The Definitive Bedford, Texas Guide to Hazing Laws, Lawsuits & Fraternity Accountability

A Message to Bedford Parents and Families

When your child leaves for college, you picture lecture halls, football games, and lifelong friendships. You don’t picture secret rituals in off-campus houses, forced drinking games, or hospital rooms. Yet for families right here in Bedford and across Tarrant County—whether your student is at the University of Texas at Arlington down the road, Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, or a major state school like UT Austin or Texas A&M—this nightmare is real. As campus opens this year, we want every Bedford family to understand what hazing truly looks like in 2025, the legal rights you have under Texas law, and the patterns of accountability that have emerged from national tragedies. Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country—the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity—and we see firsthand how institutions try to cover up abuse while families suffer.

If your child has been hurt, humiliated, or forced into dangerous activities to join a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, athletic team, or campus organization, this guide is for you. We’ll explain Texas hazing law in plain English, show you what national cases reveal about organizational patterns, and provide practical steps to protect your child and hold the right people accountable.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR BEDFORD FAMILIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW: Call 911 for medical emergencies, then call Attorney911 at 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. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items. Write down everything while memory is fresh. Do NOT confront the organization, sign anything from the university, or post details on social media.
Contact an experienced hazing attorney 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.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025 (Beyond the Stereotypes)

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. Under Texas law, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership that endangers mental or physical health or safety. What does that look like for Bedford students today?

The Modern Hazing Playbook

Alcohol and Substance Coercion: This remains the deadliest pattern. It’s not “just drinking”—it’s forced consumption rituals. “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor. “Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean chugging. Lineups where new members must finish drinks before older members. These aren’t parties; they’re calculated tests with predictable, sometimes fatal, outcomes.

Physical and Psychological Torture: Extreme workouts disguised as “conditioning”—hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, sprints in freezing weather. Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls. Food manipulation: forced consumption of spoiled food, excessive milk, hot sauce, or pepper until vomiting. Humiliation through degrading costumes, public performances, or sexualized acts. These create both immediate physical danger and long-term psychological trauma.

Digital Domination and Control: Today’s hazing happens in group chats as much as in basements. Pledges are required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, share live location tracking, post humiliating content on social media, and participate in digital “challenges.” Deleting messages or refusing participation brings retaliation. This 24/7 control weaponizes the technology that’s supposed to keep students connected to their families back in Bedford.

The “Optional” Deception: Organizations increasingly frame hazing as “voluntary” or “optional” to create legal cover. But the social reality is clear: not participating means being cut from the “big/little” pairing, excluded from events, or labeled “not committed.” For a student who’s invested months trying to join, this isn’t a real choice—it’s coercion with social consequences.

Where Hazing Happens (It’s Not Just Fraternities)

While fraternities and sororities generate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC Programs
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and Tradition Organizations (like Texas Cowboys)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Clubs

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the abuse of power dynamics, the cloak of “tradition,” and the institutional reluctance to intervene until tragedy strikes.

Texas Hazing Law: What Bedford Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F). Understanding these laws is crucial for Bedford families, whether your child attends school in Tarrant County or elsewhere in Texas.

The Legal Definition (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 mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization with student members.

Key Points for Bedford Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb, a retreat, or a member’s house is still hazing.
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just be reckless about known risks.
Mental harm counts: Psychological abuse, humiliation, and coercion qualify.
Consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code §37.155 says this explicitly). Your child “agreeing” under peer pressure doesn’t legalize the abuse.

Criminal Penalties (Texas Education Code §37.152)

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

Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer who knew) and retaliating against reporters are also misdemeanors.

Organizational Liability (Texas Education Code §37.153)

Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and universities themselves can face:

Criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report
Fines up to $10,000 per violation
Civil lawsuits for negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, and more

Protections for Reporters (Texas Education Code §37.154)

A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability from the report. Many Texas universities also offer amnesty policies for those who call 911 in alcohol-related emergencies, even if underage drinking was involved.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Major hazing deaths and injuries follow predictable scripts. Bedford families should know these patterns, as the same national organizations operate at Texas schools.

The Deadly Drinking Script

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid acceptance night with forced drinking. Piazza fell multiple times on fraternity security cameras; brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. He died from traumatic brain injuries. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Gruver’s BAC reached 0.495%. He died from alcohol toxicity. Result: Criminal convictions, civil settlements, and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute).

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. Died from alcohol poisoning. Result: Multiple criminal convictions, $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Pattern Lesson for Bedford: These weren’t “accidents.” They were predictable outcomes of ritualized forced drinking that national organizations knew about from prior incidents.

Physical and Ritualized Abuse

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at Pennsylvania retreat. Died from traumatic brain injury; help was delayed. Result: Multiple convictions, national fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Forced to drink excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal.” Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care). Result: Multiple criminal charges, settlements with 22 defendants.

