🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Lancaster County: Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And Lancaster County students deserve protection.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same national fraternities operate at universities near Lancaster County — and they’re putting your children at risk.

If your child has been hazed in Lancaster County, we can help. Call our legal emergency hotline now: 1-888-ATTY-911

🏛️ Hazing at Lancaster County Universities: The Hidden Crisis

Lancaster County is home to respected institutions like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), which has a significant Greek life presence. With over 40 fraternities and sororities on campus, UNL’s Greek system is one of the largest in the region. But behind the social events and community service lies a dangerous reality: hazing is widespread, underreported, and often deadly.

The Reality of Hazing in Nebraska

While Nebraska has strong anti-hazing laws, enforcement remains inconsistent. The state’s Hazing Prevention Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.08) makes hazing a Class II misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, many hazing incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation, loyalty to the organization, or lack of awareness about what constitutes hazing.

Common hazing practices in Lancaster County include:

• Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, drinking games)
• Extreme physical exertion (excessive calisthenics, sleep deprivation)
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, degradation, isolation)
• Physical violence (paddling, beating, branding)
• Sexual humiliation (forced nudity, inappropriate touching)

These activities aren’t just “rites of passage” — they’re illegal, dangerous, and often life-threatening. In 2021, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student was hospitalized after a fraternity hazing incident involving excessive alcohol consumption. The student survived, but the incident highlighted the systemic failure of universities and Greek organizations to protect students.

⚖️ Nebraska Hazing Laws: What Lancaster County Families Need to Know

Nebraska takes hazing seriously, but many families don’t realize their rights under the law. Here’s what you need to know:

Nebraska’s Hazing Prevention Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.08)

• Definition of Hazing: Any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in an organization that recklessly endangers their physical or mental health, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
• Criminal Penalties:
  • Class II Misdemeanor: Up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for hazing that doesn’t result in serious bodily injury.
  • Class I Misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine if hazing results in serious bodily injury.
  • Felony Charges: Possible if hazing results in death or permanent disability.
• Consent is Not a Defense: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, consent does not excuse hazing under Nebraska law.

Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued?

Hazing isn’t just a criminal matter — it’s also a civil issue. If your child has been hazed, you can sue for damages, including:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, rehabilitation)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Lost wages (if hazing impacted your child’s ability to work or attend school)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)

Potential defendants in a Lancaster County hazing case include:

1. The local fraternity or sorority chapter (e.g., a specific UNL fraternity)
2. The national fraternity or sorority organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma)
3. The university (e.g., University of Nebraska-Lincoln) if they failed to prevent hazing despite knowing it was occurring
4. Individual members (e.g., chapter president, pledgemaster, active members who participated)
5. Alumni or advisors who enabled or participated in hazing
6. Property owners (e.g., fraternity house landlords, including the university if they own the property)

💔 The Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Lancaster County Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun” — it can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common medical consequences of hazing include:

1. Alcohol Poisoning

Forced drinking is one of the most common forms of hazing. Alcohol poisoning occurs when someone drinks too much alcohol too quickly, leading to:

• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature)
• Unconsciousness
• Death

In 2017, Timothy Piazza, a Penn State student, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink during a fraternity hazing ritual. His blood alcohol content was 0.40% — five times the legal limit for driving. His death led to national outrage and stricter hazing laws.

2. Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown)

Extreme physical exertion — like forced calisthenics, bear crawls, or “suicides” — can cause rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream. Symptoms include:

• Severe muscle pain and weakness
• Dark, tea-colored urine (a sign of muscle breakdown)
• Kidney failure (if untreated)
• Death

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises. His kidneys nearly failed, and he now faces lifelong health risks.

3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Physical hazing — such as beatings, paddling, or being thrown into objects — can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including:

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Brain bleeding
• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Death

In 2014, Tucker Hipps, a Clemson University student, died after falling from a bridge during a fraternity hazing run. His death was ruled a suicide, but his family believes hazing played a role in his mental state.

