If you’re reading this, your family in Nebraska may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to explore new passions, and build a future. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated. They were injured, perhaps even permanently, by the very people and institutions sworn to protect them. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know: you are not alone. We are here to help families in Nebraska fight back against the insidious spread of hazing that has infiltrated our universities and left a trail of broken lives and shattered dreams.
We are Attorney911. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers, and we are actively fighting this battle right now in court, seeking $10 million in damages against a national fraternity and a major university for the severe hazing injuries inflicted upon a young man who was just trying to belong. The case, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., is happening in our home state of Texas, but it serves as a stark warning to every parent and every student across America, including here in Nebraska. Hazing knows no state lines, and the same national fraternities and negligent university oversight that allowed this to happen in Houston exist on campuses right here in Nebraska. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven, and relentless pursuit of justice to victims and families in Nebraska that we do to our Texas clients.
The Haunting Echoes of a Nightmare: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Nebraska
The story of Leonel Bermudez is a chilling reminder that hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a brutal reality happening today, at prestigious universities, to students who trust the system. Leonel was a “ghost rush,” a prospective fraternity member who hadn’t even officially enrolled at the University of Houston yet, hoping to transfer for the upcoming semester. He accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. What followed was not brotherhood, but a systematic campaign of physical and psychological abuse that left him hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
Imagine your child, eager and hopeful for college life, soon finding themselves subjected to unimaginable cruelty. Leonel endured weeks of forced physical exertion, including more than 100 pushups and 500 squats until his muscles broke down, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, high-volume “suicides,” two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite fraternity creeds while exercising past the point of collapse, collapsing so utterly that he “could not stand without help,” as his mother later described. When he finally made it home, he “crawled up the stairs and went to bed,” as Attorney Manginello recounted to ABC13. The next day, he was critically ill, “passing brown urine,” a horrifying sign of his muscles breaking down and his kidneys failing. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he spent three nights and four days receiving intensive care for a condition that could lead to permanent kidney damage. His body was literally consumed by the hazing.
Beyond the physical torment, Leonel was subjected to psychological warfare. He was waterboarded with a garden hose – a tactic recognized internationally as torture. He was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. He was forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then ordered to continue running sprints in his own vomit. He was stripped to his underwear and sprayed with a hose in cold weather. He was commanded to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature at all times, a blatant act of humiliation and degradation. And his fear is so profound that, even now, our attorneys told ABC13 that he is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This is the reality of hazing: it is not horseplay; it is systematic abuse designed to break down individuals, physically and psychologically.
Within weeks of this horrific incident coming to light, the University of Houston’s spokesperson called the events “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” and confirmed that criminal referrals were initiated against individuals involved. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters officially closed its Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston, effective November 14, 2025. This action, taken just seven days before we filed our $10 million lawsuit, speaks volumes. They knew what was coming. They knew their chapter was responsible for egregious violations. And in their public statement, they even had the audacity to say, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” showing a profound lack of remorse and a chilling confidence that they can simply wait out the public outrage.
This wasn’t an isolated incident, either. KHOU 11 reported that both the national organization and local housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This isn’t just negligence; it’s deliberate indifference to a known danger.
We, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are fighting for Leonel Bermudez in Harris County Civil District Court right now. We are pursuing every liable entity, including the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, the national Pi Kappa Phi organization, the local chapter’s housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members. We are committed to ensuring that every single person and institution complicit in this trauma is held accountable. As Lupe Pena told ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
The same national fraternities that operate in Houston and across the country have chapters at universities throughout Nebraska, like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Creighton University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska Wesleyan University, and Hastings College, among others. The same dangerous “traditions” and negligent oversight we’re uncovering in Houston could be happening in Lincoln, Omaha, or Kearney. If your child attends a college or university near you, they could be facing these very same risks. Our work in Texas is directly applicable to establishing accountability and justice for hazing victims in Nebraska.
What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes
Many parents in Nebraska might imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild inconveniences—something students “just have to get through” to earn their place. But the reality, as exemplified by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is far more sinister and terrifying. Hazing has evolved, or perhaps devolved, into systematic torture, humiliation, and abuse that frequently results in severe injury, psychological trauma, and even death. It is critical for families in Nebraska to understand that this isn’t about “boys being boys”; it’s about criminal acts that inflict lasting harm.
