Hazing Lawyers for Scioto County Families – Justice for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

📍 Scioto County, Ohio | 📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com

🚨 Hazing in Scioto County: A Hidden Crisis Affecting Local Families

Scioto County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities, fraternities, and sororities to protect their students. But that trust is being betrayed.

Hazing is not just a problem in big cities or distant states—it’s happening right here in Ohio, including at universities near Scioto County. Fraternities and sororities with chapters in our region have been linked to serious hazing incidents, including forced alcohol consumption, extreme physical abuse, and psychological torture. Some students have been hospitalized. Others have died.

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Scioto County or at a nearby university, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is fighting this crisis nationwide, and we are here to help Scioto County families seek justice.

🔍 What Is Hazing? Recognizing the Signs in Scioto County

Hazing is any intentional, reckless, or negligent act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group. In Ohio, hazing is illegal—and it can lead to criminal charges and civil lawsuits.

Common Hazing Practices in Ohio (Including Near Scioto County):

✅ Forced Alcohol Consumption – Pledges are pressured to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning, blackouts, or death.
✅ Extreme Physical Abuse – Forced exercise to exhaustion, beatings with paddles, or other forms of physical punishment.
✅ Psychological Torture – Sleep deprivation, humiliation, verbal abuse, and threats of expulsion or physical harm.
✅ Waterboarding & Simulated Drowning – A dangerous practice that can cause severe trauma and physical harm.
✅ Forced Eating Until Vomiting – Pledges are made to consume large amounts of food, milk, or peppercorns until they vomit.
✅ Sexual Humiliation & Assault – Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, or other degrading acts.
✅ Sleep Deprivation – Late-night activities, forced driving of fraternity members, and exhaustion-inducing schedules.

These are not “traditions.” They are crimes.

🏛️ Ohio Hazing Laws: What Scioto County Families Need to Know

Ohio has strict laws against hazing, and victims have legal rights under both criminal and civil law.

Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 – Hazing (Criminal Law)

• Hazing is a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine).
• If hazing results in serious physical harm, it becomes a third-degree felony (up to 3 years in prison).
• If hazing results in death, it becomes a second-degree felony (up to 8 years in prison).
• Consent is not a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.

Civil Lawsuits for Hazing Victims in Scioto County

In addition to criminal charges, victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to hold fraternities, sororities, universities, and individual members accountable. These lawsuits can seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work or lost job opportunities)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for their actions)

Ohio does not cap damages in personal injury cases, meaning juries can award significant compensation for severe hazing cases.

💔 Real Cases of Hazing in Ohio & Near Scioto County

Hazing is not just a problem in other states—it’s happening in Ohio, including at universities near Scioto County. Here are some real cases that have made headlines:

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021)

• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
• What Happened: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a fraternity initiation. He died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: The fraternity was permanently expelled from BGSU, and the family received a $10.1 million settlement from the university and fraternity.
• Ohio Law: This case led to Collin’s Law, which increased penalties for hazing in Ohio.

2. Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017) – Ohio Connection

• Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta (has Ohio chapters)
• What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” hazing event. His blood alcohol level was 0.495 (more than 6 times the legal limit). He died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: The fraternity was permanently banned, and the family received a $6.1 million jury verdict. The case also led to Max Gruver’s Law, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

3. Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University (2021) – Ohio Connection

• Fraternity: Delta Chi (has Ohio chapters)
• What Happened: Adam Oakes, a 19-year-old student, was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a fraternity event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: The family received a $4 million settlement, and the fraternity was banned from VCU.

4. Ohio University (2023) – Sigma Pi Fraternity

• What Happened: A student was hospitalized after a hazing incident involving forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse.
• Outcome: The fraternity was suspended, and the university launched an investigation.

These cases show that hazing is not limited to one school or one fraternity—it’s a nationwide epidemic that affects families in Scioto County and across Ohio.

🏫 Which Universities Near Scioto County Have Greek Life?

Scioto County families should be aware that many universities near our region have active Greek life organizations, including fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories. Some of these institutions include:

If your child attends or plans to attend any of these universities, they may be at risk of hazing.

🔎 Warning Signs of Hazing in Scioto County Students

Hazing often goes unreported because victims are afraid of retaliation or social exclusion. Scioto County parents should watch for these warning signs that their child may be a victim of hazing:

✅ Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme exhaustion or difficulty walking
• Sudden weight loss or changes in appetite
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, blackouts)

✅ Behavioral Signs:

• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Increased secrecy about whereabouts and activities
• Fear of discussing Greek life or initiation activities
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms

✅ Academic & Social Signs:

• Missing classes or falling behind in schoolwork
• Sudden loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Unexplained financial expenses (paying for fraternity/sorority events)

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child immediately—and consider contacting an attorney to protect their rights.

🛡️ How Attorney 911 Protects Scioto County Hazing Victims

At Attorney 911, we are leading the fight against hazing nationwide, including right here in Scioto County. We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are committed to bringing the same level of aggressive representation to Scioto County families.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Scioto County Hazing Case?

