🚨 Champaign County Hazing Lawyer: Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Champaign County Hazing Victims
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity or sorority in Champaign County, Ohio, you’re not alone. The same national organizations that waterboarded a student at University of Houston have chapters near Champaign County. The same universities that failed to protect students in Texas are failing students in Ohio. And we’re here to fight for Champaign County families.
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. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Champaign County hazing victims.
📞 Champaign County Hazing Victims — Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Champaign County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it’s happening at universities near Champaign County.
In our current case, a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at University of Houston:
- Waterboarded a student with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced him to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down
- Struck him with wooden paddles
- Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him keep running
- Hospitalized him with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure for 4 days
This isn’t an isolated incident. This is happening at universities across Ohio, including near Champaign County. The same fraternities. The same culture of abuse. The same institutional failures.
Hazing Near Champaign County — The Reality
Champaign County is home to Urbana University, part of Franklin University, and is near major universities including:
- Ohio State University (Columbus)
- University of Dayton
- Miami University (Oxford)
- Wittenberg University (Springfield)
- Wright State University (Dayton)
- Central State University (Wilberforce)
These institutions have active Greek life communities. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters near Champaign County.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Champaign County or nearby, they face the same risks.
⚠️ What Is Hazing? (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 abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Sexual abuse
- Any activity that creates risk of harm
Ohio law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
💔 What Hazing Does to Champaign County Students
Hazing doesn’t build character. It destroys lives.
Physical Injuries:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — can cause kidney failure and death
- Alcohol poisoning — can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
- Broken bones — from physical abuse
- Internal injuries — from forced consumption or beatings
Psychological Trauma:
- PTSD — from waterboarding, assault, humiliation
- Anxiety and depression — long-term impact on mental health
- Suicidal ideation — hazing victims are at higher risk
- Trust issues — difficulty forming healthy relationships
- Academic decline — inability to focus on studies
Financial Consequences:
- Medical bills — emergency room, hospitalization, therapy
- Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
- Educational disruption — delayed graduation, lost scholarships
- Career impact — permanent health issues affecting future earning potential
Death:
Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. In Ohio, hazing deaths have occurred at:
- Ohio University (2018 — Collin Wiant)
- Bowling Green State University (2021 — Stone Foltz)
Champaign County families: This could be your child.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Champaign County Hazing?
When hazing happens, everyone who participated or allowed it can be held legally responsible. This includes:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Champaign County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same chapters exist near Champaign County |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew of hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others operate near Champaign County |
| University | Failed to protect students; premises liability | Ohio universities have same duty to protect |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Chapter presidents, pledgemasters near Champaign County |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active members at Champaign County-area chapters |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property | Hazing often occurs at off-campus locations |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | Same insurance structures apply in Ohio |
Champaign County families: You can sue them all.
💰 Hazing Settlements & Verdicts — What Champaign County Victims Can Recover
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Ohio and federal law support significant compensation for victims.
Recent Hazing Verdicts & Settlements:
| 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+ |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4 million+ |
| Tucker Hipps | Clemson | Sigma Phi Epsilon | Settlement | $500,000+ |
Champaign County families: These same results are possible for Ohio victims.
What Champaign County Victims Can Recover:
| Damage Type | Examples | Champaign County Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical and emotional trauma | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punish egregious conduct | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing causes death | $1,000,000 – $20,000,000+ |
Ohio has no cap on pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases. Juries can award what they believe is fair.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Champaign County
If you suspect your child has been hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Champaign County, act immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Immediate Steps for Champaign County Families:
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Go to the emergency room or urgent care
- Document all injuries and symptoms
- Get copies of all medical records
-
Preserve Evidence
- Save all communications: texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
- Take photos/videos: injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Document everything: dates, times, locations, participants
- Get witness information: names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
-
Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not talk to university administrators without legal counsel
- Do not sign anything from the organization
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Do not post about the incident
- Do not post about being “fine” or “okay”
- Do not delete old posts (this is destruction of evidence)
-
Report to Authorities (Optional)
- Consider filing a police report
- Consider filing a Title IX complaint with the university
- Criminal charges may be filed (hazing is a crime in Ohio)
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Free consultation for Champaign County hazing victims
- We work on contingency — $0 upfront
🎯 Why Champaign County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
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. Champaign County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to deny claims. We know how to fight back.
3. Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal litigation. This allows us to pursue Champaign County cases in federal court when appropriate.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission
We are licensed in Texas AND New York. This gives us strategic advantage when suing national fraternities headquartered in other states.