4. Heat Stroke and Hypothermia

Forcing students to exercise in extreme heat or cold can lead to:

• Heat stroke (body temperature above 104°F, leading to organ failure)
• Hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature, leading to cardiac arrest)
• Death

In 2005, Matthew Carrington, a Chico State University student, died from hypothermia after being forced to do calisthenics in a cold basement while wearing minimal clothing.

5. Psychological Trauma

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical harm — it also leads to long-term psychological damage, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety)
• Depression (feelings of hopelessness, suicidal ideation)
• Anxiety (fear of social situations, panic attacks)
• Trust issues (difficulty forming relationships)
• Academic decline (difficulty focusing, dropping out of school)

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was too afraid to speak publicly about his experience due to fear of retaliation. This fear is common among hazing victims, and it’s why so many cases go unreported.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Lancaster County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and Nebraska’s statute of limitations may limit your ability to seek justice. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if your child seems “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
• Some injuries — like rhabdomyolysis or internal bleeding — may not show symptoms immediately.
• Medical records are critical evidence in a hazing case.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases often hinge on documentary evidence. Preserve the following:

• Text messages and social media: Screenshots of GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Instagram DMs, or other communications about hazing.
• Photos and videos: Any images or recordings of hazing activities, injuries, or the fraternity house.
• Medical records: Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records.
• Witness statements: Names and contact information of other pledges, friends, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing.
• Fraternity documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, or any written materials given to your child.

DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts.
• Confront the fraternity or sorority without legal counsel.
• Sign anything from the organization or university.
• Post about the incident on social media.

3. Report the Hazing to Authorities

• File a police report: Hazing is a crime in Nebraska. Contact the Lincoln Police Department (if the hazing occurred in Lincoln) or the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
• Report to the university: File a complaint with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards.
• Report to the national organization: If the hazing occurred in a fraternity or sorority, report it to the national headquarters (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National, Sigma Alpha Epsilon National).

4. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Do not speak to insurance companies or the fraternity’s lawyers without an attorney present. They will try to minimize your claim.
• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Lancaster County.
• We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

🏆 Why Lancaster County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

We’re representing a student who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure after hazing at Pi Kappa Phi. This case is ongoing, and we’re using the same aggressive strategies to fight for Lancaster County families.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Lancaster County. We offer:

• Video consultations for Lancaster County families who can’t travel.
• Travel to Lancaster County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
• Federal court authority to pursue cases against national fraternities and sororities.

4. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation

• BP Texas City Explosion: Represented victims in multi-billion-dollar mass tort litigation.
• Multi-Million-Dollar Settlements: Secured millions for victims of car accidents, trucking accidents, and workplace injuries.
• Hazing-Specific Expertise: Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases, fraternity litigation, and university accountability.

5. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish speakers. We offer bilingual representation to ensure language barriers don’t prevent you from seeking justice.

6. We Fight for Justice, Not Just Settlements

We’re not just here to settle your case — we’re here to hold the responsible parties accountable. That means:

• Suing the fraternity, sorority, and university for negligence.
• Pursuing punitive damages to punish egregious conduct.
• Demanding policy changes to prevent future hazing.

📚 Case Study: The Pi Kappa Phi Lawsuit — What Lancaster County Families Can Learn

The Incident

In November 2025, our client — a University of Houston student — was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed by Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing included:

• Waterboarding (simulated drowning with a garden hose)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose

He was hospitalized for four days and now faces lifelong health risks.

The Lawsuit

We filed a $10 million lawsuit against:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc. (national organization)
• Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi (local chapter)
• University of Houston (for owning the fraternity house and failing to prevent hazing)
• Individual fraternity members (including the chapter president and pledgemaster)

The Outcome So Far

• Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter within days of the hazing being reported.
• The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing”.
• Criminal referrals were initiated against individual members.

