🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving Jay County, Indiana — Aggressive Legal Representation for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims

If your child was hazed, abused, or injured in a Greek organization near Jay County, Indiana — we can help. Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Jay County Families: This Is Happening Near You

Right now, at universities and colleges across Indiana and the Midwest, students from Jay County and surrounding communities are being subjected to dangerous hazing rituals. Forced drinking. Physical abuse. Psychological torture. Life-threatening activities disguised as “tradition.”

The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston have chapters at Indiana universities. The same organizations that caused a pledge to be hospitalized with kidney failure operate near Jay County. And the same negligent universities that fail to protect students exist right here in our state.

This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in Indiana. And it could be happening to your child.

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Jay County Victims Too

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a young man with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was waterboarded. Forced to do 500 squats. Struck with wooden paddles. And left unable to walk.

This same fraternity has active chapters at universities near Jay County, Indiana.

This same university culture exists at Indiana institutions.

And we will bring the same aggressive legal fight to Jay County families who have been betrayed by Greek organizations and universities they trusted.

What Constitutes Hazing in Indiana?

Indiana law defines hazing as any act that creates a substantial risk of physical harm to a student for the purpose of initiation into an organization. This includes:

✅ Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food to the point of vomiting or unconsciousness
✅ Physical abuse — beatings, paddling, branding, excessive exercise
✅ Psychological torture — waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation
✅ Extreme physical activities — 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls, mile runs
✅ Sexual humiliation — forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault
✅ Servitude — forced cleaning, driving members, running errands
✅ Isolation and sleep deprivation — late-night activities, early-morning tasks

If your child experienced any of these at a fraternity or sorority near Jay County, they were hazed. And you have legal rights.

Who Is Liable for Hazing Near Jay County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally accountable:

1. The Local Chapter

• The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager) who directed activities
• Individual members who participated in or witnessed hazing

2. The National Organization

• National fraternity/sorority headquarters that failed to supervise
• National leaders who knew about hazing culture but did nothing
• National risk management policies that were never enforced

3. The University or College

• Institutions that own or control fraternity/sorority houses
• Universities that fail to monitor Greek life despite knowing the risks
• Colleges that ignore complaints and allow hazing to continue

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Students who directly participated in hazing
• Officers who planned and organized activities
• Members who witnessed and failed to stop abuse

5. Insurance Companies

• Homeowner’s insurance policies covering off-campus hazing
• Institutional liability insurance for universities
• National organization insurance policies

Jay County families: We will pursue every liable party to ensure maximum compensation for your child’s injuries.

Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Jay County Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It causes real, lasting harm:

Physical Injuries

• Rhabdomyolysis — Muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure (like our current client)
• Alcohol poisoning — Can be fatal; requires emergency treatment
• Traumatic brain injury — From beatings, falls, or lack of oxygen
• Broken bones — From physical abuse or forced activities
• Internal bleeding — From blunt force trauma
• Hypothermia or heat stroke — From exposure to elements

Psychological Trauma

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — From waterboarding, physical abuse, or near-death experiences
• Anxiety and depression — From constant fear, humiliation, and stress
• Suicidal ideation — Hazing victims are at increased risk
• Trust issues — Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal
• Academic decline — Inability to focus due to trauma

Long-Term Health Effects

• Chronic kidney disease — From rhabdomyolysis
• Need for dialysis — If kidneys are permanently damaged
• Kidney transplant — In severe cases
• Cardiac issues — From electrolyte imbalances
• Permanent physical limitations — If injuries cause lasting damage

These are not minor injuries. They are life-altering. And they require compensation.

Indiana Hazing Laws — Your Legal Rights

Indiana has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students:

Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 — Hazing

• Class B misdemeanor — Up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine
• Class A misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail and $5,000 fine if hazing results in serious bodily injury
• Level 6 felony — Up to 2.5 years in prison if hazing results in death

Consent Is Not a Defense

Indiana law explicitly states that a victim’s consent to hazing does not excuse the conduct. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.

Institutional Liability

Universities and national organizations can be held civilly liable for failing to prevent hazing. This means they can be sued for monetary damages.

Jay County families: You have legal rights under Indiana law. We will enforce them.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Jay County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation
• Document all symptoms, treatments, and diagnoses
• Request copies of all medical records

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Save all communications: Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
• Take screenshots: Social media posts about hazing
• Photograph injuries: At all stages of healing
• Document expenses: Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages
• Get witness information: Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
• Do not sign any documents from the organization
• Do not post about the incident on social media
• Do not give statements to university administrators alone

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

• Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free, confidential consultations
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
• We will travel to Jay County for your case

Why Jay County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

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.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to deny claims. And we know how to dismantle their defenses.

3. Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction. This is critical when suing national organizations with chapters across multiple states.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

We are licensed in Texas and New York. This gives us strategic advantages when litigating against national fraternities and sororities headquartered in different states.

5. Aggressive Litigation Experience

• 25+ years of courtroom experience (Ralph Manginello)
• 12+ years of litigation experience (Lupe Pena)
• Former national defense firm attorney (Lupe Pena at Litchfield Cavo)
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
• Experience with catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases

6. We Understand Greek Life Culture

• Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach
• We understand team dynamics, locker room culture, and peer pressure
• We know how fraternities and sororities operate
• We know the language they use to hide hazing

7. We Will Travel to Jay County

• We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials
• We offer video consultations for Jay County families
• Distance is not a barrier to justice

8. We Work on Contingency — No Upfront Costs

We understand that Jay County families may be concerned about legal fees. That’s why we work on contingency:

• $0 upfront costs
• You pay nothing unless we win
• We only get paid if you get paid
• No financial risk to you

9. We Speak Spanish

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. Se habla español. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish to ensure no language barriers exist.

10. We Care About Jay County Families

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We understand the trauma hazing causes. We will fight for you because we truly care about justice for Jay County families.

Universities Near Jay County with Greek Life — Where Hazing Could Be Happening

Jay County families send their children to colleges and universities across Indiana and the Midwest. Many of these institutions have active Greek organizations with the same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide.

Indiana Universities with Greek Life Near Jay County:

National Fraternities with Hazing Histories Operating Near Jay County:

Jay County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these universities, they are at risk. These same organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. The same culture exists near Jay County.

Precedent Cases — Hazing Victims Win Millions

Jay County families may wonder: Can we really win against a university or national fraternity? The answer is yes. Hazing victims have won multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. Here are just a few examples:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha

• $10.1 million total settlement
• $2.9 million from university
• $7.2 million from fraternity and individuals
• Result: Chapter closed; multiple criminal convictions

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta

• $6.1 million jury verdict
• Result: Max Gruver Act passed — made hazing a felony in Louisiana

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi

• $110+ million estimated settlement
• Result: Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed in Pennsylvania

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi

• Confidential settlement
• Result: Chapter permanently closed; criminal charges filed

Jay County families: These results are possible for Indiana victims too. We have the experience to pursue maximum compensation.

What Jay County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

If your child was hazed near Jay County, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses — Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
• Lost wages — Time missed from work due to injuries
• Educational expenses — Tuition, fees if education was disrupted
• Future earning capacity — If injuries affect career prospects

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering — From hazing activities
• Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Emotional distress — Humiliation, fear, trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
• Disfigurement — Permanent scars or injuries

Punitive Damages

• Awarded when conduct is egregious, reckless, or intentional
• Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
• Appropriate in hazing cases involving torture, forced consumption, or extreme physical abuse

Jay County families: We will pursue every category of damages to ensure full compensation for your child’s injuries.

The Attorney 911 Difference — How We Fight for Jay County Victims

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We send preservation letters to all defendants demanding evidence be saved
• We subpoena social media companies to prevent evidence deletion
• We secure witness statements before memories fade
• We obtain security camera footage from fraternity houses

2. Expert Witness Network

We work with:

• Medical experts to document injuries and long-term effects
• Hazing culture experts to explain organizational negligence
• Economic experts to calculate future damages
• Vocational experts to assess career impact

3. Aggressive Negotiation Strategy

• We do not accept lowball settlement offers
• We fight for maximum compensation
• We take cases to trial if defendants refuse to settle fairly

4. Federal Court Advantage

• Many hazing cases involve national organizations with chapters in multiple states
• Federal court allows us to pursue all liable parties in one case
• Federal judges are experienced with complex litigation

5. Media and Public Pressure

• We leverage media attention to pressure defendants
• We expose institutional failures to the public
• We mobilize alumni and donors to demand accountability

6. Legislative Advocacy

• We work with legislators to strengthen anti-hazing laws
• We testify at hearings to share victim stories
• We support bills like the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Common Defenses in Hazing Cases — And How We Defeat Them

Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to avoid liability. Here are their most common defenses — and how we counter them:

Defense 1: “The Victim Consented”

Their Argument: “He/she agreed to participate. They knew the risks.”

