Hazing Lawyers Serving Ashtabula County, Ohio – Attorney 911

🚨 Ashtabula County Families: Hazing Is Happening Near You – And It’s Time to Fight Back

Your child went to college to learn, to grow, and to make friends—not to be waterboarded, beaten, or hospitalized.

But at universities across Ohio, including those near Ashtabula County, hazing is still happening. Fraternities and sororities are still forcing students to endure brutal rituals under the guise of “tradition.” And when something goes wrong—when a student ends up in the hospital or worse—these institutions try to silence the victims and cover it up.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston—a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced exercise until kidney failure, and a culture of abuse that national organizations have ignored for years.

The same fraternities operate near Ashtabula County. The same negligence exists at Ohio universities. And we will fight for Ashtabula County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

💔 What Hazing Really Looks Like – And Why Ashtabula County Families Need to Pay Attention

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that left him hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring three nights and four days of inpatient care.

The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client – And Could Happen at Ashtabula County Colleges:

✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning as punishment
✅ Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – Until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
✅ Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
✅ Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting – Then forced to keep running
✅ Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth – Another pledge endured this for over an hour
✅ Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather – Humiliation and exposure
✅ Carry a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times – Psychological abuse
✅ Threatened with expulsion if he refused – Coercion and intimidation

This wasn’t “tradition.” It wasn’t “brotherhood.” It was torture.

And here’s the worst part: Pi Kappa Phi knew this was happening. In 2017, a student at the same fraternity (Andrew Coffey) died from forced drinking at Florida State. Eight years later, they did nothing to stop it. The University of Houston also knew—another student was hospitalized from hazing in 2017 at a different fraternity. They didn’t act then, and they didn’t act now.

The same fraternities with the same hazing culture operate near Ashtabula County. And if it can happen at UH, it can happen at colleges in your community.

🏛️ Which Ashtabula County Colleges Have Greek Life – And Could Be Liable for Hazing?

Ashtabula County is home to Kent State University at Ashtabula, as well as nearby institutions where Greek life thrives. These are the same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.

Colleges Near Ashtabula County with Greek Life:

These are not just names on a list. These are real fraternities with real chapters where hazing is happening right now.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools—or even considering it—they are at risk.

⚖️ Ohio Hazing Laws: What Ashtabula County Families Need to Know

Ohio has strong anti-hazing laws, but many families don’t realize they have legal rights until it’s too late.

Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 – Hazing (Criminal Law)

• Hazing is a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail, $750 fine)
• If hazing causes serious physical harm, it’s a third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison)
• Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable

Civil Lawsuits for Hazing in Ohio

Ohio law allows victims and families to sue for:
✅ Medical bills (past and future)
✅ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
✅ Lost wages and future earning potential
✅ Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless behavior)
✅ Wrongful death (if hazing leads to a fatality)

Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets—and they will pay when held accountable.

💰 Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Settlements: Proof That Ashtabula County Families Can Win

Hazing cases don’t just result in criminal charges—they lead to massive financial settlements that force institutions to change.

Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts:

These aren’t just numbers—they’re proof that juries and courts take hazing seriously. And the same results are possible for Ashtabula County families.

🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Ashtabula County Parents Must Watch For

Hazing isn’t just “a few pushups” or “harmless pranks.” It can cause life-threatening medical conditions, including:

1. Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown) – Like Our Client

• Caused by: Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats, forced runs)
• Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, dark brown urine, inability to move
• Complications: Kidney failure (requires dialysis or transplant), death

2. Alcohol Poisoning – The #1 Killer in Hazing

• Caused by: Forced drinking, “chugging” games, binge drinking
• Symptoms: Vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness, slowed breathing
• Complications: Death, brain damage, aspiration (choking on vomit)

3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Caused by: Paddling, beatings, falls from hazing activities
• Symptoms: Headaches, memory loss, seizures, personality changes
• Complications: Permanent disability, death

4. Heat Stroke or Hypothermia

• Caused by: Forced outdoor activities in extreme heat or cold
• Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness
• Complications: Organ failure, death

5. Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression)

• Caused by: Humiliation, threats, sexual abuse, sleep deprivation
• Symptoms: Nightmares, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, social withdrawal
• Complications: Long-term mental health struggles, substance abuse

If your child comes home from a fraternity or sorority event with any of these symptoms, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY—and call an attorney.

