π¨ Hazing Victims in Holt County, Nebraska: Know Your Rights and How to Fight Back
Attorney 911 β Legal Emergency Lawyersβ’
Serving Holt County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
π 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com
π΄ BREAKING: This Is Happening in Nebraska Too
Holt County families: What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston is happening right now at colleges and universities near Holt County.
- The same fraternities operate in Nebraska.
- The same hazing “traditions” exist in Holt County Greek life.
- The same negligence is failing Nebraska students.
- And the same multi-million dollar justice is available to Holt County families.
We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. The same legal strategies apply to Nebraska victims. Holt County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
ποΈ What Is Hazing β And Why It’s Illegal in Nebraska
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them β regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Nebraska Hazing Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. Β§ 28-311.06):
“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 continued membership in any organization.”
This includes:
- Forced physical activity (excessive exercise, calisthenics)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Physical abuse (hitting, paddling, branding)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, degradation, threats)
- Sleep deprivation
- Sexual abuse or harassment
- Any activity that creates a risk of injury
β οΈ IMPORTANT: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student agrees to participate, hazing is still illegal.
π What Hazing Does to Holt County Students
Hazing isn’t “harmless fun.” It’s dangerous, traumatic, and sometimes deadly.
Physical Injuries:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown causing kidney failure) β like our Houston client
- Alcohol poisoning β can be fatal
- Broken bones from physical abuse
- Internal injuries from forced consumption
- Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
- Traumatic brain injury from beatings or falls
Psychological Trauma:
- PTSD from abusive experiences
- Anxiety and depression from ongoing fear
- Suicidal ideation from shame and isolation
- Trust issues from betrayal by peers
- Academic decline from stress and distraction
Long-Term Consequences:
- Chronic health problems from injuries
- Substance abuse to cope with trauma
- Career limitations from academic disruption
- Financial burden from medical bills
- Lifelong emotional scars
π Where Hazing Happens Near Holt County
Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities. It happens in all types of student organizations at colleges and universities near Holt County:
| Organization Type | Examples Near Holt County |
|---|---|
| Fraternities & Sororities | University of Nebraska (Lincoln, Kearney, Omaha), Wayne State College, Northeast Community College |
| Sports Teams | College athletic programs, intramural teams, club sports |
| Marching Bands | University of Nebraska bands |
| ROTC Programs | Military training programs at Nebraska universities |
| Honor Societies | Academic and professional organizations |
| Student Clubs | Any group with membership requirements |
| Military Academies | Off-campus military training programs |
π The same national fraternities involved in our Houston case operate near Holt County:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Beta Theta Pi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- And many others
π₯ Medical Signs Your Child May Have Been Hazed
Hazing victims often don’t report what happened. Look for these warning signs:
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
- Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
- Vomiting or signs of alcohol poisoning
- Weight loss or signs of malnutrition
- Unexplained injuries like sprains or fractures
Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from friends and family
- Avoidance of certain people or places
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Sudden drop in academic performance
- Signs of anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Fear of talking about certain groups or activities
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
Academic Signs:
- Unexplained absences
- Decline in grades
- Withdrawal from classes
- Loss of scholarships or financial aid
- Transfer to a different school
π¨ If you notice these signs, your child may be a hazing victim. Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
βοΈ Who Is Legally Responsible for Holt County Hazing?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held liable. We pursue everyone who shares responsibility:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing activities |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture; failed to enforce policies |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; had power to stop hazing; premises liability |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred; failed to prevent |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Advisors/Coaches | Failed to supervise activities under their control |
β οΈ In our Houston case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The university (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members
- Former members who hosted hazing
- The spouse of a former member
The same defendants exist for Holt County cases.
π° What Compensation Is Available for Holt County Hazing Victims?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to:
| Damage Type | Examples | Holt County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, therapy | Past and future medical costs for hazing injuries |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | For students with jobs or future earning potential |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Torture, beatings, forced exercise |
| Mental Anguish | Emotional trauma from abuse | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse |
| Educational Damages | Disruption to academic progress | Missed classes, failed courses, lost scholarships |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing causes death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship |
Precedent Settlements & Verdicts β This Is What Hazing Costs:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Amount | Why It Matters for Holt County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1M+ | Our $10M demand is in line with precedent |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1M | Juries award millions for hazing |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110M+ | Strong evidence = huge awards |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential | Same fraternity as our case |
| Tucker Hipps | Clemson | Sigma Phi Epsilon | $500K+ | Even non-fatal cases win big |
π These results are possible for Holt County victims too.
