🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Thomas County, Nebraska | Attorney 911

Thomas County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. Now What?

What happened to Leonel Bermudez at University of Houston is happening to students in Thomas County, Nebraska.

A fraternity at UH waterboarded a pledge with a garden hose. They forced him to do 500 squats. They struck him with wooden paddles. They made him eat until he vomited, then forced him to keep running through his own vomit. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure—for three nights and four days.

This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening at universities near Thomas County. The same fraternities operate here. The same “traditions” exist. The same negligence is failing our children.

And now, Attorney 911 is fighting back.

We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we’re bringing that same fight to Thomas County families.

Hazing in Thomas County: What Parents Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Happening at Universities Near Thomas County

Thomas County may be rural, but our children go to college across Nebraska and beyond. Many attend:

• Mid-Plains Community College (North Platte, McCook)
• University of Nebraska at Kearney
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Chadron State College
• Nebraska Wesleyan University

These schools all have active Greek life programs. And where there’s Greek life, there’s hazing.

The same national fraternities involved in the UH case—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma—have chapters at these universities. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in Nebraska.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Nebraska, they face the same risks.

2. What Hazing Really Looks Like in Nebraska

Hazing isn’t just “a few pushups” or “drinking too much at a party.” It’s systematic abuse disguised as tradition. In our case, the fraternity:

• Waterboarded pledges with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced them to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until they collapsed
• Struck them with wooden paddles
• Made them eat until they vomited, then forced them to lie in the vomit
• Hog-tied one pledge face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• Forced another pledge to drive members at all hours, leading to exhaustion

This is not brotherhood. This is torture.

And it’s happening right now at Nebraska universities. Your child could be next.

3. Universities Near Thomas County Are Failing Our Students

In our case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut it down—but they didn’t.

Nebraska universities have the same power. And the same failures.

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln has had multiple hazing incidents in recent years.
• UNK and Chadron State have Greek life programs with documented risks.
• Nebraska Wesleyan has faced allegations of Greek life misconduct.

These universities know hazing happens. They choose not to stop it—until someone gets hurt.

4. The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate in Nebraska

Pi Kappa Phi—the fraternity that hospitalized our client—has 150+ chapters across America, including in Nebraska.

They’ve done this before.

• In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
• In 2025, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized at UH.
• Eight years passed. Nothing changed.

If they did this at UH, they’re doing it in Nebraska.

And Pi Kappa Phi isn’t the only one. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha—these same national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. They know the risks. They don’t care.

5. Nebraska Law Protects Hazing Victims—But You Have to Act Fast

Nebraska has strong anti-hazing laws, but you only have two years to file a lawsuit after the incident. If you wait too long, you lose your right to justice forever.

Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.06 defines hazing as:

“Any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization at a postsecondary educational institution.”

This includes:

• Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation)
• Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts)

Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says they cannot consent to hazing.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Nebraska

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Hazing can cause:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
• Alcohol poisoning (potentially fatal)
• Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological harm)

Even if your child “feels fine,” get them checked. Some injuries—like rhabdomyolysis—don’t show symptoms right away.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Do not delete anything. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (any communication about hazing)
• Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or the fraternity house
• Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
• Witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders)
• Fraternity documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)

If your child is still in the hazing process, have them document everything discreetly.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

• Fraternity leaders will try to control the narrative. They’ll say it was “just a prank” or “no big deal.”
• University administrators will protect the institution, not your child. They’ll downplay the incident to avoid liability.
• Insurance companies will offer lowball settlements. They’ll pressure you to accept before you know the full extent of your child’s injuries.

Talk to an attorney first. We’ll handle all communications for you.

Step 4: Report the Hazing (But Do It the Right Way)

You can report hazing to:

• University officials (Title IX office, Greek life office)
• Local law enforcement (file a police report)
• Nebraska State Patrol (for criminal investigation)

But be careful. If you report without legal counsel, the university or fraternity may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses.

We can guide you through the reporting process while protecting your child’s rights.

Step 5: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

The clock is ticking. Nebraska’s statute of limitations gives you only two years to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. You need to act now.

We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations (no obligation)
✅ $0 upfront costs (we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win)
✅ Nationwide representation (we’ll travel to Nebraska for your case)
✅ Aggressive litigation (we’re currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million)

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

Why Thomas County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Already Fighting This Battle

We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how these cases work. We know how to win. And we’re bringing that expertise to Nebraska.

2. We Know the Fraternities’ Playbook

Both our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability. We know their tactics. And we know how to beat them.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue hazing cases nationwide—including in Nebraska. Distance is not a barrier.

4. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

Hazing affects students from all backgrounds. We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.

5. We Travel to Nebraska

We’ll come to Thomas County for depositions, meetings, and trials. You don’t have to come to us.

6. We Don’t Back Down

Fraternities and universities have deep pockets and powerful lawyers. We have a track record of taking on big institutions—and winning.

What You Can Recover in a Nebraska Hazing Lawsuit

If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (hospital stays, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or lost job opportunities)
• Educational costs (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
• Future medical expenses (if injuries require long-term care)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on daily activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages

If the hazing was especially egregious (like waterboarding or forced consumption), the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct.

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million. Nebraska families deserve the same justice.

Common Defenses in Hazing Cases (And Why They Fail)

Fraternities and universities will try to avoid liability by arguing:

1. “The Victim Consented to Hazing”

Reality: Nebraska law explicitly states that consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity is still liable.

2. “It Was Just a Prank”

Reality: Waterboarding isn’t a prank. Forced exercise until collapse isn’t a prank. Hog-tying someone with an object in their mouth isn’t a prank. This is assault and battery.

3. “The University Didn’t Know”

Reality: Universities have a duty to supervise Greek life. If they knew about prior hazing incidents (or should have known), they’re liable for failing to act.

4. “It Wasn’t That Bad”

Reality: Hazing causes serious injuries—rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, and long-term psychological trauma. Juries don’t take this lightly.

Nebraska Hazing Cases We’re Watching

1. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)

UNL has faced multiple hazing allegations in recent years, including:

• 2021: A fraternity was suspended for hazing involving alcohol and physical abuse.
• 2023: A sorority was placed on probation for hazing pledges.

If your child was hazed at UNL, we can help.

2. University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)

UNK has an active Greek life program with documented risks. We’re monitoring for hazing incidents.

3. Chadron State College

Chadron State has faced allegations of Greek life misconduct. If your child was hazed here, call us immediately.

Thomas County Parents: This Could Be Your Child

Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even a UH student yet. He was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member expected to transfer. The fraternity hazed him anyway.

Your child doesn’t have to be enrolled at a Nebraska university to be at risk. If they’re pledging a fraternity or sorority—anywhere—they could be next.

Ask yourself:

• Has your child been acting differently since joining Greek life?
• Have they been unusually tired, sore, or withdrawn?
• Have they mentioned “traditions” or “activities” that sound suspicious?
• Have they been drinking more than usual?
• Have they missed classes or work due to “fraternity obligations”?

If you suspect hazing, trust your instincts. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Time to Act Is Now

Every day you wait:

• Evidence disappears (texts get deleted, witnesses forget)
• The statute of limitations gets closer (you have only two years)
• The fraternity and university cover their tracks

We’re already fighting this battle in Texas. Let us fight for Nebraska families too.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you win.

Thomas County Hazing Lawyers: We’re Here to Help

Attorney 911
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Serving Thomas County, Nebraska and nationwide.

Your child was hazed. Now it’s time for justice.