π¨ Hazing Lawyers in Clark County, Indiana: Protecting Students and Holding Institutions Accountable
Attorney 911 β Nationwide Legal Emergency Lawyersβ’ Serving Clark County, Indiana Hazing Victims
π 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
π Website: attorney911.com
π Why Clark County, Indiana Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW β And We’ll Fight for Clark County Victims Too
Clark County parents and students: While we’re based in Texas, we’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical β we’re in the fight right now, and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Clark County, Indiana.
This case happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens at universities near Clark County. The same fraternities operate near Clark County. The same negligence exists at Indiana institutions. And we will fight for Clark County families with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.
π₯ The Hazing Crisis in Clark County, Indiana: What Local Families Need to Know
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines β It Happens Near Clark County Too
Clark County, Indiana is home to dedicated families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing is happening at universities right here in Indiana, and the same national fraternities that are currently being sued for hazing deaths and hospitalizations have active chapters at Indiana schools.
The fraternities involved in recent high-profile hazing cases β Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β all have chapters at universities near Clark County, including:
- Indiana University Bloomington (less than 3 hours from Clark County)
- Purdue University (approximately 3.5 hours from Clark County)
- University of Louisville (just across the river in Kentucky, less than 2 hours from Clark County)
- Butler University (approximately 2.5 hours from Clark County)
- Indiana State University (about 3 hours from Clark County)
The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Indiana chapters. The same culture of abuse, the same failure to protect students, and the same reckless disregard for safety are present at universities near Clark County.
β οΈ The Landmark Case That Shows What Hazing Looks Like β And Why Clark County Families Need to Act
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi β The $10 Million Fight That Could Happen in Clark County
Case Summary: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. β Filed November 21, 2025
Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez (a “ghost rush” β not even enrolled at University of Houston)
Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, Beta Nu Chapter, University of Houston, UH Board of Regents, individual members
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring 4 days of hospitalization
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:
After accepting a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, Bermudez was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse and torture that hospitalized him with life-threatening kidney failure. The hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout (October 15, 2025)
- Extreme sleep deprivation β forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
- Psychological torture β forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects, stripped to underwear in cold weather
Result: Bermudez developed severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring 4 days of hospitalization.
Why This Matters to Clark County Families:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including at universities near Clark County
- The same hazing “traditions” exist at Indiana chapters
- Universities near Clark County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed at an Indiana school, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez
From Ralph Manginello (our lead attorney):
“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”
From Lupe Pena (our associate attorney):
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
π Hazing Deaths and Hospitalizations: The National Pattern That Affects Clark County
Clark County Families: This Isn’t Just Happening in Texas β It’s Happening in Indiana Too
Hazing isn’t just a problem at faraway schools. It’s happening right here in the Midwest, at universities near Clark County. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries have active chapters at Indiana schools.
Recent Hazing Cases That Prove the Pattern:
| Year | Victim | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Settlement/Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | DEATH (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1 million |
| 2017 | Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | DEATH (alcohol poisoning) | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| 2017 | Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | DEATH (traumatic brain injury) | $110+ million (estimated) |
| 2017 | Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | DEATH (alcohol poisoning) | Confidential settlement |
| 2025 | Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit pending |
Key Fact for Clark County Families:
Pi Kappa Phi β the same fraternity that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez β has active chapters at universities near Clark County, including Indiana University Bloomington and Purdue University.
This means:
- The same national organization that failed to prevent Bermudez’s hospitalization oversees chapters at Indiana schools
- The same culture of abuse exists in Indiana
- The same “traditions” that nearly killed Bermudez are happening near Clark County
- Your child could be next
ποΈ Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens Near Clark County?
Clark County Families: You Can Sue More Than Just the Fraternity
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current case against Pi Kappa Phi, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Clark County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same liability applies to Indiana chapters near Clark County |
| National Fraternity | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing crisis | Same nationals operate at Indiana schools near Clark County |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Same housing corporations exist at Indiana chapters |
| University | Owned fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing | Indiana universities near Clark County face same liability |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Same individual liability applies in Indiana |
| Former Members | Hazing occurred at their residence | Same premises liability applies in Indiana |
Clark County parents: If your child is hazed at an Indiana university, you can sue all of these parties β just like we’re doing in Texas.
π Indiana Hazing Laws: What Clark County Families Need to Know
Indiana Code Β§ 35-42-2-2: Hazing
Definition of Hazing in Indiana:
A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally endangers the physical health of another person by requiring the other person to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury as a condition of association with a group commits hazing.
Penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanor β Up to 180 days in jail and up to $1,000 fine
- Class A Misdemeanor if the hazing results in serious bodily injury β Up to 1 year in jail and up to $5,000 fine
- Level 6 Felony if the hazing results in death β 6 months to 2.5 years in prison
Important for Clark County Families:
- Consent is NOT a defense β Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter
- Universities can be held liable β Indiana law allows civil lawsuits against institutions that fail to prevent hazing
- Criminal charges may be filed β In addition to civil lawsuits, individuals can face criminal prosecution
π° What Clark County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
Hazing Cases Win Millions β And Indiana Families Are Entitled to the Same
In hazing cases across America, victims and families have recovered millions of dollars in compensation. Clark County families are entitled to the same justice.
Types of Damages Available in Indiana Hazing Cases:
| Damage Type | Description | Example for Clark County Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, future treatment | Hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, or alcohol poisoning |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injuries | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from forced exercise, beatings, or other hazing activities |
| Emotional Distress | Psychological trauma from hazing | PTSD, anxiety, depression from waterboarding, humiliation, or abuse |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or outrageous (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking) |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, future earnings |
Precedent Settlements and Verdicts That Apply to Clark County Cases:
| Case | Outcome | Amount | Why It Matters for Clark County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (Ohio, 2021) | Settlement | $10.1 million | Shows $10 million is achievable for serious hazing injuries |
| Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana, 2017) | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million | Juries award millions in hazing cases |
| Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania, 2017) | Settlement | $110+ million | Shows potential for massive verdicts in egregious cases |
| Leonel Bermudez (Texas, 2025) | Pending | $10 million | Current case with similar injuries to potential Clark County victims |
Clark County families: If your child has been hazed at an Indiana university, you can pursue these same types of damages. The law doesn’t care where the hazing happened β justice is available for Indiana victims too.
π¨ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Clark County, Indiana
Immediate Steps for Clark County Families
If you suspect your child has been hazed at an Indiana university, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and Indiana has strict deadlines for filing lawsuits.
Follow these steps immediately:
-
Ensure Your Child’s Safety
- Remove them from the dangerous situation immediately
- Seek medical attention β even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Photos/Videos: Take pictures of any injuries, hazing locations, or items used in hazing
- Texts/Social Media: Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.) related to hazing
- Witness Information: Get names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses
- Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child
- Medical Records: Request copies of all medical records related to hazing injuries
-
Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without Legal Counsel
- They will try to control the narrative and may pressure your child to sign documents
- Anything your child says can be used against them
- Let us handle all communications
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you or your child posts can be used against you in court
- Avoid discussing the incident online
- Do not delete old posts (this can be seen as destruction of evidence)
-
Report the Incident to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report
- Report to the university’s Title IX office (hazing often intersects with Title IX violations)
-
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
- We offer video consultations for Clark County families who cannot travel
- We will travel to Indiana for depositions, meetings, and trials
π Why Clark County Families Need an Attorney Now
The Clock Is Ticking β Indiana Has Strict Deadlines
Indiana Statute of Limitations for Hazing Cases:
- Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death
Clark County families: If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your case becomes harder to prove.
What We Do for Clark County Hazing Victims:
- Immediate evidence preservation β We send preservation letters to stop defendants from destroying evidence
- Medical record collection β We obtain all medical documentation to prove your child’s injuries
- Witness interviews β We identify and interview other pledges and witnesses
- Expert consultation β We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and economists to build your case
- Aggressive negotiation β We fight for maximum compensation from all liable parties
- Litigation β If necessary, we take your case to trial to get the justice you deserve
We work on contingency β $0 upfront for Clark County families. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
π Why Clark County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Not Just Lawyers β We’re Legal Emergency Respondersβ’
1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case Right Now
- We’re not just talking about hazing β we’re in the courtroom fighting it
- Our current case against Pi Kappa Phi sets the standard for Clark County cases
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We Know Their Playbook
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know exactly how they try to minimize claims
- We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. Nationwide Reach β We Serve Clark County, Indiana
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- Willingness to travel to Indiana for your case
- Video consultation technology for Clark County families
4. Proven Results in Multi-Million Dollar Cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation experience
- $6.5 million judgment against individual in Stone Foltz case
- Hundreds of successful personal injury cases
5. We Speak Spanish β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
- Bilingual staff to serve Spanish-speaking Clark County families
- No language barriers to justice
6. We Care β Not Just About the Case, But About Your Child
- We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids
- We see your child as a person β not a paycheck
- We fight hard because we truly care
π― The Attorney 911 Approach for Clark County Hazing Victims
Immediate. Aggressive. Compassionate.
When hazing happens to your child, we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
For Clark County families, our team:
- Builds cases with expert witnesses β medical experts, Greek life culture experts, institutional negligence experts
- Preserves evidence immediately β texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
- Negotiates from strength β we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
- Travels to Indiana β for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed
- Provides remote consultations β Clark County families can video chat with our attorneys
- Fights for maximum compensation β medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence your child, we take it to court.
