The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Lamar County & City of Roxton, Texas Families

Section 1: Understanding Hazing: For City of Roxton & Lamar County Parents

If you’re a parent in City of Roxton or anywhere in Lamar County, Texas, watching your child leave for college is a mix of pride and anxiety. You’ve worked hard to prepare them for this next chapter—but what happens when the college experience turns dangerous, not in the classroom, but within the very organizations promising friendship and belonging?

Picture this: Your son, a first-year student at a Texas university, joins a fraternity that seemed perfect during rush. Weeks later, you notice troubling changes. He’s exhausted all the time, secretive about his phone, making excuses for mysterious bruises. Then comes the late-night call: he’s in the emergency room with rhabdomyolysis—a severe muscle breakdown—after being forced through hundreds of squats and push-ups during a “pledge workout.” His urine was brown. His kidneys are failing. And when you ask what happened, he’s terrified to talk, fearing retaliation from the fraternity brothers he thought would be his friends.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. Right now, in Houston, we’re representing a young man named Leonel Bermudez in exactly this situation against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity—a case that shows hazing isn’t just “boys being boys,” but serious, life-threatening abuse that continues to happen at Texas campuses, including those where Lamar County families send their children.

What This Guide Offers City of Roxton & Lamar County Families

We created this comprehensive resource because families in our region—from City of Roxton to Paris, from Powderly to Brookston—deserve to understand the real risks of campus hazing and their legal rights when things go wrong.

This guide will help you:

Recognize modern hazing tactics that go beyond stereotypes
Understand Texas hazing laws and how they protect your child
Learn from national cases that set precedents for Texas families
Discover what’s been happening at Texas universities where Lamar County students often attend
Understand your legal options if your child has been harmed
Know why immediate action matters for evidence preservation and legal deadlines

Whether your child attends school nearby at Paris Junior College, travels to larger universities like Texas A&M Commerce or the University of Texas at Tyler, or ventures farther to major campuses like the University of Houston or Texas A&M University, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help.

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

Section 2: Hazing in 2025: What Lamar County Parents Need to Recognize

Modern Hazing Goes Beyond Stereotypes

When Lamar County parents think of hazing, they might picture outdated scenes from movies: silly pranks or harmless initiations. The reality in 2025 is far more dangerous, sophisticated, and hidden. Hazing today is a calculated system of control that endangers physical and mental health while operating in the shadows of digital communication.

The Three-Tier System of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
These behaviors establish power imbalances and often seem “harmless” to outsiders:

Digital control: 24/7 group chat monitoring, required instant responses, location tracking via apps
Servitude duties: Acting as personal drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ spaces, running errands
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for social activities
Deception training: Teaching pledges to lie to parents, university officials, and outsiders

For Lamar County families, these early signs might manifest as your child suddenly being unavailable, constantly checking their phone with anxiety, or making excuses about why they can’t visit home or see old friends.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Escalation)
This creates hostile, abusive environments that cause real harm:

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
Forced consumption: Eating spoiled food, excessive amounts of bland items, or unpleasant substances
Extreme exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, “conditioning” that’s actually punishment
Public humiliation: Embarrassing acts in public spaces, degrading costumes, social media shaming

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Life-Threatening)
These activities have high potential for permanent injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, chugging challenges
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
Dangerous “tests”: Blindfolded tackle rituals, “glass ceiling” exercises, forced fights
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
Extreme exposure: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in severe weather, denied bathroom access

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

Lamar County families should understand hazing extends beyond Greek life:

Fraternities and sororities (all councils: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
Spirit and tradition organizations (like Texas Cowboys-type groups)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common thread across all these groups: tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance that keeps dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Section 3: Texas Hazing Law: What Lamar County Families Need to Know

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

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code that protect students from City of Roxton to Corpus Christi. Understanding these laws is crucial for Lamar County families.

Definition of Hazing (Texas Education Code § 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 whose members include students.

