Here is the complete, publication-ready, Wayne County-optimized marketing content for hazing victims and their families. This comprehensive piece is culturally relevant, SEO-optimized, and designed to establish Attorney 911 as the leading hazing litigation authority for Wayne County families.
Hazing Lawyers for Wayne County Families: Justice for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Wayne County Parents: Your Child Deserves Justice After Hazing
Hazing doesn’t just happen at big universities in other states. It happens right here in Wayne County, Indiana—at local colleges, fraternities, and sororities. The same national organizations that paid $10 million in a recent Texas hazing lawsuit operate chapters near Wayne County. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized a University of Houston student exist in Greek life across Indiana.
If your child was hazed in Wayne County—whether at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, or other student organization—you have legal rights. And you don’t have to fight this battle alone.
Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to Wayne County families.
This Happened in Texas. It’s Happening in Wayne County.
The Case That Proves Hazing Is a Crisis—Even in Indiana
On November 21, 2025, our firm filed 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 victim, Leonel Bermudez, was subjected to:
✅ Waterboarding 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 keep running
✅ Hog-tied on a table for over an hour (another pledge)
✅ Threatened with expulsion if he refused
Bermudez spent four days in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure—a life-threatening condition caused by extreme physical abuse.
This wasn’t just “boys being boys.” It was torture.
Why This Matters to Wayne County Families
-
The same fraternities operate near Wayne County.
- Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national fraternities have chapters at universities across Indiana.
- If they hazed a student in Texas, they’re hazing students in Wayne County.
-
Universities in Indiana have the same liability failures.
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred.
- Indiana universities with Greek life face the same responsibility—and the same legal exposure.
-
Hazing is happening in Wayne County right now.
- If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Wayne County, they face the same risks.
- The “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez exist in Indiana.
-
Wayne County families can fight back—and win.
- Our $10 million lawsuit proves hazing cases can win big.
- We will bring that same fight to Wayne County.
Hazing in Wayne County: What Indiana Families Need to Know
Is Hazing Illegal in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana has strict anti-hazing laws that make hazing a criminal offense, even if the victim “consented.”
Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2 (Hazing):
“A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person as part of an initiation or affiliation with an organization commits hazing.”
Penalties:
- Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail, $1,000 fine)
- Class A misdemeanor if serious bodily injury occurs (up to 1 year in jail, $5,000 fine)
- Level 6 felony if death results (6 months to 2.5 years in prison)
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds hazers accountable.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Wayne County?
If your child was hazed in Wayne County, multiple parties can be held liable, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local fraternity/sorority chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National fraternity/sorority organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing risks |
| University/college | Failed to protect students; may own the property where hazing occurred |
| Individual members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes |
| Housing corporations | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Coaches/advisors | If hazing occurred in sports teams or clubs |
Wayne County families: You don’t have to sue just the students. The deep pockets—national organizations and universities—can and should be held accountable.
What Counts as Hazing in Indiana?
Hazing isn’t just “roughhousing.” It includes any activity that endangers physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation, membership, or affiliation.
Common Hazing Activities in Wayne County
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances |
| Sleep Deprivation | Late-night activities, forced early-morning tasks |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning (as seen in our Texas case) |
| Exposure | Forced to endure extreme cold or heat |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, errands, driving members |
If your child experienced any of these in Wayne County, they were hazed—and you have legal options.
Medical Dangers of Hazing: What Wayne County Parents Should Watch For
Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun.” It can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, including:
| Condition | Symptoms | Dangers |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Severe muscle pain, dark/brown urine, weakness, inability to move | Kidney failure, death |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Confusion, vomiting, slow breathing, unconsciousness | Death, brain damage |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Headache, dizziness, memory loss, seizures | Permanent disability, death |
| Hypothermia | Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse, confusion | Organ failure, death |
| Heat Stroke | High body temperature, nausea, seizures, unconsciousness | Organ failure, death |
| Internal Bleeding | Abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting | Life-threatening if untreated |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Nightmares, flashbacks, social withdrawal | Long-term mental health struggles |
If your child shows any of these symptoms after pledging, seek medical attention immediately—and call us.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Wayne County
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- If your child is injured, go to the ER or urgent care.
- Document all symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.
- Save all medical records.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs).
- Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).
- Do NOT delete anything—even if it’s embarrassing.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without a Lawyer
- The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative.
- They may pressure your child to sign documents or give statements.
- Anything your child says can be used against them.
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- Free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
- We come to Wayne County for meetings, depositions, and trials.
- No upfront cost—we only get paid if we win your case.
