Hazing Lawyers Serving Decatur County, Indiana – Attorney 911
Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawyers – Protecting Students Across Indiana
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Decatur County, Indiana, you have legal rights – and we can help.
At Attorney 911, we are nationally recognized hazing litigation attorneys currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and beaten with wooden paddles.
The same fraternities operate at Indiana colleges and universities – including those near Decatur County.
The same negligence exists at Indiana institutions.
And we will fight for Indiana families with the same aggression.
🚨 Why Decatur County Families Need Hazing Lawyers Now
1. Hazing Is Rampant in Indiana – And It’s Deadly
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” – it’s assault, battery, and sometimes manslaughter. Indiana has seen its share of hazing tragedies, including:
- Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
- Extreme physical abuse causing broken bones, internal injuries, and rhabdomyolysis
- Psychological torture including sleep deprivation, humiliation, and waterboarding
- Sexual assault as part of “initiation rituals”
If your child was hazed near Decatur County, they are not alone – and they deserve justice.
2. Indiana Colleges Have a Duty to Protect Students – And They Often Fail
Universities and colleges in Indiana – including those near Decatur County – have a legal duty to protect students from hazing. But too often, they turn a blind eye until it’s too late.
We are currently suing the University of Houston for $10 million because they owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded and hospitalized. Indiana universities have the same liability when they fail to stop hazing on their campuses.
3. The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate Near Decatur County
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and other national fraternities have chapters at Indiana colleges and universities, including:
- Ball State University (Muncie, IN) – Just over an hour from Decatur County
- Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, IN) – Approximately 2 hours away
- Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) – About 2.5 hours away
- Butler University (Indianapolis, IN) – Roughly 1.5 hours away
- University of Indianapolis (Indianapolis, IN) – Approximately 1.5 hours away
- Earlham College (Richmond, IN) – About 45 minutes away
These same fraternities have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide – and they will pay for what they’ve done to Indiana students.
4. Indiana Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws – But Victims Need Legal Help to Enforce Them
Indiana’s anti-hazing law (IC 35-42-2-2) makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If hazing results in serious bodily injury, it becomes a Level 6 felony, punishable by 6 months to 2.5 years in prison.
But criminal charges alone don’t compensate victims for medical bills, pain and suffering, or long-term trauma.
That’s where civil lawsuits come in – and that’s where Attorney 911 can help.
💔 What Indiana Hazing Victims Are Facing – And How We Help
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars – it can cause life-threatening injuries, including:
| Injury | What It Means | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown from extreme exertion (like 500 squats) | Kidney failure, permanent damage, lifelong monitoring |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys shut down due to rhabdomyolysis | Dialysis, transplant, lifelong medical care |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking leading to coma or death | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings or falls | Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes |
| Broken Bones | From physical abuse | Chronic pain, disability |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | From exposure to extreme temperatures | Organ damage, death |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | From psychological torture | Therapy, medication, lifelong mental health struggles |
Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats.
This could happen to your child at an Indiana college near Decatur County.
🧠 Psychological Trauma – The Invisible Damage
Hazing doesn’t just hurt the body – it destroys trust, self-esteem, and mental health. Victims often suffer from:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
- Depression – Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness
- Anxiety – Fear of social situations, panic attacks
- Suicidal Ideation – Some victims take their own lives
- Trust Issues – Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal
Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” – this is the reality of hazing culture.
Indiana victims face the same fear – but we can protect them.
🎓 Academic & Career Impact
Hazing doesn’t just harm students physically and emotionally – it derails their futures.
| Impact | How Hazing Causes It |
|---|---|
| Dropped Grades | Sleep deprivation, stress, missed classes |
| Lost Scholarships | Academic probation due to missed work |
| Delayed Graduation | Medical leave, inability to focus |
| Career Setbacks | Missed internships, job opportunities |
| Reputation Damage | Social ostracization, stigma |
If your child was hazed near Decatur County, their education and future are at risk – and they deserve compensation for that loss.
