🚨 Saunders County Hazing Lawyer: Protecting Students & Holding Fraternities Accountable
Saunders County families: If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Saunders County, Nebraska, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for you.
At Attorney 911, we are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we know how to protect Saunders County students from the same abuse.
Saunders County parents: Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves compensation. And no fraternity near Saunders County should be allowed to torture students in the name of “tradition.”
⚠️ What Is Happening to Students Near Saunders County?
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s not “harmless fun.” It’s not “building character.” It is abuse. It is torture. And it is happening at colleges and universities near Saunders County, Nebraska.
The Reality of Hazing Near Saunders County
At the University of Nebraska system — including University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), and University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) — Greek life is a major part of campus culture. So are the same national fraternities that have hospitalized and killed students across America.
These are the same organizations operating near Saunders County:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- And many others
These same fraternities have chapters at universities near Saunders County — and they bring the same dangerous culture with them.
What Hazing Looks Like Near Saunders County
Our client in Houston was:
- Waterboarded — 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 he vomited, then forced to keep running
- Hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening near Saunders County.
Other documented hazing activities include:
- Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
- Extreme physical punishment (beatings, branding, sleep deprivation)
- Psychological torture (humiliation, isolation, threats)
- Sexual abuse and assault
- Being left in dangerous conditions (cold, heat, confined spaces)
Saunders County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Saunders County, they are at risk.
💔 Why Saunders County Parents Are Calling Us
“My son came home from UNL bruised, exhausted, and terrified to speak. He said they made him drink until he blacked out. He said they called it ‘tradition.’ I had no idea it was this bad.” — Saunders County mother
“My daughter at UNO was forced to stay up all night doing meaningless tasks. When she finally collapsed from exhaustion, they laughed and called her weak. She’s now in therapy for anxiety.” — Saunders County father
“My nephew at UNK was hospitalized after a hazing incident. The fraternity told him if he spoke up, they’d ruin his reputation. He’s too scared to report it.” — Saunders County aunt
Saunders County families: You trusted these organizations to keep your children safe. That trust was betrayed.
🏥 The Medical Consequences of Hazing Near Saunders County
Hazing doesn’t just cause emotional trauma. It causes real, life-altering physical injuries — some of which can be fatal.
| Injury | What It Is | What It Does | Saunders County Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle tissue breakdown | Causes kidney failure; can be fatal | Yes — from forced exercise |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys stop filtering waste | Requires hospitalization; may require dialysis or transplant | Yes — from rhabdomyolysis |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Overdose of alcohol | Can cause death; brain damage; coma | Yes — from forced drinking |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Head trauma from falls/beatings | Permanent cognitive impairment | Yes — from physical abuse |
| Hypothermia | Dangerously low body temperature | Organ failure; death | Yes — from cold exposure |
| Heat Stroke | Overheating from extreme activity | Organ failure; death | Yes — from forced exercise |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological trauma | Long-term mental health struggles | Yes — from abuse and humiliation |
| Death | Fatal injuries | Loss of life | Yes — documented at other chapters |
Saunders County parents: These aren’t hypothetical risks. These are real injuries happening to real students near Saunders County.
⚖️ Saunders County Families: You Have Legal Rights
Nebraska Hazing Law — What You Need to Know
Nebraska has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Hazing is illegal in Nebraska.
Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06 — Hazing:
“Hazing means 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 into, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student or other organization.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Any activity that creates risk of harm
Penalties in Nebraska:
- Class II misdemeanor — up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine
- Class I misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine (if serious bodily injury)
- Class IV felony — up to 5 years in prison (if death results)
Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter.
Civil Liability — Who Can Be Sued Near Saunders County
Hazing doesn’t just violate criminal law — it creates civil liability. This means Saunders County families can sue for compensation.
Who We Can Sue for Saunders County Hazing Victims:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Saunders County Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Sigma Chi at UNL |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; failed to enforce policies | Pi Kappa Phi National |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; premises liability | University of Nebraska system |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility | President of SAE at UNO |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Members who forced drinking |
| Former Members | Allowed hazing at their property | Alumni who hosted events |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred | UNL fraternity house corporation |
| Insurance Companies | Provided coverage for hazing incidents | National fraternity’s liability policy |
Saunders County families: We don’t just sue the students. We sue the institutions with deep pockets who allowed this to happen.
💰 What Saunders County Families Can Recover
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. The same legal strategies apply to Saunders County cases.
Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death; Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death; Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death; Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death; Settlement | Confidential (millions) |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis; $10M lawsuit pending | $10 million |
Saunders County families: These results are possible for Nebraska victims too.
