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February 24, 2026 17 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Clinton County, Ohio β€” You Have Rights, You Have a Voice

Attorney 911 is fighting for hazing victims nationwide β€” including Clinton County families. If your child was abused, hospitalized, or traumatized by hazing, we can help.

The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Clinton County

Clinton County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing β€” a dangerous and illegal “tradition” β€” is happening right here in Ohio, at universities near Clinton County.

What happened at the University of Houston could happen at Wilmington College, Miami University, or any institution near Clinton County. The same national fraternities operate here. The same culture of abuse exists. And the same institutions fail to protect students.

Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. We are fighting this battle right now β€” and we will bring the same fight to Clinton County.

What Is Hazing? It’s Not What You Think

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless pranks.” It’s a systematic pattern of abuse disguised as tradition. In our current case, a student was:

  • Waterboarded with a garden hose β€” simulated drowning, a form of torture
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups β€” until his muscles broke down and he couldn’t stand
  • Struck with wooden paddles β€” physical assault with weapons
  • Forced to eat until he vomited β€” then made to lie in his own vomit
  • Humiliated and degraded β€” carrying sexual objects, stripping in cold weather

This isn’t tradition. This is abuse. This is illegal.

And it’s happening at universities near Clinton County.

Ohio’s Hazing Laws Protect Your Child

Ohio has strong laws against hazing:

Ohio Revised Code Β§ 2903.31 β€” Hazing

“No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another.”

Ohio Revised Code Β§ 2307.44 β€” Civil Liability for Hazing

“A person who is injured as a result of hazing may bring a civil action for damages, including compensatory and punitive damages, against any person who engaged in the hazing.”

Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that does not excuse the abuse.

Organizations can be held liable. Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and universities can all be sued for hazing.

The Universities Near Clinton County Are Failing Our Students

Wilmington College (15 miles from Clinton County)

  • Private liberal arts college with active Greek life
  • Fraternities: Phi Kappa Tau, Sigma Zeta, others
  • Sororities: Alpha Phi, Delta Theta Sigma, others

Miami University (35 miles from Clinton County)

  • Major public university with large Greek system
  • Fraternities: Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, and many more
  • Sororities: Delta Zeta, Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, and others
  • History of hazing incidents β€” Miami has faced multiple hazing investigations and sanctions

University of Cincinnati (50 miles from Clinton County)

  • Large public research university
  • Extensive Greek life presence
  • History of hazing violations and sanctions

Ohio State University (70 miles from Clinton County)

  • One of the largest universities in America
  • Massive Greek system with over 60 fraternities and sororities
  • History of hazing deaths and serious injuries

These institutions have the power to stop hazing. They choose not to.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Clinton County?

If your child was hazed near Clinton County, multiple parties can be held accountable:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed activities
Individual Members Participated in hazing; failed to stop it
National Organization Knew about hazing culture; failed to supervise chapters
University Failed to protect students; had power to stop hazing
University Officials Negligent oversight of Greek life
Housing Corporations Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for liable parties

In our current case, we are suing:

  • The fraternity chapter
  • The national organization
  • The university
  • The university’s board of regents
  • Individual members and officers
  • A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)

We will pursue every liable party for Clinton County families.

What Can Clinton County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families are entitled to full and fair compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

  • Medical bills β€” Emergency room, hospitalization, therapy, future treatment
  • Lost wages β€” Time missed from work during recovery
  • Educational costs β€” Tuition, fees, lost scholarships
  • Future earning capacity β€” If injuries affect career options

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

  • Physical pain β€” From hazing activities and injuries
  • Mental anguish β€” PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
  • Emotional distress β€” Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
  • Loss of enjoyment of life β€” Impact on college experience, social life, activities

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

  • When conduct is outrageous β€” Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles
  • When institutions knew and did nothing β€” Pattern of hazing, prior incidents
  • When there’s a cover-up β€” Destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million. This amount reflects the severity of the injuries and the need to send a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

Precedent Cases Show Clinton County Families Can Win

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:

Case University Fraternity Outcome
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 million settlement
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110+ million settlement
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi $4+ million settlement

These results are possible for Clinton County families. The same legal strategies apply.

What Should Clinton County Families Do If Their Child Was Hazed?

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
  • Document everything with medical records
  • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety) requires professional help

2. Preserve All Evidence

  • Photos/videos β€” Injuries, hazing activities, locations
  • Texts/social media β€” Save ALL communications about hazing
  • Witness information β€” Names and contact info of other victims and witnesses
  • Physical evidence β€” Items used in hazing, clothing, objects
  • Medical records β€” Hospital bills, doctor notes, therapy records

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

  • They will try to control the narrative
  • They will pressure you to stay quiet
  • They will destroy evidence
  • Let your attorney handle all communication

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

  • Anything you post can be used against you
  • Do not discuss the incident online
  • Do not post photos that make it look like you’re “fine”

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

  • Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations β€” you must act fast
  • Evidence disappears quickly
  • Witnesses forget details
  • Your rights expire

Why Clinton County Families Should Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

  • We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
  • We know how to build these cases
  • We know how to win
  • Clinton County families get the same aggressive representation

2. We Have the Experience

  • 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
  • Former insurance defense attorneys β€” we know how defendants think
  • Federal court admission β€” we can pursue cases nationwide
  • Dual-state bar licenses β€” Texas and New York
  • Hazing-specific expertise β€” rhabdomyolysis, fraternity litigation, university liability

