Hazing Lawyer in Cass County, Indiana – Attorney 911 Fights for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Your child was hazed at a college near Cass County. We will hold the fraternity, sorority, and university accountable – no matter where in Indiana or America the abuse occurred.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) | Free Consultation | We Come to Cass County

Hazing Happens in Cass County – And It’s Not “Tradition” – It’s Abuse

Cass County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But behind the Greek letters and campus prestige, a dangerous culture of hazing thrives at universities near Cass County – and across Indiana.

This isn’t “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” This is torture, assault, and reckless endangerment – and it’s happening right now at colleges near Cass County.

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 until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at universities near Cass County. The same negligence exists at Indiana institutions. And we will fight for Cass County families with the same aggression.

If your child was hazed near Cass County, we can help.

What Is Hazing? The Truth Cass County Parents Need to Know

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them – regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Hazing is illegal in Indiana. It’s a crime. And it’s happening at colleges near Cass County.

Common Hazing Practices at Indiana Universities (Including Near Cass County):

✅ Physical Abuse: Beating, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced Consumption: Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
✅ Sleep Deprivation: Late-night activities, forced early-morning tasks
✅ Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation
✅ Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Waterboarding & Drowning: Simulated drowning with hoses or buckets
✅ Exposure to Elements: Forced to strip in cold weather, confined spaces

This isn’t tradition. This is abuse. And it’s happening near Cass County.

The Medical Consequences of Hazing – What Cass County Families Face

Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It can cause permanent physical damage – or death.

Common Hazing Injuries We See in Indiana Cases:

Our client in Texas was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats and waterboarded. The same thing is happening to students near Cass County – and we will fight for them.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Cass County? (We Sue Everyone Responsible)

When hazing occurs, multiple parties are responsible – and we pursue them all.

1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

• Directly organizes and conducts hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) are personally liable
• Active members who participate can be sued individually

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to supervise local chapters
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Deep pockets – millions in assets and insurance

3. The University (Even Near Cass County)

• Owns or controls fraternity/sorority houses (premises liability)
• Fails to monitor Greek life despite prior hazing incidents
• Ignores complaints about dangerous activities
• Indiana universities have a DUTY to protect students – when they fail, they’re liable

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Every person who participated in hazing can be sued personally
• Criminal charges may also apply (hazing is a crime in Indiana)

5. Housing Corporations & Alumni

• Own the property where hazing occurs
• Allow dangerous activities on their premises
• Can be held liable for negligent supervision

We don’t just sue one person. We sue EVERYONE responsible – and we maximize recovery for Cass County families.

Indiana Hazing Laws – What Cass County Victims Need to Know

Indiana’s Anti-Hazing Law (IC 35-42-2-2)

Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor in Indiana, punishable by:

• Up to 180 days in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines

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
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to hazing, the perpetrators can still be prosecuted.

Civil Lawsuits for Hazing in Indiana

In addition to criminal charges, victims can sue for damages, including:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)

Our firm is currently pursuing a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas – and we will bring the same fight to Cass County.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions – Cass County Families Can Too

Hazing cases result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have won:

These results are possible for Cass County families. The same legal strategies apply – and we know how to win.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Cass County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Document all symptoms (pain, bruising, vomiting, difficulty walking)
• Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning can be fatal – don’t wait

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✅ Photos/Videos: Injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
✅ Texts/Group Chats: Screenshots of all communications about hazing
✅ Social Media: Posts, messages, or stories about the incident
✅ Witness Information: Names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders
✅ Medical Records: Hospital bills, doctor notes, test results

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

• They will try to control the narrative
• They may destroy evidence
• They may intimidate witnesses
• Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

• Free consultation – no upfront cost
• We handle everything – no need to talk to the organization or their lawyers
• We come to Cass County – for depositions, meetings, and trials
• We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Why Cass County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – And Winning

• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
• Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure
• The same fraternities operate near Cass County – and we will hold them accountable

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how they minimize claims, deny liability, and lowball victims
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for Cass County families

3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere in America

• Admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas)
• Licensed in Texas and New York – strategic advantage against national fraternities
• We serve hazing victims nationwide – including Cass County

4. We Come to Cass County – No Matter Where You Are

• Free consultations – in person or by video
• We travel to Cass County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
• Distance is not a barrier – we fight for Cass County families no matter where the hazing occurred

