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

February 23, 2026 15 min read
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Hazing Lawyer in Howard County, Nebraska – Protecting Students & Families

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We

Hazing is a nationwide crisis, and Howard County, Nebraska families are not immune. If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Howard County, you need an experienced hazing attorney who understands the legal landscape and will fight for justice.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case that has exposed shocking abuse, including waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and psychological torture. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters near Howard County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. If your child has been harmed, we will pursue every liable party—the fraternity, the university, and the individuals responsible—to ensure they are held accountable.

Why Howard County Families Choose Attorney 911

Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experience – We are actively fighting a $10M hazing case and have handled multiple high-stakes hazing claims.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to minimize claims—and we know how to counter them.
Federal & State Court Authority – Licensed in Texas and New York, with federal court admission, allowing us to pursue cases across the U.S.
Contingency Fee RepresentationNo upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case.
Bilingual Legal Support – Se habla español. We serve Spanish-speaking families in Howard County without language barriers.
Aggressive, Compassionate Advocacy – We treat hazing victims like family, not just cases.

What Counts as Hazing in Nebraska?

Hazing is not just “tradition”—it’s abuse, and it’s often illegal. Under Nebraska law (and similar laws nationwide), hazing includes:

Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion, branding, or any activity that causes injury.
Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or non-food substances (e.g., peppercorns, hot sauce) to the point of vomiting or illness.
Psychological torture – Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats, or simulated drowning (waterboarding).
Dangerous stunts – Activities that put students at risk of serious injury or death.
Sexual humiliation or assault – Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, or any non-consensual sexual acts.

If your child experienced any of these, they may have a legal claim—even if they “consented.” (Nebraska law does not allow consent as a defense to hazing.)

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Howard County?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, all of whom can be sued for damages. In our current $10M Pi Kappa Phi case, we are pursuing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing.
National Fraternity/Sorority Organization Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about prior incidents.
University/College Failed to supervise Greek life, ignored prior hazing reports, or owned the property where hazing occurred.
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing (e.g., chapter president, pledgemaster).
Alumni or Hosts Allowed hazing at their homes or properties.
Insurance Companies Liability policies covering fraternities, universities, and individuals.

Example: If your child was hazed at a Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), or Kappa Sigma chapter near Howard County, we can pursue both the local chapter and the national organization—just like we’re doing in our current case.

What Compensation Can Howard County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to:

Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy, future medical care.
Lost wages – If the victim missed work or lost job opportunities due to injuries.
Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Educational disruptions – Tuition refunds, scholarship losses, or academic setbacks.
Punitive damages – If the hazing was extreme or intentional (e.g., waterboarding, forced alcohol poisoning).
Wrongful death damages – If hazing led to a fatality, families can sue for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future earnings.

Precedent Cases Show Hazing Victims Can Win Millions:

  • $10.1M – Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
  • $6.1M – Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
  • $110M+ – Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)
  • $4M+ – Adam Oakes (Delta Chi, VCU)

Our current $10M Pi Kappa Phi case is setting the stage for Howard County families to demand justice.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Howard County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
  • Hazing can cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, or traumatic brain injury—symptoms may not appear immediately.
  • Medical records are crucial evidence.

2. Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, or objects used.
  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
  • Document witness names (other pledges, bystanders).
  • Keep all medical bills and records.

3. Do NOT Speak to the Fraternity or University Alone

  • They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, or pressure your child to stay silent.
  • Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.
  • Do not post on social media—anything you say can be used against you.

4. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

  • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
  • We will travel to Howard County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
  • We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies so you don’t have to.

Howard County’s Hazing Lawsuit Process

When you hire Attorney 911, we handle every step of your case:

  1. Free Case Evaluation – We review your child’s situation and explain your legal options.
  2. Evidence Collection – We gather medical records, witness statements, and communications.
  3. Filing the Lawsuit – We sue all liable parties (fraternity, university, individuals).
  4. Discovery Phase – We demand documents, take depositions, and build your case.
  5. Negotiation or Trial – We fight for a fair settlement or take the case to court if necessary.
  6. Compensation Recovery – We ensure you receive maximum compensation for your child’s injuries.

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

Common Hazing Defenses – And How We Defeat Them

Fraternities and universities will try to blame the victim or minimize the harm. Their most common defenses include:

Defense Our Counterargument
“It was just tradition.” Hazing is illegal, regardless of “tradition.”
“They consented to participate.” Nebraska law says consent is not a defense. (Similar to Texas Education Code § 37.154.)
“It was just a prank.” Waterboarding, forced consumption, and physical abuse are not pranks—they’re crimes.
“The university didn’t know.” Universities own fraternity houses and have a duty to supervise. If they knew about prior hazing (like UH did), they’re liable.
“They’re just college kids.” Fraternities are tax-exempt corporations with insurance policies—they can and should be held accountable.

