Hazing Victims in LaPorte County: Your Rights and How to Seek Justice
When Tradition Becomes Torture: The Hazing Crisis Hitting Close to Home
LaPorte County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to grow, and to have positive experiences. But for far too many students across Indiana and the nation, the reality is far darker. Hazing—once dismissed as harmless “tradition”—has evolved into a dangerous culture of abuse, humiliation, and life-threatening rituals that can leave lasting physical and emotional scars.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting this battle in court with a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening at universities near LaPorte County, and it could be happening to your child right now.
What LaPorte County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
Hazing isn’t just about harmless pranks or team-building exercises. In its most dangerous forms, it includes:
- Physical abuse: Forced excessive exercise, beatings with paddles, branding, or other violent acts
- Psychological torture: Waterboarding (simulated drowning), sleep deprivation, extreme humiliation
- Dangerous consumption: Forced alcohol consumption until vomiting or passing out, forced eating of non-food substances
- Sexual humiliation: Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, or other degrading acts
- Life-threatening risks: Activities that can lead to rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, or even death
In our current case, a young man was hospitalized for three nights with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises while being waterboarded with a garden hose. This isn’t tradition—it’s torture.
The Legal Rights of LaPorte County Hazing Victims
If your child has been hazed at a university near LaPorte County, they have legal rights under Indiana law:
- Criminal charges: Indiana has anti-hazing laws that make these activities illegal, regardless of whether the victim “consented”
- Civil lawsuits: Victims can sue for compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more
- University accountability: Colleges have a duty to protect students from known dangers
- National organization liability: Fraternities and sororities with chapters near LaPorte County can be held responsible for their chapters’ actions
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held legally accountable:
- The local chapter that organized and conducted the hazing
- Individual members who participated in or facilitated the hazing
- National fraternity/sorority organizations that failed to supervise their chapters
- Universities that knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Housing corporations that own fraternity/sorority properties where hazing occurs
The Devastating Consequences of Hazing
Hazing can have lifelong impacts on victims:
- Physical injuries: From broken bones and burns to organ damage and permanent disabilities
- Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues
- Academic disruption: Missed classes, poor grades, or even dropping out of school
- Financial burdens: Medical bills, therapy costs, and lost earning potential
- Social isolation: Fear of retribution, damaged relationships, and loss of trust
In our current case, the victim was so traumatized that he’s fearful of speaking publicly due to potential retribution. This fear is all too common among hazing victims.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in LaPorte County
If you suspect or know your child has been hazed:
- Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor, some conditions like rhabdomyolysis can develop days later
- Document everything—take photos of injuries, save text messages and social media posts, get witness contact information
- Preserve evidence—don’t delete anything, don’t sign anything from the organization
- Report to authorities—consider filing a police report and reporting to the university
- Contact an attorney—before speaking to the organization, university, or their insurance companies
Why LaPorte County Families Choose Attorney 911
While we’re based in Texas, we’re fighting for hazing victims nationwide, including those in LaPorte County. Here’s why families trust us:
- Proven track record: We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case and have experience with high-profile personal injury cases
- Former insurance defense attorneys: We know how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims
- Federal court authority: We can pursue cases in federal court when needed
- Dual-state bar admission: Licensed in both Texas and New York
- Willingness to travel: We’ll come to LaPorte County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Contingency fee basis: You pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we win your case
The $10 Million Message We’re Sending to Fraternities Near LaPorte County
Our current lawsuit isn’t just about one victim—it’s about sending a message to every fraternity and sorority operating near LaPorte County:
Hazing will cost you millions. We have the evidence. We have the legal expertise. And we will fight for every LaPorte County family affected by this culture of abuse.
The fraternity in our case:
- Waterboarded a student (simulated drowning)
- Forced him to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down
- Struck him with wooden paddles
- Forced him to eat until he vomited
- Continued hazing even after another pledge collapsed unconscious
And their response? They closed the chapter and said they “look forward to returning to campus.” This shows they don’t take it seriously. We’re here to make sure they do.
LaPorte County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a university near LaPorte County, we can help. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
We’re available 24/7 to help LaPorte County families seek justice. Don’t wait—the evidence disappears quickly, and Indiana has time limits for filing lawsuits.
The Time to Act Is Now
Every day that passes is another day that evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and your child’s rights could be compromised. LaPorte County families deserve the same aggressive representation we’re providing in our current case.
If your child has been hazed, call us today. We’re ready to fight for you.
