Hazing Victims in Bartholomew County: Your Rights, Your Recourse

The Hidden Crisis in Bartholomew County’s Greek Life

Bartholomew County is home to a vibrant community with strong family values and a deep commitment to education. Families here send their children to college expecting them to grow, learn, and be safe. But behind the closed doors of some fraternities and sororities near Bartholomew County, a dangerous culture persists—one that prioritizes “tradition” over safety, and “brotherhood” over human dignity.

This is the reality of hazing in Bartholomew County and across Indiana.

Hazing isn’t just a harmless rite of passage. It’s a systematic form of abuse that has led to hospitalizations, permanent injuries, and even deaths nationwide. And make no mistake—it happens right here in Bartholomew County too.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis head-on. Right now, we’re litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. The same fraternities operate near Bartholomew County. The same risks exist for your child.

If your son or daughter has been hazed in Bartholomew County, you have rights. And we will fight for them.

What Is Hazing? The Truth Behind the “Tradition”

Hazing is often dismissed as “boys being boys” or “just part of the process.” But the reality is far darker.

In Indiana, hazing is defined as any activity that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health of a student
• Is done for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization
• Includes physical brutality, forced consumption of substances, sleep deprivation, or psychological abuse

Examples of hazing we’ve seen in cases nationwide—and right here in Indiana:

• Forced excessive exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls until collapse)
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning (yes, this has happened—even in Indiana)
• Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking until vomiting or passing out)
• Physical beatings (paddling, punching, or branding)
• Sleep deprivation (late-night activities, forced driving, exhaustion)
• Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
• Sexual abuse or harassment (forced nudity, inappropriate touching, sexualized objects)

This isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s illegal in Indiana.

The Medical Consequences: What Hazing Does to the Body

Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars—it can cause permanent physical damage.

1. Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown)

• Caused by: Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats, forced runs, bear crawls)
• What happens: Muscle tissue breaks down, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream
• Result: Acute kidney failure, severe pain, inability to walk, hospitalization
• Our client’s case: Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

2. Alcohol Poisoning

• Caused by: Forced binge drinking (e.g., “drink this entire bottle”)
• What happens: Blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches toxic levels
• Result: Vomiting, seizures, respiratory failure, death
• Real cases in Indiana: Multiple hazing deaths from alcohol poisoning

3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Caused by: Falls, beatings, or being struck with objects
• What happens: Brain swelling, bleeding, or permanent damage
• Result: Memory loss, cognitive impairment, lifelong disability

4. Hypothermia or Heatstroke

• Caused by: Forced exposure to extreme cold or heat
• What happens: Body temperature regulation fails
• Result: Organ failure, death

5. Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression)

• Caused by: Humiliation, threats, isolation, fear
• What happens: Victims develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Result: Suicidal thoughts, therapy needs, lifelong emotional scars

These aren’t hypothetical risks. They’re happening right now—even in Bartholomew County.

Who Is Liable? The Institutions That Let This Happen

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible.

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

• Why they’re liable: They directly organized and conducted the hazing
• What we sue for: Negligence, assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress

2. The National Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.)

• Why they’re liable: They knew or should have known about hazing risks
• What we sue for: Negligent supervision, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death (Andrew Coffey, 2017) and still failed to stop it

3. The University or College

• Why they’re liable: They own or control fraternity houses and have a duty to protect students
• What we sue for: Premises liability, negligent supervision, failure to investigate
• Example: The University of Houston owned the house where our client was hazed

4. Individual Members (Chapter Officers, Participants)

• Why they’re liable: They directly participated in or failed to stop the hazing
• What we sue for: Assault, battery, personal liability
• Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

5. Insurance Companies

• Why they’re liable: They provide liability coverage for fraternities, universities, and individuals
• What we sue for: Policy limits, bad faith insurance practices

If your child was hazed in Bartholomew County, we will identify every liable party—and hold them accountable.

Indiana Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

Indiana’s Anti-Hazing Law (IC 35-42-2-2)

Indiana law explicitly prohibits hazing and makes it a criminal offense.

