Hazing Lawyers in Jasper County: Protecting Students from Dangerous Greek Life Abuse

Jasper County Parents & Students: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in Jasper County, you may feel shocked, betrayed, and unsure where to turn. The same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate right here in Jasper County. This abuse is happening in our community, and it needs to stop.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, we know how to win, and we know how to hold institutions accountable. Jasper County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.

The Hazing Crisis in Jasper County: It’s Happening Here

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities far away. It’s happening right here in Jasper County. National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have active chapters at universities and colleges near Jasper County. These organizations have a documented history of hazing injuries and deaths across America—and the same culture exists here.

Universities Near Jasper County With Greek Life:

While Jasper County itself doesn’t have a major university, several institutions with active Greek life are located within driving distance, including:

• Valparaiso University (Valparaiso, IN)
• Purdue University Northwest (Hammond, IN)
• Indiana University Northwest (Gary, IN)
• Saint Joseph’s College (Rensselaer, IN)

These schools host chapters of national fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing incidents elsewhere. If your child attends or pledges at one of these institutions, they face the same risks we’re fighting in our current case.

What Is Hazing? Jasper County Families Need to Know

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in an organization that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate.

Common Hazing Practices in Jasper County:

• Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Forced consumption: Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
• Sleep deprivation: Late-night activities, forced early-morning duties
• Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Dangerous activities: Waterboarding, exposure to extreme weather, confinement in small spaces

Medical Consequences of Hazing:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – the same injury our client suffered
• Alcohol poisoning – can be fatal
• Traumatic brain injury – from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia – from exposure to extreme weather
• Cardiac arrest – from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, depression – long-term psychological damage
• Death

The Landmark Case: Why Jasper County Families Should Pay Attention

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case is a warning to every fraternity and university near Jasper County.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and other extreme exercises until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

Why This Case Matters to Jasper County:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Jasper County
• The same fraternity that killed Andrew Coffey in 2017 is responsible for Bermudez’s injuries
• Universities know hazing happens—UH had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing
• Jasper County students face the same risks—if it can happen in Houston, it can happen here

Who Is Liable? Jasper County Families Can Sue Multiple Parties

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing:

• The local fraternity chapter – for organizing and conducting hazing
• The national fraternity organization – for failing to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
• The university – for failing to protect students (especially if they own/control the property)
• Individual members – for participating in or facilitating hazing
• Alumni/property owners – if hazing occurred at their residence

Jasper County families can pursue the same defendants if hazing occurs at local institutions.

Legal Rights for Jasper County Hazing Victims

1. Criminal Liability

Hazing is a crime in Indiana. Under Indiana law:

• Hazing that causes serious bodily injury is a Level 6 felony (punishable by 6 months to 2.5 years in prison)
• Hazing that results in death is a Level 5 felony (punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison)
• Consent is not a defense—even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazers can still be prosecuted

2. Civil Lawsuits

Jasper County families can file personal injury lawsuits to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work or lost job opportunities)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

Precedent Cases Show Hazing Victims Win Big:

Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is in line with these precedents—and Jasper County families can achieve the same results.

What Jasper County Families Should Do If Hazing Occurs

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
• Save all communications (texts, emails, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
• Document witness names and contact information
• Keep all medical records and bills

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Fraternities/sororities will coordinate their story and may intimidate witnesses
• Do not sign anything from the organization or university
• Do not post on social media about the incident (it can be used against you)

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer

• Call Attorney 911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free consultations for Jasper County families
• We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case

Why Jasper County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit—we know how to win these cases. Jasper County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they think, and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue Jasper County cases in federal jurisdiction if needed.

4. Dual-State Licensed (Texas & New York)

This gives us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities headquartered out of state.

5. Willingness to Travel to Jasper County

We will come to Jasper County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)

We serve Spanish-speaking families in Jasper County without language barriers.

7. Proven Track Record

• Recovered millions for personal injury victims
• Experience with high-stakes litigation (BP Texas City explosion)
• 4.9-star Google rating (250+ reviews)

Frequently Asked Questions for Jasper County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they “consented.” 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 hazers can still be held liable.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be sued?

A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they had reason to know hazing was happening (e.g., prior incidents, complaints), they can be held liable for failing to act.

Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict—you keep the rest.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Do not wait—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t cause serious injuries?

A: YES. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other damages.

Q: What if the fraternity is no longer active?

A: You can still sue the national organization for failing to supervise the chapter. Many fraternities have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing claims.

Jasper County Fraternities on Notice

To the fraternities operating near Jasper County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Jasper County, we will find every liable entity—the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals involved.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter operates near Jasper County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. That’s what happens when you haze in Texas—and it will happen in Indiana too.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been hazed in Jasper County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

Call Now for a Free Consultation:

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

We serve Jasper County families on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

Jasper County Parents: This Could Happen to Your Child

Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He was struck with wooden paddles. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.

This didn’t happen in some faraway state. This happened at a university just like those near Jasper County. The same fraternities operate here. The same negligence exists here.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Jasper County, they face the same risks. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.