🛡️ Hazing Victims in Clinton County, Indiana: You Are Not Alone

What happened to you was not “tradition.” It was not “brotherhood.” It was not “building character.”

It was abuse. It was assault. It may have been criminal. And if it happened at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Clinton County — you have legal rights.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now. Our attorneys are representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston — a case that made national headlines when 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 Clinton County. The same negligence exists at Indiana institutions. And we will fight for Clinton County families with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.

🚨 This Happens in Clinton County Too

Clinton County is home to strong communities, hardworking families, and young people with big dreams. But those dreams can be shattered when students are subjected to hazing rituals that cross the line from initiation to torture.

Universities near Clinton County with active Greek life include:

• Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) – 30+ miles from Clinton County
• Indiana University (IU Bloomington) – 70+ miles away
• Ball State University (Muncie, IN) – 80+ miles away
• Butler University (Indianapolis, IN) – 60+ miles away

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others — have active chapters at these universities.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Clinton County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. And if they’ve already been hazed, you have legal options — no matter where in Indiana it happened.

⚠️ What Is Hazing? (Indiana Law)

Indiana law defines hazing as:

“Forcing or requiring another person to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any student organization.” (Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2)

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or other substances until vomiting or passing out
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning – Yes, this is happening in Indiana
• Sleep deprivation – Forced late-night activities, disrupted sleep
• Psychological torture – Humiliation, degradation, threats
• Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Exposure to extreme weather – Forced to stay outside in cold or heat

Indiana law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.

💔 What Hazing Does to Clinton County Families

Hazing doesn’t just leave physical scars. It destroys trust, shatters confidence, and can alter the course of a young person’s life forever.

Physical Consequences:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) – Can lead to kidney failure, as seen in our Houston case
• Alcohol poisoning – Leading cause of hazing deaths nationwide
• Traumatic brain injury – From beatings or falls
• Broken bones, burns, internal injuries – From physical abuse
• Hypothermia or heatstroke – From exposure to extreme weather

Psychological Consequences:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
• Depression – Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness
• Anxiety – Fear of social situations, panic attacks
• Suicidal ideation – Hazing victims are at higher risk
• Academic decline – Inability to focus, dropping out
• Substance abuse – Self-medicating to cope with trauma

Financial Consequences:

• Medical bills – Emergency room visits, hospital stays, therapy
• Lost wages – Time missed from work or internships
• Educational disruption – Dropping classes, transferring schools, lost scholarships
• Future earning potential – If injuries affect career path

Clinton County families should not have to bear these burdens alone. The institutions that allowed this to happen must be held accountable.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Clinton County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

The deep pockets are the national organizations and universities — not just the individual students. We pursue every liable party to maximize compensation for Clinton County victims.

💰 Hazing Cases Win Millions — Clinton County Victims Deserve Justice

Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. These cases send a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

Recent Hazing Verdicts & Settlements:

Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH is directly in line with these precedents. Clinton County victims can — and should — pursue the same level of justice.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Clinton County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire.

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation
• Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor
• Document all injuries with photos

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Save all communications – Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
• Take screenshots – Before anything is deleted
• Document hazing locations – Where did it happen? (fraternity house, off-campus residence, etc.)
• Get witness names – Other pledges, bystanders, friends
• Keep all clothing/items – Items used in hazing may be evidence

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization

• Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
• Do not sign anything from the organization
• Do not post about the incident on social media
• Do not give recorded statements to university officials

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

• Free consultation – Know your rights at no cost
• Evidence preservation – We send preservation letters to prevent destruction
• Investigation – We gather witness statements, medical records, and documentation
• Legal strategy – We identify all liable parties and build your case

Step 5: Report to Authorities (Optional)

• File a police report – Hazing is a crime in Indiana
• Report to Title IX – If sexual harassment/assault occurred
• Report to university – But do this with legal counsel

⏳ Indiana Statute of Limitations: Act Now

Indiana law gives you only 2 YEARS from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.

