🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Pulaski County, Indiana – Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse
Pulaski County Parents & Students: Fraternity Hazing is Happening Near You – And It’s Dangerous
You send your child to college in Pulaski County expecting them to be safe. You trust that universities like Purdue University Northwest, Ivy Tech Community College, and nearby Indiana University campuses will protect them. But hazing is happening right here in Indiana – in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. The same fraternities – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others – have active chapters at universities near Pulaski County. The same abuse is happening to Indiana students.
If your child has been hazed, we can help – no matter where you are in Pulaski County or Indiana. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
What Is Hazing? It’s Not Just “Tradition” – It’s Abuse
Hazing isn’t harmless “initiation rituals.” It’s systematic abuse designed to humiliate, degrade, and physically harm students. In our current case, a student was:
✅ Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning – a form of torture)
✅ Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
✅ Struck with wooden paddles
✅ Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to keep running
✅ Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply
✅ Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure
This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in Indiana too.
Common Hazing Practices in Pulaski County & Indiana:
- Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging, drinking games)
- Extreme physical punishment (calisthenics until exhaustion, paddling, beatings)
- Sleep deprivation (forced late-night activities, early morning workouts)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Sexual humiliation (forced nudity, carrying sexual objects)
- Waterboarding & simulated drowning
- Branding, burning, or tattooing
- Forced servitude (cleaning, driving members, running errands)
If your child has experienced any of these, they’ve been hazed – and they may have a legal case.
Why Pulaski County Families Are at Risk
1. The Same Fraternities Are Active Near Pulaski County
The fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have chapters at Indiana universities, including:
- Pi Kappa Phi (multiple Indiana chapters)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (Purdue, IU Bloomington, others)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (IU Bloomington, Purdue, others)
- Beta Theta Pi (IU Bloomington, others)
- Phi Delta Theta (multiple Indiana chapters)
These organizations have a documented history of hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. If it’s happening in Houston, it’s happening in Indiana.
2. Indiana Universities Are Failing to Protect Students
Universities have a legal duty to protect students from hazing. But time and time again, they fail to act until it’s too late.
In our case:
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen).
- They did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
Indiana universities are making the same mistakes. If your child was hazed at Purdue, IU, Ivy Tech, or any other school near Pulaski County, the university may be liable.
3. Hazing Can Cause Permanent Damage – Or Death
Hazing isn’t just embarrassing – it can be life-threatening. Common injuries include:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – exactly what happened to our client
- Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- Broken bones & internal injuries (from paddling or physical abuse)
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological damage)
- Death (over 50 hazing deaths in the U.S. since 2000)
If your child was injured or hospitalized due to hazing, you need legal help immediately.
Indiana Hazing Laws: What Pulaski County Families Need to Know
Indiana Criminal Hazing Law (IC 35-42-2-2)
In Indiana, hazing is a criminal offense. It’s defined 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 continued membership in a group.”
Penalties:
- Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $5,000 fine)
- Level 6 Felony if the hazing results in serious bodily injury (up to 2.5 years in prison)
- Level 5 Felony if the hazing results in death (up to 6 years in prison)
Indiana law also states:
“Consent is not a defense to hazing.” (IC 35-42-2-2.5)
Translation: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and its members can still be held criminally liable.
Civil Lawsuits: Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable
Even if criminal charges are filed, civil lawsuits allow families to seek financial compensation for:
- Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (if the student missed work or internships)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)
Who Can Be Sued in Indiana?
- The local fraternity chapter (directly responsible for hazing)
- The national fraternity organization (failed to supervise)
- The university (failed to protect students, especially if they own the fraternity house)
- Individual members (those who participated in or facilitated hazing)
- Alumni or property owners (if hazing occurred at their residence)
Recent Hazing Cases That Prove Indiana Families Can Win
1. $10 Million Lawsuit (Our Case – Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, 2025)
- Student hospitalized with kidney failure after forced exercise, waterboarding, and paddling
- University owned the fraternity house where the abuse occurred
- Fraternity had a prior hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey) – they knew the risks and did nothing
- We’re suing for $10 million to send a message: Hazing will not be tolerated.
