🛡️ Hazing Victims in Wells County, Indiana: Your Legal Rights & How We Can Help

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Wells County, you are not alone. What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston can—and does—happen in Indiana. The same national fraternities operate at Indiana universities. The same negligence exists at Indiana institutions. And Attorney 911 is fighting for hazing victims nationwide—including right here in Wells County.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Indiana: What Wells County Families Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Happening at Indiana Universities Near Wells County

While we cannot comment on specific incidents we are not involved in, we know this for a fact:

• National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have active chapters at Indiana universities near Wells County.
• These same organizations have paid millions of dollars in hazing lawsuits across the country.
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Texas exist at Indiana chapters.

Universities near Wells County with Greek life include:

• Ball State University (Muncie, ~45 miles from Wells County)
• Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) (~70 miles)
• Purdue University (West Lafayette, ~90 miles)
• Indiana University Bloomington (~120 miles)
• Taylor University (Upland, ~30 miles)
• Huntington University (~25 miles)

If your child attends or plans to attend college near Wells County, they face the same risks.

2. What Indiana Law Says About Hazing

Indiana has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2, hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Indiana’s definition of hazing includes:

• Forced physical activity (like 500 squats, bear crawls, or “suicides”)
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse or humiliation
• Any activity that creates a risk of physical or emotional harm

Importantly, Indiana law (like Texas) states:

“Consent is not a defense.” Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.

3. Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Wells County?

If your child was hazed at a Wells County-area university, multiple parties may be responsible, including:

Wells County families: You can sue all of these parties—even if the hazing happened outside Wells County.

🏥 The Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Indiana Parents Should Watch For

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, including:

If your child shows any of these symptoms after a hazing incident, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY. Then call us.

💰 What Your Wells County Hazing Case Could Be Worth

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts when victims and families stand up for their rights. Here’s what similar cases have won:

Wells County families: These results are possible for your case. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez, who survived but suffered kidney failure. If your child was hazed at a Wells County-area university, we can fight for you too.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Wells County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked out. Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms right away.
• Go to the ER if they have:
  • Dark/brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
  • Severe muscle pain or weakness
  • Confusion, vomiting, or unconsciousness
  • Signs of alcohol poisoning
  • Any head injury

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save:
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs – Any communication about hazing
✅ Photos/videos – Of injuries, hazing activities, or the fraternity house
✅ Medical records – Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
✅ Fraternity documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child
✅ Academic records – If hazing affected grades or enrollment

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers

• They will try to get your child to sign something – DON’T SIGN ANYTHING.
• They will try to get a statement – DO NOT GIVE A STATEMENT.
• They will try to blame your child – THEY ARE NOT ON YOUR SIDE.

Anything your child says can be used against them in court. Let us handle all communications.

Step 4: Report the Hazing (But Be Careful How You Do It)

• File a police report – Hazing is a crime in Indiana.
• Report to the university – But do not go alone. Universities protect themselves, not victims.
• Report to the national fraternity – But expect them to deny responsibility.

We recommend consulting with us FIRST before making any reports. We can guide you on how to document the incident without jeopardizing your case.

Step 5: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

The clock is ticking. Indiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue.

We offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations – No obligation
✔ $0 upfront costs – We work on contingency (we don’t get paid unless you win)
✔ Nationwide representation – We can help Wells County families no matter where the hazing occurred
✔ 24/7 availability – Call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911

🔍 How We Build a Strong Hazing Case for Wells County Families

1. We Prove the Hazing Happened

We gather evidence like:

• Text messages and social media showing hazing activities
• Photos/videos of injuries or hazing incidents
• Witness statements from other pledges or bystanders
• Medical records proving the extent of injuries
• Fraternity documents showing pledge requirements

2. We Prove Who Is Responsible

We identify every liable party, including:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The university
• Individual members and officers

3. We Prove the Defendants Knew (or Should Have Known)

We show:

• Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university
• Failed oversight – Did the university or nationals ignore warnings?
• “Hazing culture” – Was this part of a pattern?

4. We Calculate Full Damages

We fight for compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Educational disruption (if hazing affected grades or enrollment)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants and prevent future hazing)

🎯 Why Wells County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know how to build these cases from the ground up.
• We know how to hold institutions accountable.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of How Defendants Operate

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys. We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability—and we know how to counter their tactics.
• We’ve handled hundreds of personal injury cases, including catastrophic injuries like rhabdomyolysis.
• We’ve taken on major corporations (like BP in the Texas City explosion litigation) and won.

3. We Can Represent Wells County Families Nationwide

• We are based in Texas but serve clients across the U.S.
• We can travel to Wells County for depositions, meetings, or trials.
• We offer video consultations for Wells County families who can’t travel.
• We have federal court authority, so we can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.

4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Wells County Families

• You pay nothing to hire us.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict—not your pocket.

5. We Treat Wells County Families Like Family

• We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families.
• We listen and believe you.
• We fight aggressively for justice.

📢 To Fraternities and Universities Near Wells County: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating at Indiana universities near Wells County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. We know your chapters have the same hazing culture we’re fighting in Texas.

If you haze students near Wells County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will shut you down.

To the universities near Wells County:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail, you will be held accountable—just like the University of Houston in our case.

The message is clear: Hazing will cost you.

📞 Wells County Families: Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed, you have rights. You have options. And you have us.

Call Attorney 911 24/7:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email us:
✉ ralph@atty911.com

Visit our website:
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Wells County and all of Indiana. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

💬 What Wells County Families Are Saying About Us

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” – Donald Wilcox

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” – Chad Harris

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” – Kiwi Potato

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Wells County Families

Q: My child was hazed at a university outside Wells County. Can you still help us?

A: Yes! We represent hazing victims nationwide. Where the hazing occurred doesn’t matter—we can still fight for you.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How will you protect them?

A: We take retaliation concerns very seriously. We can:

• File anonymous reports on your child’s behalf
• Request protective orders to prevent contact from fraternity members
• Pursue legal action if retaliation occurs

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict—not your pocket

Q: How long will the case take?

It depends on the complexity, but most hazing cases take 12-24 months. Some settle faster; others go to trial.

Q: Can we sue even if my child “consented” to the hazing?

Absolutely. Indiana law explicitly states that consent is not a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.

Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?

Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life. If they failed to do so, they can still be held liable. We will investigate:

• Whether the university had prior hazing incidents
• Whether they failed to enforce their own policies
• Whether they turned a blind eye to known risks

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity even if the hazing happened at a local chapter?

Yes. National fraternities are responsible for supervising their chapters. If they knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable.

Q: What if my child is an international student? Does their immigration status matter?

No. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to sue. We can help international students and their families pursue justice.

Q: My child was hazed at a small college near Wells County. Is it still worth pursuing a case?

Yes. Even small colleges and fraternities have insurance policies that cover these incidents. We’ve won settlements against organizations of all sizes.

🔥 Final Message to Wells County Families

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not bonding.

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture.

And it must stop.

If your child has been hazed, you have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable. You have the power to prevent this from happening to another Wells County family. You have the power to send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for you.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The clock is ticking.