Physical Abuse: Hazing often involves extreme forms of physical punishment. This can range from constant beatings, slapping, and paddling, to burning with cigarettes or branding with heated objects. Forced calisthenics, like the hundreds of pushups and squats Leonel endured, are designed to push the body past its limits, often leading to severe injuries like rhabdomyolysis—a condition that literally causes muscle fibers to break down and release toxins into the bloodstream, leading to kidney failure, as it did in Leonel’s case. Waterboarding, as Leonel suffered, is a particularly heinous form of physical abuse, simulating drowning and inducing extreme terror, recognized globally as torture. Forced exposure to the elements, sleep deprivation, and being confined in small, uncomfortable spaces all fall under this category, risking hypothermia, exhaustion, and physical collapse.
Forced Consumption: A common and deadly form of hazing involves forced consumption. This isn’t just about excessive alcohol, which is in itself incredibly dangerous and a leading cause of hazing deaths. Pledges are often made to consume non-alcoholic substances to the point of vomiting or worse. Leonel was forced to eat large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited profusely, then made to continue physical activities in his own vomit. Other instances can include eating disgusting or inedible substances, which pose serious health risks beyond mere discomfort. Alcohol poisoning due to forced binge drinking remains a tragically frequent cause of hazing fatalities across the nation.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma: The mental scars of hazing can be even more enduring than the physical ones. Hazing rituals often involve extreme humiliation, degradation, and psychological manipulation. Being forced to carry sexually explicit objects, as Leonel was, or being hog-tied and silenced, as another pledge was, creates profound feelings of shame, powerlessness, and vulnerability. Constant verbal abuse, threats of physical violence or social ostracism, and isolation from outside support systems are all tools of psychological torture. Victims frequently develop severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, forever altering their ability to trust, form healthy relationships, and thrive in academic or professional settings. The fear of retribution, a sentiment Leonel still grapples with, is a hallmark of this psychological abuse.
Sexual Hazing: While often overlooked or underreported due to its sensitive nature, sexual hazing is tragically common. This can include forced nudity, sexual degradation, or even sexual assault. The presence of sexually explicit objects, as in Leonel’s case, is a form of sexual hazing designed to humiliate and demean. These incidents inflict devastating and long-lasting trauma on victims.
Sleep Deprivation and Servitude: Pledges are often subjected to severe sleep deprivation, forced to adhere to demanding schedules, perform late-night tasks, or drive fraternity members at all hours. This not only impairs their judgment and academic performance but also makes them more vulnerable to manipulation and injury. Coupled with forced servitude, where pledges are compelled to clean, run errands, or perform demeaning tasks for older members, these practices rob students of their autonomy and dignity.
Hazing is not about building character; it breaks spirits. It is not about bonding; it fosters a culture of fear and abuse. And it is certainly not harmless. The physical injuries, the psychological trauma, and the lost potential of bright young lives are devastating evidence that hazing is a crime demanding accountability. Families in Nebraska deserve to know this truth, so they can protect their children and seek justice when these atrocities occur.
Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable in Nebraska
When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, it’s rarely the fault of just one individual. The culture of silence and the layers of institutional negligence often mean that multiple parties bear responsibility. Our approach at Attorney911, as demonstrated in the Bermudez case, is to meticulously identify and pursue every single entity that contributed to the harm. This comprehensive strategy ensures that the “deep pockets”—the organizations with the financial resources to pay for damages—are held fully accountable.
1. The Individual Perpetrators:
At the most direct level, the fraternity members who actively participated in or directed the hazing are liable. In the Bermudez case, we specifically named 13 individual fraternity members, including the chapter’s President and Pledgemaster. These individuals engaged in assault, battery, and other criminal acts. They also include former members who hosted hazing events at their private residences, and even the spouse of a former member for allowing such activities to occur on their property. These individuals can be held personally responsible for their actions, and their personal assets, as well as any applicable insurance policies (like homeowners’ or renters’ insurance), can be pursued. As the $6.5 million judgment against a single fraternity president in the Stone Foltz case proves, individual accountability is real and can be financially devastating.
2. The Local Chapter:
The specific fraternity or sorority chapter involved in the hazing bears significant responsibility. These chapters, even if unrecognized by their national organization or the university, often operate as entities with their own leadership structure, rules, and bank accounts. They are directly responsible for the conduct of their members and the activities they organize. They can be held liable for negligent supervision, creating a dangerous environment, and for the intentional acts of their members.
