Hazing Lawyer in Howard County, Indiana – Attorney 911

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

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Howard County, Indiana—or at a college or university nearby—you are not powerless. Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s abuse. And if your child was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized, you have legal rights.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now—not just in Texas, but for families across America, including Howard County, Indiana. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities, the same negligence, the same culture of abuse exists in Howard County and nearby universities.

If your child was hazed in Howard County, Indiana, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

🚨 Hazing in Howard County: What You Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Indiana

Indiana has strict anti-hazing laws under Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2. Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it becomes a Level 6 felony, punishable by 6 months to 2.5 years in prison.

This means:
✅ Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.
✅ Universities and national fraternities can be sued for failing to prevent hazing.
✅ Individuals (chapter presidents, pledgemasters, members) can be held personally liable.

2. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Howard County

The fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide—including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and Sigma Chi—have active chapters at universities near Howard County, including:

• Purdue University (West Lafayette, ~1 hour from Howard County)
• Indiana University (IU Bloomington) (~2.5 hours from Howard County)
• Ball State University (~1 hour from Howard County)
• Butler University (~1.5 hours from Howard County)
• Indiana State University (~2 hours from Howard County)

If your child was hazed at any of these schools—or at a high school or college in Howard County—we can help.

3. Universities Near Howard County Are Liable

Universities have a legal duty to protect students from hazing. When they fail, they can be held accountable. In our $10 million Pi Kappa Phi case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They knew about prior hazing incidents but did nothing to stop it.

The same negligence exists at universities near Howard County:

• Purdue University has faced multiple hazing investigations in recent years.
• Indiana University has suspended fraternities for hazing violations.
• Ball State University has disciplined Greek organizations for dangerous initiation rituals.

If your child was hazed, the university likely knew—or should have known—and failed to act.

💔 What Hazing Looks Like in Howard County (and Nearby Universities)

Hazing isn’t just “roughhousing.” It’s systematic abuse designed to humiliate, degrade, and physically harm students. In our current case, a student was:
✔ Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
✔ Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
✔ Struck with wooden paddles
✔ Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in his own vomit
✔ Deprived of sleep and forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
✔ Threatened with expulsion if he refused to participate

This same abuse happens in Howard County and nearby universities. If your child experienced any of the following, they were hazed:

• Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging, “drink or die” games)
• Extreme physical punishment (paddling, beatings, branding, excessive exercise)
• Sleep deprivation (forced late-night activities, no rest)
• Psychological torture (verbal abuse, humiliation, isolation)
• Forced servitude (cleaning, errands, personal favors for members)
• Sexual humiliation (forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, inappropriate touching)
• Dangerous stunts (blindfolded activities, “trust falls” from heights, confined spaces)

If your child was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized, you may have a case.

💰 How Much Is a Howard County Hazing Case Worth?

Hazing cases can result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, especially when:
✅ The victim was hospitalized (like our client with kidney failure)
✅ The university or national fraternity knew about prior hazing incidents
✅ The hazing involved extreme conduct (waterboarding, paddling, forced consumption)
✅ The victim suffered long-term physical or psychological harm

Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (What’s Possible for Howard County Families):

Our current case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi – $10 million lawsuit for a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded and forced to do 500 squats.

If your child was hazed in Howard County or at a nearby university, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Educational disruption (tuition refunds, academic setbacks)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization and prevent future hazing)

🔍 Who Can Be Sued in a Howard County Hazing Case?

In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held liable, including:

In Howard County, Indiana, we can sue:

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter that hazed your child
• The national organization (Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc.)
• The university (Purdue, IU, Ball State, Butler, Indiana State, or local Howard County schools)
• Individual members (pledgemasters, presidents, active members)
• Alumni or hosts who allowed hazing at their property

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Howard County Hazing Victim

1. You Have a Limited Time to Act (Statute of Limitations)

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. If your child was hazed, you must act quickly—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

Do not wait until it’s too late.

2. Consent Is NOT a Defense in Indiana

Some fraternities will argue: “Your child agreed to participate. They knew the risks.”

Indiana law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.

Even if your child “consented” to hazing, the organization can still be held liable. Hazing is illegal, and no one can consent to a crime.

3. Universities Can Be Held Responsible

Universities have a legal duty to protect students from hazing. If they:

• Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to implement proper oversight
• Had prior hazing incidents and did nothing

They can be sued for negligence.

