Hazing at Texas Universities: A Comprehensive Guide for Windcrest Families

As parents in Windcrest, you send your children to college with pride and hope. You trust that universities in Bexar County and across Texas will provide a safe environment for learning and growth. But for some families, that trust is shattered by a single phone call—a call revealing that your child has been hospitalized, injured, or worse, because of hazing. Right now, just a few hours east of Windcrest, we are fighting one of the most severe hazing cases in Texas history, representing Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. This $10 million lawsuit alleges brutal physical abuse, forced consumption, and degradation that led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. If this can happen at a major public university, it can happen anywhere Texas students gather.

This guide is written specifically for parents and families in Windcrest, Alamo Heights, Converse, and throughout Bexar County who need to understand the reality of modern hazing, Texas law, and your family’s rights when the unthinkable happens at any Texas campus.

If This Just Happened: Immediate Help for Windcrest Families

Medical Emergency Right Now?

Call 911 for immediate medical attention
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate legal guidance in hazing emergencies

First 48-Hour Critical Steps:

Get medical attention even if injuries seem minor—internal damage like rhabdomyolysis may not be immediately apparent
Preserve digital evidence BEFORE deletion:
- Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage)
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles with good lighting
- Save text messages, social media posts, and any event photos
Write down everything your child tells you—names, dates, locations, specific acts
DO NOT:
- Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly
- Sign anything from the university or their insurance company
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” their phone
- Post details on public social media

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours. Evidence disappears rapidly in hazing cases—messages get deleted, witnesses get coached, and physical evidence gets destroyed. We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston office, including Windcrest and all Bexar County communities.

Hazing in 2025: What Windcrest Families Need to Recognize

Hazing has evolved far beyond harmless pranks. Today’s hazing involves sophisticated psychological pressure, digital control, and physical abuse that can cause permanent injury or death. For Windcrest parents whose children attend UTSA, Texas A&M-San Antonio, or schools farther from home, understanding these modern tactics is critical.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)

24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Mandatory “study hours” that interfere with sleep and academics
Forced servitude (cleaning, chauffeuring, running errands for older members)
Social isolation from non-members and family
Required attendance at late-night meetings during exam periods

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

Sleep deprivation through 3 AM wake-up calls or all-night “bonding”
Forced consumption of unpleasant foods (spoiled milk, hot sauce, excessive amounts)
Extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning” but designed to punish
Public humiliation through embarrassing costumes or performances
Verbal abuse and degradation during “interview” sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights, lineups, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “smokings” with hundreds of push-ups
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions
Dangerous environments: Exposure to extreme cold, locked in confined spaces
Chemical exposure: As seen in Texas A&M cases where industrial cleaner caused chemical burns

Digital Hazing: The New Frontier

Windcrest parents might not recognize these as hazing, but they’re increasingly common:

Geo-tracking demands: Requiring pledges to share live location via Find My Friends
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares
Encrypted app coordination: Using Signal, Telegram, or Discord to avoid detection
Evidence destruction coaching: Teaching members how to delete messages after sending
“Voluntary” participation pressure: Framing activities as optional but making refusal socially costly

Texas Hazing Law: What Windcrest Families Need to Know

Texas has specific hazing statutes under Education Code Chapter 37 that protect students at both public and private institutions. These laws apply whether hazing occurs on-campus at UTSA, off-campus in San Antonio, or at retreat locations throughout Texas.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Key Provisions

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student.

Critical Points for Windcrest Families:
Definition is BROAD—includes mental and physical harm
Location doesn’t matter—on-campus, off-campus, or at retreats
“Reckless” is enough—intent to harm isn’t required

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing bodily injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 and university recognition revocation.

§ 37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense:
This is critical for Windcrest families to understand. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense against hazing charges. Courts recognize that power imbalance and social pressure make true consent impossible.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (State Prosecution):

Brought by prosecutors (Bexar County DA for local incidents)
Focus on punishment: jail time, fines, probation
Charges can include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Good to know: Criminal conviction isn’t required for civil recovery

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Lawsuit):

Brought by victims or surviving families
Focus on compensation and accountability
Damages can include: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, wrongful death
Defendants can include: individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities
Strategic advantage: Civil discovery can uncover evidence criminal investigations miss

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Phased implementation through 2026
Creates public hazing databases that Windcrest families can consult

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault or alcohol crimes
Both apply to Texas universities receiving federal funding

National Hazing Patterns: What History Teaches Windcrest Families

The hazing incidents affecting Texas students aren’t isolated events—they’re part of national patterns that repeat across campuses. Understanding these patterns helps Windcrest families recognize warning signs and build stronger cases.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: The Most Common Killer

