🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Knox County Families: Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

If your child was hazed at a college near Knox County, Indiana — we can help. Even from Houston, we serve Knox County hazing victims nationwide.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. The same fraternities and sororities operate at colleges near Knox County — and we will fight just as hard for Knox County families.

Call now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

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

🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Knox County: What Parents Need to Know

Knox County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But behind the Greek letters and social events, a dangerous culture of hazing persists at colleges and universities across Indiana and the nation.

What is Hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.

Common hazing activities at Knox County-area colleges include:

• Extreme physical exertion (forced exercise to exhaustion)
• Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, “drinking games”)
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse and humiliation
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Beating with wooden paddles
• Forced eating until vomiting
• Sexual humiliation
• Isolation and servitude

The Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “harmless tradition” — it can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, including:

• Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure (like our current client)
• Alcohol poisoning — potentially fatal (BAC levels 6x legal limit have killed students)
• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia or heat stroke — from exposure
• Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression — long-term psychological damage
• Death

🏥 Our Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

This is happening now — and it could happen to your child at a Knox County-area college.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse and torture that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups as punishment
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout (October 15, 2025) — but the hazing continued

On November 3, 2025, after being forced to perform extreme physical exercises, Bermudez collapsed and could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was too sore to move. The day after that, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

Why This Matters to Knox County Families

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including at colleges near Knox County.
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Knox County-area fraternities.
• Universities near Knox County face the same liability failures as UH.
• If your child is being hazed at a college near Knox County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston.

The Defendants We’re Suing:

1. Pi Kappa Phi National Organization — Failed to supervise despite knowing about “a hazing crisis”
2. Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter (UH) — Directly organized and conducted hazing
3. University of Houston — Owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred; failed to protect students despite a 2017 hazing incident at another fraternity
4. Individual fraternity members — Including the president, pledgemaster, and others who participated
5. Former members and their spouses — Hazing occurred at their residence

What the Defendants Are Saying — And Why It Matters

• Pi Kappa Phi National admitted on their website that they closed the UH chapter due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.”
• University of Houston called the hazing “deeply disturbing” and admitted it was a “clear violation of our community standards.”
• Both defendants coordinated their response — showing they knew about the problem and are trying to limit liability.

Translation: They admit they knew about the hazing. They admit they failed to stop it. And they’re already trying to move on.

We won’t let them.

⚖️ Legal Rights for Knox County Hazing Victims

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Knox County?

If your child was hazed at a college near Knox County, multiple parties may be responsible:

Indiana Hazing Laws: What Knox County Families Need to Know

While Indiana has anti-hazing laws, civil lawsuits allow victims to pursue financial compensation for injuries — regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

Key Indiana Hazing Law (IC 35-42-2-2):

• Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail, $1,000 fine)
• If hazing results in serious bodily injury, it becomes a Level 6 felony (up to 2.5 years in prison)
• Consent is not a defense — even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it doesn’t matter

Civil Liability (What We Pursue):

• Negligence — Duty of care was breached
• Assault and Battery — Intentional harmful contact
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress — Extreme and outrageous conduct
• Premises Liability — If hazing occurred on property owned by the university or others
• Negligent Supervision — National organization and university failed to monitor

💰 What Knox County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing victims are entitled to full and fair compensation for all damages caused by the abuse. This includes:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses (emergency room, hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy)
• Future medical costs (ongoing treatment, potential dialysis or transplant)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Educational impact (tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships)
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs (physical and mental health treatment)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain and suffering (from injuries, medical treatment, recovery)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages (Punishing Egregious Conduct)

In cases of extreme misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing. This is especially likely when:

• The conduct was intentional or reckless (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse)
• The defendants knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing
• The defendants tried to cover up the hazing

Precedent Cases Show Hazing Victims Can Recover Millions:

• $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million jury verdict — Maxwell Gruver (LSU / Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State / Beta Theta Pi)
• Confidential multi-million settlements — Multiple other cases

Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is supported by these precedents.

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

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning may not show symptoms immediately.
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails about the hazing.
• Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
• Document the hazing location (fraternity house, off-campus residence, etc.).
• Get names and contact information of other victims and witnesses.
• Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization

• Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel.
• Do not sign anything from the organization or university.
• Do not post on social media about the incident.
• Anything you say can be used against you in a lawsuit.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Time is critical — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations apply.
• We offer free, confidential consultations — no obligation, no upfront cost.
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call Attorney 911 now:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

🎓 Why Knox 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, negotiate with institutions, and win in court.
• Knox County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
• We know exactly how they try to minimize claims and deny liability.
• We use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for our clients.

3. Nationwide Representation for Knox County Families

• While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Knox County.
• Federal court authority — we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage for national fraternity cases.
• We travel to Knox County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

4. Bilingual Support for Knox County Families

• Se habla español — we serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
• Our staff is friendly, compassionate, and truly cares about our clients.

5. Proven Results in Complex Litigation

• $10 million hazing lawsuit (current case)
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience against large corporations
• Former insurance defense attorneys — know how to dismantle their tactics

6. Contingency Fee Representation — No Upfront Cost for Knox County Families

• You pay nothing to hire us.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — not from your pocket.

