🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Jefferson County: Protecting Students from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse
Jefferson County Families: When “Tradition” Becomes Torture
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the Greek system. But when hazing crosses the line from initiation to abuse, the consequences can be devastating — and the institutions that allowed it must be held accountable.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, and extreme physical abuse that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. The same national fraternities operate at universities near Jefferson County. The same negligence exists in Jefferson County. And we will fight for Jefferson County families with the same aggression.
If your child has been hazed in Jefferson County, you’re not alone. We’re here to help.
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Jefferson County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that has led to serious injuries and deaths across America — and it happens right here in Nebraska.
What Hazing Looks Like in Jefferson County:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances until vomiting
- Waterboarding: Simulated drowning — a form of torture
- Psychological abuse: Humiliation, degradation, sleep deprivation
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
The medical consequences can be severe:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — like our client who was hospitalized for kidney failure
- Alcohol poisoning — a leading cause of hazing deaths
- Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
- Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Jefferson County Universities with Greek Life:
While Jefferson County itself is a rural area, many families in the region send their children to nearby universities where Greek life is active. These include:
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, NE) — Major Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities
- University of Nebraska at Omaha (Omaha, NE) — Active Greek community
- Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln, NE) — Smaller but active Greek organizations
- Doane University (Crete, NE) — Greek life presence
The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing cases nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and others — have chapters at these institutions.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Jefferson County Hazing Victim
Nebraska Hazing Laws — What You Need to Know
Nebraska has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-311.08, hazing is defined as:
“Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.”
Key points of Nebraska law:
- Criminal penalties: Hazing is a Class II misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine
- Consent is not a defense: Even if a student “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t excuse the hazing
- Organizational liability: Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be held responsible
- Civil liability: Victims can sue for damages including medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
Who Can Be Held Liable in Jefferson County Hazing Cases?
In our current $10 million case, we’re pursuing multiple defendants — and the same strategy applies to Jefferson County victims:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing risks |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority over Greek life |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop the hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing to occur at their property |
| Insurance Companies | Policies may cover damages |
Jefferson County families: Even if the hazing occurred outside Jefferson County (for example, at UNL in Lincoln), we can still pursue your case. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean distance is not a barrier to justice.
💰 What Your Jefferson County Hazing Case Could Be Worth
Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what recent cases have awarded:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement |
| Leonel Bermudez | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million lawsuit pending |
What These Cases Mean for Jefferson County Victims:
- $10 million is not an unreasonable demand — it’s in line with recent precedent
- Universities and fraternities have deep pockets — they can afford to pay
- Juries are outraged by hazing — they award significant damages to send a message
- Your case could prevent future hazing — financial consequences change behavior
Damages You Can Recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Educational disruption costs
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Jefferson County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document all symptoms and treatments
- Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening — don’t wait
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails)
- Document the hazing location (fraternity house, field, etc.)
- Get witness names and contact information
- Keep all medical records and bills
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not give statements to university administrators alone
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not post about the incident on social media
Step 4: Report the Hazing
- Consider filing a police report
- Report to the university’s Title IX office
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization
Step 5: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- 2-year statute of limitations — don’t wait
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget details
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
🏆 Why Jefferson County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now, and we’re bringing that same aggression to Jefferson County cases.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal litigation. This means:
- We can pursue cases in federal court when appropriate
- We can handle cases involving out-of-state defendants
- We can represent Jefferson County victims no matter where the hazing occurred
4. Dual-State Bar Admission — Strategic Advantage
Ralph Manginello is licensed in Texas and New York. This is crucial because:
- Many national fraternities are headquartered in New York
- Having New York bar admission gives us strategic leverage
- We can pursue national organizations in their home jurisdiction
5. Willingness to Travel to Jefferson County
We understand that Jefferson County families may not be able to travel to Houston. That’s why:
- We offer video consultations for Jefferson County families
- We travel to Jefferson County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
6. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront for Jefferson County Families
We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win. This means:
- No upfront legal fees
- No hourly billing
- We only get paid if you get paid
- You can fight powerful institutions without financial risk
7. Bilingual Services — Se Habla Español
Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members. We can:
- Conduct consultations in Spanish
- Translate documents
- Eliminate language barriers to justice
8. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation
- BP Texas City Explosion — Mass tort litigation against BP
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- Federal court experience — U.S. District Court and Second Circuit
- Criminal defense experience — Hundreds of cases won
🔍 The Attorney 911 Approach to Jefferson County Hazing Cases
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand retention of all communications, photos, videos
