🚨 Hazing Lawyers for Meigs County Families — Legal Help for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

If your child was hazed at a college near Meigs County, Ohio, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Meigs County families with the same fury.

At Attorney 911, we are 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, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure — all because he wanted to join a fraternity.

This same abuse happens at colleges near Meigs County. The same national fraternities operate near Meigs County. The same negligence exists at Meigs County area institutions. And we will fight for Meigs County families with the same aggression.

📞 Call us now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We serve Meigs County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we travel to Meigs County for your case.

🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Meigs County and Beyond

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “building character.” It isn’t “boys being boys.”

It is abuse. It is torture. It is assault. And it is happening to students near Meigs County right now.

What Hazing Looks Like Near Meigs County

The same national fraternities involved in our current $10 million case operate at universities near Meigs County, including:

• Ohio University (Athens, OH — ~30 miles from Meigs County)
• Marshall University (Huntington, WV — ~50 miles from Meigs County)
• West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV — ~150 miles from Meigs County)

The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at fraternities and sororities near Meigs County:

• Forced drinking until alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical punishment — 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls
• Waterboarding and simulated drowning — torture disguised as initiation
• Forced eating until vomiting
• Sleep deprivation — forced to drive members at all hours
• Psychological torture — humiliation, threats, isolation
• Being struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons

This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening near Meigs County. And we will hold every responsible party accountable.

⚠️ Our Current Case: The $10 Million Fight That Shows Meigs County Families What’s Possible

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. — $10 Million Lawsuit

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston, was subjected to weeks of systematic torture and abuse during the Fall 2025 pledge process. He 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 milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Forced to continue exercising while in physical distress
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Threatened with expulsion if he stopped

On November 3, 2025, after being punished with extreme exercise, he became so exhausted he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

Who We’re Suing:

• Pi Kappa Phi National Organization — Failed to supervise despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”
• Beta Nu Chapter at University of Houston — Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• University of Houston — Owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred; failed to protect students despite prior hazing incidents
• Individual fraternity members — Participated in and facilitated the abuse

Why This Case Matters to Meigs County Families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Meigs County
• The same national organization that failed to stop this in Houston operates near Meigs County
• Universities near Meigs County have the same power — and the same liability — as University of Houston
• If your child is being hazed near Meigs County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez

📰 Media Coverage: The World Is Watching

Our case has been covered by major media outlets, putting pressure on the defendants and raising awareness for all hazing victims:

Pi Kappa Phi’s Own Admission:
On their website, Pi Kappa Phi admitted:

“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.”

Translation: They knew what was happening. They knew it was wrong. They did nothing until it was too late.

The University of Houston’s Response:

“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards… any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

Translation: They’re admitting they failed to protect students. Now they’re scrambling to limit liability.

💰 Why $10 Million? Because Hazing Costs Lives — And Institutions Must Pay

Multi-Million Dollar Precedents Prove Meigs County Families Can Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts when victims and families stand up. These are not just numbers — they are messages sent to institutions that hazing will not be tolerated.

These results are possible for Meigs County families too.

What $10 Million Covers for Hazing Victims:

• Medical bills — Hospitalization, ongoing treatment, future care
• Psychological trauma — Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Lost opportunities — Academic disruption, career impact
• Pain and suffering — Physical and emotional agony
• Punitive damages — To punish the institutions and send a message

Most importantly, a $10 million verdict tells every fraternity and university near Meigs County: Hazing will cost you.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Meigs County Hazing Victim

Ohio Hazing Laws Protect You

Ohio has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all colleges and universities in the state, including those near Meigs County:

Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 — Hazing

Hazing is a fourth-degree misdemeanor for the first offense, and a third-degree felony if it results in serious physical harm.

Ohio Revised Code § 2307.44 — Civil Liability for Hazing

Organizations (including fraternities, sororities, and universities) can be held civilly liable for hazing. Victims can sue for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages

Collin’s Law (Ohio Senate Bill 126 — 2021)
Named after Collin Wiant, who died from hazing at Ohio University, Collin’s Law made hazing a felony in Ohio if it causes serious physical harm.

This means:

• You can sue the fraternity, the national organization, the university, and individual members
• You can report to police — hazing is a crime in Ohio
• You are protected — Ohio law prohibits retaliation against hazing victims

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Meigs County Hazing?

