The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Tom Green County, Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at Angelo State University or Any Texas Campus, You Have Rights

Imagine this scene, familiar to too many Tom Green County parents: Your son or daughter, excited to join a campus organization at Angelo State University or another Texas school, finds themselves at an off-campus house or remote retreat. What starts as “tradition” quickly turns dangerous—forced drinking until they vomit, extreme workouts in the Texas heat, humiliating acts while older members film on their phones. When someone collapses or gets hurt, the first response isn’t 911—it’s “don’t get us in trouble.” This isn’t just hazing; it’s institutionalized abuse that can leave permanent physical and psychological scars. Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting exactly this kind of case.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), we represent hazing victims and their families throughout Texas, including here in Tom Green County. This comprehensive guide explains what modern hazing really looks like, your legal rights under Texas law, and how experienced legal counsel can help you secure accountability and compensation when universities and national organizations fail to protect your child.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours: Evidence disappears fast—deleted group chats, destroyed evidence, coached witnesses. Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

What Modern Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025

Hazing has evolved far beyond simple initiation rituals. For Tom Green County families with children at Angelo State University, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, or other campuses, understanding these patterns is critical for recognition and prevention.

The Three Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Digital Hazing & Psychological Control
Today’s hazing begins on smartphones before any physical abuse occurs. New members are subjected to:

24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Geo-tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media humiliation through forced posts and challenges
Sleep deprivation via late-night text demands and “mandatory” virtual meetings
Digital “scavenger hunts” that send pledges on dangerous or humiliating errands

2. Physical Endurance & Substance Hazing
The physical abuse continues but often disguises itself as “training” or “bonding”:

“Workout” sessions that are actually punishment—hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse
Forced consumption of alcohol, milk, hot dogs, or other substances until vomiting
Exposure to extreme temperatures (cold water, hot environments)
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or driving duties
Chemical exposure, as seen in the Texas A&M SAE case where pledges suffered severe burns from industrial cleaner

3. Violent Tradition & Sexualized Abuse
The most dangerous category includes acts with high potential for permanent injury or death:

Forced drinking games (“Big/Little” nights, “family tree” challenges)
Physical beatings with paddles, fists, or objects
Dangerous physical tests (“glass ceiling” blindfolded tackles, swimming while intoxicated)
Sexualized humiliation and assault
Restraint and kidnapping to remote locations

The Current Crisis: Leonel Bermudez at University of Houston

Right now, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—a case that shows exactly what Tom Green County families might face. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, endured months of torture as a Pi Kappa Phi pledge:

Humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices he was forced to carry 24/7
Forced labor including overnight chauffeuring, hours-long “study blocks,” and weekly interrogations
Extreme physical abuse at multiple Houston locations: sprinting until collapse, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
Waterboarding simulation with a hose sprayed directly in his face
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by more sprints
The breaking point: A November 3 workout of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that left him unable to stand

The medical consequences were catastrophic: rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. This $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders demonstrates exactly how quickly “tradition” becomes tragedy.

Texas Hazing Law: What Tom Green County Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that protect students across our state, including those from Tom Green County attending Angelo State University or other Texas campuses.

Definition of Hazing (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization

Plain English Translation:
If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Critical Protections for Victims:

Consent Is Not a Defense (Section 37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible.
Good-Faith Reporting Immunity (Section 37.154): Students who report hazing in good faith or call 911 in medical emergencies are protected from civil or criminal liability, even if they were underage drinking or participating.
Organizational Liability (Section 37.153): The fraternity, sorority, or organization itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Your Options

Criminal Prosecution:

Brought by the state (district attorney’s office)
Aim: Punishment through jail time, fines, probation
Penalties escalate based on harm:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Civil Lawsuit:

Brought by victims or their families
Aim: Compensation for damages and institutional accountability
Can proceed even without criminal charges
Targets multiple defendants: individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs—phased in through 2026.

Title IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, gender-based hostility, or creates a hostile educational environment, Title IX obligations apply regardless of whether the conduct occurs on or off campus.