🔍 Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed in Ashtabula County

Hazing is often hidden, but there are red flags that Ashtabula County parents should watch for:

Physical Signs:

✔ Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
✔ Extreme exhaustion or inability to move
✔ Dark urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
✔ Vomiting or signs of alcohol poisoning
✔ Sudden weight loss (from forced exercise or starvation)
✔ Wearing the same clothes repeatedly (sign of sleep deprivation)

Behavioral Signs:

✔ Sudden secrecy about fraternity/sorority activities
✔ Fear of retribution if they talk about what’s happening
✔ Avoiding certain members or events
✔ Drop in academic performance
✔ Anxiety, depression, or withdrawal
✔ Talking about “traditions” that sound dangerous

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Ask direct questions – “What’s happening at the fraternity house?”
2. Check their phone – Look for messages about hazing (but don’t delete anything—it’s evidence)
3. Document everything – Take photos of injuries, save texts, record conversations (if legal in Ohio)
4. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked
5. Contact an attorney – Before talking to the fraternity, university, or police

📞 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Ashtabula County

Step 1: Get Them to a Doctor Immediately

• Do NOT wait. Hazing injuries can worsen quickly.
• Go to the ER if:
  • They can’t move or stand
  • Their urine is dark brown (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
  • They’re vomiting uncontrollably
  • They’re confused or unconscious

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
• Get witness names (other pledges, bystanders)
• Do NOT delete anything – Even if it’s embarrassing, it’s evidence

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

• They will try to silence you. They will offer “apologies” or “settlements” to make you go away.
• They will twist your words. Anything you say can be used against you.
• They will destroy evidence. Fraternities have been caught deleting texts and videos.

Step 4: Call Attorney 911 – We Fight for Ashtabula County Families

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com

• Free consultation – No upfront costs, no obligation
• We work on contingency – You pay nothing unless we win
• We travel to Ashtabula County – For depositions, meetings, and trials
• We handle everything – Medical records, evidence, negotiations, court filings

🎯 Why Ashtabula County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

• $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Waterboarding, forced exercise, kidney failure – we’ve seen the worst
• We know how to win – and we’ll bring the same fight to Ashtabula County

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how they try to lowball victims – and we won’t let them get away with it
• We know where the money is – insurance policies, national organizations, universities

3. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Wins

• $10+ million in hazing cases (current UH case)
• Millions recovered in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and personal injury cases
• Aggressive litigation – we don’t back down from powerful institutions

4. We Serve Ashtabula County – No Matter Where You Are

• Based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we represent hazing victims nationwide
• Federal court admission – we can sue national fraternities anywhere in the U.S.
• We travel to Ashtabula County – for depositions, meetings, and trials
• Video consultations available – if you can’t meet in person

5. We Care About Your Child – Not Just the Case

• We’ve seen what hazing does to families. We’ve seen the hospital bills, the trauma, the lives ruined.
• We treat every client like family. Your child isn’t just a case number to us.
• We fight to prevent the next victim. Your case could save lives in Ashtabula County.

🚨 Fraternities Near Ashtabula County: We’re Watching You

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

✅ We know your corporate structure. We track your housing corporations, alumni chapters, and insurance policies.
✅ We know your hazing history. Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi), Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi), Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha)—we’ve studied your cases.
✅ We know how much you’ve paid. $10 million, $6 million, $110 million—we’ve seen the settlements.
✅ We know you’re planning to come back. Pi Kappa Phi already said they “look forward to returning” to UH after hospitalizing our client.

If you haze students in Ashtabula County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will make sure you never do this again.

📢 Ashtabula County Universities: You’re Next

Kent State University at Ashtabula, Youngstown State University, Penn State Behrend—if a student is hazed on your campus, you are liable.

✅ You own the fraternity houses. You collect rent while students are tortured.
✅ You have the power to stop it. You choose not to.
✅ You’ve been warned. Other universities have paid millions—don’t make the same mistake.

The next hazing lawsuit could be against you.

💬 What Ashtabula County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911

“After my son was hazed, we didn’t know where to turn. Attorney 911 took our case when no one else would. They fought for us like we were family—and got us the justice we deserved.” – Parent of Hazing Victim, Texas

“I was afraid to speak up because I thought the fraternity would retaliate. But Ralph and Lupe protected me every step of the way. They got me the compensation I needed to pay my medical bills and move on with my life.” – Hazing Victim, Louisiana

“The university tried to silence us. They offered a lowball settlement and said we should ‘just move on.’ But Attorney 911 refused to back down. They took our case to trial—and we won.” – Family of Hazing Victim, Ohio

📞 Ashtabula County Hazing Victims: Call Now – Before It’s Too Late

Hazing doesn’t wait. Neither should you.

⏳ Ohio’s statute of limitations is 2 years – If you don’t act fast, you lose your right to sue.
📱 Evidence disappears – Fraternities delete texts, videos, and records.
🏥 Medical bills pile up – Don’t let the fraternity or university leave you with the costs.

🚨 FREE CONSULTATION – NO UPFRONT COSTS

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

🎯 Our Promise to Ashtabula County Families:

1. We will listen – No judgment, no pressure.
2. We will investigate – We’ll gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case.
3. We will fight – We won’t back down from powerful fraternities or universities.
4. We will win – We’ve recovered millions for hazing victims, and we’ll do the same for you.

Your child didn’t deserve this. But they do deserve justice. Let’s get it for them.

🚨 ACT NOW – BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.

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

Serving Ashtabula County, Ohio – and Hazing Victims Nationwide.