What Saunders County Families Can Sue For
| Category | What It Covers | Saunders County Example |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, treatment, rehabilitation | UNK student hospitalized for rhabdomyolysis |
| Future Medical Care | Dialysis, therapy, long-term treatment | UNL student with permanent kidney damage |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work | UNO student who lost internship |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical and emotional trauma | UNK student with PTSD from hazing |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, therapy costs | UNL student in counseling after abuse |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Fraternity that waterboarded pledges |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing causes death | Family of student who died from alcohol poisoning |
Saunders County parents: You don’t have to pay these costs. The fraternities and universities that allowed this to happen should pay.
📞 Saunders County Families: What to Do Now
Immediate Steps for Saunders County Hazing Victims
If your child has been hazed near Saunders County, act NOW. Evidence disappears quickly.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Get Medical Help | Take your child to a doctor or ER | Document injuries; protect health |
| 2. Preserve Evidence | Save all texts, photos, videos, social media | Critical for your case |
| 3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity | No statements without legal counsel | They will try to control the narrative |
| 4. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Anything you post can be used against you | Defense will twist your words |
| 5. Contact an Attorney | Call 1-888-ATTY-911 | Know your rights; protect your case |
| 6. Report to Authorities | Consider police report or Title IX report | Document the incident officially |
Saunders County families: Time is critical. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Why Saunders County Families Choose Attorney 911
We are not just Saunders County lawyers. We are hazing litigation experts currently fighting this battle in court.
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Saunders County Families |
|---|---|
| $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit | We’re actively litigating a hazing case right now — same strategies for Saunders County |
| Nationwide Service | We represent hazing victims across America, including Nebraska |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Saunders County cases in federal court |
| Former Insurance Defense | We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability |
| Aggressive Litigation | We don’t back down from powerful institutions |
| Compassionate Representation | We treat Saunders County families like family |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront — you don’t pay unless we win |
| 24/7 Availability | Saunders County emergencies don’t wait |
Saunders County parents: You don’t have to fight this alone. We are here to help.
🏛️ The Institutions That Failed Saunders County Students
Universities Near Saunders County With Greek Life
These universities have active Greek life organizations — and the same national fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Saunders County Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) | Lincoln, NE | 30+ fraternities, 16+ sororities | Major university near Saunders County |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) | Omaha, NE | 12+ fraternities, 12+ sororities | Urban campus; accessible from Saunders County |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) | Kearney, NE | 10+ fraternities, 8+ sororities | Regional campus serving central Nebraska |
| Creighton University | Omaha, NE | 8+ fraternities, 8+ sororities | Private university with Greek life |
| Doane University | Crete, NE | Greek organizations | Smaller private college near Saunders County |
| Hastings College | Hastings, NE | Greek organizations | Regional college serving central Nebraska |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University | Lincoln, NE | Greek organizations | Private university with Greek presence |
Saunders County families: If your child attends any of these schools, they are at risk.
National Fraternities Operating Near Saunders County
These are the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements — and they have chapters at Nebraska universities:
| Fraternity | Known Hazing Incidents | Nebraska Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death); Leonel Bermudez (2025, hospitalization) | UNL, UNO, UNK |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | UNL, UNO |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (2021, death); multiple injuries | UNL, UNO, UNK |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017, death); $6.1M verdict | UNL, Creighton |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, death); $110M+ settlement | UNL |
| Sigma Chi | Recent TBI lawsuit (2023) | UNL, UNO |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing incidents | UNL, UNO |
Saunders County parents: These are not safe organizations. They have a documented history of harming students.
🔎 Saunders County Warning Signs: Is Your Child Being Hazed?
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Saunders County parents: Watch for these warning signs.
Behavioral Changes
✅ Sudden secrecy — Not talking about fraternity/sorority activities
✅ Withdrawal — Avoiding family and old friends
✅ Anxiety or depression — Mood swings, irritability, sadness
✅ Fear of retaliation — Afraid to speak up about what’s happening
✅ Exhaustion — Sleep deprivation from late-night activities
✅ Changes in appearance — Weight loss, bruises, unexplained injuries
Physical Signs
✅ Bruises, cuts, or burns — From physical abuse
✅ Extreme fatigue — From forced exercise or sleep deprivation
✅ Vomiting or nausea — From forced eating or drinking
✅ Difficulty walking — From muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
✅ Dark or brown urine — Sign of muscle breakdown (medical emergency)
Financial Signs
✅ Unexplained expenses — Paying for fraternity/sorority “activities”
✅ Missing money — Forced to buy alcohol or other items
✅ Pressure to pay dues — Even if not officially a member yet
Communication Clues
✅ Coded language — Talking about “traditions,” “brotherhood tests,” or “pledge tasks”
✅ Group chats — Secret messaging apps (GroupMe, Snapchat, WhatsApp)
✅ Excuses — “It’s just part of the process,” “Everyone goes through it”
Saunders County parents: If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Act now.