Pattern Lesson for Bedford: Dangerous physical rituals continue despite national “policies,” and organizations face liability even at off-campus retreats.

Athletic Program Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Multiple lawsuits against university and staff. Result: Head coach fired, confidential settlements, ongoing litigation.

Pattern Lesson for Bedford: Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Multi-million dollar athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse with institutional cover-ups.

What These Cases Mean for Bedford Families

Patterns are predictable: The same scripts (forced drinking games, physical endurance tests, humiliation rituals) repeat across campuses.
Delayed medical care worsens outcomes: Cultures that discourage calling 911 increase both harm and liability.
National organizations know the risks: Their anti-hazing policies exist precisely because these tragedies have happened before.
Accountability follows tragedy: Major reforms and multi-million dollar settlements typically come only after litigation exposes systemic failures.

The Texas Hazing Landscape: Universities Bedford Families Actually Use

Bedford students attend universities across Texas. Understanding each campus’s Greek ecosystem, history, and reporting systems is crucial.

University of Texas at Arlington (Tarrant County’s Major University)

For Bedford Families: UTA is literally in our backyard in Arlington. With over 400 student organizations and active Greek life, many Bedford students choose UTA for its proximity and programs.

Greek Life Snapshot: UTA hosts fraternities and sororities across IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils. Organizations maintain houses both on and off campus in Arlington.

Recent History and Oversight: While UTA hasn’t had hazing deaths making national headlines, the university has disciplined organizations for alcohol violations, unauthorized social events, and conduct that endangers students. Like all Texas public universities, UTA falls under Texas Education Code Chapter 37 for hazing violations.

What Bedford Parents Should Know:

UTA’s Dean of Students Office handles hazing complaints
Incidents at off-campus houses in Arlington still fall under UTA jurisdiction if involving recognized organizations
Criminal jurisdiction may involve both UTA Police and Arlington Police Department
The close proximity means Bedford parents can more easily visit campus, meet with administrators, and attend disciplinary hearings if needed

Texas Christian University (Fort Worth’s Premier Private University)

For Bedford Families: Just a short drive from Bedford in Fort Worth, TCU draws many Tarrant County students with its strong academic reputation and prominent Greek system.

Greek Life Snapshot: Approximately 40% of TCU students participate in Greek life. The university has faced public scrutiny over hazing incidents, including:

Kappa Alpha Order suspension (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
Various alcohol-related incidents leading to chapter probations

TCU’s Unique Position: As a private university, TCU has fewer transparency requirements than public schools but also less sovereign immunity protection in lawsuits.

What Bedford Parents Should Know:

TCU uses the “Real Response” anonymous reporting system
Hazing violations may result in loss of university recognition, not just criminal charges
Civil lawsuits against TCU don’t face the same sovereign immunity hurdles as public universities
The Fort Worth legal community is familiar with TCU Greek life cases

Other Major Texas Universities Bedford Families Use

University of Texas at Austin: Many high-achieving Bedford students attend UT Austin. The university maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions. Recent entries include Pi Kappa Alpha (2023: forced milk consumption and strenuous calisthenics) and various spirit groups. UT’s transparency is higher than many schools, but repeated violations show ongoing issues.

Texas A&M University: With its strong Corps of Cadets tradition and large Greek system, Texas A&M has faced multiple high-profile cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Corps of Cadets lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position

Southern Methodist University: Though in Dallas, SMU attracts Bedford students. The university has faced hazing incidents including the Kappa Alpha Order suspension mentioned earlier. SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek presence create unique dynamics in hazing cases.

Baylor University: Baylor’ religious identity doesn’t immunize it from hazing. The baseball team faced suspensions (2020) following hazing investigations. Baylor’s history with institutional response to misconduct (Title IX scandal) informs how it handles hazing allegations.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Greek Ecosystem: What Bedford Families Are Really Dealing With

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area contains 510 Greek organizations according to Cause IQ data. These aren’t just undergraduate chapters—they include housing corporations, alumni associations, honor societies, and educational foundations that all play roles in the ecosystem Bedford students enter.

Public Records Reality: Who’s Behind the Letters

When Bedford students join organizations, they’re connecting to a network of legal entities. Here’s a sample of what exists in our metro area (all from verified public records):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity

Address: 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
IRS EIN: 74-2911848
Role: Christian fraternity organization

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc

Address: PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
IRS EIN: 74-1380362
Role: Fraternity educational and housing foundation

Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter

Address: Canyon, TX (serving West Texas A&M)
Metro: Amarillo area but shows statewide network

Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Various Chapters

Multiple chapters across DFW metro
Role: Educators’ honor society (shows Greek-like organizations exist beyond social groups)

Why This Matters for Bedford Families: These organizations have legal identities, tax statuses, and often insurance coverage. When hazing occurs, determining which entities bear responsibility requires tracing through this organizational maze. We maintain this data so Bedford families don’t start from zero.

