The Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation for Taylor Lake Village, Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone. Here’s What You Need to Know.

The phone call every parent dreads came at 2 AM. Your son at the University of Houston couldn’t stand up without help. His urine was brown. At the emergency room, doctors diagnosed rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure from a fraternity “workout” that included 500 squats and 100+ push-ups under threat of expulsion. He spent four days hospitalized, facing potential permanent kidney damage. The fraternity? Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at UH. The response? The chapter was suspended, then shut down. The lawsuit? A $10 million hazing and abuse case filed in Harris County in late 2025.

This happened here. To Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student. To his family, who trusted the university and fraternity system. And it’s happening right now in Taylor Lake Village and across Harris County—to students at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and other Texas campuses.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Taylor Lake Village, Clear Lake, the greater Houston area, and throughout Texas whose children may have been hazed, abused, or injured in connection with fraternities, sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletics, spirit groups, or other campus organizations. We will explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what national patterns tell us about institutional failures, and what legal options your family may have. We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), and we represent hazing victims like Leonel Bermudez in their fights for accountability.

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 paddles, 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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Taylor Lake Village Families

For parents in Taylor Lake Village, Seabrook, Friendswood, and the Clear Lake area, the word “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or outdated stereotypes. What’s happening today at Texas universities is far more systematic, dangerous, and digitally sophisticated.

The Modern Definition: Beyond “Just Tradition”

Hazing in 2025 is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” or “they wanted to fit in” does not make it legal or safe when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion.

What Actually Happens: The 2025 Hazing Taxonomy

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
Forced or coerced drinking remains the #1 cause of hazing deaths:

• “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor
• “Bible study” or trivia drinking games where wrong answers mean chugging
• Lineups where pledges must finish drinks before older members
• Being pressured to consume unknown mixtures or drugs

Physical Hazing
The Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case exemplifies this category:

• Extreme “workouts” or “smokings”: 500 squats, 100+ push-ups until collapse
• Bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
• Cold-weather exposure in underwear
• Lying in vomit-soaked grass
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
• Paddling, beatings, or physical restraint (another UH Pi Kappa Phi pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour)

Psychological and Digital Hazing
New technology enables 24/7 control:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rules requiring humiliating items (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices) be carried 24/7
• Mandatory group chat monitoring with immediate response requirements
• Sleep deprivation via late-night “meetings” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Social isolation from non-members
• Public shaming on social media or in chapter meetings

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Often disguised as “bonding” or “tradition”:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
• Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

Taylor Lake Village parents should understand that hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC (at Texas A&M especially)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, etc.)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread? Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Taylor Lake Village Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protections

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that govern cases involving Taylor Lake Village students at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other Texas campuses. Here’s what every parent needs to understand:

§ 37.151: The Definition That Matters
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 whose members include students.

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.

Key Points for Taylor Lake Village Families:

• Location doesn’t matter—on-campus, off-campus at a house in Houston, or at a retreat in another county
• Mental harm counts as much as physical harm
• “Reckless” is enough—they don’t have to intend harm, just ignore obvious risks
• “Consent is not a defense” (see § 37.155 below)

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death

Also Criminal:

• Failing to report hazing if you’re a member or officer who knew about it
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing

§ 37.153: Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for Organizations:

• Fine up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban the organization from campus

§ 37.154: Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report.

This is critical: Many universities, including UH and Texas A&M, have medical amnesty policies that protect students who call 911 in alcohol emergencies, even if they were drinking underage.

§ 37.155: Consent Is NOT a Defense
The statute explicitly states: It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.

Why This Matters for Your Case:
When fraternities say “your child agreed to this,” Texas law says that doesn’t matter. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

§ 37.156: University Reporting Requirements
Texas colleges must:

• Provide hazing prevention education
• Publish hazing policies
• Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions

For Taylor Lake Village Parents:
You can check UT Austin’s public hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu). Other universities are required to maintain similar records that can be obtained through public information requests.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State)

• Who: District Attorney or County Attorney
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common Charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: Harris County DA could prosecute UH Pi Kappa Phi members

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families)

• Who: Your family with an attorney like Attorney911
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Example: The $10 million Bermudez lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and 13 individual members

Important: These can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required for a civil case.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate and take appropriate action.