Clery Act:
Requires universities to report certain crimes and maintain campus safety statistics—hazing incidents often overlap with reportable offenses like assault, alcohol violations, or sexual offenses.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

For Tom Green County families pursuing justice, understanding the full scope of potential defendants is crucial:

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing
Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
Members who supplied alcohol or directed abusive activities

2. Local Chapter/Housing Corporation:

The registered Texas entity that operates the chapter
These organizations often carry insurance and own property

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

The parent organization that collects dues, sets policies, and supervises chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. University/Governing Board:

Public universities (like Angelo State University) have some sovereign immunity but can be sued for gross negligence or Title IX violations
Private universities (like Baylor or SMU) have fewer immunity protections
Liability depends on prior warnings, policy enforcement, and deliberate indifference

5. Third Parties:

Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Tells Us About Texas Risks

The same patterns that have caused tragedies nationwide are present right here in Texas. Understanding these precedents helps Tom Green County families recognize warning signs and build stronger cases.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Pattern

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

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.394%)
$10 million total settlement: $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3 million from BGSU
Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
$6.1 million verdict for the family

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Physical Hazing & Ritualized Violence

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed for hours
National fraternity criminally convicted of involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):

Forced to drink excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered permanent, severe brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Family settled with 22 defendants for confidential multi-million dollar amounts

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs

Texas University Focus: Where Tom Green County Families Send Their Kids

Angelo State University: The Local Campus for Tom Green County

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As the primary university within Tom Green County, Angelo State University serves many local families. With active Greek life and student organizations, ASU represents the first line of defense—and sometimes the first point of failure—for hazing prevention in our community.

Greek Life at ASU:
The campus hosts multiple fraternities and sororities through their Greek Life office. While specific chapter rosters change, the national organizations present often include those with documented hazing histories elsewhere in Texas and nationally.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
ASU, like all Texas public universities, operates under Texas Education Code Chapter 37. The university maintains anti-hazing policies and reporting channels through the Dean of Students office and campus police. However, as with many universities, enforcement and transparency can vary.

What Tom Green County Families Should Know:

Jurisdiction Matters: Hazing incidents occurring in San Angelo fall under both ASU campus police and San Angelo Police Department jurisdiction
Local Connections: Many ASU students live at home in Tom Green County while attending, meaning hazing’s impact is felt directly in our community
Transfer Patterns: ASU students often transfer to or have siblings at larger Texas universities, creating connections to hazing risks statewide

Texas Tech University: The Regional Destination

For many Tom Green County families, Texas Tech University in Lubbock represents the next step beyond ASU. With over 40,000 students and active Greek life, Texas Tech has seen its share of hazing incidents.

Documented Incidents:

Multiple fraternity suspensions for alcohol violations and hazing allegations
Physical hazing incidents involving extreme workouts and forced consumption
Organizations with national hazing histories operating on campus

Practical Considerations for Tom Green County Families:

Distance from Tom Green County (approximately 3 hours) affects family response time
Lubbock PD and Texas Tech police share jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
The Texas Tech University System’s size means complex bureaucracy when seeking accountability

Major Statewide Universities: Where Tom Green County Students Often Continue

University of Houston – Current Crisis Campus
The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating demonstrates systematic failure at multiple levels. UH’s response—calling conduct “deeply disturbing” only after litigation—shows universities often prioritize reputation over protection.

Texas A&M University – Corps & Greek Life Complexities
Home to both extensive Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, Texas A&M has seen:

SAE Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges suffered severe burns from industrial cleaner, requiring skin grafts
Corps “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleges being bound between beds with apple in mouth during hazing
Multiple fraternity suspensions and lawsuits

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency & Repeated Violations
UT maintains a public hazing violations page showing:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members forced to consume milk and perform extreme calisthenics
Multiple spirit groups and fraternities sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol hazing
Pattern of probation rather than expulsion for repeat violations

Baylor University – Private University Challenges
As a private institution with religious affiliation, Baylor presents unique legal considerations:

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Different liability standards than public universities
History of institutional protection in other abuse contexts

Southern Methodist University – Affluent Greek Culture
SMU’s strong Greek presence and private status create particular dynamics:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
Limited public transparency compared to state schools
High-stakes litigation against well-funded institutions

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Tom Green County Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive data on Greek organizations across Texas. This public records directory shows the complex network of entities that may share liability when hazing occurs.

