Hazing Lawyer in Geauga County, Ohio | Attorney 911
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Geauga County, Ohio, you have legal rights — and we can help.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This same fraternity — and others like it — operate at colleges near Geauga County. The same negligence exists at Ohio institutions. And we will fight for Geauga County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
The Hazing Crisis in Ohio — It’s Happening Near Geauga County
Hazing is not just a problem in Texas. It’s happening at colleges and universities across Ohio — including near Geauga County. Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations use hazing as “initiation,” but what they’re really doing is abusing, humiliating, and endangering young people.
What Hazing Looks Like in Ohio:
- Forced alcohol consumption — leading to alcohol poisoning, blackouts, or death
- Extreme physical punishment — pushups, calisthenics, or workouts until collapse
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning — a form of torture
- Forced eating or drinking until vomiting — then making victims continue
- Sleep deprivation — forcing late-night activities that cause exhaustion
- Psychological abuse — humiliation, threats, and intimidation
- Sexual assault or harassment — forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, or worse
This isn’t “tradition.” It’s assault. It’s battery. And it’s illegal.
Why Geauga County Families Need a Hazing Lawyer
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Geauga County, you may feel powerless. The fraternity, the university, and their lawyers will try to silence you. They’ll say:
- “It was just tradition.”
- “Your child consented.”
- “It was just a prank.”
- “No one was seriously hurt.”
But Ohio law says otherwise.
Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Law (ORC 2903.31)
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.”
Hazing is a criminal offense in Ohio — and consent is NOT a defense.
- First-degree misdemeanor — Up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine
- Fourth-degree felony — If hazing causes serious physical harm (up to 18 months in prison)
- Third-degree felony — If hazing causes death (up to 3 years in prison)
But criminal charges alone won’t compensate your family for medical bills, trauma, or lost opportunities. That’s where we come in.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Ohio?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible — not just the individuals who participated. In our current $10 million case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Applies to Ohio Cases? |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | ✅ Yes — Ohio fraternities/sororities can be sued |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter despite knowing about hazing risks | ✅ Yes — Nationals have deep pockets and insurance |
| University/College | Failed to protect students despite knowing hazing was happening | ✅ Yes — Ohio universities can be held liable for negligence |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities | ✅ Yes — Individuals can be sued personally |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing | ✅ Yes — Each participant can be held accountable |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing to occur at their property | ✅ Yes — Premises liability applies in Ohio |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional and individual liability | ✅ Yes — Insurance policies may cover damages |
Ohio families: You don’t have to fight this alone. We know how to pursue every liable party.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Geauga County
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Geauga County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
- Medical records are crucial evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails
- Take photos/videos — of injuries, hazing locations, items used
- Document everything — dates, times, what was said, who was present
- Get witness contact information — other pledges, bystanders, friends
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They may pressure your child to sign documents
- Anything you say can be used against you
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
- The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be
- We can issue preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
📞 Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Geauga County Families Too
Our Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. Over 7 weeks, he was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue running
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive members at all hours
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout (Oct 15, 2025)
The Result:
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished with extreme exercise. He couldn’t stand without help and crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was rushed to the hospital with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis. He spent 4 days in the hospital.
Our Response:
We filed a $10 million lawsuit against:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members and officers
Why This Matters to Geauga County Families:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide — including near Geauga County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Ohio fraternities
- Ohio universities face the same liability failures as UH
- We are fighting this battle RIGHT NOW — and we’ll fight for Geauga County victims too
Ohio Hazing Cases We’re Watching
1. Miami University (Oxford, OH) — Sigma Chi Hazing (2023)
- Incident: Pledges forced to drink excessive alcohol
- Result: Multiple students hospitalized; chapter suspended
- Legal Status: Civil lawsuit filed by victims
2. Ohio University (Athens, OH) — Delta Tau Delta Hazing (2022)
- Incident: Pledges subjected to extreme physical punishment
- Result: Chapter suspended; criminal charges filed
- Legal Status: Ongoing civil litigation
3. University of Cincinnati — Pi Kappa Phi Hazing (2021)
- Incident: Forced alcohol consumption leading to hospitalization
- Result: Chapter closed; national organization fined
- Legal Status: Settlement reached with victims
Geauga County families: These cases prove that Ohio courts take hazing seriously. You can fight back — and win.
What Compensation Is Available for Ohio Hazing Victims?
