Hazing Victims in Muskingum County: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back
The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Muskingum County
Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities far away – it’s happening right here in Muskingum County and at colleges across Ohio. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide have active chapters at universities near Muskingum County. If your child has been hazed, they deserve justice – and Attorney 911 is here to fight for Muskingum County families.
We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This same fraternity and others like it operate chapters at Ohio universities where Muskingum County students attend. The same dangerous “traditions” that put our client in the hospital exist right here in our state.
What Muskingum County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
The Shocking Reality of Hazing in Ohio
Hazing isn’t harmless fun or “tradition” – it’s systematic abuse that can cause serious physical and psychological harm. In our current case, a student was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Subjected to sleep deprivation and humiliation
This isn’t an isolated incident. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. Ohio has seen its share of tragedies, including the 2021 death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University, which resulted in a $10.1 million settlement.
Muskingum County’s Nearby Universities Are Not Immune
Ohio is home to numerous universities with active Greek life, including:
- Ohio State University in Columbus
- Miami University in Oxford
- University of Cincinnati
- Ohio University in Athens
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
These institutions have the same national fraternities that have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits across the country. The same Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other organizations that have paid millions in settlements operate chapters at Ohio universities where Muskingum County students attend.
Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Laws
Ohio has strong laws against hazing, including:
- Collin’s Law: Makes hazing a felony when it results in serious physical harm
- Criminal penalties: Up to 180 days in jail for misdemeanor hazing, up to 5 years for felony hazing
- Consent is not a defense: Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Muskingum County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held responsible:
- Local Fraternity Chapter: The individuals who organized and carried out the hazing
- National Fraternity Organization: For failing to supervise their chapters and enforce anti-hazing policies
- University/College: For failing to protect students, especially if they own or control the property where hazing occurred
- Individual Members: Each person who participated in or facilitated the hazing
- Alumni: If hazing occurred at their homes or properties
- Insurance Companies: The policies that cover these organizations
In our current case, we’re pursuing all these defendants – including the university that owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Muskingum County
Immediate Steps to Protect Your Child and Their Case
If your child has been hazed, take these crucial steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Some conditions like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) may not show symptoms immediately.
- Preserve All Evidence:
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all text messages, social media posts, and emails about the hazing
- Document witness names and contact information
- Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
- Do NOT Confront the Organization: Avoid talking to fraternity/sorority members or university officials without legal counsel. They may try to get your child to sign away their rights.
- Do NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child posts can be used against them in court.
- Contact an Attorney Immediately: The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Why Muskingum County Families Need Specialized Legal Representation
Hazing cases are complex and require specific expertise:
- Understanding Greek life culture and dynamics
- Knowledge of university administrative processes
- Experience with Title IX and criminal law intersections
- Ability to pursue multiple defendants simultaneously
- Experience with institutional insurance structures
At Attorney 911, we have this specialized knowledge. Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers – we know exactly how these organizations and their insurers will try to minimize or deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to fight for Muskingum County families.
The Attorney 911 Difference for Muskingum County Hazing Victims
Nationwide Experience with a Local Commitment
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Muskingum County. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean distance is not a barrier to justice for Muskingum County families.
Proven Track Record in Hazing Litigation
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our experience includes:
- Representing hazing victims in multiple states
- Successfully pursuing claims against national fraternities and universities
- Securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
- Handling cases involving rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know:
- How insurance companies evaluate claims
- What tactics they use to minimize payouts
- How to counter their strategies
- Where to find the money to compensate victims
Aggressive Representation for Muskingum County Families
We don’t just file lawsuits – we fight for justice. Our approach includes:
- Thorough investigation of all responsible parties
- Aggressive pursuit of all available insurance coverage
- Willingness to take cases to trial when necessary
- Comprehensive damage calculation including future medical needs
- Coordination with criminal investigations when applicable
Compassionate Service for Muskingum County Victims
We understand the trauma hazing victims and their families experience. Our staff is:
- Bilingual (English and Spanish)
- Compassionate and understanding
- Available 24/7 for Muskingum County families
- Committed to treating every client like family
Types of Compensation Available for Muskingum County Hazing Victims
If your child has been hazed, they may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future medical bills related to hazing injuries
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the hazing
- Psychological Treatment: Therapy and counseling for PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to recovery time or inability to work
- Educational Impact: Tuition reimbursement if hazing forced withdrawal from school
- Punitive Damages: Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct
- Wrongful Death: If hazing resulted in death, compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship
Common Hazing Injuries We’ve Seen in Muskingum County-Area Cases
Hazing can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis: Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure (like our current client)
- Traumatic Brain Injury: From beatings or falls
- Alcohol Poisoning: From forced drinking
- Heat Stroke/Hypothermia: From exposure during forced activities
- Broken Bones: From physical abuse
- Internal Injuries: From being struck or forced consumption
- Sexual Assault: Including forced nudity and sexual acts
- Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
Why Time is Critical for Muskingum County Hazing Cases
Ohio’s Statute of Limitations
Ohio law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit:
- Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death
If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever. Evidence also disappears quickly:
- Text messages get deleted
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
- Physical evidence gets lost
The Sooner You Act, the Stronger Your Case
The earlier we get involved, the better we can:
- Preserve evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Document injuries
- Build a strong case
- Maximize your compensation
Muskingum County Families: We’re Here to Help
If your child has been hazed at any Ohio university or college, we can help. We offer:
- Free consultations for Muskingum County families
- Contingency fee representation – you pay nothing unless we win
- Video consultations – no need to travel
- Willingness to come to Muskingum County for meetings and depositions
- 24/7 availability – call anytime
Don’t Let Fear Stop You
We know hazing victims often hesitate to come forward because of:
- Fear of retaliation
- Loyalty to the organization
- Shame or embarrassment
- Not recognizing it as hazing
- Pressure to “tough it out”
We’re here to protect you. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was fearful of retribution – we understand these concerns and will fight to protect your child’s rights and safety.
Muskingum County’s Hazing Lawyers: Fighting for Ohio Students
At Attorney 911, we’re committed to ending the culture of hazing that harms students in Muskingum County and across Ohio. We’re currently fighting this battle in court, and we’re ready to bring that same fight to Ohio.
If your child has been hazed, call us immediately. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight for the justice your family deserves.
Contact Attorney 911 Today
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Muskingum County and all of Ohio. Distance is not a barrier to justice. Call now for your free consultation.