Why This Directory Matters for Tom Green County Parents

If your child was hazed, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to their campus. These aren’t just social clubs—they’re registered legal entities with insurance, property, and organizational structures that can be held accountable.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records)

The following organizations are registered with the IRS as tax-exempt Greek organizations in Texas, demonstrating the formal infrastructure behind campus chapters:

Angelo State University & West Texas Area Organizations:

Frank Heflin Foundation, EIN 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015 (IRS B83 filing) – Phi Delta Theta alumni foundation supporting West Texas A&M chapters
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association, EIN 752290669, Amarillo, TX 79118 (IRS B83 filing) – Chapter housing corporation
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Zeta Chapter, Canyon, TX 79015 (Cause IQ metro listing) – Educators’ society chapter
Texas Theta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Canyon, TX 79015 (Cause IQ metro listing) – West Texas A&M chapter

Texas Tech University & Lubbock Area Organizations:

Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation, EIN 237359384, Lubbock, TX 79401 (IRS B83 filing) – Chapter housing entity
Teke Op Housing, EIN 475033161, Lubbock, TX 79423 (IRS B83 filing) – Tau Kappa Epsilon housing corporation
Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter, EIN 473967233, Lubbock, TX 79416 (IRS B83 filing) – Engineering sorority chapter
Farm House Fraternity Inc., EIN 751565336, Lubbock, TX 79416 (IRS B83 filing) – Texas Tech University chapter

Statewide Honor Societies (Present at Multiple Campuses):

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 263170920, Denton, TX 76204 (IRS B83 filing) – Texas Woman’s University chapter
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 352335400, Tyler, TX 75799 (IRS B83 filing) – University of Texas at Tyler chapter
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 383742830, El Paso, TX 79968 (IRS B83 filing) – University of Texas at El Paso chapter
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 820644459, Lubbock, TX 79430 (IRS B83 filing) – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center chapter

Major University Housing Corporations & Alumni Chapters

These entities own property, collect dues, and maintain the infrastructure that enables hazing to occur:

University of Houston Area:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc., EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing) – Defendant in current UH hazing case
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing) – UH chapter housing entity
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing) – Graduate chapter serving UH area

Texas A&M University Area:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc., EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing) – Texas A&M chapter
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter, College Station, TX (Cause IQ metro listing) – Texas A&M chapter house corporation
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp., College Station, TX (Cause IQ metro listing) – Texas A&M housing entity

University of Texas at Austin Area:

Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing) – UT Austin house corporation
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta), Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing) – UT Austin chapter property
Texas Rho Housing Corporation (ΣAE), Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing) – Sigma Alpha Epsilon house at UT

Why This Network Matters for Your Case

When hazing occurs, multiple entities share responsibility:

Undergraduate Chapters – The active campus group
Housing Corporations – Property owners where hazing often occurs
Alumni Chapters – Former members who fund and advise active chapters
National Headquarters – Policy-makers who set (or ignore) safety standards
University Systems – Institutions that grant recognition and access

Our firm maintains this directory so families never start from zero. We already know the names, EINs, and organizational structures of the entities that may hold insurance and responsibility for your child’s injuries.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Liability

The same national organizations present at Angelo State University, Texas Tech, and other Texas campuses have documented histories of hazing across the country. This pattern evidence is crucial for proving foreseeability and negligence.

High-Risk Organizations with Documented Texas Incidents

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – “Pike”

National Pattern: Multiple alcohol hazing deaths including Stone Foltz (BGSU, $10M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech
Texas Incident: UH chapter previously sanctioned for physical hazing resulting in lacerated spleen

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – “SAE”

National Pattern: Multiple deaths nationwide; eliminated pledge program in 2014 due to pattern
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Texas Tech
Texas Incident: Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021) – pledges suffered severe burns requiring skin grafts

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National Pattern: Andrew Coffey alcohol poisoning death (FSU)
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (currently suspended due to our Bermudez case)
Texas Incident: Current $10M lawsuit alleging rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from hazing

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National Pattern: Max Gruver alcohol poisoning death (LSU, $6.1M verdict)
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech
Legislative Impact: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act created after their incident

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that caused injuries or deaths at other chapters, courts consider:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
Negligent Supervision: Failure to enforce policies or monitor chapters
Punitive Damages: Especially reckless or indifferent conduct

Building Your Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

Critical Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord screenshots with timestamps
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos showing hazing
Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can recover “disappearing” messages
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends logs, Uber/Lyft receipts

Physical Evidence:

Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, specialist evaluations
Photographs: Injuries at multiple stages, hazing locations, props used
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge manuals,” costumes
Clothing: Items worn during hazing (don’t wash them)

