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Ohio Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, North America, Ohio, United States

If you’re reading this, your family in Ohio may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. We’re here to help families in your area fight back.

We are Attorney911, and our attorneys 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 right now, seeking justice for a young man hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after weeks of horrific abuse. The same aggressive, data-driven representation we bring to Texas, we bring to Ohio.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is not “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It is assault, it is battery, it is torture, and too often, it is death. If your child has been subjected to this trauma at an Ohio university, an Ohio fraternity, or any organization across the state, you don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are here to help turn your pain and anger into accountability.

The Hazing Crisis: Why Ohio Families Need Us

The allure of college life, especially Greek life, promises camaraderie, networking, and lifelong friendships. Yet, beneath this glossy exterior, a dark secret persists on campuses across Ohio and the nation: hazing. For unsuspecting students and their hopeful families, what begins as an exciting new chapter can quickly devolve into a nightmare of physical abuse, psychological torment, and life-threatening medical emergencies.

Hazing is endemic, touching not just fraternities and sororities, but also sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and various university clubs and organizations in Ohio and beyond. The statistics are chilling: studies show that over half of students in Greek organizations report experiencing hazing, with a significant percentage suffering physical and psychological harm. What’s even more alarming is that a staggering 95% of students who are hazed never report it, often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the groups that hurt them.

For families in Ohio, this crisis hits close to home. Ohio universities, from the sprawling campuses of Ohio State University in Columbus to Miami University in Oxford, and institutions comprising the state university system, all contend with the pervasive presence of Greek life. Each of these campuses, much like those in Texas, hosts chapters of national fraternities and sororities—organizations that frequently tout leadership, scholarship, and service but too often shelter dark traditions of abuse. This means that an incident like the one we are fighting in Houston could just as easily happen at a fraternity house in Athens, Columbus, Cincinnati, or Oxford.

The problem is insidious because it thrives on secrecy and a distorted sense of loyalty. Students are often pressured into silence, believing that reporting hazing will lead to social ostracization or retaliation. This silence, however, only perpetuates the cycle of abuse, emboldening perpetrators and allowing institutions to turn a blind eye. Universities and national organizations possess the power to stop hazing, but too often, they choose inaction until a student is hospitalized or tragically loses their life. Only then do we see the predictable pattern: “suspensions,” “dissolutions,” and claims of being “shocked” by the egregious conduct, all while carefully managing liability.

Hazing is not a harmless tradition; it is a profound betrayal of trust. It exploits young people’s desire to belong, twisting it into a crucible of abuse that leaves lasting scars—physical, emotional, and psychological. Attorney911 understands this betrayal. We have seen, firsthand, the devastating impact of hazing on victims and their families. This is why we fight so relentlessly, not just for our clients, but as a warning to institutions and a beacon of hope for other victims. If your child has been hazed in Ohio, we are ready to stand with you and seek the justice they deserve.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 Fights Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston Now

Ohio Families: This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Could Happen at an Ohio University. This Is What We Do About It.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston is not an isolated incident. The tactics, the pressures, and the institutional failures that led to his hospitalization are tragically common in fraternity and sorority life across the United States. This includes chapters of major national fraternities operating at Ohio universities. Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court, is a stark warning to students and parents alike, and a clear signal to every fraternity, university, and national organization in Ohio: we are watching, and we will demand accountability.

This case is current, it is real, and it demonstrates exactly what we do. It shows our aggressive, thorough, and relentless pursuit of justice for hazing victims. We are fighting this battle right now in Houston, and we will bring the same fierce advocacy to families in Ohio who are facing these same nightmares.

The Immediate Aftermath: Media Coverage of Our Lawsuit

Within hours of our filing, news of the lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston exploded across Houston media, bringing Leonel’s story—and the horrific truth of modern hazing—to light. This media attention is crucial; it forces transparency and begins the essential process of public accountability.

Notably, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, in a defensive move, issued their own statement on November 21, 2025, announcing the closure of the Beta Nu Chapter: “Pi Kappa Phi Closes Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Houston.” This premature closure, days before our lawsuit, signals their awareness of severe wrongdoing and an attempt at damage control.

The $10 Million Fight: Who We Are Holding Accountable

Our aggressive litigation strategy, applicable to Ohio hazing cases as well, targets every entity that had a hand in the abuse or the power to prevent it. In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. case, we are demanding $10 million in damages from:

  • Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (National Headquarters): For failing to enforce anti-hazing policies despite documented knowledge of a “hazing crisis” nationally.
  • Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter: The local chapter directly responsible for organizing and conducting the hazing.
  • Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: For owning and controlling the property where horrific acts took place.
  • University of Houston: For institutional negligence, specifically owning the fraternity house where hazing occurred, and failing to protect students despite a history of hazing on campus.
  • University of Houston Board of Regents: For overarching governance and oversight failures.
  • 13 Individual Fraternity Members: Including the chapter president, pledgemaster, other chapter leaders, current members, former members who hosted hazing at their residence, and even the spouse of a former member who permitted the abuse on their property.

