🚨 Hazing Legal Emergency: Your Child’s Safety at Harrison County Schools
Harrison County families: If your child is in Greek life, sports, or any student organization, this is a legal emergency you need to understand.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. A young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at universities near Harrison County. The same risks exist for your children.
This isn’t happening “somewhere else.” This is happening in Ohio. This could be happening to your child.
🔍 What Harrison County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
The fraternity in our Houston case forced pledges to:
- Undergo simulated waterboarding (a form of torture)
- Perform 500 squats and 100 pushups until collapse
- Eat until vomiting, then continue running
- Be struck with wooden paddles
- Strip to underwear in cold weather and be sprayed with hoses
These aren’t harmless pranks. They’re criminal acts that cause permanent harm.
2. Universities Near Harrison County Are Liable
In our case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred. They collected rent while students were abused. They had the power to inspect and shut it down — they didn’t.
Harrison County universities have the same responsibility. If they own or control property where hazing occurs, they can be held legally accountable.
3. National Organizations Know — And Do Nothing
Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017. They had 8 years to fix their culture. Instead, another student was hospitalized in 2025. The same nationals operate chapters near Harrison County.
They know the risks. They choose reputation over safety.
4. Harrison County Students Are at Risk Right Now
The fraternities involved in our case have 150+ chapters across America, including near Harrison County. If UH’s chapter was waterboarding students, how many others are doing the same?
Your child could be next.
🏥 The Medical Reality: What Hazing Does to Bodies
Rhabdomyolysis — The Muscle-Breakdown Nightmare
In our case, the victim developed rhabdomyolysis — a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and floods the bloodstream with toxins. His muscles literally dissolved. He passed brown urine (a classic sign) and was hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure.
This isn’t rare. Rhabdomyolysis is a well-documented consequence of extreme physical hazing.
Other Hazing Injuries We’ve Seen:
| Injury | Cause | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Acute alcohol poisoning | Forced drinking | Death (see: Stone Foltz, Max Gruver) |
| Traumatic brain injury | Beatings, falls | Permanent disability |
| Hypothermia | Forced exposure to cold | Organ failure |
| Heat stroke | Extreme exercise in heat | Death |
| Internal bleeding | Physical trauma | Emergency surgery |
| Sexual assault | Forced sexual acts | PTSD, depression |
| PTSD | Psychological torture | Lifelong therapy |
These aren’t hypotheticals. They’re happening to real students every year.
⚖️ Harrison County Parents: Your Legal Rights
You Can Sue — Even If Your Child “Consented”
Ohio law is clear: Consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31:
“No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another… Consent of the victim is not a defense to a charge under this section.”
Who Can Be Sued in Harrison County:
- The local chapter — Directly organized the hazing
- The national organization — Failed to supervise despite knowing the risks
- The university — Owns or controls the property where hazing occurred
- Individual members — Participated in or allowed the abuse
Damages You Can Recover:
| Type | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Hospital bills, therapy | $50,000–$500,000+ |
| Lost wages | Missed work during recovery | $10,000–$100,000+ |
| Pain and suffering | Physical and emotional trauma | $100,000–$5,000,000+ |
| Punitive damages | To punish egregious conduct | $1,000,000+ per defendant |
Precedent: A family in Ohio recently won $10.1 million after their son died from hazing. Your case could be worth just as much.
🚨 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Harrison County
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- Rhabdomyolysis symptoms: Dark urine, severe muscle pain, weakness
- Alcohol poisoning: Confusion, vomiting, unconsciousness
- Head injuries: Headache, dizziness, memory loss
Do not wait. Hazing injuries can escalate quickly.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical records | Hospital bills, doctor notes |
| Photos/videos | Injuries, hazing activities |
| Texts/messages | GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs |
| Witness info | Names and contact info of other victims |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules |
Do not delete anything. This evidence is critical for your case.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- They will try to control the narrative
- They may destroy evidence
- They may intimidate witnesses
- Anything you say can be used against you
Step 4: Call Us Immediately
Harrison County families: We offer free, confidential consultations.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
📢 To Harrison County Fraternities and Universities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Harrison County:
We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your history of hazing deaths and injuries. If you haze students in Harrison County, we will find every liable entity — the chapter, the nationals, the housing corporation, the alumni, and the individuals.
To Harrison County universities:
If you own the property where hazing occurs, you are liable. If you fail to supervise Greek life, you are liable. If you knew about prior incidents and did nothing, you are liable. We will hold you accountable.
The Pi Kappa Phi chapter that hospitalized our client? Shut down. The president who allowed it? Sued personally. The university that owned the house? Named in the lawsuit.
This is what happens when you haze in Harrison County.
🎓 Harrison County Students: You Are Not Alone
If you’re being hazed:
- You are not weak for speaking up.
- You are not “ruining the fun.”
- You are not alone.
What they’re doing to you is not “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s abuse.
We can help. Call us in confidence.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📚 Learn More: The Hazing Crisis in Ohio
Ohio Hazing Laws
Ohio has strict anti-hazing laws. Hazing is a misdemeanor, but if it causes serious injury or death, it becomes a felony.
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31:
“No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another… Whoever violates this section is guilty of hazing, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If the hazing results in serious physical harm to the victim, it is a felony of the third degree.”
Recent Ohio Hazing Cases
| Case | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement; fraternity expelled |
| Collin Wiant | Ohio University | Collin’s Law passed, making hazing a felony |
| Multiple cases | Ohio State, Miami University | Chapters suspended; criminal charges |
Ohio is cracking down. Harrison County families need to know their rights.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Harrison County Families
Q: My child was hazed but didn’t go to the hospital. Is it still worth calling a lawyer?
A: Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is just as valid for a lawsuit. Many hazing victims don’t seek medical help immediately due to shame or fear. We can help you document the harm.
Q: The university says it’s investigating. Shouldn’t we wait?
A: No. University investigations are designed to protect the institution, not your child. They may pressure your child to sign documents or accept minimal consequences. Call us first.
Q: We’re worried about retaliation. Can you protect us?
A: Yes. We can take legal steps to prevent retaliation, including restraining orders if necessary. Our client in the Houston case is “fearful of retribution” — we understand these concerns and can help.
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Most cases settle within 12–24 months. Some take longer if they go to trial. We work as quickly as possible to get you the compensation you deserve.
Q: Can we sue even if criminal charges aren’t filed?
A: Yes. Civil lawsuits have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. We can win your case even if no one is criminally charged.
Q: What if my child is an immigrant or international student?
A: Your immigration status does not affect your right to sue. We have bilingual staff and can assist in multiple languages.
🏆 Why Harrison 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.
2. We Know How to Win
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
- Federal court admission — can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage
3. We Understand Hazing
- Specific experience with rhabdomyolysis cases
- Experience with Kappa Sigma and Texas A&M hazing cases
- Deep knowledge of Greek life culture and dynamics
4. We Come to Harrison County
While based in Texas, we travel to Harrison County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. We Care
“We see your child as a person — not a paycheck.” — Ralph Manginello
We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting to stop it.
📞 Harrison County Families: Call Now
This is a legal emergency. Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your rights.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free, confidential consultation. No obligation. No upfront cost.
🚨 Final Warning to Harrison County Fraternities
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi —
If your chapter operates near Harrison County, know this:
- We track your housing corporations, EINs, and insurance policies
- We know your national organization’s history of hazing deaths
- We have won $10 million verdicts against fraternities
- We will pursue every liable entity — chapter, nationals, university, individuals
The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. The president? Sued personally. The university? Named in the lawsuit.
Your chapter could be next.
Clean up your act before we clean you out in court.
