🛡️ Holmes County Hazing Lawyer – Fraternity Abuse Attorney – Greek Life Injury Claims
Your Child Was Hazed in Holmes County. We Will Fight for Justice.
Serving Holmes County, Ohio families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse. This isn’t just happening in Texas — it happens in Holmes County too.
If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization in Holmes County or anywhere in Ohio, we can help. You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Holmes County families with the same fury.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
🚨 What Is Happening in Holmes County? The Hazing Crisis in Your Community
Holmes County is known for its strong Amish and Mennonite communities, its scenic countryside, and its close-knit values. But just beyond the county lines, at universities and colleges where Holmes County students attend, hazing is destroying lives.
Holmes County Students Are at Risk
While Holmes County itself is home to Holmes County High School and Holmes County Career Center, many local students choose to attend college at nearby institutions with active Greek life, including:
- The College of Wooster (Wayne County, ~30 miles from Holmes County)
- Ashland University (Ashland County, ~40 miles from Holmes County)
- University of Akron (Summit County, ~60 miles from Holmes County)
- Kent State University (Portage County, ~70 miles from Holmes County)
- Ohio State University (Franklin County, ~100 miles from Holmes County)
These universities have active Greek organizations — and where there’s Greek life, there’s hazing.
The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate Near Holmes County
In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity waterboarded a student, forced him to do 500 squats, and struck him with wooden paddles — all while the University of Houston owned the fraternity house. The student ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.
These same fraternities have chapters near Holmes County:
| Fraternity | Chapters Near Holmes County |
|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Ohio State University, University of Akron |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Ohio State University, Kent State University |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Ohio State University, University of Akron |
| Sigma Chi | Ohio State University, Kent State University |
| Beta Theta Pi | Ohio State University, College of Wooster |
| Phi Delta Theta | Ohio State University, University of Akron |
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Holmes County, they face the same risks our client did.
⚠️ What Is Hazing? It’s Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of whether the person consents.
What Hazing Looks Like in Holmes County-Area Universities
Based on our current case and documented hazing incidents nationwide, here’s what hazing looks like at fraternities and sororities near Holmes County:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings with wooden paddles, forced exercise until collapse, waterboarding (simulated drowning), branding, burning |
| Forced Consumption | Forced drinking until alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting, consumption of non-food substances (peppercorns, hot sauce) |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late-night activities, early morning workouts, disrupted sleep schedules |
| Psychological Torture | Verbal abuse, humiliation, isolation, threats of expulsion, carrying sexual objects |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, sexual harassment, assault |
| Extreme Exposure | Forced to strip in cold weather, sprayed with hoses, confined in small spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands, personal servitude |
Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing doesn’t just cause bruises and embarrassment — it can cause life-threatening injuries and permanent damage:
| Injury | Cause | Holmes County Families Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (e.g., 500 squats) | Muscle breakdown releases toxins that destroy kidneys; can be fatal |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis, dehydration | Requires hospitalization; may cause permanent damage |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Can lead to coma or death; BAC over 0.40 is often fatal |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, head trauma | Can cause permanent cognitive impairment |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to extreme cold/heat | Can lead to organ failure or death |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological abuse | Long-term therapy required; can affect academic and career success |
| Death | Any of the above | Wrongful death lawsuits can exceed $10 million |
This isn’t “boys being boys.” This is abuse. This is assault. And it’s happening near Holmes County.
💰 Why Holmes County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW — And Winning
We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after our client was hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing. This isn’t theoretical — we are in the fight right now.
- Our client was waterboarded (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Fraternity chapter shut down days before our lawsuit was filed
Holmes County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.
2. We Know How to Sue Fraternities, Universities, and Individuals
Hazing cases involve multiple defendants — and we know how to hold them all accountable:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Holmes County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same chapters operate near Holmes County |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” | Same nationals oversee Holmes County-area chapters |
| University | Owned property; failed to prevent hazing | Universities near Holmes County have same oversight failures |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Each Holmes County-area member can be sued personally |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Same housing corporations operate near Holmes County |
| Alumni/Advisors | Hosted hazing events; failed to stop abuse | Same alumni influence Holmes County-area chapters |
We are suing ALL of them in our current case — and we will do the same for Holmes County families.
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies and fraternities try to avoid liability.
- We know their delay tactics
- We know their denial strategies
- We know their lowball settlement offers
- We know how to counter their arguments
When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting lawyers — you’re getting former insiders who know how to dismantle their defenses.
4. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court — including cases involving out-of-state defendants like national fraternities.
- Holmes County families don’t need a local attorney — we can represent you no matter where the hazing occurred
- We travel to Holmes County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- We offer video consultations for Holmes County families who cannot travel
5. Dual-State Bar Admission — Strategic Advantage
Ralph Manginello is licensed in Texas AND New York. This gives us strategic advantages in hazing cases:
- Many national fraternities are headquartered in New York (e.g., Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Delta Tau Delta)
- New York has strong consumer protection laws
- We can pursue national organizations in their home state
6. We Speak Spanish — Serving Holmes County’s Hispanic Families
Many Holmes County families speak Spanish at home. We are fluent in Spanish and can provide legal services in Spanish to ensure no language barriers prevent justice.
- Consultations in Spanish
- Case communication in Spanish
- Document translation
- Courtroom interpretation coordination
7. No Upfront Costs — We Work on Contingency
We understand that cost is a concern for Holmes County families. We take hazing cases on contingency — which means:
- $0 upfront costs
- $0 out of pocket
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — not from your pocket
Holmes County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
📋 What Holmes County Families Should Do If Their Child Was Hazed
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
If your child has been hazed, seek medical attention immediately — even if they say they’re “fine.” Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or concussions) may not show symptoms right away.
- Go to the emergency room if symptoms are severe
- Follow up with a doctor within a few days
- Document all injuries with photos and medical records
Why this matters: Delaying medical treatment can hurt your case — insurance companies will argue that if your child was really hurt, they would have sought help sooner.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Holmes County families must preserve everything:
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages, hazing activities, fraternity house |
| Text Messages | Group chats, individual messages about hazing |
| Social Media | Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok posts/messages |
| Emails | Any communications about pledge activities |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules, membership agreements |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid |
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
- Give statements to university administrators alone
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Insurance Company
Fraternities, sororities, and universities have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to minimize your claim. They will:
- Twist your words to make it seem like your child consented
- Lowball your settlement with early offers
- Pressure you to sign documents that waive your rights
- Destroy evidence if they can
Holmes County families should not speak to anyone from the fraternity, sorority, university, or their insurance company without an attorney present.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Hazing cases have strict deadlines — in Ohio, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. But evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget.
Call us as soon as possible so we can:
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Begin gathering evidence before it’s destroyed
- Protect your child from retaliation or intimidation
- Start building your legal case
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com
⚖️ Ohio Hazing Laws — Your Legal Rights as a Holmes County Family
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 — Hazing (Criminal Law)
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.”
Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Ohio:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor of the 4th Degree | Hazing that does not cause serious physical harm | Up to 30 days in jail; up to $250 fine |
| Misdemeanor of the 2nd Degree | Hazing that causes serious physical harm | Up to 90 days in jail; up to $750 fine |
| Felony of the 3rd Degree | Hazing that causes serious physical harm | 9 months to 5 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine |
Important: Consent is NOT a defense in Ohio — even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
Civil Liability for Hazing — Suing for Compensation
In addition to criminal charges, Holmes County families can sue for compensation in civil court. Potential legal claims include:
| Legal Claim | Who Can Be Sued | Damages You Can Recover |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence | Fraternity, university, individuals | Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering |
| Assault & Battery | Individuals who participated | Compensation for physical harm |
| Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress | Individuals who psychologically abused your child | Compensation for PTSD, anxiety, depression |
| Premises Liability | University or property owner | If hazing occurred on their property |
| Negligent Supervision | National organization, university | For failing to prevent hazing |
| Wrongful Death | All defendants | If hazing resulted in death |
Statute of Limitations for Ohio Hazing Lawsuits
| Claim Type | Deadline | Holmes County Families Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years from date of injury | Clock starts when hazing occurs |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death | Applies if hazing resulted in death |
| Minors | May be extended until victim turns 18 | If victim was under 18 at time of hazing |
⚠️ DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Call Attorney 911 today.
💰 What Is Your Holmes County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. In our current case, we are seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries.
