Hazing Lawyers Serving Warren County, Indiana – Attorney 911
Hazing in Warren County: Know the Risks, Know Your Rights
Warren County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and student organizations near Warren County will protect their students from harm. But all too often, that trust is betrayed.
Hazing is happening at colleges and universities across Indiana and the Midwest. The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing incidents nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi—have active chapters at universities near Warren County. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Indiana, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening right here in Indiana. Warren County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we provide in Houston.
The Hazing Crisis in Indiana: What Warren County Families Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that can lead to:
- Physical injuries: Broken bones, burns, traumatic brain injuries, and life-threatening conditions like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure)
- Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even suicide
- Death: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every year in the U.S.
Universities near Warren County with Greek life include:
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- Indiana University (Bloomington)
- Ball State University (Muncie)
- University of Notre Dame (South Bend)
- Indiana State University (Terre Haute)
These institutions are home to the same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. The same organizations that waterboarded a student in Houston operate chapters near Warren County. The same universities that failed to stop hazing in Texas are failing students in Indiana.
Our Landmark Case: A Warning to Warren County Fraternities and Universities
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi – The $10 Million Fight
In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing. The abuse included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Sleep deprivation and exhaustion from driving fraternity members at all hours
This didn’t happen in a vacuum. In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter in Florida from forced alcohol consumption. The same national organization knew about the deadly hazing culture in its chapters and did nothing to stop it. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized.
The University of Houston also had prior knowledge. In 2017, another fraternity at UH sent a student to the hospital with a lacerated spleen from hazing. Despite this warning, UH failed to implement real oversight. They owned the fraternity house where the abuse occurred and did nothing to stop it.
This is the same pattern happening near Warren County. Universities and national fraternities know the risks, but they prioritize reputation over student safety. That ends now.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Warren County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
-
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapters
- Directly organize and conduct hazing activities
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) can be held personally liable
-
National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations
- Fail to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about systemic issues
- Provide inadequate training and oversight to local chapters
- Have deep pockets and insurance policies to cover damages
-
Universities and Colleges
- Fail to monitor Greek life activities
- Own or control fraternity/sorority houses where hazing occurs
- Have prior knowledge of hazing incidents but do nothing to stop them
-
Individual Members
- Participate in or facilitate hazing activities
- Can be sued individually and face criminal charges
-
Alumni and Housing Corporations
- Allow hazing to occur at their properties
- Can be held liable for premises liability
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are pursuing all of these defendants. Warren County families can expect the same aggressive representation.
Indiana Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
Indiana has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2, hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a Level 6 felony, punishable by 6 months to 2.5 years in prison.
Key provisions of Indiana hazing law:
- Consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
- Organizations can be penalized. Fraternities, sororities, and universities can face fines and loss of recognition.
- Reporting is mandatory. Universities must report hazing incidents to law enforcement.
Civil liability: In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Indiana does not cap damages for personal injury cases, meaning juries can award millions for egregious conduct.
Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Hazing Cases Win
Hazing cases result in substantial settlements and verdicts. Here are some of the largest hazing cases in recent history—all of which could happen in Warren County:
| 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 (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win big. The same legal strategies apply to Warren County cases. If your child has been hazed, you have the right to pursue justice and compensation.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Warren County
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Follow these steps immediately:
1. Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
- Document all injuries with photos and medical records.
2. Preserve Evidence
- Save all communications: Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails, and social media posts about the hazing.
- Take photos/videos: Document injuries, hazing locations, and any items used in hazing (paddles, alcohol, etc.).
- Get witness information: Names and contact info of other pledges, members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing.
3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
- Fraternity/sorority leadership may try to intimidate you or destroy evidence.
- Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.
- Do not accept settlement offers from the organization or their insurance company.
4. Report the Hazing
- File a police report. Hazing is a crime in Indiana.
- Report to the university. Most schools have Title IX or student conduct offices for reporting hazing.
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization. They may claim they didn’t know, but reporting creates a record.
5. Contact a Hazing Attorney Immediately
- Warren County families can call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- We will travel to Warren County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
Why Warren County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are 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 right now, and we’re bringing the same aggression to Warren County cases.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to deny liability. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Nationwide Reach, Warren County Focus
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Warren County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
4. We Come to Warren County
We will travel to Warren County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. Bilingual Representation (Se Habla Español)
We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish to ensure language is never a barrier to justice.
6. Proven Results in Complex Cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
- Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements
- Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
- Criminal defense experience (hundreds of cases won)
Frequently Asked Questions for Warren County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they “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, sorority, or university can still be held liable.
Q: The fraternity/sorority says this was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. If the activities meet Indiana’s definition of hazing, they are against the law. Juries do not accept “tradition” as a defense.
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Warren County, but we live in Warren County. Can you still help?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including those from Warren County who were hazed at colleges in Indiana or other states. We offer video consultations and will travel to Warren County as needed.
Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?
Every case is unique, but hazing cases typically result in substantial compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Precedent cases show verdicts and settlements ranging from $4 million to $110+ million. Our $10 million demand in the Pi Kappa Phi case is in line with these precedents.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you must file a lawsuit within 2 years of the hazing incident. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Warren County Fraternities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Warren County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta—if your chapter operates near Warren County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters near Warren County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won. Your chapter could be next.
Warren County Universities: The Same Institutional Negligence Exists Here
To the universities near Warren County with Greek life programs:
Purdue. Indiana University. Ball State. Notre Dame. Indiana State.
The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant in our lawsuit exists at your campus. You have the power to monitor, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters. If you fail to act, you will face the same accountability.
The choice is yours: Act now, or face us in court.
Warren County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing leaves victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and afraid. But you are not alone. We are here to fight for you.
If your child has been hazed near Warren County, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and pursue justice on your behalf.
This is what happens when you hire Attorney 911 for a Warren County hazing case:
- Immediate response – We act fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
- Aggressive investigation – We gather medical records, witness statements, and documentation of the hazing.
- Multi-defendant strategy – We sue everyone responsible: the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals.
- Maximum compensation – We pursue every dollar you deserve for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
- Nationwide reach – We will travel to Warren County and fight for you in court.
Warren County families deserve justice. We will deliver it.
Contact Attorney 911 – Warren County Hazing Lawyers
📞 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
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