Hudson Oaks Parents’ Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation: Texas Laws, University Accountability & Your Legal Rights

We are about to walk through one of the most serious realities a Texas family can face—your child being hazed at college. This guide is for every parent in Hudson Oaks, Texas, and across Parker County who has ever worried about what happens when their son or daughter joins a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or campus organization.

Right now, as you read this, we are actively litigating one of the most significant hazing cases in the country. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The detailed Click2Houston report describes him passing “brown urine” and being hospitalized for four days. The ABC13 coverage details forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints. We filed this $10 million lawsuit on his behalf against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the chapter housing corporation, and 13 individual members.

This case is not just a Houston story. It is a Texas story. The same fraternities, the same dangerous traditions, and the same institutional patterns exist at universities attended by Hudson Oaks families. A student from Hudson Oaks attending Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, or SMU could easily face identical dangers. This guide will show you exactly what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what has happened at major Texas universities, and how our firm uses comprehensive data and experience to fight for families like yours.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately—even if your child insists they’re “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 us within 24–48 hours: Evidence disappears fast. 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 in Hudson Oaks & Across Texas

For parents in Hudson Oaks—a community that sends students to Weatherford College, Tarrant County College, and major universities across Texas—understanding modern hazing is critical. It’s not just “boys will be boys” pranks. It is systematic abuse designed to break down new members.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers physical or mental health for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership. The key element Hudson Oaks parents must understand: “They agreed to it” is NOT a defense under Texas law.

Main Categories of Hazing (2025 Reality)

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced consumption of entire bottles during “Big/Little” nights
“Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers = forced drinking
Coerced use of marijuana, pills, or unknown substances
Our UH Pi Kappa Phi case example: Pledges forced to consume milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting

2. Physical Hazing

“Workouts” or “smokings” involving 100+ push-ups, 500+ squats (as in the UH case)
Paddling, beatings, or forced fights (“gladiator” matches)
Sleep deprivation through all-night “sessions”
Exposure to extreme cold/heat
Our UH Pi Kappa Phi case example: Pledges sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding”

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
Racist, sexist, or homophobic role-playing
Our UH Pi Kappa Phi case example: “Pledge fanny pack” rule requiring carrying condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices

4. Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Forced deception (“lie to your parents about what we’re doing”)
Public shaming in meetings or on social media

5. Digital/Online Hazing (The New Frontier)

24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Location tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Forced embarrassing TikTok/Instagram content creation
Digital “challenges” and dares with social consequences for refusal

Where Hazing Happens (Beyond Fraternities)

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC (particularly relevant for Texas A&M families)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit Squads & Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys-type organizations)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic & Service Organizations

The common thread: tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Hudson Oaks Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37 (Your Legal Foundation)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that protect your child. Here’s what Hudson Oaks parents must understand:

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Location doesn’t matter—on or off campus is covered.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

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

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: “Consent is NOT a defense.” Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize peer pressure and power imbalance.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Students who call for help in medical emergencies have protections, even if underage drinking was involved.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Dual Accountability

Criminal Cases (State brings charges):

Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges can include: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
Hudson Oaks jurisdiction note: If hazing occurs at a Texas campus, local police (like Parker County Sheriff or Weatherford PD if incident is local) AND campus police may have jurisdiction

Civil Cases (Your family seeks compensation):

Purpose: Monetary damages and accountability
Claims can include: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Our approach: We often pursue civil cases alongside criminal proceedings to ensure full accountability

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

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

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

Title IX & Clery Act: When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, additional federal protections and reporting requirements apply.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Lawsuit

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Local Chapter/Official Club: The fraternity/sorority or organization itself
National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Often have deep pockets and insurance
University/Board of Regents: May be liable for negligent supervision
Property Owners/Landlords: Of houses where hazing occurs
Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws

Hudson Oaks Context: Universities attended by your children—whether Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, SMU, or others—each have different liability profiles based on whether they’re public or private institutions.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Hudson Oaks Families

These national cases aren’t just news stories—they’re legal precedents that shape what happens in Texas courts.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Hudson Oaks takeaway: The same Pi Kappa Alpha national organization operates chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with BAC of 0.495%
$6.1 million verdict for family
Result: Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Hudson Oaks takeaway: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UT Austin and Texas A&M

