Hazing Lawyers for Jefferson County Families: Justice for Your Child

When Trust Is Betrayed: Hazing at Jefferson County Colleges

Every parent sends their child to college hoping they’ll be safe. We trust universities and Greek organizations to protect our kids—not to put them in danger. But for families in Jefferson County, Ohio, that trust is being broken.

Hazing is happening right here in our community. The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths nationwide have chapters near Jefferson County. The same universities that claim to prioritize student safety are failing to stop abuse. And the same “traditions” that hospitalized a student in Houston this year could be happening to your child.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis right now. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening everywhere, including near Jefferson County.

If your child has been hazed at a college near Jefferson County, we can help. We serve families throughout Ohio from our offices in Texas, with attorneys licensed in multiple states and federal court authority. Your child deserves justice, and we know how to get it.

The Hazing Crisis in Jefferson County: What Parents Need to Know

Hazing Isn’t “Tradition”—It’s Abuse

Too often, hazing is dismissed as “boys being boys” or “part of the tradition.” But make no mistake: hazing is abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.

In our current case, a fraternity pledge was:

• Waterboarded 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 he vomited, then made to continue exercising
• Deprived of sleep for days
• Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply

This isn’t tradition. This is torture. And it’s happening at colleges near Jefferson County.

The Same Fraternities Operate Near Jefferson County

The fraternity involved in our current case, Pi Kappa Phi, has chapters at universities across Ohio, including institutions near Jefferson County. Other national fraternities with documented hazing histories also have chapters in our region:

These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a pattern of abuse that fraternities allow to continue year after year. And it’s happening at colleges near Jefferson County.

Universities Near Jefferson County Are Failing to Protect Students

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had a student hospitalized from hazing at a different fraternity in 2017. They knew the risks. They had the power to stop it. They did nothing.

Universities near Jefferson County have the same responsibility—and the same failures. They:

• Own or control fraternity houses where hazing occurs
• Have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters
• Receive reports of hazing but fail to act
• Prioritize reputation over student safety

When universities fail to protect students, they must be held accountable. Our attorneys have experience suing universities for negligence, premises liability, and failure to supervise.

Hazing Causes Real Harm—Physical and Psychological

Hazing isn’t just “a little roughhousing.” It causes serious, sometimes permanent damage:

Physical Injuries:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) leading to kidney failure
• Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
• Broken bones from beatings
• Burns from branding or hot objects
• Traumatic brain injuries from falls or assaults
• Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure

Psychological Trauma:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Trust issues and social withdrawal
• Academic decline

In our current case, our client spent four days in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He couldn’t walk. He couldn’t move. He was in agony. And this was preventable.

Legal Rights for Jefferson County Hazing Victims

Ohio Hazing Laws Protect Your Child

Ohio has strong laws against hazing, including:

Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 (Hazing):

• Hazing is a second-degree misdemeanor
• If the hazing creates a substantial risk of serious physical harm, it’s a first-degree misdemeanor
• If the hazing causes serious physical harm, it’s a third-degree felony
• Consent is not a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate

Ohio Revised Code § 2307.43 (Civil Liability for Hazing):

• Organizations and individuals can be sued for hazing
• Victims can recover compensatory and punitive damages

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing Near Jefferson County?

In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held responsible:

1. The Local Fraternity Chapter – Directly organized and conducted the hazing
2. The National Fraternity Organization – Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture
3. The University – Failed to protect students; may own the fraternity house
4. Individual Members – Participated in or facilitated the hazing
5. Chapter Officers – Leadership who allowed or encouraged hazing
6. Alumni – Hosted hazing events; allowed abuse at their homes
7. Insurance Companies – May provide coverage for liability

In our current case, we’re pursuing all of these defendants—including the university that owned the fraternity house where the abuse occurred.

Types of Compensation Available for Jefferson County Victims

If your child has been hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries. This amount reflects the severity of the abuse and the need to send a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

Why Jefferson County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability, and we know how to counter them.

We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Companies

Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies evaluate claims, what tactics they use to minimize payouts, and how to negotiate for maximum compensation. When we take on a hazing case, we’re not just fighting the fraternity—we’re fighting their insurance company’s army of adjusters and lawyers. We know their playbook because we used to be on their side.

We’re Licensed in Multiple States and Federal Court

Hazing cases often involve national fraternities with chapters across state lines. Our attorneys are licensed in Texas and New York, and we’re admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas. This means we can pursue your Jefferson County case no matter where the fraternity is headquartered or where the hazing occurred.

