π¨ Hazing Victims in Hardin County, Ohio: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a Hardin County college, university, or Greek organization, Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable β and we will bring that same fight to Hardin County.
β οΈ Hazing Is Happening in Hardin County β And It’s Illegal
Hardin County is home to Ohio Northern University (ONU), a private institution with active Greek life. While we don’t have documented hazing incidents from Hardin County specifically, we know this:
- The same national fraternities and sororities operating in Hardin County have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.
- Universities in Hardin County have the same duty to protect students as University of Houston β and the same liability when they fail.
- The hazing culture that hospitalized our client in Houston exists at Hardin County institutions too.
If your child has been forced to drink, subjected to physical abuse, humiliated, or endangered as part of “initiation” β that’s not tradition. That’s hazing. And it’s illegal in Ohio.
π₯ What Hazing Looks Like β Hardin County Parents Need to Know
Our client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose β simulated drowning
- 500 squats and 100 pushups β forced until he couldn’t stand
- Being struck with wooden paddles β physical assault
- Forced eating until vomiting β then forced to keep running
- Sleep deprivation β forced to drive members at all hours
- Psychological torture β carrying sexual objects, being hog-tied
This didn’t happen in a war zone. It happened in a fraternity house at a major American university. It could happen at Ohio Northern University or any Hardin County college with Greek life.
βοΈ Ohio Hazing Laws β Hardin County Victims Have Rights
Ohio has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to Hardin County:
Ohio Revised Code Β§ 2903.31 β Hazing
(A) No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another.
(B) No administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, including any primary, secondary, or post-secondary school or any other educational institution, public or private, shall recklessly permit the hazing of any person associated with the organization.
Penalties in Ohio:
- Misdemeanor of the 4th degree β up to 30 days in jail and $250 fine
- Felony of the 3rd degree β if hazing results in serious physical harm (1-5 years prison)
- Felony of the 2nd degree β if hazing results in death (2-8 years prison)
Important for Hardin County families:
- Consent is NOT a defense β even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still prohibits hazing
- Universities can be held liable β if they knew or should have known about hazing
- Individuals can be sued personally β fraternity officers and members can be held financially responsible
π° Hardin County Hazing Victims Can Sue for Damages
Hazing victims in Hardin County can pursue compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills β hospital stays, treatment, rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses β ongoing care for injuries like kidney damage
- Lost wages β time missed from work or internships
- Educational disruption β tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering β the agony of rhabdomyolysis, forced exercise, paddling
- Emotional distress β PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse
- Humiliation and shame β being forced to carry sexual objects, strip in cold weather
- Loss of enjoyment of life β disruption to college experience, social life
Punitive Damages:
- To punish egregious conduct β when hazing involves torture, reckless endangerment, or institutional cover-up
- To deter future hazing β send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated
Hardin County families: These same damages are available to you. Our $10 million demand in Houston is based on precedent β and Hardin County victims have the same rights.
π What Hardin County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
π¨ IMMEDIATE ACTIONS:
- Get medical attention β even if injuries seem minor. Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning symptoms can be delayed.
- Document everything β take photos of injuries, save all texts and social media messages, write down what happened.
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority or university alone β they will try to control the narrative and minimize your claim.
- Do NOT sign anything β from the organization, their attorneys, or insurance companies.
- Do NOT post on social media β anything you post can be used against you.
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately β we offer free consultations and can guide you through the process.
π Hardin County Hazing Victims β Call Us Today
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We work on contingency β you pay NOTHING unless we win your case.
ποΈ Who Can Be Sued in Hardin County Hazing Cases
In our Houston case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Hardin County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same applies to Hardin County fraternities/sororities |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing crisis | Same nationals operate in Hardin County |
| University | Owned fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing | Ohio Northern University and other Hardin County institutions have same duty |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Hardin County fraternity/sorority officers can be sued personally |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities | Every Hardin County member who participated can be held liable |
| Former Members | Hazing occurred at their residence | Hardin County alumni who host hazing can be sued |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional and individual liability | Same insurance structures exist in Hardin County |
Hardin County families: We know how to pursue every liable party β and we will do the same for you.
π Evidence That Strengthens Hardin County Hazing Cases
The strength of your case depends on evidence. Preserve everything:
| Evidence Type | What to Save | Hardin County Example |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor notes, therapy records | ONU Student Health Center records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages, hazing activities, fraternity house | Photos from ONU fraternity events |
| Communications | Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs about hazing | ONU Greek life group chats |
| Witness Statements | Other pledges, friends, bystanders who saw what happened | ONU students who witnessed hazing |
| Academic Records | Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships | ONU registrar records |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition paid | ONU billing statements |
| Fraternity/Sorority Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules | ONU Greek organization materials |
Hardin County parents: If your child is hesitant to come forward, remind them that evidence disappears quickly. The sooner we act, the stronger the case.
β³ Hardin County Families β Act Now Before It’s Too Late
Ohio Statute of Limitations:
- Personal Injury: 2 years from date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death
Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Our client in Houston acted immediately β hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.
