🚨 Hazing Victims in Richland County, Ohio — You Are Not Alone
What happened to you was not “tradition.” It was not “building brotherhood.” It was not “boys being boys.”
It was abuse. It was assault. It may have been a crime.
And if you or your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Richland County, Ohio — you have legal rights.
At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now in Texas. We are representing a young man who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure — all because he wanted to join a fraternity.
The same fraternities operate in Richland County. The same hazing happens in Richland County. And we will fight for Richland County families with the same fury.
📍 Hazing in Richland County, Ohio — The Reality
Richland County is home to Ashland University, a respected institution with a vibrant campus life. Ashland University has an active Greek community, including chapters of national fraternities and sororities.
These same national organizations have chapters across America — and many have paid millions in hazing settlements.
Fraternities with Hazing Histories Operating Near Richland County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Settlement/Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, 2021) — Died from forced drinking | $10.1 Million |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017) — Died from forced drinking | Confidential settlement |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, 2025) — Waterboarded, 500 squats, kidney failure | $10 Million lawsuit pending (our case) |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) — Died from forced drinking | $6.1 Million jury verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) — Died after falling down stairs | $110+ Million settlement |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple cases including chemical burns, alcohol poisoning | Multiple settlements |
These are the same Greek letters you see on Richland County campuses.
The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist in Richland County.
⚠️ What Counts as Hazing in Ohio?
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.”
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31
This Includes:
✅ Physical abuse — Paddling, beating, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption — Alcohol, food, non-food substances (even if you “agreed”)
✅ Psychological torture — Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats
✅ Sleep deprivation — Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep
✅ Sexual abuse — Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Waterboarding or simulated drowning — Yes, this happens
✅ Exposure to extreme weather — Stripping in cold, confinement in heat
✅ Servitude — Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands
Ohio law makes hazing a criminal offense — from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony if it causes serious harm.
💔 What Hazing Does to Victims
Physical Injuries:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — can cause kidney failure, as seen in our Houston case
- Alcohol poisoning — can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
- Broken bones, burns, lacerations
- Hypothermia or heat stroke — from exposure
- Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
Psychological Trauma:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Trust issues and difficulty forming relationships
- Academic decline — inability to focus, dropping grades
- Substance abuse — self-medicating to cope
Long-Term Consequences:
- Chronic health problems — permanent kidney damage, heart issues
- Career limitations — physical or psychological barriers
- Financial burden — medical bills, therapy costs
- Social isolation — loss of friendships, support networks
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Richland County?
When hazing happens, many people and organizations can be held responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Richland County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Ashland University chapters |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Chapter presidents, pledge masters |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Current and former members |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; owned/controlled property | Ashland University oversight |
| Coaches/Advisors | Failed to supervise (for sports teams, bands) | Ashland University staff |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing events; facilitated abuse | Former members in Richland County |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | National orgs, universities, homeowners |
💰 What Is Your Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are real examples:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 Million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ Million |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 Million lawsuit pending | Our case |
These results are possible for Richland County victims too.
What You Can Recover:
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages — time missed from work or internships
- Pain and suffering — physical and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages — to punish egregious conduct
- Educational damages — impact on academic performance, scholarships
- Wrongful death damages — if hazing resulted in death
Ohio does not cap damages in personal injury cases — so juries can award what they believe is fair.
⏳ Time Is Running Out — Ohio Statute of Limitations
In Ohio, you have only 2 YEARS from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
- If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.
- Evidence disappears — texts are deleted, witnesses forget.
- The organization will destroy records.
If your child was hazed in Richland County, call us today. Do not wait.
🛡️ Why Richland County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now
- We are 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.
- We know how to build these cases. We know how to win.
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
- Ralph Manginello is a former insurance defense attorney — he knows how the other side thinks.
- Lupe Pena worked at a national defense firm — he knows how institutions try to avoid liability.
- We use their tactics against them.
3. We Travel to Richland County
- We are based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide.
- We offer video consultations for Richland County families.
- We will travel to Richland County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
4. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing to hire us.
- We only get paid if you win.
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — you keep the rest.
5. We Speak Spanish
- Se habla español.
- We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
6. We Have a Proven Track Record
- 4.9 stars on Google — 250+ reviews
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to maximize your recovery
📞 Richland County Hazing Victims — Call Now
If you or your child was hazed in Richland County, Ohio, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We are available 24/7 for Richland County hazing emergencies.
🔍 What to Do If You or Your Child Was Hazed in Richland County
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked.
- Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and psychological trauma may not be obvious right away.
- Medical records are critical evidence.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any text messages, social media posts, or emails about hazing.
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
- Get names and contact information of witnesses.
- Save any physical evidence — clothing, paddles, alcohol containers.
3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
- The fraternity, sorority, or team will try to control the narrative.
- They may intimidate witnesses or destroy evidence.
- Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you.
- Do not discuss the incident online.
5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- We will guide you through every step.
- We will preserve evidence and protect your rights.
- We will handle all communications with the organization and their lawyers.
🎯 Our Promise to Richland County Families
We will:
✅ Fight for every penny you deserve
✅ Hold every responsible party accountable — individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
✅ Protect your privacy and minimize public exposure
✅ Travel to Richland County to meet with you and represent you
✅ Work tirelessly until justice is served
We will not rest until Richland County students are safe from hazing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Richland County Families
Q: What if I “consented” to the hazing?
A: Consent is not a defense in Ohio.
Ohio law explicitly states that you cannot consent to hazing. Even if you agreed to participate, the organization is still liable.
Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious injury?
A: You can still sue for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages — even if you weren’t hospitalized.
Q: What if I’m afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand the fear. We will protect your identity and take legal action against anyone who retaliates.
Q: Can I sue if my child died from hazing?
A: Yes. Families can sue for wrongful death, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. These cases often result in the highest settlements.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus, and organizations can still be held liable.
Q: How long will my case take?
Most cases settle within 12-24 months, but severe cases can take longer. We will keep you updated every step of the way.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but if the organization refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
📢 A Message to Richland County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating in Richland County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in Texas apply to your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates in Richland County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
The Beta Nu chapter that waterboarded our client? They’re now shut down. Your chapter could be next.
Clean up your act. Or clean out your bank accounts.
🏆 Join Us in Ending Hazing in Richland County
Hazing doesn’t have to be part of college culture. Together, we can end it.
What You Can Do:
- Share this page with anyone who may have been hazed in Richland County.
- Contact us if you know of hazing at Ashland University or other Richland County schools.
- Support hazing prevention efforts in your community.
- Demand accountability from universities and national organizations.
🚨 Richland County Families: This Is Your Moment
For too long, hazing has been excused as “tradition.” For too long, victims have been silenced. For too long, institutions have protected their reputations over student safety.
That ends now.
If you or your child was hazed in Richland County, you have the power to stop it from happening to someone else.
Call Attorney 911 today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We are your first responders to a legal emergency. We fight for justice. We fight for Richland County.
