternity/sorority house near Frontier County |
| Alumni/Advisors | Allowed hazing to occur at their property | Former members or advisors who hosted hazing events |
Frontier County families: If your child was hazed at a university near Frontier County, we can pursue all liable parties — regardless of where they are located.
💰 How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth in Frontier County?
Hazing cases can result in substantial financial compensation for victims and their families. Recent hazing settlements and verdicts include:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | $4+ million |
Our current case: We are seeking $10 million for our client who was hospitalized with kidney failure after hazing at Pi Kappa Phi.
What Determines the Value of a Frontier County Hazing Case?
| Factor | How It Affects Case Value |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | Hospitalization, surgery, or permanent damage increases value |
| Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression increase non-economic damages |
| Pattern of abuse | If hazing was systematic (not a one-time incident), value increases |
| Institutional knowledge | If university/fraternity knew about prior hazing, punitive damages possible |
| Egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse increase value |
| Financial losses | Medical bills, lost wages, educational disruption increase economic damages |
| Defendant’s ability to pay | Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets |
⚖️ Nebraska Hazing Laws: What Frontier County Families Need to Know
Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing in Nebraska:
Any activity by which a person intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization.
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
- If hazing causes death, it becomes a Class IIIA felony — up to 3 years in prison and $10,000 fine
Civil Liability in Nebraska:
- Victims can sue for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate
- Organizations can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing
How Nebraska Law Compares to Other States:
Nebraska’s hazing laws are stronger than many states because:
- They explicitly exclude consent as a defense
- They provide criminal penalties for hazing
- They allow civil lawsuits for damages
Frontier County families: If your child was hazed at a university in Nebraska or in a nearby state, we can pursue your case under the applicable laws.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Frontier County
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation
- If they are injured, seek medical attention immediately
- If they are in immediate danger, call 911
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Preserve everything:
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical records | Hospital visits, doctor’s notes, test results |
| Photos/videos | Injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house |
| Text messages | Group chats, individual messages about hazing |
| Social media | Screenshots of posts, messages, stories |
| Emails | Any communications about hazing |
| Witness information | Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial records | Medical bills, tuition statements, lost wage documentation |
Do NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- Report to the university — file a complaint with the Greek life office or Title IX office
- Report to law enforcement — consider filing a police report
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority — they may have internal reporting mechanisms
Step 4: Contact an Attorney
Hazing cases are complex. The organizations responsible will have lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need your own legal team to fight for you.
At Attorney 911, we offer:
- Free consultations for hazing victims
- Contingency fee representation — you pay nothing unless we win
- Nationwide reach — we can represent Frontier County families regardless of where the hazing occurred
- Aggressive advocacy — we don’t back down from powerful institutions
Call us 24/7 at: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
🔍 How We Investigate Hazing Cases in Frontier County
When you hire Attorney 911, we immediately begin building your case with a comprehensive investigation:
1. Evidence Collection
- Obtain all medical records documenting injuries
- Collect text messages, social media posts, and emails
- Interview witnesses (other pledges, bystanders)
- Request university records (Greek life policies, prior hazing reports)
- Obtain fraternity/sorority records (pledge manuals, communications)
2. Medical Expertise
- Work with medical experts to document the full extent of injuries
- Calculate future medical costs (ongoing treatment, therapy, potential complications)
- Link injuries directly to hazing activities
3. Legal Strategy
- Identify all liable parties (chapter, nationals, university, individuals)
- Determine the best legal theories (negligence, assault, premises liability, etc.)
- Calculate full damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages)
4. Negotiation & Litigation
- Demand fair compensation from defendants
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- If necessary, take the case to trial to secure justice
🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Frontier County Hazing Case?
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. We know how to win these cases.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies. We know their playbook — and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
3. Nationwide Reach
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide — including Frontier County. We have:
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
- Willingness to travel — we’ll come to Frontier County for depositions and trials
4. No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
5. Aggressive Advocacy
We don’t back down from powerful institutions. We’ve taken on universities, national fraternities, and insurance companies — and we’ve won.
6. Compassionate Representation
We understand the trauma hazing causes. We treat Frontier County families like family. Your child’s well-being is our top priority.
📞 Frontier County Families: Contact Us Today
If your child has been hazed in Frontier County or at a university near Frontier County, you have legal rights. And we are here to fight for you.
Call us 24/7 for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We serve Frontier County and all of Nebraska. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🚫 A Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Frontier County
To the chapters operating near Frontier County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Nu, Delta Tau Delta — if your chapter operates near Frontier County, know this:
- We track your corporate structures — housing corporations, national organizations, insurance policies.
- We know your history — documented hazing incidents at multiple chapters.
- We know your playbook — you’ll claim “tradition,” “consent,” and “boys being boys.” The law doesn’t care.
- We will hold you accountable — for every student you haze, for every family you devastate.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston is now shut down. Your chapter could be next.
🏛️ A Message to Universities Near Frontier County
To the administrators at universities near Frontier County:
You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students. When you fail, you are liable.
- You own the fraternity houses — premises liability applies.
- You regulate Greek life — you have the power to stop hazing.
- You have prior incidents — you know the risks.
- You choose reputation over safety — and now you will pay.
University of Houston is a defendant in our current lawsuit. Your university could be next.
📢 Enough Is Enough — Let’s End Hazing in Frontier County
Hazing has no place in Frontier County. It has no place in Nebraska. It has no place in America.
But it won’t stop unless we make it stop.
If you or your child has been hazed, step forward. Your case can save lives.
Call Attorney 911 today:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Together, we can hold the abusers accountable — and protect the next generation of Frontier County students.
🔗 Additional Resources for Frontier County Families:
- Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06 — Hazing Law
- StopHazing.org — Hazing Prevention Resources
- Clery Center — Campus Safety Resources
- RAINN — Sexual Assault Support (if hazing involved sexual abuse)
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Frontier County and all of Nebraska
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