π‘οΈ Why Hardin County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Know how to build these cases from the ground up
- Hardin County families get the same aggressive representation
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know their playbook β and how to dismantle their defenses
- We know how to maximize insurance payouts
3. Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue Hardin County cases in federal court if needed
- Experience with multi-defendant litigation
4. Dual-State Bar Admission
- Licensed in Texas AND New York
- Strategic advantage for Hardin County cases against national fraternities
- Can pursue nationals headquartered anywhere
5. We Travel to Hardin County
- For depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
- Hardin County families get the same commitment as Houston clients
6. Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
- Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking clients
- Hardin County Hispanic families welcome
- No language barriers to justice
7. Contingency Fee β $0 Upfront
- You pay NOTHING unless we win your case
- No financial barrier to fighting powerful institutions
- We take the risk so you don’t have to
π Our Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation
Hazing Litigation Expertise:
- Currently representing hazing victim in $10 million lawsuit
- Rhabdomyolysis injury recovery and litigation
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation experience
- Texas A&M University hazing cases
- Hospitalization compensation claims
Other Notable Cases:
- BP Texas City Explosion β Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation
- Wrongful Death Claims β Recovered millions for grieving families
- Catastrophic Personal Injury β Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations
- Federal Civil Rights Litigation β Experience in constitutional claims
π Hardin County Hazing Victims β Contact Us Today
If your child has been hazed in Hardin County, we can help.
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We only get paid if we win.
We will fight for Hardin County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to our $10 million hazing case in Houston.
π₯ A Message to Hardin County Fraternities and Sororities
To the Greek organizations operating in Hardin County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
- Pi Kappa Alpha β We’re suing your national organization in Houston. Your Hardin County chapter could be next.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon β You’ve already paid millions in settlements. We know your history.
- Pi Kappa Phi β We’re coming for you. Your UH chapter is already shut down.
- Sigma Chi β A recent lawsuit alleges a student died by suicide after “horrific abuse” at your UT Austin chapter. Hardin County could be next.
- All Greek organizations in Hardin County β If you haze, we will find you. We will sue you. We will shut you down.
The message is clear: Hazing costs millions. The culture must change.
π A Message to Ohio Northern University and Hardin County Institutions
To the administrators at Ohio Northern University and other Hardin County colleges:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail, you share liability.
- University of Houston β We’re suing them for $10 million because they owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded.
- Bowling Green State University β Paid $2.9 million in the Stone Foltz case.
- Louisiana State University β Paid $6.1 million in the Max Gruver case.
Hardin County institutions: You are not immune. If hazing happens on your campus, you will be held accountable.
Our advice:
- Audit your Greek life organizations immediately
- Review your oversight policies
- Train your staff on hazing recognition and prevention
- Take reports seriously
- Because we are coming if you don’t
ποΈ A Message to Hardin County Legislators
To the Ohio state legislators representing Hardin County:
Hazing is killing our children. It’s time for stronger laws.
- Pennsylvania β Passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law
- Louisiana β Passed the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony
- Ohio β Has laws, but are they strong enough?
We urge you to:
- Strengthen Ohio’s hazing laws
- Increase penalties for hazing that causes serious injury or death
- Require universities to publicly report hazing incidents
- Create a statewide hazing prevention task force
Hardin County families deserve protection. Ohio students deserve safety.
π’ Hardin County Families β Your Voice Matters
Hazing thrives in silence. We break the silence.
- Share your story β Even if you’re not ready to sue, speaking out can help others
- Support hazing prevention β Organizations like HazingPrevention.org and StopHazing.org need your voice
- Demand change β Contact Ohio Northern University, Greek organizations, and state legislators
Together, we can end hazing in Hardin County.
β Hardin County Hazing FAQ
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact an attorney?
A: Yes. Even if you don’t sue, an attorney can:
- Advise you on your rights
- Help document the incident for future reference
- Guide you through reporting to the university or law enforcement
- Protect your child from retaliation
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that matter?
A: No. Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still prohibits the conduct.
Q: We’re in Hardin County. Can you really help us from Houston?
A: Absolutely. We represent clients nationwide. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote case management
- Willingness to travel to Hardin County for depositions and trials
- Experience with federal court jurisdiction
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Ohio, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Our client in Houston is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We can:
- Protect your child’s identity during early stages
- Advise on safe reporting procedures
- Pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates
Q: Can we sue the university?
A: Yes, if they knew or should have known about the hazing. In our Houston case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house and had a prior hazing incident in 2017. Hardin County universities face the same liability.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a non-Greek organization (sports team, band, etc.)?
A: Hazing happens everywhere. We represent victims from:
- Fraternities and sororities
- Sports teams
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Clubs and honor societies
- Any organization that uses abuse as “initiation”
π Hardin County Hazing Victims β Call Now
You are not alone. We are fighting for students like your child right now.
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. Justice for Hardin County families.
π Additional Resources for Hardin County Families
- HazingPrevention.org β Education and prevention resources
- StopHazing.org β Research and advocacy
- Clery Center β Campus safety information
- Ohio Department of Higher Education β State reporting resources
- Ohio Revised Code Β§ 2903.31 β Ohio hazing law
Β© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyersβ’
Serving Hardin County, Ohio and nationwide
Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact Attorney 911 for a free consultation specific to your situation.