🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving DeKalb County, Indiana – Attorney 911

When a fraternity or sorority crosses the line from tradition to torture, DeKalb County families deserve justice. Our hazing attorneys are fighting this battle right now—and we’re ready to fight for you.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to perform 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening at colleges and universities near DeKalb County, Indiana. The same fraternities operate here. The same negligence exists here. And we will bring the same aggressive legal strategy to DeKalb County families.

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a Greek organization near DeKalb County, call our hazing lawyers immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

🔥 The Hazing Crisis in DeKalb County, Indiana

Hazing isn’t just a distant problem—it’s happening right here in Indiana. DeKalb County is home to dedicated students who trust their universities and Greek organizations to keep them safe. But when those institutions fail, the consequences can be devastating:

• Physical injuries – Broken bones, burns, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning
• Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
• Wrongful death – Families left grieving a preventable loss

Nationwide, 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and 40% of student athletes report hazing. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. And yet, 95% of students who are hazed do not report it—often out of fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization.

This is happening near DeKalb County. Your child could be next.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in DeKalb County

The $10 Million Fight We’re Leading Right Now

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez
Filing Date: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (a prospective member not yet enrolled at the University of Houston), accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning while doing calisthenics
• Forced eating until vomiting – Large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns consumed until he vomited, then forced to continue running sprints
• Extreme physical punishment – 100+ pushups, 500 squats, bear crawls, “suicides,” and 100-yard crawls
• Wooden paddles – Struck repeatedly as punishment
• Psychological torture – Forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects, hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour
• Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion

The Medical Consequences:
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme exercises until he could not stand without help. The next day, he was too sore to move. By November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—a life-threatening condition caused by muscle breakdown. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

The Institutional Response:

• Pi Kappa Phi National closed the chapter on November 14, 2025—just seven days before the lawsuit was filed. Their statement admitted “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.”
• The University of Houston, which owns the fraternity house where the hazing occurred, called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and admitted it was a “clear violation of our community standards.”

Why This Matters to DeKalb County Families:

1. The same fraternities operate near DeKalb County. Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in Indiana.
2. Universities near DeKalb County face the same liability failures. If a university owns or controls the property where hazing occurs, they can be held accountable.
3. This isn’t the first time Pi Kappa Phi has harmed a student. In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. The fraternity had eight years to fix its culture—and failed.
4. The University of Houston had a prior hazing incident in 2017. A student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen after hazing at another fraternity. They had eight years to implement real oversight—and failed.

If this can happen in Houston, it can happen in DeKalb County. And if it does, we will fight for your family just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez.

💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases aren’t just about justice—they’re about holding institutions accountable and sending a message that this behavior will not be tolerated. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in similar cases:

These results are possible for DeKalb County families. If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured, you have the right to pursue compensation for:

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

⚖️ Legal Framework: Your Rights as a DeKalb County Hazing Victim

Indiana Hazing Laws

Indiana has strong laws against hazing, and consent is not a defense. Under Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2, hazing is defined as:

“Forcing or requiring another person to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any organization.”

Penalties for Hazing in Indiana:

• Class B misdemeanor – Up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine
• Class A misdemeanor – If the hazing results in serious bodily injury, up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine
• Level 6 felony – If the hazing results in death, up to 2.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine

Civil Liability:
In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for:

• Negligence – The organization failed to protect your child
• Assault and battery – Physical harm was inflicted
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress – Psychological trauma was caused
• Premises liability – The university or fraternity house was unsafe
• Negligent supervision – The national organization or university failed to oversee the chapter

DeKalb County Families: You have the right to pursue compensation even if criminal charges are not filed. Civil lawsuits focus on accountability and financial recovery, not punishment.