⚖️ Indiana Hazing Laws – Your Legal Rights
1. Indiana’s Anti-Hazing Law (IC 35-42-2-2)
Indiana law defines hazing as:
Forcing someone to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury for the purpose of initiation into a group.
Penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanor – Up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine
- Level 6 Felony – If hazing causes serious bodily injury, up to 2.5 years in prison
Important: Consent is NOT a defense – even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
2. Civil Lawsuits – Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable
Criminal charges punish the individuals, but civil lawsuits compensate the victim. In Indiana, hazing victims can sue for:
| Legal Claim | Who Can Be Sued | What You Can Recover |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence | University, fraternity, individuals | Medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering |
| Assault & Battery | Individual members who participated | Compensation for physical harm |
| Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress | Fraternity, individuals | Compensation for psychological trauma |
| Negligent Supervision | National fraternity, university | Failure to prevent hazing |
| Premises Liability | University (if they own the fraternity house) | Dangerous conditions on property |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship |
We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for $10 million – and we can do the same for Indiana families.
3. Indiana Statute of Limitations – Act Fast!
- Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death
If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.
Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and fraternities destroy records.
Call Attorney 911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
🏆 Why Indiana Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit – Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one – and winning.
- Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez (hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis & kidney failure)
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, individual members
- Damages Sought: $10 million
- Media Coverage: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
We know how to build these cases – and we’ll bring the same fight to Indiana.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena – previously worked for insurance companies and national defense firms.
We know how they’ll try to avoid paying.
We know how to dismantle their defenses.
We know how to maximize your compensation.
3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue National Fraternities Anywhere
We are admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and licensed in Texas and New York.
This means we can sue national fraternities in federal court – no matter where the hazing occurred.
If your child was hazed at an Indiana college near Decatur County, we can fight for them – even if the fraternity is headquartered in another state.
4. Dual-State Licensed – Texas & New York
Many hazing cases involve national fraternities headquartered in multiple states.
Our Texas and New York bar licenses give us a strategic advantage in suing these organizations.
5. Willing to Travel to Indiana – We Come to You
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we will travel to Indiana for your case.
Whether it’s for depositions, meetings, or trial, we’re here for Indiana families.
6. Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront, $0 If We Lose
We understand that Indiana families can’t afford expensive legal fees – especially when dealing with medical bills and trauma.
That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:
- $0 upfront
- We only get paid if we win
- No risk to you
If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
7. Se Habla Español – Bilingual Legal Support
Hazing affects all communities – including Spanish-speaking families.
Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, and our entire team is committed to serving Indiana’s diverse population.
No language barriers. No cultural misunderstandings. Just justice.
8. 25+ Years of Litigation Experience – We’ve Won Millions for Victims
Ralph Manginello has over 25 years of courtroom experience, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
- Multi-million dollar personal injury verdicts
- Federal civil rights cases
- Wrongful death claims
We know how to win – and we’ll fight for Indiana families like we’re fighting in Houston.
9. We Understand Greek Life Culture – From the Inside
Ralph Manginello was a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach – he understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing.
We know how fraternities operate.
We know how universities fail to stop them.
And we know how to hold them accountable.
📞 What Indiana Families Should Do If Their Child Was Hazed
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs – Any communications about hazing
✅ Photos & videos – Of injuries, hazing activities, fraternity events
✅ Medical records – Hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Witness names & contact info – Other pledges, friends, bystanders
✅ Fraternity documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules
Fraternities will try to destroy evidence – don’t let them.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- Fraternities will try to intimidate you into silence.
- Universities will try to protect their reputation – not your child.
- Insurance companies will try to lowball you with quick settlements.
Let us handle all communications – we know their tricks.
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911
- Free, confidential consultation
- No obligation – we’ll explain your legal options
- We’ll travel to Indiana to meet with you
- We work on contingency – $0 upfront
The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.
