🚨 Hazing Victims in Franklin County, Indiana: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help
Franklin County Families: Hazing Isn’t Tradition — It’s Abuse
If your child has been hospitalized, traumatized, or lost to hazing at a Franklin County college or university, you’re not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student in Houston, forced pledges to drink until they died, and caused life-threatening injuries across America operate right here in Franklin County. And Attorney 911 is fighting back.
We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — the same fight we’ll bring to Franklin County if your child has been harmed.
What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Franklin County
In November 2025, our client Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of torture:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing — they kept going
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This happened in Houston. It happens nationwide. It could happen — or has already happened — in Franklin County.
Franklin County Universities and Greek Life: The Same Risks Exist Here
Franklin County is home to historically respected colleges and universities, including:
- Franklin College (Franklin, IN) — A private liberal arts college with active Greek life
- Nearby institutions like Butler University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), and University of Indianapolis also have Greek organizations with chapters that may operate in or near Franklin County
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters in and around Franklin County, including:
| Fraternity | Known Hazing Incidents Nationwide | Chapters Near Franklin County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (death, 2017), Leonel Bermudez (hospitalized, 2025) | Yes — at multiple Indiana universities |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (death, 2021 — $10.1M settlement) | Yes |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver (death, 2017 — $6.1M verdict) | Yes |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (death, 2017 — $110M+ settlement) | Yes |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | Yes |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | Yes |
Franklin County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at Franklin College or a nearby university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Indiana)
Hazing is not “tradition,” “brotherhood,” or “team-building.” It is abuse, and in Indiana, it is illegal.
Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 (Hazing):
A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally endangers the physical health of another person by requiring the person to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury as a condition of membership in a school, college, university, or other organization commits hazing, a Class B misdemeanor.
If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a Level 6 felony.
Examples of hazing that could lead to legal action in Franklin County:
| Activity | Legal Risk |
|---|---|
| Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking) | Class B misdemeanor; felony if serious injury/death |
| Physical beatings, paddling, branding | Class B misdemeanor; felony if serious injury |
| Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, etc.) | Class B misdemeanor; felony if causes organ damage |
| Waterboarding, simulated drowning | Class B misdemeanor; felony if causes serious injury |
| Sleep deprivation | Class B misdemeanor |
| Forced eating until vomiting | Class B misdemeanor |
| Sexual humiliation or assault | Felony charges |
| Psychological torture (isolation, threats, degradation) | Intentional infliction of emotional distress |
Franklin County parents: If your child was subjected to any of these activities, they may have a legal claim — even if they “consented” or “went along with it.”
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Franklin County?
When hazing happens in Franklin County, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing risks; pattern of violations |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; had power to regulate Greek life |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni/Advisors | Knew about hazing and failed to stop it |
Franklin County families: We don’t just sue the individuals. We go after the institutions with deep pockets — the national organizations, the universities, and their insurance companies.
What Can Franklin County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to substantial compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
- Educational costs (tuition for missed semesters, transfer expenses)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries cause permanent limitations)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering (physical pain from injuries)
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
Punitive Damages
- Punishment for egregious conduct (waterboarding, torture, reckless disregard)
- Deterrent for future hazing — to send a message that this cannot happen again
Franklin County families: Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts are possible. We are currently seeking $10 MILLION in our Houston case, and we will fight for the same justice for Franklin County victims.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Big
| Case | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4+ million |
Franklin County families: These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same legal strategies apply to Indiana victims.
What Should Franklin County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?
