Hazing Victims Legal Support in Trumbull County, Ohio

Attorney 911: Fighting for Trumbull County Families Against Hazing Abuse

Have you or your child been a victim of hazing in Trumbull County or at nearby universities? You’re not alone. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a landmark $10 million hazing case in Texas, and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Trumbull County families.

Call our legal emergency hotline 24/7: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

The Hazing Crisis in Trumbull County and Beyond

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that has led to serious injuries and even deaths across America – including right here in Ohio. At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a case where a University of Houston fraternity pledge was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. The same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Trumbull County, and the same risks exist for your children.

What Trumbull County Families Need to Know About Hazing

1. It happens here in Ohio – While our current case is in Texas, hazing occurs at universities throughout Ohio, including those near Trumbull County.

2. It’s not just physical – Hazing can include sleep deprivation, forced consumption of alcohol or food, psychological abuse, and dangerous physical activities.

3. Universities often fail to protect students – Many institutions have known about hazing for years but fail to implement effective safeguards.

4. Consent doesn’t matter – Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

5. It can have lifelong consequences – Victims may suffer physical injuries, psychological trauma, academic setbacks, and long-term health issues.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Trumbull County Hazing Case

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While based in Texas, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us – we’re in the courtroom fighting this battle right now. We’ll bring that same aggressive representation to Trumbull County families.

2. Nationwide Experience, Local Understanding

We understand the unique concerns of Trumbull County families:

• Proximity to major universities – Youngstown State University and other institutions in Northeast Ohio have active Greek life organizations where hazing may occur.
• Small-town values – Trumbull County families expect better from institutions that are supposed to protect their children.
• Community impact – Hazing affects not just the victim, but the entire Trumbull County community.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys on Your Side

Both of our attorneys were formerly insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies and institutions will try to defend hazing cases. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside – now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

4. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue federal claims for Trumbull County victims, including civil rights violations and Title IX claims.

5. Dual-State Bar Admission

Our attorneys are licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when pursuing national fraternity organizations headquartered in different states.

6. We Come to You in Trumbull County

We understand that distance can be a concern. That’s why we offer:

• Video consultations for Trumbull County families
• Willingness to travel to Trumbull County for depositions, meetings, and trials
• Local counsel relationships in Ohio when needed

7. No Upfront Costs for Trumbull County Families

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. This means:

• No retainer fees
• No hourly charges
• No financial risk to you
• We only get paid when you get paid

What Trumbull County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Case

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

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Therapy and counseling costs
• Lost wages from missed work
• Lost academic opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement if your child had to transfer schools

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Humiliation and embarrassment

Punitive Damages:

In cases of particularly egregious conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.

The Hazing Case We’re Fighting Right Now: A Warning for Trumbull County

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.

What Happened to Bermudez Could Happen in Trumbull County

The fraternity subjected Bermudez to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Forced to continue exercising while in physical distress
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Sleep deprivation from being forced to drive members during early morning hours
• Psychological torture, including being forced to carry objects of a sexual nature

This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Trumbull County, and they bring the same dangerous culture with them.

Universities Near Trumbull County with Greek Life Organizations

While we don’t have specific reports of hazing at these institutions, the national organizations that have been involved in hazing incidents have chapters at universities throughout Ohio, including those near Trumbull County:

1. Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH)

   • Approximately 15 miles from Trumbull County
   • Multiple fraternities and sororities with national affiliations
   • Active Greek life community

2. Kent State University (Kent, OH)

   • Approximately 40 miles from Trumbull County
   • Large Greek life system with many national organizations

3. University of Akron (Akron, OH)

   • Approximately 50 miles from Trumbull County
   • Active Greek community

4. Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)

   • Approximately 60 miles from Trumbull County
   • Prestigious Greek life system

These universities, like all institutions with Greek life, face the same risks and potential liabilities as the University of Houston in our current case.

Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Laws: What Trumbull County Families Need to Know

Ohio has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31:

Definition of Hazing:

“Hazing” means doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person.

