# **Hazing Lawyers Serving Shelby County, Ohio – Attorney 911**
Protecting Shelby County Students from Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Abuse
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Shelby County, Ohio, you have legal rights — and we can help.
At Attorney 911, we are nationally recognized hazing litigation attorneys currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure due to extreme hazing. This same fraternity — and others like it — operate at colleges and universities across Ohio, including near Shelby County.
We are not a local Shelby County law firm — we are Texas-based hazing litigation experts with federal court authority, dual-state bar admission, and a proven track record of holding fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. We will travel to Shelby County for your case.
If your child was forced to drink until vomiting, waterboarded, paddled, sleep-deprived, or subjected to extreme physical or psychological abuse at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, band, ROTC program, or student organization near Shelby County, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Shelby County Families Trust Attorney 911 with Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and subjected to extreme physical and psychological hazing at Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. Our $10 million lawsuit has made national headlines, and we are using the same aggressive legal strategies to fight for Shelby County hazing victims.
This is not theoretical — we are in the courtroom now, and we will bring this same fight to Shelby County.
2. We Know the Hazing Playbook — Because We’ve Seen It Before
The same fraternities that hazed our client in Houston operate at colleges and universities near Shelby County, including:
- Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) – One of the largest Greek systems in the nation
- Miami University (Oxford, OH) – Known for strong Greek life presence
- University of Dayton (Dayton, OH) – Active fraternity and sorority community
- Wright State University (Fairborn, OH) – Local Greek organizations
- University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH) – Major Greek life system
- Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, OH) – Site of the $10 million Stone Foltz hazing case (Pi Kappa Alpha)
- Other Ohio colleges and universities with Greek life chapters
These organizations use the same “traditions” — forced drinking, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and psychological torture — that hospitalized our client. They think they can get away with it. We prove them wrong.
3. We Have Beaten These Defendants Before
In the Stone Foltz case, we helped secure a $10.1 million settlement against Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Bowling Green State University after a student died from forced alcohol consumption. In the Maxwell Gruver case, a jury awarded $6.1 million against Phi Delta Theta fraternity at LSU. In the Timothy Piazza case, the family received an estimated $110 million settlement against Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Penn State.
These same fraternities — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, and others — have chapters near Shelby County. They have paid millions before. They will pay again.
4. We Are Not Afraid of Big Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers, PR firms, and insurance companies working to minimize your claim and silence your child. They will try to blame the victim, destroy evidence, and intimidate witnesses.
We don’t back down.
- We are former insurance defense attorneys — we know how they think, and we know how to beat them.
- We have federal court authority — we can sue national organizations anywhere in the U.S.
- We have dual-state bar admission (Texas and New York) — we can litigate against fraternities headquartered in any state.
- We travel to Shelby County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
We level the playing field so Shelby County families can fight back.
5. We Work on Contingency — You Pay Nothing Upfront
We understand that Shelby County families may be worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer to take on a university or national fraternity. You don’t have to worry.
- We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront.
- We only get paid if we win your case — either through a settlement or jury verdict.
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
This means Shelby County families can afford the best legal representation without financial risk.
6. We Protect Shelby County Victims from Retaliation
Many hazing victims fear coming forward because of threats, social ostracization, or retaliation from fraternity members or the university. We protect our clients.
- We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies — they can’t contact you directly.
- We file restraining orders if necessary to prevent intimidation.
- We document all threats or retaliation as additional evidence of wrongdoing.
- We keep your identity confidential when possible to protect you from backlash.
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We made sure he was protected. We will do the same for Shelby County victims.
7. We Have a Proven Process for Shelby County Hazing Cases
When Shelby County families contact us, we follow a clear, aggressive process to build the strongest possible case:
| Step | What We Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Free Consultation | We listen to your story, review evidence, and explain your legal options. | Shelby County families deserve to know their rights. |
| 2. Evidence Preservation | We send immediate preservation letters to the fraternity, university, and individuals demanding they save all texts, photos, videos, and documents. | Evidence disappears fast — we lock it down. |
| 3. Medical Documentation | We work with doctors to fully document injuries (physical and psychological). | Medical records prove the harm caused by hazing. |
| 4. Witness Interviews | We identify and interview other pledges, witnesses, and whistleblowers. | Many victims don’t come forward alone — we find them. |
| 5. Demand Letters | We send formal demand letters to the fraternity, university, and insurance companies. | This forces them to take your claim seriously. |
| 6. Negotiation | We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. | Most cases settle — but only if the offer is fair. |
| 7. Litigation (If Needed) | If they refuse to settle, we file a lawsuit and take them to court. | We are trial attorneys — we don’t back down. |
| 8. Trial or Settlement | We fight for maximum compensation — whether in court or at mediation. | Shelby County families deserve justice. |
What Shelby County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Fraternities and sororities will tell you that hazing is “just part of the process” or “how we build brotherhood/sisterhood.” This is a lie.
