🚨 Hazing Victims in Fairfield County, Ohio: Know Your Rights and Get Justice
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Fairfield County, Ohio — you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for Fairfield County families too.
Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Fairfield County
Hazing isn’t just happening in Texas or Florida — it’s happening right here in Ohio. The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston operate chapters at universities near Fairfield County. The same culture of abuse, the same negligence, the same broken promises exist right in our community.
Fairfield County parents: Your child could be next. But you don’t have to wait for tragedy to strike. If hazing has already harmed your family, we can help you fight back.
⚠️ What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Fairfield County
Right now, our attorneys are litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel Bermudez.
Here’s what happened to him — and what could happen to your child in Fairfield County:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to keep running through his own vomit
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure — his muscles literally broke down from the abuse
- Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness during the same hazing period — but they kept going
This didn’t happen in some distant state. This happened at a major university — just like the universities near Fairfield County.
The same national fraternities. The same “traditions.” The same negligence. The same danger.
🔍 Is Your Child at Risk in Fairfield County?
These fraternities have chapters near Fairfield County — and documented hazing histories:
| Fraternity | Hazing Incident | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Forced alcohol poisoning; death | Bowling Green State University | 2021 |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Waterboarding; kidney failure | University of Houston | 2025 |
| Phi Delta Theta | Forced drinking; death | Louisiana State University | 2017 |
| Beta Theta Pi | Alcohol poisoning; death | Penn State University | 2017 |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Forced alcohol; chemical burns | Texas A&M University | 2021 |
| Sigma Chi | Physical abuse; death by suicide | University of Texas at Austin | 2025 |
These are the same Greek letters your child might see on a Fairfield County campus. The same organizations. The same risks.
📚 Universities Near Fairfield County with Greek Life
Fairfield County is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is, hazing happens at universities right here in Ohio, including near Fairfield County.
These Ohio universities have active Greek organizations — and documented hazing problems:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing History |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ohio State University | Columbus, OH (~30 min from Fairfield County) | One of the largest Greek systems in the nation — 60+ fraternities and sororities | Multiple hazing incidents; suspensions; criminal charges |
| Ohio University | Athens, OH (~1.5 hours) | Strong Greek presence | Hazing suspensions; alcohol-related incidents |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH (~1.5 hours) | Active Greek system | Hazing violations; alcohol-related injuries |
| Miami University | Oxford, OH (~1.5 hours) | Historic Greek system | Hazing incidents; chapter suspensions |
| Ohio Wesleyan University | Delaware, OH (~45 min) | Active Greek life | Hazing violations; disciplinary actions |
| Capital University | Columbus, OH (~30 min) | Greek organizations | Hazing concerns reported |
| Denison University | Granville, OH (~45 min) | Greek presence | Hazing allegations; disciplinary actions |
Fairfield County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these schools, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
⚖️ Ohio Hazing Laws: What Fairfield County Families Need to Know
Ohio has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. If your child was hazed in Fairfield County or at a nearby university, they have legal rights — and the people who hurt them can face serious consequences.
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 — Hazing
Definition:
“Hazing” means doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person.
Key Points for Fairfield County Families:
- It doesn’t matter if your child “consented” — Ohio law says consent is NOT a defense
- It doesn’t matter if it’s called “tradition” — hazing is illegal regardless of how long it’s been happening
- It applies to ALL organizations — fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs
- It applies to ALL students — not just enrolled students; “ghost rushes” like our client are protected too
Criminal Penalties in Ohio
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor of the 4th Degree | Hazing that creates risk of harm | Up to 30 days jail; up to $250 fine |
| Misdemeanor of the 1st Degree | Hazing that causes physical harm | Up to 180 days jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Felony of the 3rd Degree | Hazing that causes serious physical harm | 9 months – 5 years prison; up to $10,000 fine |
Fairfield County parents: If your child was injured from hazing, the people responsible could face jail time.
Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Money Damages
Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, your family can sue for money damages. Hazing cases in Ohio have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts.
Who can be sued?
- The local fraternity/sorority chapter
- The national organization
- The university
- Individual members who participated
- Alumni who allowed hazing at their homes
- Coaches or advisors who failed to supervise
What can you recover?
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Therapy costs for PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Lost wages if your child couldn’t work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Fairfield County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can — and do — win big. The same results are possible for your family.
Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Total Recovery: $10.1 million
- $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University
- $7.2 million from Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and individuals
- Criminal convictions for multiple members
- Chapter permanently expelled
What happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol at a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Why it matters for Fairfield County: This case shows that Ohio juries and courts will hold fraternities and universities accountable for hazing deaths and injuries.
Max Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Total Recovery: $6.1 million jury verdict
- Criminal conviction for negligent homicide
- Max Gruver Act — made hazing a felony in Louisiana
What happened: Max Gruver was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” pledge event. He died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — more than 6 times the legal limit).
Why it matters for Fairfield County: This case proves that juries will award millions for hazing deaths, and that criminal charges can — and should — be filed.
Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Total Recovery: $110+ million (estimated)
- 18 fraternity members criminally charged
- Multiple convictions including involuntary manslaughter
- Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed in Pennsylvania
What happened: Timothy Piazza was forced to run “the gauntlet” — 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down basement stairs multiple times while severely intoxicated. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from traumatic brain injury and abdominal bleeding.
Why it matters for Fairfield County: This case shows that when evidence is strong, settlements reach $100+ million. It also shows that criminal charges can be filed against multiple individuals.
🏥 Medical Dangers of Hazing: What Fairfield County Parents Must Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless pranks.” It’s dangerous — and sometimes deadly.
Common Hazing Injuries:
| Injury | Cause | Symptoms | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.) | Severe muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, kidney failure | Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, unconsciousness | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Falls, beatings | Headache, dizziness, nausea, memory loss, mood changes | Permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes |
| Heat Stroke / Hypothermia | Exposure to elements (stripping in cold, running in heat) | Confusion, nausea, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness | Organ damage, death |
| Internal Bleeding | Physical assault (paddling, beating) | Abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting | Emergency surgery, death |
| PTSD / Anxiety / Depression | Psychological torture | Nightmares, flashbacks, social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts | Long-term therapy, medication, life disruption |
Fairfield County parents: If your child shows any of these symptoms after a Greek event or team activity, seek medical attention immediately. Then call us.
📞 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Fairfield County
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
- Ensure safety — Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
- Preserve evidence — Take screenshots of all texts, social media, GroupMe chats
- Take photos — Document injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
- Get witness information — Names and contact info of other victims or witnesses
- Report to authorities — File a police report and a Title IX report with the university
- Do NOT talk to the organization — They will try to control the narrative
- Do NOT sign anything — The fraternity/sorority may try to get you to waive your rights
- Call Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
❓ Frequently Asked Questions from Fairfield County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: This is very common. Hazing victims often feel:
- Shame or embarrassment
- Fear of retaliation
- Loyalty to the organization
- Pressure to “tough it out”
- Uncertainty about what counts as hazing
What you can do:
- Reassure your child — What happened to them was not their fault
- Show them this page — Help them understand they’re not alone
- Contact us confidentially — We can explain their legal rights without pressure
- Let them know about Ohio’s immunity law — Ohio Revised Code § 2903.311 provides immunity from prosecution for hazing victims who report the incident
Remember: Many hazing victims don’t realize how serious their injuries are until days or weeks later. Early medical documentation is critical.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Is that a defense?
A: NO. Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31(D):
“Consent of the victim to the conduct charged is not a defense to a charge under this section.”
Why this matters:
- The fraternity may argue your child “agreed to participate”
- They may say it’s “tradition” or “just how it’s done”
- Ohio law says none of that matters — hazing is illegal regardless of consent
Q: My child attends Ohio State (or another Ohio school). Can you help us even though you’re based in Texas?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including throughout Ohio.
How we serve Fairfield County families:
- Federal court authority — We’re admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas), which allows us to pursue cases across state lines
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely from Fairfield County
- Travel commitment — We come to Ohio for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Local coordination — We work with Ohio-based investigators and experts
We’ve handled cases in multiple states and can help your Fairfield County family too.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — that means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We don’t get paid unless you win
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — typically 33-40%
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Why this matters for Fairfield County families:
- You don’t have to worry about legal bills while your child recovers
- You can fight powerful institutions without financial risk
- We’re motivated to win — because we only get paid if you do
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different, but most hazing cases take 12-36 months from filing to resolution.