2. $6.1 Million Verdict (Maxwell Gruver, LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017)
- Student died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink in a hazing ritual
- Jury awarded $6.1 million to the family
- Led to Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” – made hazing a felony
3. $10.1 Million Settlement (Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)
- Student died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol
- University paid $2.9 million
- Fraternity paid $7.2 million
- Chapter president was personally liable for $6.5 million
4. $110 Million+ Settlement (Timothy Piazza, Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017)
- Student died after falling down stairs while severely intoxicated
- Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
- Settlement estimated at over $110 million
These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win – and they win big.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Pulaski County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, and social media posts about the hazing.
- Take photos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, etc.).
- Write down everything your child remembers (who was involved, what happened, where it happened).
- Get the names and contact info of witnesses (other pledges, bystanders).
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to control the narrative.
- They will pressure your child to stay quiet.
- They will destroy evidence if they can.
- Anything you say can be used against you in court.
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- We offer free, confidential consultations – no obligation.
- We work on contingency – you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
- We will handle all communication with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
- We will fight for maximum compensation for your child’s injuries.
📞 Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit attorney911.com.
Why Pulaski County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case – Right Now
- We’re not just talking about hazing – we’re in the courtroom fighting it.
- We know the legal strategies that win these cases.
- We know how to hold fraternities and universities accountable.
2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
- Both our attorneys used to work for insurance companies.
- We know exactly how they try to deny claims and minimize payouts.
- We use that knowledge to fight back and win.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere
- We’re admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas).
- We can pursue cases nationwide, including in Indiana.
- We travel to Pulaski County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
4. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
- Hazing affects all students, including Spanish-speaking families.
- We provide full legal services in Spanish – no language barriers.
5. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront Costs
- You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- No hourly fees, no retainers, no hidden costs.
- We take the risk so you don’t have to.
6. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Wins
- $10 million lawsuit (current hazing case)
- $6.5 million personal judgment (Stone Foltz case)
- Millions recovered in wrongful death, trucking accidents, and catastrophic injury cases
- 4.9-star Google rating (250+ reviews)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Indiana
Q: My child “agreed” to participate in hazing. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Indiana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and its members can still be held liable.
Q: The fraternity said it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. If the activity meets the legal definition of hazing (creating a substantial risk of bodily injury), it’s illegal – no matter how long it’s been going on.
Q: Can we sue the university if they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: YES – if they should have known. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight (especially after prior incidents), they can be held liable for negligent supervision.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a private residence, not the fraternity house?
A: You can still sue. If the hazing occurred at an alumni’s home, a rented house, or any off-campus location, the property owner and the fraternity can be held liable.
Q: How much is a hazing lawsuit worth in Indiana?
A: It depends on the severity of the injuries, but hazing cases often result in:
- $100,000 – $500,000 for minor injuries (bruises, cuts, short-term trauma)
- $500,000 – $2 million for serious injuries (broken bones, hospitalization, PTSD)
- $2 million – $10 million+ for catastrophic injuries (kidney failure, brain damage, wrongful death)
Our current case is seeking $10 million for a student hospitalized with kidney failure.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Indiana?
A: Indiana’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years. However, you should act immediately – evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the fraternity will try to destroy records.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Not necessarily. Many hazing cases settle out of court. If the case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
Q: Can the fraternity retaliate against my child for speaking out?
A: Legally, no. Retaliation for reporting hazing is illegal under both criminal and civil law. If the fraternity or its members retaliate, they can face additional legal consequences.
Pulaski County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child has been hazed at Purdue Northwest, Ivy Tech, IU, or any other Indiana school, call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations – no obligation
✅ $0 upfront costs – we only get paid if we win
✅ Nationwide representation – we’ll travel to Pulaski County
✅ Bilingual services – Se habla español
✅ Aggressive legal action – we fight for maximum compensation
Pulaski County Parents: Don’t Let Hazing Ruin Your Child’s Future
Hazing isn’t just a “rite of passage” – it’s abuse, and it’s illegal. If your child was hazed, they deserve justice, accountability, and compensation for their injuries.
The fraternities and universities won’t protect your child – but we will.
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re ready to fight for Pulaski County families.
🔥 A Message to Indiana Fraternities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Pulaski County:
- Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta – we know your chapters.
- We are tracking your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your insurance policies.
- We have won multi-million dollar verdicts against your organizations before.
- If you haze students in Indiana, we will find you – and we will sue you.
The $10 million lawsuit we filed in Texas is just the beginning. Indiana is next.
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Pulaski County, Indiana from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it in court – and we’ll fight for Pulaski County families too.