π‘οΈ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Holt County
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation.
- If there’s an immediate medical emergency, call 911.
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately β even if injuries seem minor.
- Tell the doctor your child may have been hazed.
- Document everything β medical records are critical evidence.
-
Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries at all stages of healing.
- Save all communications β texts, emails, social media, GroupMe, Snapchat.
- Write down everything your child remembers β dates, times, locations, people involved.
- Get witness information β names and contact info of anyone who saw what happened.
-
Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leaders, coaches, or university officials without legal counsel.
- They will try to control the narrative and may destroy evidence.
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you.
- Do not delete old posts β this is destruction of evidence.
- Stay quiet on social media until your case is resolved.
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
- We offer video consultations for Holt County families who cannot travel.
- We come to Holt County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
-
Consider Reporting to Authorities
- File a police report.
- Consider filing a Title IX report with the university.
- We can guide you through this process.
β³ Why Time Is Critical for Holt County Families
Nebraska Statute of Limitations:
- Personal Injury: 4 years from date of injury (Neb. Rev. Stat. Β§ 25-207)
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death (Neb. Rev. Stat. Β§ 30-810)
β οΈ DO NOT WAIT. EVIDENCE DISAPPEARS:
- Text messages get deleted
- Social media posts get removed
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
- Your legal rights expire
Our Houston client was hospitalized in November 2025. We filed the lawsuit within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.
π Why Holt 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 β we’re in the fight.
- Holt County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
- We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to deny claims.
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.
3. Nationwide Reach β We Serve Holt County
- Federal court authority β U.S. District Court admission
- Dual-state bar licenses β Texas AND New York
- Video consultations β Meet with us remotely
- We travel to Holt County β For depositions, client meetings, and trials
4. Proven Results in Complex Cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation β Mass tort experience
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts β Including for hazing victims
- Federal court experience β Including U.S. Second Circuit
- Wrongful death expertise β When hazing takes a life
5. We Speak Spanish β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
- Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking clients
- Holt County Spanish-speaking families welcome
6. Contingency Fee β $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing unless we win.
- No hourly fees, no retainers.
- We take the risk so you can fight back.
7. We Care β Really Care
“We see your child as a person β not a paycheck. We will fight hard for Holt County families because we truly care.”
π― The Attorney 911 Approach for Holt County Hazing Cases
Step 1: Immediate Response
- Free consultation within 24 hours
- Evidence preservation strategy
- Medical care coordination
- Safety planning
Step 2: Comprehensive Investigation
- Gather all evidence (texts, photos, videos, medical records)
- Interview witnesses
- Consult with medical experts
- Research prior incidents at the organization
Step 3: Identify All Liable Parties
- Local chapter
- National organization
- University/college
- Individual members
- Housing corporations
- Alumni
Step 4: Build the Case
- Medical expert reports
- Economic damage calculations
- Psychological impact assessment
- Pattern evidence from prior incidents
Step 5: Aggressive Negotiation
- Demand full compensation from all defendants
- Leverage our insider knowledge of insurance tactics
- Push for policy limits
Step 6: Litigation if Necessary
- File lawsuit in appropriate court
- Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- Prepare for trial
- We will not back down from insurance companies or powerful institutions.
Step 7: Resolution
- Settlement negotiation
- Mediation
- Trial if needed
- Maximum compensation for Holt County families
π Holt County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a Nebraska college or university, you have legal rights. We can help.
π¨ IMMEDIATE HELP FOR Holt County HAZING VICTIMS:
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Holt County hazing emergencies.
We work on CONTINGENCY β $0 upfront for Holt County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
β Frequently Asked Questions for Holt County Families
Q: My child was hazed but isn’t sure if it’s “serious enough” to report. Should we still call?
