🚨 Hazing Victims in Madison County, Indiana: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Madison County, you are not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston operate right here in Indiana. The same negligence that led to a $10 million lawsuit in Texas exists at Indiana institutions. And the same legal rights that protect Texas students protect your child in Madison County.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the torture and hospitalization of a young man who just wanted to join a brotherhood. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we are ready to fight for Madison County families with the same fury we’re bringing to this landmark case.

This is not “tradition.” This is not “building character.” This is abuse. This is assault. And it is illegal.

📍 Hazing in Madison County: What Indiana Families Need to Know

Madison County is home to Anderson University, a private Christian university with a growing Greek life presence. Nearby institutions like Ball State University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), and Butler University also have active Greek organizations where hazing occurs.

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide have chapters at Indiana universities:

• Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M lawsuit defendant)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (chemical burns case at Texas A&M)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green)
• Beta Theta Pi (Timothy Piazza death at Penn State)
• Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver death at LSU)

These organizations operate near Madison County. They have the same hazing cultures. And they must be held accountable when they harm Indiana students.

💔 What Hazing Really Looks Like: The UH Case and Your Child

Our client at the University of Houston was subjected to weeks of systematic torture disguised as “pledging.” This is what happened to him — and what may have happened to your child:

🔥 Physical Abuse

• Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups — until his muscles broke down
• Bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills), 100-yard crawls — extreme physical punishment
• Forced to run two-mile warmups — before the main workout even began

🤢 Forced Consumption

• Forced to drink large amounts of milk, eat hot dogs and peppercorns — until vomiting
• Forced to continue running sprints — while in physical distress after vomiting
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass — as part of the “initiation”

🧠 Psychological Torture

• Carried a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature — constant humiliation
• Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth — another pledge, not our client
• Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather — exposure and degradation
• Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion — coercion and intimidation

😴 Sleep Deprivation

• Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours — leading to exhaustion
• Late-night hazing sessions — disrupting sleep patterns

🚑 The Result

On November 3, 2025, our client was punished for missing an event. He was forced to run, crawl, and exercise until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he could not move. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.

This is not hazing. This is torture. And it happens at Indiana universities too.

⚖️ Indiana Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights

Indiana has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. If your child has been hazed, they have legal rights — and so do you.

📜 Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2: Hazing

Definition of Hazing in Indiana:

A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person as an activity that is required for initiation or affiliation with a group commits hazing.

Key Points:

• Reckless conduct is enough — they don’t have to intend to hurt someone
• Substantial risk of bodily injury — physical or psychological harm qualifies
• Required for initiation or affiliation — even if your child “volunteered,” if it was required, it’s hazing

📜 Indiana Code § 21-40-5: Institutional Reporting

Universities must report hazing:

• Indiana colleges and universities are required by law to report hazing incidents
• Failure to report is a Class B misdemeanor

This means:

• If your child was hazed, the university likely knew or should have known
• If they didn’t report it, they violated Indiana law

📜 Civil Liability: Your Right to Sue

Even if criminal charges are not filed, you can sue for damages in civil court. Indiana law allows victims to pursue compensation for:

Important: Indiana does NOT recognize “consent” as a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Madison County

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held responsible. In our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, we are suing:

The same liability applies to Madison County cases. If your child was hazed at Anderson University, Ball State, IUPUI, or any Indiana institution, we can pursue:

• The local fraternity or sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The university or college
• Individual members and officers
• Any alumni or others who facilitated the hazing

💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These cases prove that victims can and do win against powerful institutions:

🏆 Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University (2021)

• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
• Injury: Death from alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement
  • University: $2.9 million
  • Fraternity + individuals: $7.2 million

🏆 Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University (2017)

• Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
• Injury: Death from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — over 6x legal limit)
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict
• Legislation: Max Gruver Act — made hazing a felony in Louisiana

🏆 Timothy Piazza — Penn State University (2017)

• Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
• Injury: Death from traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs
• Outcome: $110+ million settlement (estimated)
• Criminal: 18 members charged; multiple convictions

🏆 Andrew Coffey — Florida State University (2017)

• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi — same organization as our current case
• Injury: Death from alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: Chapter permanently closed; criminal charges filed

🏆 Our Current Case: Leonel Bermudez — University of Houston (2025)

• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
• Injury: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure; 4-day hospitalization
• Outcome: $10 million lawsuit pending

These cases show that hazing victims and families win. The same results are possible for Madison County families.

