🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Williams County, Ohio – Attorney 911 Fights for Your Child
Williams County families: If your child has been hazed, we can help.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas — the same fraternities operate at universities near Williams County, and they’re hazing students right here in Ohio.
You don’t have to fight this alone. Our hazing attorneys serve Williams County and all of Ohio. Call us now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911.
🏛️ Why Williams County Families Need a Hazing Lawyer
Hazing Is Happening in Williams County — And It’s More Dangerous Than You Think
Williams County is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing is happening at universities near Williams County — and it’s not just “boys being boys.” It’s assault. It’s torture. It’s life-threatening.
What’s really happening behind Greek letters in Williams County:
- Forced drinking until alcohol poisoning
- Physical abuse with paddles, fists, or worse
- Extreme exercise causing muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) and kidney failure
- Waterboarding and simulated drowning — yes, this is happening in 2025
- Sexual humiliation and assault
- Sleep deprivation leading to exhaustion and accidents
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or non-food items until vomiting
This isn’t tradition. This is abuse. And when universities and fraternities allow it to happen, they must be held accountable.
📍 Hazing at Universities Near Williams County
Williams County is located in northwest Ohio, near several colleges and universities where Greek life is active. The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have chapters at schools near Williams County:
Universities Near Williams County with Greek Life:
| University | Location | Distance from Williams County | Notable Fraternities Present |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green, OH | ~30 miles | Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, others |
| University of Toledo | Toledo, OH | ~50 miles | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others |
| Ohio Northern University | Ada, OH | ~60 miles | Greek organizations active |
| Defiance College | Defiance, OH | ~20 miles | Greek organizations active |
| Lourdes University | Sylvania, OH | ~45 miles | Greek organizations active |
These aren’t just names on a map — they’re where your children are going to school. And the same hazing culture we’re fighting in Texas exists right here in Ohio.
💔 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Williams County
The Case That Shows What Hazing Really Looks Like
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, wasn’t even a student at the University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer for the Spring 2026 semester. Despite not being enrolled, Pi Kappa Phi hazed him for weeks, subjecting him to:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — until he couldn’t stand without help
✅ Forced eating of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns — until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
✅ Striking with wooden paddles — physical abuse with weapons
✅ Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
✅ Psychological torture — threats of expulsion, humiliation, degradation
The result? Bermudez was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His muscles broke down from the extreme physical abuse, releasing proteins that nearly destroyed his kidneys.
Williams County families: This is what hazing looks like. This is what’s happening to students near you.
Pi Kappa Phi Has a History of Hazing Deaths — And They’re Still Active in Ohio
Pi Kappa Phi is one of the most dangerous fraternities in America. In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized at University of Houston for the same fraternity’s hazing.
Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Williams County, including Bowling Green State University. If they’re willing to waterboard students in Texas, what are they doing in Ohio?
The fraternities don’t care about your child’s safety. They care about their reputation. And they’ll do anything to keep hazing hidden — until it’s too late.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Williams County Hazing Victim
Ohio Hazing Laws — What You Need to Know
Ohio has strong anti-hazing laws, and victims have legal rights to seek justice and compensation. Here’s what Williams County families need to know:
1. Ohio’s Hazing Law (ORC 2903.31)
Definition of Hazing in Ohio:
“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.
Key Points:
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be liable.
- Hazing is a criminal offense — individuals and organizations can face charges.
- Universities can be held liable if they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it.
Criminal Penalties in Ohio:
| Offense Level | Punishment |
|---|---|
| 4th Degree Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days in jail; up to $250 fine |
| 1st Degree Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail; up to $1,000 fine (if serious physical harm) |
| 4th Degree Felony | 6-18 months in prison; up to $5,000 fine (if hazing results in death) |
This means: If your child was hazed in Williams County, the individuals responsible could face jail time, and the organizations could face fines and lawsuits.
2. Civil Lawsuits — Holding Institutions Accountable
Criminal charges aren’t the only way to seek justice. Civil lawsuits allow Williams County families to hold fraternities, universities, and individuals financially accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Who Can Be Sued in Ohio Hazing Cases:
- Local fraternity/sorority chapters — for organizing and conducting hazing
- National fraternity/sorority organizations — for failing to supervise chapters
- Universities and colleges — for failing to protect students
- Individual members — for participating in or facilitating hazing
- House corporations — for allowing hazing on their property
What You Can Sue For:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages (if hazing affected your child’s ability to work)
- Educational disruption (if hazing caused academic problems)
- Punitive damages (to punish the organization for egregious conduct)
3. Title IX — Gender-Based Hazing and Harassment
If hazing in Williams County involved sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination, victims may also have claims under Title IX — a federal law that protects students from sex-based discrimination.
Title IX applies to:
- Sexual humiliation (e.g., forced nudity, carrying sexual objects)
- Sexual assault or harassment during hazing
- Gender-based hazing (e.g., targeting women in sororities differently than men in fraternities)
Williams County families: If your child experienced sexual misconduct during hazing, we can help you file a Title IX complaint and pursue justice.
