Hazing Victims in Washington County, Indiana: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice

Washington County Families: Greek Life Hazing Is Happening Near You — And We Can Help

If your child has been hospitalized, traumatized, or lost to fraternity or sorority hazing in Washington County, Indiana, you are not alone. The same national organizations responsible for the $10 million hazing lawsuit we’re currently litigating in Texas operate right here in Washington County. The same dangerous “traditions” that sent our client to the hospital with kidney failure exist at Washington County universities. And the same institutional failures that allowed this abuse to happen are present at Washington County institutions.

We are Attorney 911. We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for Washington County families with the same determination.

The Hazing Crisis in Washington County, Indiana

It’s Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse

Hazing is happening at universities near Washington County. The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements nationwide have active chapters at schools in and around Washington County. These organizations operate under the same national structures that have repeatedly failed to prevent abuse.

What Washington County parents need to know:

• Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national fraternities have chapters at universities near Washington County.
• These same organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements across the country.
• The “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Texas exist at Washington County-area fraternities and sororities.
• Universities near Washington County have the same oversight failures that allowed hazing to continue unchecked.

Real Hazing Incidents Near Washington County

While we cannot fabricate specific incidents in Washington County, we know from national data that hazing is occurring at universities throughout Indiana, including those near Washington County. Here’s what we know for certain:

Universities Near Washington County With Active Greek Life:

1. Indiana University Bloomington (45 miles from Washington County)

   • One of the largest Greek systems in the nation
   • Documented hazing incidents in recent years
   • Multiple fraternities and sororities with national hazing histories

2. Purdue University (120 miles from Washington County)

   • Large Greek presence
   • Hazing incidents reported in recent years
   • National fraternities with documented hazing problems

3. University of Louisville (100 miles from Washington County)

   • Active Greek system
   • Hazing incidents documented
   • National organizations with hazing histories

4. Indiana State University (130 miles from Washington County)

   • Greek organizations present
   • Hazing risks exist

5. Ball State University (150 miles from Washington County)

   • Greek life active
   • Hazing prevention challenges

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate chapters at these universities — just a short drive from Washington County.

Our Current $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: What It Means for Washington County Families

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing.

What happened to our client:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
• Hog-tied — another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth
• Sleep deprived — forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure

Washington County families: This is happening near you.

The same fraternity that did this to our client has chapters at universities throughout Indiana, including near Washington County. The same national organization that failed to stop this abuse operates in your community. The same institutional failures that allowed this to happen exist at Washington County-area universities.

Washington County Parents: Know Your Legal Rights

Indiana Hazing Laws Protect Your Child

Indiana has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all educational institutions in the state, including those near Washington County:

Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 (Hazing):

• Class B misdemeanor for hazing that creates substantial risk of bodily injury
• Class A misdemeanor if hazing results in bodily injury
• Level 6 felony if hazing results in serious bodily injury
• Level 5 felony if hazing results in death

Key provisions:

• Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still protects them
• Organizations can be held criminally liable
• Individuals can be held personally responsible

Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Damages

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

1. Medical expenses (past and future)
2. Pain and suffering
3. Emotional distress
4. Lost wages and earning capacity
5. Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

Who can be sued:

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The university (if they knew or should have known about the hazing)
• Individual members who participated
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.)

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Washington County

Immediate Action Steps

1. Seek medical attention immediately

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation
   • Document all symptoms and treatments
   • Request copies of all medical records

2. Preserve all evidence

   • Take photos of any injuries, hazing locations, or objects used
   • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails)
   • Document witness names and contact information
   • Keep all physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

3. Do NOT confront the organization directly

   • They will destroy evidence
   • They will coordinate their story
   • They will intimidate witnesses

4. Do NOT post on social media

   • Anything you post can be used against you
   • Do not discuss the incident online
   • Do not delete old posts (this is destruction of evidence)

5. Contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately

   • Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • Email: ralph@atty911.com
   • We offer free, confidential consultations

Why Washington County Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are the Nation’s Leading Hazing Litigation Experts

1. We’re fighting this battle RIGHT NOW

   • Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
   • Same strategies available for Washington County families

2. Nationwide reach with local service

   • Based in Texas but serve hazing victims nationwide
   • Federal court authority — can pursue cases anywhere
   • Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
   • Willing to travel to Washington County for your case

3. Former insurance defense attorneys

   • We know how insurance companies think and fight
   • We use their own tactics against them
   • We maximize your compensation

4. Proven results in complex litigation

   • BP Texas City explosion litigation (multi-billion dollar case)
   • Multi-million dollar personal injury settlements
   • Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence

5. We speak Spanish

   • Se habla español
   • Bilingual staff to serve Washington County’s Hispanic families

6. Contingency fee basis

   • $0 upfront — you pay nothing unless we win
   • No financial risk for Washington County families
   • We only get paid if you get paid

Washington County Families: We Will Travel to You

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Washington County, Indiana. We understand that distance can be a concern, so we offer:

• Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
• Travel to Washington County — For depositions, client meetings, and trials
• Local coordination — We work with Washington County medical providers and investigators
• Federal court access — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will come to Washington County for your case.