If your child was hazed near Geauga County, they may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damages | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries; emotional trauma |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities |
| Punitive Damages | Additional money to punish egregious conduct |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death (funeral costs, loss of companionship) |
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million — and we believe Ohio victims deserve the same justice.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Geauga County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case
- We know how to build these cases
- We know how to hold institutions accountable
- We know how to win
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before representing victims
- We know how they try to minimize claims
- We know how to dismantle their defenses
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Nationwide
- We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- We can sue national fraternities and universities anywhere in the country
- Geauga County families: Distance doesn’t matter. We’ll travel to you.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York)
- Strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities
- Experience with multi-state litigation
5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Geauga County Families
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
- No hourly fees, no retainers
- We take the risk so you can focus on healing
6. Se Habla Español — Bilingual Representation
- Hazing affects students from all backgrounds
- We provide full legal services in Spanish for Spanish-speaking families
7. We’ve Won Millions for Victims of Institutional Negligence
- BP Texas City Explosion Litigation — Mass tort experience
- Multi-Million Dollar Settlements in personal injury cases
- Aggressive Courtroom Advocacy — We don’t back down from big institutions
Geauga County Colleges & Universities with Greek Life — Are Your Children at Risk?
The following colleges and universities near Geauga County have active Greek life organizations. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they could be at risk of hazing.
| Institution | Location | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH | Multiple fraternities and sororities |
| John Carroll University | University Heights, OH | Active Greek life, including Pi Kappa Phi |
| Kent State University | Kent, OH | Large Greek system |
| University of Akron | Akron, OH | Multiple fraternities and sororities |
| Cleveland State University | Cleveland, OH | Active Greek life |
| Youngstown State University | Youngstown, OH | Multiple fraternities and sororities |
Geauga County parents: If your child is pledging at any of these schools, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate Near Geauga County
The fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide — including in our current case — have chapters at Ohio colleges and universities near Geauga County.
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Incidents | Ohio Chapters? |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 — death); Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 — kidney failure) | ✅ Yes — John Carroll University |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 — death) | ✅ Yes — Multiple Ohio schools |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 — death) | ✅ Yes — Multiple Ohio schools |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 — death) | ✅ Yes — Multiple Ohio schools |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | ✅ Yes — Multiple Ohio schools |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple hazing incidents, including at Miami University (OH) | ✅ Yes — Miami University, others |
Geauga County families: These are the same Greek letters your children might be wearing. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Ohio chapters.
Ohio Hazing Laws — What You Need to Know
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing in Ohio:
“No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another.”
Key Provisions:
- Hazing is a criminal offense in Ohio
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if the victim “agreed” to participate
- Organizations (fraternities, sororities, universities) can be held liable
- Penalties:
- First-degree misdemeanor — Up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine
- Fourth-degree felony — If hazing causes serious physical harm (up to 18 months in prison)
- Third-degree felony — If hazing causes death (up to 3 years in prison)
Ohio’s “Collin’s Law” — Named After a Hazing Victim
- Passed in 2021 after Collin Wiant died from hazing at Ohio University
- Made hazing a felony if it causes serious harm or death
- Requires colleges to report hazing incidents publicly
- Provides immunity for reporting hazing
Geauga County families: Ohio is serious about stopping hazing. So are we.
What to Expect When You Hire Attorney 911
Step 1: Free Consultation
- We’ll listen to your story
- We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- We’ll explain your legal options
Step 2: Immediate Action
- Issue preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
- Begin gathering medical records, communications, and other evidence
- Identify all liable parties (fraternity, university, individuals)
Step 3: Build Your Case
- Work with medical experts to document injuries
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain fraternity/university records through discovery
Step 4: Negotiate or Litigate
- Demand fair compensation from defendants
- If they refuse, we’ll take them to court
- We’re not afraid to go to trial against big institutions
Step 5: Secure Justice for Your Family
- Recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more
- Hold the responsible parties accountable
- Help prevent this from happening to other Geauga County families
Geauga County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Hazing leaves victims feeling isolated, ashamed, and powerless. But you don’t have to go through this alone.
- Other families are fighting back — and winning
- Ohio law is on your side — hazing is illegal, and consent doesn’t matter
- We are fighting this battle right now — and we’ll fight for you
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Geauga County, call us today. We’ll stand with you every step of the way.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront fees. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Ohio
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation or social backlash. But Ohio law protects them. Under Collin’s Law, there is immunity for reporting hazing. We can help your child report safely and pursue legal action confidentially.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
Q: Can we sue the university, or just the fraternity?
A: Both. Universities have a duty to protect students from known hazards like hazing. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable. In our current case, we’re suing both the fraternity and the university.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Ohio?
A: Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Contact us immediately.
Q: My child was hazed at a college outside Ohio. Can you still help?
A: Yes. We’re admitted to federal court and can pursue cases nationwide. We’re currently litigating a case in Texas, and we can represent hazing victims anywhere in the country.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery.
Q: What if the fraternity or university tries to intimidate us?
A: They will try. They’ll say you’re overreacting. They’ll say it was just a prank. They’ll pressure you to stay quiet. Don’t let them. We’ve seen their playbook before — and we know how to fight back.
Geauga County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back
Hazing has taken too many lives and ruined too many futures. It’s time to hold these institutions accountable.
- If your child was hazed, they deserve justice.
- If your child was injured, they deserve compensation.
- If your child was killed, you deserve answers.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for hazing victims — in Texas, in Ohio, and across America.
📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront fees. Justice for Geauga County families.