3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:
National organizations, like Pi Kappa Phi, often claim ignorance or distance themselves from local chapter conduct. However, they are typically the “deepest pockets” among the Greek defendants. They license the chapter, provide rules and policies, offer training, and are supposed to oversee their local affiliates. Their liability can stem from:
* Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately monitor or control the activities of their local chapters. The lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez alleges Pi Kappa Phi National failed to enforce anti-hazing rules “despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This is a critical point.
* Failure to Train or Enforce Policies: Providing inadequate anti-hazing education or failing to enforce their own written policies.
* Vicarious Liability: Being held responsible for the acts of their agents (the local chapter and its members) who are operating under their charter and brand.
* Pattern of Behavior: When a national organization has a history of hazing incidents across multiple chapters, as Pi Kappa Phi does with the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017, it demonstrates a systemic failure and increases their culpability.
4. The University or College:
Universities and colleges have a fundamental duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm. Their liability can arise from several factors:
* Knowledge and Failure to Act: If the university knew or reasonably should have known about hazing within its Greek system and failed to take adequate preventive measures. The University of Houston had actual notice of serious hazing in 2017 when another student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from a different fraternity. Yet, eight years later, Leonel Bermudez suffered severe injuries.
* Negligent Supervision of Greek Life: Inadequate oversight of fraternity and sorority activities, including weak enforcement of anti-hazing rules or insufficient staffing in Greek Life offices.
* Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, as it did in the Pi Kappa Phi house owned by the University of Houston, the institution can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
* Breach of Contract: Students, having paid tuition and fees, enter into an implied contract with the university for a safe educational environment. Hazing can be a breach of this contract.
* Institutional Indifference: When a university prioritizes the reputation of its Greek system or its donor relationships over student safety, it creates a dangerous environment where hazing can flourish.
5. Housing Corporations:
Many fraternity and sorority chapters are supported by housing corporations—separate legal entities that own and manage the physical chapter houses. These corporations have responsibilities as property owners or landlords to ensure a safe environment. If hazing occurs on their property, and they knew or should have known about it, they can be held liable. We included Pi Kappa Phi’s housing corporation in our lawsuit against the University of Houston, directly leveraging their physical assets and insurance.
6. Insurance Carriers:
Insurance companies play a crucial role because they are often the ultimate source of compensation. National fraternities, universities, and housing corporations carry significant liability insurance policies that are designed to cover claims of negligence and wrongdoing. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insider knowledge of how these companies operate, how they value claims, and how to aggressively pursue maximum recovery from them. We know their playbook, and we use it to our clients’ advantage.
For families in Nebraska, the same legal theories and responsible parties apply. Whether your child was hazed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Creighton, or any other institution, our aggressive, comprehensive approach ensures that every single person and entity accountable for the harm is brought to justice. We will pursue your case with the same intensity we bring to our $10 million lawsuit in Houston.
What These Cases Win: Multi-Million-Dollar Proof for Nebraska Families
When a child is brutally hazed, families are often left wondering if justice is even possible against powerful universities and well-funded national fraternities. We want Nebraska families to know that it is. The justice system has repeatedly shown its willingness to award multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements to victims and their families in hazing cases across the nation. These landmark cases serve as a powerful testament to the severity of the crisis and the financial accountability that can be achieved. Our $10 million demand in the Leonel Bermudez case is rooted in this established pattern of significant awards for hazing victims.
Here’s what these precedent-setting cases reveal:
1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. The civil litigation resulted in over $10.1 million in recovery for his family. This included $2.9 million paid by Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and several individuals. The chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was also found personally liable for $6.5 million in December 2024.
- Relevance for Nebraska: This case directly supports our $10 million demand. It clearly demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are held accountable for millions. It also highlights that individuals, like chapter presidents, can face severe personal financial consequences. If your family in Nebraska is dealing with a hazing injury, a similar financial recovery for accountability is possible.
2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual, where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers to fraternity questions. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, sending a clear message about societal intolerance for such behavior. The tragedy also led to “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, which made hazing a felony.
- Relevance for Nebraska: This verdict proves that juries are willing to award substantial sums for hazing deaths. It shows that aggressive litigation can not only secure financial justice but also inspire legislative change. Your case in Nebraska could contribute to state-level reform.