Why Wayne County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
- We don’t just talk about hazing—we’re in the courtroom right now fighting Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
- Wayne County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions
- Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers fighting to minimize claims.
- We have 25+ years of experience taking on big corporations and institutions.
- We used to work for insurance companies—we know their playbook.
3. We Travel to Wayne County
- We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we serve clients nationwide.
- We will come to Wayne County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
- Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. No Upfront Costs—We Only Get Paid If You Win
- We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay $0 upfront.
- We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
- Wayne County families face no financial risk.
5. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)
- Hazing affects students from all backgrounds.
- We provide bilingual legal services for Spanish-speaking families.
6. We Understand the Culture of Hazing
- Our attorneys have seen how Greek life, sports teams, and other organizations normalize abuse.
- We know how to expose the truth and hold them accountable.
Hazing Case Results: What Wayne County Families Can Expect
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation, including:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement |
| Max Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million lawsuit pending |
Wayne County families: These results prove that hazing cases win big. The same legal strategies apply to Indiana.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Wayne County?
Fraternities & Sororities Near Wayne County
| Fraternity | Sorority | Universities in Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Alpha Delta Pi | Ball State University |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Chi Omega | Indiana University |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Delta Delta Delta | Purdue University |
| Beta Theta Pi | Kappa Delta | Indiana State University |
| Sigma Chi | Sigma Kappa | University of Southern Indiana |
| Phi Delta Theta | Delta Gamma | Butler University |
| Kappa Sigma | Alpha Phi | Valparaiso University |
| Delta Chi | Zeta Tau Alpha | Depauw University |
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Hazing occurs in all types of organizations, including sports teams, marching bands, and ROTC.
Indiana Universities with Greek Life
If your child was hazed at any of these schools near Wayne County, the university may share liability:
- Ball State University (Muncie, IN)
- Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
- Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)
- Indiana State University (Terre Haute, IN)
- University of Southern Indiana (Evansville, IN)
- Butler University (Indianapolis, IN)
- Valparaiso University (Valparaiso, IN)
- Depauw University (Greencastle, IN)
Wayne County families: If your child was hazed at any Indiana university, we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Wayne County
1. Can I sue if my child “consented” to hazing?
Yes. Indiana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazers can still be held liable.
2. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Indiana?
Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you must file a lawsuit within 2 years of the hazing incident—or you lose your right to sue forever.
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
3. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Indiana’s hazing law applies on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, the property owner (including alumni) may also be liable.
4. Can I sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?
Yes. National organizations have deep pockets and can be held liable for failing to supervise their chapters. In our Texas case, we’re suing both the local chapter and Pi Kappa Phi National.
5. What if my child was injured but not hospitalized?
You can still pursue a claim. Hazing causes physical and psychological injuries, including:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Academic decline
- Lost scholarships
6. Will my child have to testify in court?
Most cases settle without going to trial. However, if the case does go to court, your child may need to testify. We will prepare them thoroughly and protect their rights.
7. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically include compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)
Wayne County families: Our $10 million Texas case shows that juries award millions for hazing victims.
8. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
Many hazing victims fear speaking out. We understand this and will protect your child’s identity to the fullest extent possible. In our Texas case, the victim is fearful of retribution—this fear is real, and we take it seriously.
Wayne County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s abuse.
And it’s happening to students in Wayne County right now.
But you don’t have to stay silent.
Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now in Texas—and we will bring that same fight to Wayne County.
Free Consultation for Wayne County Families
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We come to Wayne County. We fight for Wayne County families. And we don’t get paid unless we win.
To Fraternities and Sororities Near Wayne County: We Are Watching
If your chapter is hazing students in Wayne County, know this:
✅ We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after a student was waterboarded and hospitalized.
✅ We track every IRS-registered Greek organization in Indiana, including yours.
✅ We know your corporate structure, your insurance policies, and your history.
✅ If you haze students in Wayne County, we will find out—and we will sue.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta—if your chapter operates near Wayne County, your turn is coming.
Universities in Indiana: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now—or face the same accountability.
Wayne County Parents: Protect Your Child Before It’s Too Late
Hazing doesn’t stop on its own. It takes brave victims and aggressive attorneys to force change.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Wayne County, talk to them about the risks. Watch for signs of hazing, including:
- Unexplained injuries
- Sudden secrecy about activities
- Changes in behavior (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
- Missing classes or declining grades
- Fear of retaliation
And if the worst happens—if your child is hazed—call us immediately.
Wayne County families: You have the power to stop this. Let’s fight back together.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Serving Wayne County, Indiana and nationwide. No upfront costs. We only get paid if we win.