This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure maximum accountability. When hazing occurs, it’s rarely just one person’s fault; a web of individuals and institutions often contributes to a culture that allows such atrocities to flourish.

The Case That Shows Ohio Families Why We Fight: Leonel Bermudez’s Story

Leonel Bermudez’s journey into Pi Kappa Phi began on September 16, 2025, when he accepted a bid. What makes his story particularly poignant, and a stark warning for Ohio families, is that he wasn’t even an enrolled University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective transfer student who had been accepted and was planning to matriculate in the Spring 2026 semester. They did this to someone who was not even officially their student.

From September 16 to November 3, 2025, Leonel endured weeks of systematic abuse, psychological torture, and extreme physical punishment. His story is a chilling litany of modern hazing:

  • Simulated Waterboarding: He was sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, a dehumanizing act likened to torture.
  • Extreme Physical Exertion: Forced to perform over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. This continued until he was so exhausted he couldn’t stand without help.
  • Physical Abuse: He was struck with wooden paddles, a blatant act of assault and battery.
  • Forced Consumption: Made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Then, he was forced to continue running in his vomit-soaked clothes.
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: Forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of a sexual nature, stripped to his underwear in cold weather, and subjected to constant threats and emotional abuse.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, disrupting his sleep and affecting his daily life.
  • Witnessing Abuse: He witnessed another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Critically, on October 15, another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout, but the hazing continued.

On November 3, 2025, after a particularly brutal session, Leonel collapsed. By November 6, his urine had turned brown—a terrifying sign of muscle breakdown. 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 hospitalized, fighting for his life, with the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. As Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13, “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Institutional Reactions: What They Say vs. What They Mean

The University of Houston’s immediate response included a statement to Houston Public Media where a spokesperson commented, “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement…Any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, acting swiftly before our lawsuit became public, issued a statement on November 21, 2025, noting they “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards…We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time and continuing our partnership with the University of Houston in the years ahead.”

What these carefully worded statements really mean for Ohio families:

  • “Deeply disturbing” / “Clear violation”: Admissions of serious wrongdoing by both the university and the national fraternity.
  • “Potential criminal charges”: The University acknowledges the acts may constitute criminal behavior under Texas hazing law, which has equivalents in Ohio.
  • Chapter closure before lawsuit: A clear attempt by Pi Kappa Phi to control the narrative and minimize liability, indicating their awareness of severe misconduct.
  • “Look forward to returning”: A chilling lack of remorse, highlighting the need for legal action to ensure such institutions face lasting consequences, not just temporary setbacks.

As Lupe Pena articulated to ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This case is a spotlight on the truth of hazing, forcing accountability and serving as a crucial warning. Ohio families should understand that the same patterns of abuse and institutional negligence that tragically affected Leonel Bermudez can, and do, occur at universities throughout Ohio.

What Hazing Really Looks Like

When we talk about “hazing” at Attorney911, we aren’t talking about harmless pranks or a bit of good-natured fun. We’re talking about systematic abuse, torture, and degradation that leaves deep, lasting scars—both physical and psychological. For Ohio parents who send their children to universities like Ohio State, Miami University, Kent State, or the University of Cincinnati, understanding the true nature of modern hazing is critical. This is not the hazing of movies; this is often outright criminal behavior.

Beyond the Stereotypes: Understanding the Brutality of Hazing

The image of hazing as simple initiations or innocent dares is a dangerous misconception. The reality, as tragically demonstrated by cases like Leonel Bermudez’s and countless others across the country, is far more sinister. Hazing today often involves:

  • Physical Assault and Abuse: This can range from constant calisthenics, forced physical exertion to the point of collapse (leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, as in Leonel’s case), beatings, paddling, branding, or being struck with objects. It’s about pushing the body past its limits, often with intentional violence.
  • Forced Consumption: This frequently involves alcohol, leading to binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, and death, but can also include forced eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances, or ingesting noxious liquids. This directly contributed to Leonel’s condition and has been a factor in many hazing deaths in Ohio and other states.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often intentionally deprived of sleep through late-night activities, early-morning demands, or constant harassment, leading to impaired judgment, exhaustion, and increased vulnerability.
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: This is a core component, designed to break down an individual’s self-esteem and foster absolute obedience. It includes verbal abuse, threats, isolation, emotional manipulation, forced public embarrassment, and degrading acts like carrying sexually explicit items or lying in vomit. The simulated waterboarding Leonel endured is a prime example of psychological torture bordering on physical.
  • Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Often among the most underreported and traumatic aspects of hazing, this can involve forced nudity, sexualized games, unwanted sexual touching, or even sexual assault. The presence of “objects of a sexual nature” in Leonel’s forced fanny pack highlights this insidious layer of abuse.
  • Exposure: Pledges may be forced to endure extreme weather conditions, confined in small spaces, or left in isolated locations, risking hypothermia, heatstroke, or other serious health crises.
  • Servitude and Dehumanization: Being forced to perform demeaning tasks, act as personal servants, or endure constant demands that strip away dignity and personal autonomy.