3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)
Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes as part of a Beta Theta Pi hazing event. He subsequently fell down stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 hours, during which security cameras captured their horrific indifference. His family ultimately secured over $110 million in estimated settlements from various defendants. This tragedy also led to Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.”
- Relevance for Nebraska: The sheer magnitude of this settlement demonstrates the potential for massive accountability when gross negligence and egregious conduct are proven, especially with strong evidence like the security camera footage in this case. It sets a high bar for damages in hazing cases involving severe injuries or death.
4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event. Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the chapter was permanently closed. His family reached a confidential settlement.
- Relevance for Nebraska: This case is particularly damning for the national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, as it is the same national organization involved in Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi had actual notice of deadly hazing within its chapters as early as 2017. Eight years later, Leonel was waterboarded and hospitalized. This undeniable pattern of negligence and failure to act strongly supports our claims for punitive damages, demonstrating conscious indifference to risk by the national organization.
5. Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): Total: $4 Million+ Settlement
Adam Oakes died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi bid acceptance event. His family settled with the national fraternity for over $2.5 million and used a significant portion to fund their “Love Like Adam” Foundation, which successfully lobbied for “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
- Relevance for Nebraska: This case reaffirms that substantial settlements are routine in hazing death cases, even before a full trial. It also shows the commitment of families to advocate for change through the legal system and legislation.
These cases, among many others, send an unmistakable message: hazing is not just a university policy violation; it is a crime that destroys lives and carries multi-million-dollar consequences for those responsible. For families in Nebraska whose children have suffered from hazing, these precedents demonstrate that aggressive legal action can secure the justice and financial compensation needed to rebuild lives and honor lost loved ones. We bring the same proven legal strategies and relentless advocacy to every hazing case, giving Nebraska families the powerful representation they deserve.
Texas Law Protects You: A Shield for Nebraska Victims
While our firm is headquartered in Texas, the core legal principles and the aggressive approach we employ are applicable to hazing cases in Nebraska and nationwide. Many states, including Nebraska, have their own anti-hazing laws, but the civil theories of liability—negligence, assault, battery, premises liability—are universal. Furthermore, our federal court authority means we can pursue cases against national fraternities and other entities in the federal system, regardless of where the incident occurred in Nebraska.
Let’s look at the foundational Texas Hazing Law, which provides a robust framework for accountability. These laws are models for similar legislation in many states and underscore the severity with which society views hazing.
Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 — Anti-Hazing Law:
1. Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law broadly defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution… directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with… if the act:”
* Involves physical brutality: such as “whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity.” (Leonel was struck with wooden paddles, waterboarded, forced into extreme calisthenics.)
* Subjects a student to unreasonable risk of harm or affects mental/physical health/safety: includes “sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics.” (Leonel suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from calisthenics, was stripped in cold weather, sleep-deprived.)
* Involves consumption of food, liquid, alcohol/drugs: that subjects the student to unreasonable risk of harm. (Leonel was forced to eat until he vomited.)
* Requires violation of the Penal Code: any activity inducing a student to commit a crime.
* Coercion to consume drugs/alcohol: in an intoxicating amount.
The range of hazing activities Leonel Bermudez was forced to endure—waterboarding, forced eating, extreme calisthenics, wooden paddles, sleep deprivation—clearly and undeniably falls under multiple definitions of hazing in Texas law. The same egregious conduct would violate Nebraska’s anti-hazing statutes as well, providing a strong legal basis for your claim.
2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
Texas law provides severe criminal penalties for hazing:
* Class B Misdemeanor: for engaging in hazing, soliciting/aiding hazing, or failing to report hazing with firsthand knowledge.
* Class A Misdemeanor: for hazing causing serious bodily injury (like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure), carrying up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
* State Jail Felony: for hazing causing death, punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.
The University of Houston spokesperson explicitly stated that "potential criminal charges" would follow the investigation of the Bermudez case. This means the individuals involved may face jail time, in addition to civil liability. For victims in Nebraska, similar criminal statutes exist and can serve as a powerful parallel to civil claims.
3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law states that a “organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.” Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property. This means the local chapter and the national organization can be held directly liable.