Ohio’s Collin’s Law:

Named after Collin Wiant, who died from hazing at Ohio University in 2018, Collin’s Law:

• Makes hazing a felony offense in Ohio
• Requires universities to provide hazing education
• Mandates reporting of hazing incidents
• Increases penalties for organizations that haze

Key Points for Trumbull County Families:

1. Consent is not a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
2. Both individuals and organizations can be held liable – This includes fraternities, sororities, universities, and individual members.
3. There is a 2-year statute of limitations – You have a limited time to take legal action.
4. Universities have a duty to protect students – If they knew or should have known about hazing, they can be held responsible.

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

If you suspect your child has been hazed, follow these critical steps:

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately.
• If there are immediate medical concerns, call 911 or take your child to the emergency room.

2. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
• Some conditions, like rhabdomyolysis (which our current client suffered), may not show symptoms immediately.
• Medical records are crucial evidence in hazing cases.

3. Preserve All Evidence

• Do not delete anything – Save all text messages, social media posts, emails, and other communications.
• Take photographs of any physical injuries at all stages of healing.
• Document the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Save any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing, etc.).

4. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without legal representation.
• Anything you say can be used against you or your child.

5. Report to Authorities

• Consider filing a police report.
• Report the incident to the university (but consult with an attorney first).
• Report to the national organization (if applicable).

6. Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
• The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence.
• We can handle all communications with the university and fraternity on your behalf.

Our Approach to Trumbull County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Action

When a legal emergency hits, we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY. For Trumbull County hazing victims, this means:

• Immediate evidence preservation – We act quickly to secure text messages, social media posts, and other critical evidence before it disappears.
• Medical documentation – We work with medical professionals to fully document your injuries.
• Expert engagement – We bring in experts on Greek life culture, institutional negligence, and medical consequences of hazing.

2. Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in building your case:

• Interview all witnesses – Other pledges, bystanders, anyone who saw or heard about the hazing.
• Obtain all records – Fraternity communications, university documents, medical records.
• Analyze organizational structures – We understand how fraternities, sororities, and universities are organized and where liability lies.
• Uncover prior incidents – We investigate whether the organization had a history of hazing that they failed to address.

3. Aggressive Litigation

We’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions:

• Multiple defendants – We sue everyone responsible: the local chapter, national organization, university, and individual members.
• Federal court – When appropriate, we pursue claims in federal court for broader impact.
• Media strategy – We use media attention to put pressure on defendants and create public accountability.
• Legislative advocacy – We work with lawmakers to strengthen anti-hazing laws.

4. Compassionate Client Care

We understand the trauma hazing victims and their families experience:

• Bilingual support – Se habla español for Spanish-speaking families.
• Regular updates – We keep you informed at every stage of your case.
• Emotional support – We connect families with resources for counseling and support.
• Discretion – We protect your privacy and handle sensitive matters with care.

Case Study: Our Current $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

The Incident

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.

The Hazing Activities

The fraternity subjected Bermudez to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Forced to continue exercising while in physical distress
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Sleep deprivation from being forced to drive members during early morning hours
• Psychological torture, including being forced to carry objects of a sexual nature

The Aftermath

• Bermudez couldn’t stand without help after the extreme exercise.
• He crawled up the stairs when he got home.
• His mother rushed him to the hospital with kidney failure.
• He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.

The Response

• Pi Kappa Phi immediately suspended and then closed the chapter when the incident came to light.
• The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards.”
• We filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and multiple individuals.

Why This Matters for Trumbull County

1. The same fraternities operate near Trumbull County – Pi Kappa Phi and other national organizations have chapters at universities throughout Ohio.
2. The same culture exists – The “traditions” that led to Bermudez’s hospitalization exist at fraternities and sororities near Trumbull County.
3. The same legal strategies apply – We’re using the same approach to hold institutions accountable that we’ll use for Trumbull County families.
4. The same compensation is available – The $10 million we’re seeking in this case is available to Trumbull County victims too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Trumbull County

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: We understand that victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. However, it’s important to:

1. Ensure your child’s safety.
2. Document everything (even if you don’t plan to take legal action immediately).
3. Consult with an attorney to understand your options.
4. Consider reporting to protect other students.

We can help you navigate these difficult decisions while protecting your child’s interests.

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

A: Absolutely. Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for any harm caused.