4. Criminal Charges May Be Filed

Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death can lead to criminal charges in Indiana, including:

• Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail)
• Level 6 felony (6 months to 2.5 years in prison) if serious injury occurs

We work with prosecutors to pursue criminal charges alongside civil lawsuits.

📞 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Howard County, Indiana

If your child was hazed, follow these steps immediately to protect their rights:

🚨 Step 1: Get Medical Help

• If your child was injured, go to the emergency room immediately.
• Document all injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, signs of alcohol poisoning, etc.).
• Keep all medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records).

📸 Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails, social media posts).
• Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders, friends).
• Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.

🚫 Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer

• The fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers will try to get your child to sign documents or give statements that can be used against them.
• Do NOT speak to them without legal representation.
• Do NOT accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney.

📞 Step 4: Call a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire.
• We offer free consultations—you pay nothing upfront.
• We work on contingency—you only pay if we win your case.

📅 Step 5: Report the Incident (Optional but Recommended)

• File a police report (hazing is a crime in Indiana).
• Report to the university (Title IX office, Greek life office).
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority (they may conduct their own investigation).

We can guide you through this process to ensure your child’s rights are protected.

🏆 Why Howard County Families Choose Attorney 911

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—the same fight we’ll bring to Howard County, Indiana.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Howard County, Indiana

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Howard County, Indiana. We can pursue your case through:

• Federal court (we’re admitted to U.S. District Court)
• Video consultations (no need to travel)
• Willingness to travel to Howard County for depositions and trials

4. Proven Results in Hazing Cases

We have experience with:

• Rhabdomyolysis cases (like our current Pi Kappa Phi client)
• Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
• Texas A&M University hazing cases
• Hospitalization and wrongful death claims

5. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

Many hazing victims are international students or from Hispanic families. We provide full Spanish-language support—no language barriers to justice.

6. No Upfront Costs – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning:
✅ $0 upfront
✅ No hourly fees
✅ We only get paid if we win your case
✅ If we lose, you owe us nothing

🎯 What’s Next for Howard County Hazing Victims?

If your child was hazed in Howard County, Indiana, or at a nearby university (Purdue, IU, Ball State, Butler, Indiana State, etc.), here’s what happens next:

1. Free Case Evaluation

We’ll review your case for free and determine if you have a viable claim.

2. Evidence Collection

We’ll gather:

• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Text messages, social media, photos/videos
• University and fraternity documents

3. Demand Letter

We’ll send a demand letter to the fraternity, university, and national organization, outlining their liability and your damages.

4. Negotiation or Litigation

• If they offer a fair settlement, we’ll negotiate the best possible outcome.
• If they refuse to take responsibility, we’ll file a lawsuit and take them to court.

5. Trial (If Necessary)

If the case goes to trial, we’ll present your story to a jury and fight for maximum compensation.

📞 Howard County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now

If your child was hazed in Howard County, Indiana, or at a nearby university, call us immediately.

🚨 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Fight for Howard County Families

🔥 A Message to Fraternities and Universities in Howard County, Indiana

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, and every other fraternity with chapters near Howard County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same negligence, the same cover-ups, the same culture of abuse—we will expose it.

If your chapter hazes students in Howard County or nearby universities, know this:

• We will sue you.
• We will name every liable party—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities.
• We will seek punitive damages to send a message.
• We will not stop until the culture changes.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. The fraternity president? Personally liable for $6.5 million. The national organization? Forced to pay millions in settlements.

Your chapter could be next.

📢 Howard County Parents: This Is Your Wake-Up Call

Hazing doesn’t just happen at big universities. It happens in Howard County, Indiana. It happens at high schools. It happens in sports teams, marching bands, and clubs.

If your child is involved in any organization that uses “initiation rituals,” ask yourself:

• Are they being forced to drink?
• Are they being physically punished?
• Are they being humiliated or degraded?
• Are they being threatened if they refuse?
• Are they coming home exhausted, injured, or traumatized?

If the answer is yes, your child is being hazed.

You have the power to stop it. Call us before it’s too late.

🚨 Howard County Hazing Lawyer – Free Consultation

If your child was hazed in Howard County, Indiana, or at a nearby university, call us now before it’s too late.

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

No upfront costs. No fees unless we win. We fight for Howard County families.