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual with violent tackling
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity criminally convicted
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Hudson Oaks takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits, confidential settlements
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit
Hudson Oaks takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for You

Pattern Evidence Matters: Courts consider whether national organizations knew or should have known about dangerous traditions
Multi-Million Dollar Recoveries Are Possible: These cases show what serious hazing litigation can achieve
Legislative Change Follows Tragedy: Texas law may evolve as cases like our UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit progress
No Organization is Immune: From national fraternities to prestigious universities, all can be held accountable

Texas University Focus: Where Hudson Oaks Families Send Their Kids

Hudson Oaks is uniquely positioned in Parker County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area. Families here send students to:

Local/Regional Options: Weatherford College, Tarrant County College
Major Texas Hubs: Texas A&M, University of Texas at Austin, Baylor, SMU
Other Common Choices: University of North Texas, Texas Tech, Texas State

Here’s what you need to know about each major university’s hazing landscape.

University of Houston (UH) – Our Active Case Example

For Hudson Oaks Families: While UH is several hours away, our active litigation there establishes critical legal precedents that benefit all Texas families.

Our UH Pi Kappa Phi Case Details:

Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez, represented by Attorney911 (Ralph Manginello & Mr. Lupe Peña)
Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Hazing Acts: Fanny pack humiliation, forced overeating until vomiting, 100+ push-ups/500 squats workouts, hose spraying “like waterboarding”
Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual members
Status: $10 million lawsuit filed late 2025; chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025
Media Coverage: Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline

UH Hazing Landscape:

40+ fraternity/sorority chapters
Public hazing violations database
Recent years show multiple suspensions for alcohol, physical hazing

What UH Families Should Do:

Report to UH Dean of Students AND Houston Police if crimes occurred
Preserve all digital evidence (GroupMe is commonly used)
Contact attorney familiar with Harris County courts and UH procedures

Texas A&M University – Corps of Cadets & Greek Life

For Hudson Oaks Families: Many Parker County students choose A&M for its traditions and reputation.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
- Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
- Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
- $1 million lawsuit filed; chapter suspended
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)
- Cadet allegedly bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
- Sought over $1 million
- A&M stated handled under internal rules

A&M’s Greek & Corps Ecosystem:

60+ fraternity/sorority chapters
Corps of Cadets (2,500+ members) with separate traditions
Public conduct records available

What A&M Families Should Do:

Corps incidents: Report to Commandant’s Office AND university police
Greek incidents: Student Conduct Office AND College Station PD
Critical: Corps and Greek cases require different investigative approaches

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency & Pattern

For Hudson Oaks Families: UT’s public hazing violations database provides unprecedented transparency.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page Shows:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members forced to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → probation + education requirement
Multiple organizations: Alcohol hazing, forced workouts, sleep deprivation
Pattern: Repeated violations despite sanctions

UT’s Greek Landscape:

60+ fraternity/sorority chapters
$8.6 billion endowment (deep institutional resources)
Generally cooperative with subpoenas during litigation

What UT Families Should Do:

Use UT’s public violations database to show pattern
Report to Dean of Students AND Austin Police
Consider Williamson or Travis County venue options

Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Private University Dynamics

For Hudson Oaks Families: SMU’s Dallas location makes it accessible for Parker County families.

Documented Incident:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation → chapter suspended until ~2021

SMU’s Greek Landscape:

Strong Greek presence (50%+ participation)
Private university = different discovery rules
Generally protective of institutional reputation

What SMU Families Should Do:

Report through SMU’s confidential systems (Real Response, etc.)
Prepare for potential resistance to records requests
Dallas County courts may be favorable venue

Baylor University – Religious Identity & History

For Hudson Oaks Families: Baylor’s Waco location draws many Central Texas students.

Documented Incident:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation

Baylor’s Context:

Recent history of sexual assault scandal fuels skepticism of internal processes
Religious identity affects institutional response
McLennan County venue considerations

What Baylor Families Should Do:

Document everything before reporting internally
Consider simultaneous reporting to Waco PD
Be prepared for “faith-based” institutional defense

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter for Hudson Oaks Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re joining a national organization with a history. That history matters in court.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

National fraternities/sororities maintain:

Anti-hazing policies (because they’ve faced lawsuits before)
Risk management manuals (because they’ve paid settlements before)
Training programs (because they know the patterns)

When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous behavior that got chapters shut down in other states, that shows foreseeability—a key legal concept.