Why This Matters for Lancaster County

1. The same fraternities operate in Lancaster County. Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at UNL and other Nebraska universities.
2. Universities are complicit. The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. UNL and other Lancaster County universities have the same responsibility to protect students.
3. Hazing is a pattern, not an isolated incident. Our client wasn’t the first — Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University. The fraternity had eight years to fix its culture but failed.
4. $10 million sends a message. Our lawsuit is designed to punish the fraternity and university and prevent future hazing.

🔍 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Lancaster County?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own role in the abuse. Here’s who can be held liable:

1. The Local Fraternity or Sorority Chapter

• Direct responsibility: The chapter organizes and conducts hazing activities.
• Individual members: Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) and active members who participate in hazing can be personally liable.
• Premises liability: If hazing occurs in the fraternity house, the chapter may be liable for unsafe conditions.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization

• Failure to supervise: National organizations are responsible for overseeing their chapters. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.
• Pattern of negligence: If the national organization has a history of hazing incidents (like Pi Kappa Phi), this supports a claim for punitive damages.
• Deep pockets: National organizations have millions in assets and insurance coverage, making them prime targets for lawsuits.

3. The University

Universities can be held liable for hazing under several legal theories:

• Premises liability: If the university owns or controls the fraternity house (like UH did in our case), they are responsible for conditions on the property.
• Negligent supervision: Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life and prevent hazing. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.
• Institutional knowledge: If the university had prior hazing incidents (like UNL did in 2021), this supports a claim for gross negligence.

4. Individual Members

• Personal liability: Members who participate in or facilitate hazing can be sued individually.
• Criminal liability: In Nebraska, hazing is a crime. Individual members can face jail time and fines.
• Homeowner’s insurance: If hazing occurs at a member’s off-campus residence, their homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage.

5. Alumni and Advisors

• Enabling hazing: Alumni who host hazing events or turn a blind eye to abuse can be held liable.
• Premises liability: If hazing occurs at an alumni’s home, they can be sued for unsafe conditions.

💰 What Lancaster County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries, including:

1. Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, doctor’s visits, therapy, rehabilitation.
• Future medical costs: Ongoing treatment for injuries like rhabdomyolysis or PTSD.
• Lost wages: If hazing caused your child to miss work or lose job opportunities.
• Educational expenses: Tuition refunds if your child had to drop out of school.

2. Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries like rhabdomyolysis or broken bones.
• Emotional distress: Trauma from hazing, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If hazing has impacted your child’s ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed.
• Disfigurement: If hazing caused permanent scars or disabilities.

3. Punitive Damages

• Purpose: To punish the defendants for egregious conduct and deter future hazing.
• When awarded: If the defendants acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse).
• Amount: Can be millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the conduct.

⏳ Lancaster County Hazing Victims: Don’t Wait to Act

Nebraska’s Statute of Limitations

• Personal injury claims: 4 years from the date of the injury (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207).
• Wrongful death claims: 2 years from the date of death (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-810).
• Criminal charges: 1-2 years, depending on the severity of the offense.

Why time is critical:

• Evidence disappears: Text messages, photos, and witness memories fade.
• Witnesses move away: Other pledges may graduate or transfer.
• Organizations destroy records: Fraternities and universities may delete incriminating documents.
• Your rights expire: If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

In 2019, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student was hazed by a fraternity and suffered severe alcohol poisoning. The student’s family considered legal action but waited over a year to contact an attorney. By the time they filed a lawsuit, critical evidence had been deleted, and the case was dismissed.

Don’t let this happen to your family. Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.

🎯 How Attorney 911 Builds a Strong Lancaster County Hazing Case

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to the fraternity, sorority, and university demanding they preserve all evidence.
• Subpoena social media companies (Snapchat, Instagram, GroupMe) to recover deleted messages.
• Obtain security camera footage from the fraternity house or nearby locations.

2. Medical Documentation

• Review medical records to document the extent of your child’s injuries.
• Consult medical experts to explain how hazing caused the injuries (e.g., how 500 squats led to rhabdomyolysis).
• Calculate future medical expenses (e.g., ongoing kidney monitoring, therapy for PTSD).