The Chilling Medical Consequences

The injuries sustained in hazing are not accidental; they are the direct result of intentional harm. As our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates with Leonel Bermudez, the consequences can be devastating:

  • Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure: This terrifying condition, suffered by Leonel, involves the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing toxins that overwhelm the kidneys. It’s life-threatening and can lead to permanent organ damage or death.
  • Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths. Students are forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, leading to coma, brain damage, and organ failure. Ohio has tragically seen its share of alcohol-related hazing incidents.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From beatings, falls, or head trauma during forced physical activities.
  • Internal Injuries: Such as a lacerated spleen, injuries to internal organs, or broken bones from falls or assaults.
  • Hypothermia/Heatstroke: From forced exposure to extreme temperatures.
  • Cardiac Arrest: From extreme physical exertion or pre-existing conditions exacerbated by hazing.
  • Infections: From improper wound care following cuts, bruises, or internal injuries.
  • Profound Psychological Trauma: Often unseen but no less devastating, including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. Leonel’s fear of retribution, even after hospitalization, underscores this deep psychological impact.

Ohio Families: This Could Happen to Your Child

It is vital for parents in Ohio to recognize that these aren’t isolated incidents. The national scope of fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, which has 150+ chapters across America, means that the same dangerous culture that nearly killed Leonel at UH could easily exist at a chapter on your child’s campus today. Whether they attend Ohio State, University of Cincinnati, Miami University, Kent State, Bowling Green State University, or any other institution with Greek life, the risks are real.

Hazing is a calculated form of abuse, designed to instill fear and obedience. It relies on secrecy and the complicity of those in power—the chapter leaders, the national organization, and often, the universities themselves. When you hear about hazing, remember Leonel Bermudez’s story: the waterboarding, the forced eating, the 500 squats, the kidney failure. This is what hazing looks like. And this is why Attorney911 fights so fiercely to ensure that these reprehensible acts are met with the full force of the law, wherever they occur in Ohio or nationwide.

Who Is Responsible: Holding Every Enabler Accountable

When a student is harmed by hazing, the responsibility rarely falls on just one individual. These incidents are a result of systemic failures, a dangerous culture, and a shocking lack of oversight from multiple parties. At Attorney911, our strategy, a model for how we approach Ohio hazing cases, is to meticulously identify and pursue every single entity, from the individual perpetrators to the highest levels of institutional power, who are responsible. This is how we ensure comprehensive accountability and maximize compensation for victims.

The Web of Responsibility: Targeting All Liable Parties

In our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, we have cast a wide net, naming every participant and enabler as a defendant. This approach ensures that no one can hide behind technicalities or shift blame. The same principles apply to hazing cases in Ohio.

  1. The Individual Perpetrators:

    • Chapter Officers: Typically the most directly involved in organizing and directing hazing activities. This includes the chapter president, pledgemaster, and risk manager. They hold positions of authority and direct the misconduct. In Leonel’s case, we’ve named the president, pledgemaster, and other leaders.
    • Individual Members: Any active fraternity or sorority member who participated in the hazing, condoned it, or failed to intervene when they had the opportunity and ability to do so. Their actions constitute assault, battery, and other civil wrongs.
    • Former Members and Relatives: As seen in the Bermudez case, hazing can occur off-campus. When former members host hazing at their residences, they become liable. We’ve named a former member and his spouse in our lawsuit, holding them accountable under premises liability and for directly enabling the abuse. This applies equally to off-campus hazing locations across Ohio.

  2. The Local Greek Life Chapter:

    • The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at UH directly organized and conducted Leonel’s hazing. These chapters exist as distinct legal entities and can be held responsible for the actions of their members, especially when those actions are sanctioned within the group’s “traditions.”

  3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:

    • This is often where the “deep pockets” lie. In Leonel’s case, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a primary target. National organizations exercise control over local chapters through charters, policies, and a code of conduct. When they fail to adequately supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, or address a known “hazing crisis” (as alleged in our lawsuit based on the national’s knowledge), they are directly liable. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi has a history of hazing deaths, like Andrew Coffey’s in 2017, further strengthens the claim that the national organization has a pattern of negligence and conscious indifference. Chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, along with other national fraternities like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Phi Delta Theta, are prevalent at Ohio universities.