Major National Organizations Present at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Multiple Texas Chapters

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement)
Texas Presence: UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor
Legal Significance: Pattern of “Big/Little” drinking nights

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple Texas Chapters

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama
Texas Presence: UT Austin, Texas A&M (chemical burns case), SMU
Legal Significance: Pattern of physical/chemical hazing

Phi Delta Theta – Multiple Texas Chapters

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, $6.1M verdict)
Texas Presence: UT Austin, Texas A&M
Legal Significance: “Bible study” drinking game pattern

Pi Kappa Phi – Our Active UH Case

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
Texas Presence: University of Houston (our case), other Texas campuses
Legal Significance: Physical endurance hazing pattern

How We Use National Histories in Litigation

Establish Foreseeability: Show national knew or should have known risks
Negate “Rogue Chapter” Defense: Demonstrate pattern across chapters
Support Punitive Damages: Show reckless disregard for safety
Overcome Insurance Defenses: Prove negligence beyond “intentional acts”

Hudson Oaks Application: When we represent your family, we investigate not just what happened to your child, but what this national organization knew about similar incidents elsewhere.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizations Serving Hudson Oaks Families

We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. This isn’t theoretical; it’s concrete data we use in litigation.

DFW Metro Greek Ecosystem (Including Hudson Oaks Area)

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro, which includes Parker County and Hudson Oaks, contains 510 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These include:

Example Organizations in DFW Area:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Cause IQ metro listing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 (EIN 741380362, IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter – Fort Worth, TX (TCU chapter)
Delta Kappa Epsilon – Tau Gamma House Corp. – Addison, TX

Why This Matters for Hudson Oaks Families:
When hazing occurs at a Texas university, multiple entities may share liability:

Undergraduate chapter
Alumni chapter (may control housing)
Housing corporation (separate legal entity)
National headquarters
Educational foundation (may hold assets)

Texas-Wide Greek Organization Data

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations:
These are tax-exempt entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), including:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC – College Station, TX 77845-6681 (EIN 133048786)
GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC – The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822 (EIN 161675890, Zeta Rho HCB)
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION – Missouri City, TX 77459-1820 (EIN 371768785)
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC – Frisco, TX 75035-6629 (EIN 462267515)

Campus Rosters at Major Universities:

University of Houston: 40+ chapters including Pi Kappa Phi (our case), Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha
Texas A&M: 60+ chapters including Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha
UT Austin: 60+ chapters including same national organizations
SMU & Baylor: 50+ combined chapters

Our Investigative Advantage: We don’t start from scratch. When we take your case, we already know:

The EINs and legal names of relevant organizations
Their registered addresses and agents for service
How they’re structured (chapter, housing corp, alumni assoc.)
Prior incidents in Texas and nationally

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Hudson Oaks Families

Evidence That Wins Cases (2025 Reality)

1. Digital Communications (MOST CRITICAL)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group chats
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments
Discord servers, Slack workspaces, fraternity-specific apps
Our video on evidence preservation: Using Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case

2. Photos & Videos

Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
Security camera/doorbell footage at houses
Social media posts/stories showing events

3. Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
Emails/texts about “traditions” or “what we do to pledges”
National policies and training materials

4. University Records

Prior conduct files (obtained via discovery)
Incident reports to campus police
Clery Act reports

5. Medical & Psychological Records

ER/hospitalization records
Toxicology reports
PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

6. Witness Testimony

Other pledges, former members, roommates, RAs
Bystanders, security personnel, neighbors

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost earnings/educational setbacks
Therapy/counseling costs
Life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of companionship/support
Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

To punish especially reckless conduct
To deter future hazing
Available in Texas for gross negligence/intentional acts

Our Strategic Approach

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Digital forensics for deleted messages
Subpoenas for phone/cloud records
Preservation letters to prevent destruction

2. Comprehensive Defendant Identification

Not just the obvious parties
All entities behind the organization (house corps, alumni groups, nationals)
Individual members with personal liability

3. Insurance Coverage Analysis

Mr. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background is crucial here
Identifying all potential policies
Navigating “intentional act” exclusions

4. Settlement vs. Trial Strategy

Most cases settle confidentially
Trial readiness improves settlement leverage
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial

Practical Guides & FAQs for Hudson Oaks Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion/sleep deprivation
Drastic mood changes (anxiety, withdrawal)
Constant secret phone use for group chats
Sudden financial needs (forced purchases, “fines”)
Academic performance drop

How to Talk to Your Child:

Use open questions: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority?”
Avoid judgment: “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
Emphasize safety: “We care about you more than any organization.”

