🚨 Preble County Hazing Lawyers — Fraternity Abuse Attorneys Serving Preble County, Ohio
Hazing is not tradition. It’s torture. And it’s happening at universities near Preble County.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure from fraternity hazing. The same national fraternities operate at universities near Preble County — and they’re putting students at risk right here in Ohio.
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Preble County, we can help. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Preble County families, with aggressive legal representation.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
🏛️ Hazing in Preble County — What Ohio Families Need to Know
The Hazing Crisis Is Closer Than You Think
You may think hazing is something that happens at big universities in other states. But the truth is, hazing is happening right here near Preble County. The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide have active chapters at Ohio universities. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Greek organizations near Preble County.
Universities near Preble County with Greek life include:
- Miami University (Oxford, OH) — known for strong Greek system
- University of Dayton — active fraternities and sororities
- Wright State University — Greek organizations present
- Ohio State University — one of the largest Greek systems in the country
- University of Cincinnati — numerous Greek chapters
These institutions have a duty to protect students. When they fail, Preble County families have legal rights.
What Counts as Hazing in Ohio?
Ohio law defines hazing as any act that recklessly endangers the health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with a student organization.
This includes:
- Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, degradation, threats)
- Sleep deprivation
- Sexual abuse or harassment
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning (yes, this is happening)
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 makes hazing a second-degree misdemeanor — punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. If the hazing causes serious physical harm, it becomes a third-degree felony — punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
But criminal charges are only part of the story. Ohio families can also file civil lawsuits to hold fraternities, universities, and individuals accountable for the harm caused by hazing.
⚠️ The Preble County Hazing Case That Shows What’s Really Happening
This Happened in Texas — But It Could Happen in Preble County
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. Bermudez was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse during the pledge process, including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to consume milk and food until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
- Psychological torture — carried objects of sexual nature, threatened with expulsion
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, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
This is not hazing. This is torture. And it’s happening at universities near Preble County.
Why This Case Matters for Preble County Families
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Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including in Ohio
- The same national organization that waterboarded our client operates chapters at Ohio universities.
- If they’re doing this in Texas, they’re doing it in Ohio.
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Universities near Preble County face the same liability failures
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
- Universities near Preble County have the same power to regulate Greek life — and the same responsibility when they fail.
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The same “traditions” exist at Ohio fraternities
- Forced drinking, physical abuse, psychological torture — these aren’t isolated incidents.
- They’re part of a culture that prioritizes “brotherhood” over student safety.
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Preble County families have the same legal rights
- You don’t have to accept hazing as “just part of college.”
- You can hold the people and institutions who hurt your child accountable.
💔 What Hazing Does to Students
Hazing doesn’t build character. It destroys lives.
Physical Injuries:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure, as seen in our case)
- Alcohol poisoning (leading cause of hazing deaths)
- Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
- Broken bones, burns, and internal injuries
- Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
- Death
Psychological Trauma:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — from waterboarding, physical abuse, or sexual assault
- Anxiety and depression — fear of retribution, social isolation
- Suicidal ideation — hazing victims are at increased risk
- Trust issues — difficulty forming healthy relationships
- Academic decline — inability to focus, missed classes
Long-Term Consequences:
- Permanent physical disabilities (kidney damage, chronic pain)
- Career limitations — missed internships, delayed graduation
- Financial burden — medical bills, therapy costs
- Lifelong psychological scars
This is not “boys being boys.” This is not “building brotherhood.” This is abuse — and it has to stop.
⚖️ Ohio Hazing Laws — What Preble County Families Need to Know
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 — Hazing
Ohio law 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.”
Key Provisions:
- Hazing is a second-degree misdemeanor — up to 90 days in jail, $750 fine
- If serious physical harm occurs: third-degree felony — up to 5 years in prison
- Consent is not a defense — even if the victim agreed to participate, it’s still illegal
- Organizations can be held criminally liable — fraternities, sororities, sports teams
Ohio Civil Liability for Hazing
Ohio families can also file civil lawsuits against:
- The local chapter — for organizing and conducting hazing
- The national organization — for failing to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
- The university — for failing to protect students (especially if they own or control the property)
- Individual members — for participating in or facilitating hazing
Damages available in civil lawsuits include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (if the victim missed work or internships)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Wrongful death damages (if hazing results in death)
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Preble County
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire. Here’s what to do:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked out.