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
$10 million settlement: $7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU
Lesson for Windcrest families: “Big/Little” events are consistently dangerous

Max Gruver – LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers required drinking
Died with BAC of 0.495%
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act strengthening hazing penalties
Lesson: Drinking games framed as “tradition” are lethal

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017)

“Big Brother” night with handles of hard liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
Lesson: The same national organizations operate at Texas schools

Physical Abuse Pattern: Beyond Alcohol

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

Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual with repeated tackling
Died from traumatic brain injury
National fraternity criminally convicted
Lesson: Retreats and off-campus rituals are particularly dangerous

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Case (2021)

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and other substances
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgery
$1 million lawsuit against the chapter
Lesson: Hazing methods evolve to include chemical abuse

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Systemic sexualized and racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and coaching staff
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful termination claim
Lesson: Hazing exists in high-profile athletic programs with massive budgets

Texas University Focus: Where Windcrest Students Attend

Windcrest families have children across Texas campuses. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at schools your children might attend.

University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) – Local to Windcrest

Campus Culture & Windcrest Connection:
UTSA serves as the primary university for many Windcrest and northeast Bexar County families. With growing Greek life and student organizations, hazing risks exist both in recognized groups and unofficial organizations.

Documented History:
While UTSA maintains anti-hazing policies, incidents occur in:

Cultural and identity-based organizations
Athletic teams and spirit groups
Social fraternities and sororities

Reporting Channels for Windcrest Families:

UTSA Office of Student Conduct
UTSA Police Department (for criminal incidents)
Title IX Office for gender-based hazing
Important: Off-campus incidents in San Antonio may involve SAPD jurisdiction

Strategic Consideration:
As a growing urban university, UTSA’s Greek life is expanding rapidly—this growth period often correlates with increased hazing risks as new chapters establish traditions.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Local Access for Windcrest Students:
Many Windcrest families choose Texas A&M-San Antonio for its proximity and reputation. The campus culture is developing, with Greek organizations establishing presence.

Unique Considerations:

Newer Greek system means traditions are being established now
Close ties to main Texas A&M campus culture may import certain risks
Smaller campus can mean closer oversight but also tighter social pressure

Major Texas Universities Windcrest Families Attend

University of Houston – Current Active Case
Our flagship case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

Hazing methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption until vomiting, 100+ push-ups/500 squat workouts, hose spraying “like waterboarding”
Medical outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025
Legal action: $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney911 (we represent Bermudez)
Lesson for Windcrest families: Even at major public universities with anti-hazing policies, severe abuse occurs

Texas A&M University – College Station
Corps of Cadets Culture:

Military-style discipline can cross into abuse
2023 lawsuit alleged “roasted pig” binding with apple in mouth
Traditions deeply embedded, making reform challenging

Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021)
Multiple fraternities on disciplinary probation
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing common in Corps and Greek life

University of Texas at Austin
Transparency Advantage:
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page—valuable for Windcrest families researching organizations.

Recent Sanctions Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Forced milk consumption and extreme calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Alcohol-related hazing and forced activities
Multiple organizations for sleep deprivation and humiliation

Southern Methodist University
Private University Dynamics:

Fewer public records than public institutions
Kappa Alpha Order suspension (2017) for paddling and forced drinking
Greek life central to social scene, increasing pressure to tolerate hazing

Baylor University
Religious Identity Context:

Baseball team hazing suspension (2020) affecting 14 players
History of institutional response challenges in other abuse contexts
Greek life exists within faith-based framework that can complicate reporting

Texas Hazing Intelligence: The Data Behind Greek Life

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal entities, and their connections throughout Texas. This investigative depth matters for Windcrest families because when hazing occurs, we already know how to identify every potentially liable entity.

The Greek Ecosystem Around Windcrest & Bexar County

San Antonio Metro Area Greek Presence:
Based on IRS and organizational data, the San Antonio metropolitan area—which includes Windcrest and all Bexar County—has approximately 86 Greek-related organizations. These include:

Undergraduate fraternity and sorority chapters
Alumni associations and graduate chapters
Housing corporations that own chapter properties
Honor societies and professional Greek organizations

Example Organizations Recorded in Bexar County:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – San Antonio Alumnae Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – San Antonio Alumni Chapter
Various Phi Kappa Phi (honor society) chapters at local institutions
Alpha Lambda Chapter of Sigma Chi at Trinity University

Public Records Directory: Organizations Serving Windcrest Families

When Windcrest students join Greek organizations, they’re connecting with entities that have legal identities, IRS employer identification numbers (EINs), and physical addresses. Here are examples of Texas-registered Greek organizations that might be involved in cases affecting Windcrest families:

IRS B83 Registered Organizations (Sample):

Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – EIN 201237505 – Corinth, TX 76210 (Beta Chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 263170920 – Denton, TX 76204 (Texas Woman’s University Chapter)
Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – Multiple Texas entities with different EINs and addresses
Kappa Sigma educational foundations and housing corporations across Texas

Why This Directory Matters for Windcrest Families:
When hazing causes injury, multiple entities may share liability:

The undergraduate chapter where hazing occurred
The housing corporation that owns the property
The alumni association that oversees activities
The national headquarters that sets policies
Insurance companies covering each entity

Our pre-existing knowledge of this organizational landscape means Windcrest families don’t start from zero when seeking accountability.

Where Windcrest Families Send Students: Campus Connections

Windcrest students attend universities throughout Texas, creating multiple jurisdictional considerations:

Local Bexar County Schools:

University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Our Lady of the Lake University
St. Mary’s University
Trinity University

Primary Texas Destinations:

University of Texas at Austin (2-hour drive)
Texas A&M University-College Station (3-hour drive)
University of Houston (3-hour drive)
Baylor University (Waco, 2.5-hour drive)
Texas State University (San Marcos, 1-hour drive)

Practical Implication:
Hazing incidents may involve:

Bexar County courts for local school incidents
Travis County (Austin), Brazos County (College Station), or Harris County (Houston) courts for distant schools
Multiple police jurisdictions depending on incident location
Different university policies and reporting procedures

Building a Hazing Case: Strategy for Windcrest Families

When hazing causes harm, building a strong case requires immediate action and strategic planning. Here’s what Windcrest families should understand about the legal process.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Most Critical Evidence: Group Chats

Platforms: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Signal
What to capture: Plans, threats, admissions, boasting about hazing
Time sensitivity: Messages get deleted within hours or days
Our approach: We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages

Social Media Evidence:

Event photos and videos (often posted as “fun” but show abuse)
Location tags proving where incidents occurred
Comments and reactions that reveal organizational knowledge
Disappearing content (Snapchat, Instagram stories) that must be captured immediately

Medical Documentation:

Emergency room records MUST mention hazing context
Follow-up care establishing ongoing harm
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, anxiety, depression
Expert medical testimony connecting injuries to specific hazing acts

University & Organizational Records:

Prior disciplinary history of the same organization
Risk management files from national headquarters
Insurance policies covering various entities
Internal emails showing knowledge or cover-up

Damages: What Windcrest Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Future medical care (for permanent injuries like kidney damage)
Lost educational opportunity (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, humiliation, PTSD
Loss of enjoyment of college experience
Damage to family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support your child would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Designed to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants show “conscious indifference”
Can significantly increase recovery in egregious cases

Defendant Identification: Casting the Net Wide

In the Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi, we named 17 defendants including:

University of Houston System
UH Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Housing Corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders and members

Why Multiple Defendants Matter:

Increases insurance coverage available
Creates pressure for settlement
Ensures all responsible parties are held accountable
Prevents “passing the buck” between entities

Practical Guide for Windcrest Parents

Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight loss or gain
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organizational activities
Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone checking for group chat messages
Defensiveness when asked about the organization

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during study
Loss of scholarships or academic standing

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

DO:

Ask open-ended questions: “How are things going with your new group?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’m worried about how tired you’ve been.”
Emphasize safety over status: “No organization is worth your health.”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you through this no matter what.”

DON’T:

Minimize their experience: “It’s just part of college.”
Blame them: “You knew what you were getting into.”
Force immediate decisions: “You have to quit right now.”
Go behind their back to confront the organization

Working with the University: Strategic Considerations

Initial Reporting:

Document every communication (email, phone calls, meetings)
Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization
Request copies of all policies and procedures
Inquire about interim protective measures for your child

Understanding University Motivations:

Public universities (UTSA, UT, A&M) have reputational concerns
Private universities (Trinity, St. Mary’s) may prioritize donor relationships
All universities have insurance considerations
Reality: Many universities initially minimize incidents to protect their image

When to Escalate Beyond the University:

The university is moving too slowly
They’re pressuring you to accept an internal resolution
Your child’s safety remains at risk
Significant injuries or permanent harm has occurred

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Based on our experience representing hazing victims across Texas, here are the most common errors Windcrest families make:

1. Letting Evidence Disappear

Mistake: Allowing your child to delete “embarrassing” messages
Reality: Those messages are your strongest evidence
Solution: Screenshot everything immediately; don’t delete anything

