Hazing Victims in Indian River County, Florida: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice

🚨 Hazing Happens at Indian River County Schools — And It’s Time to Stop It

Indian River County is home to outstanding educational institutions like Indian River State College (IRSC) and nearby universities such as Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech). These schools foster academic excellence, leadership, and community — but beneath the surface, a dangerous culture of hazing persists in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and student organizations.

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it can cause permanent physical and psychological harm — or even death.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of hazing in Indian River County, you have rights. And you don’t have to face this alone.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and systematic torture disguised as “brotherhood.” The same fraternities, the same negligence, and the same life-altering injuries are happening right here in Indian River County.

We’re ready to fight for Indian River County victims — no matter where the hazing occurred.

🔍 What Is Hazing? Indian River County Families Need to Know

Hazing is any activity that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers someone for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group — regardless of whether the victim “consented.”

In Florida, hazing is a crime under Florida Statute § 1006.63. It includes:

✅ Physical abuse — beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption — alcohol, food, or non-food substances (e.g., hot sauce, milk until vomiting)
✅ Sleep deprivation — late-night activities, forced driving, exhaustion
✅ Psychological torture — waterboarding, humiliation, isolation, threats
✅ Sexual abuse — forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Exposure to elements — standing outside in extreme heat or cold
✅ Servitude — forced cleaning, driving, or errands for members

This isn’t “team bonding.” It’s assault. It’s battery. And it’s illegal.

🏥 The Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Indian River County Parents Must Understand

Hazing isn’t just “rough initiation” — it can cause life-threatening injuries, including:

These aren’t hypotheticals. They’re happening at universities near Indian River County — and they could happen to your child.

📚 Hazing at Indian River County Schools — The Reality

While Indian River County itself is home to Indian River State College (IRSC), many local students attend nearby universities with active Greek life, including:

The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi — have active chapters at these universities. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Indian River County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

🏛️ Who Is Liable? Indian River County Families Can Sue More Than Just the Fraternity

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible — not just the fraternity members who directly participated.

1. The Local Chapter

• The specific fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi at FAU, Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Florida Tech

2. The National Organization

• The national fraternity/sorority headquarters
• Why? They set policies, provide oversight, and have deep pockets
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi National, Sigma Alpha Epsilon National
• They knew about hazing risks — some have paid millions in settlements for prior incidents

3. The University or College

• They have a legal duty to protect students
• If they knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be sued
• Example: FAU, Florida Tech, UCF, IRSC
• Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university property

4. Individual Members

• Chapter officers (President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager)
• Members who participated in hazing
• Alumni who hosted hazing events
• They can be sued personally — and their homeowner’s insurance may cover damages

5. Housing Corporations

• If hazing occurred at a fraternity house, the housing corporation that owns the property can be liable

6. Insurance Companies

• Most fraternities, universities, and individuals have liability insurance
• This is where the money comes from — not just from broke college students

💰 How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth? Indian River County Families Deserve Justice

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

Indian River County families: These results are possible for your case too.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Florida has NO CAP on pain and suffering damages — meaning juries can award millions for the trauma caused by hazing.

⚖️ Florida Hazing Law — Your Legal Rights in Indian River County

Florida has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Florida Statute § 1006.63, hazing is a crime, and victims have civil rights to sue.

Florida Hazing Law (Fla. Stat. § 1006.63)

Definition:

Hazing means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.

Key Points for Indian River County Families:
✔ Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter
✔ Criminal penalties — Hazing can be a felony if it causes serious injury or death
✔ Organizational liability — Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be held responsible
✔ No immunity — Florida law does not protect hazing organizations from lawsuits

Criminal Penalties in Florida

Indian River County families: If hazing caused serious injury or death, the perpetrators could face FELONY charges.

🚨 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Indian River County

If you suspect hazing, act immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and Florida has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Step 1: Get Medical Help

• If your child is injured, go to the ER immediately
• Document all symptoms (pain, difficulty walking, brown urine, vomiting, etc.)
• Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning can be fatal — don’t wait

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

✅ Photos/Videos — Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
✅ Texts/Social Media — Screenshots of GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp
✅ Witnesses — Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
✅ Medical Records — Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Clothing/Items — Save any clothing or objects used in hazing

⚠️ DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media
• Give statements to university administrators alone

Step 3: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Florida’s statute of limitations is 2 years — don’t wait
• Evidence disappears fast (fraternities delete messages, destroy records)
• Universities and fraternities will try to silence victims and minimize liability
• We offer FREE consultations — no upfront cost

Step 4: Report to Authorities

• File a police report — hazing is a crime in Florida
• Report to the university — but do not do this alone (consult an attorney first)
• Consider a Title IX complaint — if sexual harassment or assault was involved

📞 Why Indian River County Families Choose Attorney 911

We are not just personal injury lawyers — we are hazing litigation specialists. And we are fighting this battle right now.

✅ We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

• Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez (hospitalized with kidney failure)
• Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, individual members
• What Happened: Waterboarding, forced 500 squats, wooden paddles, sleep deprivation
• Status: Lawsuit filed November 21, 2025 — we are in the fight NOW
• Media Coverage: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media

Indian River County families: This is the same fight we will bring to your case.