• If your child was hazed in 2023 or later, time is running out.
• If the hazing resulted in death, the 2-year clock starts from the date of death.
• If your child was a minor, the clock may be tolled (paused) until they turn 18.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

🏆 Why Clinton 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
• We know how to build these cases — and we know how to win
• Clinton County families get the same aggressive representation we provide nationally

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides
• We know exactly how they value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation

3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Sue Anywhere

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana
• Can pursue cases in federal court — critical for national fraternity defendants
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage for multi-state cases

4. We Travel to Clinton County

• We come to Clinton County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
• Distance is not a barrier to justice
• Video consultations available for Clinton County families

5. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront

• You pay nothing unless we win
• No hourly fees, no retainers
• We only get paid if you get paid
• Clinton County families can fight back without financial risk

6. Bilingual Representation — Se Habla Español

• Hazing affects students from all backgrounds
• We provide full legal services in Spanish
• No language barriers to justice

7. Proven Results — Millions Recovered

• $10 million currently sought in our hazing case
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
• Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence

8. We Understand the Culture

• Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach
• We understand team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures young people face
• We know how to expose the truth behind “tradition”

📞 Clinton County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed at a university near Clinton County, you have legal rights. We can help.

Free, Confidential Case Evaluation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Clinton County and all of Indiana. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Clinton County Families

Q: My child was hazed at Purdue (or IU, Butler, Ball State). Can you help?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including at all Indiana universities. We have federal court authority and can pursue your case no matter where in Indiana the hazing occurred.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?

A: No. Indiana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.

Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How do you protect victims?

A: We take victim protection seriously. We:

• Keep your identity confidential when possible
• File protective orders to prevent retaliation
• Work with university officials to ensure safety
• Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates

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. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so we only get paid if you do.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on-campus, off-campus, or online. We can pursue cases involving off-campus residences, private events, and even virtual hazing.

Q: Can we sue the university?

A: Yes, in many cases. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our Houston case, the University of Houston owns the fraternity house where hazing occurred — giving them direct liability.

Q: What if my child was not a student at the university yet?

A: It doesn’t matter. In our Houston case, the victim was a “ghost rush” — not yet enrolled at the university. The fraternity hazed him anyway. If they recruited your child, they can be held responsible.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically take 1-3 years from filing to resolution. Some settle quickly; others go to trial. We work to maximize your compensation as efficiently as possible.

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

A: We understand. Hazing victims often fear retaliation, social ostracism, or losing their place in the organization. We can:

• File anonymously in some cases
• Work with university officials to ensure safety
• Pursue legal action without requiring your child to testify publicly
• Connect your child with mental health resources

Q: Can we still sue if the chapter was suspended or closed?

A: Absolutely. In fact, closing the chapter is often an admission of guilt. In our Houston case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the UH chapter 7 days before the lawsuit was filed — proving they knew litigation was coming. We can still sue the national organization, the university, and individual members.

Q: What if the hazing involved alcohol?

A: Forced alcohol consumption is a common — and deadly — hazing tactic. In Indiana, it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors. If the fraternity forced your child to drink, they can be held liable for both hazing and alcohol-related offenses.

🔥 To Fraternities and Sororities Near Clinton County: We Are Watching

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Nu, Delta Tau Delta, and all others:

If your chapter operates near Clinton County, know this:

• We are tracking your national organizations
• We know your corporate structures, insurance policies, and assets
• We have litigated hazing cases before — and we will do it again
• We know the warning signs of hazing culture
• We will pursue every liable party — from the pledgemaster to the national president

The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at UH? Shut down after our lawsuit. Your chapter could be next.

If you haze students near Clinton County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will win.

🏆 Join the Fight Against Hazing in Indiana

Hazing doesn’t stop unless victims and families stand up. By pursuing legal action, you’re not just seeking justice for your child — you’re protecting the next generation of Clinton County students.

Together, we can:
✅ Hold negligent institutions accountable
✅ Send a message that hazing will not be tolerated
✅ Change the culture of Greek life in Indiana
✅ Prevent future tragedies

Clinton County families: You are not alone. We are Attorney 911. We fight for you.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Free, confidential consultation for Clinton County hazing victims.
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Serving Clinton County and all of Indiana.

📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

Hazing ends when victims speak up. Let’s speak up together.