5. Nationwide Hazing Expertise
We have specific experience with:
- Rhabdomyolysis injury cases
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
- Texas A&M University hazing cases
- Hospitalization compensation claims
- Life-threatening hazing incident representation
6. We Come to Champaign County
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We will travel to Champaign County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Court appearances
- Trials
7. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)
We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:
- Initial consultations
- Ongoing case communication
- Document translation
- Courtroom interpretation
8. Contingency Fee Representation
We understand that cost can be a barrier. We take hazing cases on contingency:
- $0 upfront
- $0 unless we win
- We only get paid if you get paid
9. Proven Track Record
- 4.9 Stars on Google (250+ reviews)
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims
- Former insurance defense — we know how to dismantle their defenses
- High-profile case experience — including BP Texas City explosion litigation
10. We Care About Champaign County Families
This isn’t just a case to us. This is about protecting Champaign County students. This is about holding institutions accountable. This is about making sure no other Champaign County family has to go through what you’re going through.
📞 Champaign County Hazing Victims — Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Champaign County hazing emergencies
We work on contingency — $0 upfront for Champaign County families.
🏆 Our Approach to Champaign County Hazing Cases
1. Immediate Response
When you call, we act fast. We know evidence disappears quickly, and we work to preserve it immediately.
2. Comprehensive Investigation
We build your case with:
- Medical expert testimony
- Greek life culture experts
- Institutional negligence analysis
- Accident reconstruction (if needed)
- Economic damage calculations
3. Aggressive Negotiation
We negotiate from a position of strength. We know the value of your case, and we won’t accept lowball offers.
4. Willingness to Go to Trial
If the defendants won’t offer fair compensation, we will take your case to trial. We have:
- Trial experience
- Jury verdict experience
- The resources to fight big institutions
5. Champaign County Focus
While we serve clients nationwide, we understand the specific needs of Champaign County families. We tailor our approach to Ohio law and Champaign County culture.
6. Compassionate Client Care
We know this is a difficult time. We keep you informed at every step. We answer your questions. We treat you with respect and compassion.
🔍 Common Hazing Activities in Champaign County (What to Watch For)
Hazing can take many forms. Some activities may seem harmless, but they can escalate quickly. If your child is experiencing any of these, it may be hazing:
Physical Abuse:
- Beatings or paddling — with hands, paddles, or other objects
- Forced exercise — excessive pushups, squats, running drills
- Branding or burning — with hot objects or chemicals
- Sleep deprivation — forced late nights, early mornings
- Exposure to elements — forced to be outside in extreme weather
Forced Consumption:
- Forced drinking — alcohol, milk, or other liquids
- Forced eating — food, non-food substances, until vomiting
- Food or drink restrictions — limited access to food/water
Psychological Torture:
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning — with water, hoses
- Hog-tying — tying hands and feet together
- Confinement — locked in small spaces, closets, basements
- Humiliation — forced to wear embarrassing clothing, perform degrading acts
- Threats — threats of physical harm, expulsion, social ostracism
Sexual Abuse:
- Forced nudity
- Sexual acts
- Carrying sexual objects
- Sexual assault
Servitude:
- Forced cleaning — fraternity house, members’ rooms
- Forced driving — chauffeuring members at all hours
- Forced errands — running personal errands for members
Dangerous Activities:
- Kidnapping or blindfolding
- Forced to break laws — stealing, vandalism
- Physical challenges with risk of injury — obstacle courses, trust falls from heights
Champaign County parents: If your child is experiencing any of these, it is NOT normal. It is NOT tradition. It is NOT acceptable. It is hazing — and it is illegal in Ohio.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Champaign County Hazing Cases
Q: My child agreed to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Q: The fraternity says it was “just tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. Assault is assault, regardless of how long it’s been happening. Waterboarding is torture, regardless of “tradition.”
Q: We’re in Champaign County. Can a Texas law firm help us?
A: YES. We serve hazing victims nationwide. We have:
- Federal court authority
- Willingness to travel to Champaign County
- Video consultation capability
- Experience with out-of-state cases
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. This allows Champaign County families to fight big institutions without financial risk.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights are at risk.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?
A: We protect our clients. We understand the fear of retaliation. We work to ensure your child’s safety and privacy throughout the legal process.
Q: Can we sue the university?
A: YES, if the university knew or should have known about the hazing. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed in that duty, they can be held liable.
Q: What if my child was hazed at an off-campus location?
A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal regardless of where it occurs. The fraternity, national organization, and individuals can all be held liable.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
A: You may still have a case. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is compensable. Even without physical injury, hazing can cause significant harm.
Q: What if my child is an international student?