A: YES. Hazing is illegal even if no one was hospitalized. Psychological trauma, humiliation, and forced activities are all valid legal claims. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation. We’ll help you understand if you have a case.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Can they still be held liable?
A: YES. Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for illegal hazing activities.
Q: We’re in Holt County. How can a Houston law firm help us?
A: We serve hazing victims nationwide. We offer:
- Video consultations β Meet with us remotely
- Phone consultations β Available 24/7
- Travel to Holt County β For depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Federal court authority β Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Experience with out-of-state cases β We’ve represented clients across America
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency fee basis β you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Q: What if the university claims they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement adequate oversight, they can be held liable for negligent supervision. We’ll investigate:
- Prior hazing incidents at the university
- Greek life oversight policies
- Inspection records of fraternity/sorority houses
- Communications between university and the organization
In our Houston case, the university owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They knew or should have known.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How do we protect them?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. We can:
- Provide legal protection against retaliation
- Coordinate with university Title IX offices
- File anonymous reports if needed
- Seek protective orders if necessary
- Our client in Houston was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We protect our clients.
Q: How long does a hazing case take?
A: It varies. Some cases settle within months. Others may take 1-3 years if they go to trial. Factors that affect timeline:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Willingness of defendants to settle
- Need for litigation
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: Can we sue even if there are criminal charges?
A: YES. Criminal and civil cases are separate. Criminal charges may be filed against individuals, but you can still sue the organization and other defendants in civil court.
In our Houston case, the university spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges.” We’re pursuing civil liability regardless.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a private college or university near Holt County?
A: Private institutions are not immune from liability. We can pursue claims against:
- The private university
- The Greek organization
- Individual members
- Housing corporations
Private universities often have substantial insurance coverage for these claims.
Q: My child was hazed at a community college near Holt County. Is that different?
A: No. Hazing laws apply to all educational institutions in Nebraska, including:
- Community colleges
- State universities
- Private colleges
- Technical schools
We represent hazing victims from all types of schools.
Q: What if my child was hazed by a sports team or marching band, not a fraternity?
A: Hazing laws apply to ALL organizations. We represent victims of hazing in:
- Fraternities and sororities
- Sports teams (football, basketball, baseball, etc.)
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Honor societies
- Student clubs
- Any group with membership requirements
Q: How much is a hazing case worth?
A: It depends on many factors:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological impact
- Academic disruption
- Prior incidents at the organization
- Willingness of defendants to settle
Precedent cases have resulted in:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz)
- $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza)
We evaluate each case individually to determine fair compensation.
Q: My child was hazed but didn’t suffer physical injuries. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Psychological trauma is a valid legal claim. Hazing can cause:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Academic decline
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We work with mental health experts to document and prove these damages.
Q: The organization says they’ve “suspended” the chapter. Does that mean they’re not liable?
A: NO. Suspension or closure of a chapter does not absolve the organization of liability. In fact, it may show:
- Consciousness of guilt β they knew what was happening
- Attempt to limit liability β closing before being sued
- Failure to act sooner β they should have stopped the hazing before it got to this point
In our Houston case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter 7 days before the lawsuit was filed.
π’ A Message to Holt County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Holt 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, Beta Theta Pi β if your chapter operates near Holt County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.
To the universities near Holt County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. If you own fraternity houses, if you oversee Greek life, if you have prior hazing incidents β act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at Holt County institutions:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
π₯ Holt County Families: This Is Your Moment
Hazing has been happening in the shadows for too long. Students are afraid to speak up. Families don’t know their rights. Institutions protect their reputations over student safety.
But right now, the national conversation is changing.
- Our Houston case is making headlines.
- Hazing laws are being strengthened.
- Juries are awarding millions to victims.
- Your voice can make a difference.
If your child has been hazed near Holt County, you have the power to:
- Hold the abusers accountable
- Get compensation for medical bills and trauma
- Protect the next student
- Change the culture
You are not alone. We are here to fight for you.
π Holt County Hazing Victims: Call Now
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation. $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
We serve Holt County and all of Nebraska. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
π Together, We Can End Hazing in Nebraska
Holt County families: Your child’s story matters. Your fight can save lives. Your courage can change the culture.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for you.
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911