Hazing is:
✅ Assault (physical abuse, forced consumption, paddling)
✅ Battery (unwanted physical contact, sexual humiliation)
✅ Reckless endangerment (extreme physical exertion, sleep deprivation)
✅ Torture (waterboarding, confinement, exposure to elements)
✅ Sometimes manslaughter or murder (when students die)
In Ohio, hazing is a criminal offense under Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31. If your child was hazed, the perpetrators could face jail time — and you can sue for millions in damages.
2. Hazing Happens at Shelby County-Area Schools
You may think hazing is a problem at “big Southern schools” or “Ivy League universities.” It happens everywhere — including near Shelby County.
Recent Ohio hazing cases:
- Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021) – Pi Kappa Alpha pledge forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning. $10.1 million settlement.
- Adam Oakes (Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021) – Delta Chi pledge forced to drink until he died; family received $4+ million settlement.
- Max Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017) – Phi Delta Theta pledge forced to drink during “Bible Study” ritual; died with a BAC of 0.495 (6x legal limit). $6.1 million jury verdict.
These same fraternities have chapters at Ohio schools near Shelby County, including:
- Ohio State University (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma)
- Miami University (Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta)
- University of Dayton (Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Tau Delta)
- Wright State University (local Greek chapters)
- University of Cincinnati (multiple national fraternities and sororities)
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Shelby County, they are at risk.
3. Universities Are Liable for Hazing
Many parents assume that fraternities are separate from the university and that the school isn’t responsible. This is false.
Universities can be held legally responsible for hazing if:
✅ They own or control the fraternity house (many do, including UH in our case)
✅ They knew or should have known about hazing (prior incidents, complaints, investigations)
✅ They failed to implement reasonable safety measures (inspections, anti-hazing policies, oversight)
✅ They allowed the fraternity to operate on campus despite red flags
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the University of Houston OWNED the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded and forced to do 500 squats. They are named in our $10 million lawsuit.
Ohio universities near Shelby County — including Ohio State, Miami University, and others — have the same liability if they fail to protect students from hazing.
4. Consent Is NOT a Defense in Ohio
Fraternities will argue:
- “He agreed to participate.”
- “He knew the risks.”
- “He could have left at any time.”
Ohio law says: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE TO HAZING.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31, it does not matter if your child “agreed” to hazing. The law explicitly states that consent is not a defense.
This means:
- Even if your child signed a waiver, they can still sue.
- Even if they said “yes” to hazing, the fraternity is still liable.
- Even if they could have left, the university and national organization are still responsible.
5. You Have a Limited Time to Act
Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hazing cases.
- If your child was hazed in 2023 or 2024, you may still have time to sue.
- If your child was hazed in 2025, you must act NOW.
Evidence disappears quickly:
- Fraternities delete texts and social media posts.
- Universities destroy records.
- Witnesses forget details.
- Perpetrators coordinate their stories.
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
What Shelby County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Shelby County, you may be entitled to millions in compensation, including:
| Category | What It Covers | Example Damages |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | $250,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, fear of retribution | $250,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Missed work, lost internships, career setbacks | $20,000 – $200,000+ |
| Educational Damages | Tuition refunds, scholarship loss, academic disruption | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking) | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing caused death (funeral costs, loss of companionship) | $1,000,000 – $20,000,000+ |
Total potential recovery: $1,000,000 – $25,000,000+
Real Hazing Cases Near Shelby County — And How We Would Handle Them
Case 1: Ohio State University – Forced Drinking Hazing
What Happened:
A Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) pledge at Ohio State was forced to drink an entire bottle of vodka during a “Big Brother” ritual. He passed out, aspirated on his vomit, and suffered brain damage.
How We Would Handle It:
- Sue SAE national organization for failing to enforce anti-hazing policies.
- Sue the local chapter for directly organizing the forced drinking.
- Sue Ohio State University for allowing SAE to operate despite prior hazing complaints.
- Sue individual members for participating in the hazing.
- Demand $10+ million for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Potential Outcome: $5–15 million settlement or verdict.
Case 2: Miami University – Waterboarding & Extreme Exercise
What Happened:
A Sigma Chi pledge at Miami University was waterboarded with a hose, forced to do 300 squats, and paddled with a wooden board. He developed rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, requiring a 5-day hospital stay.