5. No Upfront Cost – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

• Contingency fee – we only get paid if you win
• No hourly billing – no surprise legal fees
• We take the risk – if we don’t win, you owe us nothing

6. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

• Hazing affects all students – including Spanish-speaking families
• Our staff is bilingual – we can communicate in Spanish
• No language barriers to justice

7. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial

• Many personal injury lawyers settle too quickly for low amounts
• We’re trial attorneys – we don’t back down from insurance companies
• If the fraternity/university won’t offer a fair settlement, we take them to court

Fraternities & Sororities Near Cass County with Hazing Histories

The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate at universities near Cass County, including:

Fraternities with Documented Hazing Incidents:

• Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M lawsuit; Andrew Coffey death in 2017)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (multiple hazing deaths nationwide)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (Stone Foltz death in 2021)
• Beta Theta Pi (Timothy Piazza death in 2017)
• Phi Delta Theta (Maxwell Gruver death in 2017)
• Sigma Chi (recent hazing lawsuit at UT Austin)
• Kappa Sigma (multiple hazing incidents nationwide)

Sororities with Hazing Concerns:

• Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta)
• Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi)
• Kappa Alpha Theta (Theta)
• Chi Omega
• Delta Gamma

If your child pledged a fraternity or sorority near Cass County, they faced the same risks as our client in Texas.

Universities Near Cass County Where Hazing Occurs

Hazing isn’t limited to one school. It happens at universities across Indiana, including those near Cass County:

No matter where the hazing occurred near Cass County, we can help.

What You Can Recover in a Cass County Hazing Lawsuit

If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (hospitalization, ER visits, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries cause permanent limitations)
• Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain from injuries (rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, etc.)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, fear, trauma)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)

Punitive Damages (To Punish the Defendants)

• Awarded when conduct is egregious, reckless, or intentional
• Meant to deter future hazing and send a message
• Our $10 million demand includes punitive damages for waterboarding and forced exercise

The Hazing Case That Proves Cass County Families Can Win

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi – $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet), accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. Over 7 weeks, he was subjected to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Another pledge collapsed unconscious on October 15 – they kept going

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to exercise until he couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6 with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He spent 4 days in the hospital.

The Aftermath:

• Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter (7 days before the lawsuit)
• The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred
• $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney 911
• Media coverage by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media

Why This Matters for Cass County Families:
✅ Same fraternities operate near Cass County – Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, and others
✅ Same negligence exists at Indiana universities – they fail to monitor Greek life
✅ $10 million is possible for Cass County victims – we’re fighting this battle now
✅ Waterboarding is torture – this isn’t hazing, it’s abuse
✅ The university owned the house – premises liability applies to Indiana schools too

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Cass County

1. My child was hazed, but they “consented” to it. Can we still sue?

YES. Indiana law states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity, sorority, and university can still be held liable.

2. The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?

NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Waterboarding, forced drinking, and physical abuse are not traditions – they’re crimes. Courts and juries do not accept this as a defense.

3. We’re in Cass County. Can you still help us?

YES. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Cass County. We offer:

• Free video consultations
• Travel to Cass County for depositions and meetings
• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in America

4. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

NOTHING 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 for Cass County families.

5. What if the hazing didn’t cause serious injuries?

Even “minor” hazing can cause long-term psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression). You may still have a case. Call us for a free consultation – we’ll evaluate your situation.

6. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?

YES. Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life and prevent hazing. If they should have known (due to prior incidents or complaints), they can still be held liable.

7. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear retribution – our client in Texas was too afraid to do media interviews. We ensure your child’s identity is protected and that they’re not harassed.

8. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Do not wait – evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Call us immediately.

9. Can we sue the national fraternity, not just the local chapter?

YES. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing. We sue everyone responsible – the chapter, the nationals, the university, and individual members.

10. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a private residence, the homeowners (and their insurance) can also be held liable.

Cass County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing leaves physical and emotional scars that last a lifetime. It can destroy careers, relationships, and futures. But you don’t have to suffer in silence.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now – and we will bring the same fight to Cass County. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. We know how to maximize compensation for victims. And we know how to send a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

If your child was hazed near Cass County, call us today.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) | Free Consultation | Se Habla Español

We come to Cass County. We fight for Cass County families. And we don’t stop until justice is served.

🚨 Don’t Let Them Get Away With It. Call Now Before Evidence Disappears.

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Cass County, Indiana and Nationwide
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Hazing is not tradition. It’s abuse. And we will stop it.