💰 What Is My Williams County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. The value of your case depends on several factors, including:
| Factor | How It Affects Case Value |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | Hospitalization, permanent damage, or death increase value |
| Type of hazing | Waterboarding, physical abuse, sexual assault increase value |
| Institutional knowledge | If the university or fraternity knew about prior hazing, value increases |
| Pattern of abuse | If hazing was systematic (not a one-time incident), value increases |
| Defendant’s resources | National fraternities and universities have deep pockets |
| Psychological impact | PTSD, anxiety, depression increase non-economic damages |
| Academic impact | Dropped out of school, lost scholarships, delayed graduation increase value |
Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State University | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State University | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State University | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State University | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
Williams County families: These cases show that hazing victims CAN and DO win big. Your case deserves the same aggressive representation.
🏥 Common Hazing Injuries in Williams County
Hazing doesn’t just cause emotional trauma — it causes serious, sometimes life-threatening physical injuries. Here are some of the most common hazing injuries we see in Williams County and across Ohio:
| Injury | What It Is | How It Happens in Hazing | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown releasing damaging proteins into blood | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls) | Kidney failure; permanent kidney damage; death |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Dangerously high blood alcohol content | Forced drinking; binge drinking games | Coma; death; brain damage |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Head injury from falls or blows | Being struck; falling during hazing; lack of supervision | Permanent cognitive impairment; memory loss; personality changes |
| Broken Bones | Fractures from physical abuse | Paddling; beatings; falls | Chronic pain; permanent disability |
| Internal Bleeding | Bleeding inside the body | Blunt force trauma; extreme physical abuse | Organ damage; death |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Dangerous body temperature | Exposure to cold/heat during hazing | Organ failure; death |
| Sexual Assault Injuries | Physical trauma from assault | Sexual humiliation; assault during hazing | PTSD; depression; trust issues; STIs |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological trauma | Humiliation; threats; physical abuse | Long-term therapy; medication; inability to function |
Williams County families: If your child has been injured by hazing, they deserve compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Williams County
If your child has been hazed in Williams County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations run out. Here’s what you should do immediately:
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
- Go to the emergency room or urgent care — even if your child says they’re “fine.”
- Document all injuries — take photos of bruises, cuts, or other physical harm.
- Get a full medical evaluation — some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately visible.
Why this matters: Medical records create a paper trail that proves the hazing caused harm.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Save everything related to the hazing incident:
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — any communication about hazing
✅ Photos and videos — of injuries, hazing activities, or locations where hazing occurred
✅ Social media posts — from the fraternity, sorority, or individuals involved
✅ Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules — any documents given to your child
✅ Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
✅ Medical records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Academic records — if hazing affected your child’s grades or enrollment
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Why this matters: Evidence is the foundation of your case. Without it, it’s your word against theirs.
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- Report to the university — file a formal complaint with the Greek Life office or Title IX coordinator.
- Report to the fraternity/sorority’s national organization — demand an investigation.
- Consider filing a police report — hazing is a crime in Ohio.
Why this matters: Reporting creates an official record and may trigger an investigation.
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer in Williams County
- Do NOT talk to insurance companies or university lawyers alone — they will try to minimize your claim.
- Call Attorney 911 immediately — we offer free, confidential consultations for Williams County families.
- We handle all communication with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
Why this matters: An experienced hazing lawyer knows how to build a strong case and maximize your compensation.
Step 5: Do NOT Accept a Quick Settlement
- Insurance companies and fraternities will offer lowball settlements to make the case go away.
- Do NOT sign anything or accept money without consulting an attorney.
- We fight for the full value of your case — not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
🔍 How Attorney 911 Builds Strong Hazing Cases for Williams County Families
At Attorney 911, we don’t just take hazing cases — we win them. Here’s how we build strong cases for Williams County families:
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they save all evidence.
- Subpoena social media companies to preserve deleted messages and posts.
- Collect witness statements from other pledges and bystanders.
2. Medical and Psychological Documentation
- Work with medical experts to document the full extent of your child’s injuries.
- Obtain life care plans for long-term medical needs.
- Document psychological trauma with therapists and counselors.
3. Institutional Accountability
- Investigate the university’s knowledge of prior hazing incidents.
- Review Greek life policies to show institutional negligence.
- Hold national organizations accountable for failing to supervise chapters.
4. Pattern Evidence
- Uncover prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university.
- Show a history of negligence — if the university or fraternity knew about problems and did nothing, they’re liable.
5. Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation
- Demand fair settlements — we don’t accept lowball offers.
- File lawsuits when necessary — we’re not afraid to take cases to trial.
- Pursue punitive damages — to punish organizations for egregious conduct.
🏆 Why Williams County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Not Just Lawyers — We’re Fighters for Justice
Williams County families deserve a law firm that:
✅ Understands hazing culture — we know how fraternities and universities operate.
✅ Has a proven track record — we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case.
✅ Fights aggressively — we don’t back down from powerful institutions.
✅ Serves Williams County — we offer free consultations and travel to you.
✅ Works on contingency — you pay nothing upfront; we only get paid if we win.