Institutional Records:

University Files: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, probation records
National HQ Documents: Risk management files, incident reports, training materials
Insurance Policies: Coverage details for chapters, nationals, and universities

Recoverable Damages for Tom Green County Families

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment, including therapy, medications, surgeries
Lost Educational Opportunity: Tuition for disrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished Earning Capacity: Lifetime impact if injuries affect career prospects
Other Costs: Travel for treatment, tutoring, relocation expenses

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital footprint of the incident

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral & Burial Costs
Loss of Financial Support: Expected contributions to family
Loss of Companionship & Guidance: For parents, siblings, spouse
Emotional Anguish: Grief and trauma of sudden loss

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Awarded to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants show deliberate indifference to known risks
Subject to Texas caps except in certain intentional tort cases

Practical Guide for Tom Green County Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation patterns (constantly tired, up at odd hours)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use (even if not typical for your child)

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-organization activities
Personality shifts: increased anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive responses when asked about the organization
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands

Academic & Financial Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or assignments for “mandatory” events
Unexplained expenses (forced purchases, excessive fines, alcohol buys)
Loss of scholarships or academic standing

Your 48-Hour Action Plan

Hours 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Get medical attention for any injuries or intoxication
✅ Remove your child from the dangerous situation
✅ Screenshot any messages they show you immediately
✅ Photograph visible injuries from multiple angles
✅ Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details, names)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

Hours 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Help your child preserve ALL digital evidence (don’t delete anything)
✅ Secure physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
✅ Request copies of all medical records
✅ Document witness names and contact information
✅ Note any university communications (but don’t respond yet)

Hours 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Consult with experienced hazing attorneys (Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Decide on reporting strategy with legal guidance
✅ Refer university contacts to your attorney
✅ Avoid insurance adjuster calls
✅ Backup all evidence to cloud storage

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed
The biggest error families make is allowing messages to be deleted or physical evidence discarded. What seems embarrassing today is crucial proof tomorrow.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
When parents confront fraternities or universities directly, they immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, and prepare defenses. Let your attorney handle all communications.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or internal resolution agreements that limit legal options. Never sign anything without attorney review.

4. Posting on Social Media
Public posts become evidence for defense attorneys. Inconsistencies can damage credibility. Let your legal team control the narrative.

5. Waiting for “Internal Investigations”
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run. University processes rarely produce real accountability. Legal action preserves evidence and rights.

Why Attorney911 for Tom Green County Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiation strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Managing partner Ralph Manginello brings:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation – One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admittance – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership – Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential for criminal defense
“We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or universities.”

Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Wrongful death settlements valuing lifetime economic impact
Catastrophic injury cases requiring life care planning and vocational experts
Experience with economist collaboration for future damage calculations
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Unlike firms that start from scratch with each case, we maintain comprehensive data on:

1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 registrations for housing corporations and alumni chapters
University disciplinary histories at all major Texas campuses
National pattern evidence connecting Texas incidents to nationwide problems

This means when you call us about hazing at Angelo State University, Texas Tech, or any Texas campus, we already understand the organizational landscape behind the letters.

Full-Service Support for Families

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
We understand both sides of hazing cases:

Civil lawsuits for compensation and accountability
Criminal defense for witnesses or members facing charges
Strategic coordination when cases proceed on parallel tracks

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving Tom Green County’s Hispanic community when dealing with traumatic hazing incidents.

Statewide Texas Coverage:
From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including here in Tom Green County. We understand Texas courts, Texas laws, and Texas university systems.

Your Next Step: Free Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family—whether at Angelo State University here in Tom Green County or any Texas campus—you don’t have to face this alone.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Listen Without Judgment:
We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide clear, compassionate guidance.

Case Evaluation & Strategy:
We’ll review any evidence you have, explain your legal options, and discuss realistic timelines and outcomes. We cover:

Potential defendants (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities)
Evidence preservation needs
Criminal vs. civil considerations
Statute of limitations urgency

No Pressure to Hire:
Take time to make the right decision for your family. We provide the information you need without pressure.

Contingency Fee Basis:
We work on contingency—no upfront costs, no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Availability: We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason

Hablamos Español: Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Website: https://attorney911.com

Service Areas: We serve families throughout Texas, including Tom Green County, San Angelo, West Texas, and all Texas university communities.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com