Hazing Victims in Stark County, Ohio: Your Legal Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help

The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Stark County

If you or someone you love has been a victim of hazing in Stark County, Ohio, you’re not alone. The recent $10 million lawsuit we filed against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston reveals a disturbing pattern of abuse that exists in Greek organizations nationwide – including right here in Stark County. This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening at universities near Stark County, and we’re here to fight for Stark County families.

What’s Happening in Stark County

Stark County is home to several colleges and universities where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities involved in the University of Houston case – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others – have active chapters at institutions throughout Ohio. The culture of hazing that led to our client’s hospitalization in Texas exists right here in Stark County.

The Stark County community has strong family values and takes pride in its educational institutions. When our children go to college, we expect them to be safe. Unfortunately, the reality is that hazing incidents occur at Stark County-area universities every year. The same “traditions” that sent our client to the hospital with kidney failure are being replicated in fraternity houses across Ohio.

The Stark County Hazing Reality: What Families Need to Know

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines

The Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating in Texas demonstrates how national fraternities operate with consistent cultures across state lines. The same organizations with chapters near Stark County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries:

• Pi Kappa Alpha paid $10.1 million after Stone Foltz died at Bowling Green State University
• Phi Delta Theta was hit with a $6.1 million jury verdict after Max Gruver’s death at LSU
• Beta Theta Pi settled for over $110 million after Timothy Piazza died at Penn State

These same fraternities have chapters at universities near Stark County. The same dangerous culture exists here.

Stark County Universities Face the Same Liability Issues

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was hazed. Universities near Stark County face the same premises liability issues. When a university owns or controls Greek housing, they have a legal duty to ensure student safety. Too often, they fail in this duty.

In 2017, Bowling Green State University faced a similar situation when Stone Foltz died. The university paid $2.9 million in that case. Stark County universities could face the same liability if hazing occurs on their properties or under their supervision.

What Stark County Families Should Watch For

Hazing takes many forms, and Stark County parents should be aware of the warning signs. In our current case, the hazing activities included:

• Waterboarding with garden hoses – simulated drowning
• Forced consumption of food and liquids – drinking milk until vomiting
• Extreme physical punishment – 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls
• Sleep deprivation – forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
• Psychological abuse – carrying sexual objects, humiliation
• Physical beatings – struck with wooden paddles

These activities aren’t just “pranks” or “traditions.” They’re dangerous, illegal, and can cause serious physical and psychological harm.

Medical Consequences Stark County Families Should Know

Our client suffered rhabdomyolysis – a breakdown of muscle tissue that releases proteins into the bloodstream. This condition can lead to:

• Acute kidney failure (as our client experienced)
• Permanent kidney damage
• Cardiac issues from electrolyte imbalances
• Potential need for dialysis or kidney transplant
• Long-term physical limitations

Other common medical consequences of hazing include:

• Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injuries from falls or beatings
• Hypothermia from exposure to cold weather
• Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Your Legal Rights as a Stark County Hazing Victim

Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Laws Protect You

Ohio has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to Stark County victims. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31:

• Hazing is a second-degree misdemeanor
• If hazing creates a substantial risk of physical harm, it’s a first-degree misdemeanor
• If hazing causes serious physical harm, it’s a third-degree felony

Importantly, consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.

Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable

Beyond criminal charges, Stark County hazing victims can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

1. Medical expenses – hospital bills, ongoing treatment
2. Pain and suffering – physical and emotional trauma
3. Lost wages – time missed from work or school
4. Educational disruption – impact on academic performance
5. Punitive damages – to punish egregious conduct

In our Texas case, we’re pursuing $10 million in damages. Stark County victims deserve the same aggressive representation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Stark County Hazing?