🏛️ The Knox County Colleges Where Hazing Happens

Hazing occurs at colleges and universities across Indiana, including those near Knox County. The same national fraternities and sororities with hazing histories operate at these schools:

Indiana Colleges with Greek Life Near Knox County

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Hazing occurs at many colleges with Greek life, including smaller schools near Knox County.

The National Fraternities with Hazing Histories

These organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements and have chapters at colleges near Knox County:

If your child is pledging one of these fraternities — or any Greek organization — at a Knox County-area college, they are at risk.

🚫 Common Defenses Used Against Hazing Victims — And Why They Fail

Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”

Our Response:

• Consent is not a defense under Indiana law (IC 35-42-2-2).
• Hazing involves coercion, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion.
• Victims often don’t know what they’re agreeing to until it’s too late.

Defense 2: “It’s Just Tradition”

Our Response:

• “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity.
• No amount of tradition makes assault, battery, or torture acceptable.
• Courts and juries reject this argument — as seen in the $6.1 million Gruver verdict.

Defense 3: “The Victim Was Drinking Voluntarily”

Our Response:

• Forced consumption ≠ voluntary participation.
• Peer pressure, threats, and “required” drinking are coercion.
• Even if some drinking was voluntary, hazing is about the entire abusive process.

Defense 4: “We Didn’t Know Hazing Was Happening”

Our Response:

• Universities and national organizations have a duty to monitor.
• Prior hazing incidents (like the 2017 UH case) prove they should have known.
• Pattern evidence (multiple incidents at multiple chapters) shows systemic failure.

Defense 5: “The Victim Should Have Just Left”

Our Response:

• Fear of retaliation, social ostracism, and losing membership creates duress.
• Many victims are physically prevented from leaving hazing activities.
• Leaving often means losing friendships, social status, and future opportunities.

📢 Our Message to Knox County Fraternities and Sororities

To the chapters operating near Knox County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students, we will find every liable entity — the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and individual members.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma:
If your chapter operates near Knox County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We have proven these cases can be won.

To the universities near Knox County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now — or face the same accountability.

🎯 How We Build a Winning Case for Knox County Hazing Victims

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they save all evidence.
• Subpoena social media platforms (Snapchat, Instagram, GroupMe) to prevent deletion.
• Interview witnesses before memories fade.

2. Comprehensive Medical Documentation

• Obtain full medical records from hospitalization and ongoing treatment.
• Work with medical experts to document the full extent of injuries.
• Calculate future medical costs (rehabilitation, therapy, potential dialysis/transplant).

3. Pattern Evidence Investigation

• Request hazing incident reports from the university and national organization.
• Identify prior hazing incidents at the same chapter.
• Document the fraternity’s national hazing history.

4. Aggressive Discovery

• Depose chapter officers, national leaders, and university administrators.
• Request all internal communications about hazing.
• Subpoena text messages, emails, and social media posts from members.

5. Expert Testimony

• Medical experts — Explain the injuries and long-term consequences.
• Greek life culture experts — Describe the coercive environment of hazing.
• Economic experts — Calculate lost wages, future earning capacity, and medical costs.

6. Media and Public Pressure

• Expose the truth through media coverage.
• Pressure universities and national organizations to take real action.
• Mobilize alumni and donors to demand accountability.

7. Negotiation and Litigation

• Demand full compensation from all liable parties.
• Negotiate aggressively — we know how insurance companies lowball victims.
• Take the case to trial if defendants refuse to settle fairly.

🏆 Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements

These results are possible for Knox County hazing victims too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Knox County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should they?

A: Yes — and here’s why:

• Holding the organization accountable may prevent future hazing.
• Compensation can help with medical bills, therapy, and lost opportunities.
• You don’t have to decide immediately — we offer free consultations to discuss options.
• Your child’s identity can be protected in legal proceedings.

Q: We’re in Knox County — can you still help us?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Knox County. We offer:

• Video consultations — meet with us remotely.
• Federal court authority — we can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction.
• Travel to Knox County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict.

Q: What if the hazing happened a while ago?

A: Act now. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations apply (typically 2 years in Indiana). The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Q: Will this affect my child’s standing at the university?

A: No. Pursuing a civil lawsuit is a legal right and should not affect your child’s enrollment. Universities cannot retaliate against students for exercising their legal rights.

Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing?

A: That doesn’t matter. Even if some drinking was voluntary, hazing is about the entire abusive process. Forced consumption, peer pressure, and threats are coercion — not consent.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different. Some settle within 6-12 months, while others take 2-4 years if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.

📞 Call Attorney 911 Now — Knox County Hazing Victims Deserve Justice

If your child was hazed at a college near Knox County, we can help. Even from Houston, we serve Knox County families nationwide.

Free, Confidential Consultation:

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

Why Call Us Now:

✅ We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit — we know how to win.
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to maximize your compensation.
✅ Nationwide representation — we serve Knox County families anywhere in America.
✅ Contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win.
✅ Bilingual support — we speak English and Spanish.
✅ Compassionate, aggressive representation — we truly care about our clients.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 now — before it’s too late.