Key points for Lamar County families:

Location doesn’t matter: Can happen on or off campus
Harm can be mental or physical
“Reckless” is enough: Doesn’t require malicious intent, just disregard for known risks
“Consent is not a defense” (Texas Education Code § 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law

Criminal Penalties in Texas (§ 37.152)

Texas takes hazing seriously with escalating penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Additional criminal provisions:

Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer who knew): misdemeanor
Retaliating against reporters: misdemeanor
Organizational liability (§ 37.153): Fraternities/sororities can be fined up to $10,000 per violation

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154)

This is crucial for Lamar County students who witness hazing:

A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability from the report
Many universities have amnesty policies for students who call 911 in medical emergencies, even if underage drinking was involved

How Texas Compares to Other States

While Texas has strong hazing laws, other states have created named legislation after tragedy:

Pennsylvania: Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law (enhanced penalties)
Louisiana: Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Ohio: Collin’s Law (felony when drugs/alcohol cause harm)
Florida: Chad Meredith Law (criminalized hazing after drowning death)

Texas falls in the middle—good criminal provisions but less public awareness. Cases like Leonel Bermudez’s University of Houston lawsuit could drive future legislative improvements.

Section 4: Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding Your Options

Criminal Hazing Cases

Brought by: The state (district attorney)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Outcome: Criminal record for perpetrators

Civil Hazing Lawsuits

Brought by: Victims or surviving families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Typical claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Outcome: Financial recovery for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering

Critical distinction: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many successful civil hazing lawsuits proceed regardless of criminal outcomes.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Phased implementation by 2026

Title IX & Clery Act:

Title IX obligations triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes; hazing often overlaps with assault/alcohol crimes
Creates additional federal accountability pathways

Section 5: Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Lamar County families facing hazing should understand the full scope of potential defendants:

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Including chapter presidents, pledge educators, risk managers, active members

2. Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity (if incorporated)
Chapter officers acting in official capacity
Often has insurance coverage through nationals

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Sets policies, receives dues, supervises chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
Often deepest pockets and primary insurance coverage

4. University or Governing Board

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT): Potential sovereign immunity issues but exceptions exist
Private universities (SMU, Baylor): Fewer immunity protections
Liability based on: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

5. Third Parties

Property owners/landlords of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
Security companies or event organizers
Alumni advisors or housing corporations

Real-world application: In our Leonel Bermudez case against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi, we’re suing 16 defendants including:

13 individual fraternity leaders/members
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents

This comprehensive approach ensures we pursue every possible source of accountability and insurance coverage.

Section 6: National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Lamar County

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern (Most Common Fatal Hazing)

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

Bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking
Falls captured on chapter cameras; 12-hour delay before help
18 members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts
Result: Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

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

Big/Little event with handle of liquor
Died from alcohol poisoning
Result: FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily

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

“Bible study” drinking game (wrong answers = drink)
BAC 0.495% at death
Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

Forced to drink nearly full bottle of whiskey
$10 million settlement ($7M from national, ~$3M from university)
Result: Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Fatal head injuries; delayed medical care
Result: National fraternity criminally convicted; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

Sexualized, racist hazing within program
Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired
Result: Confidential settlements; program cultural reckoning

What These Cases Mean for Lamar County Families

Patterns repeat: Same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, physical “tests”) recur across states
Cover-ups are common: Delayed medical care worsens outcomes and increases liability
Multi-defendant approach works: Successful cases pursue individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
Legislative change follows tragedy: Public outrage drives law reform
Financial accountability is substantial: Settlements/verdicts range from $375,000 to $14+ million

Section 7: Texas Universities: Where Lamar County Students Face Hazing Risks

As Lamar County families consider college options, understanding campus-specific hazing realities is crucial. We maintain detailed data on Texas Greek ecosystems through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros.

Universities Relevant to Lamar County Families

Primary destinations for Lamar County students:

Texas A&M University-Commerce (62 miles from Roxton) – Hunt County
University of Texas at Tyler (99 miles) – Smith County
Paris Junior College (21 miles) – Lamar County
Texas A&M University-Texarkana (86 miles) – Bowie County
Austin College (92 miles) – Grayson County

Major Texas universities with significant Lamar County enrollment:

University of Houston
Texas A&M University (College Station)
University of Texas at Austin
Baylor University
Southern Methodist University

Public Records: Greek Organizations Serving Lamar County Families

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine maintains detailed public records on Greek organizations. Here are examples relevant to northeast Texas families:

Texas-Based Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings):

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Texas at Tyler Chapter (EIN: 352335400, Tyler, TX 75799)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Zeta Chapter (EIN: 752609909, Commerce, TX 75428)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Zeta Beta Chapter (EIN: 237098953, Prairie View, TX 77446)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Alumni (EIN: 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627)

Cause IQ Metro Organizations (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro – 510 total orgs):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (Fort Worth, TX 76244)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation (Fort Worth, TX 76147)
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter (Dallas, TX)
Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter (Denton, TX)

Cross-Validated Brands (Both IRS & Cause IQ):

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (IRS: 364091267, Waco; Cause IQ: Houston, Beaumont chapters)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (multiple campus chapters across Texas)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (IRS: Nederland; Cause IQ: Houston, Beaumont alumni)

This directory demonstrates our investigative depth. When Lamar County families face hazing, we don’t start from zero—we already know the organizational structures, insurance carriers, and prior incident patterns.

