Hazing Lawyers Serving Logan County, Ohio – Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse

Hazing Happens in Logan County. We Fight Back.

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Logan County, Ohio – or at universities near Logan County like Ohio State, Miami University, or Wright State – you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we bring the same aggressive representation to Logan County families.

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often criminal. And when it happens, we hold every responsible party accountable – the fraternity, the national organization, the university, and the individuals who participated.

Logan County Families: You Are Not Alone

We understand the trauma, fear, and confusion you’re experiencing. Many hazing victims stay silent due to shame, loyalty to the organization, or fear of retaliation. But silence protects the abusers, not the victims.

Our attorneys are fighting this battle right now. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will fight for Logan County families just as hard as we’re fighting in Texas.

The Hazing Crisis in Ohio – It’s Closer Than You Think

Hazing isn’t just a problem in other states. It happens right here in Ohio.

Recent Ohio Hazing Cases:

• 2021 – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha) – Died from forced alcohol consumption. Family received $10.1 million in settlements.
• 2018 – Ohio University (Sigma Pi) – Multiple students hospitalized for alcohol poisoning during hazing.
• 2017 – Miami University (Phi Delta Theta) – Chapter suspended for hazing violations.
• 2016 – Ohio State University (Multiple fraternities) – Suspensions and investigations for hazing.

Ohio has already lost too many students to hazing. Logan County families should not be next.

What Is Hazing? Ohio Law Explained

Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 defines hazing as:

“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.”

This Includes:

✅ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol, food, or non-food substances (e.g., hot sauce, milk, peppercorns)
✅ Psychological torture – Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats
✅ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Servitude – Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands

Ohio Law: Consent Is NOT a Defense

Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Ohio law explicitly states that consent does not excuse hazing. The law was written this way because young people often feel pressured, coerced, or afraid to say no.

Logan County Universities & Greek Life – What You Need to Know

While Logan County itself is a smaller community, many Logan County students attend universities with active Greek life where hazing occurs. These include:

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – have chapters at these universities. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Logan County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

The Hazing Case We’re Fighting Right Now – And Why It Matters to Logan County

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi – $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. Over several weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse, including:

• 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 milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout (October 15, 2025)
• A pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour (October 13, 2025)

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to do extreme exercises until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was so sore he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital.

Why This Matters to Logan County:

1. Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Logan County – including Ohio State.
2. The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exist at Logan County-area fraternities.
3. Universities near Logan County face the same liability failures as UH.
4. If your child is being hazed in Logan County or at a nearby university, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel.

Who We Sue in Logan County Hazing Cases

Hazing cases involve multiple defendants, all of whom share responsibility. We pursue every liable party to maximize compensation and accountability.

Logan County Families: Even if the hazing occurred off-campus, we can still pursue the university for negligent supervision and failure to protect students.

What Logan County Families Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy)
• Future medical expenses (kidney monitoring, potential dialysis)
• Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
• Educational disruption (tuition reimbursement, transfer costs)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering (from hazing injuries)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, fear of retaliation)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience)

Punitive Damages:

• Punishment for egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse)
• Deterrence to prevent future hazing

Logan County Precedent: The Stone Foltz family received $10.1 million in their hazing case. We pursue the same level of compensation for Logan County victims.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Logan County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away. Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails).
• Document witness names (other pledges, bystanders).
• Keep all medical records and bills.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership.
• Do not sign anything from the organization or university.
• Do not post on social media about the incident.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We handle Logan County cases on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win.

Why Logan County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we bring that expertise to Logan County.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they try to minimize claims, and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Logan County

While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Logan County. We offer:

• Video consultations for Logan County families
• Willingness to travel to Logan County for depositions and meetings
• Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines

4. Aggressive Representation – We Don’t Back Down

We don’t just settle for what the insurance company offers. We fight for every dollar you deserve. If defendants won’t negotiate fairly, we take them to trial.

5. Compassionate Advocacy – We Treat You Like Family

We understand the trauma you’re going through. Our staff is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely cares about our clients. Logan County families are treated with respect and compassion.

Logan County Hazing Laws – What You Need to Know

Ohio Criminal Hazing Law (ORC § 2903.31)

• Hazing is a fourth-degree misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail, $250 fine).
• If hazing causes serious physical harm, it becomes a third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison).
• If hazing causes death, it can be charged as involuntary manslaughter (up to 11 years in prison).