National Brands with Local Chapters

The same national organizations involved in high-profile hazing deaths operate chapters at DFW area schools:

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”): Involved in Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement). Has chapters at UT Arlington, TCU, and other Texas schools.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”): Multiple hazing deaths nationwide. Faced lawsuit at Texas A&M over chemical burns. Has DFW area chapters.

Phi Delta Theta: Involved in Max Gruver death at LSU. Active in Texas.

Pi Kappa Phi: Involved in Andrew Coffey death at Florida State. Currently facing our $10M lawsuit at University of Houston.

Kappa Alpha Order: Faced SMU suspension for paddling and forced drinking. Active in Texas.

Pattern Recognition: When these nationals have chapters at schools Bedford students attend, they bring with them organizational histories, risk management patterns, and litigation precedents that affect local cases.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

If your Bedford family is facing a hazing situation, understanding the legal process can reduce fear and help you make informed decisions.

The Evidence That Wins Cases (Start Collecting NOW)

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps. Screenshot ENTIRE threads with timestamps and participant names visible.
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts showing events, injuries, or planning.
Emails: Official chapter communications, calendar invites, instructions from officers.
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends sharing, Uber/Lyft receipts showing where events occurred.

Physical and Medical Evidence:

Injury photos: Multiple angles, include coin/ruler for scale, document progression over days.
Medical records: ER reports, hospital stays, lab results (especially blood alcohol, creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis), mental health evaluations.
Objects: Clothing worn during hazing, paddles, alcohol bottles, props. Do NOT wash or clean anything.
Receipts: For forced purchases, alcohol bought for events, “fines” paid to organization.

Institutional Records:

University discipline: Prior violations by same organization (obtainable via public records requests).
Campus police reports: Incident documentation.
National fraternity files: Prior incident reports, risk management communications (obtained through discovery in lawsuits).

Witness Information:

Names and contact info for other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, bystanders.
Document what each person saw or knows while memories are fresh.

The Legal Strategy: Who Can Be Held Accountable

Hazing cases typically involve multiple defendants, each with different defenses:

Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up.
Defenses often claim: “It was voluntary,” “We were just partying,” “No one meant to hurt anyone.”

Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority as an entity (if incorporated).
Chapter officers acting in official capacity.
Defenses often claim: “Rogue individuals,” “Violated our policies,” “Not our official activity.”

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Sets policies, receives dues, provides training, supervises chapters.
Defenses often claim: “Didn’t know,” “Had anti-hazing policies,” “Can’t control every chapter.”

University:

Public schools (UTA, UT, A&M) have sovereign immunity limitations but can still face gross negligence claims.
Private schools (TCU, SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections.
Defenses often claim: “Happened off-campus,” “Not our jurisdiction,” “We investigated properly.”

Third Parties:

Property owners of houses/venues where hazing occurred.
Alcohol providers (dram shop liability).
Security companies or event organizers.

How We Overcome Common Defenses

Based on our experience with the UH Pi Kappa Phi case and others:

Against “They Consented”:
Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing (§37.155). We show coercion through group chat evidence, power dynamics, and social consequences of refusal.

Against “National Didn’t Know”:
We subpoena national’s records to show prior incidents at this chapter or others, warning emails, and pattern of similar conduct they should have anticipated.

Against “Happened Off-Campus”:
Location doesn’t eliminate duty. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability (see Pi Delta Psi retreat case precedent).

Against “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”:
We show policies were window-dressing—not enforced, with minimal consequences for prior violations. Having a policy isn’t enough; meaningful enforcement is required.

Against Insurance Coverage Denials:
Fraternity and university insurers often deny claims saying hazing is “intentional” and thus excluded. We argue negligent supervision is covered even if individuals acted intentionally, and pursue bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage.

Realistic Timelines and Outcomes

Most Cases Settle Confidentially:

Pre-trial settlements protect victim privacy
Terms often include institutional reforms beyond money
Settlement amounts vary based on: injury severity, evidence strength, defendant resources, jurisdiction

When Cases Go to Trial:

Results in public verdicts and precedent
Recent hazing verdicts: $6.1M (Max Gruver), $12.6M (Chad Meredith), $10M+ (Sigma Chi College of Charleston)
Individual officers can face personal liability (Pi Kappa Alpha president ordered to pay $6.5M personally)

Non-Financial Outcomes Matter:

Chapter closures and university recognition revoked
Policy changes and prevention programs implemented
Public accountability and prevention of future harm

Practical Guide for Bedford Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Response

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Secretive about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”
Academic decline, missing classes for “mandatory” events
Financial strain from unexpected “dues,” “fines,” or purchases for older members

If You Suspect Hazing:

Talk non-confrontationally: “How are things with [organization]? Is everyone respectful of your time and safety?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, prioritize their safety over your anger.
Document everything: Write down what they tell you (dates, times, names, details).
Preserve evidence: Help them screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items.

