🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Harrison County, Indiana Families — Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims in Harrison County and Beyond
🏛️ Harrison County, Indiana: Where Tradition Should Never Mean Torture
Harrison County is home to proud communities, strong families, and students who dream of college experiences that build character, leadership, and lifelong friendships. But for too many young people in Harrison County and across Indiana, the promise of Greek life, sports teams, and student organizations turns into a nightmare of abuse, humiliation, and life-threatening hazing.
At Attorney 911, we are fighting this crisis head-on. Right now, our attorneys are litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, 500 squats causing kidney failure, and a culture of abuse that has hospitalized our client. The same fraternities operate near Harrison County. The same negligence exists at Indiana universities. And we will fight for Harrison County families with the same fury.
If your child has been hazed in Harrison County, at a university near Harrison County, or anywhere in Indiana, you are not alone. We are here to help.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Harrison County, Indiana
Harrison County Families: This Is Happening Near You
Hazing is not just a problem in other states. It happens right here in Indiana, and it happens at universities near Harrison County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters at Indiana institutions.
Universities near Harrison County with active Greek life include:
- Indiana University Southeast (New Albany, IN) — just 20 miles from Harrison County
- University of Louisville (Louisville, KY) — 30 miles from Harrison County
- Bellarmine University (Louisville, KY)
- Spalding University (Louisville, KY)
- Indiana University Bloomington (70 miles from Harrison County)
- Purdue University (140 miles from Harrison County)
The same fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide have chapters at these schools:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Harrison County Area Chapters? |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021) — $10M settlement | Yes — Indiana University, Purdue |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths; chemical burns | Yes — Indiana University |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017) — $110M+ settlement | Yes — Purdue, Indiana University |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017) — $6.1M verdict | Yes — Indiana University |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017); Leonel Bermudez (2025) | Yes — Indiana University |
Harrison County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any university near Harrison County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. The same “traditions” that sent Leonel Bermudez to the hospital with kidney failure exist in Indiana chapters.
⚠️ What Harrison County Families Need to Know About Hazing
Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is not about building brotherhood or sisterhood. It’s not about team bonding or school spirit. Hazing is systematic abuse designed to humiliate, degrade, and break young people. It often involves:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances until vomiting
- Waterboarding and simulated drowning: As seen in our Houston case
- Sleep deprivation: Forced late-night activities, early-morning workouts
- Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, threats of expulsion
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
This is not “boys being boys” or “girls bonding.” This is assault. This is battery. This is torture.
Hazing Causes Real Harm — Medical Consequences
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It causes life-threatening medical emergencies, including:
| Condition | What It Is | How Hazing Causes It | Harrison County Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown releasing toxic proteins into blood | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls) | Our Houston client was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys stop filtering waste | Rhabdomyolysis; dehydration | Requires emergency hospitalization; can be fatal |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Dangerously high blood alcohol content | Forced binge drinking | Can cause death; common in hazing deaths |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Head trauma from falls or blows | Beatings; falls during drills | Can cause permanent cognitive impairment |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Dangerous body temperature extremes | Forced exposure to cold/heat | Can be fatal; seen in outdoor hazing rituals |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological trauma | Humiliation, torture, fear of retribution | Long-term mental health consequences |
Harrison County families: If your child comes home from college with unexplained bruises, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, or signs of psychological distress, ask questions. Hazing injuries are often hidden or explained away as “working out too hard” or “partying too much.”
Hazing Is Illegal in Indiana — Criminal and Civil Consequences
Indiana has strong laws against hazing, and victims have powerful legal rights.
Indiana Criminal Law — Hazing Is a Crime
Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 (Hazing):
(a) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally:
(1) engages in hazing; or
(2) forces or requires another person to engage in hazing;
commits a Class B misdemeanor.(b) The offense is a Level 6 felony if it results in serious bodily injury.
(c) The offense is a Level 5 felony if it results in death.
What This Means for Harrison County:
- Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor — up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine
- If hazing causes serious injury (like rhabdomyolysis or kidney failure) — Level 6 felony (up to 2.5 years in prison)
- If hazing causes death — Level 5 felony (1-6 years in prison)
Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Indiana law says consent does not matter.
Civil Liability — Harrison County Families Can Sue for Damages
In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Harrison County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future treatment | Our Houston client had 4 days of hospitalization for kidney failure |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injury or recovery | Time missed from work or internships |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from forced exercise, beatings, waterboarding |
| Mental Anguish | Psychological trauma from abuse | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles — juries award punitive damages for this |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing causes death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, future earnings |
Harrison County families: You can sue the fraternity chapter, the national organization, the university, and individual members. Our attorneys know how to pursue every liable party.
💰 Hazing Cases Win Millions — Harrison County Victims Can Too
Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win big — and the same results are possible for Harrison County families.
Recent High-Profile Hazing Settlements and Verdicts
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | OUR CASE — $10 million lawsuit pending | Pending |
Harrison County families: These cases show that hazing lawsuits win millions. The same legal strategies apply to Indiana cases. If your child has been hazed, you have a case.
🏢 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Harrison County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our Houston case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Harrison County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Harrison County area chapters responsible for their actions |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Same nationals operate near Harrison County |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing despite knowledge | Indiana universities have same oversight responsibilities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Each Harrison County participant can be sued personally |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity houses near Harrison County may be university-owned |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes | Alumni near Harrison County may host hazing events |
Harrison County families: We pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery and send a message that hazing will not be tolerated.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Harrison County
If you suspect your child has been hazed, take these steps immediately:
1. Ensure Their Safety
- If they are in immediate danger, call 911.
- If they are injured, take them to the emergency room.
- Do not let them return to the hazing environment.
2. Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence.
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails.