🏢 Who Is Liable for Hazing in DeKalb County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held accountable. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are pursuing:

DeKalb County Families: If your child was hazed at a university near DeKalb County, we will identify every liable party and pursue them aggressively.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in DeKalb County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what you should do immediately:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation immediately. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
• Document everything—photos of injuries, medical records, and doctor’s notes will be critical for your case.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Do not delete any communications—text messages, emails, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, or social media posts about the hazing.
• Take photos and videos of injuries, the hazing location, and any items used in the hazing (e.g., paddles, alcohol bottles).
• Write down everything—dates, times, locations, names of participants, and what happened.
• Get witness contact information—other pledges, bystanders, or anyone who saw what happened.

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization

• Do not talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel. They will try to control the narrative and may intimidate witnesses.
• Do not sign anything—the organization may try to get you to waive your rights.
• Do not post on social media—anything you say can be used against you.

Step 4: Report the Hazing

• File a police report—hazing is a crime in Indiana.
• Report to the university—many schools have Title IX offices or student conduct departments.
• Report to the national organization—if applicable, file a complaint with the fraternity or sorority’s headquarters.

Step 5: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
• We will guide you through the legal process, preserve evidence, and fight for your family’s rights.
• We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

🎯 Why DeKalb County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re 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 ready to bring the same aggression to DeKalb County cases.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook, and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, which allows us to pursue hazing cases nationwide—including in DeKalb County.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us a strategic advantage when suing national fraternities and sororities headquartered across the country.

5. Willingness to Travel to DeKalb County

We will come to DeKalb County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)

We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers. Hablamos español.

7. Contingency Fee Representation

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

8. Proven Track Record of Results

We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of personal injury, wrongful death, and institutional negligence. Our case results include:

• Multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries
• Successful litigation against large institutions and insurance companies
• Aggressive representation that holds defendants accountable

🏛️ Fraternities and Sororities Near DeKalb County with Hazing Histories

DeKalb County is surrounded by colleges and universities with active Greek life. Many of these organizations have documented histories of hazing, including:

DeKalb County Families: If your child was hazed at any of these universities—or any other institution near DeKalb County—we can help.

📢 Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near DeKalb County

To the fraternities and sororities operating near DeKalb County:

We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations’ hazing histories.

If you haze students in DeKalb County, we will find every liable entity.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi—if your chapter operates near DeKalb County, know this:

• We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after a student was waterboarded and hospitalized.
• We have decades of experience taking on large institutions.
• We will pursue every defendant—the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals.
• We will travel to DeKalb County to hold you accountable.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston is already shut down. Your chapter could be next.

📞 Contact Our DeKalb County Hazing Lawyers Today

If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a Greek organization near DeKalb County, you need legal representation immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and the statute of limitations in Indiana is two years from the date of the injury.

Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:

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

We serve DeKalb County and all of Indiana. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for DeKalb County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: Hazing victims often fear retaliation or social ostracism. However, evidence disappears quickly, and the statute of limitations is only two years in Indiana. We can help you preserve evidence anonymously and explore your legal options without your child’s name being disclosed initially.

Q: Can we sue even if my child consented to participate?

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 the harm they caused.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Hazing is illegal regardless of where it occurs. If the hazing happened at a private residence, a fraternity house, or anywhere else, you can still pursue legal action.

Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts, especially when:

• The injuries are severe (e.g., hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
• The hazing was egregious (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
• The university or national organization knew about prior hazing incidents
• The organization attempted to cover up the hazing

In our current Pi Kappa Phi case, we are seeking $10 million for injuries including rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s critical to act immediately.

Q: Will my child have to testify in court?

A: Most hazing cases settle out of court. However, if the case goes to trial, your child may need to testify. We will prepare them thoroughly and ensure they are comfortable with the process.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

A: At Attorney 911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay nothing upfront.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never owe us money out of pocket.

🚀 Take Action Now – Protect Your Child’s Future

Hazing leaves physical scars, emotional trauma, and financial burdens that can last a lifetime. If your child has been hazed near DeKalb County, you have the power to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation your family deserves.

Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation:

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

We serve DeKalb County, Indiana, and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.