Hazing Lawyers in Monroe County, Ohio – Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable

If your child was hazed at a Monroe County college or university, you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now – and we’ll fight for Monroe County families too.

The Hazing Crisis in Monroe County, Ohio

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And it’s happening right here in Monroe County, Ohio.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at universities near Monroe County. The same hazing happens here. And we will hold them accountable.

Monroe County Parents: Your Child Is At Risk

Monroe County is home to several colleges and universities where Greek life thrives, including:

• Marietta College (just 30 minutes away in Marietta, Ohio)
• Ohio University (Athens, about 1 hour away)
• West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV, less than 1 hour away)

These institutions have active Greek organizations where the same dangerous hazing cultures exist. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Monroe County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

What Is Hazing? Monroe County Families Need to Know

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.

In Monroe County and across Ohio, hazing includes:

• Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or non-food substances until vomiting
• Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, sleep deprivation
• Waterboarding/simulated drowning: Yes, this happens – we’re fighting a case with this right now
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects

Ohio Hazing Laws: What Monroe County Families Should Know

Ohio has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all colleges and universities near Monroe County:

Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 – Hazing

• Misdemeanor of the 4th degree: Up to 30 days in jail and $250 fine
• Felony of the 3rd degree if serious physical harm occurs: Up to 3 years in prison
• Consent is NOT a defense: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal

Ohio’s Collin’s Law (2021):

• Named after Collin Wiant, who died from hazing at Ohio University
• Made hazing a felony when it causes serious physical harm
• Requires universities to educate students about hazing
• Monroe County families: This law exists because Ohio recognized the severity of hazing. Your child has protections.

Our Current Hazing Case: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Monroe County

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena – Attorney 911

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in Fall 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault
• Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting – then forced to continue running
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout – they kept going
• Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours – sleep deprivation
• Stripped to underwear in cold weather and sprayed with a hose – exposure

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme physical exercises until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital.

Why This Matters to Monroe County Families

1. The same fraternities operate near Monroe County.

   • Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) and Ohio University (Athens, OH).
   • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Beta Theta Pi, and others also have chapters near Monroe County.
   • The same national organizations that failed in Houston are operating in our community.

2. Universities near Monroe County face the same liability.

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
   • Marietta College, Ohio University, and West Virginia University all have similar oversight responsibilities.
   • If they know or should know about hazing and fail to stop it, they can be held liable.

3. This isn’t the first time – and it won’t be the last.

   • Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi (FSU) in 2017 from forced alcohol consumption.
   • Stone Foltz died at Pi Kappa Alpha (BGSU) in 2021 from forced drinking.
   • Max Gruver died at Phi Delta Theta (LSU) in 2017 from forced drinking.
   • These organizations have a documented history of deadly hazing – and they haven’t fixed it.

4. Monroe County families deserve justice.

   • If your child was hazed at a university near Monroe County, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to the Bermudez case.
   • We don’t just represent victims – we change cultures. Our lawsuits lead to chapter closures, criminal charges, and new laws.

Who Is Liable for Monroe County Hazing?

When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held accountable. In our current case, we’re suing:

Monroe County Universities: You Have a Duty to Protect Students

Universities near Monroe County have a legal and moral duty to protect their students from hazing. This includes:

• Marietta College (Marietta, OH)
• Ohio University (Athens, OH)
• West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)
• Other regional colleges and universities

What universities must do:

• Implement effective anti-hazing policies
• Train Greek life advisors and students
• Monitor fraternity and sorority activities
• Respond immediately to hazing reports
• Hold organizations accountable when hazing occurs

When universities fail, they can be held liable for:

• Negligence: Failing to protect students
• Premises liability: If they own or control the property where hazing occurs
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor Greek life
• Institutional negligence: Systemic failure to address hazing culture

What Monroe County Families Can Recover

If your child was hazed at a university near Monroe County, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
• Lost wages: Time missed from work or internships
• Educational costs: Tuition, fees, lost scholarships
• Future earning capacity: If hazing impacts career opportunities

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering: The agony of hazing injuries
• Mental anguish: PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Emotional distress: Humiliation, fear, loss of trust
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Impact on college experience and social life

Punitive Damages

• Punishment for egregious conduct: When hazing is particularly cruel or reckless
• Deterrence for other organizations: To prevent future hazing
• Available when: Defendants acted with malice, fraud, or gross negligence

Precedent Cases Show Monroe County Families Can Win Big:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (BGSU, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
• $4+ million – Adam Oakes (VCU, Delta Chi)

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Monroe County

Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. If your child was hazed at a university near Monroe County, take these steps immediately:

Step 1: Ensure Safety & Seek Medical Attention

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately.
• Seek medical attention – even if injuries seem minor. Some hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
• Document all medical visits and treatments.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
• Save all communications – texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails, social media posts.
• Document witness names – other pledges, bystanders, anyone who saw what happened.
• Keep all hazing-related items – pledge manuals, schedules, objects used in hazing.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership – they will destroy evidence and coordinate their story.
• Do not sign anything – you may unknowingly waive your rights.
• Do not post on social media – anything you post can be used against you.

