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Martin County (Earth/North America/United States/Indiana/Martin County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Pike: $24M | Sigma Chi: $10M+ | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Experts | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 21, 2026 14 min read
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🏛️ Hazing Injury Lawyers for Martin County, Indiana Families

Attorney 911 — Fighting for Hazing Victims in Martin County and Across Indiana

🚨 Martin County Parents: Your Child Could Be Next

Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities far away. It’s happening right here in Indiana. At Indiana University, Purdue, Rose-Hulman, and other colleges near Martin County, fraternities and student organizations are using dangerous initiation rituals that put your children at risk.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that these organizations will pay when they harm students. Martin County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Indiana

Martin County might be a tight-knit community, but that doesn’t protect our students from the national hazing epidemic. Greek organizations with chapters near Martin County—like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others—have paid millions in settlements for hazing injuries and deaths.

Indiana universities are not immune. Just last year, Indiana University suspended multiple fraternity chapters for hazing violations. Purdue, Ball State, and other schools have faced similar incidents.

The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Texas operate chapters near Martin County. The same “traditions” that sent him to the hospital with kidney failure exist right here in Indiana.

⚠️ What Martin County Families Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Indiana

Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If the hazing causes serious bodily injury, it becomes a Level 6 felony, with penalties up to 2.5 years in prison.

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.

2. Hazing Causes Serious Injuries—Even Death

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s assault, battery, and reckless endangerment. Common hazing injuries include:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
  • Alcohol poisoning (forced drinking can be fatal)
  • Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
  • Hypothermia or heatstroke (from extreme physical exertion)
  • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

In 2021, Stone Foltz died from hazing at Bowling Green State University. His family received a $10 million settlement. Your Martin County child could be next.

3. Universities Are Liable When They Fail to Protect Students

Indiana universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. When they fail—like when they ignore reports of hazing or allow dangerous organizations to operate on campus—they can be held legally responsible.

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. Indiana universities have the same liability.

💰 What Your Martin County Family Can Recover

If your child has been hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, therapy)
  • Future medical care (if injuries require long-term treatment)
  • Lost wages (if your child misses work or internships)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless conduct)

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million—because that’s what it takes to make these organizations stop.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Martin County

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your child seems “fine,” some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away. Go to the ER or urgent care in Martin County or nearby Bloomington.

2. Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used in hazing.
  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails).
  • Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).
  • Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

  • They will try to minimize the incident and blame your child.
  • They will pressure you to stay quiet.
  • Anything you say can be used against you in court.

4. Call Attorney 911 Immediately

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

We offer free consultations for Martin County hazing victims. We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

🎯 Why Martin County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. 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. We know how to win these cases.

2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for the other side—defending insurance companies and corporations. We know their playbook, and we use it against them.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, meaning we can pursue cases against national fraternities anywhere in America—including those with chapters near Martin County.

4. We’re Willing to Travel to Martin County

While we’re based in Texas, we travel to Martin County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

5. We Speak Spanish

Se habla español. If your family is more comfortable communicating in Spanish, we’re here to help.

6. We Care About Martin County Families

We don’t just see your child as a case. We see them as someone’s son or daughter—just like ours. We fight hard because we truly care.

🏛️ Fraternities Near Martin County with Hazing Histories

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits operate chapters at Indiana universities near Martin County. These organizations have paid millions in settlements—and they will pay again for Martin County victims.

Fraternity Indiana Chapters Hazing History
Pi Kappa Phi Indiana University, Purdue Currently being sued for $10M in Texas; Andrew Coffey died in 2017
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Indiana University, Purdue Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; paid $6M+ in settlements
Kappa Sigma Indiana University, Rose-Hulman Multiple hazing lawsuits; chapter closures
Phi Delta Theta Indiana University, Purdue Max Gruver died in 2017; $6.1M jury verdict
Beta Theta Pi Purdue Timothy Piazza died in 2017; $110M+ settlement
Pi Kappa Alpha Indiana University, Purdue Stone Foltz died in 2021; $10M+ settlement

Martin County parents: If your child is pledging any of these fraternities, they are at risk.

⚖️ Indiana Hazing Laws—What Martin County Families Need to Know

Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 (Hazing)

  • Hazing is illegal in Indiana.
  • Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
  • Penalties:
    • Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail, $1,000 fine) for basic hazing.
    • Level 6 felony (up to 2.5 years in prison) if hazing causes serious bodily injury.
    • Level 5 felony (up to 6 years in prison) if hazing causes death.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Indiana

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for damages, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Punitive damages (to punish the organization)

Indiana universities can also be held liable if they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it.

📞 Martin County Families: Call Us Before It’s Too Late

Hazing victims in Martin County have legal rights—but you must act fast.

  • Indiana’s statute of limitations gives you only 2 years to file a lawsuit.
  • Evidence disappears—texts get deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records.
  • Insurance companies pressure victims to accept lowball settlements.

We’re here to help Martin County families fight back.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We only get paid if we win.

🎯 Our Message to Fraternities Near Martin County

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that won $10 million in Texas apply to your Indiana chapter. If you haze students near Martin County, we will find every liable entity—your national organization, your local chapter, your housing corporation, and every individual member.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Pi Kappa Alpha—if your chapter operates near Martin County, know this:

  • We track your corporate structures.
  • We know your insurance policies.
  • We know your hazing histories.
  • And we will sue you.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Your chapter could be next.

🏆 We’ve Won Millions for Hazing Victims—We’ll Do the Same for Martin County

Case Fraternity Outcome
Stone Foltz (BGSU) Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 million settlement
Max Gruver (LSU) Phi Delta Theta $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza (Penn State) Beta Theta Pi $110+ million settlement
Andrew Coffey (FSU) Pi Kappa Phi Confidential settlement; chapter closed
Our Current Case Pi Kappa Phi (UH) $10 million lawsuit pending

Martin County families: These results are possible for you too.

📍 Serving Martin County and All of Indiana

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Martin County and all of Indiana. We offer:

  • Free consultations (in-person or video)
  • Travel to Martin County for meetings, depositions, and trials
  • Remote case management for Indiana families
  • Aggressive representation against national fraternities

Martin County families: You are not alone. We are here to fight for you.

Frequently Asked Questions for Martin County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

Many hazing victims fear retaliation or social ostracism. You don’t need your child’s permission to consult an attorney. We can advise you on your legal options and help protect your child’s rights.

2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?

No. Indiana law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

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

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they failed to monitor Greek life or ignored reports of hazing, they can be held liable—even if they claim they didn’t know.

4. How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases often settle for millions of dollars, especially when:

  • The injuries are severe (hospitalization, surgery, long-term damage).
  • The hazing was egregious (waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse).
  • The university or national organization knew about prior incidents.

5. We’re in Martin County. Can you really help us from Texas?

Absolutely. We have federal court authority and are admitted to practice in multiple states. We travel to Martin County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Many Martin County families consult with us remotely via video.

6. How much will it cost to hire you?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict—so if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

7. What if the hazing happened last semester? Is it too late to sue?

Indiana’s statute of limitations gives you 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so you should contact us as soon as possible.

8. Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?

Both. National fraternities often have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. We sue every liable entity—the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and individual members.

📢 Martin County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back

Hazing has taken too many young lives. It’s sent too many students to the hospital. It’s destroyed too many families.

But we can stop it.

By holding these organizations accountable, we protect the next generation of Martin County students. Your case could save lives.

Call us today. Let’s fight this battle together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

Free consultation. No upfront costs. Justice for Martin County families.

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