Our Hazing Litigation Experience:
| Case Type | Our Experience |
|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis cases | Currently representing client hospitalized with kidney failure |
| Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation | Extensive experience with Greek life cases |
| Texas A&M hazing cases | Familiar with university oversight failures |
| Wrongful death from hazing | Compassionate representation for grieving families |
| Title IX hazing cases | Experience with sexual harassment and assault claims |
What Sets Us Apart for Williams County Families:
- Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We know how insurance companies think, and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
- Dual-State Licensed — Texas AND New York bar admission gives us strategic advantage against national fraternities.
- Federal Court Authority — We can pursue cases in federal court, which is critical for Title IX and civil rights claims.
- Bilingual Services — Se habla español — we serve all Williams County families.
- No Upfront Costs — We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- We Travel to Williams County — For depositions, meetings, and trials, we come to you.
📞 Williams County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now
If your child has been hazed in Williams County, you don’t have to fight this alone. We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit, and we’re ready to fight for Williams County families too.
Call Attorney 911 Now for a Free Consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations — no obligation
✅ Video consultations — meet with us remotely
✅ Travel to Williams County — for in-person meetings
✅ Contingency fee representation — you pay nothing upfront
Williams County families: The time to act is now. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations run out. Call us today before it’s too late.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Williams County
1. What is considered hazing in Ohio?
Hazing in Ohio is defined as any act or coercion that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm for the purpose of initiation into an organization. This includes:
- Physical abuse (paddling, beating, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or non-food items
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological humiliation
- Sexual harassment or assault
- Any activity that creates a risk of injury or death
Important: Consent is NOT a defense in Ohio. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
2. Can I sue a fraternity or sorority in Williams County?
Yes. If your child was hazed, you can sue:
- The local chapter (for organizing and conducting hazing)
- The national organization (for failing to supervise the chapter)
- The university (for failing to protect students)
- Individual members (for participating in or facilitating hazing)
Williams County families: We can help you identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation.
3. How much is my Williams County hazing case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your child’s injuries
- Whether the hazing caused permanent damage
- The type of hazing (physical abuse, sexual assault, forced drinking, etc.)
- Whether the university or fraternity knew about prior hazing
- The financial resources of the defendants
Recent hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from $4 million to $110 million. We will fight for the full value of your case.
4. What should I do if my child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it?
Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation, social ostracism, or losing their Greek membership. Here’s what you can do:
- Talk to your child privately — let them know they’re not alone.
- Document everything — save texts, photos, and witness information.
- Contact an attorney — we can advise you on your options without your child having to report immediately.
- Consider reporting anonymously — some universities allow anonymous reports.
Williams County families: We understand the fear and pressure your child is facing. We can help protect their identity while building a strong case.
5. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Ohio?
Ohio has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hazing. This means you have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
Important exceptions:
- If your child was a minor at the time of hazing, the statute of limitations may be extended.
- If the hazing caused long-term injuries that weren’t immediately apparent, the clock may start when the injury was discovered.
Williams County families: Do NOT wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Call us today.
6. Can I sue the university if my child was hazed off-campus?
Yes. Even if hazing occurred off-campus, universities can still be held liable if:
- They knew or should have known about the hazing.
- They failed to enforce anti-hazing policies.
- The hazing was connected to a university-recognized organization (like a fraternity or sorority).
- The university owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred.
Williams County families: We will investigate the university’s role and hold them accountable if they failed to protect your child.
7. What if the fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing?
Consent is NOT a defense in Ohio. Ohio law (ORC 2903.31) explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.
Why this matters:
- Peer pressure and coercion negate true consent.
- Fear of retaliation (e.g., being expelled from the fraternity) is a form of duress.
- The law recognizes that victims often feel trapped in hazing situations.
Williams County families: We will fight any attempt by the fraternity to blame your child.
8. Can I file a Title IX complaint for hazing?
Yes, if the hazing involved:
- Sexual harassment or assault
- Gender-based discrimination
- Sexual humiliation or degradation
Title IX is a federal law that protects students from sex-based discrimination. If hazing in Williams County involved any form of sexual misconduct, we can help you file a Title IX complaint and pursue justice.
9. What if my child was hazed but wasn’t seriously injured?
Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a valid case. Hazing can cause:
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression — long-term psychological harm
- Academic disruption — missed classes, lower grades
- Social isolation — fear of retaliation, loss of friendships
- Financial losses — medical bills, therapy costs
Williams County families: You don’t have to wait for a tragedy to seek justice. If your child was hazed, we can help.
10. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer in Williams County?
At Attorney 911, you pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- We only get paid if we win your case.
- Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Williams County families: There is no financial risk to you. We only succeed if you do.
🚨 Williams County: The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing is not a rite of passage — it’s abuse. And when universities and fraternities allow it to happen, they must be held accountable.
Williams County families: You have the power to stop this. By standing up for your child, you’re not just seeking justice for them — you’re protecting the next student.
Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Williams County and all of Ohio. We travel to you. We fight for you. And we don’t back down.
Williams County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for hazing emergencies.
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Williams County’s Students and Families.
