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Johnson County (Earth/North America/United States/Indiana/Johnson County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 21, 2026 17 min read
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Here is the comprehensive, publication-ready, Johnson County-optimized marketing content for Attorney 911’s hazing victim representation services:

Hazing Lawyer in Johnson County: Protecting Students from Abuse & Negligence

Johnson County Families: Hazing Is Happening at Your Schools – And It’s Time to Fight Back

You sent your child to college in Johnson County expecting them to be safe. But behind the Greek letters and campus traditions, a dangerous culture of abuse thrives—one that has already sent students to the hospital and claimed lives across America.

The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston have chapters near Johnson County. The same universities that failed to stop hazing in Texas are operating near Johnson County. And the same negligence that led to a $10 million lawsuit in Houston is happening right here in our community.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis head-on. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that these cases can be won. Johnson County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

If your child has been hazed, abused, or hospitalized by a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Johnson County, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll fight for justice, accountability, and the compensation your family deserves.

The Hazing Crisis in Johnson County: What Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s assault. It’s torture. It’s often criminal. And it’s happening at colleges and universities near Johnson County.

What Counts as Hazing?

Under Indiana law, hazing includes any activity that:
Endangers physical or mental health (forced exercise to exhaustion, sleep deprivation, extreme weather exposure)
Involves forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances until vomiting)
Includes physical brutality (beating, paddling, waterboarding, branding)
Creates psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
Violates Indiana’s anti-hazing laws (Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2)

This isn’t just “tradition.” It’s illegal.

Hazing Is Happening Near Johnson County

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide—including Johnson County. The same fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have chapters at universities near Johnson County, including:

  • Indiana University Bloomington (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others)
  • Purdue University (Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and others)
  • Butler University (Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Alpha Theta, and others)
  • University of Indianapolis (Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Kappa, and others)

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Johnson County, they face the same risks we’re fighting in court right now.

The Landmark Case: How We’re Fighting Hazing in Court Right Now

$10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

We’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing at Pi Kappa Phi’s University of Houston chapter. His case proves what happens when institutions fail to protect students.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez?

Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to run through his own vomit
Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

This didn’t happen in the 1980s. This happened in 2025.

Why This Case Matters for Johnson County Families

Same fraternities operate near Johnson County – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have chapters at Indiana universities.
Universities near Johnson County face the same liability – If a school owns or controls a fraternity house where hazing occurs, they can be held responsible.
National organizations know about the problem – Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after a student died in 2017. They did nothing.
$10 million is possible – Our demand is in line with recent hazing verdicts and settlements.

If your child was hazed in Johnson County, we will fight for you with the same intensity.

Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Johnson County?

When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held accountable—not just the students who participated.

Potential Defendants in a Johnson County Hazing Case:

Defendant Why They’re Liable Johnson County Application
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing Chapters at IU Bloomington, Purdue, Butler, etc.
National Organization Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.
University/College Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred; failed to protect students Indiana University, Purdue, Butler, etc.
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing Students, alumni, advisors
Housing Corporations Owned property where hazing occurred Fraternity/sorority houses near Johnson County
Insurance Companies Provided coverage for negligent organizations Policies covering fraternities, universities

We don’t just sue students. We sue the institutions that enable abuse.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Johnson County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, including:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
  • PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Even if your child seems “fine,” get them checked. Some injuries (like kidney damage) don’t show symptoms right away.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, social media posts).
Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).
Do NOT delete anything—even if it’s embarrassing or incriminating.
Do NOT sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer

Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative. They may:

  • Offer a quick settlement to silence your family
  • Pressure your child to sign a waiver
  • Destroy evidence
  • Intimidate witnesses

Call us first. We’ll handle all communications.

Step 4: Contact a Johnson County Hazing Lawyer Immediately

Hazing cases have strict deadlines (Indiana’s statute of limitations is 2 years). The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Call Attorney 911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Why Johnson County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit—proving we know how to win these cases. Johnson County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook—and we use it against them.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, meaning we can pursue hazing cases nationwide—including Johnson County.

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses (Texas & New York)

This gives us strategic advantages when suing national fraternities headquartered out of state.

5. We Travel to Johnson County

We’ll come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. No Upfront Costs

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

7. Bilingual Representation (Se Habla Español)

We serve Johnson County’s Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.

Hazing Verdicts & Settlements: What Johnson County Families Can Expect

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

Case Fraternity University Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State Settlement $10.1M+
Maxwell Gruver Phi Delta Theta Louisiana State Jury Verdict $6.1M
Timothy Piazza Beta Theta Pi Penn State Settlement $110M+
Andrew Coffey Pi Kappa Phi Florida State Settlement Confidential
Adam Oakes Delta Chi Virginia Commonwealth Settlement $4M+

Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is in line with these precedents—and Johnson County families can expect the same.