π Frequently Asked Questions for Clark County Families
Q: My child was hazed at Indiana University Bloomington. Can you help even though you’re based in Texas?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Indiana. We offer video consultations and are willing to travel to Indiana for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: My child doesn’t want to get the fraternity in trouble. Should we still pursue legal action?
A: Yes β and here’s why:
- Legal action isn’t about revenge β it’s about preventing future harm
- Fraternities and universities won’t change unless forced to
- Your child’s case can protect other Clark County students from going through the same thing
- Holding institutions accountable is the only way to stop hazing culture
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to Clark County families.
Q: What if the fraternity says my child consented to the hazing?
A: Consent is NOT a defense under Indiana law. The Indiana hazing statute explicitly states that even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable. The law says consent doesn’t matter when it comes to hazing.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. Do not wait β evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
Q: Can we sue the university as well as the fraternity?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students, and if they fail to prevent hazing, they can be held liable. In our current case, we’re suing both the fraternity and the University of Houston. The same applies to Indiana universities near Clark County.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a fraternity house owned by the university?
A: This strengthens your case. If the university owns the fraternity house, they have premises liability β meaning they’re responsible for what happens on their property. We’re currently suing the University of Houston for this exact reason.
Q: What kind of compensation can we recover?
Clark County families can recover:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
- Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
- Punitive damages (to punish the fraternity for egregious conduct)
- Wrongful death damages (if hazing results in death)
π¨ Warning Signs of Hazing for Clark County Parents
What to Watch For If Your Child Joins Greek Life Near Clark County
Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs that Clark County parents should watch for:
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Physical Signs | Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries; limping; difficulty walking; signs of exhaustion; weight loss; dehydration |
| Behavioral Signs | Sudden mood changes; anxiety; depression; withdrawal from family/friends; secrecy about activities; fear of certain people or places |
| Academic Signs | Sudden drop in grades; missed classes; difficulty concentrating; falling asleep in class |
| Social Signs | Spending all time with fraternity/sorority; avoiding other friends; references to “pledging” or “big/little” activities |
| Financial Signs | Unexplained expenses; requests for money; lost or damaged clothing/property |
| Communication Signs | Vague or evasive answers about activities; coded language (e.g., “family,” “tradition,” “brotherhood”); reluctance to discuss Greek life |
If you notice these signs, trust your instincts. Hazing is happening at universities near Clark County, and your child could be at risk.
π’ A Message to Fraternities Near Clark County
To Fraternities Operating Near Clark County, Indiana: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and all others:
We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi for hazing that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. The same legal strategies we’re using in Texas apply to your Indiana chapters.
If your chapter is hazing students at Indiana University Bloomington, Purdue, University of Louisville, Butler, or any school near Clark County, know this:
- We track your corporate structures (EINs, legal names, addresses)
- We know your insurance policies
- We know your national organization’s hazing history
- We will sue every liable entity β the chapter, the nationals, the university, and individual members
- We won’t stop until we shut you down β just like we did with the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston?
- SHUT DOWN
- Charter surrendered
- Criminal referrals initiated
- $10 million lawsuit pending
That’s what happens when you haze near Clark County. Your chapter could be next.
π How Clark County Families Can Get Help
Clark County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at an Indiana university, we can help. Here’s how to reach us:
π 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Clark County Families:
1-888-ATTY-911
π§ Email:
ralph@atty911.com
π Website:
attorney911.com
π Service Area:
Clark County, Indiana + All of Indiana + Nationwide
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations for Clark County families
- Video consultations for families who cannot travel
- Travel to Indiana for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Contingency fee representation β $0 upfront, we only get paid if you win
Clark County families: Distance is not a barrier. We will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez.
π₯ Final Message to Clark County, Indiana
Hazing Doesn’t Have to Be Part of the College Experience
Clark County parents: You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust that universities and fraternities will protect them. But the reality is that hazing is happening at Indiana schools, and the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries have active chapters near Clark County.
Clark County students: You deserve to join a brotherhood or sisterhood without being tortured. You deserve to make friends without being humiliated. You deserve to belong without being abused.
The culture of hazing can be stopped β but only if victims and families stand up and say “Enough is enough.”
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We’re holding fraternities accountable. We’re forcing universities to take responsibility. And we’re sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated β not in Texas, not in Indiana, not anywhere.
If you or your child has been hazed at an Indiana university, call us. We will fight for you. We will protect you. And we will make sure this never happens to another Clark County family.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Enough is enough. The time to act is now.