Hazing at Nebraska Colleges & Universities Near Howard County

While Howard County is a rural area, many students from the region attend colleges with active Greek life, including:

  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) – Home to Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Sigma, and more.
  • Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln) – Active Greek system.
  • Creighton University (Omaha) – Strong Greek life presence.
  • University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) – Fraternities and sororities.
  • Doane University (Crete) – Greek organizations.

If your child was hazed at any of these schools—or anywhere in the U.S.—we can help.

Warning Signs of Hazing in Howard County

Hazing often starts subtly before escalating into abuse. Red flags include:

Excessive fatigue or sleep deprivation – Forced late-night activities, early-morning workouts.
Unexplained bruises, injuries, or weight loss – From forced exercise, paddling, or physical abuse.
Sudden changes in behavior – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or fear of social events.
Forced consumption of alcohol or food – Being pressured to drink or eat until vomiting.
Humiliating tasks – Carrying objects, wearing embarrassing clothing, or being subjected to verbal abuse.
Isolation from friends/family – Fraternities may restrict contact with outsiders.
Secrecy about activities – Being told not to discuss pledge events with anyone.

If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Contact us immediately.

Howard County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing victims often feel shame, fear, or loyalty to their abusers. But this is not your child’s fault. Fraternities and universities profit from hazing culture—they count on victims staying silent.

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was afraid to speak out due to retribution. We protected him and are now fighting for $10 million in damages. We will do the same for your family.

Call Attorney 911 Now – Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Howard County and all of Nebraska. No upfront costs. No fees unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Howard County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?

Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, a lawyer can:

  • Advise you on legal rights and risks.
  • Help document evidence in case they change their mind.
  • Assist with Title IX complaints or criminal referrals.
  • Negotiate with the university for academic accommodations or refunds.

2. Can we sue even if my child is still in the fraternity?

Yes. Many hazing victims stay in their organizations due to peer pressure or fear of retaliation. We can:

  • Protect your child’s identity during legal proceedings.
  • Negotiate anonymously with defendants.
  • File under seal (confidential court filings) if necessary.

3. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing that occurs off-campus (e.g., at a member’s home, a bar, or a retreat) is still illegal, and:

  • The fraternity/sorority can be held liable for organizing it.
  • The property owner (e.g., alumni, parents) may be liable for allowing it.
  • The university may still be liable if they knew or should have known about it.

4. How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Nebraska?

Nebraska’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically 4 years, but you should act immediately. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and universities may destroy records.

5. What if my child was hazed at a high school team or club?

Hazing happens in high schools too. If your child was hazed in a sports team, band, ROTC, or club near Howard County, we can pursue:

  • The school district for failing to supervise.
  • The coaches or advisors for negligence.
  • The individual students who participated.

6. Can we sue if the fraternity was already suspended?

Yes. Suspending or closing a chapter does not erase liability. In fact, it may be an admission of guilt. We can still sue:

  • The national fraternity/sorority for failing to prevent hazing.
  • The university for allowing it to happen.
  • The individual members who participated.

7. What if my child signed a waiver or “consented” to hazing?

Consent is not a defense under Nebraska law. Fraternities often use peer pressure, threats, or misrepresentation to coerce participation. We will argue that true consent was impossible due to:

  • Fear of social exclusion.
  • Threats of expulsion from the organization.
  • Misleading descriptions of “pledge activities.”

8. How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but factors that increase compensation include:
Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage).
Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
University’s knowledge of prior hazing (pattern of negligence).
Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced alcohol poisoning, sexual abuse).
Defendant’s ability to pay (national fraternities have deep pockets).

Our current Pi Kappa Phi case seeks $10 million—your case could be worth just as much.

9. Will my child have to testify in court?

Most hazing cases settle out of court, but if a trial is necessary:

  • We will prepare your child thoroughly.
  • We can request privacy protections (e.g., testifying via video).
  • Many victims find testifying empowering—it’s a chance to hold their abusers accountable.

10. How do we pay for a lawyer?

You don’t. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

  • No upfront costs.
  • No hourly fees.
  • We only get paid if we win your case (typically 33-40% of the settlement).

Howard County: It’s Time to End the Silence on Hazing

Hazing has killed students, destroyed families, and left lifelong scars—but it continues because victims stay silent. We are changing that.

Our $10M Pi Kappa Phi case is sending a message: Hazing is not tradition—it’s torture, and it will not be tolerated.

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or club near Howard County, we will fight for them. Call us now for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Serving Howard County, Nebraska, and nationwide. No upfront costs. No fees unless we win.

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