🔍 How to Know If Your Child Has Been Hazed

Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs. If your child exhibits any of these behaviors, they may be experiencing hazing:

🚩 Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty moving
• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep)
• Weight loss or gain
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, passing out)
• Brown or dark urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)

🚩 Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Fear of talking about Greek life or specific members
• Anxiety or depression
• Drop in academic performance
• Avoidance of certain people or places
• Changes in personality (increased aggression, fearfulness)

🚩 Financial Signs

• Sudden requests for money
• Unexplained expenses (buying alcohol, paying for events)
• Missing cash or valuables

🚩 Digital Signs

• Deleted text messages or social media posts
• Private or secret group chats
• Photos or videos that seem concerning

If you notice these signs, talk to your child. Let them know you’re there to support them, not judge them. Hazing is not their fault.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Madison County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations run. Here’s what to do immediately:

🚨 Step 1: Ensure Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911
• If they are injured, take them to the emergency room
• Do not let them return to the hazing environment

📸 Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos of any injuries
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
• Document everything your child tells you
• Keep clothing or objects used in hazing
• Get witness names and contact information

🚫 Step 3: Do NOT

• Do NOT confront the fraternity or sorority — this can lead to intimidation or evidence destruction
• Do NOT post on social media — anything you post can be used against your child
• Do NOT sign anything from the organization or university
• Do NOT give a statement to the university or Greek organization without legal counsel

📞 Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free, confidential consultations for Madison County families
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
• We will preserve evidence, protect your child, and build your case

🏛️ Step 5: Report to Authorities

• Consider filing a police report
• Report to the university’s Title IX office
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization

⏳ Indiana Statute of Limitations: Act Fast

Indiana law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

Important: The clock starts ticking on the date of the hazing incident, not when you discover the full extent of the harm.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Contact Attorney 911 today.

🏆 Why Madison County Families Choose Attorney 911

✅ We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now. Madison County families get the same aggressive representation.

✅ Nationwide Reach — We Serve Madison County

While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Madison County. We have:

• Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
• Video consultation technology — meet with us remotely
• Willingness to travel — we come to Madison County for depositions and trials

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

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

✅ Proven Track Record

• 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
• $10M hazing lawsuit pending
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
• Hazing-specific expertise — Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, rhabdomyolysis cases

✅ We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and families in Madison County are Spanish-speaking. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:

• Consultations
• Case updates
• Document translation
• Courtroom interpretation coordination

✅ Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront

We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:

• $0 upfront — you pay nothing to hire us
• We don’t get paid unless you win
• No hidden fees — our fee comes from the settlement or verdict

✅ Compassionate, Aggressive Representation

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We understand the trauma of hazing and the pain it causes families. We will fight for you with compassion, determination, and relentless legal skill.

🎯 Our Approach to Madison County Hazing Cases

When you hire Attorney 911, this is what we do for you:

🔍 Immediate Investigation

• Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, videos, witness statements)
• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Obtain medical records and expert opinions
• Identify all liable parties (individuals, chapter, nationals, university)

📜 Legal Strategy

• File lawsuit within statute of limitations
• Pursue all available claims (negligence, assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress)
• Seek punitive damages for egregious conduct
• Coordinate with criminal authorities if applicable

💼 Discovery

• Depose chapter officers, members, and university officials
• Obtain internal documents from fraternity and university
• Uncover prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Identify insurance policies and assets

🤝 Negotiation

• Demand fair settlement from all defendants
• Leverage media attention and public pressure
• Prepare for trial if settlement offers are inadequate

⚖️ Trial (If Necessary)

• Present compelling case to jury
• Use expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
• Argue for maximum compensation
• Seek punitive damages to send a message

📢 Legislative Advocacy

• Work with Indiana legislators on hazing reform
• Support federal Stop Campus Hazing Act
• Push for stronger penalties and reporting requirements

📞 Madison County Families: Contact Us Today

If your child has been hazed at Anderson University, Ball State, IUPUI, Butler, or any Indiana institution, we can help.

📅 Free Consultation

We offer free, confidential consultations for Madison County families. We will:

• Listen to your story
• Evaluate your case
• Explain your legal rights
• Outline your options

📍 How to Reach Us

• Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: attorney911.com
• Video Consultation: Available for Madison County families who cannot travel

🏠 We Come to Madison County

• For depositions
• For client meetings
• For trials
• Distance is not a barrier to justice

🚫 To Madison County Fraternities and Universities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating near Madison County:

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta — and all others:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Madison County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. And we will make you pay.

To the universities near Madison County:

Anderson University, Ball State, IUPUI, Butler — and all others:

You own the houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to stop hazing. When you fail to protect students, you become liable. We will hold you accountable.

The UH chapter that waterboarded our client? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. That’s what happens when you haze in Indiana.

🗣️ To Madison County Parents: You Are Not Powerless

You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the Greek organization. That trust was betrayed.

But you are not powerless.

You have legal rights. You have the power to hold these institutions accountable. You have the power to protect other Madison County families from going through what you’re experiencing.

Enough is enough.

Call Attorney 911 today. Let’s fight for your child. Let’s fight for justice. Let’s make sure this never happens to another Madison County family.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now. And we’ll fight for Madison County families too.