1. The Local Chapter

The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing activities can be held liable. This includes:

• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.)
• Active members who participated
• Members who failed to stop the abuse

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities have deep pockets and substantial insurance coverage. They can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Maintaining a culture that enables hazing

3. The University

Universities near Stark County can be held liable for:

• Premises liability – if they own or control the property where hazing occurred
• Negligent supervision – if they failed to monitor Greek organizations
• Institutional knowledge – if they knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failure to protect – if they didn’t implement adequate safeguards

4. Individual Perpetrators

Each person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be sued individually. This includes:

• Members who directly participated
• Members who witnessed and failed to stop it
• Alumni who hosted hazing events
• Spouses or partners who allowed hazing on their property

What to Do If You or Your Child Was Hazed in Stark County

Immediate Steps for Stark County Families

1. Seek medical attention – Document all injuries immediately
2. Preserve evidence – Save all texts, social media posts, photos, videos
3. Do NOT confront the organization – They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses
4. Do NOT post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
5. Contact an attorney – Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

Evidence Preservation Checklist

Why Stark County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While we’re based in Texas, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases because we’re in the fight right now. Stark County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas.

Nationwide Experience, Local Understanding

We understand the Stark County community and its values. Our attorneys have experience with:

• Hazing litigation – including rhabdomyolysis cases
• University liability – premises liability, negligent supervision
• Greek organization culture – how fraternities and sororities operate
• Federal court authority – we can pursue cases nationwide

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena – are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies think, how they value claims, and how they try to minimize payouts. This insider knowledge gives Stark County families an unfair advantage.

We Come to Stark County

Distance is not a barrier. We offer:

• Video consultations for Stark County families
• Travel to Stark County for depositions, meetings, and trials
• Remote case management – we handle everything electronically
• Local connections – we work with Stark County medical providers and experts

Contingency Fee Representation

Stark County families pay $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No attorney fees unless we win your case
• No hourly billing
• No financial risk to you
• We only get paid when you get paid

Case Study: What Happened in Texas Could Happen in Stark County

The Bermudez Case: A Stark Warning for Stark County Families

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was seven weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities:

• Waterboarding with garden hoses – simulated drowning
• Forced consumption – milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
• Extreme physical punishment – 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls
• Sleep deprivation – forced to drive members at all hours
• Psychological abuse – carrying sexual objects, humiliation
• Physical beatings – struck with wooden paddles

The Medical Consequences:

• Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Acute kidney failure
• 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital
• Brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
• Inability to walk or stand

The Institutional Failures:

• University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to act
• The same fraternity had a member die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU)
• The same university had a hazing hospitalization in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha)

The Legal Action:

• We filed a $10 million lawsuit on November 21, 2025
• Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter 7 days before the lawsuit – showing consciousness of guilt
• The university admitted the conduct was “deeply disturbing”
• Criminal charges are possible

Why This Matters to Stark County

This case demonstrates:

1. Hazing happens at universities with Greek life – including near Stark County
2. Universities are complicit – they own the properties and have oversight responsibility
3. National organizations know about the problem – and fail to fix it
4. The same fraternities operate in Stark County – with the same dangerous cultures
5. Legal action gets results – our lawsuit forced the chapter to close

Stark County Hazing: Common Questions Answered

Q: Is hazing really a problem in Stark County?

Yes. While specific incidents may not always make the news, hazing occurs at universities throughout Ohio. The same national fraternities with chapters near Stark County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. The culture that led to our client’s hospitalization exists in Stark County Greek organizations.

Q: What counts as hazing under Ohio law?

Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 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.”

This includes:

• Physical brutality (paddling, beating, etc.)
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse
• Any activity that creates a risk of harm

Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?

Yes. Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable. This is a critical point – fraternities often try to argue that victims “knew what they were getting into,” but Ohio law rejects this argument.

Q: How much is a Stark County hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but recent hazing settlements and verdicts demonstrate the potential value:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million estimated settlement (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)

For our current case, we’re seeking $10 million based on:

• Medical expenses (hospitalization, ongoing treatment)
• Pain and suffering (physical and psychological trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
• The defendants’ ability to pay

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you generally have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions:

• For minors, the clock may not start until they turn 18
• In some cases, the clock may start when the injury is discovered
• For wrongful death claims, the clock starts at the date of death

Important: Evidence disappears and witnesses forget. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Q: Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?