💰 How Much Is an Indiana Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, depending on:
| Factor | How It Affects Compensation |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage = higher value |
| Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression = higher non-economic damages |
| Wrongful death | If hazing results in death, families can sue for millions |
| University involvement | If the university knew and did nothing, punitive damages apply |
| Pattern of abuse | If the fraternity has a history of hazing, punitive damages increase |
| Criminal charges | If members are criminally charged, civil case value increases |
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (Nationwide)
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | $4+ million settlement |
Our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is seeking $10 million – and Indiana families deserve the same justice.
🎯 Who Can Be Sued in an Indiana Hazing Case?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants – all of whom can be held liable.
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity | Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Owned fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing |
| Chapter Officers | President, pledgemaster – directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Former Members | Hosted hazing at their homes |
| Spouses of Members | Allowed hazing on their property |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
In our current case, we’re suing:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi National
✅ The local chapter
✅ The housing corporation
✅ The University of Houston
✅ Individual members
✅ A former member and his spouse
We can do the same for Indiana families.
📅 Indiana Statute of Limitations – Don’t Wait!
| Claim Type | Deadline | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years from injury | You lose your right to sue after 2 years |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from death | Families must act quickly |
| Criminal Charges | Varies by offense | Prosecutors have time limits too |
If you wait too long, you lose your right to compensation forever.
Call Attorney 911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911.
🔥 What Indiana Fraternities Don’t Want You to Know
1. “Consent” Is NOT a Defense in Indiana
Fraternities will argue:
- “He agreed to participate.”
- “He knew what he was getting into.”
- “He could have left at any time.”
Indiana law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.
Even if a student “agreed” to hazing, it’s still illegal and they can still sue.
2. Universities Can Be Held Liable – Even If They Didn’t Directly Hazing
If a university:
✅ Owns the fraternity house (like UH did)
✅ Has prior knowledge of hazing
✅ Fails to implement real oversight
✅ Ignores complaints
They can be sued for millions – just like we’re doing in Houston.
3. National Fraternities Have Deep Pockets – And They Will Pay
National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, and Pike have:
- Millions in assets
- Liability insurance policies
- Corporate structures that can be pierced
They will pay to make this go away – but only if you have a lawyer who knows how to fight them.
4. Hazing Is Often Covered by Insurance – And We Know How to Access It
Fraternities and universities have insurance policies that cover hazing incidents.
As former insurance defense attorneys, we know:
- How to identify all insurance layers
- How to demand full policy limits
- How to fight bad faith denials
We’ve done it before – and we’ll do it for Indiana families.
5. The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate in Indiana
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others have chapters at Indiana colleges and universities.
If they hazed our client in Houston, they’re hazing students in Indiana too.
🏛️ Indiana Colleges & Universities with Greek Life – And the Hazing Risk
The following Indiana colleges and universities have active Greek life programs – and the same fraternities that hazed our client operate on these campuses.
| University | Location | Distance from Decatur County | Notable Fraternities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball State University | Muncie, IN | ~1 hour | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | ~2 hours | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Beta Theta Pi |
| Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | ~2.5 hours | Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi |
| Butler University | Indianapolis, IN | ~1.5 hours | Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta |
| University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | ~1.5 hours | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon |
| Earlham College | Richmond, IN | ~45 minutes | Smaller Greek system, but hazing still occurs |
| Indiana State University | Terre Haute, IN | ~1.5 hours | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon |
| University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN | ~3 hours | Congregation of Holy Cross (no traditional Greek life, but other organizations exist) |
If your child attends or plans to attend one of these schools, they are at risk of hazing – and we can help if it happens.
📞 Indiana Hazing Victims – Call Attorney 911 Now
Free, Confidential Consultation – 1-888-ATTY-911
We serve Indiana families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont – and we will travel to Indiana for your case.