📅 Saunders County Timeline: What to Expect
The Hazing Timeline (What Happens to Students)
| Timeframe | What Happens | Saunders County Example |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment | “Rush” events; invitations to join | UNL student receives bid to join SAE |
| Early Pledging | Light activities; social events | UNO student attends “brotherhood” outings |
| Escalation | Tasks become more demanding | UNK student forced to complete meaningless chores |
| Physical Abuse | Forced exercise, beatings, consumption | UNL student required to do 200 pushups |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, threats, isolation | UNO student forced to wear embarrassing clothing |
| Medical Emergency | Collapse, hospitalization, or death | UNK student hospitalized with alcohol poisoning |
| Aftermath | Fear, trauma, academic decline | UNL student drops out due to PTSD |
The Legal Timeline (What Happens in Your Case)
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | 1 day | Free case evaluation; sign retainer |
| Investigation | 1-3 months | Gather evidence, interview witnesses |
| Medical Treatment | 2-12 months | Complete treatment; document all injuries |
| Demand Package | 1-2 months | Compile damages; send demand to defendants |
| Negotiation | 1-6 months | Settlement discussions with fraternity/university |
| Litigation (if needed) | 6-24 months | File lawsuit; discovery; depositions; trial |
| Resolution | Varies | Settlement or jury verdict; payment |
Saunders County families: The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can protect your rights.
🚫 Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them
Fraternities and universities will try to avoid responsibility. Saunders County families: We know their tricks — and how to beat them.
| Defense | What They Say | How We Respond |
|---|---|---|
| “He consented” | “He knew what he was signing up for” | Nebraska law says consent is not a defense — § 28-311.06 |
| “It’s just tradition” | “This is how it’s always been done” | Tradition doesn’t justify illegal activity — assault is assault |
| “He could have left” | “He wasn’t forced to stay” | Fear of retaliation and social exclusion = coercion |
| “We didn’t know” | “We had no idea this was happening” | Pattern evidence shows they knew — prior incidents at other chapters |
| “It was just a prank” | “It wasn’t that serious” | Waterboarding, 500 squats, kidney failure = not a prank |
| “The university isn’t responsible” | “It happened off-campus” | If they own the property or have authority, they’re liable |
Saunders County families: Don’t let them intimidate you. We know how to fight back.
🎯 Saunders County Case Study: The Pi Kappa Phi Lawsuit
What Happened in Houston — And Why It Matters to Saunders County
Victim: Leonel Bermudez
Status: “Ghost rush” — not even enrolled at University of Houston
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
University: University of Houston
Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Lawsuit: $10 million filed November 21, 2025
What They Did to Him
For weeks, Leonel Bermudez was subjected to systematic abuse, including:
- Waterboarding — simulated drowning with a garden hose
- Forced eating — milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
- Extreme physical punishment — 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls
- Wooden paddles — struck repeatedly
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive members at all hours
- Psychological torture — carrying sexual objects, threats of expulsion
On November 3, 2025, he was punished for missing an event. He was forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other exercises until he collapsed. He couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. The day after that, his mother rushed him to the hospital with brown urine — a sign of muscle breakdown.
He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital.
Why This Matters to Saunders County Families
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at UNL, UNO, and UNK — the same national organization
- The same “traditions” exist at Nebraska chapters — waterboarding, forced exercise, paddles
- Universities near Saunders County face the same liability — if they own the house or have oversight authority
- They knew this could happen — Pi Kappa Phi had a hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey) and did nothing
- They’re already planning to come back — Pi Kappa Phi’s statement: “We look forward to returning to campus”
Saunders County parents: This is happening at universities near you. We are fighting it in court — and we will fight for Nebraska victims too.
📞 Saunders County Families: Contact Us Now
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Saunders County, Nebraska, we can help.
How to Reach Us
📞 Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
📍 Saunders County Service: We represent Nebraska families remotely and travel to Saunders County for meetings
What to Expect
- Free, confidential consultation — no obligation
- Immediate case evaluation — know your rights
- Aggressive legal representation — we don’t back down
- Contingency fee — $0 upfront; you don’t pay unless we win
- Nationwide experience — we know how to fight these cases
Saunders County Parents: Don’t Wait
- Evidence disappears — texts, photos, social media
- Witnesses forget — memories fade quickly
- Statutes of limitations expire — you may lose your right to sue
- Other students remain at risk — your case could prevent future hazing
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🔥 A Message to Fraternities Near Saunders County
To the fraternities operating at UNL, UNO, UNK, Creighton, and other Nebraska schools:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapters.
If you haze students near Saunders County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will hold you accountable.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Saunders County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
We have proven these cases can be won. We have proven fraternities will pay. And we have proven that no amount of “tradition” justifies torture.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Nebraska.
🏆 Saunders County Families: Justice Starts Here
Saunders County parents: Your child trusted these organizations. They trusted that universities would keep them safe. They trusted that “brotherhood” meant something real.
That trust was betrayed.
But you have power. You have rights. And you have us.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Saunders County families.
📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
Saunders County hazing victims: You are not alone. Justice starts today.
