🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Henry County, Ohio — Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse
Serving Henry County, Ohio, and surrounding communities including Napoleon, Liberty Center, Holgate, Malinta, Hamler, Deshler, Ridgeville Corners, McClure, and beyond
Henry County families: If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Henry County, you have legal rights. We are Attorney 911 — the hazing litigation experts currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We bring that same aggressive representation to Henry County, Ohio, families.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Henry County, Ohio
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities — it happens right here in Northwest Ohio. Henry County students attend colleges and universities where Greek life thrives, including:
- Bowling Green State University (30 minutes from Napoleon) — home to multiple fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories
- University of Toledo (50 minutes from Liberty Center) — active Greek system with recent hazing incidents
- Defiance College (30 minutes from Holgate) — smaller school with Greek organizations
- Lourdes University (45 minutes from Malinta) — growing Greek presence
- Ohio State University (2 hours from Henry County) — massive Greek system with hazing risks
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — have chapters at universities near Henry County, Ohio. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Northwest Ohio, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
⚠️ What Hazing Looks Like in Henry County, Ohio
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often criminal. In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi for:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning torture
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until muscles broke down (rhabdomyolysis)
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
- Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to keep running
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive members at all hours
- Psychological torture — carrying sexual objects, humiliation, threats
This isn’t happening in some far-off state. This happens at universities near Henry County, Ohio — and it could happen to your child.
💔 Real Hazing Cases That Hit Close to Home
Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University (2021)
Location: Bowling Green, Ohio — just 30 minutes from Napoleon, Henry County
What happened: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old student at BGSU, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big Brother” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: $10.1 million settlement — the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Multiple fraternity members criminally convicted.
Why this matters to Henry County: Bowling Green State University is in our backyard. The same fraternity that killed Stone Foltz has chapters at universities near Henry County. If it can happen in Bowling Green, it can happen to your child in Northwest Ohio.
Max Gruver — Louisiana State University (2017)
Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
What happened: Max Gruver was forced to drink during a “Bible Study” pledge event. His blood alcohol level reached 0.495 — more than 6 times the legal limit. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict. Max Gruver Act passed in Louisiana — made hazing a felony.
Why this matters to Henry County: Phi Delta Theta has multiple chapters in Ohio, including near Henry County. The same “traditions” that killed Max Gruver exist at Ohio universities.
Timothy Piazza — Penn State University (2017)
Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
What happened: Timothy Piazza consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a bid acceptance ritual. He fell down stairs multiple times while severely intoxicated. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. He died from traumatic brain injury.
Outcome: $110+ million settlement. Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed in Pennsylvania.
Why this matters to Henry County: Beta Theta Pi has chapters at Ohio universities. The same reckless disregard for safety exists at fraternities near Henry County.
Our Current Case: Leonel Bermudez — University of Houston (2025)
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
What happened: A “ghost rush” (not even a UH student yet) was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with paddles, and hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure for 4 days.
Outcome: $10 million lawsuit filed. Chapter permanently closed.
Why this matters to Henry County: Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including at universities near Henry County. The same organization that tortured our client operates in Northwest Ohio.
⚖️ Ohio Hazing Laws — What Henry County Families Need to Know
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 — Hazing
Definition: “Hazing” means doing any act or coercing another to do any act that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any student organization.
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor of the 4th degree | Hazing | Up to 30 days in jail, $250 fine |
| Felony of the 3rd degree | Hazing causing serious physical harm | 1-5 years in prison, $10,000 fine |
| Felony of the 2nd degree | Hazing causing death | 2-8 years in prison, $15,000 fine |
Key Provision: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity can still be held criminally and civilly liable.
Collin’s Law — Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Act
Named after: Collin Wiant, an Ohio University student who died from hazing in 2018
Key Provisions:
- Makes hazing a felony if it causes serious harm or death
- Requires universities to report hazing incidents within 48 hours
- Mandates hazing education for students and staff
- Creates immunity for those who report hazing in good faith
Why this matters to Henry County: Collin’s Law applies to ALL Ohio universities — including Bowling Green State University, University of Toledo, and others near Henry County. If your child is hazed, the university must report it — and you can sue for damages.
🏥 Medical Dangers of Hazing — What Henry County Parents Should Watch For
Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun” — it can cause life-threatening medical emergencies. Our client was hospitalized with:
Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown)
What it is: Skeletal muscle tissue breaks down, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream. Myoglobin damages the kidneys and can cause kidney failure.
Causes in hazing:
- Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Prolonged muscle compression
- Physical trauma (paddling, beatings)
Symptoms:
- Severe muscle pain
- Dark brown or tea-colored urine
- Difficulty moving or walking
- Weakness
- Fatigue
Dangers:
- Acute kidney failure (required 4-day hospitalization for our client)
- Compartment syndrome (may require surgery)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (can be fatal)
- Death
Henry County parents: If your child comes home from a fraternity or sorority event with severe muscle pain, dark urine, or difficulty walking — take them to the emergency room immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Alcohol Poisoning
What it is: Overconsumption of alcohol leading to life-threatening toxicity.