  4. The University or College:

    • Universities like the University of Houston, and by extension, institutions throughout Ohio, have a fundamental duty to protect their students. When hazing occurs on university-owned property (as was the case with Leonel Bermudez), their liability under premises liability is direct and undeniable. Universities have the power to regulate, suspend, or remove Greek organizations, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure student safety. When they fail to act, especially if they have prior knowledge of hazing incidents (as UH did with a 2017 case), they become complicit. This applies to Ohio State, Miami University, and all Ohio colleges hosting Greek life. We are suing both the University of Houston and the UH Board of Regents.

  5. Housing Corporations:

    • Many fraternity and sorority houses are owned by separate housing corporations. These entities, like the Beta Nu Housing Corporation in our case, can be held liable for failing to prevent hazardous conditions or activities on their property.

  6. Insurance Carriers:

    • Ultimately, the funds for significant settlements and verdicts often come from the liability insurance policies held by the national organization, the university, housing corporations, and even individual homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena possess an invaluable insider’s understanding of how these carriers evaluate claims, negotiate, and defend against them—allowing us to strategically pursue maximum compensation for Ohio hazing victims.

Why This Matters to Ohio Families

The comprehensive legal strategy employed by Attorney911 isn’t just about winning a lawsuit; it’s about forcing systemic change. By holding every responsible party accountable, we:

  • Ensure Maximum Compensation: Targeting all potential defendants ensures that every possible source of funds is pursued to compensate the victim for medical bills, lost earnings, and profound suffering.
  • Force Institutional Reform: Large verdicts and settlements compel universities and national organizations to re-evaluate their policies, enforce anti-hazing measures, and prioritize student safety over reputation.
  • Send a Clear Message: Our aggressive stance serves as a warning to every Greek organization and university in Ohio: turning a blind eye to hazing has severe financial and reputational consequences.

No institution is too big, and no culture of complicity is too entrenched for us to challenge. If your child has been harmed by hazing in Ohio, we are dedicated to dismantling this web of responsibility and delivering justice.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof

For Ohio families reeling from a hazing incident, one of the most pressing questions is, “Can we really win this?” The answer, unequivocally, is yes. The legal landscape has shifted dramatically, with victims and their families successfully securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that are finally forcing institutions to confront the consequences of their inaction. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston aligns perfectly with these precedents, proving that justice—and significant compensation—is attainable for Ohio hazing victims.

The Message to Ohio Fraternities, Universities, and National Organizations: Hazing Costs Millions.

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Total Recovery: $10.1 Million+

The tragic death of Stone Foltz, a student at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, is a poignant example of both the brutality of hazing and the power of legal action. In March 2021, during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” initiation, Stone was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. He died from alcohol poisoning. The outcome was a multi-faceted legal victory:

  • Bowling Green State University paid $2.9 million in a settlement, marking the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
  • Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individual members settled for an additional $7.2 million, demonstrating that both national organizations and individual perpetrators are held liable.
  • In December 2024, Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, was ordered to pay $6.5 million in a personal judgment, emphasizing that individual officers cannot hide behind the organization.

Relevance to Our Case and Ohio Families: This case, specifically in Ohio, is a direct benchmark. Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is not arbitrary; it is entirely consistent with what families have recovered for hazing incidents, even in cases involving physical injury rather than death. It shows that Ohio universities and fraternities face significant financial exposure.

Maxwell Gruver: Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Jury Verdict: $6.1 Million

In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta pledge event where he was forced to consume excessive alcohol. The family’s pursuit of justice resulted in:

  • A $6.1 million jury verdict against one of the fraternity members found responsible.
  • Criminal convictions, including negligent homicide, for some of the perpetrators.
  • The passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing a crime, echoing Ohio’s Collin’s Law.

Relevance: This verdict proves that juries are willing to award substantial sums for hazing deaths. It underscores the severity of the consequences when cases go to trial and the willingness of the legal system to hold individuals and organizations accountable.

Timothy Piazza: Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Total Recovery: $110 Million+ (Estimated)

Timothy Piazza died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi pledge event at Penn State where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell repeatedly, suffering a traumatic brain injury, and fraternity members delayed calling 911 for 12 hours. The outcome was massive:

  • Multiple criminal convictions against 18 fraternity members, including involuntary manslaughter.
  • A confidential civil settlement estimated to be over $110 million, involving both the national fraternity and Penn State.
  • The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, a landmark piece of legislation.

Relevance: This case demonstrates the immense liability when evidence is strong (security cameras captured everything), pointing to gross negligence and intentional harm. It sets a high bar for the financial consequences for institutions that fail to protect students.

Andrew Coffey: Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

The Same National Fraternity as Our Case

On November 3, 2017, Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.

