Indiana Hazing Lawyer: Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

🚨 Hazing in Indiana: A Silent Crisis Affecting Families Across the State

Hazing isn’t just a problem in other states—it’s happening right here in Indiana. At universities across the state, students are being subjected to dangerous, humiliating, and sometimes life-threatening rituals in the name of “tradition.” Many Indiana families don’t realize that these so-called “initiation” practices are illegal, and that universities and Greek organizations can be held legally and financially responsible when students are harmed.

If your child has been hazed in Indiana, you have rights—and Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was hospitalized after being waterboarded, forced to perform extreme physical exercises, and subjected to other forms of abuse. The same fraternities operate at Indiana universities, and we are ready to bring the same aggressive representation to Indiana families.

🏛️ Indiana Universities Where Hazing Occurs

Indiana is home to major universities with active Greek life communities, where hazing is a persistent problem. Some of the institutions where hazing has been reported or where high-risk organizations operate include:

🎓 Major Indiana Universities with Greek Life:

• Indiana University Bloomington (IU) – One of the largest Greek systems in the country, with numerous fraternities and sororities.
• Purdue University – Home to multiple Greek organizations, including chapters of national fraternities with documented hazing histories.
• University of Notre Dame – While known for its strong academic reputation, hazing has still been reported in some organizations.
• Ball State University – Greek life is active, and hazing incidents have been documented.
• Indiana State University – Smaller Greek system, but still at risk for hazing.
• Butler University – Private university with Greek organizations that have faced hazing allegations.
• Valparaiso University – Greek life presence with potential hazing risks.
• IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) – Urban campus with Greek organizations.

🔍 The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide—including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others—have active chapters at these Indiana schools.

💔 What Indiana Families Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Indiana

Indiana has strict anti-hazing laws under Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2. Hazing is defined as any act that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Is done for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with an organization
• Includes forced consumption of alcohol, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, or other dangerous activities

Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor in Indiana, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines. If hazing results in serious bodily injury, it becomes a Level 6 felony, with penalties of up to 2.5 years in prison.

⚠️ Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, Indiana law explicitly states that consent does not excuse hazing.

2. Hazing Causes Serious—Even Deadly—Injuries

Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun.” It can lead to:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – This is exactly what happened to our client in Houston.
• Alcohol poisoning (forced drinking can be fatal)
• Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings, falls, or being struck with objects)
• Heatstroke or hypothermia (from extreme physical exertion in harsh conditions)
• Sexual assault (forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects)
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide)
• Death (at least one hazing death occurs every year in the U.S.)

📌 In our current case, a student was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises. The same thing could happen to your child in Indiana.

3. Universities and Greek Organizations Are Legally Responsible

If your child was hazed in Indiana, multiple parties can be held liable, including:

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter (for organizing and conducting hazing)
• The national fraternity/sorority organization (for failing to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies)
• The university (for failing to prevent hazing despite having the power to regulate Greek life)
• Individual members (for participating in or facilitating hazing)
• Alumni or housing corporations (if hazing occurred at their property)

💡 In our Houston case, the University of Houston OWNED the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Indiana universities have the same responsibility to ensure their Greek houses are safe.

📜 Indiana’s Anti-Hazing Law: What You Need to Know

Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 – Hazing

(a) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally:
(1) engages in hazing; or
(2) facilitates hazing;
commits a Class B misdemeanor.

(b) However, the offense is a Level 6 felony if the hazing results in serious bodily injury to a person.

(c) An offense under this section is a Level 5 felony if the hazing results in the death of a person.

Key Points of Indiana’s Hazing Law:

✅ Hazing is illegal—whether it happens on or off campus.
✅ Consent is NOT a defense—even if a student “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal.
✅ Felony charges apply if hazing causes serious injury or death.
✅ Universities can be held civilly liable for failing to prevent hazing.

📌 Indiana families can sue for damages even if no criminal charges are filed.

💰 Can Indiana Hazing Victims Sue for Compensation?

Yes. If your child was hazed in Indiana, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work or lost job opportunities)
• Educational disruption (tuition loss, scholarship impact)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)

💡 In our current case, we are seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries. Indiana families can pursue similar compensation.

Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (What Indiana Families Can Expect)

📌 These cases prove that hazing lawsuits can result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Indiana families deserve the same justice.

🚨 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Indiana

If your child has been hazed at an Indiana university, take these steps immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
• Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening—symptoms may not appear immediately.
• Document everything—keep medical records, photos of injuries, and receipts.

2. Preserve Evidence

• Save all communications (texts, emails, GroupMe chats, social media posts).
• Take screenshots of any hazing-related messages before they’re deleted.
• Document witness names—other pledges or bystanders may have seen what happened.
• Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing).

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leaders, university officials, or insurance companies without legal representation.
• Do not sign anything—organizations may try to get you to waive your rights.
• Do not post about the incident on social media—anything you say can be used against you.

4. Report the Incident (But Be Cautious)

• File a police report—hazing is a crime in Indiana.
• Report to the university—but do so only with an attorney present to protect your rights.
• Consider a Title IX complaint—if the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault.

5. Contact an Indiana Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• The statute of limitations in Indiana is 2 years—if you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.
• Evidence disappears quickly—organizations may delete messages, destroy documents, or intimidate witnesses.
• You need an attorney who knows how to fight these cases—not all personal injury lawyers have hazing litigation experience.

📞 Call Attorney 911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

🛡️ Why Indiana Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

We don’t just talk about hazing—we’re actively litigating a major case right now. Our client was hospitalized after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and subjected to other forms of abuse at the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we’re ready to bring the same fight to Indiana.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability—and we know how to dismantle their defenses.