STEP 1: GET MEDICAL ATTENTION
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
STEP 2: PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails)
- Take photos/videos of injuries, locations, items used in hazing
- Write down everything (dates, times, what happened, who was there)
- Get witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders)
STEP 3: DO NOT TALK TO THE ORGANIZATION
- Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not give statements to university administrators
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Everything you say can be used against you
STEP 4: DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Insurance companies and lawyers will use your posts against you
- Even innocent posts (“I’m fine”) can be twisted to minimize your injuries
- Stay quiet on social media until your case is resolved
STEP 5: CONTACT ATTORNEY 911 IMMEDIATELY
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — 24/7 for Franklin County hazing emergencies
- Email ralph@atty911.com
- Free consultation — we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Franklin County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Already Fighting This Fight
- 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
- We know how to win against national fraternities and universities
2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability
- We’ve seen their playbook — now we use it against them
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
- We can pursue Franklin County cases in federal court if necessary
- This gives us more power to compel evidence and hold institutions accountable
4. We’re Licensed in Texas and New York
- Many national fraternities are headquartered in New York
- Our dual-state license gives us strategic advantage for multi-state litigation
5. We Will Travel to Franklin County
- We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
6. We Speak Spanish
- Se habla español — we can serve Spanish-speaking Franklin County families without language barriers
7. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- We advance all case expenses
8. We Have a Proven Track Record
- 4.9-star Google rating with 250+ reviews
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — experience with complex cases against massive institutions
What Happens Next? Our Process for Franklin County Families
- Free Consultation — We listen to your story and evaluate your case
- Evidence Preservation — We send letters demanding all evidence be preserved
- Medical Documentation — We work with doctors to document your injuries
- Investigation — We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case
- Demand Letter — We send a demand to all defendants and their insurance companies
- Negotiation — We negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
- Litigation — If necessary, we file a lawsuit and take your case to trial
- Resolution — We fight for a settlement or jury verdict that holds the defendants accountable
Franklin County families: We handle everything. You focus on healing.
Franklin County Hazing Victims: You Have Rights. You Have Time Limits.
Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
But evidence disappears quickly:
- Texts get deleted
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
- Social media posts disappear
Don’t wait. Contact Attorney 911 today.
Franklin County Parents: Protect Your Child — Before It’s Too Late
Hazing doesn’t start with waterboarding or 500 squats. It starts with small acts of humiliation and escalates.
Warning signs your child may be experiencing hazing in Franklin County:
- Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
- Unexplained injuries or illnesses
- Avoiding questions about Greek life activities
- Missing class or declining academic performance
- Sudden secrecy about where they’re going or who they’re with
- Unexplained exhaustion or sleep deprivation
- Wearing unusual clothing or carrying odd items
If you suspect hazing, act immediately:
- Talk to your child in a safe, non-judgmental way
- Document everything they tell you
- Contact Attorney 911 for guidance
- Consider reporting to university officials (with legal guidance)
- If necessary, seek medical or psychological help
To Franklin County Fraternities and Sororities: We Are Watching
To the chapters operating in and around Franklin County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Franklin County, know this:
- We track your national organizations
- We know your history of hazing deaths and injuries
- We know your insurance policies
- We know your corporate structures
- If you haze students in Franklin County, we will find every liable entity and hold you accountable
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Franklin County.
To Franklin County Universities: You Have a Duty to Protect
Franklin College and other Indiana institutions:
You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students. When you fail, you face liability.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut it down — and they didn’t.
If hazing is happening on your campus or in your Greek organizations, you will be held accountable.
Franklin County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing victims often feel isolated, ashamed, and afraid to speak out. But you are not alone.
We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Franklin County. We understand the fear of retribution. We understand the loyalty to the organization. We understand the trauma.
But we also understand justice.
Leonel Bermudez was afraid to speak to the media because of retribution. But his bravery in filing this lawsuit may save lives. Your child’s case could do the same for Franklin County students.
Contact Attorney 911 Today — Free Consultation for Franklin County Families
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — 24/7 for hazing emergencies
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com
We serve Franklin County and all of Indiana. Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our mission.
Franklin County Hazing Victims: Enough Is Enough
The same fraternities that killed Andrew Coffey, Stone Foltz, and Timothy Piazza operate in Franklin County.
The same universities that failed to protect those students operate in Indiana.
It’s time to say enough.
If your child has been hazed in Franklin County, we will fight for you. We will hold them accountable. And we will make sure this never happens to another Franklin County family.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
