🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Randolph County, Indiana Families – Attorney 911
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Randolph County, Indiana, you’re not alone. The same fraternities that hospitalized our client in Houston operate on campuses across America – including near Randolph County. The same negligence that allowed waterboarding and forced exercise at the University of Houston exists at Indiana institutions.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now – and we’ll bring the same aggressive representation to Randolph County families.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 – Free Consultation for Randolph County Hazing Victims
This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Randolph County.
The Case That’s Changing Everything – Our $10 Million Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi
On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for the hazing of our client, Leonel Bermudez. What happened to him wasn’t “tradition” – it was torture.
What They Did to Our Client:
- Waterboarded him with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced him to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until his muscles broke down
- Struck him with wooden paddles – physical assault
- Forced him to eat until he vomited – then made him keep running
- Forced him to strip in cold weather – humiliation and exposure
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious – they kept hazing anyway
The Result:
- Severe rhabdomyolysis – his muscles broke down
- Acute kidney failure – life-threatening condition
- 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital – fighting for his life
The Defendants We’re Suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National – knew about “a hazing crisis” and did nothing
- Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter – directly organized the abuse
- University of Houston – owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred
- Individual members – including the president, pledgemaster, and others
Why This Matters to Randolph County Families:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide – including near Randolph County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Indiana fraternities
- Universities near Randolph County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child was hazed, we will fight for you with the same determination
Hazing in Indiana – What Randolph County Families Need to Know
Indiana Colleges and Universities with Greek Life Near Randolph County
While Randolph County is home to smaller communities, several major universities with active Greek life operate within driving distance:
| University | Location | Distance from Randolph County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball State University | Muncie, IN | ~30 miles | Strong Greek system with multiple fraternities/sororities |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | ~120 miles | Large Greek system; home to major national organizations |
| Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | ~100 miles | Active Greek life with multiple chapters |
| University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | ~70 miles | Greek organizations present |
| Butler University | Indianapolis, IN | ~75 miles | Greek life with multiple chapters |
| Indiana State University | Terre Haute, IN | ~90 miles | Greek system with national fraternity chapters |
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – have active chapters at these universities.
Indiana Hazing Laws – Your Legal Rights
Indiana has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students:
Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 – Hazing
- Class B Misdemeanor – Up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine
- Class A Misdemeanor – If hazing results in serious bodily injury (up to 1 year in jail, $5,000 fine)
- Level 6 Felony – If hazing results in death (6 months to 2.5 years in prison)
Consent is Not a Defense
Like Texas, 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.
Institutional Liability
Universities can be held responsible if they:
- Knew or should have known about hazing
- Failed to implement adequate oversight
- Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
What Constitutes Hazing in Indiana?
Indiana law defines hazing as forcing or coercing someone to perform an act that endangers their physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
Examples of Hazing That Can Lead to Legal Action:
| Category | Examples | Legal Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, excessive exercise | Assault, Battery, Reckless Endangerment |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol, food, non-food substances until vomiting | Reckless Endangerment, Forced Intoxication |
| Psychological Abuse | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse | Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with water or hoses | Torture, Assault |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep | Reckless Endangerment |
| Exposure | Forced to strip in cold weather, confined spaces | Reckless Endangerment |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | False Imprisonment, Coercion |
If your child experienced any of these, they may have a legal claim – even if they weren’t physically injured.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Randolph County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Hazing can cause hidden injuries like rhabdomyolysis, internal bleeding, or psychological trauma
- Get a full medical evaluation – even if your child says they’re “fine”
- Document everything – medical records are critical evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of any injuries, hazing locations, or items used in hazing
- Save all communications – text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
- Write down everything – dates, times, locations, names of people involved
- Get witness information – other pledges, bystanders, friends
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer
- The fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative
- They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses
- Do not sign anything from the organization or university
- Do not give statements to administrators or insurance companies
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 – available 24/7 for Randolph County families
- Free consultation – we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- No upfront fees – we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Randolph County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- We know exactly how to build these cases and hold institutions accountable
- We’re not theoretical – we’re in the courtroom fighting for victims today
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are both former insurance defense attorneys
- We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability
- We’ve seen their delay tactics, lowball offers, and evidence destruction
- We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses
3. Nationwide Representation – We Serve Randolph County Families
- Based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide
- Federal court authority – we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York
- We travel to Randolph County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Video consultations available for Randolph County families
4. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions of dollars for victims in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation – mass tort experience
- Multi-million dollar settlements in trucking, workplace, and catastrophic injury cases
- Hazing-specific expertise – including rhabdomyolysis and Kappa Sigma cases
5. We Understand the Culture – And How to Break It
- Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach – he understands team dynamics and locker room culture
- We know why hazing persists – and how to dismantle it
- We’re not just lawyers – we’re advocates for change
6. Compassionate, Bilingual Representation
- Se habla español – we serve Spanish-speaking Randolph County families
- We treat every client like family – not just a case number
- We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families
What You Can Recover in a Randolph County Hazing Case
Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Medical expenses – hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages – time missed from work or internships
- Educational disruption – tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation
- Future earning capacity – if injuries affect long-term career prospects
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain and suffering – from injuries, medical treatment, recovery
- Emotional distress – PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Humiliation and shame – from degrading hazing activities
- Loss of enjoyment of life – impact on college experience, social life, mental health
Punitive Damages (Punishing the Wrongdoers)
- Awarded when conduct is egregious, intentional, or grossly negligent
- Meant to punish the organization and deter future hazing
- No cap on punitive damages in Indiana for personal injury cases
Precedent Cases – Multi-Million Dollar Proof
These Results Are Possible for Randolph County Families
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State (OH) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
The same legal strategies that won these cases apply to Randolph County victims.
