🚨 Knox County Hazing Lawyers — Protecting Students from Greek Life Abuse
Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither do we.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Knox County families whose children have been abused, hospitalized, or worse by fraternity and sorority hazing.
We know the same national fraternities with hazing deaths on their record operate at universities near Knox County. We know Knox County institutions have the same power to stop hazing — and the same liability when they don’t. And we know Knox County families deserve the same legal firepower we’re bringing to Houston.
If your child has been hazed in Knox County, we will fight for you.
🏆 Why Knox County Families Choose Attorney 911
✅ We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the courtroom, we’re in the media, and we’re holding institutions accountable. Knox County families get the same aggressive representation.
✅ Nationwide Reach — Knox County Included
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims across America through:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- Willingness to travel to Knox County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Remote consultation technology for Knox County families
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides. We know exactly how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize claims. We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for Knox County families.
✅ Battle-Tested Trial Experience
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — multi-billion dollar mass tort experience
- Federal court admission — can pursue Knox County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Hazing-specific expertise — rhabdomyolysis, Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M cases
✅ Deep Pockets Experience
We know how to pursue:
- National fraternity/sorority organizations (millions in assets)
- University endowments and insurance policies
- Individual defendants (chapter officers, members)
- Insurance carriers (multiple layers of coverage)
Knox County families don’t have to settle for less because the defendants have more resources.
✅ We Come to Knox County
For depositions, client meetings, and trials — we will travel to Knox County as needed. Your Knox County hazing case is our priority.
✅ Se Habla Español
Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Knox County families. Hazing doesn’t discriminate. Neither do we.
📰 The Hazing Crisis — It’s Happening in Knox County Too
The Case That Shows What Knox County Families Are Up Against
In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing.
What happened to him is happening to students near Knox County right now.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client:
| Activity | Description | Knox County Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with garden hose | Same fraternities operate near Knox County |
| Forced Eating | Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting | Knox County Greek life engages in similar “traditions” |
| 500+ Squats | Forced exercise until collapse | Knox County hazing includes extreme physical punishment |
| Wooden Paddles | Struck with wooden paddles | Knox County fraternities use the same methods |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to drive members all night | Knox County hazing includes exhaustion tactics |
| Psychological Torture | Carrying sexual objects, threats of expulsion | Knox County students face the same humiliation |
This wasn’t “boys being boys.” This was torture. And it’s happening near Knox County.
The Same Fraternities Operate Near Knox County
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including near Knox County. The same national organization that waterboarded our client and paid millions after Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 oversees chapters where your Knox County children are pledging.
Other fraternities with documented hazing deaths also operate near Knox County:
| Fraternity | Hazing Death | University | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | 2021 |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Andrew Coffey | Florida State | 2017 |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | 2017 |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza | Penn State | 2017 |
Knox County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity near Knox County, they’re at risk.
⚖️ Knox County Hazing Laws — What You Need to Know
Hazing is a Crime in Nebraska
Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.08 defines hazing as:
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, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in an organization.
Penalties in Nebraska:
| Offense Level | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Class II Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine |
| Class I Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine (if bodily injury) |
| Class IV Felony | Up to 2 years in prison, $10,000 fine (if serious bodily injury) |
| Class III Felony | Up to 20 years in prison (if death occurs) |
Knox County families: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
Civil Liability — Who Knox County Families Can Sue
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property |
| Insurance Carriers | Multiple policies may provide coverage |
Knox County families: The money is there. We know how to get it.
💰 What Knox County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses):
- Medical bills (hospitalization, treatment, rehabilitation)
- Future medical expenses (kidney monitoring, therapy, potential dialysis/transplant)
- Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
- Educational disruption (tuition for lost semester, scholarship loss)
- Travel expenses (to medical appointments)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):
- Physical pain from injuries (rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, etc.)
- Mental anguish from abuse (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Emotional distress from humiliation (forced nudity, sexual objects, etc.)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
- Disfigurement (scars from burns, branding, etc.)