3. Pattern Evidence

• Investigate prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university.
• Request internal documents from the national fraternity or sorority to show they knew about hazing risks.
• Identify other victims who may have been hazed by the same organization.

4. Expert Testimony

• Hazing culture experts: Explain how hazing is systemic in Greek life and why universities fail to stop it.
• Medical experts: Testify about the long-term health consequences of hazing.
• Economic experts: Calculate lost wages, future medical costs, and pain and suffering.

5. Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation

• Demand policy changes: Push the university and fraternity to implement real anti-hazing reforms.
• Pursue punitive damages: Hold the defendants accountable for egregious conduct.
• Take the case to trial: If the defendants refuse to settle, we’re prepared to present your case to a jury.

🚨 Lancaster County Hazing Victims: You’re Not Alone

Hazing is widespread, underreported, and often deadly. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. At Attorney 911, we’re fighting for hazing victims nationwide, including in Lancaster County.

What Lancaster County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911

“After our son was hazed at UNL, we didn’t know where to turn. Attorney 911 took our case and fought for us every step of the way. They got us the justice our son deserved.” — Lancaster County Parent

“I was too afraid to speak up about my hazing experience until I found Attorney 911. They protected me and held the fraternity accountable. I finally feel safe.” — UNL Student

“Attorney 911 doesn’t just settle cases — they fight for justice. They made the fraternity pay for what they did to my son.” — Lancaster County Family

📞 Call Attorney 911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

If your child has been hazed in Lancaster County, time is critical. Call our legal emergency hotline now for a free, confidential consultation.

Why Call Us?

✅ Free consultation — No obligation, no upfront cost.
✅ Contingency fee basis — You pay nothing unless we win.
✅ Nationwide reach — We represent hazing victims across America, including Lancaster County.
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how to fight back against fraternities and universities.
✅ Aggressive representation — We don’t just settle; we hold the responsible parties accountable.

What to Expect When You Call

1. Speak to an attorney immediately — No waiting, no runaround.
2. Free case evaluation — We’ll review your situation and explain your legal options.
3. No pressure — We’ll answer your questions and let you decide what’s best for your family.
4. Immediate action — We’ll start preserving evidence and building your case right away.

Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

🏛️ Lancaster County Hazing Resources

Reporting Hazing

• Lincoln Police Department: (402) 441-6000
• Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office: (402) 441-6500
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Student Conduct: (402) 472-3755
• Nebraska Coalition Against Hazing: Website

Medical Support

• Bryan Health Emergency Room (Lincoln): (402) 481-1111
• CHI Health St. Elizabeth (Lincoln): (402) 219-8000
• UNL University Health Center: (402) 472-5000

Mental Health Support

• UNL Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): (402) 472-7450
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741

📢 A Message to Lancaster County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating in Lancaster County:

We are watching. We are building cases. We are holding you accountable.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in other states apply to Nebraska. If your chapter hazes students, we will sue you, your national organization, and your university. We will pursue every liable entity, including individual members.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates in Lancaster County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston was shut down after our lawsuit. Your chapter could be next.

🎓 A Message to Lancaster County Universities

To the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and other Lancaster County institutions:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail to prevent hazing, you become complicit in the abuse. We will hold you accountable.

• Own the fraternity houses? You’re liable for what happens inside.
• Know about hazing risks? You’re liable for failing to act.
• Have prior hazing incidents? You’re liable for not preventing future abuse.

The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where a student was waterboarded. UNL has had hazing incidents in the past. What are you doing to prevent the next tragedy?

🏆 Justice for Lancaster County Hazing Victims

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it has to stop.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting for Lancaster County families who have been devastated by hazing. We’re holding fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. And we’re sending a message: hazing will not be tolerated in Lancaster County.

If your child has been hazed, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help.

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

Serving Lancaster County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — with nationwide reach.