When hazing happens, everyone who participated or allowed it is responsible. In our current case, we are suing:

Meigs County families: We will sue every responsible party.

🚑 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Meigs County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Document everything — medical records are critical evidence
• If your child shows signs of rhabdomyolysis (dark urine, severe muscle pain, inability to move), go to the emergency room immediately

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✅ Save everything:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
• Photos and videos of injuries or hazing activities
• Fraternity/sorority documents, pledge manuals, schedules
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Medical records and bills

❌ Do NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without a lawyer
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• To the police: File a report with local law enforcement
• To the university: Report to the university’s Title IX office or student affairs
• To the national organization: Report to the fraternity/sorority’s national headquarters

Important: Do not give statements to university administrators or fraternity/sorority leaders without consulting an attorney first. They will try to protect the institution, not your child.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

• Do not talk to insurance companies or university lawyers — they are not on your side
• Do not accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney
• Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911

We will:

• Handle all communications with the defendants
• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• File a lawsuit to protect your rights
• Fight for maximum compensation

🎓 Common Hazing Scenarios Near Meigs County — And How We Fight Them

Scenario 1: Forced Drinking / Alcohol Poisoning

What Happens:

• Pledges are forced to drink large amounts of alcohol
• “Big Brother” events, “Bible Study” drinking games
• Chugging entire bottles of liquor
• Drinking until vomiting or passing out

Real-Life Example:

• Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017) — Died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink during a “Bible Study” event. Family won a $6.1 million jury verdict.

How We Fight It:

• Sue for wrongful death (if fatal) or personal injury (if hospitalized)
• Prove negligence — the fraternity knew the risks of forced drinking
• Pursue punitive damages — forcing alcohol is reckless and intentional

Scenario 2: Extreme Physical Abuse

What Happens:

• Forced calisthenics (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
• “Suicides” (running drills until exhaustion)
• Being struck with wooden paddles
• Sleep deprivation

Real-Life Example:

• Leonel Bermudez (UH, Pi Kappa Phi, 2025) — Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups. $10 million lawsuit pending.

How We Fight It:

• Medical records prove the physical harm
• Expert testimony shows the dangerousness of the activities
• Pattern evidence shows the fraternity knew the risks

Scenario 3: Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning

What Happens:

• Pledges are sprayed with hoses while doing calisthenics
• Forced to run under threat of waterboarding
• Simulated drowning with garden hoses

Real-Life Example:

• Leonel Bermudez (UH, Pi Kappa Phi, 2025) — Waterboarded with a garden hose. Waterboarding is torture, even when done to enemy combatants.

How We Fight It:

• Reframe as torture, not “hazing”
• Pursue punitive damages — this is outrageous conduct
• Sue for intentional infliction of emotional distress

Scenario 4: Forced Eating Until Vomiting

What Happens:

• Pledges are forced to eat large amounts of food (hot dogs, milk, peppercorns)
• Forced to continue exercising after vomiting
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass

Real-Life Example:

• Leonel Bermudez (UH, Pi Kappa Phi, 2025) — Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to keep running.

How We Fight It:

• Medical evidence of vomiting, dehydration, aspiration risk
• Psychological trauma from humiliation and degradation
• Pattern evidence of systematic abuse

Scenario 5: Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion

What Happens:

• Pledges forced to stay up all night
• Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Chronic exhaustion affecting school and work

Real-Life Example:

• Leonel Bermudez (UH, Pi Kappa Phi, 2025) — Forced to drive members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion.

How We Fight It:

• Medical evidence of sleep deprivation effects
• Academic records showing impact on grades
• Psychological impact of chronic stress and fatigue

Scenario 6: Psychological Torture and Humiliation

What Happens:

• Forced to carry objects of sexual nature
• Hog-tying for hours
• Public humiliation
• Threats of expulsion or physical harm

Real-Life Example:

• Leonel Bermudez (UH, Pi Kappa Phi, 2025) — Forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects; another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour.