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct):
- Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent
- Meant to deter future hazing
- No cap in Nebraska for most personal injury cases
- Our UH case involves waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles — exactly the type of conduct that justifies punitive damages
Knox County families: Recent hazing verdicts range from $6.1 million to $110 million. Your case deserves the same aggressive pursuit.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Knox County
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get medical attention immediately | Document injuries; create medical record |
| 2 | Preserve all evidence | Texts, photos, videos, social media, witness info |
| 3 | DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority | They will try to control the narrative |
| 4 | DO NOT post on social media | Anything you post can be used against you |
| 5 | DO NOT sign anything | May waive your legal rights |
| 6 | Contact Attorney 911 immediately | Free consultation; know your rights |
Knox County families: Evidence disappears fast. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations run out. Call us NOW.
Evidence to Preserve:
| Evidence Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, ER visits, therapy notes |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages, hazing locations, items used |
| Communications | Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Witness Information | Names/contact info of other pledges, bystanders |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments |
DO NOT delete anything. DO NOT talk to anyone without your attorney present.
🎯 The Attorney 911 Difference — How We Fight for Knox County Families
1. We Know the Defendants’ Playbook
As former insurance defense attorneys, we know exactly how fraternities and universities will try to minimize your claim. We know their tactics — and we know how to defeat them.
2. We Travel to Knox County
Your Knox County hazing case is our priority. We will come to Knox County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Court appearances
- Trials
3. We Handle Everything
We manage:
- All communications with defendants and insurance companies
- Evidence preservation and collection
- Medical record requests
- Expert witness coordination
- Settlement negotiations
- Trial preparation
You focus on recovery. We focus on justice.
4. We Don’t Back Down
We’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against a major fraternity and university. We don’t settle for lowball offers. We fight for what Knox County families deserve.
5. We Work on Contingency
$0 upfront. $0 unless we win. Knox County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
📞 Knox County Hazing Victims — Call Now for Free Consultation
We’re available 24/7 for Knox County hazing emergencies.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Serving Knox County and all of Nebraska from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
We come to Knox County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔥 Warning to Knox County Fraternities
To the fraternities operating near Knox 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 — if your chapter operates near Knox County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
The 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 America. That’s what will happen in Knox County.
🏛️ Warning to Knox County Universities
To the universities near Knox County:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you own fraternity houses, when you recognize Greek organizations, when you collect fees — you have a responsibility.
University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about a 2017 hazing hospitalization at their campus. They failed to act. Now they’re being sued for $10 million.
The same liability exists at Knox County institutions.
If your Greek life program harbors hazing culture, if your administrators turn a blind eye, if your risk management is reactive instead of preventive — you will be held accountable.
Attorney 911 is coming for every institution that fails to protect Knox County students.
📚 Knox County Student Resources
Recognizing Hazing — What Knox County Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t always obvious. It can be disguised as “tradition,” “brotherhood,” or “team building.” If your child is experiencing any of the following, it may be hazing:
| Category | Red Flags |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol, food, non-food substances (e.g., hot sauce, milk, peppercorns) |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, interrupted sleep |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects |
| Isolation | Being separated from friends, family, normal social circles |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, errands, driving members at all hours |
Knox County parents: If your child is being hazed, they may be too afraid to speak up. Watch for signs of:
- Sudden withdrawal or depression
- Unexplained injuries
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Fear of attending school or social events
- Unexplained absences from classes
📅 Recent Hazing Cases — What Knox County Families Can Expect
Case 1: $10 Million Lawsuit — University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi (2025)
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez (our client)
- Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
- Hazing: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Status: $10 million lawsuit filed November 2025
- Outcome So Far: Chapter shut down; criminal referrals initiated
Case 2: $6.5 Million Judgment — Bowling Green State / Pi Kappa Alpha (2024)
- Victim: Daylen Dunson (chapter president)
- Injury: Stone Foltz death from alcohol poisoning
- Judgment: $6.5 million against individual chapter president
- Message: Individual officers can be held personally liable
Case 3: $6.1 Million Verdict — Louisiana State / Phi Delta Theta (2023)
- Victim: Maxwell Gruver
- Cause of Death: Acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495)
- Verdict: $6.1 million jury verdict
- Legislation: Max Gruver Act — made hazing a felony in Louisiana
Case 4: $110+ Million Settlement — Penn State / Beta Theta Pi (2017-2024)
- Victim: Timothy Piazza
- Cause of Death: Traumatic brain injury; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
- Settlement: Confidential — estimated $110+ million
- Criminal: 18 members charged; multiple convictions
Knox County families: These cases prove that hazing victims and families CAN and DO win. The same legal strategies apply to Knox County cases.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Knox County Hazing Victims
Q: My child was hazed in Knox County. Can you help even though you’re based in Texas?