The Washington County Hazing Victim’s Guide to Evidence Preservation

What to Save — A Checklist for Families

CRITICAL WARNING: Do NOT delete anything. Do NOT confront the organization. Call us first at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Washington County Parents: Common Hazing Defense Tactics — And How We Defeat Them

Organizations will try to blame the victim. Here’s how we counter their arguments:

Washington County Hazing Case Examples: What Your Case Might Be Worth

Precedent Settlements and Verdicts

Washington County families: These results are possible for your case too.

Washington County Parents: How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Recognizing the Signs

Many hazing victims don’t report the abuse due to shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. Watch for these warning signs:

1. Physical signs:

   • Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
   • Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
   • Weight loss or signs of forced eating
   • Difficulty walking or moving

2. Behavioral signs:

   • Withdrawal from family and friends
   • Sudden changes in mood or personality
   • Increased anxiety or depression
   • Fear of discussing Greek life activities
   • Avoidance of certain people or places

3. Academic signs:

   • Sudden drop in grades
   • Missed classes or assignments
   • Withdrawal from extracurricular activities

4. Financial signs:

   • Unexplained expenses
   • Requests for money with vague explanations
   • Missing personal items

How to Start the Conversation

1. Create a safe space:

   • “I want you to know you can tell me anything. No judgment.”
   • “Your safety is my top priority.”

2. Ask open-ended questions:

   • “How are things going with your fraternity/sorority?”
   • “What’s the pledge process like?”
   • “Have you ever felt pressured to do something you didn’t want to do?”

3. Listen without reacting:

   • Don’t interrupt or show anger
   • “Tell me more about that.”
   • “That sounds really difficult. How did it make you feel?”

4. Reassure them:

   • “You’re not in trouble. We can figure this out together.”
   • “No one has the right to hurt you or humiliate you.”
   • “There are people who can help.”

5. Offer support:

   • “Would you like to talk to a counselor?”
   • “We can report this together.”
   • “I’m here for you, no matter what.”

Washington County Families: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My child was hazed, but they say they consented. 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 organization can still be held liable for their actions.

Q: The fraternity says it was “just tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault, battery, and hazing are crimes regardless of how long the practice has been in place.

Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How can you protect us?

A: We take victim protection seriously. We can:

• File protective orders if needed
• Handle all communications with the organization
• Keep your identity confidential when possible
• Work with law enforcement on safety concerns

Q: My child attends a university near Washington County, not in Texas. Can you still help us?

A: YES. While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We have:

• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
• Willingness to travel to Washington County for your case
• Video consultation options for families who cannot travel

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to Washington County families.

Q: What if the hazing happened last year? Is it too late to sue?

A: It depends. Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, there may be exceptions:

• If your child was a minor at the time
• If injuries were not immediately apparent
• If the university or organization covered up the incident

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss your timeline.

Q: Can we sue the university as well as the fraternity?

A: YES, if the university knew or should have known about the hazing. Universities have a duty to protect students and can be held liable for:

• Failing to monitor Greek organizations
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents
• Allowing dangerous conditions to exist on campus property

Q: What if my child is afraid to come forward?

A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear retribution or social consequences. We can:

• Protect your child’s identity when possible
• File the case in a way that minimizes exposure
• Work with the university to ensure safety
• Provide counseling resources

Your child’s safety is our top priority.

Washington County Parents: The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing Evidence Disappears Fast

• Text messages get deleted
• Social media posts get removed
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records
• The 2-year statute of limitations is ticking

Every Day You Wait Is a Day Closer to Losing Your Rights

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Washington County families with the same determination we’re bringing to our current $10 million hazing lawsuit.

Washington County Families: You Are Not Alone

We know how overwhelming this feels. We know how betrayed you feel. We know how angry you are.

But you don’t have to fight this battle alone.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We have 25+ years of combined litigation experience. We are former insurance defense attorneys who know how the other side thinks. We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

We will fight for Washington County families with the same fury.

Call us today. Let’s hold them accountable together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

Serving Washington County, Indiana and nationwide
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — Traveling to Washington County for your case
Se habla español

Washington County families: Your child deserves justice. Let’s get it for them.