  • Criminal charges were filed against nine fraternity members.
  • The FSU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was permanently closed.
  • A civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement for the Coffey family.

Relevance: This is the most crucial precedent for our lawsuit. Andrew Coffey’s death, at a chapter of the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, eight years before Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization, creates a devastating pattern of negligence. It proves that Pi Kappa Phi National had actual notice of deadly hazing within its ranks and failed to implement effective safeguards. Leonel’s 2025 injury was entirely foreseeable, directly strengthening our demand for punitive damages and holding the national organization responsible for its conscious indifference.

Ohio’s Own Legislation: Collin’s Law

Following the tragic death of Ohio University freshman Collin Wiant in 2018 due to hazing, Ohio passed Collin’s Law in 2021. This legislation significantly toughened anti-hazing efforts, making hazing a felony under certain circumstances, increasing penalties, and mandating comprehensive hazing education and reporting at Ohio colleges and universities. This law proves that Ohio recognizes the severity of hazing and supports robust actions against those who perpetrate it.

The Power of Precedent for Ohio Families

These multi-million dollar outcomes and legislative changes are not just statistics; they are proof. They prove:

  1. Hazing is Not Dismissed: The legal system, including juries, takes hazing seriously and is willing to impose massive financial penalties.
  2. Universities and National Organizations Pay: The “deep pockets” of these institutions are consistently held accountable, not just the students involved.
  3. Pattern Evidence is Key: A history of hazing, even at other chapters or on other campuses, establishes a pattern of negligence that is devastating in court.
  4. Lives are Changed (and Saved): These cases lead to financial recovery for victims and force the reforms that can prevent future tragedies, as Ohio’s Collin’s Law demonstrates.

Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez builds directly upon these powerful precedents. We are confident in our ability to secure full justice and maximum compensation for our client, and we apply this same proven strategy to every hazing case we take on in Ohio and across the country.

Legal Framework: Ohio Victims’ Rights

For Ohio families navigating the aftermath of a hazing incident, understanding the legal landscape is paramount. While Attorney911 operates from our Texas headquarters, our expertise in federal courts and comprehensive knowledge of national hazing patterns means we can effectively represent Ohio-based victims under both state-specific and federal legal frameworks. Ohio’s own anti-hazing legislation, Collin’s Law, along with general civil liability theories, offers robust protections and avenues for seeking justice.

Ohio’s Commitment to Anti-Hazing: Collin’s Law

Passed in 2021, Collin’s Law: An Act to Strengthen Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Laws is one of the strongest anti-hazing statutes in the nation, enacted in memory of Ohio University freshman Collin Wiant, who died from hazing in 2018. This legislation significantly strengthened existing laws by:

  • Elevating Hazing to a Felony: Hazing that causes serious physical harm or death is now a felony punishable by prison time. Even lesser forms of hazing can incur significant misdemeanor charges.
  • Mandatory Reporting and Education: Requires all public and private colleges and universities in Ohio to provide hazing education, report all hazing violations, and maintain a public report of hazing incidents on their websites. Failure to report can result in criminal penalties for university officials.
  • Aiding and Abetting Liability: Individuals who are present during hazing and fail to report it can also face criminal charges.
  • Medical Amnesty: Provides legal immunity for individuals who call 911 for someone in medical distress due to hazing, encouraging prompt medical intervention.

Ohio Application: This means that the horrific acts committed against Leonel Bermudez—the physical abuse, forced consumption, and extreme physical exertion leading to kidney failure—would likely fall under the felony provisions of Collin’s Law in Ohio. This criminal liability runs parallel to the civil claims we pursue, strengthening the case for compensation and accountability.

Civil Liability for Hazing: What Ohio Victims Can Sue For

Beyond criminal charges, civil lawsuits provide a critical pathway for victims and their families to recover damages. These civil claims apply to Ohio hazing cases, regardless of the unique aspects of Collin’s Law, and form the backbone of our litigation strategy:

  1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common civil theory. We assert that the individuals, the local fraternity chapter, the national organization, and the university owed a “duty of care” to the student to protect them from harm. By engaging in, condoning, or failing to prevent hazing, they “breached” that duty, directly “causing” the student’s injuries, and thus are liable for “damages.” This principle applies universally across all states, including Ohio.
  2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a fraternity housing corporation—such as a fraternity house near Ohio State University or Miami University—these entities can be held liable as property owners. They have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment and to warn of or rectify dangerous conditions. As KHOU 11 reported, the Pi Kappa Phi house where Leonel was hazed was “University-owned,” establishing clear premises liability against the University of Houston, a critical piece of our legal argument.
  3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when an entity with oversight responsibility fails to properly supervise those under its charge. For example, a national fraternity can be held liable for negligently supervising its local chapter, and a university for negligently supervising its Greek life organizations. If they knew, or reasonably should have known, about a culture of hazing and failed to intervene, they are responsible.
  4. Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who engage in physical hazing—such as striking with paddles, forced physical exertion, or waterboarding—are directly liable for intentional assault and battery. These are intentional torts, meaning the individual’s assets, and potentially their parents’ homeowner’s insurance, can be sought.
  5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): Hazing regularly involves outrageous, extreme conduct that is designed to cause severe emotional distress. The psychological torture and humiliation Leonel endured, leading to fear of retribution and lasting emotional scars, squarely falls under IIED claims.
  6. Vicarious Liability: This legal principle holds an entity responsible for the actions of another party due to their relationship. For instance, a national fraternity can be held vicariously liable for the hazing conduct of its local chapter members, and a university for certain actions of its student organizations, especially when there’s an agency relationship.

A Critical Aspect: Consent is NOT a Defense

One of the most insidious defenses often raised in hazing cases is that the victim “consented” to the activities or “knew what they were getting into.” However, as in Texas, where Education Code § 37.154 explicitly states, “It is not a defense to prosecution… that the person… consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity,” Ohio’s Collin’s Law also makes it unequivocally clear that consent is not a valid defense. You cannot legally consent to criminal acts, and the coercive power dynamics of hazing negate true consent. This means that even if a student superficially agreed to participate, they cannot be held responsible for the illegal and dangerous acts committed against them.

Ohio Families: Your Rights Are Strong

Whether the hazing incident occurred at a major university in Columbus, a private college in Cleveland, or a community college program, the full force of Ohio’s law, combined with established civil liability principles, provides a powerful legal foundation. Attorney911’s experience with federal court admissions and multi-state bar licenses means we can pursue these claims effectively, building robust cases against all responsible parties in Ohio, just as we do in Texas. Don’t let distance deter you; we represent victims nationwide and are ready to bring our expertise to your Ohio hazing case.

Why Attorney911: Your Champion in the Fight Against Hazing

For Ohio families facing the unimaginable trauma of hazing, choosing the right legal representation is the most critical decision you will make. This is not a typical personal injury case; it requires a specialized understanding of complex institutional structures, deeply entrenched cultures, and the unique legal strategies needed to dismantle the defenses of powerful universities and national fraternities. Attorney911 is not just another law firm; we are legal emergency lawyers, and we are precisely the champion you need.

Our Core Identity: Legal Emergency Lawyers™

When a legal emergency strikes—like a child hospitalized from hazing—you need immediate, aggressive, and professional help. We pride ourselves on being first responders to these crises, and our firm is structured to deliver decisive action. While our headquarters are in Houston, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, our reach extends nationwide, including Ohio. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue justice wherever hazing occurs, ensuring Ohio families receive the same caliber of representation as those in our home state.

Unparalleled Expertise: What Sets Us Apart for Ohio Hazing Victims

We understand that Ohio families have many choices for legal counsel. However, when it comes to hazing litigation, our specific differentiators provide an unfair advantage for our clients:

  1. Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: We aren’t theorizing about hazing; we’re actively in the trenches. Our Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case is live, ongoing, and generating national attention. This means our strategies are battle-tested, our knowledge is current, and our commitment is unwavering. Ohio families will benefit from this real-time, aggressive approach.
  2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena began their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. Lupe, in particular, worked for a national defense firm, Litchfield Cavo LLP, gaining invaluable insider knowledge of how insurers value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. This is critical for hazing cases in Ohio, where major institutions and national organizations will deploy armies of lawyers to protect their bottom line. We use their tactics against them.
  3. Federal Court Admissions & Dual-State Bar Licenses: Our admission to U.S. District Courts and our dual licenses in Texas and New York give us a unique advantage in taking on national fraternities and sororities, whose headquarters and operations often span multiple states. We can navigate federal jurisdiction for Ohio cases, if advantageous, providing flexibility and reach.
  4. Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience (25+ Years): Ralph Manginello brings over two decades of aggressive courtroom experience. His involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation demonstrates our capacity to challenge massive corporate defendants—a skill directly transferable to taking on powerful university systems and national Greek organizations in Ohio.
  5. Specialized Hazing Expertise: We don’t just handle general personal injury; hazardous cases are a focused area of our practice. Ralph has specific experience with rhabdomyolysis cases (like Leonel’s), Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation, and university hazing accountability. We understand the medical complexities, the psychological impact, and the nuances of Greek life culture that are often central to these cases.
  6. “Se Habla Español” – Bilingual Services for Ohio’s Diverse Communities: Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Ohio, who may be unfamiliar with the U.S. legal system and face additional communication barriers, receive comprehensive and culturally sensitive representation.
  7. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. Our internal Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks thousands of IRS-registered Greek organizations, including their EINs, legal names, housing corporations, and alumni chapters. This allows us to instantly identify every liable entity behind the Greek letters, even for chapters operating in Ohio. This granular data ensures we sue everyone responsible.
  8. No Upfront Cost – Contingency Fees: We take Ohio hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case. This removes the financial barrier, allowing any family, regardless of their economic situation, to fight powerful institutions.
  9. Willingness to Travel and Remote Access: We offer video consultations for Ohio families, making initial contact easy and accessible. Furthermore, we are committed to traveling to Ohio for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary. Distance is not a barrier to seeking justice.
  10. Genuine Emotional Investment: As Ralph Manginello, a father of three and youth coach, understands, the stakes are incredibly high when a child is harmed. Lupe Pena, a third-generation Texan who is deeply rooted in community values, shares this commitment. We treat our clients like family, and this personal investment drives our relentless pursuit of accountability for the trauma inflicted by hazing.

