Here is the comprehensive, publication-ready, Johnson County-optimized marketing content for Attorney 911’s hazing victim representation services:
Hazing Lawyer in Johnson County: Protecting Students from Abuse & Negligence
Johnson County Families: Hazing Is Happening at Your Schools – And It’s Time to Fight Back
You sent your child to college in Johnson County expecting them to be safe. But behind the Greek letters and campus traditions, a dangerous culture of abuse thrives—one that has already sent students to the hospital and claimed lives across America.
The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston have chapters near Johnson County. The same universities that failed to stop hazing in Texas are operating near Johnson County. And the same negligence that led to a $10 million lawsuit in Houston is happening right here in our community.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis head-on. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that these cases can be won. Johnson County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
If your child has been hazed, abused, or hospitalized by a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Johnson County, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll fight for justice, accountability, and the compensation your family deserves.
The Hazing Crisis in Johnson County: What Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s assault. It’s torture. It’s often criminal. And it’s happening at colleges and universities near Johnson County.
What Counts as Hazing?
Under Indiana law, hazing includes any activity that:
✔ Endangers physical or mental health (forced exercise to exhaustion, sleep deprivation, extreme weather exposure)
✔ Involves forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances until vomiting)
✔ Includes physical brutality (beating, paddling, waterboarding, branding)
✔ Creates psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
✔ Violates Indiana’s anti-hazing laws (Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2)
This isn’t just “tradition.” It’s illegal.
Hazing Is Happening Near Johnson County
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide—including Johnson County. The same fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have chapters at universities near Johnson County, including:
- Indiana University Bloomington (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others)
- Purdue University (Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and others)
- Butler University (Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Alpha Theta, and others)
- University of Indianapolis (Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Kappa, and others)
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Johnson County, they face the same risks we’re fighting in court right now.
The Landmark Case: How We’re Fighting Hazing in Court Right Now
$10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston
We’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing at Pi Kappa Phi’s University of Houston chapter. His case proves what happens when institutions fail to protect students.
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez?
✔ 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 run through his own vomit
✔ Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
This didn’t happen in the 1980s. This happened in 2025.
Why This Case Matters for Johnson County Families
✅ Same fraternities operate near Johnson County – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have chapters at Indiana universities.
✅ Universities near Johnson County face the same liability – If a school owns or controls a fraternity house where hazing occurs, they can be held responsible.
✅ National organizations know about the problem – Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after a student died in 2017. They did nothing.
✅ $10 million is possible – Our demand is in line with recent hazing verdicts and settlements.
If your child was hazed in Johnson County, we will fight for you with the same intensity.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Johnson County?
When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held accountable—not just the students who participated.
Potential Defendants in a Johnson County Hazing Case:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Johnson County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapters at IU Bloomington, Purdue, Butler, etc. |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc. |
| University/College | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred; failed to protect students | Indiana University, Purdue, Butler, etc. |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Students, alumni, advisors |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority houses near Johnson County |
| Insurance Companies | Provided coverage for negligent organizations | Policies covering fraternities, universities |
We don’t just sue students. We sue the institutions that enable abuse.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Johnson County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Even if your child seems “fine,” get them checked. Some injuries (like kidney damage) don’t show symptoms right away.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✔ Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
✔ Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, social media posts).
✔ Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).
✔ Do NOT delete anything—even if it’s embarrassing or incriminating.
✔ Do NOT sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer
Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative. They may:
- Offer a quick settlement to silence your family
- Pressure your child to sign a waiver
- Destroy evidence
- Intimidate witnesses
Call us first. We’ll handle all communications.
Step 4: Contact a Johnson County Hazing Lawyer Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines (Indiana’s statute of limitations is 2 years). The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Call Attorney 911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Why Johnson County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit—proving we know how to win these cases. Johnson County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook—and we use it against them.
3. Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, meaning we can pursue hazing cases nationwide—including Johnson County.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas & New York)
This gives us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities headquartered out of state.
5. We Travel to Johnson County
We’ll come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. No Upfront Costs
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
7. Bilingual Representation (Se Habla Español)
We serve Johnson County’s Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
Hazing Verdicts & Settlements: What Johnson County Families Can Expect
Hazing cases routinely result in multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Here’s what similar cases have recovered:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1M+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4M+ |
Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is in line with these precedents—and Johnson County families can expect the same.
Johnson County Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights
Indiana Anti-Hazing Law (IC 35-42-2-2)
Indiana law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it becomes a Level 6 felony, punishable by:
- Up to 2.5 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
Civil Liability for Hazing in Johnson County
Even if no criminal charges are filed, you can sue for:
✔ Medical expenses (past and future)
✔ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
✔ Lost wages and earning capacity
✔ Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
✔ Wrongful death (if hazing results in death)
Consent Is NOT a Defense
Indiana law explicitly states that a victim’s consent to hazing does not absolve the organization of liability.
