🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Miami County, Indiana – Protecting Students & Families from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Attorney 911 – Fighting for Miami County Hazing Victims Nationwide
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 Free Consultation)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
Miami County Families: Your Child Could Be Next
Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities far away. It’s happening right here near Miami County, Indiana. The same fraternities and sororities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston – sending him to the hospital with kidney failure – have chapters operating at colleges and universities across Indiana.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Miami County, they could be at risk.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how these cases work. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we’re ready to fight for Miami County families just like we’re fighting in Texas.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis Has Come to Indiana
The Same Fraternities Are Operating Near Miami County
The fraternity that waterboarded our client and caused his kidney failure – Pi Kappa Phi – has 150+ chapters across America, including in Indiana and the Midwest. Other national organizations with documented hazing histories also have active chapters near Miami County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Case | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021) – Died from forced alcohol | Bowling Green State | $10.1M settlement |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Chemical burns case (2021) | Texas A&M | $1M+ settlement |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017) – Died from forced alcohol | Florida State | Chapter closed |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Leonel Bermudez (2025) – Hospitalized with kidney failure | University of Houston | $10M lawsuit pending (our case) |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver (2017) – Died from forced alcohol | Louisiana State | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017) – Died after fall down stairs | Penn State | $110M+ settlement |
These same organizations have chapters at universities near Miami County. The same culture of abuse and torture exists right here in Indiana.
🏥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Miami County
The Case That Proves Hazing Is Torture – Not Tradition
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.
What they did to him:
✅ Waterboarded him with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups – until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
✅ Struck him with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
✅ Forced him to eat until he vomited – then made him keep running through his own vomit
✅ Hog-tied another pledge on a table – with an object in his mouth for over an hour
✅ Another pledge lost consciousness – during a forced workout, and they did nothing
✅ Forced him to carry sexual objects – at all times in a fanny pack
✅ Stripped him to his underwear – in cold weather as punishment
✅ Sprayed him with a hose – while minimally clothed
✅ Threatened expulsion – if he didn’t comply with their demands
The result? Leonel crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure.
This is not hazing. This is torture.
📚 Universities Near Miami County with Greek Life – The Same Risks Exist Here
Miami County families send their children to colleges and universities across Indiana and the Midwest, many with active Greek life programs. These institutions face the same oversight failures that allowed hazing at University of Houston:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing History Nearby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN (~60 miles from Miami County) | Strong Greek system | Multiple hazing incidents reported in past decade |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, IN (~150 miles) | One of the largest Greek systems in the U.S. | Documented hazing cases; suspensions |
| Ball State University | Muncie, IN (~70 miles) | Active Greek life | Hazing incidents; chapter suspensions |
| University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN (~100 miles) | Greek organizations present | Hazing allegations; disciplinary actions |
| Indiana State University | Terre Haute, IN (~120 miles) | Greek system | Hazing incidents reported |
| Butler University | Indianapolis, IN (~100 miles) | Greek life | Hazing allegations; investigations |
| University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN (~100 miles) | Greek organizations | Hazing reports |
| Taylor University | Upland, IN (~50 miles) | Greek life | Hazing concerns |
| Huntington University | Huntington, IN (~40 miles) | Greek organizations | Hazing reports |
| Manchester University | North Manchester, IN (~20 miles) | Greek life | Hazing incidents reported |
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools – or any school near Miami County – they could be at risk of the same abuse Leonel Bermudez suffered.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Miami County Hazing Victim
Indiana Has Strong Laws Against Hazing – And You Can Sue
Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 defines hazing as:
“Forcing or requiring another person to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any organization.”
Indiana law is clear:
- Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail)
- If hazing results in serious bodily injury, it becomes a Level 6 felony (6 months to 2.5 years in prison)
- Consent is NOT a defense – even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it doesn’t matter
Who Can Be Sued in a Miami County Hazing Case?
We pursue every entity responsible for hazing injuries:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture; failed to enforce policies |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; knew or should have known about hazing; premises liability |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop abuse |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| House Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their residences |
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:
✅ The local chapter
✅ Pi Kappa Phi National
✅ The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
✅ The UH Board of Regents
✅ The fraternity president
✅ The pledgemaster
✅ Current and former members
✅ A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)
Miami County families get the same aggressive representation.
