Hazing Lawyers in Tippecanoe County: Protecting Students & Holding Institutions Accountable
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines—Neither Do We
If your child was hazed at Purdue University, Ivy Tech Community College, or any other institution in Tippecanoe County, you’re not alone. The same fraternities, sororities, and student organizations that have paid millions in settlements nationwide—including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma—operate right here in West Lafayette, Lafayette, and surrounding areas.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case involving waterboarding, forced consumption, and extreme physical abuse that hospitalized a student with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening in Tippecanoe County.
We serve hazing victims and families across Indiana, including Tippecanoe, Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Warren, and White Counties. If your child was injured, traumatized, or lost due to hazing, we will fight for you—no matter where in Tippecanoe County the incident occurred.
Why Tippecanoe County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Already Fighting This Battle—Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is making headlines, and we’re using the same aggressive strategies to hold Tippecanoe County institutions accountable.
2. We Know the Fraternities Operating Near Tippecanoe County
The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide have active chapters at Purdue University, Ivy Tech, and other Indiana schools. We track their corporate structures, insurance policies, and histories of abuse—so when hazing happens in Tippecanoe County, we already know who to sue.
3. We Travel to Tippecanoe County—Distance Is Not a Barrier
We’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we come to Tippecanoe County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Whether your child was hazed at Purdue’s Greek Row, an off-campus fraternity house, or a student organization event, we’ll be there to fight for justice.
4. We Offer Free, Confidential Consultations—24/7
Hazing victims often fear retaliation or don’t realize they have legal rights. We listen without judgment and provide immediate guidance. Call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911—we’re here to help.
5. No Upfront Costs—We Only Get Paid If You Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This allows Tippecanoe County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
What Constitutes Hazing in Tippecanoe County?
Hazing isn’t just “harmless tradition”—it’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture. Under Indiana law (IC 35-42-2-2), hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, and if it causes serious injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.
Common Hazing Practices in Tippecanoe County
If your child experienced any of the following, they may have a case:
✅ Physical Abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced Consumption – Binge drinking, forced eating (peppercorns, hot sauce, raw eggs), alcohol poisoning
✅ Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning – A form of torture now being used in hazing rituals
✅ Sleep Deprivation – Forced late-night activities, early-morning workouts, exhaustion leading to accidents
✅ Psychological Torture – Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation, carrying sexual objects
✅ Sexual Assault – Forced nudity, sexual acts, or harassment
✅ Extreme Physical Punishment – 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills)
✅ Medical Emergencies – Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, concussions
If your child was hospitalized, traumatized, or died due to hazing, you have legal rights.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Tippecanoe County?
Hazing cases aren’t just about suing individual students—they’re about holding institutions accountable. We pursue every responsible party, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Tippecanoe County Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Purdue’s Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Sigma Chi, etc. |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise, ignored prior incidents | Pi Kappa Phi National, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc. |
| University/College | Owned or controlled property, failed to prevent hazing | Purdue University, Ivy Tech Community College |
| Housing Corporation | Owned the fraternity/sorority house where hazing occurred | Purdue Greek Row, off-campus fraternity houses |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter presidents, pledgemasters, active members |
| Alumni/Advisors | Hosted hazing events, failed to intervene | Former members who allowed hazing at their homes |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Fraternity insurance policies, university liability coverage |
We don’t just sue broke college students—we go after the deep pockets that enable hazing culture.
Recent Hazing Cases That Prove Tippecanoe County Victims Can Win
Hazing cases result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered—and what Tippecanoe County victims can expect:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Relevance to Tippecanoe County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million | Same fraternity operating at Purdue |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | LSU | $6.1 million jury verdict | Juries award millions for hazing deaths |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million | Shows potential for massive settlements |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement | Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of deadly hazing |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | $4+ million | Victim’s family drove Virginia to pass Adam’s Law |
These cases prove that hazing victims and families can—and do—win. The same results are possible for Tippecanoe County victims.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Tippecanoe County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries can be life-threatening.
- Medical records are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs).
- Write down witness names and contact information.
- Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, University, or Insurance Companies
- They will try to minimize liability, destroy evidence, or pressure your child into silence.
- Anything your child says can be used against them.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
- Evidence disappears fast—witnesses forget, messages get deleted, organizations destroy records.
- The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
Step 5: Know Your Rights
- Consent is NOT a defense—Indiana law (IC 35-42-2-2) says victims cannot legally consent to hazing.
- Universities and fraternities have insurance—they have deep pockets to pay for their negligence.
- You can sue even if criminal charges aren’t filed—civil lawsuits have a lower burden of proof.
How We Help Tippecanoe County Hazing Victims
1. Immediate Legal Protection
- Send preservation letters to fraternities, universities, and individuals demanding they not destroy evidence.
- Handle all communications with defendants so you don’t say anything that hurts your case.
- Protect your child from retaliation—we ensure they’re not intimidated into silence.