Your Child is a Person, Not a Payout. We Fight for Both.

For Ohio parents desperately searching for answers at 2 AM, scarred by the fear and anger that hazing ignites, Attorney911 offers not just legal expertise but genuine empathy and fierce commitment. Our firm’s 4.9-star rating across 250+ Google reviews reflects our dedication to client satisfaction and successful outcomes. We bring the formidable force of our experienced team, our insider knowledge, and our unwavering determination to ensure that the institutions responsible for hazing in Ohio are held fully accountable.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Ohio Families

When hazing strikes, the immediate aftermath can be chaotic and overwhelming. Yet, decisively preserving evidence and understanding your legal rights in Ohio is critical to a successful case. For an Ohio parent whose child has been waterboarded, forced to drink, or brutally assaulted, knowing the exact steps to take can make all the difference. At Attorney911, we guide you through this process with clarity and urgency, leveraging the same strategies that fuel our ongoing $10 million hazing lawsuit in Houston.

Immediate Steps: Protect Your Child and Preserve Your Case

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even for Seemingly Minor Injuries:

    • Prioritize Health: Even if injuries don’t seem severe, some, like rhabdomyolysis, have delayed onset symptoms. Get your child thoroughly examined by a doctor or emergency room in Ohio.
    • Medical Documentation is Key: Every medical record, ER visit report, doctor’s note, and bill from any Ohio medical provider is critical evidence. It establishes the nature and extent of the injuries, directly linking them to the hazing incident. Always tell medical staff that the injuries were caused by hazing.
    • Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Seek counseling or therapy from qualified Ohio mental health professionals. These records document the emotional and psychological trauma your child endured.

  2. Preserve ALL Evidence – EVERYTHING:

    • Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone to document everything. As Ralph Manginello advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
      • Injuries: Photograph bruises, cuts, any visible physical injuries, and track their healing process over time. Capturing the pain and discoloration is crucial. If your child had brown urine (a sign of rhabdomyolysis), document that if possible.
      • Hazing Locations: Take photos or videos of the fraternity house, off-campus residence, park, or any location where hazing occurred.
      • Physical Evidence: Any clothing torn or damaged during hazing, containers of alcohol, degrading items, or other physical objects involved.
    • Digital Communications (CRITICAL!): Hazing thrives on digital platforms. Save and screenshot:
      • Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat stories, Instagram DMs, and any other social media communications related to the hazing. These often contain direct instructions, threats, details of the abuse, and evidence of peer pressure.
      • Emails or messages from university officials or fraternity leadership.
    • Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, fraternity members who might be sympathetic, or any bystanders who witnessed the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
    • Hazing “Materials”: Any pledge manuals, schedules, “rules” documents, or other written materials given to your child that outline hazing activities or expectations.
    • Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, therapy costs, expenses related to missed school or work, and any other financial losses incurred due to the hazing.

  3. DO NOT Talk to Anyone Without Legal Counsel:

    • No Statements to Fraternity/Sorority: Do not communicate with chapter members, officers, or alumni. They will attempt to control the narrative, pressure your child, or destroy evidence.
    • No Statements to University Administrators (Alone): University officials, while seemingly empathetic, represent the institution’s interests, not your child’s. Any statement given can be used against you. Consult an attorney before giving any official statements to campus police, Title IX offices, or student affairs.
    • No Statements to Insurance Companies: If any insurance adjusters contact you, politely decline to comment and refer them to your attorney. They are trained to minimize payouts.
    • DO NOT Post on Social Media: The defense will meticulously scrutinize all social media activity. Do not post about the hazing incident, your injuries, photos of being “fine,” or any parties. It can all be used against your case.
    • DO NOT Delete Communications: Deleting messages or social media posts can be seen as destruction of evidence (spoliation), severely damaging your case.