What You’ll Get When You Call:
✅ Free case evaluation – No obligation, no pressure
✅ Immediate legal guidance – What to do next
✅ Evidence preservation help – How to protect your case
✅ Contingency fee agreement – $0 upfront, $0 if we lose
✅ Aggressive representation – We fight for maximum compensation
Don’t Wait – The Clock Is Ticking
- Evidence disappears – Texts get deleted, witnesses forget
- Statute of limitations expires – You lose your right to sue
- Fraternities destroy records – They’ll hide what they did
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
🚨 Emergency Legal Help for Indiana Hazing Victims
If your child was hazed and is currently in danger – call 911 immediately.
Then call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for legal help.
We are available 24/7 for Indiana hazing emergencies.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Indiana Families
1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should I still call a lawyer?
Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, you should consult with an attorney to:
- Understand your legal rights
- Preserve evidence in case they change their mind
- Get advice on reporting to the university or police
- Protect your child from retaliation
2. The fraternity says this was just “tradition” – is that a defense?
No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense for hazing.
Indiana law prohibits hazing regardless of whether it’s “tradition.”
3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue them?
Yes. If the university:
- Owned the fraternity house
- Had prior hazing incidents
- Failed to implement real oversight
- Ignored complaints
They can be held liable for negligent supervision – even if they claim they didn’t know.
4. My child was hazed at a private university. Does that change anything?
No. Private universities have the same legal duty to protect students from hazing.
In fact, private universities often have deeper pockets and more insurance coverage.
5. The fraternity offered us a quick settlement. Should we take it?
No. Fraternities and universities always lowball the first offer.
They want you to take a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries or consult a lawyer.
Talk to Attorney 911 first – we’ll get you the full compensation you deserve.
6. My child was hazed, but they’re too scared to come forward. What should we do?
We understand. Hazing victims often fear retaliation, social ostracization, or being labeled a “snitch.”
We can:
- Help your child report anonymously
- Protect them from retaliation
- Build the case without putting them in the spotlight
- Fight for justice while keeping them safe
7. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?
$0 upfront.
We work on a contingency fee basis – we only get paid if we win your case.
If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
8. My child was hazed at a college far from Decatur County. Can you still help?
Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including:
- Ball State University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- Purdue University
- Butler University
- University of Indianapolis
- And more
We offer video consultations and travel to Indiana for your case.
9. What if the hazing happened last year? Is it too late to sue?
It depends. Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
If the hazing happened within the last 2 years, you may still have time to sue.
Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation.
10. My child was hazed, but no one was hospitalized. Is it still worth calling a lawyer?
Yes. Even if injuries were “minor,” hazing can cause:
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Academic decline
- Lost scholarships
- Career setbacks
You may still be entitled to compensation – call us to find out.
🎯 Indiana Families – You Are Not Alone
Hazing is abuse, assault, and sometimes manslaughter – and it happens right here in Indiana.
But you don’t have to fight alone.
At Attorney 911, we are nationally recognized hazing litigation attorneys with:
✅ 25+ years of courtroom experience
✅ Former insurance defense insight
✅ Federal court authority
✅ $10 million hazing lawsuit currently in progress
✅ Willingness to travel to Indiana
✅ Contingency fee – $0 upfront
We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids.
We know how universities fail to stop them.
And we know how to hold them accountable.
📞 Call Now – 1-888-ATTY-911
Free, confidential consultation for Indiana hazing victims and families.
We will fight for you – just like we’re fighting in Houston.
Enough is enough. It’s time for justice.
🔗 Additional Resources for Indiana Families
- Indiana Anti-Hazing Law (IC 35-42-2-2)
- StopHazing.org – Hazing Prevention Resources
- Clery Center – Campus Safety Information
- Indiana Department of Education – School Safety
© 2025 Attorney 911 | Legal Emergency Lawyers™ | Hazing Lawyers Serving Decatur County, Indiana
Offices in Houston, Austin, Beaumont | Serving Indiana Families Nationwide