🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Morgan County Families | Attorney 911

Houston-Based Hazing Injury Attorneys Now Serving Morgan County, Indiana

Hazing Happens in Morgan County. We Fight Back.

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization in Morgan County, Indiana, you are not alone. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening at colleges and universities near Morgan County.

We are Attorney 911 — and we are fighting this battle right now. Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold fraternities, universities, and national organizations accountable. Morgan County families get the same aggressive representation.

📞 Morgan County Hazing Victims — Call Now for Free Consultation

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Available 24/7 for Morgan County families

The Hazing Crisis in Morgan County

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building character.”

It is abuse. It is assault. It is sometimes fatal.

Hazing Happens at Morgan County-Area Schools

While we’re based in Houston, Texas, we know that hazing occurs at colleges and universities across the country — including those near Morgan County, Indiana.

National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Sigma Chi have active chapters at universities near Morgan County. The same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide operate right here in Indiana.

If your child attends or plans to attend college near Morgan County, they face the same risks our Houston client faced.

The Morgan County Hazing Reality

55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study)
40% of student athletes report hazing (National Study)
Since 2000, at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the U.S.
95% of hazing victims do NOT report it (they fear retaliation, shame, or loyalty to the group)
Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and clubs

Morgan County parents: Your child could be next.

Our Landmark Case: $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Morgan County.

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Attorney 911

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston in September 2025. He wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet — he was a “ghost rush,” expected to transfer for the upcoming semester.

Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities

Our lawsuit and media reports document the following hazing activities:

Physical Abuse & Torture

Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
Struck with wooden paddles — physical beating
500+ squats, 100+ pushups — forced to the point of collapse
Bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “suicides” — extreme physical punishment
Two-mile warmups, 100-yard crawls — forced exercise to exhaustion
Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather — exposure to elements
Sprayed with garden hose while minimally clothed — additional exposure

Forced Consumption

Large amounts of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns — forced to eat until vomiting
Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting — no mercy
Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting — humiliation and health risk

Psychological Abuse & Humiliation

Forced to carry a fanny pack containing sexual objects at all times — constant humiliation
Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour (October 13, 2025)
Threatened with physical punishment and/or expulsion for non-compliance — coercion
Enforced dress code, study hours, weekly interviews — control and servitude

Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion

Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours — sleep deprivation
Late-night hazing sessions — exhaustion affecting daily life

The November 3, 2025 Incident — The Breaking Point

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to:

Run a two-mile warmup
Perform 100+ pushups
Perform 500+ squats
Run high-volume “suicides” (sprint drills)
Bear crawls
Wheelbarrows
“Save-you-brother” drills
Repeated 100-yard crawls

He was threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped.

He became so exhausted he could not stand without help. When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed.

The next day, he was “really sore and couldn’t really move.” The day after that was worse. On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

Why This Matters to Morgan County Families

The Same Fraternities Operate Near Morgan County
- Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and other national fraternities have chapters at universities near Morgan County.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client are happening at Morgan County-area schools.
Universities Near Morgan County Face the Same Liability Failures
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
- Universities near Morgan County have the same power — and the same duty — to stop hazing.
National Organizations Know About Hazing — And Do Nothing
- Pi Kappa Phi National dissolved the UH chapter immediately when hazing was exposed.
- They knew what was happening. They did nothing to prevent it.
- The same nationals operate near Morgan County.
Victims Are Afraid to Speak Out
- Our client fears retribution for coming forward.
- Morgan County victims face the same fear.
- We protect our clients.
One Brave Victim Can Protect Morgan County Students
- Lupe Pena: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.”
- Your Morgan County case could save lives.

Who Is Liable for Morgan County Hazing?

When hazing happens, everyone involved shares responsibility. In our lawsuit, we are pursuing:

Defendant	Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter	Directly organized and conducted hazing
Chapter Officers	Leadership responsibility; directed activities
Individual Members	Participated in or failed to stop hazing
Former Members	Hosted hazing at their residence
Spouses of Members	Allowed hazing at their home (premises liability)
National Organization	Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis”
University	Owned/controlled property; failed to protect students
Insurance Companies	Coverage for institutional liability

Morgan County families: We sue everyone responsible.

What Morgan County Families Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families can recover compensation for:

Economic Damages

Medical bills (past, present, and future)
Lost wages (time missed from work)
Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships, academic delays)
Future earning capacity (if injuries cause permanent limitations)

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering (the agony of hazing injuries)
Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse)
Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience, relationships)

Punitive Damages

Punish egregious conduct (waterboarding, 500 squats, paddling)
Deter future hazing (send a message that this cannot happen again)

Precedent cases show that hazing victims can recover MILLIONS:

Case	University	Fraternity	Outcome
Stone Foltz	Bowling Green State	Pi Kappa Alpha	$10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver	Louisiana State	Phi Delta Theta	$6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza	Penn State	Beta Theta Pi	$110+ million (estimated)

Morgan County families: Your child’s case is worth millions too.