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

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect their students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks in their Greek organizations, they can be held liable for failing to prevent it. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred – making their liability even clearer.

Q: We’re worried about the cost of hiring an attorney. How much will this cost us?

A: You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No retainer fees
• No hourly charges
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery

This allows Trumbull County families to pursue justice without financial risk.

Q: How long do we have to take legal action?

A: Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you generally have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to act quickly because:

• Evidence can disappear
• Witnesses can forget details
• Organizations may destroy records

The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights.

Q: My child was hazed at a university outside of Trumbull County. Can you still help us?

A: Yes. While we’re highlighting our services for Trumbull County families, we represent hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court authority and experience with national fraternity organizations allow us to handle cases anywhere in the country.

Q: What if my child was hazed but wasn’t physically injured?

A: Hazing cases aren’t just about physical injuries. Psychological trauma, emotional distress, and humiliation can all form the basis of a legal claim. If your child suffered:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Humiliation
• Academic setbacks

We can help you pursue compensation for these harms.

Q: The fraternity has already punished the individuals involved. Do we still have a case?

A: Yes. While disciplinary action by the fraternity is a positive step, it doesn’t compensate your child for their injuries or hold the organization fully accountable. A civil lawsuit can provide:

• Financial compensation for medical bills and other damages
• Accountability for the organization as a whole
• Changes in policies to prevent future hazing

Q: We’re worried about retaliation against our child. How can you protect us?

A: We take these concerns very seriously. We can:

• Handle all communications with the fraternity and university to protect your child
• Advise on how to document any retaliation
• Pursue legal action if retaliation occurs
• Work with the university to ensure your child’s safety

In our current case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” – we understand these concerns and know how to address them.

Warning Signs of Hazing for Trumbull County Parents

Hazing often occurs in secret, but there are warning signs parents can watch for:

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Unusual sleeping patterns (sleeping all day, up all night)
• Sudden changes in academic performance
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Reluctance to discuss Greek life activities

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Signs of exhaustion or sleep deprivation
• Weight loss or changes in eating habits
• Signs of alcohol or drug use
• Wearing unusual clothing (all black, matching outfits, etc.)

Academic and Social Signs:

• Missing classes or declining grades
• Spending excessive time at fraternity/sorority events
• New group of friends that your child is reluctant to introduce
• Sudden need for money without explanation
• Talking about “traditions” or “rites of passage” in vague terms

Direct Statements:

• “I can’t tell you what we do – it’s a secret.”
• “This is just part of joining.”
• “Everyone goes through this.”
• “It’s not that bad.”
• “I can handle it.”

If you notice these signs, trust your instincts. Your child may be experiencing hazing.

The Impact of Hazing on Trumbull County Families

Hazing doesn’t just affect the victim – it impacts entire families and communities:

Physical Health Consequences:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure)
• Alcohol poisoning
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones and internal injuries
• Heat stroke or hypothermia from forced exposure
• Sexually transmitted infections from forced sexual activities

Psychological and Emotional Impact:

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Anxiety and depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Trust issues and difficulty forming relationships
• Academic decline and loss of scholarships
• Substance abuse as self-medication

Academic and Professional Consequences:

• Missed classes and failing grades
• Loss of scholarships or financial aid
• Delayed graduation
• Difficulty securing internships or jobs
• Permanent damage to professional reputation

Financial Impact on Families:

• Medical bills for treatment of injuries
• Therapy and counseling costs
• Lost tuition if the student has to transfer schools
• Lost wages from missed work (for both students and parents)
• Long-term healthcare costs for permanent injuries

Community Impact:

• Erosion of trust in institutions
• Normalization of abusive behavior
• Creation of a culture where hazing is accepted
• Potential for future incidents affecting other Trumbull County families

How Attorney 911 Builds a Strong Hazing Case for Trumbull County Families

1. Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

• Digital evidence: Text messages, social media posts, emails, GroupMe chats
• Physical evidence: Photographs of injuries, clothing, objects used in hazing
• Witness statements: Interviews with other pledges, bystanders, and witnesses
• Organizational records: Fraternity documents, university communications, training materials

2. Medical Documentation

We work with medical professionals to:

• Fully document physical injuries
• Assess long-term health consequences
• Obtain expert opinions on causation
• Calculate future medical expenses

3. Liability Analysis

We identify all potentially liable parties:

• Local chapter – Directly organized and conducted hazing
• National organization – Failed to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
• University – Failed to protect students despite knowledge of risks
• Individual members – Participated in or failed to stop hazing
• Housing corporations – Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred

4. Expert Engagement

We bring in experts to strengthen your case:

• Hazing culture experts – To explain the dynamics of Greek life and why hazing occurs
• Medical experts – To document injuries and long-term consequences
• Economic experts – To calculate lost wages and future earning capacity
• Psychological experts – To document emotional trauma and mental health impact

5. Strategic Litigation

We develop a comprehensive legal strategy:

• Negotiation: We attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with all defendants.
• Litigation: If negotiations fail, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
• Media strategy: We use media attention to put pressure on defendants and create public accountability.
• Legislative advocacy: We work with lawmakers to strengthen anti-hazing laws.

The Legal Process for Trumbull County Hazing Cases

1. Initial Consultation

• Free, confidential case evaluation
• Assessment of your legal options
• Explanation of the process and timeline
• No obligation to proceed

2. Case Investigation

• Evidence gathering and preservation
• Witness interviews
• Medical documentation
• Expert engagement

3. Demand and Negotiation

• Compile all evidence and damages
• Send demand letters to all defendants
• Negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys

4. Litigation (if necessary)

• File lawsuit in appropriate court
• Engage in discovery (exchange of information with defendants)
• Take depositions of key witnesses
• File and respond to motions

5. Settlement or Trial

• Settlement: Most cases settle before trial. We negotiate the best possible outcome for you.
• Trial: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.

6. Resolution

• Receive compensation
• Hold defendants accountable
• Help implement changes to prevent future hazing

Why Trumbull County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Understand the Trumbull County Community

We recognize that Trumbull County has unique values and expectations:

• Small-town trust: Families expect institutions to protect their children.
• Community focus: Hazing affects not just the victim, but the entire community.
• Educational values: Trumbull County families prioritize education and expect universities to do the same.

2. We Have a Proven Track Record

• 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
• Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how the other side thinks
• Multi-million dollar case experience – Including the BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court admission – Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
• Dual-state bar licenses – Strategic advantage for national cases

3. We Offer Comprehensive Support

• Legal representation: Aggressive advocacy for your rights
• Medical coordination: Help documenting injuries and accessing treatment
• Emotional support: Connection to counseling and support resources
• Academic advocacy: Assistance with academic accommodations and transfers
• Community education: Working to prevent future hazing incidents

4. We’re Committed to Trumbull County

While we’re based in Texas, we’re committed to serving Trumbull County families:

• Video consultations available for Trumbull County residents
• Willingness to travel to Trumbull County for meetings and depositions
• Local counsel relationships in Ohio when needed
• Understanding of Ohio law and Trumbull County courts

5. We Fight for Change

We don’t just settle cases – we work to create lasting change:

• Legislative advocacy: Working with Ohio lawmakers to strengthen anti-hazing laws
• Institutional reform: Pressuring universities to implement real safeguards
• Public education: Raising awareness about the dangers of hazing
• Media engagement: Using media attention to create public accountability

Contact Attorney 911 for Your Trumbull County Hazing Case

If your child has been hazed at a university near Trumbull County, don’t wait to get help.

📞 Call our legal emergency hotline 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs – we work on contingency
• Video consultations for Trumbull County families
• Willingness to travel to Trumbull County
• Bilingual support (se habla español)

The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence.

Trumbull County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing can make victims and their families feel isolated and powerless. But you are not alone. At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle every day, and we’re ready to fight for Trumbull County families.

Remember:

• You have rights under Ohio law.
• Consent is not a defense – even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
• Universities have a duty to protect students – if they failed in that duty, they can be held accountable.
• You don’t have to face this alone – we’re here to guide you through the process.
• Justice is possible – our current $10 million hazing case proves that institutions can be held accountable.

Trumbull County families: We will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to our current case. We will not let powerful institutions silence your child’s story. We will not let them get away with abusing our children.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Your consultation is free, and there’s no obligation. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and healing.