  4. Report the Incident (Strategically):

    • Police Report: Consider filing a police report. Hazing acts often constitute criminal offenses under Ohio’s Collin’s Law, as well as general assault and battery statutes. Criminal findings can strengthen a civil case.
    • University Report (with counsel): Alongside legal counsel, consider formally reporting the incident to the university’s Title IX office or Dean of Students. This creates an official record and triggers campus investigations.
    • Medical Amnesty: Remember Ohio’s Collin’s Law provides medical amnesty for those who call 911 for a hazing-related emergency. Use this protection if a medical crisis arises.

  5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney IMMEDIATELY:

    • Time is Critical: Evidence disappears, memories fade, and most importantly, the statute of limitations is ticking. In Ohio, as in Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to sue forever.
    • Free Consultation: At Attorney911, every initial consultation is free. This is your chance to understand your rights, evaluate the strength of your case, and learn how we can help, all without any financial obligation.
    • Distance is Not a Barrier: Although we are based in Houston, we serve hazing victims in Ohio and nationwide. We offer video consultations, handle cases in federal court, and are prepared to travel to Ohio for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed.

Your Child Deserves Justice. We are Ready to Fight.

Hazing is traumatizing, but you are not powerless. By taking these immediate, decisive steps, Ohio families can lay a strong foundation for a powerful legal claim. Our relentless pursuit of justice for Leonel Bermudez proves that we are active and aggressive in this fight. We will bring the same expertise, determination, and compassion to your hazing case in Ohio. Call us today – we are available 24/7 for your legal emergency.

Contact Us: Your First Step Towards Justice

If your child in Ohio has been subjected to the horrors of hazing, your world has been irrevocably altered. The fear, the anger, the confusion, and the overwhelming desire for justice are powerful emotions. At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through, and we are here to transform that pain into meaningful action. Your first step towards justice, healing, and accountability is to reach out to us.

Ohio Families: Call Now For a Free Consultation

YOU HAVE LEGAL RIGHTS. WE ARE FIGHTING THIS FIGHT RIGHT NOW – AND WE’LL FIGHT FOR OHIO VICTIMS TOO.

Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case is not a template; it is a live, ongoing battle that demonstrates our aggressive, data-driven approach to hazing litigation. We know how to build these cases, how to hold institutions accountable, and how to win against powerful fraternities and universities. Ohio families get the same aggressive representation.

The institutions responsible for hazing count on victims remaining silent. They rely on fear, shame, and the complexity of the legal system to avoid accountability. We are here to shatter that silence and level the playing field. You don’t have to face this alone.

📞 CALL OUR 24/7 LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911

This number connects you directly to the help you need, day or night. We understand that legal emergencies, especially those involving the trauma of hazing, don’t adhere to business hours.

Email Us Directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

Our Commitment to Ohio Families: $0 Upfront, We Come to You, We Fight for You.

  • Contingency Fee Basis: You Pay Nothing Upfront. We firmly believe that financial hardship should never be a barrier to justice. We take all hazing cases on a contingency basis, meaning you will not pay us a single dime in attorney fees unless and until we successfully secure compensation for you. This aligns our interests directly with yours and removes any immediate financial burden.
  • Nationwide Reach, Ohio Representation: While our headquarters are in Houston, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, our specialized hazing litigation practice serves victims across the United States, including all of Ohio.
    • Federal Court Authority: Our admission to U.S. District Courts allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often advantageous when dealing with national organizations.
    • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing strategic flexibility in national fraternity litigation.
    • Video Consultations: For Ohio families, we offer convenient and secure video consultations, allowing you to meet with our attorneys remotely from anywhere in the state.
    • Travel Commitment: We are prepared to travel to Ohio for depositions, client meetings, mediations, and trials as necessary. Distance is not a barrier to achieving justice in your child’s hazing case.

Don’t Let Distance or Fear Stop You

Hazing is not limited to specific regions or types of institutions. We represent victims of hazing in:

  • Fraternities and sororities at universities and colleges across Ohio.
  • Ohio sports teams, from high school to collegiate levels.
  • Marching bands and other musical organizations at Ohio universities.
  • ROTC programs and military academies.
  • Any club, organization, or group that uses abuse, coercion, or ritualistic humiliation as a form of initiation or membership.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one hurt. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness just weeks before Leonel’s hospitalization. Others undoubtedly endured the same horrifying abuse from the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston.

If you were involved in or witnessed any part of the hazing at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, or any other chapter, you have rights, and we can represent you. As Lupe Pena expressed, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice, and work together to ensure that no other student in Ohio or beyond suffers this same fate.

Remember: The clock is ticking. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including those from hazing, is generally two years from the date of injury. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

We are Attorney911. We are here for your legal emergency. Contact us today.

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