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Hazing Victims in Shelby County Deserve Justice – We Can Help
This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Shelby County.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The fraternity waterboarded him with a garden hose, forced him to do 500 squats until he collapsed, and struck him with wooden paddles.
This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same fraternities operate at universities near Shelby County. The same negligence exists in Indiana. And if your child has been hazed in Shelby County, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.
Shelby County Parents: This Could Be Your Child
If your son or daughter attends a university near Shelby County – whether it’s Indiana University, Purdue, Ball State, IUPUI, or any other school – they face the same risks. National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma have chapters across Indiana. And too often, universities fail to protect students from hazing.
We are here to change that.
Why Shelby County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas. Shelby County families get the same aggressive representation we provide locally.
2. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Shelby County
Based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Shelby County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they try to minimize claims – and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
4. We Travel to Shelby County
For depositions, trials, and client meetings, our attorneys will come to Shelby County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront for Shelby County Families
We understand that cost can be a concern. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
What Shelby County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
Hazing Is Not “Tradition” – It’s Abuse
Too often, fraternities and sororities try to justify hazing as “tradition” or “team-building.” This is a lie.
Hazing includes:
✔ Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
✔ Forced consumption (alcohol, food until vomiting)
✔ Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation)
✔ Waterboarding and simulated drowning (as seen in our current case)
✔ Sexual humiliation and assault
This is not “brotherhood.” This is not “sisterhood.” This is abuse – and it’s illegal.
Indiana Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws
Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it becomes a Level 6 felony, punishable by 6 months to 2.5 years in prison.
But criminal charges aren’t enough. Hazing victims and their families also have the right to sue for financial compensation – and that’s where we come in.
Universities Near Shelby County Are Liable
Many universities claim they “didn’t know” about hazing. This is rarely true.
- Universities own or control fraternity and sorority houses.
- They have oversight responsibility for Greek organizations.
- They often ignore warnings about hazing.
- When they fail to act, they share liability.
If your child was hazed in Shelby County, the university may be responsible.
Warning Signs of Hazing in Shelby County
Hazing often starts subtly before escalating into abuse. Shelby County parents should watch for:
✔ Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
✔ Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, sprains)
✔ Excessive fatigue or sleep deprivation
✔ Secretive behavior about Greek life activities
✔ Sudden decline in academic performance
✔ Avoiding certain people or places
✔ Signs of alcohol or drug abuse
✔ Fear of speaking about hazing incidents
If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Contact us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Shelby County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Hazing can cause serious injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Heat stroke or hypothermia
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms immediately.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Do not delete anything. Save:
✔ Text messages, emails, and social media posts about hazing
✔ Photos or videos of injuries or hazing activities
✔ Medical records from hospital or doctor visits
✔ Names and contact information of witnesses
✔ Any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Fraternity Alone
Fraternities and sororities will deny, destroy evidence, and intimidate witnesses. Do not talk to them without legal representation.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Time is critical. Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
Who We Sue for Shelby County Hazing Victims
When we take a hazing case, we pursue every liable party, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; ignored prior hazing incidents |
| University | Owned/controlled property; failed to prevent hazing |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Alumni Who Hosted Hazing | Premises liability for hazing at their homes |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
We don’t just sue broke college students – we go after the deep pockets that enable hazing culture.
Damages Shelby County Families Can Recover
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages |
|---|---|
| ✔ Medical bills (past and future) | ✔ Physical pain and suffering |
| ✔ Lost wages | ✔ Mental anguish and emotional distress |
| ✔ Future medical care (dialysis, therapy) | ✔ PTSD, anxiety, depression |
| ✔ Rehabilitation costs | ✔ Loss of enjoyment of life |
| ✔ Property damage | ✔ Disfigurement or permanent impairment |
In cases of extreme misconduct, we also pursue punitive damages – additional compensation meant to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are just a few examples:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement |
These cases prove that hazing victims can – and do – win big. Shelby County families deserve the same justice.
Fraternities Near Shelby County With Hazing Histories
The following fraternities have documented hazing incidents and operate chapters at universities near Shelby County:
| Fraternity | Hazing Incidents | Universities Near Shelby County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | 2 deaths (2017, 2025); multiple hospitalizations | Indiana University, Purdue, Ball State |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Death (2021); multiple lawsuits | Indiana University, Purdue |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple deaths; lawsuits | Purdue, Indiana University |
| Beta Theta Pi | Death (2017); $110M settlement | Purdue, IUPUI |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple deaths; lawsuits | Indiana University, Ball State |
If your child is pledging one of these fraternities near Shelby County, they are at risk.
What Makes Our Firm Different for Shelby County Families
1. We Have Specific Hazing Litigation Experience
Most personal injury lawyers have never handled a hazing case. We have.
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas.
- We have experience with rhabdomyolysis cases, a common hazing injury.
- We know how to build cases against universities and national fraternities.
2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Before representing victims, we worked for insurance companies. We know exactly how they try to deny claims – and we use that knowledge to fight back.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
Many hazing cases involve national fraternities headquartered in other states. Our federal court admission allows us to pursue these cases nationwide, including in Shelby County.
4. We Are Bilingual – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Shelby County are international students or come from Spanish-speaking families. We provide full legal services in Spanish to ensure no language barriers prevent justice.
5. We Offer Free, Remote Consultations for Shelby County Families
We understand that traveling to Houston may not be possible. That’s why we offer video consultations so Shelby County families can meet with us from home.
Shelby County Universities With Greek Life – Are They Protecting Your Child?
The following universities near Shelby County have active Greek life programs. If your child attends one of these schools, they may be at risk of hazing:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana University (IU) | Bloomington | Strong Greek life; multiple hazing incidents |
| Purdue University | West Lafayette | Active Greek system; hazing reports |
| Ball State University | Muncie | Greek life present; hazing concerns |
| IUPUI | Indianapolis | Greek organizations; urban setting |
| Butler University | Indianapolis | Greek life; private university |
| University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis | Greek presence; smaller campus |
| Franklin College | Franklin | Greek organizations; local school |
If your child attends any of these schools, they may be exposed to hazing. Contact us if you suspect abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Shelby County
1. Is hazing really a problem in Shelby County?
Yes. While Shelby County itself is a smaller community, many local students attend universities with Greek life. Hazing happens at large state schools, private universities, and even community colleges across Indiana.
2. My child “consented” to hazing. Can we still sue?
Yes. Indiana law does not allow consent as a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
3. What if the fraternity claims it was “just a prank”?
Hazing is not a prank. It is abuse, and it is illegal. If your child was injured, humiliated, or traumatized, they have a valid legal claim.
4. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in six- or seven-figure settlements. Factors that increase case value include:
✔ Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
✔ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced alcohol consumption)
✔ University knowledge (prior hazing incidents at the school)
✔ National fraternity involvement (deep pockets)
5. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We understand that hazing victims often fear speaking out. We take every precaution to protect our clients, including:
✔ Confidential consultations
✔ Legal protections against retaliation
✔ Anonymous reporting options
6. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Indiana?
Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait – evidence disappears, and your legal rights expire.
Shelby County Families: We Are Here to Help
If your child has been hazed in Shelby County or at a university nearby, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for you.
Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email us:
Visit our website:
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win.
Shelby County Parents: Protect Your Child Today
Hazing doesn’t just happen in big cities or faraway states. It happens in Indiana. It happens near Shelby County. And it could happen to your child.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you suspect hazing, contact us immediately. We will fight for your child’s rights, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another Shelby County family.