Fraternities Near Johnson County with Hazing Histories
The same fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have chapters at universities near Johnson County. If your child is pledging one of these, they’re at risk.
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Johnson County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 – death); Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 – hospitalization) | Indiana University Bloomington, Purdue University |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing deaths, including at Texas A&M | Indiana University Bloomington, Purdue University |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 – death) | Purdue University, University of Indianapolis |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 – death) | Butler University, Indiana University Bloomington |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 – death) | Purdue University, Butler University |
This isn’t just a Texas problem. It’s happening near Johnson County.
Hazing Warning Signs for Johnson County Parents
Hazing is often hidden, but there are red flags to watch for:
⚠ Sudden secrecy – Your child stops sharing details about their activities.
⚠ Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, or burns that don’t make sense.
⚠ Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation – Dark circles, falling asleep in class, missing deadlines.
⚠ Changes in behavior – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal from friends/family.
⚠ Sudden requests for money – For “fraternity dues,” “pledge fees,” or “events.”
⚠ Forced consumption – Stories of “drinking games,” “eating challenges,” or “workouts until collapse.”
⚠ Humiliation rituals – Being forced to wear embarrassing outfits, carry strange objects, or perform degrading tasks.
If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Johnson County
1. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing laws apply on or off campus, including at private residences, fraternity houses, and even online.
2. What if my child “consented” to the hazing?
Consent is not a defense in Indiana. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
3. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Johnson County?
Indiana’s statute of limitations for hazing cases is 2 years from the date of injury. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
4. Can we sue the university, or just the fraternity?
Yes, you can sue the university if:
✔ They owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred.
✔ They knew or should have known about the hazing.
✔ They failed to implement adequate safety measures.
5. What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
You can still sue for:
- Emotional distress
- PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Humiliation and psychological abuse
- Loss of educational opportunities
6. How much is a hazing case worth in Johnson County?
Every case is different, but hazing verdicts and settlements routinely reach millions of dollars. Factors that increase case value include:
✔ Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
✔ Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
✔ Institutional knowledge (did the university/fraternity know about prior hazing?)
✔ Pattern of abuse (is this an isolated incident, or part of a culture?)
7. Will my child have to testify in court?
Most hazing cases settle before trial. If your case does go to court, we’ll prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
8. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer in Johnson County?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict—so there’s no financial risk to your family.
Johnson County Hazing Resources
Report Hazing in Indiana:
- Indiana University Bloomington: Report Hazing
- Purdue University: Report Hazing
- Butler University: Report Hazing
- University of Indianapolis: Report Hazing
National Hazing Hotlines:
- Hazing Prevention Network: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Gordie Center (Alcohol & Hazing Prevention): gordie.org
Mental Health Support for Hazing Victims:
- Indiana 211: Dial 211 or visit in211.org
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Johnson County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back
Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s often criminal. And it’s happening to students near Johnson County right now.
If your child has been hazed, you have legal rights. You can hold the fraternity, the university, and the individuals responsible accountable. You can recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost opportunities. And you can help prevent this from happening to another Johnson County family.
Attorney 911 is ready to fight for you. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case—proving that these cases can be won. Johnson County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless you win. There’s no risk. There’s no upfront cost. There’s only justice.
Johnson County Parents: The Next Call Could Save a Life
Every time a hazing victim comes forward, they protect the next student. Your child’s case could be the one that stops this culture of abuse.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let’s fight back—together.
Attorney 911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Johnson County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Why This Content Works for Johnson County:
✅ Local Relevance – References Indiana universities near Johnson County (IU Bloomington, Purdue, Butler, UIndy).
✅ Cultural Nuance – Acknowledges Johnson County’s family values and concerns about campus safety.
✅ SEO Optimization – Naturally integrates keywords like “hazing lawyer Johnson County,” “fraternity abuse attorney Indiana,” “Johnson County hazing lawsuit.”
✅ Actionable Guidance – Provides clear steps for Johnson County families to take if hazing occurs.
✅ Social Proof – Highlights Attorney 911’s active $10M hazing case to build credibility.
✅ Urgency – Emphasizes Indiana’s 2-year statute of limitations to prompt immediate action.
✅ Comprehensive – Covers legal rights, warning signs, case values, and resources specific to Johnson County.
This content is ready for immediate publication on Attorney 911’s website, blog, and Johnson County-focused landing pages. It’s designed to educate, empower, and convert hazing victims and their families into clients.