Morgan County Hazing Laws — Know Your Rights

Indiana Hazing Laws

Indiana has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all educational institutions, including colleges and universities near Morgan County.

Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2: Hazing

(a) As used in this section, “hazing” means forcing or requiring another person:
(1) with or without the consent of the other person; and
(2) as a condition of association with a group or organization;
to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury.

(b) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally performs:
(1) an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person; and
(2) hazing;
commits hazing, a Class B misdemeanor.

(c) However, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the act results in bodily injury to a person, and a Level 6 felony if the act results in serious bodily injury.

Key Points for Morgan County Families:

Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
Bodily injury = Class A misdemeanor — Hazing that causes injury can lead to criminal charges.
Serious bodily injury = Level 6 felony — Hazing that causes severe harm (like rhabdomyolysis or kidney failure) can result in felony charges.

Civil Liability in Indiana

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims in Morgan County can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation. Civil claims include:

Negligence (failure to protect students)
Assault and battery (intentional harmful contact)
Intentional infliction of emotional distress (outrageous conduct causing severe distress)
Premises liability (if hazing occurred on property owned by the university or fraternity)
Negligent supervision (failure to monitor Greek life or student organizations)

Morgan County families: You can sue for damages even if no criminal charges are filed.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Morgan County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms immediately.
Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Photos/videos: Document injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
Texts/social media: Save all communications about hazing.
Witness information: Get names and contact info of other victims or witnesses.
Documents: Save pledge manuals, schedules, or any written rules.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers

Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
They may offer settlements that are far below what your case is worth.
Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.

Step 4: Report the Hazing

File a police report — Hazing is a crime in Indiana.
Report to the university — Use official channels to document the incident.
Report to the national organization (if applicable) — This creates a paper trail.

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We work on contingency — You pay nothing unless we win.
We travel to Morgan County — For depositions, meetings, and trials.

Why Morgan 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.
This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight.
Morgan County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Nationwide Reach for Morgan County Families

Federal court authority — We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York.
Video consultations — Morgan County families can meet with us remotely.
We travel to Morgan County — For depositions, trials, and client meetings.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
We know their playbook — and we use it against them.
We know how to maximize your recovery.

4. Proven Track Record of Results

$10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending.
Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases.
BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience applicable to hazing cases.
Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence.

5. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

Hazing victims from Hispanic families in Morgan County can communicate with us in Spanish.
No language barriers to justice.

6. We Treat Morgan County Families Like Family

Our staff is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping clients.
We keep you informed at every step.
You are not “just another case” — you are our priority.

Morgan County Hazing FAQ

Q: Is hazing really that common near Morgan County?

A: Yes. Studies show that 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and 40% of student athletes report hazing. Many hazing incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation or shame.

Q: What if my child “consented” to hazing?

A: Consent is NOT a defense. Indiana law explicitly states that even if a student “agrees” to participate, hazing is still illegal. The law protects students from coercion and peer pressure.

Q: Can we sue if no criminal charges are filed?

A: Yes. Civil lawsuits and criminal charges are separate. You can sue for damages even if no one is criminally prosecuted.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the injury. Do not wait — evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.

Q: Can you help us if we’re not in Houston?

A: Absolutely. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Morgan County. We offer video consultations and travel to you as needed.

Fraternities Near Morgan County: We Are Watching

To fraternities operating near Morgan County:

Pi Kappa Phi
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Sigma Chi
Phi Delta Theta
Beta Theta Pi
Kappa Sigma
And all others

We are watching. We are tracking your chapters. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.

If your Morgan County chapter harms a student, we will pursue every liable entity — the university, the national organization, the housing corporation, and every individual member.

The UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter that hospitalized our client? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. $10 million lawsuit pending.

Your chapter could be next.

Morgan County Parents: Protect Your Child

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Morgan County, talk to them about hazing. Make sure they know:

Hazing is illegal in Indiana.
Hazing is dangerous — it can cause serious injury or death.
They have the right to say no.
They should report hazing immediately.
They can call us anytime — 1-888-ATTY-911.

Morgan County parents: You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. When that trust is betrayed, we are here to help.

Contact Attorney 911 — Morgan County Hazing Lawyers

📞 Call Now for Free Consultation