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crime reporting requirements.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up

Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
• Officers acting in official capacity

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

University or Governing Board

• The school or regents under negligence or civil-rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
• Security companies or event organizers

For Taylor Lake Village Families:
In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, defendants include UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

The tragedies that made national headlines are not abstract—they’re roadmaps showing how hazing happens, how institutions respond, and what accountability looks like. Here’s what Taylor Lake Village parents need to understand about these patterns.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: The Repeating Script

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

• What happened: 20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning
• Legal outcome: Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other Texas schools. The same “Big/Little” script is used here.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• What happened: Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Legal outcome: Multiple criminal convictions; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• Texas relevance: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, and SMU

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

• What happened: Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
• Legal outcome: Multiple criminal prosecutions; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
• Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Phi is the fraternity involved in the Leonel Bermudez UH case. National headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6, 2025.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

• What happened: Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat; fatal head injuries; help delayed
• Legal outcome: Fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years; national organization criminally convicted
• Texas relevance: Shows off-campus “retreats” are high-risk environments; national organizations can face severe sanctions

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

• What happened: 18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol; suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
• Legal outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants; criminal charges against members
• Texas relevance: Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• What happened: Former players alleged widespread sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Legal outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination suit
• Texas relevance: Major athletic programs at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor can harbor similar systemic abuse

What These Cases Mean for Taylor Lake Village Families

1. Patterns Repeat: The same scripts—Big/Little nights, Bible study drinking games, extreme workouts—recur across campuses and organizations.

2. Delayed Medical Care Kills: Hours matter. The “code of silence” that delays 911 calls is a recurring theme in fatal cases.

3. Settlements Are Substantial: Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts show juries take hazing seriously.

4. Legislation Follows Tragedy: States like Ohio, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Florida enacted stronger laws after high-profile deaths. Texas families have the same right to accountability.

5. You Are Not Alone: These national cases created legal precedents, investigative frameworks, and settlement structures that benefit Texas families today.

Texas University Focus: Where Taylor Lake Village Students Are at Risk

Taylor Lake Village families send students to universities throughout Texas. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at the schools most relevant to our community.

University of Houston: The Harris County Reality

For Taylor Lake Village Families: UH is our local flagship university, just minutes away in Houston. Leonel Bermudez’s case shows what can happen right here in Harris County.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Large urban campus with 47,000+ students
• Active Greek life with 50+ fraternities and sororities
• Mix of commuter and residential students
• Organizations include IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, NPHC Divine Nine, multicultural groups

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH prohibits hazing that:

• “Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student”
• Includes forced alcohol consumption, physical brutality, forced activities that adversely affect mental health
• Reporting through Dean of Students, UHPD, or anonymously

Documented Incidents & Responses

• Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025): $10 million lawsuit alleges extreme physical hazing causing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Chapter suspended Nov. 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov. 14, 2025. UH called conduct “deeply disturbing.”
• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, sleep; one suffered lacerated spleen. Chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension.
• Multiple organizations have faced disciplinary action for alcohol-related hazing, physical mistreatment, and policy violations.

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (where Bermudez case is filed)
• Police: UHPD or Houston Police Department depending on location
• Potential Defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national headquarters, UH, property owners
• Evidence Sources: GroupMe chats, UH conduct records, medical records from Houston-area hospitals

What UH Students & Taylor Lake Village Parents Should Do

1. Report Immediately: Dean of Students Office, UHPD at 713-743-3333
2. Document Everything: Screenshot UH-related group chats before deletion
3. Medical Care: Go to Houston-area ERs and say “I was hazed at UH”
4. Legal Help: Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911—we’re Houston-based and know UH’s systems

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Taylor Lake Village Families: Many local students attend A&M, particularly those interested in engineering, agriculture, or the Corps of Cadets.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• 74,000+ students in College Station
• Prominent Corps of Cadets (2,500+ cadets)
• Strong Greek life with 60+ fraternities and sororities
• Tradition-heavy culture

Documented Incidents & Responses

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity; substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended two years.
• Corps of Cadets (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter under its rules.
• Multiple fraternities have faced suspension for alcohol hazing, physical abuse