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

Mistake: Calling the fraternity president or chapter advisor
Reality: They immediately lawyer up and destroy evidence
Solution: All communication goes through your attorney

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

Mistake: Accepting quick settlement offers from university counsel
Reality: These offers are typically far below case value and may waive future claims
Solution: Never sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

Mistake: Venting on Facebook or Twitter about what happened
Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Solution: Keep details private; let your attorney control messaging

5. Waiting Too Long to Act

Mistake: “Let’s see how the university handles it first”
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
Solution: Consult an attorney immediately while evidence is fresh

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

Mistake: Giving recorded statements to “process the claim”
Reality: Every word is used against you; early settlements are lowball offers
Solution: “My attorney will contact you” is the only response

Why Attorney911 for Windcrest Hazing Cases

When your Windcrest family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies operate—and how to secure accountability despite their resources.

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Active Leadership in Major Texas Case:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—one of the most severe hazing cases in recent Texas history. This isn’t historical precedent; it’s current, active litigation demonstrating our commitment to fighting institutional hazing.

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Managing Attorney Ralph Manginello’s involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation matters for your hazing case because:

We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets
We understand how to uncover institutional knowledge and cover-up
We’re not intimidated by prestigious universities or national organizations

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Experience navigating parallel criminal and civil proceedings

Our Investigative Approach for Windcrest Families

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain a proprietary database of over 1,400 Greek organizations across Texas, including:

IRS registration data for 125+ Texas Greek entities
Organizational structures and insurance relationships
Prior incident patterns across campuses
This isn’t theoretical—it’s actionable intelligence we use in every case

Digital Evidence Expertise:

Partnerships with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
Experience with all major platforms: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, Discord
Understanding of how organizations use encryption and disappearing messages
Ability to trace organizational knowledge through communication chains

Medical Evidence Development:

Network of medical experts specializing in hazing injuries
Experience with rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma
Collaboration with life care planners for catastrophic injury cases
Understanding of how to document delayed-onset psychological harm

What Sets Us Apart for Windcrest Families

Geographic Understanding:
We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston office, with deep understanding of:

Bexar County courts and procedures
San Antonio metro area dynamics
Texas university systems and their unique cultures
How location affects jurisdictional and strategic decisions

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult with Spanish-speaking Windcrest families directly—no translator needed for sensitive discussions about your child’s safety and rights.

Contingency Fee Basis:
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. This ensures access to experienced representation regardless of financial circumstances.

Proven Results:

Multi-million dollar settlements in complex wrongful death cases
Successful litigation against institutional defendants
Experience valuing lifetime care needs for catastrophic injuries
Track record of achieving accountability beyond financial compensation

Your Windcrest Family’s Next Steps

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends UTSA, Texas A&M-San Antonio, or any Texas university—you don’t have to navigate this crisis alone. The university and organization have teams of attorneys; you deserve experienced advocates on your side.

Free Confidential Consultation Process

What to Expect When You Call 1-888-ATTY-911:

Immediate attention: We understand hazing emergencies require urgent response
Compassionate listening: We’ll hear your story without judgment or interruption
Evidence assessment: We’ll discuss what evidence exists and how to preserve it
Legal options explained: We’ll outline potential paths—criminal reporting, civil action, both, or neither
Realistic expectations: We’ll discuss timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes
No pressure decision: Take time to decide—we won’t pressure you to hire us immediately

What to Bring to Your Consultation:

Any medical records or bills
Screenshots of messages or social media posts
Photos of injuries or incident locations
Names of witnesses or other involved students
Correspondence with the university or organization
Your child’s academic records showing impact

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Windcrest Families Needing Immediate Help:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español. Contacte a Lupe Peña directamente a lupe@atty911.com para una consulta confidencial en español.

Frequently Asked Questions for Windcrest Families

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus in San Antonio?
A: Yes. Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases have involved off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or retreat facilities.

Q: What if my child “agreed” to participate?
A: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalance and social pressure make true consent impossible in these situations.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury in Texas, but exceptions exist. More importantly, evidence disappears quickly—witnesses graduate, messages get deleted, memories fade. Immediate consultation is crucial.

Q: Will our case be public or confidential?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

Q: What if the university says they’re “handling it internally”?
A: University internal processes often prioritize institutional protection over victim justice. They may offer minimal sanctions and pressure families to accept quick resolutions. Having your own attorney ensures your interests are protected.

Plain Text Resources for Windcrest Families

Attorney911 Contact Information:

Main Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Ralph Manginello Email: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña Email: lupe@atty911.com

Educational Videos:

Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency Fee Explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

National Resources:

Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
StopHazing.org: https://stophazing.org

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