🚨 Hazing Lawyer in Parke County, Indiana – Legal Help for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims
When “tradition” becomes torture, Attorney 911 fights back.
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in Parke County or nearby Indiana communities, you’re not alone. The same national Greek organizations operating in Parke County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – and we bring that same aggressive representation to Parke County families.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
🏛️ Hazing in Parke County: What Parents Need to Know
Parke County is home to a strong academic community with institutions like DePauw University in nearby Greencastle and Indiana State University in Terre Haute**, where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths across America have active chapters at universities near Parke County:
- Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M lawsuit defendant)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Phi Delta Theta
- And many others
These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries at other schools. The same culture exists in Parke County.
🔍 What Hazing Looks Like in Parke County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless traditions.” In our current case, a student was:
- 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 continue exercising
- Hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This isn’t tradition. This is torture. And it happens at Parke County-area schools too.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Parke County Hazing Victim
📜 Indiana Hazing Laws
Indiana has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all educational institutions in Parke County and throughout the state:
Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2: Hazing
- 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 (6 months 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
Indiana Code § 21-40-5: Institutional Reporting
- Universities must report hazing incidents to law enforcement
- Failure to report is a Class B misdemeanor
🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable in Parke County?
We pursue every responsible party in hazing cases:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members and officers
The same structure exists at Parke County-area institutions.
💰 What Your Parke County Hazing Case Could Be Worth
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110 million+ settlement |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | $4+ million settlement |
Our current case: $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
📊 What Determines Your Case Value?
| Factor | How It Affects Your Case |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | Hospitalization, permanent damage = higher value |
| Medical expenses | Past and future medical bills |
| Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression therapy costs |
| University’s knowledge | Did they know hazing was happening? |
| Pattern of abuse | Multiple incidents = punitive damages |
| Defendant’s assets | National organizations have deep pockets |
| Media attention | Public pressure can increase settlement value |
Parke County families: You have the same rights as these other victims. We will fight for maximum compensation for your child.
🏥 Common Hazing Injuries in Parke County
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries:
| Injury Type | Symptoms | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle pain, dark urine, kidney failure | Permanent kidney damage, dialysis, transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Confusion, vomiting, unconsciousness, death | Brain damage, organ failure |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Headache, memory loss, mood changes | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Heat Stroke | High body temperature, nausea, seizures | Organ damage, death |
| Hypothermia | Shivering, confusion, loss of consciousness | Frostbite, amputation, death |
| Broken Bones | Pain, swelling, inability to move | Permanent disability |
| Internal Bleeding | Abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting | Organ damage, death |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Flashbacks, nightmares, social withdrawal | Long-term therapy, medication |
Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats. This same injury happens to students at Parke County-area schools.
🛡️ Why Parke County Families Choose Attorney 911
🏆 Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experience
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – the same fraternity that operates at universities near Parke County. We know how to build these cases and win.
⚖️ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims, and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
🏛️ Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to pursue cases in federal court – critical for cases involving national organizations with chapters in Parke County.
🌍 Dual-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Texas AND New York – strategic advantage for cases against national Greek organizations headquartered in different states.
🗣️ Se Habla Español
Our bilingual staff serves Spanish-speaking Parke County families. No language barriers to justice.
🚗 We Travel to Parke County
While based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we travel to Parke County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
💳 Contingency Fee Representation
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. Parke County families pay nothing unless we win your case.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Parke County
🚨 Immediate Steps:
- Get medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, document everything
- Preserve all evidence – Texts, photos, videos, social media posts
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority – They will try to control the narrative
- Do NOT post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
- Contact an attorney immediately – Evidence disappears quickly
📅 What We Do for Parke County Families:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Free Consultation | Evaluate your case, explain your rights |
| 2. Evidence Preservation | Send preservation letters to all defendants |
| 3. Medical Documentation | Work with doctors to document all injuries |
| 4. Investigation | Interview witnesses, gather evidence |
| 5. Demand Letter | Present evidence to defendants |
| 6. Negotiation | Fight for maximum settlement |
| 7. Litigation | File lawsuit if necessary |
| 8. Trial | Present your case to a jury if needed |
Parke County families: Time is critical. The statute of limitations is running. Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🎯 The Attorney 911 Difference for Parke County Hazing Victims
🔥 We Know the Hazing Playbook
We’re currently litigating against Pi Kappa Phi – one of the largest national fraternities with chapters at universities near Parke County. We know:
- How national organizations try to distance themselves from local chapters
- How universities try to avoid liability
- How insurance companies try to minimize claims
- How individual members try to hide behind the organization
We’ve seen their playbook. Now we use it against them.