A: YES. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Knox County. We have:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- Willingness to travel to Knox County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Remote consultation technology for Knox County families
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a Knox County hazing lawyer?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so Knox County families have no financial risk.
Q: What if my child consented to the hazing activities?
A: Consent is NOT a defense. Nebraska law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
The fraternity, sorority, and university are still liable.
Q: How long do we have to file a Knox County hazing lawsuit?
A: Nebraska’s statute of limitations for personal injury is typically 4 years from the date of injury. However, you should act immediately because:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Defendants destroy records
- Your case is stronger when evidence is fresh
Knox County families: Don’t wait. Call us NOW.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on-campus, off-campus, or online. The fraternity, sorority, and individuals can still be held liable.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
A: YES. National organizations have millions in assets and insurance. They can be held liable for:
- Failing to supervise local chapters
- Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Knowing about hazing culture and doing nothing
- Providing inadequate training
Our current $10 million lawsuit includes Pi Kappa Phi National as a defendant.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We protect our clients. We understand the fear of retaliation, and we take steps to ensure your safety and privacy. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was fearful of doing an interview due to retribution — we respect that fear and work to protect our clients.
Q: How much is our Knox County hazing case worth?
Every case is unique, but recent hazing verdicts and settlements range from $6.1 million to $110 million. Factors that increase case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, etc.)
- Institutional knowledge (did the university/fraternity know about prior incidents?)
- Pattern evidence (are other victims coming forward?)
- Punitive damages (was the conduct intentional or reckless?)
Knox County families: We fight for maximum compensation in every case.
🚨 Knox County Parents — Know the Warning Signs
Hazing often goes unreported because victims are ashamed, afraid, or don’t recognize it as hazing. Watch for these warning signs in your Knox County college student:
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of exhaustion or sleep deprivation
- Weight loss or changes in eating habits
- Visible signs of distress (shaking, crying)
Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Fear of attending school or social events
- Unexplained absences from classes
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Increased anxiety or depression
Academic Signs:
- Sudden drop in grades
- Missing assignments or exams
- Withdrawal from extracurricular activities
- Loss of scholarships or financial aid
Financial Signs:
- Unexplained expenses (fees, “dues,” purchases for fraternity/sorority)
- Requests for money without explanation
- Missing valuables (phone, wallet, clothing)
Knox County parents: If you notice these signs, talk to your child. Hazing thrives in secrecy. Your support can make all the difference.
📞 Knox County Hazing Victims — Call Now
We’re available 24/7 for Knox County hazing emergencies.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Serving Knox County and all of Nebraska from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
We come to Knox County. Justice doesn’t have a zip code.
🔒 Confidential Consultation — Your Privacy Protected
Your consultation is 100% confidential. We will never share your information without your permission.
What to expect in your free consultation:
- We listen to your story
- We evaluate your case
- We explain your legal rights
- We discuss next steps
- We answer all your questions
Knox County families: There’s no obligation. There’s no pressure. There’s just the truth about your legal options.
🏆 Our Promise to Knox County Families
- We will listen — without judgment, without interruption.
- We will fight — aggressively, relentlessly, professionally.
- We will protect you — from retaliation, from intimidation, from exploitation.
- We will pursue maximum compensation — because Knox County families deserve justice.
- We will travel to Knox County — because your case matters, no matter where you are.
Knox County hazing victims: You are not alone. We are Attorney 911. We are your legal emergency responders.
⚠️ Final Warning to Knox County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Knox County:
We know who you are. We know where you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations’ hazing death records. We know how much they’ve paid in settlements.
If you haze students in Knox County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every available dollar. And we will shut you down.
The Beta Nu chapter learned this the hard way. Your Knox County chapter could be next.
To the universities near Knox County:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail, you will be held accountable.
The University of Houston is learning this lesson right now. Knox County institutions could be next.
Attorney 911 is coming. The question is: Will you change your culture before we arrive?
© 2025 Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Knox County, Nebraska and Nationwide
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