Typical timeline for Fairfield County cases:
- Initial consultation — Free case evaluation (1-2 hours)
- Investigation — Gather evidence, medical records, witness statements (1-3 months)
- Medical treatment — Your child continues recovery (2-12 months)
- Demand package — We send demand to defendants (after treatment complete)
- Negotiation — Back-and-forth settlement discussions (3-6 months)
- Litigation — If no settlement, we file lawsuit and begin discovery (6-18 months)
- Mediation — Neutral third party helps negotiate settlement (1 day)
- Trial — If no settlement, case goes to trial (days to weeks)
- Resolution — Settlement or verdict; payment received
Factors that can speed up or slow down your case:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Willingness of defendants to settle
- Court backlog in your jurisdiction
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue?
A: YES. Ohio’s hazing law applies on or off campus.
Common off-campus hazing locations:
- Fraternity/sorority houses
- Private residences (like the former member’s home in our Houston case)
- Hotels (for retreats or conferences)
- Campgrounds or parks
- Bars or restaurants
Who can be held liable for off-campus hazing?
- The fraternity/sorority chapter
- The national organization
- The property owner (premises liability)
- Individual members who participated
- Alumni who allowed the activity
Q: My child is an international student. Will pursuing legal action affect their visa status?
A: NO. Pursuing a civil lawsuit for hazing injuries does not affect visa status.
We’ve helped many international students — including in our current Houston case. Your child’s immigration status is protected.
What you should know:
- The U.S. government does not consider civil lawsuits as negative factors for visa status
- Your child’s right to seek compensation is protected
- We can coordinate with immigration attorneys if needed
- We’re experienced in helping international students and their families
Q: The university says they’re “investigating.” Should we wait for their results?
A: NO. University investigations are not neutral — they protect the institution, not your child.
Why you shouldn’t wait:
- Universities have conflicts of interest — they want to minimize liability
- Their “investigation” may take months — evidence disappears in that time
- They may destroy or hide evidence to protect their reputation
- The statute of limitations is running — you could lose your rights
What you should do instead:
- Preserve evidence immediately — take screenshots, save texts, document everything
- Seek medical attention — create an independent record of injuries
- Contact Attorney 911 — we’ll guide you through the process and protect your rights
Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school near Fairfield County?
A: You still have legal rights. Hazing happens at high schools too — especially in sports teams, marching bands, and clubs.
Ohio’s hazing law applies to:
- High schools
- Middle schools
- Youth sports teams
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Any student organization
We can help Fairfield County high school families too.
🎯 Why Fairfield County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re not just hazing lawyers — we’re hazing litigation experts fighting this battle right now.
| Why Choose Us | What It Means for Your Fairfield County Family |
|---|---|
| We’re currently litigating a $10M hazing case | We know how to build these cases and win |
| We’re former insurance defense attorneys | We know how the other side thinks — and how to beat them |
| We have federal court authority | We can pursue your Fairfield County case in federal court if needed |
| We’re dual-state licensed (TX & NY) | We can handle cases across state lines |
| We speak Spanish | We can serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers |
| We offer video consultations | Meet with us remotely from Fairfield County |
| We travel to Ohio | We come to you for depositions, trials, and meetings |
| We work on contingency | $0 upfront — we only get paid if you win |
| We have 25+ years of litigation experience | We’re not intimidated by universities or national fraternities |
| We’ve won multi-million dollar cases | We know how to maximize your recovery |
📞 Fairfield County Families: Call Us Now
Hazing victims in Fairfield County, Ohio — you don’t have to suffer in silence. We’re fighting this fight right now, and we’ll fight for you too.
Call for a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Fairfield County hazing emergencies.
🏆 Our Promise to Fairfield County Families
- We will listen — without judgment, without pressure
- We will investigate — thoroughly and aggressively
- We will preserve evidence — before it disappears
- We will hold every responsible party accountable — chapters, nationals, universities, individuals
- We will fight for maximum compensation — medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
- We will protect your child’s future — academically, professionally, emotionally
- We will come to Fairfield County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- We will never stop fighting — until justice is served
🔥 A Message to Fairfield County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Fairfield County: We are watching.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, and every other national organization with chapters in Ohio:
We know your chapters. We know your playbook. We know your “traditions.” And we know that hazing is not tradition — it’s torture.
To the universities near Fairfield County:
You own the buildings. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, to regulate, to suspend, to expel. When you fail to protect students, you are complicit.
To the individual members:
You will be named. You will be sued. You will face criminal charges. And you will pay — personally.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston is shut down. Leonel Bermudez is in the hospital. And we are coming for every institution that allows this to continue.
Fairfield County families: The fight starts now.
© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Fairfield County, Ohio and nationwide
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