4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):
This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of Texas hazing law, and a principle widely adopted in modern anti-hazing legislation:
> “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This provision explicitly dismantles the common defense used by fraternities and universities: that the victim voluntarily participated or "knew what they were signing up for." Under Texas law, and increasingly in other states and through court precedent, you cannot consent to being hazed, just as you cannot consent to being assaulted. This legal clarity is immensely powerful for victims and their families in Nebraska, removing a significant hurdle in proving liability.
5. University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155):
Chief administrative officers of educational institutions must report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days. Failure to report is a Class B Misdemeanor. This creates a paper trail and holds universities accountable for transparency.
Civil Liability Beyond Criminal Charges:
Beyond criminal prosecution, Leonel Bermudez’s case is a civil lawsuit, seeking monetary damages. These civil claims are available to hazing victims in Nebraska regardless of whether criminal charges are filed:
* Negligence Claims: The core of most personal injury lawsuits. We argue that institutions (university, national fraternity) and individuals had a duty of care to Leonel, that they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, causing his injuries and subsequent damages.
* Premises Liability: Because the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where significant hazing occurred, they can be held liable for failing to provide a safe environment on their property. This applies directly to any Nebraska university that owns or controls fraternity or sorority housing.
* Negligent Supervision: This applies to the national fraternity for failing to adequately supervise its local chapter and the university for failing to properly oversee Greek life activities.
* Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact.
* Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The extreme and outrageous nature of hazing, particularly acts like waterboarding, can lead to claims for severe psychological trauma.
For families in Nebraska who are reeling from the devastation of hazing, these laws provide a clear path to justice. Our firm’s deep understanding of these complex legal frameworks, combined with our experience in federal court and our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York), allows us to aggressively pursue accountability for hazing victims no matter where they are located. We fight for the full extent of your legal rights under state and federal law, ensuring that no institution or individual can escape responsibility.
Why Attorney911: Your Trusted Advocate in Nebraska’s Fight Against Hazing
Choosing the right legal representation after a hazing incident is one of the most critical decisions a family can make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need battle-tested advocates who understand the unique complexities of hazing litigation, who know the tactics of powerful institutions, and who are relentlessly committed to securing justice. For families in Nebraska, Attorney911 offers unparalleled expertise, aggressive representation, and a deep, personal commitment to fighting for hazazing victims.
1. We Are Actively Fighting This Fight RIGHT NOW:
We are not theoretical. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit, Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., against a national fraternity and a major university. This isn’t just a practice area for us; it’s a live, ongoing battle where we are applying every strategy outlined here. When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing a firm that is in the trenches, aggressively pursuing justice for a hazing victim just like your child. We bring this same level of dedication and expertise to every case we accept, including those in Nebraska.
2. Unequalled Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:
Both of our lead attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense attorneys. This is our “secret weapon.” Ralph boasts over 25 years of courtroom experience, while Lupe Pena brings over 12 years, including experience working for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. This means we have seen the insurance companies’ playbook from the inside. We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to minimize or deny claims. We leverage this invaluable insider knowledge to anticipate their moves, dismantle their defenses, and maximize recovery for our clients. For hazing victims in Nebraska, this means we know exactly how national fraternities and universities, backed by their powerful insurance carriers, will attempt to escape liability, and we know precisely how to counter them.
3. Expertise Against Giants: BP Texas City Explosion & National Litigation:
Ralph Manginello’s experience includes involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured hundreds. This experience proves our capacity to take on massive corporate defendants with vast resources and complex legal teams. Hazing cases against national fraternities and universities present similar challenges, requiring the same kind of aggressive, meticulous litigation against well-funded adversaries. We have the track record to stand up to the biggest institutions, whether in Texas or Nebraska.
4. Comprehensive Hazing-Specific Expertise:
Our firm has a specialized focus on hazing litigation, with direct experience in cases involving rhabdomyolysis injuries (like Leonel Bermudez), Kappa Sigma fraternity, and Texas A&M University hazing incidents. We understand the medical, psychological, and institutional aspects unique to hazing, including the intricate dynamics of Greek life culture and university oversight. For Nebraska families, this means we grasp the nuances of your child’s trauma and the specific legal arguments needed to succeed.
5. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions:
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Courts, giving us the authority to pursue hazing cases in federal court, a critical advantage when dealing with national organizations or incidents that cross state lines. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello is admitted to the Bar in both Texas and New York. This dual-state licensure provides a strategic edge for litigating against national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered or have substantial operations in states that our firm can actively engage. Distance is not a barrier to justice for hazing victims in Nebraska.