Causes in hazing:
- Forced drinking
- “Chugging” contests
- “Binge drinking” rituals
Symptoms:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Blue-tinged skin
- Unconsciousness
Dangers:
- Respiratory arrest
- Death
Stone Foltz at BGSU died from alcohol poisoning. This happens at universities near Henry County.
Traumatic Brain Injury
What it is: Brain damage from physical trauma.
Causes in hazing:
- Falls (especially while intoxicated)
- Beatings (paddles, fists)
- Being struck in the head
Symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Loss of consciousness
Dangers:
- Permanent brain damage
- Death
Heat Stroke / Hypothermia
What it is: Body temperature becomes dangerously high or low.
Causes in hazing:
- Forced physical activity in extreme heat
- Forced exposure to cold (stripping in winter, hose spraying)
- Sleep deprivation
Symptoms:
- High body temperature (heat stroke)
- Shivering, slurred speech (hypothermia)
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Dangers:
- Organ failure
- Death
Psychological Trauma
What it is: Long-term mental health damage from abuse.
Causes in hazing:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
- Humiliation rituals
- Sleep deprivation
- Threats of violence or expulsion
- Sexual humiliation
Symptoms:
- PTSD (flashbacks, nightmares)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Trust issues
- Academic decline
Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” — this fear is real and shows the psychological damage hazing causes.
🏢 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Henry County, Ohio?
When your child is hazed, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. We sue them all:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Henry County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized hazing activities | Bowling Green, Toledo, Defiance chapters |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise local chapter; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. — all have Ohio chapters |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; owned property where hazing occurred | BGSU, Toledo, Defiance College, etc. |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Chapter presidents, pledgemasters at Ohio schools |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities | Active members who hazed your child |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members who facilitate hazing |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity houses at Ohio universities |
Henry County families: We don’t just sue the individuals — we go after the deep pockets: the national organizations and universities that enable hazing culture.
💰 What Compensation Can Henry County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
| Category | Examples | Henry County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy | Covered by Ohio law |
| Future Medical Care | Ongoing treatment, potential dialysis/transplant | Expert life care planning |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | Documented with employer records |
| Lost Earning Capacity | Permanent limitations from injuries | Economic expert testimony |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from hazing activities | Jury awards based on severity |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse | Therapy records as evidence |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust | Psychological expert testimony |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities | Impact on college experience |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct | Waterboarding, 500 squats, paddling |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship |
Precedent cases show hazing verdicts and settlements range from $4 million to $110 million. The same compensation is available to Henry County, Ohio, families.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Henry County, Ohio
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Get Medical Attention
- If your child has severe muscle pain, dark urine, difficulty walking, or signs of alcohol poisoning — take them to the emergency room immediately.
- Henry County Hospital: Henry County Hospital (Napoleon)
- Nearby Hospitals: ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital, ProMedica Toledo Hospital, Wood County Hospital (Bowling Green)
-
Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of injuries at all stages
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Get witness names — other pledges, bystanders
- Document everything — dates, times, locations, what happened
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do NOT confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do NOT sign anything they give you
- Do NOT post on social media about the incident
- Do NOT give statements to university administrators alone
-
Call an Attorney Immediately
- Henry County hazing victims — call Attorney 911: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
- Free consultation — we evaluate your case at no cost
- Contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win
-
Report to Authorities
- File a police report — hazing is a crime in Ohio
- Report to university — but do this with your attorney present
- Report to national organization — but expect denial
⏳ Time Is Critical — Ohio Statute of Limitations
Ohio law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit:
| Case Type | Deadline | Henry County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years from date of injury | Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, etc. |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death | If hazing results in death |
| Criminal Hazing | Varies (felony charges) | Report to police immediately |
Henry County families: Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. If you wait, you may lose your right to sue forever.
🛡️ Why Henry 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. We know how to win these cases. Henry County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims — and we know how to beat them.
3. Nationwide Reach — Serving Henry County, Ohio
While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Henry County, Ohio, through:
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment — we come to Henry County for depositions and trials
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
4. No Upfront Cost — Contingency Fee
Henry County families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Contingency fee means:
- $0 to hire us
- $0 during the case
- We take the risk — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing
- Level playing field — now you can fight back against universities and national fraternities
5. We Understand Greek Life Culture
Ralph Manginello was a hall of fame athlete and youth coach. He understands:
- Team dynamics
- Locker room culture
- The pressures that lead to hazing
- How “tradition” is used to justify abuse
This insider knowledge helps us build stronger cases for Henry County victims.
6. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have won millions for victims in personal injury cases, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
- Trucking accidents
- Wrongful death
- Catastrophic injuries
We bring this same litigation firepower to Henry County hazing cases.
7. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Henry County come from Hispanic families. We provide full legal services in Spanish, including:
- Initial consultations
- Case updates
- Legal documents
- Courtroom interpretation
No language barriers to justice for Henry County families.
8. We Protect Our Clients
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We protect Henry County victims from:
- Social retaliation
- Academic repercussions
- Threats from fraternity/sorority members
- Institutional pressure
🎯 Henry County Hazing Hotspots — Where the Risk Is Highest
Bowling Green State University (BGSU) — 30 minutes from Napoleon
- Greek Life: 20+ fraternities and sororities
- Hazing History: Stone Foltz died from Pi Kappa Alpha hazing in 2021
- Recent Incidents: Multiple hazing violations reported in last 5 years
- Risk Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High)
Henry County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity at BGSU, they are at serious risk of hazing.
University of Toledo — 50 minutes from Liberty Center
- Greek Life: 25+ fraternities and sororities
- Hazing History: Multiple hazing violations in last 5 years
- Recent Incidents: Phi Delta Theta suspended for hazing in 2022
- Risk Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)
Defiance College — 30 minutes from Holgate
- Greek Life: Smaller but active Greek system
- Hazing History: No major public incidents, but smaller schools often have underreported hazing
- Risk Level: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
Lourdes University — 45 minutes from Malinta
- Greek Life: Growing Greek presence
- Risk Level: ⭐⭐ (Moderate)
Ohio State University — 2 hours from Henry County
- Greek Life: Massive system with 60+ fraternities and sororities
- Hazing History: Multiple hazing violations, suspensions, and lawsuits
- Risk Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High)
Henry County parents: OSU is a major destination for Northwest Ohio students. The Greek system is massive — and so is the hazing risk.
📢 Warning to Fraternities Near Henry County, Ohio
To the fraternities at Bowling Green State University, University of Toledo, Defiance College, Lourdes University, and Ohio State University:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Gamma Delta, Delta Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon —
If your chapter operates near Henry County, Ohio, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for waterboarding a student and causing kidney failure. We will bring that same litigation to Northwest Ohio.
The Stone Foltz case happened 30 minutes from Henry County. Don’t let your chapter be next.
📞 Henry County Families — Call Now
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Northwest Ohio — you have legal rights.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We serve Henry County, Ohio, and all surrounding communities including:
- Napoleon
- Liberty Center
- Holgate
- Malinta
- Hamler
- Deshler
- Ridgeville Corners
- McClure
- Florida
- Okolona
- New Bavaria
- Grelton
- West Unity
Distance is not a barrier. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote case management
- Travel to Henry County for depositions and trials
$0 upfront. $0 unless we win. You have nothing to lose — and justice to gain.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Henry County Hazing Cases
Q: My child agreed to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Ohio law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.
Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. No amount of tradition justifies waterboarding, 500 squats, or paddling.
Q: We’re in Henry County, Ohio. Can you help us even though you’re in Texas?
A: YES. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Henry County, Ohio. We have:
- Federal court authority
- Video consultation capability
- Willingness to travel to Henry County
- Experience with out-of-state cases
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery.
Q: What if the university says they didn’t know?
A: Universities near Henry County know hazing happens. Bowling Green State University had the Stone Foltz case in 2021. They knew the risks — and they failed to protect your child.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity?
A: YES. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance. We sue them for failing to supervise local chapters. Pi Kappa Phi is currently paying millions in our case — your national fraternity can too.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?
A: We protect our clients. Our Pi Kappa Phi client is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We ensure your child is safe from social, academic, and physical retaliation.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Most cases settle within 1-2 years. Some go to trial. We work aggressively to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.
Q: What if my child was hazed off-campus?
A: We can still sue. Hazing doesn’t have to occur on campus to be illegal. We sue:
- Fraternity houses
- Off-campus residences
- Hotels
- Retreat locations
- Anywhere hazing occurs
Q: Can we file criminal charges too?
A: YES. Hazing is a crime in Ohio. We work with local law enforcement to pursue criminal charges. Collin’s Law makes hazing a felony if it causes serious harm.
🔥 Henry County, Ohio — It’s Time to End Hazing
Hazing in Northwest Ohio has gone on for too long.
- Stone Foltz died at BGSU in 2021 — 30 minutes from Henry County
- Fraternities at Toledo, Defiance, Lourdes, and OSU continue dangerous traditions
- Universities turn a blind eye until someone gets hurt
- National organizations ignore warnings until lawsuits force change
Henry County families: You don’t have to accept this. You have the power to fight back.
Call Attorney 911 today: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Together, we can hold them accountable. Together, we can protect the next student.