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how insurance companies and fraternities try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to fight back and maximize your compensation.
✅ Federal Court Authority – We can pursue hazing cases in federal court, giving us more leverage against national fraternities.
✅ Dual-State Licensed – Licensed in Texas and New York, allowing us to take on national fraternities headquartered anywhere in the U.S.
✅ Proven Track Record – We have won millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including in complex cases against large institutions.
✅ Se Habla Español – We serve Spanish-speaking families in Scioto County without language barriers.
✅ Contingency Fee Basis – You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

What We Do for Scioto County Hazing Victims:

🔹 Immediate Evidence Preservation – We ensure that critical evidence (texts, photos, videos, witness statements) is preserved before it disappears.
🔹 Medical & Psychological Support – We connect victims with medical and mental health professionals to document their injuries.
🔹 Aggressive Negotiation – We fight for the maximum compensation from fraternities, sororities, universities, and insurance companies.
🔹 Litigation & Trial Experience – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for justice in court.
🔹 Protecting Your Future – We help victims recover from the physical, emotional, and financial toll of hazing so they can move forward with their lives.

📞 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Scioto County

If your child has been a victim of hazing, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines expire. Here’s what you should do right now:

Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
• Seek medical attention if they have been injured or are in distress.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Do not delete any messages, photos, or videos related to the hazing.
• Save all texts, social media posts, and emails from the fraternity/sorority.
• Document injuries with photos and medical records.
• Write down everything your child remembers about the hazing incident(s).

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone

• Fraternities, sororities, and universities have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests—not yours.
• Do not give statements to their representatives without legal counsel.
• Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
• We will evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
• We will handle all communications with the fraternity, sorority, and university so you don’t have to.

Step 5: Report the Hazing (Optional but Recommended)

• You can file a police report with local law enforcement.
• You can report the hazing to the university’s Title IX office.
• You can report the hazing to the national fraternity/sorority organization.

We can guide you through this process to ensure your child’s rights are protected.

💰 How Much Is a Scioto County Hazing Case Worth?

Every hazing case is unique, but victims and their families may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

Recent hazing cases have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, including:

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

If your child was seriously injured or killed due to hazing, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.

⚖️ Who Can Be Held Liable in a Scioto County Hazing Case?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, all of whom may share liability. In our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, we are pursuing:

We pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation.

📅 Ohio Statute of Limitations for Hazing Cases

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a hazing lawsuit is generally 2 years from the date of the injury or death.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Contact Attorney 911 today to protect your case.

🔥 Why Scioto County Families Trust Attorney 911

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to waterboarding, forced exercise, and physical abuse.

This is not just a hypothetical case—we are in the fight right now, and we will bring the same level of dedication to Scioto County families.

We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions

Fraternities, sororities, and universities have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need a legal team that knows how to fight back.

As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know exactly how these institutions operate. We use that insider knowledge to build strong cases and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

We Serve Scioto County Families with Compassion & Aggression

We understand the trauma that hazing victims and their families experience. We treat every client with compassion, respect, and confidentiality.

At the same time, we are aggressive advocates who will not back down from powerful institutions. We fight for justice, accountability, and the compensation our clients deserve.

We Make It Easy for Scioto County Families

• Free consultations – No obligation, no upfront cost.
• Contingency fee basis – You pay nothing unless we win.
• Video consultations available – No need to travel to Houston.
• We travel to Scioto County – For depositions, meetings, and trials.
• Se habla español – We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.

📢 Message to Fraternities & Sororities Near Scioto County

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Scioto County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements in other states apply to your chapters.

If you haze students in Scioto County or anywhere in Ohio, we will pursue every liable entity—including your national organization, your local chapter, and your individual members.

We have already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

🏆 Our Commitment to Scioto County Families

At Attorney 911, we are committed to ending the hazing crisis and protecting students in Scioto County and across Ohio. When you hire us, you get:

✅ A team of experienced hazing litigation attorneys fighting for you.
✅ Aggressive representation against powerful institutions.
✅ Compassionate support for you and your family.
✅ Maximum compensation for your injuries and suffering.
✅ A voice for change to prevent future hazing incidents.

We don’t just talk about hazing—we fight it in court. And we win.

📞 Contact Attorney 911 Today – Free Consultation for Scioto County Families

If your child has been a victim of hazing in Scioto County or at a nearby university, you have legal rights. We are here to help you seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com for a free, confidential consultation.

We serve Scioto County families on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

🚨 Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, and your legal rights expire. Contact us today.

📍 Serving Scioto County from Our Offices in Houston, Austin & Beaumont

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

💬 Se habla español. We serve Spanish-speaking families in Scioto County without language barriers.

🔗 Helpful Resources for Scioto County Families

• Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 – Hazing Law
• Collin’s Law: Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Act
• StopHazing.org – Hazing Prevention & Education
• Clery Center – Campus Safety Resources

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a signed representation agreement is executed.