6. Nationwide Reach, Local Dedication:
While our roots are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims in Nebraska and across America. We offer remote consultations via phone and video, making it easy for Nebraska families to connect with us. For critical phases of litigation, like depositions and trials, we are prepared to travel to Nebraska to advocate for your child directly. We come to you, ensuring that geographical distance does not impede your access to top-tier legal representation.
7. “Se Habla Español”: Serving All Families:
Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Nebraska and nationwide receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers. We believe every family deserves to understand their legal rights and options in their native language.
8. No Upfront Cost: Our Commitment, Your Peace of Mind:
We understand that families dealing with the aftermath of hazing are already under immense emotional and financial strain. Therefore, we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us absolutely $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless, and until, we win your case. This aligns our interests with yours and removes any financial barrier to seeking justice. You can focus on your child’s recovery, knowing we are bearing the financial risk of litigation.
9. Real Emotional Investment in Your Fight:
“We understand what you’re going through.” This isn’t just a slogan; it’s our philosophy. We’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of hazing. We treat every client like family because we see your child as a person, not a case number. We are driven by a deep commitment to ensuring accountability for these egregious acts and preventing future tragedies. Chad Harris, a satisfied client, said, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” And Amelia (Rizo family) called Ralph Manginello a “SUPER LAWYER” who “Saved our family’s life.” We bring that same passionate advocacy to your Nebraska family.
10. Proven Track Record and Client Satisfaction:
Our 4.9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews speaks volumes about our dedication to our clients. Testimonials consistently highlight our aggressive representation, clear communication, and ability to achieve significant settlements. Kenneth Taylor praised Ralph Manginello for listening intently and protecting his rights, while Donald Wilcox noted how our firm took on his case when others wouldn’t and secured a “handsome check.” We have a history of fighting for maximum settlements and providing the compassionate support families need during incredibly difficult times.
For Nebraska families grappling with the trauma of hazing, Attorney911 stands ready as your unwavering ally. We harness our unique blend of insider knowledge, aggressive litigation tactics, broad reach, and genuine compassion to deliver the justice and accountability your child deserves. We know the fight is hard, but we are harder.
What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Nebraska Families
If your child has been the victim of hazing in Nebraska, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While emotions run high and confusion may prevail, certain swift actions can profoundly impact the strength and success of any future legal claim. We understand you’re scared, angry, and overwhelmed, but taking these steps is vital to protecting your child’s rights and building a strong case.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Document Everything:
Your child’s health and safety are paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, or if trauma is primarily psychological, seek professional medical evaluation immediately. Hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure in Leonel Bermudez’s case, can have delayed or subtle symptoms that only a doctor can diagnose.
* Go to the Emergency Room (ER) or a Doctor: Do not delay. Any gap between the incident and medical treatment will be exploited by defense attorneys to claim your child wasn’t seriously injured, or that the injuries were unrelated to the hazing. As our video “Why Seeing a Doctor Right After an Accident Is Critical” explains, early medical documentation is key.
* Be Thorough and Honest: Ensure medical professionals document everything in detail, especially if the injuries are specific to hazing (e.g., muscle pain in areas subjected to forced exercise, signs of dehydration or exhaustion, psychological distress). Clearly state that the injuries resulted from hazing.
* Keep All Records: Retain every medical record, doctor’s note, hospital bill, prescription, and therapy receipt. This evidence is crucial for proving the extent of the harm and calculating damages.
2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Digital and Physical:
Hazing organizations often attempt to destroy evidence as soon as an incident comes to light. You must act quickly to preserve anything that can prove what happened. Our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” emphasizes that you can never take too many pictures.
* Save ALL Communications: This is perhaps the most critical step for modern hazing. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, and social media post related to the hazing. This includes communications from pledges, fraternity/sorority members, university officials, and any witnesses. Do not delete anything, even if it seems irrelevant or embarrassing. These digital footprints can expose coordination, threats, instructions, and cover-up attempts.
* Photos and Videos: If possible and safe, take photos or videos of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at all stages of healing. Document the location where the hazing occurred, any items used (e.g., paddles, alcohol containers), and the general environment. If your child is hospitalized or incapacitated, have a trusted friend or family member do this.
* Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, or any bystanders who may have witnessed the hazing or its aftermath. Many pledges are reluctant to come forward, but their testimony can be vital.
* Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, fraternity/sorority rules, schedules, emails, or papers given to your child related to the organization or its activities.
* Financial Records: Keep track of medical bills, any missed wages due to recovery or appointments, and any tuition or fees paid that might be recoverable if academic disruptions occurred.
3. DO NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions Without Legal Counsel:
This is absolutely non-negotiable. Universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies are not on your side; they are sophisticated entities whose primary goal is to protect themselves and minimize their financial exposure. Our video “Never Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident” underscores this point.
* No Statements: Do not provide any recorded or unrecorded statements to the fraternity/sorority leadership, university administration, or their lawyers without an attorney present. They are trained to manipulate your words and find ways to diminish your claim.
* No Posting on Social Media: Anything you or your child posts online can and will be used against you. As our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” warns, a picture of your child at a party, even weeks later, might be used to claim they are “fine” or not really traumatized. Stay completely silent about the incident on all social media platforms.
* Do Not Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives. These documents could waive your child’s legal rights without them even realizing it.
* Avoid Confrontation: Do not confront the individual perpetrators or their families. This can be emotionally charged and may inadvertently harm your legal case.
4. Call Attorney911 IMMEDIATELY – Time is Critical:
The clock is ticking. In most states, including Nebraska, there is a statute of limitations (typically two years for personal injury and wrongful death cases) within which a lawsuit must be filed. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek justice forever. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” highlights this urgency.
* Evidence Disappears: The longer you wait, the more likely evidence will be deleted, altered, or destroyed. Witnesses’ memories fade, and their willingness to cooperate may decrease.
* Free Consultation: We offer a completely free, confidential consultation to families in Nebraska. There is no obligation, and it costs you nothing to learn about your legal rights and options. We will assess your case, advise you on the best course of action, and explain how we can fight for your child.
* We Come to You: Although our headquarters are in Houston, we represent hazing victims across Nebraska and nationwide. We offer video consultations, and for depositions, client meetings, and trials, we travel wherever justice demands. Distance is not a barrier to receiving our aggressive, expert representation.
Your child didn’t ask for this, but they deserve justice. We are here to help you get it. Call us now.
Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Team for Nebraska Hazing Victims
If your family in Nebraska is reeling from the trauma of a hazing incident, you don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, and the entire team at Attorney911, are here to be your unwavering advocates. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation you might be feeling at this moment. We are here to transform that emotion into decisive legal action against those responsible for harming your child.
We are currently fighting in the trenches right now, leading a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for severe hazing injuries. This is not just a theoretical practice area for us; it is a live, ongoing battle where we are applying every strategy and every piece of knowledge to secure justice for Leonel Bermudez. We pledge the same aggressive, thorough, and compassionate representation to hazing victims and their families across Nebraska.
Nebraska Families: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here. Call Us Now.
📞 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
(Available 24/7 for Nebraska hazing emergencies)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
Here’s why you should contact us immediately:
- Free, Confidential Consultation: It costs you nothing to speak with us about your child’s hazing incident. We will listen, assess your situation, and provide clear guidance on your legal options.
- Zero Upfront Fees (Contingency Basis): We understand the financial strain. We take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no legal fees unless and until we win your case and secure compensation for your family.
- Nationwide Expertise, Nebraska Support: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions allow us to represent hazing victims across Nebraska and the entire United States. We will conduct video consultations to meet your immediate needs and will travel to Nebraska for depositions, critical meetings, and trials as required.
- Time is Critical: There are strict legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, that govern how long you have to file a lawsuit. In many states, including Nebraska, this can be as short as two years. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and institutions act quickly to protect themselves. Do not delay.
We Are Standing by to Help Hazing Victims in Nebraska
Whether your child was hazed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, Creighton University in Omaha, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Hastings College, or any other college, university, or organization in Nebraska, we are here for you. Hazing takes many forms and impacts:
- Fraternities and sororities
- Sports teams and athletic programs
- Marching bands and musical ensembles
- ROTC and military organizations
- Clubs and other student groups
No matter the organization, if your child suffered abuse, humiliation, or injury because of hazing in Nebraska, we are equipped and prepared to fight for them. “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” These words from Attorney Pena encapsulate our mission.
Your path to justice and accountability begins with a single phone call. Don’t let another moment of silence allow this behavior to continue. Contact Attorney911 today.