Our Response:

• Indiana law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing
• Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent — no one “voluntarily” chooses torture
• Victims often don’t know what they’re consenting to — hazing is hidden until it happens
• Fear of retaliation prevents victims from leaving — social ostracism, expulsion from Greek life

Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition”

Their Argument: “This is how it’s always been done. Everyone goes through it.”

Our Response:

• “Tradition” does not excuse illegal activity — assault is assault
• National organizations have policies against hazing — they’re just not enforcing them
• Universities have codes of conduct — hazing violates those codes
• Courts and juries reject this argument — see the $6.1M Gruver verdict

Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know”

Their Argument: “We had no idea hazing was happening.”

Our Response:

• Universities own many fraternity houses — they have a duty to inspect
• Universities receive complaints — they choose to ignore them
• Universities have prior hazing incidents — they fail to act
• Universities benefit from Greek life — they have a financial incentive to look the other way

Defense 4: “The National Organization Wasn’t Involved”

Their Argument: “We can’t control what local chapters do.”

Our Response:

• National organizations have oversight responsibility — they charter the chapters
• National organizations collect dues — they profit from the chapters
• National organizations set policies — they fail to enforce them
• National organizations dissolve chapters when hazing is exposed — proving they know what’s happening

Defense 5: “It Was Just a Few Bad Apples”

Their Argument: “Only a few members were responsible. The organization shouldn’t be blamed.”

Our Response:

• Chapter officers are responsible for the culture
• National organizations are responsible for failing to supervise
• Universities are responsible for failing to regulate
• Hazing is systemic — it’s not just a few individuals

Jay County families: We know all the defenses. We’ve seen them before. And we know how to defeat them.

Frequently Asked Questions from Jay County Families

1. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. If it’s related to a Greek organization, we can pursue the chapter, national organization, and individuals involved.

2. What if my child was drinking voluntarily?

Forced consumption is not voluntary. Even if your child drank some alcohol willingly, if they were pressured, threatened, or coerced into drinking to excess, it’s still hazing. And consent is not a defense under Indiana law.

3. Can we sue the university if they didn’t own the fraternity house?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.

4. What if my child signed a waiver?

Waivers are not enforceable for illegal activities. Hazing is illegal in Indiana. No waiver can excuse criminal conduct.

5. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

6. Can we sue if my child wasn’t seriously injured?

Yes. Even if injuries were not severe, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Psychological trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Disruption to education

Contact us for a free case evaluation.

7. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retribution. We protect our clients:

• We handle all communications with the organization
• We ensure your child’s identity is protected when possible
• We pursue legal action to prevent retaliation

Our current client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We are fighting to protect him — and we will protect your child too.

8. Can we sue if the fraternity chapter was already closed?

Yes. Closing the chapter doesn’t erase liability. The national organization, university, and individual members can still be held accountable.

9. How much is our case worth?

Every case is unique. Factors that affect case value include:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses
• Psychological impact
• Lost wages or earning capacity
• Egregiousness of conduct
• Pattern of hazing at the organization
• Institutional knowledge and failure to act

We have won multi-million dollar settlements in hazing cases. Contact us for a case evaluation.

10. What if we can’t afford a lawyer?

You don’t need to. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win. There are no upfront costs for Jay County families.

The Time to Act Is Now — Jay County Families

Hazing victims often delay seeking legal help due to:

• Shame and embarrassment
• Fear of social retaliation
• Loyalty to the organization
• Not recognizing it as hazing
• Pressure from members to stay quiet

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations runs out.

Jay County families: Do not let the organization silence you. Do not let the university intimidate you. Do not let the national fraternity hide behind their lawyers.

Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Our Promise to Jay County Families

1. We will listen to your child’s story with compassion.
2. We will investigate thoroughly to uncover the truth.
3. We will preserve all evidence to build a strong case.
4. We will pursue every liable party for maximum compensation.
5. We will protect your child from retaliation.
6. We will fight for justice in court if necessary.
7. We will not rest until the Jay County community is safe from hazing.

Contact Attorney 911 — Jay County Hazing Victims

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

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

Video Consultations: Available for Jay County families who cannot travel

We Come to Jay County: For depositions, meetings, and trials

Se habla español

Jay County Families: You Are Not Alone

We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — attorneys, advocates, and fighters for justice. We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases.

If your child was hazed near Jay County, Indiana — call us now. The consultation is free. The call could change everything.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Justice for Jay County starts with one call.