Ohio has immunity provisions for individuals who report hazing. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2903.311, a person who reports hazing in good faith to law enforcement or university officials is immune from civil or criminal liability.

Additionally, universities cannot retaliate against students who report hazing. If your child faces retaliation, that creates additional legal claims.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries?

Yes. Even if there are no physical injuries, hazing victims can sue for:

• Emotional distress
• PTSD and other psychological trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Educational disruption
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Many hazing cases involve significant psychological harm even without physical injuries.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

Hazing doesn’t have to occur on campus to be illegal. Ohio’s anti-hazing law applies to activities on or off campus if they’re connected to an organization. Many hazing incidents occur at off-campus houses, apartments, or even in the woods.

Q: How much will it cost to hire an attorney?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This arrangement allows Stark County families to pursue justice without financial risk.

Stark County Universities: The Same Hazing Risks Exist Here

Stark County is home to several colleges and universities with active Greek life. The same national fraternities involved in the University of Houston case have chapters at institutions throughout Ohio.

Universities Near Stark County with Greek Organizations:

1. Kent State University – Large Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities
2. University of Akron – Active Greek community
3. Walsh University – Smaller but active Greek organizations
4. Malone University – Greek organizations present
5. Stark State College – While primarily a community college, some Greek organizations may be present

These institutions face the same liability issues as the University of Houston:

• They have a duty to protect students
• They have oversight responsibility for Greek organizations
• They may own or control Greek housing
• They can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing

How Attorney 911 Builds a Strong Stark County Hazing Case

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act quickly to preserve critical evidence:

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Subpoena social media companies for deleted content
• Obtain security camera footage
• Collect witness statements before memories fade

2. Comprehensive Medical Documentation

We work with medical experts to:

• Document all injuries
• Establish causation between hazing and injuries
• Project future medical needs
• Calculate lifetime costs of treatment

3. Pattern Evidence Development

We investigate:

• Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Prior incidents at other chapters of the same fraternity
• The national organization’s history of hazing problems
• The university’s knowledge of prior incidents

4. Expert Testimony

We retain experts in:

• Hazing culture – to explain how Greek organizations operate
• University liability – to establish institutional responsibility
• Medical consequences – to explain injuries to juries
• Economic damages – to calculate financial losses

5. Aggressive Litigation Strategy

We pursue:

• All potentially liable parties (chapter, nationals, university, individuals)
• All available insurance policies
• Punitive damages when appropriate
• Media attention to pressure defendants
• Legislative advocacy to change laws

What to Expect When You Contact Attorney 911

Step 1: Free Initial Consultation

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll:

• Listen to your story
• Evaluate the strength of your case
• Explain your legal options
• Answer all your questions

Step 2: Case Investigation

If we take your case, we’ll immediately begin:

• Preserving evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Obtaining medical records
• Researching the organization’s history

Step 3: Demand and Negotiation

We’ll:

• Compile a comprehensive demand package
• Send it to all defendants and their insurance companies
• Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement

Step 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’ll:

• File a lawsuit
• Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
• Prepare for trial
• Present your case to a jury if needed

Step 5: Resolution

We’ll work to:

• Maximize your compensation
• Hold all responsible parties accountable
• Ensure this doesn’t happen to others

Stark County Hazing: The Time to Act Is Now

The Evidence Won’t Wait

• Text messages get deleted
• Social media posts disappear
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing critical evidence.

The Clock Is Ticking

Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you don’t file within this time, you lose your right to sue forever.

The Culture Won’t Change Without Action

The only way to stop hazing is to make it too expensive to continue. When fraternities and universities face multi-million dollar lawsuits, they start taking hazing prevention seriously.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Stark County, Ohio, we’re here to help.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free consultations for Stark County families
• Video consultations if you can’t meet in person
• Travel to Stark County for important meetings
• Contingency fee representation – $0 upfront

Remember: You’re not alone. We’re fighting this battle right now in Texas, and we’ll bring the same aggressive representation to Stark County families.

The same fraternities. The same dangerous culture. The same institutional failures.

But now, the same legal team that’s taking on Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is ready to fight for Stark County.