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Hazing Lawyer in Starke County, Indiana | Attorney 911

Protecting Starke County Students from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse

If your child was hazed at a college near Starke County, Indiana, you have legal rights. We fight for hazing victims and their families—no matter where the incident occurred.

Hazing is not just a “college tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in far too many cases, it leads to life-altering injuries—or worse. If your child was forced to endure dangerous, degrading, or violent hazing rituals at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization near Starke County, Indiana, you need an aggressive legal team that will hold the responsible parties accountable.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and extreme physical abuse. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win. Starke County families deserve the same fierce representation.

⚠️ Hazing Happens Near Starke County, Indiana—And It’s More Dangerous Than You Think

Starke County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing incidents occur at universities across Indiana and the Midwest, including schools near Starke County where Greek life is active. The same fraternities and sororities involved in nationwide hazing scandals—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and others—have chapters at Indiana colleges and universities.

Did you know?

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study on Student Hazing, 2008).
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death in the U.S. every year.
• 95% of hazing victims do not report it—often out of fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization.
• Indiana has anti-hazing laws, but universities and fraternities often ignore them until it’s too late.

🏫 Which Colleges Near Starke County Have Greek Life?

Starke County is home to hardworking families who value education and community. Many students from Starke County attend colleges and universities across Indiana and the Midwest, where Greek life is prevalent. Some of the schools near Starke County with active fraternities and sororities include:

Public Universities Near Starke County:

• Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) – One of Indiana’s largest Greek systems, with over 50 fraternities and sororities. Hazing incidents have been documented in the past.
• Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, IN) – Home to one of the largest Greek communities in the U.S., with over 70 chapters. Hazing has been a persistent issue.
• Ball State University (Muncie, IN) – Active Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities.
• Indiana State University (Terre Haute, IN) – Greek organizations with documented hazing concerns.
• University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN) – While known for its academic rigor, Greek life exists, and hazing has occurred.

Private Colleges Near Starke County:

• Valparaiso University (Valparaiso, IN) – Greek life is a significant part of campus culture.
• Butler University (Indianapolis, IN) – Active Greek community with fraternities and sororities.
• DePauw University (Greencastle, IN) – Greek life plays a major role in student life.
• Wabash College (Crawfordsville, IN) – All-male college with fraternities that have faced hazing allegations.

Community Colleges and Regional Campuses Near Starke County:

• Ivy Tech Community College (Multiple Campuses) – While not traditionally known for Greek life, some chapters exist.
• Purdue University Northwest (Hammond, IN) – Greek organizations with hazing risks.

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and serious injuries operate at these schools. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Starke County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis: What Starke County Families Need to Know

What Is Hazing?

Under Indiana law (IC 35-42-2-2), hazing is defined as:

“Forcing or requiring another person to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group.”

This includes:

• Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise, branding, waterboarding).
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, drugs, or other substances to the point of vomiting or passing out).
• Psychological abuse (sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats, isolation).
• Dangerous stunts (blindfolded activities, extreme physical challenges, confinement).
• Sexual abuse or humiliation (forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects).

Hazing is not limited to fraternities. It happens in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations.

Why Do Universities and Fraternities Allow Hazing to Continue?

Despite anti-hazing laws, hazing persists because:

1. Universities prioritize reputation over safety. Many schools fear negative publicity more than they fear student injuries.
2. Fraternities and sororities operate with little oversight. National organizations often turn a blind eye to hazing until a tragedy occurs.
3. Students are afraid to speak up. Victims fear retaliation, social ostracism, or being labeled a “snitch.”
4. Criminal penalties are rarely enforced. Even when hazing is reported, prosecutions are rare.

Starke County parents: If your child was hazed, you cannot rely on the university or the fraternity to do the right thing. You need a lawyer who will fight for justice.

⚖️ Legal Rights for Starke County Hazing Victims

Who Is Liable for Hazing Injuries?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

Indiana Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

Indiana has strong anti-hazing laws, but they are often ignored. Under IC 35-42-2-2, hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 180 days in jail.
• Fines up to $1,000.

If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a Level 6 felony, punishable by:

• 6 months to 2.5 years in prison.
• Fines up to $10,000.

Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law explicitly states that consent does not excuse hazing.

💰 Can Starke County Families Sue for Hazing?

Yes. If your child was injured due to hazing, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, surgery, therapy, future treatment).
• Lost wages (if the injury affected their ability to work).
• Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD).
• Mental anguish (anxiety, depression, humiliation).
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct).

Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (Proof That Victims Win)

Hazing cases routinely result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Some recent examples:

Starke County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can—and do—win big. The same legal strategies that secured these verdicts apply to your case, no matter where the hazing occurred.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Starke County, Indiana

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
• Document everything. Ask for copies of all medical records.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used in hazing.
• Write down everything (dates, times, what happened, who was involved).
• Get witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders).

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer

• They will try to control the narrative. Anything you say can be used against you.
• They may offer a quick settlement. These offers are always lowball—don’t accept without legal advice.
• They may pressure you to stay silent. This is about protecting them, not you.

Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• The statute of limitations in Indiana is 2 years. If you wait, you may lose your right to sue.
• Evidence disappears quickly. Texts get deleted, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records.
• We offer free consultations. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

Step 5: Report the Hazing (But Do So Safely)

• File a police report. Hazing is a crime in Indiana.
• Report to the university’s Title IX office. Hazing often violates anti-discrimination policies.
• Consider reporting to the national fraternity/sorority. They may take disciplinary action.

🏆 Why Starke County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

We don’t just talk about hazing—we’re actively litigating a case right now. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles at Pi Kappa Phi’s University of Houston chapter. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how they try to deny claims, minimize injuries, and avoid accountability. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. Nationwide Reach—We Serve Starke County Families Anywhere

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Starke County, Indiana. We can:

• File lawsuits in federal court (we’re admitted to U.S. District Court).
• Travel to Starke County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
• Offer remote consultations via video call.

4. No Upfront Costs—You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• $0 upfront.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing.

5. We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims in Starke County and surrounding areas come from Hispanic families. Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, and we provide full legal services in Spanish, including:

• Consultations.
• Case updates.
• Court documents.
• Deposition assistance.

6. We Understand the Starke County Community

Starke County is a tight-knit community with strong family values. We understand that hazing isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a personal betrayal. We treat every client like family, and we fight for justice with the same passion we’d want for our own children.

🎯 Common Hazing Injuries We Handle for Starke County Families

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

If your child suffered any of these injuries due to hazing, we can help.

📢 Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Starke County

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Starke County, Indiana:

We know who you are. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. And we know that if you haze students near Starke County, we will hold you accountable.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi—if your chapter operates near Starke County, understand this:

• We are watching.
• We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your insurance policies.
• We know your hazing “traditions”—and we know they’re illegal.
• If you haze a Starke County student, we will sue you, your national organization, the university, and every individual involved.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. $10 million lawsuit pending.

That’s what happens when you haze in America. That’s what will happen if you haze near Starke County.

📞 Starke County Families: Contact Us Today

If your child was hazed at a college near Starke County, Indiana, call us now for a free, confidential consultation.

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

We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Starke County, Indiana. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Starke County, Indiana

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should I still call a lawyer?

A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, you may have legal options to hold the responsible parties accountable. Additionally, reporting the hazing can prevent future incidents and protect other students. We offer free consultations to discuss your options.

Q: The fraternity/sorority says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a valid defense?

A: No. Under Indiana law (IC 35-42-2-2), consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law explicitly states that consent does not excuse hazing. Fraternities and sororities will try this argument—don’t let them get away with it.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowners (including alumni) can be held liable.

Q: How much is my hazing case worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases routinely settle for millions of dollars. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, long-term damage).
• Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse).
• Pattern of hazing (if the chapter had prior incidents).
• University involvement (if the school knew and did nothing).

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

Q: Will suing the fraternity/sorority affect my child’s academic career?

A: No. Universities cannot retaliate against students for exercising their legal rights. If the school tries to punish your child for speaking out, we will sue them for retaliation.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t result in physical injury?

A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t physically injured, psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is compensable. Many hazing victims suffer long-term emotional damage—and they deserve justice.

🏆 Our Commitment to Starke County Families

At Attorney 911, we believe that no family should have to suffer because of hazing. We are committed to:

• Fighting for justice for Starke County hazing victims.
• Holding fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable.
• Preventing future hazing incidents through aggressive litigation.
• Supporting Starke County families with compassion and expertise.

If your child was hazed near Starke County, Indiana, call us today. We’re ready to fight for you.

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

🔍 Starke County Hazing Lawyer | Fraternity Abuse Attorney | Sorority Hazing Lawsuit

Serving Starke County, Indiana and nationwide. If your child was hazed at Purdue, IU, Ball State, Notre Dame, or any other college near Starke County, we can help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.