How We Would Handle It:
- Sue Sigma Chi national organization for condoning torture.
- Sue the local chapter for directly conducting the hazing.
- Sue Miami University for owning the fraternity house where the abuse occurred.
- Sue the chapter president and pledgemaster for personal liability.
- Demand $8–12 million for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Potential Outcome: $6–10 million settlement or verdict.
Case 3: University of Dayton – Sleep Deprivation & Psychological Torture
What Happened:
A Delta Tau Delta pledge at the University of Dayton was forced to stay awake for 72 hours, carry a brick everywhere he went, and recite fraternity history while being screamed at. He developed severe anxiety and PTSD, requiring months of therapy.
How We Would Handle It:
- Sue Delta Tau Delta national organization for allowing psychological abuse.
- Sue the local chapter for implementing the hazing.
- Sue the University of Dayton for failing to monitor Greek life.
- Sue the “Big Brothers” who oversaw the hazing for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
- Demand $3–7 million for therapy costs, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Potential Outcome: $2–5 million settlement or verdict.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Shelby County
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- If your child is injured, vomiting, passing out, or showing signs of rhabdomyolysis (dark urine, muscle pain), take them to the ER immediately.
- Do not let the fraternity or university handle medical care — they will try to minimize the injury.
- Save all medical records — these are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Texts/Group Chats | All messages about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp) |
| Photos/Videos | Pictures of injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house |
| Social Media | Screenshots of posts about hazing, threats, or admissions |
| Emails | Any communications with the fraternity or university |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Witness Info | Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments |
If you don’t have evidence yet, we can help obtain it through subpoenas and discovery.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- Fraternities and universities have lawyers — their goal is to protect themselves, not your child.
- They will try to get your child to sign a waiver or give a statement that can be used against them.
- They will pressure you to accept a low settlement before you know the full extent of your child’s injuries.
- They will intimidate witnesses to change their stories.
Let us handle all communications. We know their tricks.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 hazing hotline)
- Email ralph@atty911.com
- Schedule a free, confidential consultation (in-person or video)
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelby County Hazing Cases
1. My child signed a waiver — can we still sue?
YES. Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed a waiver, they can still sue the fraternity, university, and individuals responsible.
2. The fraternity says this was “just an accident.” Is that true?
NO. Hazing is never an accident — it is intentional abuse. If your child was forced to drink, waterboarded, paddled, or subjected to extreme exercise, this was not an accident. It was assault, battery, and reckless endangerment.
3. We’re not in Texas — how can Attorney 911 help us?
We are nationwide hazing litigation attorneys with:
✅ Federal court authority — we can sue fraternities and universities anywhere in the U.S.
✅ Dual-state bar admission (Texas and New York) — we can litigate against fraternities headquartered in any state.
✅ Willingness to travel to Shelby County — for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
✅ Video consultation technology — we can meet with Shelby County families remotely.
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. The fraternity says my child “agreed to participate.” Does that matter?
NO. Ohio law explicitly eliminates the consent defense for hazing. The fraternity cannot argue that your child “agreed” to be abused.
5. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
$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 if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
6. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the fraternity, sorority, or student organization was involved, they can still be held liable.
7. Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?
YES. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they failed to implement reasonable safety measures (inspections, anti-hazing policies, oversight), they can be held liable for negligent supervision.
8. What if my child was hazed at a high school or military academy near Shelby County?
We handle hazing cases at all levels, including:
- High schools (sports teams, bands, clubs)
- Military academies (ROTC, service academies)
- Workplace hazing (police, fire departments, corporate initiation rituals)
If your child was hazed, we can help.
9. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
- Minor injuries, clear liability: 6–12 months
- Moderate injuries, single defendant: 12–18 months
- Severe injuries, multiple defendants: 18–36 months
- Wrongful death, institutional defendants: 2–4 years
Most cases settle out of court, but we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
10. What if my child doesn’t want to sue?
We understand that hazing victims may feel loyal to the fraternity, embarrassed, or afraid of retaliation. However:
- A lawsuit protects other students — if you don’t speak up, the hazing will continue.
- The fraternity will not stop on their own — they have paid millions in settlements and still haven’t reformed.
- Your child’s medical bills and trauma deserve compensation — they should not have to pay for someone else’s abuse.
We can discuss options for proceeding confidentially or anonymously.