Factors That Increase Your Case Value
| Factor | How It Affects Your Case | Holmes County Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Severity of Injuries | More severe = higher compensation | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, hospitalization |
| Medical Bills | Higher bills = higher compensation | Emergency room, hospital stay, therapy |
| Psychological Harm | PTSD, anxiety, depression increase value | Therapy records, expert testimony |
| Permanent Damage | Long-term health consequences | Kidney damage, brain injury |
| University Knowledge | If university knew about prior hazing | Prior incidents at same fraternity/chapter |
| National Organization Involvement | Deep pockets = higher potential recovery | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. |
| Egregious Conduct | Waterboarding, forced drinking, paddling | More outrageous = higher punitive damages |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing resulted in death | Highest value cases |
| Media Attention | Public pressure can increase settlements | Our UH case has national coverage |
Types of Compensation Available
| Category | What It Covers | Holmes County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medications | Hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure |
| Future Medical Care | Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation | Dialysis, kidney transplant, therapy |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work | If victim had a job during college |
| Lost Earning Capacity | Impact on future career | If injuries affect career prospects |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from beatings, forced exercise |
| Mental Anguish | Emotional trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in activities | Impact on college experience, social life |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for outrageous conduct | Waterboarding, forced drinking, paddling |
Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts
| Case | University | Fraternity | Injury | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death (brain injury) | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death (alcohol poisoning) | Confidential settlement |
| Our Current Case (2025) | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit pending |
Holmes County families can recover the same compensation as these cases.
🏛️ Who Can Be Sued in a Holmes County Hazing Case?
Hazing cases involve multiple defendants — and we sue them all.
1. The Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
Why they’re liable:
- Directly organized and conducted hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) directed activities
- Members participated in abuse
Holmes County example:
If your child was hazed at Ohio State’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, we would sue the chapter and its officers.
2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization
Why they’re liable:
- Failed to supervise local chapters
- Knew about hazing risks (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017)
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Have deep pockets and insurance
Holmes County example:
Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters in Charlotte, NC can be sued for failing to prevent hazing at their Ohio State chapter.
3. The University
Why they’re liable:
- Premises liability — if hazing occurred on university property
- Negligent supervision — failed to monitor Greek life
- Institutional knowledge — knew about prior hazing incidents
- Ownership — some universities own fraternity houses
Holmes County example:
If hazing occurred at Ohio State’s Pi Kappa Phi house, and the university owned or controlled the property, they can be sued.
4. Individual Members
Why they’re liable:
- Participated in hazing
- Failed to stop abuse
- Directed activities
Holmes County example:
If a University of Akron fraternity member waterboarded your child, we can sue that individual personally.
5. Alumni and Advisors
Why they’re liable:
- Hosted hazing events at their homes
- Failed to intervene
- Provided alcohol or other resources
Holmes County example:
If a Kent State fraternity alumni hosted a hazing event at their home, they can be sued for premises liability.
6. Housing Corporations
Why they’re liable:
- Own or control fraternity/sorority houses
- Failed to prevent hazing on their property
Holmes County example:
If a housing corporation owns the College of Wooster’s Sigma Chi house, they can be sued if hazing occurred there.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Holmes County Families
1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?
Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, you should still consult with an attorney because:
- Evidence disappears quickly — we can send preservation letters to protect it
- Other victims may exist — we can help them too
- The fraternity may retaliate — we can protect your child
- You may have legal rights even if your child doesn’t want to pursue a case
Call us for a confidential consultation — no obligation.
2. What if my child consented to the hazing? Can we still sue?
Yes. Under Ohio law, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal, and the defendants can still be held liable.
3. My child was hazed at a university outside Holmes County. Can you still help?
Absolutely. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Ohio. We can:
- File your case in federal court (we’re admitted to U.S. District Court)
- Travel to Holmes County or anywhere in Ohio for depositions and trials
- Offer video consultations for your convenience
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
In Ohio, you typically have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so you should contact us as soon as possible.
5. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means:
- $0 upfront costs
- $0 out of pocket
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
Holmes County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
6. What if the fraternity says the hazing was “just a prank”?
Hazing is not a prank — it’s abuse. Even if the fraternity tries to downplay it, we know how to prove the truth:
- Medical records show injuries
- Text messages show coordination
- Witnesses will testify
- Prior incidents show pattern
We have successfully litigated hazing cases before — and we will do the same for Holmes County families.
7. Can we sue if our child was hazed but not physically injured?
Yes. Even if your child wasn’t physically injured, they may have suffered:
- PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Humiliation or emotional distress
- Academic decline
- Loss of scholarships or opportunities
These are all compensable damages.
8. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Hazing doesn’t have to occur on campus to be illegal. If it happened at:
- A fraternity house
- An alumni’s home
- A hotel or rented space
- Any off-campus location
We can pursue the responsible parties.
9. Will suing the fraternity hurt my child’s reputation?
No. The fraternity’s reputation is already at risk — **they’re