A: Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation. We have experience working with international students and understand their unique concerns.
Q: What if the fraternity has already been suspended?
A: That doesn’t prevent you from suing. In fact, suspension is often an admission of wrongdoing. We can use that to strengthen your case.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
A: YES. National organizations often have deep pockets and insurance coverage. They can be held liable for failing to supervise their chapters.
Q: What if my child was hazed but didn’t report it immediately?
A: That’s common. Many victims delay reporting due to shame, fear, or loyalty. We can still build a case, but act quickly to preserve evidence.
Q: What if my child is under 18?
A: The statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until your child turns 18. However, do not wait. Evidence preservation is critical.
Q: Can we file a criminal complaint?
A: YES. Hazing is a crime in Ohio. You can file a police report. Criminal and civil cases can proceed simultaneously.
📚 Ohio Hazing Laws — What Champaign County Families Need to Know
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 — Hazing
Definition:
“No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another.”
Penalties:
- Fourth-degree misdemeanor — up to 30 days in jail, $250 fine
- First-degree misdemeanor — if the victim is impaired or coerced; up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine
- Third-degree felony — if the hazing creates a substantial risk of serious physical harm; up to 3 years in prison, $10,000 fine
Consent Not a Defense:
“Consent to hazing is not a defense to a charge under this section.”
Collin’s Law — Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Act
Named after Collin Wiant, who died from hazing at Ohio University in 2018.
Key Provisions:
- Makes hazing a felony in certain circumstances
- Requires universities to report hazing incidents
- Mandates hazing education for students
- Creates immunity for reporting hazing
Champaign County families: This law exists because Ohio recognized the need for stronger protections. Your case can help enforce it.
🏆 Our Hazing Case Experience
Current Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi (2025)
What Happened:
- Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston
- Subjected to weeks of systematic hazing including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose
- 500 squats, 100+ pushups
- Forced eating until vomiting
- Being struck with wooden paddles
- Sleep deprivation
- Collapsed on November 3, 2025
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Our Action:
- Filed $10 million lawsuit against:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- UH Beta Nu Chapter
- University of Houston
- UH Board of Regents
- Chapter officers and members
- Media coverage in ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
- Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter 7 days before lawsuit was filed
Why This Matters to Champaign County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Champaign County
- The same culture of abuse exists at Ohio chapters
- The same institutional failures exist at Ohio universities
- Champaign County victims can achieve the same results
🗺️ Fraternities with Chapters Near Champaign County (Known Hazing Histories)
Many national fraternities with chapters near Champaign County have documented hazing histories. These organizations have paid millions in settlements and been involved in hazing deaths.
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Chapters Near Champaign County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) — $10.1M settlement | Ohio State, Miami University |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) — death; Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) — $10M lawsuit | Ohio State, University of Dayton |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths; chemical burns case at Texas A&M | Ohio State, Miami University |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) — $6.1M verdict | Ohio State, University of Dayton |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) — $110M+ settlement | Ohio State, Miami University |
| Sigma Phi Epsilon | Tucker Hipps (Clemson, 2014) — $500K+ settlement | Ohio State, University of Dayton |
| Delta Chi | Adam Oakes (VCU, 2021) — $4M+ settlement | Ohio State, Wright State |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing incidents; chemical burns | Ohio State, Miami University |
| Sigma Chi | Recent lawsuit at UT Austin (2025) — wrongful death | Ohio State, Wittenberg |
Champaign County families: These are the same organizations operating near you. They have the same culture. They have the same risks.
🚨 Warning to Fraternities Near Champaign County
To fraternities operating near Champaign County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, your national insurance structures.
If your chapter harms Champaign County students, we will pursue every liable entity:
- Your local chapter
- Your national organization
- Your housing corporation
- Your alumni oversight board
- Your individual members
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. Your chapter could be next.
📞 Champaign County Hazing Victims — Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Champaign County hazing emergencies
We work on contingency — $0 upfront for Champaign County families.
🏆 Why Champaign County Families Trust Attorney 911
Client Testimonials:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato
“My wife and I had such a great experience with this law firm. They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton
📅 Contact Us Today
Champaign County hazing victims — time is critical.
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation for Champaign County hazing victims.
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
🎯 The Message to Champaign County Institutions
To universities near Champaign County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now — or face the same accountability.
To national fraternities with chapters near Champaign County:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters — before we clean them out in court.
To Greek life leadership at Champaign County institutions:
Enough is enough. The culture must change. The law is clear. The consequences are real.
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Champaign County Hazing Victims
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it RIGHT NOW. And we’ll fight for Champaign County families.