Hazing Lawyers in Clermont County, Ohio – Protecting Students from Abuse

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – Neither Do We

If your child has been the victim of fraternity hazing, sorority abuse, or dangerous initiation rituals at a Clermont County college or university, you’re not alone. The same national Greek organizations that allowed a University of Houston student to be waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his kidneys failed, and hospitalized for four days operate right here in Clermont County. The same culture of secrecy, intimidation, and institutional failure exists at universities near Clermont County – and we’re fighting to stop it.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what happened to Leonel Bermudez. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to Clermont County families.

Clermont County Families: This Could Happen to Your Child

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. And it’s happening at universities near Clermont County right now.

• Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma – these are the same fraternities with chapters near Clermont County that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.
• The University of Cincinnati, Miami University, and Xavier University – these schools have Greek organizations with the same oversight failures that allowed hazing to flourish at UH.
• Your child could be next – whether they’re pledging a fraternity, joining a sports team, or participating in any student organization where “initiation” involves abuse.

The Clermont County Hazing Crisis – What Parents Need to Know

1. Hazing is Widespread at Clermont County-Area Universities

While we can’t name specific incidents without verified documentation, we know for a fact that:

• National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, and Pike have active chapters at universities near Clermont County.
• These same organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide – including the $10 million case we’re litigating right now.
• Universities in the region face the same oversight challenges that allowed hazing to go unchecked at UH.

The pattern is clear:

• 2017: Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi (Florida State) from forced drinking.
• 2017: A University of Houston student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing.
• 2025: Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized at Pi Kappa Phi (UH) with kidney failure from waterboarding and forced exercise.
• 2025: A University of Texas student died from Sigma Chi hazing.

If it’s happening at major Texas and Florida universities, it’s happening near Clermont County.

2. The Medical Dangers of Hazing – What Clermont County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing doesn’t just cause bruises or embarrassment – it can kill or permanently disable your child. In our current case, Leonel Bermudez suffered:

✅ Rhabdomyolysis – muscle breakdown from extreme exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
✅ Acute kidney failure – life-threatening complication requiring 4 days of hospitalization
✅ Brown urine (myoglobinuria) – a classic sign of muscle breakdown
✅ Severe muscle pain and inability to walk – documented at hospital admission

Other common hazing injuries include:

• Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• Hypothermia or heatstroke (from exposure)
• Cardiac arrest (from extreme physical exertion)
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression (from psychological abuse)

If your child comes home with any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately – and call us.

3. The Psychological Toll – Why Clermont County Victims Stay Silent

Hazing victims often don’t report abuse because they:

🔹 Fear retaliation – Our client is afraid to speak publicly because of threats from fraternity members.
🔹 Feel ashamed – They blame themselves for “going along with it.”
🔹 Don’t realize it’s illegal – Many think hazing is just “part of the process.”
🔹 Want to protect their future – They worry about being labeled a “snitch” or losing Greek life membership.
🔹 Are pressured by peers – Other pledges may discourage them from speaking out.

This silence allows the abuse to continue. We’re breaking that cycle.

4. Who’s Really Responsible? The Clermont County Defendants We Sue

When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it is liable – not just the students involved. In our UH case, we’re suing:

We don’t just sue broke college students – we go after the institutions with deep pockets and insurance policies that can actually pay.

What Clermont County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations run out.

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor immediately.
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Medical records are crucial evidence for your case.

2. Preserve All Evidence

📱 Texts & Social Media: Save all messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs.
📸 Photos & Videos: Document injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
📝 Documents: Keep pledge manuals, schedules, or any written materials given to your child.
👥 Witnesses: Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses.

⚠️ DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership 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 – But do not give a statement without an attorney present.
• Contact the national organization – But expect them to protect themselves, not your child.

4. Call a Clermont County Hazing Lawyer – FREE Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Clermont County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – And Winning

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid responsibility – and we know how to counter them.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge – We Were Insurance Defense Lawyers

Both of our attorneys used to work for insurance companies, defending them against injury claims. We know exactly how they think, how they value cases, and how they try to lowball victims. Now, we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for Clermont County families.

3. We Travel to Clermont County – Distance Is Not a Barrier

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Clermont County. We offer:
✅ Video consultations – Meet with us remotely
✅ Travel to Clermont County – For depositions, client meetings, and trials
✅ Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction

4. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. Our team is bilingual, ensuring no language barriers prevent Clermont County families from getting justice.

5. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Upfront

We understand that Clermont County families can’t afford expensive legal fees while dealing with medical bills and trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

6. We Have a Proven Track Record – Millions Recovered for Victims

• $10 million lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Former insurance defense attorneys – we know how to beat their tactics
• Federal court admission – we can take on national organizations anywhere

The Legal Process for Clermont County Hazing Victims

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com
• We’ll review your case and explain your legal options
• No obligation, no pressure

Step 2: Investigation & Evidence Gathering

• We’ll collect medical records, witness statements, and other evidence
• We’ll send preservation letters to defendants demanding they keep all evidence
• We’ll work with medical experts to document injuries

Step 3: Demand Letter & Negotiation

• We’ll send a demand letter to the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
• We’ll negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
• If they lowball, we’ll file a lawsuit

Step 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

• We’ll file your case in the appropriate court
• We’ll take depositions of fraternity members, university officials, and witnesses
• We’ll build a strong case for trial

Step 5: Settlement or Trial

• Most cases settle before trial – but we’re prepared to go to court if needed
• If we go to trial, we’ll present your case to a jury
• We’ll fight for maximum compensation for your child’s injuries

What Clermont County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

Hazing victims are entitled to full compensation for their injuries, including:

💰 Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Future medical costs (dialysis, therapy, rehabilitation)
• Educational expenses (tuition refunds, scholarship losses)

😢 Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and shame from hazing
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities)

🔨 Punitive Damages (Punishing the Wrongdoers)

If the conduct was especially egregious (like waterboarding or forced exercise to the point of kidney failure), we may seek punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million – and precedent cases show this is realistic:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)

Clermont County Universities & Greek Life – What Parents Should Know

Universities Near Clermont County with Greek Life Presence

While we can’t comment on specific incidents without documentation, we know these institutions have active Greek organizations that pose hazing risks:

Every university with Greek life faces the same challenges:

• Institutional pressure to protect reputation over students
• Lack of real oversight of fraternity/sorority activities
• Failure to act on hazing reports until it’s too late

Fraternities Near Clermont County with Hazing Histories

These are the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements – and they have chapters near Clermont County:

These aren’t isolated incidents – they’re a pattern.

Ohio Hazing Laws – Your Legal Rights

Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 – Hazing

Ohio law defines hazing as:

“Any act or coercing another 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.”

Penalties:

• First-degree misdemeanor for hazing
• Third-degree felony if hazing causes serious physical harm
• Consent is not a defense – even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable

Collin’s Law – Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Act

Named after Collin Wiant, who died from hazing at Ohio University in 2018, Collin’s Law makes hazing a felony in Ohio and requires:

• Universities to report hazing incidents
• Harsher penalties for hazing that causes serious harm
• Immunity for individuals who report hazing in good faith

This law exists because of families like yours who said “enough is enough.”

Frequently Asked Questions – Clermont County Hazing Cases

1. My child doesn’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?

Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, a lawyer can:

• Protect their rights if they change their mind later
• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Advise them on reporting to police or the university
• Ensure they don’t sign away their rights to a lowball settlement

2. Won’t suing ruin my child’s reputation?

The fraternity and university will try to make this argument, but:

• Hazing is illegal – your child is the victim, not the wrongdoer
• We handle cases confidentially – settlements often include non-disclosure agreements
• The real reputational damage comes from allowing hazing to continue unchecked

3. What if the fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing?

Ohio law explicitly states: Consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable for any harm caused.

4. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. Do not wait – evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

5. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing is illegal regardless of where it occurs – on campus, at a fraternity house, or at a private residence.

6. What if my child was hazed at a different university but lives in Clermont County?

We can still represent your child regardless of where the hazing occurred. We represent hazing victims nationwide.

7. How much is my child’s case worth?

Every case is different, but factors that increase value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse)
• Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know about prior hazing?)
• Pattern of abuse (was this a one-time incident or part of a culture of hazing?)

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million – and precedent cases show this is realistic.

Clermont County Hazing Warning Signs – What to Watch For

Physical Signs Your Child May Be Hazed

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, passing out)
• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
• Withdrawal from social activities

Behavioral Signs Your Child May Be Hazed

• Sudden secrecy about their activities
• Fear of certain people or places
• Anxiety or depression
• Changes in academic performance
• Avoiding questions about their organization
• Talking about “traditions” or “tests” they have to pass

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

1. Talk to your child in a non-judgmental way.
2. Ask open-ended questions: “How are things going with your fraternity/sorority?”
3. Document everything – save texts, take notes, keep a journal.
4. Seek medical attention if they show physical symptoms.
5. Contact a hazing lawyer – we can advise you on next steps.

The Attorney 911 Difference – Why We’re the Right Choice for Clermont County Families

✅ We’re Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively fighting a hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know the tactics fraternities and universities use – and we know how to beat them.

✅ We Were Insurance Defense Lawyers – We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies, defending them against injury claims. We know exactly how they value cases, how they try to lowball victims, and how they manipulate evidence. Now, we use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for Clermont County families.

✅ We Travel to Clermont County – And We’ll Fight for You

We’re based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Clermont County. We offer:

• Video consultations – Meet with us remotely
• Travel to Clermont County – For depositions, client meetings, and trials
• Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction

✅ We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We understand that Clermont County families can’t afford expensive legal fees while dealing with medical bills and trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

✅ We Have a Proven Track Record – Millions Recovered for Victims

• $10 million lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Former insurance defense attorneys – we know how to beat their tactics
• Federal court admission – we can take on national organizations anywhere

Clermont County Families: Enough Is Enough

Hazing has taken too many lives. It’s put too many students in the hospital. It’s destroyed too many families.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

If your child has been hazed, you have the power to stop it from happening to someone else. By holding the fraternity, the university, and the individuals accountable, you’re not just getting justice for your child – you’re protecting the next student.

We’re ready to fight for Clermont County families. Are you ready to fight back?

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless we win.

Clermont County Hazing Resources

Emergency Contacts

• Clermont County Sheriff’s Office: (513) 732-7500
• University of Cincinnati Police: (513) 556-1111
• Miami University Police: (513) 529-2222
• Xavier University Police: (513) 745-1000

Hazing Hotlines

• National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• Clery Center Hazing Reporting: www.clerycenter.org

Mental Health Support

• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• The Jed Foundation: jedfoundation.org

Legal Resources

• Ohio Attorney General – Hazing Information: www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov
• Attorney 911 Hazing Legal Guide: attorney911.com/hazing

Final Message to Clermont County Parents

Your child trusted these people.

They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that these institutions would keep them safe.

That trust was betrayed.

We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the rage. And we’re here to turn that pain and rage into accountability.

We don’t just want compensation for your child – we want to stop this from happening to the next Clermont County family.

Call us. We’re ready to fight.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com