• Definition: Any act that creates a substantial risk of physical injury or mental harm for the purpose of initiation
• Criminal Penalties:
  • Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail, $1,000 fine)
  • Level 6 Felony if the victim is seriously injured or dies (up to 2.5 years in prison)
• Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable

Civil Lawsuits: Your Right to Compensation

In addition to criminal charges, victims and families can sue for damages, including:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages (if the victim couldn’t work)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)

Our firm has secured multi-million-dollar settlements in hazing cases. We will fight for the same justice for Bartholomew County families.

Precedent Cases: What Hazing Victims Have Won

Hazing cases don’t just result in criminal charges—they lead to massive financial settlements and verdicts.

These cases prove one thing: Hazing victims and their families can win. And they can win big.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Bartholomew County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked.
• Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can be life-threatening.
• Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries, the hazing location, and any objects used
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
• Write down everything your child remembers (dates, times, who was involved)
• Get witness names (other pledges, bystanders)

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

• They will try to control the narrative.
• They may pressure your child to sign documents.
• Anything they say can be used against you.

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations—if you wait, you may lose your right to sue
• Evidence disappears quickly (texts deleted, witnesses forget)
• The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be

Step 5: Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)

• File a police report (hazing is a crime in Indiana)
• Report to the university’s Title IX office (if sexual misconduct was involved)
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority (though they may try to cover it up)

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Bartholomew County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• We know exactly how these cases work—and how to win them

2. We Have Insider Knowledge

• Ralph Manginello is a former insurance defense attorney—he knows how the other side thinks
• Lupe Peña worked at a national defense firm—he knows their playbook
• Together, they dismantle the defense’s arguments

3. We Serve Bartholomew County—No Matter Where You Are

• Headquartered in Texas, but we travel to Indiana for depositions, trials, and meetings
• Video consultations available—you don’t have to come to us
• We work on contingency—$0 upfront, we only get paid if you win

4. We’ve Won Millions for Victims Like You

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
• Multi-million-dollar personal injury settlements
• Aggressive courtroom representation—we don’t back down

5. We Understand the Culture

• Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and coach—he understands team dynamics
• Lupe Peña is a third-generation Texan with deep community ties—he understands family values
• We know how Greek life works—and how to expose its dark side

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Bartholomew County

1. My child “consented” to hazing. Can we still sue?

YES. Indiana law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.

2. The fraternity/sorority says this was “just a prank.” Is that true?

NO. Hazing is not a prank—it’s abuse. Waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, and physical beatings are not “traditions.” They’re crimes.

3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue them?

YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they own the fraternity house (as many do), they are legally responsible for what happens there. If they failed to investigate prior incidents, they can be held liable.

4. My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?

• We protect our clients. We ensure their identities are kept confidential when possible.
• Retaliation is illegal. If the fraternity or university retaliates, we can sue for that too.
• The law is on your side. Indiana has anti-retaliation protections for hazing victims.

5. How much is my case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in six- or seven-figure settlements. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse)
• Pattern of abuse (prior hazing incidents at the same chapter)
• Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know about prior incidents?)

6. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

• Most cases settle within 12-24 months
• Complex cases (with multiple defendants) may take longer
• We work as quickly as possible—but we won’t rush if it means accepting a lowball offer

7. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it was part of a fraternity/sorority event, the organization is still liable.

8. Can we sue even if criminal charges weren’t filed?

YES. Civil lawsuits and criminal cases are separate. Even if no one was arrested, you can still sue for damages.

9. What if my child was a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled yet)?

You can still sue. Our current client was a ghost rush—he wasn’t even a UH student yet. The fraternity hazed him anyway. Reckless disregard for safety makes their liability even stronger.

10. How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—we only get paid if you win. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict.

The Message to Bartholomew County Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating near Bartholomew County:

We know who you are.
We know your national organizations.
We know your chapter officers.
We know your housing corporations.
We know your insurance policies.

And when you haze students in Bartholomew County, we will find every liable entity.

The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. They waterboarded a student. They forced him to do 500 squats. They sent him to the hospital with kidney failure. And now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.

Your chapter could be next.

Bartholomew County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed in Bartholomew County, you may feel powerless. You may feel like no one will believe you. You may fear retaliation.

But you are not alone.

We are Attorney 911—and we are fighting this battle right now. We know how to expose the truth. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we know how to get justice for victims like you.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.

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

We serve Bartholomew County and all of Indiana. We come to you. We fight for you. And we won’t stop until justice is served.

Enough is enough. It’s time to end hazing in Bartholomew County.

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