How We Fight It:

• Sue for intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Pursue punitive damages — this is extreme and outrageous conduct
• Psychological evaluations document PTSD, anxiety, depression

🏆 Why Meigs County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• We know how to build these cases
• We know how to win
• Meigs County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

• Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know exactly how they value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability
• We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery

3. Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience

• Ralph Manginello was involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation — a multi-billion dollar mass tort case
• We have handled hundreds of personal injury cases, including wrongful death and catastrophic injury
• We know how to take on large institutions with deep pockets

4. Federal Court Authority — We Can Sue Anywhere

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Can pursue cases in federal court nationwide
• Dual-state bar admission — Texas AND New York licensed
• We serve Meigs County families regardless of where the hazing occurred

5. We Will Travel to Meigs County

• We come to Meigs County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
• Distance is not a barrier to justice
• We offer video consultations for Meigs County families who cannot travel

6. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront for Meigs County Families

• No upfront costs — you pay nothing to hire us
• No hourly fees — we don’t charge by the hour
• We only get paid if you win
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

7. Se Habla Español — Bilingual Representation for Meigs County Families

• Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish
• We serve Spanish-speaking Meigs County families without language barriers
• All communications in Spanish available

8. We Treat Meigs County Families Like Family

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris, Client

Meigs County families are treated with compassion, respect, and relentless advocacy.

📞 Meigs County Families: Call Us Now — Free Consultation

If your child was hazed at a college near Meigs County, you have legal rights. We will fight for you.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Meigs County hazing emergencies)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We serve Meigs County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — and we travel to Meigs County for your case.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Meigs County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still call a lawyer?

A: Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, consulting an attorney protects their rights. Evidence disappears quickly, and the statute of limitations is running. We can advise you on reporting options, medical care, and preserving evidence without filing a lawsuit if that’s what your family wants.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Can they still be held liable?

A: Absolutely. Consent is not a defense to hazing in Ohio. Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. The law recognizes that peer pressure, threats, and social coercion make true consent impossible.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue them?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek organizations, they can be held liable for negligent supervision. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred — they cannot claim ignorance.

Q: My child was hazed at a college in West Virginia, not Ohio. Can you still help?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in West Virginia. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar admission allow us to pursue cases in any state. We have experience with West Virginia hazing laws and can fight for your family.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Meigs County hazing case?

A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: Will my child have to testify in court?

A: Most cases settle before trial. If your case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way. Many victims find that testifying is empowering — it allows them to tell their story and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?

A: You can — and should — sue both. National fraternities and sororities have deep pockets and insurance policies. They also have a duty to supervise their chapters. In our current case, we are suing both the local chapter and Pi Kappa Phi National.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, we can sue the homeowners (including alumni) for premises liability.

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?

A: We take retaliation very seriously. Ohio law prohibits retaliation against hazing victims. If your child experiences retaliation, we will take legal action against the perpetrators. We also work with campus security and law enforcement to ensure your child’s safety.

📍 Serving Meigs County and Beyond

We serve hazing victims and families throughout Southeast Ohio, West Virginia, and nationwide, including:

Ohio:

• Meigs County (Pomeroy, Middleport, Rutland, Syracuse)
• Athens County (Ohio University — Athens, OH)
• Gallia County (Gallipolis, OH)
• Washington County (Marietta, OH)
• Jackson County (Jackson, OH)
• Vinton County (McArthur, OH)
• Lawrence County (Ironton, OH)
• Hocking County (Logan, OH)

West Virginia:

• Cabell County (Marshall University — Huntington, WV)
• Wayne County (Wayne, WV)
• Lincoln County (Hamlin, WV)
• Mason County (Point Pleasant, WV)
• Putnam County (Hurricane, WV)
• Kanawha County (Charleston, WV)
• Monongalia County (West Virginia University — Morgantown, WV)

National Reach:

We represent hazing victims nationwide, including at:

• Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
• University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)
• Miami University (Oxford, OH)
• Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, OH)
• Kent State University (Kent, OH)
• And any college or university in America

No matter where the hazing occurred, we will fight for Meigs County families.

🚨 Meigs County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

• Evidence disappears — text messages get deleted, witnesses forget
• Statutes of limitations run — in Ohio, you have 2 years from the date of injury
• Institutions destroy records — fraternities and universities will try to hide what happened
• Other victims come forward — the sooner you act, the stronger your case

Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We are Attorney 911. We fight for Meigs County families. And we will not stop until justice is served.