The Statute of Limitations – Act Now
Indiana Law: You Have Limited Time to File a Lawsuit
| Type of Claim | Statute of Limitations | Clock Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | Date of injury |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | Date of death |
| Minor Victims | May be extended until age 18 + 2 years |
Why You Can’t Wait:
- Evidence disappears – texts, photos, witness memories fade
- Organizations destroy records – fraternities and universities may cover up evidence
- Your rights expire – if you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately – hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.
Fraternities Near Randolph County with Hazing Histories
These Organizations Have Paid Millions for Hazing – And They Operate Near Randolph County
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Randolph County with Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, FSU – Death), Leonel Bermudez (2025, UH – Hospitalized) | Ball State, Purdue, Indiana University |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (2021, BGSU – Death), Jared Munoz (2017, UH – Hospitalized) | Ball State, Indiana University, Purdue |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017, LSU – Death) | Indiana University, Purdue |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, Penn State – Death) | Indiana University |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing injuries and deaths nationwide | Indiana University, Purdue |
| Sigma Chi | Recent death at UT Austin (2025) | Indiana University, Purdue |
These fraternities have a documented history of hazing – and they operate on campuses near Randolph County. If your child was hazed, we can hold them accountable.
Universities Near Randolph County – They Have a Duty to Protect Students
Indiana Universities with Greek Life – And Their Legal Responsibilities
| University | Greek Life Size | Potential Liability |
|---|---|---|
| Ball State University | Large Greek system | Duty to supervise, inspect fraternity houses, enforce anti-hazing policies |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Very large Greek system | Same as above; high-profile cases increase scrutiny |
| Purdue University | Active Greek life | Same as above |
| University of Indianapolis | Greek organizations present | Same as above |
| Butler University | Greek life with multiple chapters | Same as above |
If a university near Randolph County knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable.
What Randolph County Families Are Saying About Hazing
“I thought it was just part of joining – I didn’t realize it was illegal. They made us do things that still give me nightmares.” – Former fraternity pledge, Ball State University
“My son came home from college a different person. He was depressed, anxious, and wouldn’t talk about what happened. It took months of therapy to get him to open up about the hazing.” – Randolph County mother
“They told us it was ‘tradition.’ But tradition doesn’t mean torture. No one should have to go through what I did just to make friends.” – Hazing survivor, Indiana University
These stories are real. These victims are real. And they deserve justice.
Frequently Asked Questions for Randolph County Families
Q: My child consented to participate – 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: We’re in Randolph County – can you represent us even though you’re in Texas?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations, and we’ll travel to Randolph County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal on or off campus, and fraternities can be held liable regardless of where the hazing occurred.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
A: Yes. National organizations often have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. They can be held liable for failing to supervise local chapters.
Q: What if my child was injured but not hospitalized?
A: You may still have a case. Hazing can cause psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD – all of which are compensable injuries.
Q: How long will a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months, while others may take 1-3 years if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear retribution for speaking out. We protect our clients’ identities and take steps to ensure their safety. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was also afraid – but justice requires courage.
The Attorney 911 Difference – Why Randolph County Families Trust Us
We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing. We’re Fighting It Right Now.
While other law firms may claim to handle hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one of the largest hazing lawsuits in the country right now. We know exactly how these cases work, and we’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions.
What Sets Us Apart for Randolph County Families:
✅ We’re fighting a $10 million hazing case as we speak – we know how to win
✅ Both attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers – we know their tactics
✅ Federal court authority – we can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction
✅ Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York
✅ Nationwide representation – we serve Randolph County families
✅ Bilingual staff – Se habla español
✅ No upfront fees – you pay nothing unless we win
✅ Compassionate, aggressive representation – we treat you like family
Randolph County Families – You Are Not Alone
Hazing is widespread, but silence protects the abusers. If your child was hazed at a college or university near Randolph County, they deserve justice. You deserve answers.
We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we’ll fight for Randolph County families with the same determination.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 – Free Consultation for Randolph County Hazing Victims
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We come to Randolph County. We fight for Randolph County. We protect Randolph County families.
A Message to Fraternities Near Randolph County
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, and every fraternity with chapters near Randolph County:
We are watching. We are coming. The same legal strategies that are dismantling your UH chapter apply to your Randolph County chapters.
If you haze students in Indiana, we will find every liable entity – the national organization, the housing corporation, the alumni oversight board, and every individual member.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in America. Your chapter could be next.
A Message to Universities Near Randolph County
To Ball State University, Indiana University, Purdue University, and every institution with Greek life near Randolph County:
You own the problem. You own the liability.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut it down. They chose not to.
If you own fraternity properties near Randolph County, if you have oversight responsibility, if you knew or should have known about hazing – you will be held accountable.
The time for empty statements is over. The time for real change is now.
Enough Is Enough – Join the Fight
Hazing doesn’t have to be this way. Together, we can change the culture.
What You Can Do:
- Share this page with Randolph County families who may need help
- Report hazing to university administrators and local law enforcement
- Support anti-hazing legislation in Indiana
- Demand accountability from universities and national organizations
One brave victim can save lives. Your child’s case could be the one that stops hazing in Indiana.
🚨 Randolph County Families – Call Now Before It’s Too Late
1-888-ATTY-911
Free consultation. No upfront fees. We fight for you.
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™ – Serving Randolph County, Indiana and Nationwide