If Your Child Is Injured:

Medical care FIRST: Go to ER immediately if injured or intoxicated.
Preserve evidence: Photograph injuries, screenshot messages, save clothing/objects.
Contact attorney within 48 hours: Evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Do NOT: Confront the organization, sign university papers, post on social media, or let your child delete messages.

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

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

If You Want to Quit/De-pledge:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure you

If You’re Being Retaliated Against:

Document threats (screenshots, recordings if legal in Texas)
Report to Dean of Students and campus police
Seek protective order if necessary
Texas harassment and stalking laws protect you

Good Faith Reporting Protections:

Texas law provides immunity for those who report hazing in good faith
Most universities offer amnesty for underage drinking when calling 911 in emergencies
Your safety matters more than “getting in trouble”

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Deleting Evidence: Messages seem embarrassing now but prove coercion later. Screenshot everything immediately.
Confronting the Organization: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, and coach witnesses. Let your attorney handle communications.
Signing University “Resolution” Papers: Universities pressure quick settlements that waive your rights. Never sign without attorney review.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility. Keep details private.
Waiting for University Investigation: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run. Preserve evidence NOW.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you. “My attorney will contact you” is the only response.
Letting Your Child “Handle It”: The power imbalance ensures they’ll be pressured into statements that hurt the case. Parents must be involved.

Bedford-Specific FAQs

“My child goes to UT Arlington. Can we sue the university?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. The specific facts matter—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“The hazing happened at an off-campus house in Arlington. Does that matter?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus.

“We’re in Bedford but the school is in College Station. Can you help?”
Absolutely. We’re Texas-based hazing specialists serving families statewide. We handle cases through direct representation, co-counsel arrangements with local attorneys, and comprehensive consultation. Distance doesn’t limit our ability to help Bedford families.

“Will my child’s name be public if we sue?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does this cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover money for you. Initial consultations are always free. We advance case costs and get reimbursed only if we win.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call us immediately.

Why Attorney911 for Bedford Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. Here’s why Bedford families choose us:

We’re Fighting Texas’s Most Serious Active Hazing Case Right Now

We represent Leonel Bermudez in the $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. The facts are horrific:

Forced to carry “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 with condoms, sex toys, humiliating items
Physical abuse: sprints, bear crawls, lying in vomit, sprayed with hose “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
Extreme workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
Medical catastrophe: Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, hospitalized 4 days, faces permanent kidney damage risk

The chapter was suspended (Nov 6, 2025) and voted to surrender its charter (Nov 14, 2025). UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This isn’t ancient history—we’re in active litigation right now, facing the same national fraternities and university defense teams your Bedford family might encounter.

Insider Insurance Knowledge (Lupe Peña’s Defense Background)

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers who think families don’t understand their tactics.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello’s Background)

Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporate defendants. That same experience applies to suing national fraternities and universities with unlimited legal budgets. Additional credentials:

Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) membership
25+ years handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
Multi-million dollar settlement track record

Texas-Wide Reach with Bedford Understanding

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Bedford and Tarrant County. We understand:

The DFW Greek ecosystem with its 510+ organizations
Jurisdictional issues involving UTA, TCU, and other local schools
Tarrant County courts and legal procedures
How to work with local co-counsel when appropriate

Comprehensive Investigative Resources

We deploy the same investigative rigor used in our BP and wrongful death cases:

Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
Medical specialists to document hazing injuries (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD)
Economists to calculate lifetime damages
Greek life culture experts to explain coercion dynamics
Institutional policy experts to show organizational failures

Spanish Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. For Bedford’s Hispanic families, we provide complete services in Spanish—consultations, documents, negotiations, and courtroom representation when needed.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your Bedford family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have lawyers protecting their interests—you deserve the same advocacy.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence.
Evidence review: We’ll look at any photos, messages, medical records you have.
Legal options explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither—we explain the pros and cons.
Realistic expectations: We discuss possible timelines, outcomes, and challenges.
Cost transparency: Contingency fee explanation—no fee unless we recover money for you.
No pressure: Take time to decide. We’re here when you’re ready.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
Website: https://attorney911.com
Hablamos Español: Complete services in Spanish available

Serving Bedford and All of Texas: Whether your student attends UTA, TCU, or any Texas university, we have the experience, resources, and determination to help your family seek accountability and prevent this from happening to others.

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