University of Houston: Current Active Litigation

The Bermudez Case: Your Proof We’re Fighting Right Now

We want Lamar County families to understand exactly what serious hazing litigation looks like. Right now, we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases:

Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu):

Incident: Fall 2025 pledge period
Hazing methods:
- “Pledge fanny pack” with degrading contents (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices)
- Forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, hours-long “study” blocks
- Extreme physical abuse: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure
- Simulated waterboarding (face sprayed with hose), threats of actual waterboarding
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
- November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
Defendants: UH, UH Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, Beta Nu housing corp, 13 individual members
Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025

Why this matters for Lamar County families:

Proof of capability: We’re actively litigating against a major Texas university and national fraternity
Pattern recognition: The same fraternities operating at UH also have chapters at other Texas schools
Insider knowledge: We understand how universities and nationals respond to hazing allegations

Texas A&M University Commerce: Closest Major Campus to Lamar County

For Lamar County families, TAMU-Commerce is often the nearest significant university:

Campus Profile:

Location: Commerce, TX (62 miles from Roxton)
Enrollment: ~12,000 students
Greek Life: Active IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC councils

Documented Greek Organizations at TAMU-Commerce:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (Mu Zeta Chapter – IRS EIN: 752609909, Commerce, TX 75428)
Sigma Chi Fraternity (Zeta Eta Chapter – IRS EIN: 756060974, Commerce, TX 75429)

Why TAMU-Commerce matters for Lamar County:

Proximity means many local students commute or attend
Greek life presence creates hazing risks familiar to our community
University’s disciplinary processes affect local families directly

Other Northeast Texas Campuses

Paris Junior College (21 miles from Roxton):

While primarily commuter, some student organizations exist
Transfer students to larger universities often face Greek recruitment pressures

University of Texas at Tyler (99 miles):

Growing Greek life presence
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi chapter documented (IRS EIN: 352335400)
Regional draw for Lamar County students

Texas A&M University-Texarkana (86 miles):

Smaller campus but with Greek organizations
Part of Texas A&M system with related policies and oversight

How Hazing Cases Proceed at These Campuses

Jurisdictional considerations for Lamar County families:

TAMU-Commerce cases: Hunt County courts, university police jurisdiction
UT-Tyler cases: Smith County courts, UT Police
Off-campus incidents: Local police (Commerce PD, Tyler PD) plus possible university jurisdiction
Civil venue options: Often where injury occurred or where defendants are located

Practical steps for Lamar County parents:

Identify jurisdiction: Where did it happen? Who has investigative authority?
Preserve evidence: Especially critical with proximity – don’t let your child return to scene
Understand university process: Each campus has different reporting protocols
Consider local counsel advantages: We understand northeast Texas courts and communities

Section 8: Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Critical Category):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat (screenshot before disappearance), TikTok
Recovered data: Digital forensics can retrieve deleted messages
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Snapchat Maps

Physical & Documentary Evidence:

Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (critical for rhabdomyolysis cases)
Photographic evidence: Injuries (multiple angles, progression), locations, objects used
Organization documents: Pledge manuals, meeting notes, ritual materials
University records: Prior conduct files, probation records, warning letters

Witness Evidence:

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate with protection)
Former members (those who quit or were expelled)
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Medical providers (document statements about cause of injury)

Our Investigative Process for Lamar County Cases:

Immediate evidence preservation: Digital forensics before deletion
Organizational mapping: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
Pattern discovery: Researching prior incidents at same chapter/national
Expert consultation: Medical, psychological, Greek life culture experts
Insurance identification: Locating all potential coverage sources

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including lifelong needs for catastrophic injuries
Lost earnings: Missed work, diminished future earning capacity
Educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Other expenses: Therapy, medications, medical equipment