If Your Child Is Hurt:

Medical care FIRST – even if they resist
Document everything – photos, notes, screenshots
Preserve evidence – don’t let them delete anything
Contact us – before talking to university or organization

For Students: Recognizing & Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911, then get to safe location
Wanting to quit: Send written resignation, tell trusted adult first
Fear retaliation: Document threats, report to campus police

Your Texas Legal Rights:

Consent is NOT a defense to hazing
Good-faith reporters have protections
You can sue even if no criminal charges are filed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

What happens: Looks like cover-up, makes case nearly impossible
What to do: Preserve everything, even if embarrassing

2. Confronting the Organization

What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do: Document quietly, call attorney first

3. Signing University Agreements

What happens: May waive right to sue, accept low settlement
What to do: NO signatures without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

What happens: Defense screenshots everything, inconsistencies hurt case
What to do: Private documentation only, lawyer controls messaging

5. Waiting “To See What University Does”

What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do: Preserve evidence NOW, consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video: Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case

FAQs for Hudson Oaks Families

“Can we sue a university in Texas?”
Yes. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

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

“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 cases occurred off-campus.

“How long do we have to sue?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—call us immediately.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How do contingency fees work?”
No upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover money for you. Watch our explanation: How Do Contingency Fees Work?

“What’s the statute of limitations?”
Generally 2 years in Texas, but exceptions exist. Watch: Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?

Why Attorney911 for Hudson Oaks Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications

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

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

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

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

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 or university defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

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

Dual Civil/Criminal Expertise:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership (elite criminal defense credential)
Understands how criminal charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Hudson Oaks Commitment

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Hudson Oaks and all of Parker County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities—whether at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, SMU, or elsewhere—affects families right here in our community.

We Know Texas Universities: We’re currently litigating against the University of Houston System. We understand how public universities, private institutions, and national fraternities operate in Texas.

We Know Texas Law: We practice in Texas courts every day. We understand sovereign immunity, Texas damages caps, and how to navigate our state’s legal system.

We Know Texas Families: We’re Texans ourselves. Ralph grew up in Houston, Mr. Peña is a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land. We understand Texas values and Texas families.

What Sets Us Apart

Data-Driven Approach: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine means we don’t start from scratch
Insider Knowledge: Mr. Peña’s defense background gives us unique insight
Proven Institutional Experience: BP litigation prepared us for complex cases
Comprehensive Investigation: We leave no stone unturned
Trial Readiness: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial

Our Promise to Hudson Oaks Families

We Listen First: Your story matters. We’ll listen without judgment.
We Explain Clearly: We’ll walk you through legal options in plain English.
We Investigate Thoroughly: We’ll uncover what really happened.
We Fight Aggressively: We’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions.
We Communicate Regularly: You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your case.

Call to Action: Next Steps for Hudson Oaks Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Weatherford College, Tarrant County College, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, SMU, or any Texas campus—we want to hear from you.

Families in Hudson Oaks and throughout Parker County have the right to answers and accountability.

Your Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

When you contact us, here’s what to expect:

We Listen: You tell your story. We take notes, ask clarifying questions, and understand what happened.
We Review: We examine any evidence you have—photos, texts, medical records.
We Explain: We outline your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
We Answer: We address your questions about timeline, process, and what to expect.
You Decide: No pressure to hire us on the spot. Take time to think about next steps.

Everything you tell us is confidential.

Contact Attorney911 Today

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) or lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

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

Time is Critical

Evidence disappears fast:

Group chats are deleted
Witnesses are coached
Universities control narratives
Statutes of limitations run

Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Don’t face this alone.
Don’t let powerful institutions silence your family.

Call us today. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent this from happening to another family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Our UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Click2Houston investigation: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 coverage with detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary of $10M lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Educational Videos for Families:

Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

https://attorney911.com

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 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