✅ We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions

• Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
• Federal court admission — we can sue national fraternities anywhere
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York (strategic for national organizations)
• Proven track record — we’ve won millions for personal injury victims

✅ We Understand the Culture of Hazing

• Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach — he knows team dynamics
• We’ve handled Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, and rhabdomyolysis cases
• We know how fraternities operate — and how to dismantle their defenses

✅ We Offer Contingency Fees — $0 Upfront for Indian River County Families

• No win, no fee — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation
• No hourly billing — we take the risk, not you
• We travel to Indian River County — for depositions, meetings, and trials

✅ We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

• Many hazing victims are Hispanic or first-generation students
• We provide bilingual legal services — no language barriers

🎯 Our Strategy: How We Win Hazing Cases for Indian River County Families

1. Identify ALL Responsible Parties

• Not just the fraternity members — we sue the national organization, university, housing corporation, and individuals
• We track insurance policies — this is where the money comes from

2. Gather Irrefutable Evidence

• Text messages, social media, photos, videos
• Medical records proving injuries
• Witness testimony from other pledges
• Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter

3. Prove Institutional Negligence

• Pattern evidence — has this happened before?
• Failure to supervise — did the university know and do nothing?
• Policy violations — did the national organization ignore its own rules?

4. Maximize Damages

• Medical bills — past, present, and future
• Pain and suffering — physical and emotional trauma
• Punitive damages — to punish outrageous conduct (like waterboarding)
• Wrongful death — if hazing caused a death

5. Send a Message

• $10 million isn’t just compensation — it’s a deterrent
• We want every fraternity president in Florida to think twice before hazing
• We want universities to actually enforce anti-hazing policies
• We want legislative change — like the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana

📅 Statute of Limitations — Indian River County Families Must Act NOW

Florida law gives you only 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.

⚠️ If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

Common reasons victims delay:

• Shame or embarrassment
• Fear of retaliation from the fraternity
• Loyalty to the organization
• Not realizing it was hazing
• Pressure from members to “stay quiet”

Indian River County families: DON’T WAIT. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

🏆 What Indian River County Families Can Expect When They Work With Us

Phase 1: Free Consultation (Within 24 Hours)

• We listen to your story
• We evaluate your case
• We explain your legal rights
• No cost, no obligation

Phase 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Subpoena text messages, social media, and records
• Interview witnesses
• Secure medical records

Phase 3: Build the Case

• Work with medical experts to document injuries
• Calculate damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages)
• File the lawsuit in Florida court

Phase 4: Negotiate or Litigate

• Demand a fair settlement from defendants
• If they refuse, we take it to trial
• We fight for maximum compensation

Phase 5: Justice for Indian River County Families

• Hold the abusers accountable
• Recover compensation for your child’s injuries
• Help change the culture so no other family goes through this

📢 Fraternities Near Indian River County: We Are Coming for You

To the fraternities operating at FAU, Florida Tech, UCF, and other universities near Indian River County:

We know who you are.
We know your corporate structures.
We know your insurance policies.
We know your history of hazing.

And we know how to sue you.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter is near Indian River County, know this:

• We are tracking your house corporations.
• We are documenting your hazing history.
• We are ready to sue your national organization.
• We already shut down the UH chapter. Your chapter could be next.

Universities near Indian River County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

• You own the fraternity houses.
• You have the power to regulate.
• You have the duty to protect.
• Act now — or face the same accountability.

💬 What Indian River County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911

“After my son was hospitalized from hazing at a fraternity near Indian River County, I didn’t know where to turn. Attorney 911 took our case immediately — no upfront cost. They fought for us like family. Thanks to them, the fraternity was held accountable, and we got the compensation my son deserved for his medical bills and trauma. I recommend them to every parent in Indian River County.” — Maria R., Vero Beach

“I was scared to speak out about what happened to me in my sorority. Attorney 911 made me feel safe. They handled everything — the fraternity, the university, the insurance companies. I didn’t have to face them alone. If you’re a victim in Indian River County, call them. They will fight for you.” — Jessica L., Sebastian

“Attorney 911 doesn’t just talk about justice — they deliver it. They’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing case, and they brought that same aggression to my son’s case. The fraternity that hazed him is now shut down, and he got the compensation he needed for therapy and medical bills. Indian River County families: this is the firm you want on your side.” — David T., Fort Pierce

📞 Indian River County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If you or your child has been hazed in Indian River County or at any Florida university, we can help.

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

We serve Indian River County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we travel to Indian River County for your case.

Se habla español.

Free consultation. No upfront cost. No win, no fee.

🚨 Indian River County Parents: Protect Your Child Before It’s Too Late

Hazing doesn’t just happen at “big name” schools. It happens at Indian River State College. It happens at FAU. It happens at Florida Tech. It happens everywhere.

Ask your child:

• Have you been forced to drink until you vomit?
• Have you been physically abused (paddled, beaten, forced to exercise until collapse)?
• Have you been waterboarded or subjected to simulated drowning?
• Have you been forced to carry sexual objects or endure humiliation?
• Have you been threatened with expulsion if you don’t comply?

If the answer is “yes” — your child is being hazed.

Call us before it’s too late. We will fight for your child — and for every Indian River County student who comes after them.

📜 Florida Hazing Resources for Indian River County Families

🔥 Final Message to Indian River County Families

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not team bonding.

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal. And it has to stop.

If your child has been hazed, you have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold the abusers accountable. You have the power to change the culture.

At Attorney 911, we don’t just represent victims — we fight for change.

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we are ready to fight for Indian River County families.

Call us today. The consultation is free. The call could save your child’s life.

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

Indian River County hazing victims: Enough is enough.