Step 4: Report the Hazing

• File a police report – hazing is a crime in Ohio.
• Report to the university – but do not do this without legal counsel.
• Report to the national organization – but expect them to protect themselves, not your child.

Step 5: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
• We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
• We preserve evidence and build your case.
• We fight for maximum compensation – medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages.

Why Monroe County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the fight, and we’re winning.

Nationwide Reach for Monroe County Families

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Monroe County, Ohio. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

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

Aggressive Representation – We Don’t Back Down

We’ve handled hundreds of personal injury cases, including high-profile litigation like the BP Texas City explosion. We don’t settle for less than you deserve – even if it means going to trial.

Compassionate Advocates – We Treat You Like Family

Our staff is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping our clients. Monroe County families are treated with respect, dignity, and care.

No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

We understand that cost can be a barrier. We take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Monroe County Hazing Lawyers – Free Consultation

If your child was hazed at a university near Monroe County, Ohio, call us immediately.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for Monroe County families
• Video consultations for remote meetings
• Willingness to travel to Monroe County for depositions and trials
• Aggressive representation with no upfront costs

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, and the statute of limitations in Ohio is 2 years from the date of injury. Call us today.

Frequently Asked Questions for Monroe County Families

Can I sue if my child was hazed at a university near Monroe County?

Yes. If your child was injured due to hazing, you can sue the fraternity, national organization, university, and individual members responsible. Ohio law allows victims to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

Consent is not a defense in Ohio. Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, it’s still illegal and the organization can be held liable.

How much is my Monroe County hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries
• Egregiousness of conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption)
• Whether the university knew about prior hazing incidents
• Whether the national organization had notice of similar incidents
• Long-term impact on your child’s health and education

Precedent cases show Monroe County families can recover millions:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (BGSU)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (LSU)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State)

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Ohio?

Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. This means you have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait – evidence disappears and witnesses forget.

Can I sue the university if my child was hazed?

Yes, if the university failed to protect your child. Universities near Monroe County can be held liable for:

• Negligence: Failing to implement effective anti-hazing policies
• Premises liability: If they own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor Greek life organizations
• Institutional negligence: Systemic failure to address hazing culture

What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury?

Hazing cases don’t require serious physical injury to be valid. Psychological trauma, emotional distress, and humiliation are all compensable. If your child suffered:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Loss of enjoyment of college life
• Academic decline

You may still have a strong case.

How much does a Monroe County hazing lawyer cost?

At Attorney 911, we work on contingency. This means:

• $0 upfront costs – you pay nothing to hire us
• We only get paid if we win – our fee is a percentage of your recovery
• No hidden fees – we cover case expenses and get reimbursed from your settlement

Monroe County families pay nothing unless we win your case.

Will my child’s name be kept confidential?

We understand the sensitivity of hazing cases. We can file your case under seal or use pseudonyms to protect your child’s identity. However, some details may become public during litigation. We’ll discuss confidentiality options during your consultation.

Can I report hazing to the police?

Yes – hazing is a crime in Ohio. You can and should file a police report. Hazing that causes serious physical harm is a felony under Ohio’s Collin’s Law. We can help you navigate the criminal process while pursuing your civil case.

What if the fraternity tries to intimidate my child?

Fraternities often try to silence victims through intimidation or threats. This is illegal. If the fraternity or its members:

• Threaten your child
• Try to prevent them from speaking out
• Offer money to stay quiet

They can face additional legal consequences. We will protect your child and hold the fraternity accountable for any retaliation.

Can I sue if my child was hazed at a high school near Monroe County?

Yes. Ohio’s anti-hazing laws apply to high schools as well as colleges. If your child was hazed at a Monroe County high school or a nearby school district, you may have a case against the school, organization, and individuals involved.

How long does a Monroe County hazing lawsuit take?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically take 12-36 months to resolve. Factors that affect timeline include:

• Severity of injuries
• Number of defendants
• Whether the case settles or goes to trial
• Court schedules

We work aggressively to resolve your case as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Monroe County Hazing Resources

Ohio Anti-Hazing Organizations

• Collin’s Law Coalition: collinslawcoalition.org – Advocacy group working to prevent hazing
• Clery Center: clerycenter.org – Campus safety resources
• StopHazing: stophazing.org – Research and education on hazing prevention

Ohio Hazing Hotlines

• Ohio Department of Higher Education Hazing Hotline: 1-888-664-2333
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

Local Monroe County Resources

• Marietta College Office of Student Life: (740) 376-4781 – Report hazing at Marietta College
• Ohio University Office of Community Standards & Student Responsibility: (740) 593-2629 – Report hazing at Ohio University
• West Virginia University Office of Student Conduct: (304) 293-8111 – Report hazing at WVU

Monroe County Parents: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is a betrayal of trust. Your child went to college expecting to be safe. Instead, they were abused, humiliated, and endangered.

You are not powerless. You have legal rights. And you have Attorney 911 on your side.

We are fighting this battle right now – and we will fight for Monroe County families with the same determination. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Monroe County hazing victims deserve justice. Let’s get it for them.