3. Federal Court Authority—We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.

We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which means we can pursue hazing cases nationwide, including in Indiana. Whether the hazing happened at IU, Purdue, Notre Dame, or any other Indiana school, we can represent you.

4. Dual-State Licensed—Texas & New York

We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities that operate in multiple states.

5. We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims are from Hispanic families. We provide full legal services in Spanish to ensure no language barriers stand in the way of justice.

6. Contingency Fee—You Pay Nothing Upfront

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• No upfront costs—you don’t pay us unless we win.
• No hourly fees—we only get paid if you recover compensation.
• No risk to you—if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

7. We Will Travel to Indiana for Your Case

We understand that Indiana families may not be able to travel to Texas. We will come to Indiana for depositions, meetings, and court appearances as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

8. We Have a Proven Track Record of Winning Big Cases

• Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases.
• Experience with high-profile litigation, including the BP Texas City explosion case.
• Aggressive representation—we don’t back down from powerful institutions.

🎯 What Makes Our Indiana Hazing Representation Different?

✅ We Don’t Just Sue the Chapter—We Go After the Deep Pockets

Many hazing lawsuits only target the local chapter, which may not have significant assets. We pursue:

• The national fraternity/sorority organization (they have millions in insurance and assets).
• The university (they have endowments and liability coverage).
• Individual perpetrators (they may have personal assets or homeowner’s insurance).

✅ We Use Cutting-Edge Evidence Preservation

• Subpoena social media companies to recover deleted messages.
• Request security camera footage from fraternity houses and campus.
• Interview witnesses before memories fade or they’re intimidated into silence.

✅ We Know How to Counter the “Consent” Defense

Fraternities and sororities will argue that your child “consented” to hazing. We know how to destroy this argument:

• Indiana law says consent is NOT a defense—the law is on your side.
• Victims are often coerced—threats of expulsion or social ostracism negate true consent.
• Many students don’t know what they’re agreeing to—hazing is often hidden until it’s too late.

✅ We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We don’t just settle for what the insurance company offers. We fight for:

• Full medical expenses (past and future).
• Pain and suffering damages (Indiana has no cap on these).
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless conduct).
• Compensation for educational disruption (lost tuition, scholarships, career opportunities).

📢 Fraternities & Sororities Near Indiana: We Are Watching You

To Greek organizations operating in Indiana:

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi for what happened at the University of Houston. We know the same “traditions” exist in your Indiana chapters.

If you haze students in Indiana, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will win.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta—if your chapter operates in Indiana, you could be next.

Universities in Indiana—if you own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs, you are liable. We will hold you accountable.

The Beta Nu chapter at UH learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

📞 Indiana Families: Call Us Now—Before It’s Too Late

Hazing is a legal emergency. If your child has been hazed in Indiana, you need to act fast.

⏳ Why Time Is Critical:

• Evidence disappears—fraternities delete messages, destroy documents, and intimidate witnesses.
• The statute of limitations is 2 years—if you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.
• Medical conditions worsen—some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.

📞 Call Attorney 911 Now:

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

Free, confidential consultation—no obligation.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Hazing Cases

1. Can I sue if my child was hazed in Indiana but is afraid to come forward?

Yes. Many hazing victims fear retaliation, but Indiana law protects whistleblowers. We can file a lawsuit without revealing your child’s identity initially. The most important thing is to preserve evidence before it’s destroyed.

2. What if the fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing?

Consent is NOT a defense under Indiana law. Even if your child agreed to participate, hazing is still illegal. We will fight any attempt by the fraternity to use this as an excuse.

3. Can I sue the university if the hazing happened off-campus?

Possibly. If the university had control or oversight over the organization (such as recognizing the fraternity or providing funding), they may still be liable. We investigate all potential defendants.

4. What if the fraternity is already suspended or closed?

It doesn’t matter. If the fraternity has insurance or assets, we can still pursue compensation. In our Houston case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter—but we’re still suing them for $10 million.

5. How much is my Indiana hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in multi-million-dollar settlements. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage).
• Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse).
• Pattern of hazing (if the chapter has a history of abuse).
• University negligence (if they knew about hazing and did nothing).

6. Can I afford a hazing lawyer in Indiana?

Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay nothing upfront.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict—you keep the rest.

7. Will my child have to testify in court?

Not necessarily. Many hazing cases settle out of court. If the case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and protect them from intimidation.

8. What if the hazing happened years ago?

The statute of limitations in Indiana is 2 years, but there may be exceptions:

• If your child was a minor at the time, the clock may not start until they turn 18.
• If the university or fraternity covered up the hazing, the deadline may be extended.
• Contact us immediately—we’ll review your case for free.

9. Can I sue if my child was hazed at a private university in Indiana?

Yes. Private universities have the same legal obligations to protect students as public schools. We represent hazing victims at all Indiana institutions, including Notre Dame, Butler, and Valparaiso.

10. What if my child was hazed but didn’t report it at the time?

It’s never too late to seek justice. Many hazing victims don’t report abuse due to shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. We can still help you pursue a claim if evidence is preserved.

🏆 Indiana Hazing Lawyer: Fighting for Justice Across the State

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s abuse, and it has no place in Indiana’s universities.

If your child has been hazed in Indiana, you don’t have to suffer in silence. You have legal rights, and Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.

📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation:

1-888-ATTY-911
ralph@atty911.com
attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims across Indiana, including:

• Indianapolis
• Bloomington
• West Lafayette
• South Bend
• Muncie
• Terre Haute
• Fort Wayne
• Evansville
• Gary
• And all other Indiana cities and towns

🚨 Don’t wait—contact us today before evidence disappears and your rights expire.