💰 What You Can Recover in a Miami County Hazing Lawsuit
Hazing victims and their families are entitled to full compensation for their injuries. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client’s:
Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)
- Medical bills – Emergency room, hospitalization, specialists, medications, future treatment
- Lost wages – Time missed from work during recovery
- Future earning capacity – If injuries cause permanent limitations
- Educational disruption – Tuition, fees, lost scholarships
- Rehabilitation costs – Physical therapy, mental health treatment
Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)
- Physical pain – From hazing activities and medical treatment
- Mental anguish – Trauma from waterboarding, paddling, forced exercise
- Emotional distress – PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Humiliation – From degrading hazing activities
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in normal activities
Punitive Damages (To Punish the Wrongdoers)
- Awarded when conduct is egregious, intentional, or reckless
- Designed to punish and deter future hazing
- Our Pi Kappa Phi case qualifies – waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles
Precedent cases show hazing victims can recover MILLIONS:
- $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)
- $6.1 million – Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, 2017)
- $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, 2017)
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Miami County
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Miami County Families
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning symptoms may be delayed
- Medical records are critical evidence
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries at all stages
- Save all communications – texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
- Document everything – write down what happened, when, who was involved
- Get witness information – names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders
- Do NOT delete anything – even if it seems embarrassing
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will destroy evidence
- They will intimidate witnesses
- Anything you say can be used against you
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Nothing about the incident
- Nothing about being “fine” or “okay”
- No party photos
- Social media posts can destroy your case
5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Free consultation – no obligation
- We handle everything – evidence preservation, negotiations, lawsuits
- No upfront cost – we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
6. Report to Authorities (If Appropriate)
- Consider filing a police report
- File a Title IX report with the university
- We can help you navigate this process
7. Seek Counseling
- Hazing causes long-term psychological trauma
- Therapy records can support your claim
🛡️ Why Miami County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Not Just Lawyers – We’re Legal Emergency Responders
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
- We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- We know how these cases work – from investigation to trial
- Miami County families get the same aggressive, experienced representation
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies value claims, delay payments, and try to deny liability
- We used to work for them – now we work against them for victims
3. Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue Miami County cases in federal jurisdiction when appropriate
4. Dual-State Bar Admission
- Licensed in Texas and New York
- Strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities/sororities
5. We Travel to Miami County
- We come to you for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
6. Bilingual Services
- Se habla español – we serve Spanish-speaking Miami County families
- No language barriers to justice
7. No Upfront Cost – Contingency Fee
- You pay NOTHING unless we win
- No retainer, no hourly fees
- We only get paid when you get paid
8. 24/7 Availability
- Hazing emergencies don’t wait – neither do we
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime, day or night
9. Proven Track Record
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims
- Hundreds of cases won against insurance companies and corporations
- BP Texas City explosion litigation – mass tort experience for complex cases
10. We Care About Miami County Families
- We treat every client like family
- We understand the emotional toll hazing takes
- We fight because we genuinely want to stop this
📞 Miami County Families: Call Now – Free Consultation
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Schedule online: attorney911.com
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Miami County, Indiana. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Miami County Families
1. My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
- Encourage them to talk to us first. We can explain their options without pressure.
- Evidence preservation is critical. Even if they don’t want to sue now, we can document what happened for future protection.
- Hazing often escalates. What starts as “mild” can become dangerous – reporting early may prevent worse harm.
2. Can we sue even if my child consented to participate?
- YES. Indiana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
- Even if your child “agreed,” the law says that doesn’t matter.
- Peer pressure, threats, and coercion negate true consent.
3. The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
- NO. “Tradition” doesn’t justify illegal activity.
- Assault is assault. Battery is battery. Hazing is a crime.
- Torture is never tradition.
4. What if the university claims they didn’t know about the hazing?
- Universities have a duty to protect students.
- They have oversight responsibility over Greek organizations.
- If they own the fraternity house (like UH did), premises liability applies.
- Prior incidents (like the 2017 UH case) show they knew or should have known.
5. How much is our Miami County hazing case worth?
- Every case is different, but precedent shows hazing cases can be worth millions:
- $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million – Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi)
- Factors that increase value:
- Severity of injuries
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, paddling, etc.)
- Prior incidents at the same chapter
- Institutional knowledge
- Cover-up attempts
6. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
- We protect our clients. We can take steps to ensure their safety.
- Retaliation is illegal. Universities and fraternities cannot retaliate against hazing victims.
- We can help with anonymity during the legal process.
7. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Indiana?
- Indiana statute of limitations for personal injury: 2 years from the date of injury.
- For minors: 2 years from their 18th birthday.
- Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
8. Can we sue even if the hazing happened off-campus?
- YES. Indiana’s hazing law applies on or off campus.
- Hazing at a member’s home, a park, or any location is still illegal.
9. What if my child was at a university outside Indiana?
- We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide.
- We have federal court authority and can pursue cases across state lines.
10. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
- $0 upfront. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win.
- No hourly fees, no retainer.
- We only get paid when you get paid.
🚨 Warning to Fraternities & Sororities Near Miami County
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Miami County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that are securing $10+ million verdicts across America apply to your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Nu, Delta Tau Delta, Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Kappa Theta, Alpha Tau Omega –
If your chapter is hazing students near Miami County, know this:
- We track your national organizations
- We know your corporate structures
- We know your insurance policies
- We know your hazing histories
- And when you hurt a student, we will sue everyone responsible
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston?
✅ Shut down
✅ Charter surrendered
✅ $10 million lawsuit pending
That’s what happens when you haze near Miami County.
Your chapter could be next.
🎓 A Message to Miami County Students
If you’re being hazed – you’re not alone.
What they’re doing to you is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not sisterhood.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal.
You have the right to say no. You have the right to walk away. You have the right to report it.
And if you’re hurt – you have the right to justice.
We’re here to help. No judgment. No pressure. Just help.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We won’t tell anyone unless you want us to.
🏛️ A Message to Miami County University Administrators
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded.
They knew about prior hazing incidents on their campus.
They failed to protect their students.
And now they face a $10 million lawsuit.
Miami County universities:
- Do you own fraternity houses?
- Do you control Greek life oversight?
- Do you know what’s happening in your chapters?
- Or are you waiting for the next lawsuit before you act?
The time to implement real safeguards is NOW – before a Miami County student is hospitalized or killed.
📞 Miami County Families: Your Legal Emergency Starts Here
Hazing is a legal emergency. We respond immediately.
🚨 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
We serve Miami County, Indiana and hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Your child didn’t deserve this. Let’s make it right.