3. We Understand the Culture

  • Ralph Manginello is a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach
  • We understand team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures students face
  • We know how Greek life operates β€” and how to dismantle their defenses

4. We Protect Our Clients

  • Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution β€” we protect his identity and safety
  • We handle all communication with defendants
  • We shield you from intimidation tactics
  • We fight for your privacy

5. We Work on Contingency β€” $0 Upfront

  • You pay nothing to hire us
  • We don’t get paid unless we win your case
  • We advance all case expenses
  • Clinton County families face no financial risk

The Message to Fraternities Near Clinton County

To the fraternities operating at Wilmington College, Miami University, UC, and OSU:

We are watching. We are building cases. We know what you’re doing.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β€” if your chapter operates near Clinton County, know this:

  • The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to you
  • We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, your national insurance policies
  • If you haze students in Clinton County, we will find every liable entity
  • We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next

Universities near Clinton County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

Clinton County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is traumatic. It’s isolating. It’s confusing. Many victims feel:

  • Shame and embarrassment
  • Fear of retribution
  • Loyalty to the organization
  • Pressure to stay quiet
  • Uncertainty about what to do

You are not alone.

We have seen what fraternities do to kids. We are fighting it in court right now. We see your child as a person β€” not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Clinton County families, because we truly care.

Contact Attorney 911 β€” Free Consultation for Clinton County Hazing Victims

If your child was hazed at a university near Clinton County, call us immediately.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Clinton County, Ohio. We offer:

  • Free, confidential case evaluations
  • Video consultations for Clinton County families
  • Willingness to travel to Clinton County for meetings and depositions
  • Aggressive, compassionate representation

The 2-year statute of limitations is running. Evidence is disappearing. Witnesses are forgetting. Call us now.

Frequently Asked Questions for Clinton County Families

1. My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still call?

Yes. Even if you’re not sure about legal action, we can:

  • Advise you on your rights
  • Help preserve evidence in case you change your mind
  • Connect you with resources for medical and psychological support
  • Guide you on reporting to university or law enforcement

2. What if the hazing happened at a university outside Clinton County?

We represent hazing victims nationwide. Where the hazing occurred doesn’t matter β€” we can pursue the case regardless of location.

3. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery.

4. What if my child participated in some activities voluntarily?

Consent is not a defense under Ohio law. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that does not excuse illegal hazing. Peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and power dynamics negate true consent.

5. What if the university says it’s not their fault?

Universities have a duty to protect students. When they:

  • Own or control fraternity houses
  • Have the power to regulate Greek life
  • Know about hazing risks
  • Fail to act despite prior incidents

They are liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They will pay.

6. What if the fraternity says it was just “tradition”?

“Tradition” is not a legal defense. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. When “tradition” involves:

  • Waterboarding
  • 500 squats causing kidney failure
  • Wooden paddles
  • Forced eating until vomiting

It’s not tradition. It’s a crime.

7. How long will a hazing case take?

Most cases settle within 12-24 months. Complex cases with multiple defendants may take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

8. What if the fraternity tries to intimidate us?

We protect our clients. In our current case, our client is fearful of retribution. We:

  • Handle all communication with defendants
  • Shield you from intimidation tactics
  • Protect your privacy
  • Fight for your safety

9. Can we sue if our child wasn’t physically injured?

Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is compensable. Even without physical injury, you can sue for:

  • Emotional distress
  • Humiliation
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

10. What if the hazing happened years ago?

Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If the hazing occurred within the last two years, you may still have a case. Call us immediately to discuss your options.

Clinton County Parents: Know the Warning Signs of Hazing

Hazing often goes unreported. Watch for these signs that your child may be a victim:

Physical Signs

  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Fatigue or exhaustion
  • Difficulty walking or moving
  • Signs of alcohol or drug use

Behavioral Signs

  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Sudden changes in mood or behavior
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Fear of certain people or places
  • Decline in academic performance
  • Avoiding discussions about Greek life or activities

Academic Signs

  • Skipping classes
  • Declining grades
  • Missing deadlines
  • Dropping out of activities

Financial Signs

  • Unexplained expenses
  • Requests for money
  • Missing cash or valuables

Social Signs

  • New, secretive friend groups
  • Avoiding certain topics in conversation
  • Defensive when asked about activities
  • Using Greek life slang excessively

If you notice these signs, talk to your child. If you suspect hazing, contact us immediately.

Universities Near Clinton County: The Choice Is Yours

To Wilmington College, Miami University, University of Cincinnati, Ohio State University:

You have a choice.

Option 1: Continue failing to protect students.

  • Another hazing death or serious injury occurs
  • You face multi-million dollar lawsuits
  • Your reputation is destroyed
  • Students and parents avoid your institution

Option 2: Implement real oversight and accountability.

  • Audit all Greek organizations immediately
  • Suspend any chapter with hazing allegations
  • Implement independent oversight
  • Hold individuals accountable
  • Create a culture of safety, not secrecy

The choice is yours. But know this: Attorney 911 is watching. We are building cases. And we will hold you accountable.

Final Message to Clinton County Families

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not brotherhood.

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.

Your child deserves better.

You deserve justice.

Clinton County deserves accountability.

Call Attorney 911 today.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We are fighting this battle right now. We will fight for Clinton County families. The time to act is now.

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