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and recovery
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants ignored prior warnings or showed callous indifference
Texas has caps on punitive damages except in certain intentional tort cases

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Why insurance matters for Lamar County families:

Fraternities, nationals, and universities carry insurance policies
These policies often provide the funds for settlements
But insurers frequently fight coverage for hazing claims

Our Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows:

How insurers value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Their delay tactics and negotiation strategies
How to counter “intentional act” exclusions they often try to invoke
The reserve-setting formulas and settlement algorithms they use

Multi-Policy Approach:
We identify all potential insurance sources:

National fraternity/sorority general liability policies
Chapter-specific insurance (if separate)
University liability policies
Individual members’ homeowners/parents’ policies
Property owner/landlord policies
Alcohol providers’ dram shop coverage

Section 9: Practical Guide for Lamar County Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially patterned injuries)
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes (from food restriction/forced consumption)
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Injuries to hands/back/legs from paddling or exercise
Chemical burns or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the group
Fear of “letting the chapter down”
Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic red flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or sleeping through them
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital behavior:

Constant phone monitoring of group chats
Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
Social media posts showing concerning activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Lamar County Parents

HOUR 1–6 (Immediate Crisis):

Get medical attention if injured/intoxicated
Remove child from dangerous situation
Screenshot any messages shown to you
Photograph visible injuries
Write down everything they tell you
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

HOUR 6–24 (Evidence Preservation):

Help child preserve all digital communications
Secure physical evidence (clothing, receipts, objects)
Request medical records from ER/hospital
Document witness names and contact info
Note any university communications (don’t respond yet)

HOUR 24–48 (Strategic Decisions):

Consult with experienced hazing attorney
Decide on reporting to campus/local police
If university contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters without lawyer
Back up all evidence to cloud storage

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Letting your child delete evidence: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction
Confronting the organization directly: They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence
Signing university “release” forms: May waive your right to sue
Posting on social media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Letting your child go to “one last meeting”: They’ll pressure/intimidate
Waiting for university investigation: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate
Talking to insurance adjusters: Recorded statements used against you

Frequently Asked Questions for Lamar County Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Every case is fact-specific—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death.

“My child ‘agreed’ to it—do we still have a case?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t 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 wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Section 10: Why Attorney911 for Lamar County Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

When your Lamar County 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.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

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

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:

BP Texas City explosion litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
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 massive corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Active Texas Hazing Litigation:

Currently representing Leonel Bermudez against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi
Deep understanding of Texas hazing laws and university policies
Relationships with experts specific to campus abuse cases

Multi-Million Dollar Results Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience with economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

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

Investigative Depth & Data Advantage:

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, psychologists, Greek life culture experts
Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Why Local Texas Understanding Matters for Lamar County Families

We understand the unique context of northeast Texas:

Knowledge of local courts in Hunt, Smith, Lamar, and surrounding counties
Understanding of regional university cultures and Greek life dynamics
Experience with both large urban campuses and smaller regional universities
Appreciation for Texas values and family concerns specific to our region

Our Commitment to Lamar County Families

Empathetic, Victim-Centered Approach:

“We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face.”
“Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family.”
Not about bravado or quick settlements—about thorough investigation and real accountability

Spanish Language Services:

Hablamos Español – Mr. Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles para familias hispanas

Contingency Fee Basis:

No upfront costs
We only get paid if we win your case
Makes quality legal representation accessible to all families

Section 11: Your Next Steps: Contact Attorney911 Today

Call to Action for Lamar County Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether nearby at TAMU-Commerce or UT-Tyler, or farther at University of Houston, Texas A&M, or any other school—we want to hear from you.

Families in City of Roxton, Paris, Powderly, Brookston, and throughout Lamar County have the right to answers and accountability when hazing turns dangerous.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot – take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information

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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

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

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston Office

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

Lamar County: City of Roxton, Paris, Powderly, Brookston
Northeast Texas: Hunt County, Smith County, Bowie County, Grayson County
All Texas communities affected by campus hazing

Final Word to Lamar County Families

Whether you’re in City of Roxton or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The organizations responsible for harming your child count on silence and fear. We provide the experience, resources, and determination to break that silence and hold them accountable.

Your child’s safety and future matter. The traditions that endanger students must end. Call us today to start the journey toward answers, healing, and accountability.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

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
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