How an A&M Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts
• Police: Texas A&M University Police or College Station PD
• Special Considerations: Corps cases involve military-style chain of command; Greek cases often involve off-campus houses

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

For Taylor Lake Village Families: UT Austin draws top students from our area, particularly for business, engineering, and liberal arts.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• 52,000+ students
• 60+ fraternities and sororities
• Public hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu)
• Strong Greek and spirit group tradition

Documented Incidents & Responses

• Public Hazing Violations Page Shows:
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
  • Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Alcohol-related hazing
  • Multiple organizations: Forced workouts, alcohol hazing, punishment-based practices
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Student sued for over $1 million.

UT’s Relative Transparency

UT publishes more hazing data than many universities. For Taylor Lake Village families, this means:

• You can check an organization’s history before your child joins
• Prior violations support pattern evidence in lawsuits
• Public records can be obtained more easily

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

For Taylor Lake Village Families: SMU attracts students interested in business, pre-law, and Greek life in a private university setting.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• 12,000+ students
• Affluent student body
• Strong Greek presence (approximately 40% participation)
• Private university status affects transparency

Documented Incidents

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until 2021
• SMU uses Real Response anonymous reporting system
• Less public data than public universities

Private University Considerations

• Fewer public records
• Different disciplinary processes
• Still subject to Texas hazing laws and federal requirements

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Scrutiny

For Taylor Lake Village Families: Baylor appeals to families seeking Christian education, particularly in pre-med, business, and athletics.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• 20,000+ students
• Baptist affiliation
• History of Title IX scrutiny (football sexual assault scandal)
• Active Greek life and athletic programs

Documented Incidents

• Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Official “zero tolerance” policies
• Interaction between religious identity and abuse accountability

What Taylor Lake Village Families Should Know

Baylor’s history means:

• Heightened scrutiny of institutional responses
• Potential conflicts between religious branding and transparency
• Experience navigating complex institutional cases

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Meet Texas Chapters

The fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses aren’t isolated organizations—they’re local chapters of national brands with decades of hazing history. This matters for Taylor Lake Village families because national patterns create legal liability.

Why National Histories Matter in Your Case

National fraternity/sorority headquarters:

• Create anti-hazing policies because they’ve seen deaths and injuries
• Collect dues from local chapters
• Provide training (often inadequate)
• Maintain records of prior incidents

When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down in Ohio or Louisiana, that shows foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known this could happen.

Organization Mapping: National Patterns in Texas

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• National History: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, $10M settlement); David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, $14M settlement)
• Texas Chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor, SMU, Texas State
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing; extreme physical hazing

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths; traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama); chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
• Texas Chapters: UH, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor
• Pattern: Alcohol hazing; physical abuse; chemical/substance hazing

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State); Leonel Bermudez injury (UH – current case)
• Texas Chapters: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin
• Pattern: Physical hazing; forced consumption; sleep deprivation

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU – led to Louisiana felony hazing law)
• Texas Chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games; alcohol poisoning

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

• National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter (2017)
• Texas Chapters: Texas A&M, SMU, Texas Tech
• Pattern: Paddling; alcohol hazing; tradition-based abuse

How This Affects Your Legal Strategy

Pattern Evidence

• Prior incidents at other chapters show national organization knew risks
• Similar methods (Big/Little nights, forced drinking games) show foreseeability
• Inadequate response to prior incidents shows negligence

Insurance Coverage

• National organizations typically carry insurance
• Pattern evidence can overcome “intentional acts” exclusions
• Multiple defendants mean multiple potential insurance sources

Settlement Leverage

• National organizations settle to avoid bad publicity from pattern evidence
• Prior settlements (Foltz $10M, Gruver $6.1M) set benchmarks
• Juries award higher damages when they see repeating patterns

For Taylor Lake Village Families:
When we investigate a hazing case, we immediately:

1. Identify the national organization
2. Research their national hazing history
3. Obtain their internal records through discovery
4. Show how this Texas incident fits established patterns
5. Hold the national organization accountable for failing to prevent what they knew could happen