- Document everything — dates, times, what happened, who was involved.
- Get witness information — names and contact info of other victims or bystanders.
3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- The fraternity, sorority, or university may contact you.
- Do not give statements without an attorney present.
- Do not sign anything from the organization or their insurance company.
- Do not post on social media about the incident.
4. Report the Hazing
- Report to the university — file a formal complaint.
- Report to law enforcement — hazing is a crime in Indiana.
- Report to the national organization — hold them accountable.
5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the process.
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
👨⚖️ Why Harrison County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they think, how they fight, and how to beat them.
3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Harrison County Families Everywhere
While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Harrison County and all of Indiana. We can pursue your case through:
- Federal court authority — U.S. District Court admission
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment — We come to Harrison County for depositions and trials
4. Proven Results — Millions Recovered for Victims
- $10 million lawsuit currently pending in our hazing case
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
- Hundreds of cases won against insurance companies
5. Compassionate, Aggressive Representation
We understand the trauma hazing victims and families experience. We treat Harrison County families like family. But when it comes to the courtroom, we are relentless advocates who will not back down from powerful institutions.
6. No Upfront Costs — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This means Harrison County families can fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.
📞 Harrison County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Harrison County, at a university near Harrison County, or anywhere in Indiana, time is critical.
- Evidence disappears — fraternities delete messages, destroy photos, intimidate witnesses.
- Statutes of limitations expire — Indiana law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit.
- Your child’s health is at risk — hazing injuries can have lifelong consequences.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We are available 24/7 for Harrison County hazing emergencies.
🔥 A Message to Fraternities Near Harrison County
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and every Greek organization operating near Harrison County:
We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same $10 million lawsuit we filed in Houston could be coming to Indiana. The same waterboarding, forced eating, and 500 squats that hospitalized our client happen in your chapters too.
If you haze students near Harrison County, we will pursue every liable entity — your chapter, your nationals, your housing corporation, your individual members, and the universities that enable you.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. The Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at Bowling Green State? Ordered to pay $6.5 million. Your chapter could be next.
Clean up your act now. Or we will clean you out in court.
🎓 A Message to Indiana Universities Near Harrison County
To Indiana University Southeast, University of Louisville, Bellarmine University, Spalding University, Indiana University Bloomington, Purdue University, and all Indiana institutions:
You own the problem. You own the solution.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017. They had the power to stop it. They failed.
Indiana universities have the same power — and the same responsibility. When you own the property, when you recognize the chapter, when you collect fees, you become liable for what happens.
If you fail to protect Harrison County students from hazing, you will be held accountable. We will sue you. Juries will punish you. And Indiana families will demand change.
The choice is yours: Act now, or face the consequences in court.
🏛️ A Message to Indiana Legislators
Hazing destroys lives. It’s time for stronger laws.
The Max Gruver Act made hazing a felony in Louisiana. The Timothy Piazza Law created stricter penalties in Pennsylvania. Indiana needs similar reform.
We call on Indiana legislators to:
- Strengthen Indiana’s hazing law — make hazing a felony when it causes serious injury or death.
- Eliminate “consent” as a defense — Indiana already does this; ensure it’s enforced.
- Require universities to publicly report hazing incidents — transparency saves lives.
- Increase penalties for institutions that fail to act — universities must be held accountable.
Harrison County families deserve protection. Indiana students deserve safety. It’s time to act.
📚 Harrison County Hazing Resources
Indiana Hazing Hotlines and Reporting
- Indiana Lifeline Law — Immunity for reporting medical emergencies: www.in.gov/ilifeline
- Indiana State Police Hazing Reporting — www.in.gov/isp
- Indiana University Hazing Policy & Reporting — www.indiana.edu
- Purdue University Hazing Policy & Reporting — www.purdue.edu
National Hazing Prevention Resources
- HazingPrevention.org — www.hazingprevention.org
- StopHazing — Research and education: www.stophazing.org
- Gordie Center — Hazing and alcohol education: www.gordie.org
Mental Health Support for Harrison County Victims
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988
- Crisis Text Line — Text “HOME” to 741741
- The Jed Foundation — Mental health for teens and young adults: www.jedfoundation.org
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Harrison County Families
Q: What is considered hazing in Indiana?
A: Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. This includes forced consumption, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and dangerous activities.
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Indiana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Indiana?
A: Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?
A: Yes, you can sue the national organization. In our Houston case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to supervise their chapter despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.” The same liability applies to national organizations operating near Harrison County.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, the property owner may also be liable.
Q: How much is a hazing case worth?
A: Hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to over $100 million. The value depends on the severity of injuries, the egregiousness of the conduct, and the defendants’ ability to pay.
Q: Will my child have to testify?
A: Possibly, but we work to minimize the emotional toll. Many cases settle before trial. If your case goes to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them throughout the process.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so Harrison County families can fight back without financial risk.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We protect our clients. Retaliation is illegal, and we will take legal action against any organization or individual that attempts to intimidate or harm our clients.
Q: Can we still sue if the fraternity was already suspended?
A: Absolutely. Suspension or closure does not absolve the organization of liability. In fact, it may be evidence of their consciousness of guilt.
📢 Harrison County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing leaves victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and powerless. But you are not alone.
- Our client in Houston was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. He is brave enough to speak out. You can be too.
- The Stone Foltz family lost their son to hazing. They fought back and won $10 million. Their courage saved lives.
- The Timothy Piazza family turned their grief into legislative change. Their fight protects students nationwide.
Harrison County families: Your child’s story matters. Your fight can save others. Together, we can end hazing.
🚨 Harrison County: Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
Free, confidential consultation for Harrison County hazing victims and families.
📞 1-888-288-9911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We are Attorney 911. We fight for Harrison County families. And we don’t stop until justice is served.
