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

February 21, 2026 10 min read
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Hazing Lawyers for Steuben County, Indiana – Attorney 911 Fights for Victims

Justice for Hazing Victims in Steuben County and Across Indiana

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in Steuben County, Indiana, you’re not alone. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client at the University of Houston are happening right here in Indiana.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening in Steuben County, too.

We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Steuben County, and we’re ready to fight for your family.

📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Steuben County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

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. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the courtroom, and we’re winning.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, worked for insurance companies before switching sides to fight for victims. We know how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims—and we know how to beat them.

3. We Travel to Steuben County for Your Case

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Steuben County. We’ll come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials.

4. No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

5. We’ve Won Millions for Victims of Institutional Abuse

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of negligence, including hazing cases. We know how to hold powerful institutions accountable.

Hazing in Steuben County: The Crisis You Need to Know About

The Same Fraternities Operate in Steuben County

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national fraternities have chapters at Indiana universities near Steuben County, including:

  • Trine University (Angola, IN) – Just minutes from Steuben County
  • Indiana Tech (Fort Wayne, IN)
  • University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, IN)
  • Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW)

These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. If your child was hazed in Steuben County, we can help.

Universities Near Steuben County Are Failing Students

Just like the University of Houston, Indiana colleges near Steuben County have a duty to protect students from hazing. When they fail, they must be held accountable.

The Medical Dangers of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun”—it can cause:
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) – Like our UH client
Alcohol poisoning – Leading cause of hazing deaths
Traumatic brain injuries – From beatings or falls
Heatstroke or hypothermia – From forced exposure
PTSD, anxiety, and depression – Long-term psychological harm

If your child was hospitalized after hazing, they deserve justice.

What Counts as Hazing in Indiana?

Indiana law defines hazing as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.

Examples of Hazing That Can Lead to Lawsuits:

Physical abuse – Paddling, beating, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or non-food substances (e.g., eating until vomiting)
Sleep deprivation – Late-night activities, forced driving, all-night “pledge meetings”
Psychological torture – Waterboarding, humiliation, threats of expulsion
Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
Dangerous stunts – Blindfolded activities, extreme physical challenges

Even if your child “consented,” Indiana law says consent is NOT a defense.

Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Steuben County?

If your child was hazed, multiple parties may be liable, including:
🔹 The fraternity/sorority chapter – Directly organized the hazing
🔹 National organization – Failed to supervise or enforce anti-hazing policies
🔹 University or college – Failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents
🔹 Individual members – Participated in or facilitated the hazing
🔹 Alumni or advisors – Hosted hazing events at their homes
🔹 Chapter housing corporation – Owned the property where hazing occurred

Our firm sues EVERYONE responsible—not just the students involved.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Steuben County

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

If your child shows signs of injury (vomiting, extreme pain, confusion, dark urine), go to the ER immediately. Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

📱 Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, and social media posts about the hazing.
📸 Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
📝 Write down everything your child remembers—dates, locations, who was involved.
👥 Get names and contact info of witnesses (other pledges, bystanders).

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

Do NOT sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university.
Do NOT give a recorded statement to their insurance company.
Do NOT post about the incident on social media.

Anything you say can be used against you in court.

Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

Free consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost.
Evidence preservation – We’ll ensure nothing is destroyed.
Aggressive representation – We’ll fight for maximum compensation.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Our $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit – Why It Matters for Steuben County

The Case That Proves Hazing is Torture

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter. He suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure and spent four days in the hospital.

This isn’t just hazing—it’s torture.

The Same Hazing Happens in Steuben County

Pi Kappa Phi and other national fraternities have chapters near Steuben County. If they hazed a student in Texas, they’re hazing students in Indiana too.

We’re Holding Institutions Accountable

We’re suing:
Pi Kappa Phi National – For failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.”
The University of Houston – For owning the fraternity house where the torture occurred.
Individual members – For participating in and organizing the abuse.

Steuben County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

How Much Is a Steuben County Hazing Case Worth?

Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, including compensation for:
💰 Medical bills – Hospital stays, surgery, therapy
💰 Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional trauma
💰 Lost wages – Time missed from work or school
💰 Future medical care – If injuries cause long-term health problems
💰 Punitive damages – To punish the fraternity and university for their negligence

Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts:

Case Fraternity University Outcome
Stone Foltz Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State $10.1 million
Max Gruver Phi Delta Theta LSU $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Beta Theta Pi Penn State $110+ million (estimated)
Andrew Coffey Pi Kappa Phi Florida State Confidential settlement

If your child was hazed in Steuben County, they deserve justice too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Steuben County

Q: Can I sue if my child was hazed but didn’t get physically injured?

A: Yes. Even if there are no physical injuries, hazing can cause PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma, which are compensable in a lawsuit.

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

A: Indiana law says consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

Q: How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Indiana?

A: Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

Q: Can I sue the university if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing, even if it occurs off-campus.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

A: We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Steuben County Hazing Victims: We’re Here to Help

If your child was hazed in Steuben County, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. Attorney 911 is here to help.

📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com/hazing

We travel to Steuben County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🚨 ACT NOW – YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries—it can ruin lives, destroy futures, and even kill. If your child was hazed in Steuben County, call us today before evidence disappears.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | Available 24/7 for Steuben County Families

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