💰 We Pursue Every Defendant
In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The housing corporation
- The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members and officers
The same defendants exist in Parke County hazing cases.
⚖️ We Fight for Maximum Compensation
We pursue:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
In our current case: $10 million demand
🏛️ We Hold Institutions Accountable
Universities and national organizations have the power to stop hazing. When they fail, we make them pay:
- University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded
- Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing
- Individual members participated in the abuse
The same accountability applies to Parke County institutions.
📞 Parke County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Help
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in Parke County or nearby Indiana communities, we can help.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. Confidential. No obligation. $0 upfront.
We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions from Parke County Families
❓ “My child agreed to participate. Can we still sue?”
YES. Indiana law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it doesn’t matter. The fraternity, sorority, and university are still liable.
❓ “The fraternity says it was just ‘tradition.’ Is that an excuse?”
NO. “Tradition” doesn’t make illegal activity legal. Waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, and physical beatings are not “tradition” – they’re crimes. Courts and juries don’t accept this excuse.
❓ “We’re not from Texas. Can you still help us in Parke County?”
YES. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Parke County. We handle cases in:
- Federal court (for national organizations)
- State courts across the country
- Video consultations for Parke County families
- Travel to Parke County for depositions and trials
❓ “How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?”
$0 upfront. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket.
❓ “What if the fraternity tries to intimidate my child?”
We protect our clients. In our current case, our client is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We:
- Handle all communications with the fraternity
- Protect your child’s identity if needed
- Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
❓ “How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. The clock starts running from the date of the hazing incident. Don’t wait – evidence disappears and witnesses forget.
❓ “What if my child doesn’t want to pursue legal action?”
We understand this is a difficult decision. We offer:
- Confidential consultations – no obligation
- Anonymous case evaluations – protect your child’s identity
- Support and guidance – help your child understand their options
Many victims change their minds when they realize:
- They can hold the abusers accountable
- They can prevent this from happening to others
- They can recover compensation for their injuries
🏆 Our Track Record: Proven Results for Hazing Victims
🔥 Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez (hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure)
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, local chapter, University of Houston, individual members
- Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Status: Lawsuit filed November 2025; media coverage by ABC13, KHOU, Houston Chronicle
🏛️ Previous Hazing Case Experience
- Kappa Sigma Fraternity Litigation – Represented victims of hazing at Texas universities
- Texas A&M Hazing Cases – Experience with rhabdomyolysis injuries from fraternity hazing
- University Negligence Cases – Held institutions accountable for failing to protect students
💼 Other Notable Cases
| Case Type | Result |
|---|---|
| BP Texas City Explosion | Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation |
| Ryan Smith Case | High-profile criminal defense with ABC13 coverage |
| Assault Family Member | Secured trial dismissal (charges dropped) |
| Civil Rights Litigation | Federal appellate experience in U.S. Second Circuit |
🌐 Serving Parke County and Nearby Indiana Communities
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims throughout Indiana, including:
| City/Town | Nearby Universities with Greek Life |
|---|---|
| Rockville | DePauw University, Indiana State University |
| Montezuma | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Rosedale | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College |
| Bloomingdale | Wabash College |
| Marshall | DePauw University |
| Bristol | University of Notre Dame |
| Terre Haute | Indiana State University, Rose-Hulman |
| Greencastle | DePauw University |
| Crawfordsville | Wabash College |
| West Lafayette | Purdue University |
If your child attends college near Parke County, they face the same hazing risks we’re fighting in Houston.
📢 A Message to Parke County Fraternities and Universities
To the Greek organizations operating at universities near Parke County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – if your chapter operates near Parke County, know this:
- We track your house corporations
- We know your national organization’s hazing death record
- We know how much they’ve paid in settlements
- If you haze students in Parke County, we will pursue every liable entity
To Parke County universities and colleges:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. When you own fraternity houses and have the power to regulate Greek life, you have the duty to protect students. When you fail, you will be held accountable.
The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi 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 Indiana too.
🏁 Take Action Now – Parke County Families Deserve Justice
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization near Parke County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
Parke County hazing victims: Enough is enough. Let’s fight back together.