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — screenshot everything
- Photos and videos — of injuries, hazing activities, locations
- Physical evidence — clothing, objects used in hazing
- Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders
- Medical records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
3. Report the Incident
- File a police report — hazing is a crime in Ohio
- Report to the university — under Title IX (if sexual harassment is involved)
- Report to the national organization — if it’s a fraternity or sorority
4. Contact an Ohio Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits.
- The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can preserve evidence and build your case.
- We offer free, confidential consultations — call 1-888-ATTY-911.
🏆 Why Preble County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for You
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 right now. Preble County families get the same aggressive representation.
Our Experience:
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
- Federal court admission — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage for national cases
- Hazing-specific expertise — rhabdomyolysis, fraternity litigation, university liability
- Multi-million dollar case experience — including BP Texas City explosion litigation
Our Approach:
- Immediate response — we act fast to preserve evidence
- Aggressive representation — we don’t back down from powerful institutions
- Compassionate advocacy — we treat your family with respect and care
- Contingency fee basis — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
What Sets Us Apart for Preble County Families:
- We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now.
- We know how to sue universities and national organizations. They have deep pockets, and we know how to access them.
- We travel to Preble County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
- We offer remote consultations. You don’t have to come to Houston to get help.
- We speak Spanish. Se habla español — no language barriers to justice.
📞 Preble County Hazing Victims — Contact Us Now
If your child has been hazed at a university near Preble County, you have legal rights. We can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and recover the compensation your family deserves.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Preble County, Ohio.
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Preble County
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: We understand. Hazing victims often feel ashamed, afraid of retribution, or loyal to the organization. But hazing is illegal, and it will continue if no one speaks up. You can report the incident anonymously to the university or police. Most importantly, contact us. We can advise you on your legal options without pressuring your child to take action they’re not ready for.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that matter?
A: No. Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the organization and individuals accountable. The fraternity cannot use “consent” as an excuse for abuse.
Q: Can we sue the university if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — making their liability even clearer.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a private university near Preble County?
A: Private universities have the same legal obligations as public universities. They must protect students from foreseeable harm. If they fail, they can be held accountable in civil court.
Q: How much is a hazing lawsuit worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that affect case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, physical abuse, etc.)
- Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
- Availability of insurance coverage
- Strength of evidence
Recent hazing cases have resulted in:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University)
- $6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver, LSU)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Penn State)
Q: What if the hazing happened at a high school near Preble County?
A: Hazing happens in high schools too. Ohio law applies to all student organizations, including high school sports teams, clubs, and bands. If your child was hazed in high school, contact us immediately. We can help you pursue legal action against the school district, coaches, and individuals responsible.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This means you have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most hazing cases settle before trial. We work hard to negotiate a fair settlement so your child doesn’t have to relive the trauma in court. If the case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
Q: Can we afford a lawyer?
A: Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. This allows Preble County families to pursue justice without financial barriers.
🚫 Warning Signs of Hazing Near Preble County
Hazing often starts with subtle signs. If your child is involved in Greek life, sports, or other student organizations near Preble County, watch for these red flags:
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Fear of certain people or places
- Drop in academic performance
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Changes in sleep patterns
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Signs of exhaustion (dark circles, frequent naps)
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of alcohol or drug use
- Weight fluctuations (from forced eating or deprivation)
Organizational Red Flags:
- Your child is suddenly spending a lot of time with the group
- They’re always tired or missing classes
- They can’t explain what they’re doing with the group
- They defend the group excessively when you ask questions
- They seem afraid to say no to group activities
If you notice these signs, ask questions. If your child seems reluctant to answer, contact us immediately. We can help you determine if hazing is occurring and advise you on next steps.
🏆 Our Commitment to Preble County Families
At Attorney 911, we believe no child should have to endure torture to belong. We are committed to:
- Ending the culture of hazing — through litigation, legislation, and education
- Holding institutions accountable — universities, national organizations, and individuals
- Supporting victims and families — with compassionate, confidential legal representation
- Preventing future tragedies — by making hazing too expensive to continue
We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for Preble County families with the same determination.
📞 Preble County Hazing Victims — Call Now
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Legal deadlines expire.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Preble County, Ohio.
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Preble County, Ohio, and nationwide
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — serving Preble County families
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