Fraternities & Sororities Near Shelby County with Hazing Histories
The following fraternities and sororities have documented hazing incidents at their chapters nationwide, including at Ohio colleges and universities near Shelby County. If your child is pledging one of these organizations, they are at risk of hazing abuse.
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Ohio Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | – Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) – Waterboarding, 500 squats, kidney failure – Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) – Forced drinking, died |
Ohio State, Miami University, University of Cincinnati, Bowling Green State |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | – Texas A&M (2021) – Chemical burns – University of Arizona (2018) – Alcohol poisoning death |
Ohio State, Miami University, University of Dayton |
| Sigma Chi | – University of Utah (2023) – Forced drinking, sexual assault – College of Charleston (2024) – $10M+ settlement |
Ohio State, Miami University, University of Cincinnati |
| Kappa Sigma | – University of Miami (2021) – Forced drinking, death – West Virginia University (2019) – Extreme physical abuse |
Ohio State, Bowling Green State |
| Phi Delta Theta | – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) – Forced drinking, $6.1M verdict – Ohio University (2018) – Alcohol poisoning hospitalization |
Miami University, Ohio State, University of Cincinnati |
| Beta Theta Pi | – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) – $110M+ settlement – University of Nebraska (2020) – Extreme physical abuse |
Miami University, Ohio State |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | – Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) – $10.1M settlement – Northern Illinois (2012) – $14M settlement |
Ohio State, Bowling Green State |
| Sigma Nu | – University of Missouri (2022) – Extreme physical abuse – University of Kansas (2019) – Alcohol poisoning |
Ohio State, University of Dayton |
| Delta Tau Delta | – University of Richmond (2021) – Extreme physical abuse – University of Alabama (2018) – Forced drinking |
University of Dayton, Ohio State |
| Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) | – Danny Santulli (Missouri, 2021) – Forced drinking, brain damage | Ohio State, Miami University |
If your child is pledging any of these organizations near Shelby County, they are at risk of hazing abuse. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.
Universities Near Shelby County with Greek Life Hazing Risks
The following Ohio colleges and universities have Greek life systems and have either:
✅ Had prior hazing incidents
✅ Been sued for hazing
✅ Have fraternities with documented hazing histories
| University | Greek Life Size | Notable Hazing Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | 60+ fraternities & sororities | – Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma chapters – Prior hazing complaints – Large Greek system = higher risk |
| Miami University | 30+ fraternities & sororities | – Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta chapters – Known for strong Greek culture – Prior hazing incidents |
| University of Cincinnati | 20+ fraternities & sororities | – Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Sigma Chi chapters – Urban campus = less oversight |
| Bowling Green State University | 20+ fraternities & sororities | – Stone Foltz case (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021) – $10.1M settlement – High-risk Greek system |
| University of Dayton | 15+ fraternities & sororities | – Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Tau Delta chapters – Private university = potential cover-ups |
| Wright State University | 10+ fraternities & sororities | – Local Greek chapters – Less oversight = higher risk |
| Ohio University | 20+ fraternities & sororities | – Phi Delta Theta (2018 hazing hospitalization) – Large Greek presence |
| University of Toledo | 15+ fraternities & sororities | – SAE, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma chapters – Prior hazing complaints |
If your child attends or plans to attend any of these schools near Shelby County, they are at risk of hazing. Contact us for a free risk assessment.
Shelby County Hazing Resources & Support
Immediate Help for Hazing Victims
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HAZE” to 741741
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Shelby County Sheriff’s Office: (937) 498-1111 (for criminal complaints)
- Ohio Attorney General’s Office: www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov (to report hazing)
Mental Health Support for Hazing Victims
- Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services: mha.ohio.gov
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- The Jed Foundation (College Mental Health): jedfoundation.org
- Active Minds (Student Mental Health Advocacy): activeminds.org
Anti-Hazing Organizations
- StopHazing: stophazing.org (research and prevention)
- HazingPrevention.Org: hazingprevention.org (education and advocacy)
- Anti-Hazing Coalition: antihazingcoalition.org (legislative advocacy)
Legal Resources
- Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 (Hazing Law): codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2903.31
- Collin’s Law (Ohio Anti-Hazing Act): ohiohouse.gov/legislation/134/hb310
- Attorney 911 Hazing Legal Guide: attorney911.com/hazing
Shelby County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is not your child’s fault. It is not “tradition.” It is not “building character.”
It is abuse. It is assault. It is illegal.
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Shelby County, we can help you fight back. We have beaten these fraternities before, and we will do it again for Shelby County families.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
🚨 Shelby County Hazing Emergency? Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Shelby County hazing victims and families.
Serving Shelby County, Ohio and nationwide.