- Prevent destruction of evidence
2. Aggressive Investigation
- Interview all witnesses
- Obtain all medical records
- Gather all communications (texts, social media, emails)
- Document the hazing timeline
3. Expert Consultation
- Medical experts to assess injuries
- Greek life culture experts to explain the environment
- Economic experts to calculate damages
- Vocational experts to assess impact on future earnings
4. Multi-Defendant Strategy
- Sue the local chapter
- Sue the national organization
- Sue the university
- Sue individual perpetrators
- Pursue all available insurance policies
5. Media and Public Pressure
- Strategic media outreach to expose the truth
- Pressure on universities and national organizations
- Legislative advocacy for hazing reform
6. Settlement Negotiation or Trial
- Negotiate aggressively for fair settlement
- Take the case to trial if necessary
- Fight for maximum compensation
⚠️ Common Defenses in Hazing Cases — And How We Defeat Them
Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”
Our Response:
- Nebraska law explicitly says consent is not a defense (§ 28-311.08)
- Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent — social exclusion, threats, power dynamics
- Victims rarely know what they’re consenting to — hazing is hidden until it happens
Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition”
Our Response:
- Tradition doesn’t legitimize illegal activity — assault is assault
- Universities and nationals have policies against hazing — violating their own rules
- Juries don’t accept “tradition” as an excuse for abuse
Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know”
Our Response:
- Universities have oversight responsibility over Greek life
- They often own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs
- Prior incidents create knowledge — if it happened before, they should have known
- Discovery reveals internal communications showing what they knew
Defense 4: “The National Organization Didn’t Know”
Our Response:
- Pattern evidence — if multiple chapters have incidents, they know
- Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017 — they had 8 years to fix the culture
- Internal documents often show they were aware of problems
📞 Jefferson County Hazing Victims — Call Now for Help
Free Consultation — Available 24/7
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
What Happens When You Call:
- Immediate case evaluation — We’ll assess your situation
- Evidence preservation guidance — We’ll tell you what to save
- Legal strategy discussion — We’ll explain your options
- No pressure — You decide how to proceed
- No upfront cost — We work on contingency
We Serve Jefferson County Families — No Matter Where the Hazing Occurred
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Doane University
- Any college or university nationwide
🛡️ Protecting Jefferson County Students — One Case at a Time
Our Promise to Jefferson County Families:
- We will listen — Your story matters
- We will fight — No institution is too powerful
- We will hold them accountable — No more excuses
- We will prevent future hazing — Your case can save lives
From Ralph Manginello:
“When we took on the Pi Kappa Phi case, we knew it wouldn’t be easy. These are powerful institutions with deep pockets and experienced lawyers. But we also knew it was the right thing to do. We’re fighting not just for our client, but for every student who might be hazed in the future. Jefferson County families deserve the same aggressive representation. If your child has been hazed, we will fight for you.”
From Lupe Pena:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough. Jefferson County students should be able to join organizations without fear of being tortured. We’re here to make sure that happens.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Jefferson County
Q: What is considered hazing in Nebraska?
A: Under Nebraska law, hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. This includes:
- Physical abuse (paddling, beatings, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, sleep deprivation)
- Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts)
- Waterboarding or other forms of torture
Q: Can I sue if I consented to the hazing?
A: Yes. Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if you agreed to participate, you can still pursue legal action against the individuals and organizations responsible.
Q: How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Nebraska?
A: Nebraska has a 4-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act immediately because:
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget details
- Some claims may have shorter deadlines
Q: What if the hazing happened at a university outside Jefferson County?
A: We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Doane University
- Any college or university in the country
Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean distance is not a barrier.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: $0 upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so you never have to worry about legal bills while pursuing justice.
Q: What if I’m afraid of retribution from the fraternity?
A: We understand. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take these concerns seriously and:
- Protect your identity when possible
- Advise you on safety precautions
- Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
Q: Can I sue the university if my child was hazed?
A: Yes, in many cases. Universities can be held liable for:
- Failing to supervise Greek life
- Owning or controlling property where hazing occurred
- Failing to act on prior hazing incidents
- Violating their own policies against hazing
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
A: You may still have a case. Psychological trauma from hazing can be just as damaging as physical injuries. We pursue compensation for:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Q: How much is my hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but recent hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors that affect case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Psychological impact
- Egregiousness of the conduct
- Whether the university or national organization knew about prior incidents
- Availability of insurance coverage
📢 A Message to Fraternities Operating Near Jefferson County
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and all other Greek organizations with chapters near Jefferson County:
We are watching. We are building cases. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
If you haze students in Jefferson County or anywhere in Nebraska, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. We will hold every individual accountable.
The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter that hospitalized our client? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Nebraska.
🏆 Our Commitment to Jefferson County
At Attorney 911, we believe that no student should have to endure torture to join a group. We’re committed to:
- Protecting Jefferson County students from hazing
- Holding institutions accountable for their failures
- Changing the culture that allows hazing to continue
- Supporting Jefferson County families through this difficult process
If your child has been hazed, we’re here to help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
🚨 Jefferson County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Jefferson County families. Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
Serving Jefferson County and all of Nebraska from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