Ohio Civil Liability

• Victims can sue for negligence, assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
• Universities can be held liable for failing to protect students.
• National organizations can be held liable for failing to supervise chapters.

Collin’s Law – Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Act (2021)

Named after Collin Wiant, an Ohio University student who died from hazing in 2018, Collin’s Law made several key changes:

• Hazing is now a felony if it causes serious physical harm.
• Universities must report hazing incidents to the state.
• Immunity for reporting hazing – students who report hazing cannot be punished.

Logan County Families: If your child was hazed after 2021, Collin’s Law strengthens your case.

Common Hazing Myths – Debunked

Myth 1: “It’s just tradition – everyone goes through it.”

Truth: Hazing is illegal in Ohio. “Tradition” does not excuse abuse. Waterboarding, forced drinking, and physical beatings are not tradition – they’re crimes.

Myth 2: “He/she consented to participate.”

Truth: Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the organization liable.

Myth 3: “It’s just harmless fun.”

Truth: Hazing has caused deaths, hospitalizations, and permanent injuries across Ohio. What happened to Stone Foltz, Collin Wiant, and Leonel Bermudez was not harmless.

Myth 4: “The university can’t be held responsible.”

Truth: Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.

Myth 5: “Only fraternities haze.”

Truth: Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations. Any group that uses abuse as “initiation” is liable.

Logan County Hazing Warning Signs

Parents in Logan County should be aware of these red flags:

🚩 Sudden secrecy – Your child stops talking about their activities.
🚩 Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, or signs of physical abuse.
🚩 Sleep deprivation – Exhaustion, dark circles under eyes, falling asleep in class.
🚩 Changes in behavior – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal from friends/family.
🚩 Financial requests – Asking for money for “fraternity dues” or “events.”
🚩 Late-night activities – Being out at odd hours, especially on weeknights.
🚩 Fear of retaliation – Your child seems afraid to talk about their organization.
🚩 Physical evidence – Finding paddles, ropes, or other hazing tools in their belongings.

If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for guidance.

What Logan County Parents Can Do to Protect Their Children

Before Your Child Joins a Greek Organization:

✔ Research the organization – Look for past hazing violations.
✔ Ask tough questions – “What does your initiation process involve?”
✔ Talk about hazing – Make sure your child knows it’s illegal and unacceptable.
✔ Encourage reporting – Let your child know they can come to you if something feels wrong.

If Your Child Is Already in a Greek Organization:

✔ Stay involved – Ask about their experiences, not just the fun parts.
✔ Watch for warning signs (see above).
✔ Trust your instincts – If something feels off, it probably is.

Logan County Hazing Resources

Reporting Hazing:

• Ohio University Hazing Hotline: (740) 593-2911
• Ohio State University Hazing Report Form: https://studentlife.osu.edu/hazing
• Miami University Hazing Policy: https://miamioh.edu/student-life/greek/hazing/
• Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2903.31

Support for Victims:

• National Hazing Prevention Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Legal Help for Logan County Families:

• Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: https://attorney911.com/hazing/

Logan County Families: We’re Here to Help

Hazing is a legal emergency. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to preserve evidence and protect your rights. If your child was hazed in Logan County or at a nearby university, call us immediately.

Free Consultation – No Obligation

✅ Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
✅ Video consultations available for Logan County families
✅ Contingency fee basis – You pay nothing unless we win
✅ Aggressive representation – We fight for every dollar you deserve

We Travel to Logan County

Our attorneys will come to Logan County for:

• Depositions
• Client meetings
• Court appearances
• Trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Take Action Today – Before It’s Too Late

Hazing victims often delay reporting due to:
❌ Fear of retaliation
❌ Shame or embarrassment
❌ Loyalty to the organization
❌ Not recognizing it as hazing

But the longer you wait:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• Statutes of limitations expire
• Your legal rights vanish

Logan County Families: Don’t Let Them Get Away With It

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready to fight for you.

Logan County Hazing Lawyers – Fighting for Justice

Attorney 911
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 https://attorney911.com/hazing/

Serving Logan County, Ohio and nationwide. We protect students. We hold abusers accountable. We fight for justice.