2. Aggressive Investigation
- Subpoena text messages, social media, and internal fraternity communications.
- Interview witnesses and document their statements.
- Work with medical experts to prove the extent of injuries.
- Uncover prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university.
3. Maximum Compensation
We fight for every dollar your child deserves, including:
✅ Medical bills (past and future)
✅ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
✅ Lost wages and future earning capacity
✅ Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
✅ Wrongful death damages (if hazing led to a fatality)
4. Holding Institutions Accountable
- Demand chapter closures to prevent future hazing.
- Push for university policy changes to improve Greek life oversight.
- Work with legislators to strengthen Indiana’s hazing laws.
5. Criminal Case Coordination
- Hazing is a crime in Indiana (IC 35-42-2-2).
- We work with Tippecanoe County prosecutors to ensure perpetrators face criminal charges.
- Criminal convictions strengthen civil cases.
Fraternities & Sororities Operating Near Tippecanoe County
The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide have active chapters at Purdue University and other Indiana schools. We’re tracking them—and we’re ready to hold them accountable.
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Deaths/Injuries | Purdue Presence? |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017), Leonel Bermudez (2025 – our case) | Yes |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple deaths, including at Texas A&M | Yes |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021), David Bogenberger (2012) | Yes |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017 – $110M settlement) | Yes |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017 – $6.1M verdict) | Yes |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths, including at Clemson | Yes |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple lawsuits, including at UT Austin (2025) | Yes |
| Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) | Danny Santulli (2021 – blinded from hazing) | Yes |
If your child was hazed by any of these organizations at Purdue or another Tippecanoe County school, we can help.
Universities & Colleges in Tippecanoe County Where Hazing Occurs
Hazing isn’t limited to Purdue’s Greek system—it happens in sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and student organizations. We represent victims from:
🏫 Purdue University (West Lafayette)
🏫 Ivy Tech Community College (Lafayette)
🏫 Harrison College (Lafayette)
🏫 Other Indiana schools (if hazing occurred in Tippecanoe County)
No matter where the hazing happened, we will fight for justice.
What’s at Stake for Tippecanoe County Hazing Victims?
1. Medical Consequences
Hazing can cause permanent, life-altering injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological trauma)
- Sexual assault injuries (physical and emotional)
- Death
2. Academic & Career Impact
- Dropped classes, failed semesters, lost scholarships
- Delayed graduation
- Damaged reputation (fraternities/sororities often retaliate against whistleblowers)
- Lost internship and job opportunities
3. Financial Burden
- Medical bills (emergency room, hospital stays, therapy)
- Lost wages (if injuries prevent work)
- Future medical costs (dialysis, therapy, medications)
4. Emotional Trauma
- Fear of retaliation (many victims stay silent)
- Shame and humiliation
- Loss of trust in institutions
- Suicidal ideation
You don’t have to face this alone. We fight for Tippecanoe County families so they can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Tippecanoe County
1. Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?
Yes. Indiana law (IC 35-42-2-2) explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they cannot legally consent to being abused.
2. What if the fraternity claims it was “just tradition”?
“Tradition” is not an excuse for illegal conduct. If a fraternity’s “traditions” involve assault, battery, or reckless endangerment, they are liable for the harm they cause.
3. Can I sue the university even if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. If the university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable—even if the incident occurred off-campus.
4. What if my child was hazed but not seriously injured?
You may still have a case. Hazing that causes emotional distress, PTSD, or minor injuries can still result in compensation. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may be entitled to damages.
5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
6. Will my child’s name be made public?
Not necessarily. We can file the case under “John/Jane Doe” to protect your child’s identity, especially if they fear retaliation.
7. What if the fraternity already suspended the chapter?
That’s not enough. Fraternities often suspend chapters to avoid liability—but they still have insurance and assets to pay for the harm they caused. A suspension doesn’t erase their responsibility.
8. Can I sue if my child was hazed at a high school in Tippecanoe County?
Yes. Hazing isn’t just a college problem—it happens in high schools, sports teams, and youth organizations. We represent victims of all ages.
9. What if the hazing happened years ago?
It depends. Indiana’s statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of injury, but there may be exceptions if the victim was a minor or if the university covered up the incident. Contact us immediately to discuss your options.
10. How much is my child’s hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
✅ Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage, death)
✅ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, sexual assault)
✅ Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter/university
✅ University or national organization involvement
✅ Criminal charges filed against perpetrators
Tippecanoe County Hazing Lawyers: We’re Ready to Fight for You
Hazing is not tradition—it’s abuse. If your child was hazed at Purdue, Ivy Tech, or any other institution in Tippecanoe County, we will hold every responsible party accountable.
📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
We come to Tippecanoe County. We fight for Tippecanoe County families. And we don’t stop until justice is served.
🚨 If Your Child Was Hazed in Tippecanoe County, Time Is Running Out. Call Us Now.
1-888-ATTY-911 | 24/7 Free Consultation