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Evidence That Wins Cases: The 2025 Reality

Digital Communications (Most Critical)

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage: Pledge class chats, officer communications
• Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok: Planning, bragging, evidence sharing
• Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can recover them
• Location Data: Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps showing where hazing occurred

Photos & Videos

• Injury Documentation: Multiple angles, progression over days
• Event Footage: Members filming hazing “for fun”
• Security Cameras: House cameras, Ring doorbells, venue surveillance

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge Manuals: “Traditions” lists, requirements
• National Policies: What headquarters knew and required
• Financial Records: Dues payments to nationals
• Disciplinary History: Prior warnings, probation letters

University Records

• Conduct Files: Prior incidents involving same organization
• Police Reports: UHPD, TAMU PD, UTPD incident reports
• Clery Reports: Required crime statistics
• Internal Emails: How administrators responded

Medical & Psychological Records

• ER/Hospital Records: Document injuries and cause (“patient states forced to drink by fraternity”)
• Toxicology Reports: Blood alcohol levels, drug screens
• Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Future Care Plans: For catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury

Witness Testimony

• Other Pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
• Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled
• Roommates/RA’s: Observed changes, injuries, odd hours
• Medical Providers: Documented statements about cause

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical Bills: ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
• Future Medical Care: Lifelong needs for catastrophic injuries
• Lost Income/Earnings: Missed semesters, delayed career entry
• Educational Costs: Lost scholarships, transfer expenses

Non-Economic Damages (Compensatory)

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries, treatment, permanent disability
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, activities
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma, public identification

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral/Burial Costs
• Loss of Companionship & Support
• Parents’ & Siblings’ Emotional Suffering
• Economic Support deceased would have provided

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate)

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• When Awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-ups, extreme cruelty
• Texas Caps: Statutory limits apply in many cases

How Attorney911 Builds Your Case

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-48 Hours)

• Evidence preservation before deletion
• Witness identification and interviews
• Medical documentation coordination
• University communication strategy

Phase 2: Investigation (Days 3-30)

• Digital forensics on phones/computers
• Public records requests to university
• National organization research
• Expert consultation (medical, psychological, economic)

Phase 3: Legal Strategy (Month 1-3)

• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Analyze insurance coverage issues
• Decide criminal reporting strategy
• Prepare demand package or complaint

Phase 4: Resolution (Months 3-24+)

• Negotiation with defendants/insurers
• Mediation/settlement discussions
• Trial preparation if needed
• Settlement distribution or verdict collection

Our Unique Advantages for Taylor Lake Village Families:

• Houston-Based: We know Harris County courts, UH systems, local procedures
• Insurance Insider Knowledge: Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) is a former insurance defense attorney who knows how fraternity/university insurers fight claims
• Complex Litigation Experience: We’ve taken on billion-dollar defendants (BP Texas City explosion litigation)
• Digital Forensics Network: Experts who recover deleted messages, social media evidence
• Spanish Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish for Hispanic families

Practical Guides & FAQs for Taylor Lake Village Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Sleep deprivation (3 AM calls, all-night “meetings”)
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Financial changes: unexpected expenses, requests for money
• Academic decline: missed classes, dropping grades

How to Talk to Your Child

1. Ask Open Questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are they respecting your time?”
2. Listen Without Judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt with anger
3. Emphasize Safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
4. Offer Support: “We’ll help you through this, whatever you decide”

If Your Child Is Hurt

1. Medical Care First: Go to ER immediately
2. Document Everything: Photos, screenshots, notes
3. Preserve Evidence: Don’t wash clothes, don’t delete messages
4. Contact Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university or organization

Dealing with the University

• Document every communication
• Ask about prior incidents involving the same organization
• Don’t sign anything without attorney review
• Remember: University’s interest ≠ Your child’s interest

For Students/Pledges: Your Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Check

• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?