We Offer Free Consultations and Contingency Fees

We understand that cost can be a barrier to seeking justice. That’s why we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations for hazing victims and families
• Contingency fee representation—you pay nothing upfront
• We only get paid if we win your case

We Travel to Jefferson County for Your Case

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We’ll travel to Jefferson County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Court appearances
• Trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

We Speak Spanish

Our staff is bilingual, and we can serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers. If your family needs legal help in Spanish, we’re here for you.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Jefferson County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Hazing injuries can be life-threatening. If your child has been hazed:

• Go to the emergency room—even if injuries seem minor
• Document all symptoms—take photos of injuries at all stages
• Follow up with specialists—some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) require ongoing care

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

Evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases. To protect your child’s rights:

• Save all communications—texts, emails, GroupMe chats, social media messages
• Take screenshots—before fraternities delete messages or accounts
• Document hazing locations—take photos of where abuse occurred
• Get witness information—names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Keep medical records—hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without Legal Counsel

Fraternities and universities will try to control the narrative. They may:

• Ask for statements—which they’ll use against your child
• Offer settlements—that are far below what your child deserves
• Pressure your child to stay quiet—threatening social or academic consequences

Do not engage with them. Anything your child says can be used to minimize their claim. Let us handle all communications.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Hazing cases have statutes of limitations—meaning you have a limited time to take legal action. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury.

The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:

• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Investigate the incident while memories are fresh
• Protect your child from retaliation or intimidation
• Build a strong case for maximum compensation

Our Commitment to Jefferson County Families

When we take on a hazing case, we don’t just see a legal claim—we see a child who was betrayed. We see a family that trusted an institution to keep their loved one safe. We see abuse that should never have happened.

We’re committed to:

• Holding every responsible party accountable—from the individual members to the national organization to the university
• Sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated in Jefferson County or anywhere else
• Preventing future hazing by making institutions take this crisis seriously
• Supporting your family through every step of the legal process

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Jefferson County

Q: My child “consented” to the hazing. 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 and university can still be held liable for the harm they caused.

Q: The fraternity says this was “just a prank.” Is it still hazing?

A: Yes. Hazing is defined by the harm it causes, not the intent. Waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, and physical beatings are not “pranks”—they’re abuse.

Q: We’re worried about retaliation. How can you protect my child?

We take retaliation concerns seriously. We can:

• Send cease-and-desist letters to fraternities and universities
• File protective orders if necessary
• Coordinate with law enforcement if threats occur
• Keep your child’s identity confidential when possible

In our current case, our client is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We’re taking steps to protect him and his family.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they own the fraternity house, if they have oversight responsibility, or if they’ve had prior hazing incidents, they can be held liable for failing to prevent abuse.

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They also had a student hospitalized from hazing at a different fraternity in 2017. They knew the risks. They failed to act.

Q: How much is our case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases can be worth millions of dollars, especially when:

• The hazing caused serious physical injuries (like hospitalization)
• The fraternity has a history of hazing incidents
• The university knew about the hazing and did nothing
• The conduct was particularly egregious (like waterboarding or forced consumption)

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries. This amount reflects the severity of the abuse, the need for ongoing medical care, and the importance of sending a message to prevent future hazing.

Q: We don’t live in Texas. Can you still represent us?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Jefferson County. We have:

• Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
• Licenses in multiple states (Texas and New York)
• Experience traveling for client meetings, depositions, and trials
• Video consultation capabilities for remote meetings

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: How long will the case take?

Hazing cases can take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on:

• The severity of the injuries
• The number of defendants
• Whether the case goes to trial
• The cooperation of the fraternity and university

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while still fighting for maximum compensation. In some cases, we can reach a settlement within 6-12 months.

Q: What if the fraternity offers us a settlement?

Do not accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Fraternities and universities often offer lowball settlements early in the case, hoping victims will accept before they know the full extent of their injuries or their legal rights.

We can:

• Evaluate the offer to determine if it’s fair
• Negotiate for a higher amount based on the true value of your case
• Advise you on the best course of action

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing doesn’t stop on its own. It continues year after year because fraternities and universities prioritize tradition over safety and reputation over accountability.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. One brave victim can change everything. In our current case, our client’s courage in speaking out is helping to expose a culture of abuse. His case could save lives.

If your child has been hazed at a college near Jefferson County, we can help. We’re ready to fight for your family, just like we’re fighting for our client in Houston.

Contact Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
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We serve hazing victims in Jefferson County and nationwide. Your child deserves justice. Let’s get it for them.