Johnson County Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights

Indiana Anti-Hazing Law (IC 35-42-2-2)

Indiana law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by:

  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • Up to $1,000 in fines

If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it becomes a Level 6 felony, punishable by:

  • Up to 2.5 years in prison
  • Up to $10,000 in fines

Civil Liability for Hazing in Johnson County

Even if no criminal charges are filed, you can sue for:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Wrongful death (if hazing results in death)

Consent Is NOT a Defense

Indiana law explicitly states that a victim’s consent to hazing does not absolve the organization of liability.

Fraternities Near Johnson County with Hazing Histories

The same fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have chapters at universities near Johnson County. If your child is pledging one of these, they’re at risk.

Fraternity Notable Hazing Cases Universities Near Johnson County
Pi Kappa Phi Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 – death); Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 – hospitalization) Indiana University Bloomington, Purdue University
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Multiple hazing deaths, including at Texas A&M Indiana University Bloomington, Purdue University
Pi Kappa Alpha Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 – death) Purdue University, University of Indianapolis
Phi Delta Theta Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 – death) Butler University, Indiana University Bloomington
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 – death) Purdue University, Butler University

This isn’t just a Texas problem. It’s happening near Johnson County.

Hazing Warning Signs for Johnson County Parents

Hazing is often hidden, but there are red flags to watch for:

Sudden secrecy – Your child stops sharing details about their activities.
Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, or burns that don’t make sense.
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation – Dark circles, falling asleep in class, missing deadlines.
Changes in behavior – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal from friends/family.
Sudden requests for money – For “fraternity dues,” “pledge fees,” or “events.”
Forced consumption – Stories of “drinking games,” “eating challenges,” or “workouts until collapse.”
Humiliation rituals – Being forced to wear embarrassing outfits, carry strange objects, or perform degrading tasks.

If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Johnson County

1. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing laws apply on or off campus, including at private residences, fraternity houses, and even online.

2. What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

Consent is not a defense in Indiana. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

3. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Johnson County?

Indiana’s statute of limitations for hazing cases is 2 years from the date of injury. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

4. Can we sue the university, or just the fraternity?

Yes, you can sue the university if:
✔ They owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred.
✔ They knew or should have known about the hazing.
✔ They failed to implement adequate safety measures.

5. What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?

You can still sue for:

  • Emotional distress
  • PTSD, anxiety, or depression
  • Humiliation and psychological abuse
  • Loss of educational opportunities

6. How much is a hazing case worth in Johnson County?

Every case is different, but hazing verdicts and settlements routinely reach millions of dollars. Factors that increase case value include:
Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
Institutional knowledge (did the university/fraternity know about prior hazing?)
Pattern of abuse (is this an isolated incident, or part of a culture?)

7. Will my child have to testify in court?

Most hazing cases settle before trial. If your case does go to court, we’ll prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.

8. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer in Johnson County?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict—so there’s no financial risk to your family.

Johnson County Hazing Resources

Report Hazing in Indiana:

National Hazing Hotlines:

  • Hazing Prevention Network: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
  • Gordie Center (Alcohol & Hazing Prevention): gordie.org

Mental Health Support for Hazing Victims:

  • Indiana 211: Dial 211 or visit in211.org
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Johnson County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s often criminal. And it’s happening to students near Johnson County right now.

If your child has been hazed, you have legal rights. You can hold the fraternity, the university, and the individuals responsible accountable. You can recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost opportunities. And you can help prevent this from happening to another Johnson County family.

Attorney 911 is ready to fight for you. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case—proving that these cases can be won. Johnson County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We don’t get paid unless you win. There’s no risk. There’s no upfront cost. There’s only justice.

Johnson County Parents: The Next Call Could Save a Life

Every time a hazing victim comes forward, they protect the next student. Your child’s case could be the one that stops this culture of abuse.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let’s fight back—together.

Attorney 911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Johnson County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Why This Content Works for Johnson County:

Local Relevance – References Indiana universities near Johnson County (IU Bloomington, Purdue, Butler, UIndy).
Cultural Nuance – Acknowledges Johnson County’s family values and concerns about campus safety.
SEO Optimization – Naturally integrates keywords like “hazing lawyer Johnson County,” “fraternity abuse attorney Indiana,” “Johnson County hazing lawsuit.”
Actionable Guidance – Provides clear steps for Johnson County families to take if hazing occurs.
Social Proof – Highlights Attorney 911’s active $10M hazing case to build credibility.
Urgency – Emphasizes Indiana’s 2-year statute of limitations to prompt immediate action.
Comprehensive – Covers legal rights, warning signs, case values, and resources specific to Johnson County.

This content is ready for immediate publication on Attorney 911’s website, blog, and Johnson County-focused landing pages. It’s designed to educate, empower, and convert hazing victims and their families into clients.

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