If You’re in Immediate Danger

• Call 911 – Medical amnesty policies often protect callers
• Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
• You won’t get in trouble for seeking help in an emergency

How to Exit Safely

1. Tell someone outside the organization first
2. Send email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
3. Don’t go to “one last meeting” where you might be pressured
4. If threatened, report to campus police and Dean of Students

Your Legal Rights in Texas

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency
• Hazing is a crime—you’re the victim, not perpetrator
• “Consent” is not a defense under Texas law
• You can request no-contact orders through the university

For Former Members/Witnesses: Doing the Right Thing

If you participated in or witnessed hazing and now regret it:

• Your testimony can prevent future harm
• You may need your own legal advice
• Cooperating can be an important step toward accountability
• Attorney911 can help navigate your role as witness

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “To See How University Handles It”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Lawyer
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE #7: Letting Child Go to “One Last Meeting”
Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, extract damaging statements
What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions for Taylor Lake Village Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases. This means:

• No upfront costs or hourly fees
• We only get paid if we recover money for you
• Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket
• You pay nothing unless we win

“What’s the first step?”
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide the best path forward for your family.

Why Attorney911 for Taylor Lake Village Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing case at UH, Texas A&M, or any Texas university, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Experience with economists on lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph Manginello’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigation Depth That Makes the Difference

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We maintain databases of Texas Greek organizations, prior incidents, and institutional connections
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish Language Services for Hispanic Families

• Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Services available for Spanish-speaking families throughout Texas
• Cultural understanding of Texas Hispanic community

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Taylor Lake Village, Clear Lake, Harris County, and beyond. Our approach balances:

For Your Child:

• Medical care coordination
• Psychological support referrals
• Academic continuity planning
• Privacy protection

For Your Case:

• Thorough evidence collection
• Expert consultation
• Strategic legal planning
• Aggressive negotiation or litigation

For Accountability:

• Identifying all responsible parties
• Pursuing institutional reform where possible
• Helping prevent future tragedies
• Honoring your child’s experience through meaningful resolution

The Attorney911 Difference

Immediate Response

• 24/7 availability via 1-888-ATTY-911
• Evidence preservation within hours
• Crisis management from day one

Contingency Fee Basis

• No cost to you unless we recover money
• You never pay hourly fees or upfront costs
• We invest in your case because we believe in it

Personal Attention

• You work directly with attorneys, not paralegals
• Regular updates every 2-3 weeks
• We’re always available for your questions

Proven Results

• Multi-million dollar settlements in complex cases
• Experience against institutional defendants
• Trial-ready when settlements aren’t fair

Take Action: Your Next Steps as a Taylor Lake Village Family

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Step 1: Preserve Evidence (Right Now)

• Screenshot group chats, texts, social media
• Photograph injuries from multiple angles
• Save physical evidence (clothing, items)
• Write down everything you remember

Step 2: Seek Medical Care

• Go to ER if injured or intoxicated
• Tell doctors “I was hazed” so it’s documented
• Get follow-up care and psychological evaluation

Step 3: Contact Attorney911

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for free consultation
• We’ll listen without judgment
• Explain your legal options clearly
• Help you decide best path forward

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

1. We Listen: You tell your story without interruption
2. We Review: Any evidence you’ve preserved
3. We Explain: Your legal options in plain English
4. We Strategize: Next steps based on your situation
5. You Decide: No pressure to hire us immediately

Everything you tell us is confidential. The consultation is free. There’s no obligation.

Contact Information for Taylor Lake Village Families

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com

Emails:

• Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
• Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

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

Serving: Taylor Lake Village, Clear Lake, Houston, Harris County, and throughout Texas

Final Word to Taylor Lake Village Families

Whether your child attends UH just minutes away, Texas A&M a few hours north, or any Texas campus, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions that failed to protect your child have lawyers. You should too.

We’ve seen what happens when families wait too long. Evidence disappears. Witnesses graduate or are intimidated. The statute of limitations runs. Universities close their “internal investigations.” Fraternities destroy records.

But we’ve also seen what happens when families take action. Evidence is preserved. Witnesses come forward. Settlements are reached that provide for medical care and education. Policies change. And most importantly, other students are protected.

Your child’s safety mattered. Their health mattered. Their future mattered. What happened to them was not “just tradition” or “boys being boys.” It was illegal, it was wrong, and it was preventable.

Let us help you get answers. Let us help you hold the right people accountable. Let us help you secure the resources your family needs to move forward.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help.

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