🛡️ Jasper County Hazing Victims: Your Legal Rights & How Attorney 911 Can Help
Hazing doesn’t just happen at big universities. It happens at colleges and universities across East Texas—including those near Jasper County. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client at the University of Houston have chapters at institutions near Jasper County. The same negligence that sent a student to the hospital with kidney failure exists right here in our community.
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Jasper County, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to fight these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Jasper County families.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in East Texas: What Jasper County Families Need to Know
Hazing Is Closer Than You Think
Jasper County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at colleges and universities across Texas—including those near Jasper County.
The same national fraternities involved in our current $10 million lawsuit have active chapters at institutions near Jasper County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client—waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical punishment—are happening right here in East Texas.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Jasper County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
What Is Hazing? The Legal Definition in Texas
Under Texas Education Code § 37.151, hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beating, striking, paddling)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse and humiliation
- Sexual assault or harassment
Most importantly: In Texas, CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.
The Medical Risks of Hazing: What Jasper County Parents Need to Watch For
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It can cause serious, life-threatening injuries.
Common hazing injuries we see in our cases:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure) — exactly what happened to our client
- Acute alcohol poisoning — can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
- Fractures and sprains — from extreme physical activity
- Hypothermia or heat stroke — from exposure to elements
- Internal bleeding — from physical abuse
- Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
Warning signs your child may have been hazed:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Unexplained absences from class or activities
- Physical exhaustion or inability to move normally
- Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
- Vomiting or signs of alcohol poisoning
- Fear of discussing their Greek life activities
Who Is Liable for Hazing Near Jasper County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current $10 million lawsuit, we are pursuing:
- The local fraternity/sorority chapter — for directly organizing and conducting the hazing
- The national organization — for failing to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
- The university/college — for failing to protect students despite knowing the risks
- Individual members and officers — for participating in or facilitating the hazing
- Alumni and property owners — for allowing hazing to occur at their homes or properties
Jasper County families: The same liability framework applies to hazing incidents near Jasper County. We will pursue every responsible party to ensure full accountability and maximum compensation.
The Pattern of Negligence: Why Jasper County Institutions Keep Failing
Our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston exposes a pattern of institutional negligence that exists at colleges and universities nationwide—including those near Jasper County.
The timeline of failure:
- 2017: Andrew Coffey dies at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University from forced alcohol consumption
- 2017: A student at the University of Houston is hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity
- 2025: Leonel Bermudez is hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston
Eight years. Two serious incidents at two different chapters of the same fraternity. One serious incident at the same university. And yet, nothing changed.
Jasper County families: This pattern of negligence exists at institutions near Jasper County as well. Universities and national fraternities know hazing is happening. They have the power to stop it. But they choose not to—until someone gets hurt or killed.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Jasper County Hazing Victim
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Jasper County, you have legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation
- Future medical care — ongoing treatment, potential dialysis or transplant
- Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
- Educational disruption — tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering — the agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, or other injuries
- Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression from the abuse
- Emotional distress — humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of enjoyment of life — inability to participate in normal activities
Punitive Damages:
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. Given the egregious nature of hazing—waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse—punitive damages are often appropriate.
Texas Law Protects Hazing Victims
Texas has strong laws against hazing, and our legal system provides multiple avenues for justice:
- Criminal Charges — Hazing is a crime in Texas. Depending on the severity, perpetrators can face misdemeanor or felony charges.
- Civil Lawsuits — Victims can sue for compensation for their injuries.
- Institutional Accountability — Universities and national organizations can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing.
Important: Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These aren’t just numbers—they represent real accountability for institutions that fail to protect students.
Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha
Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement
What Happened: Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a fraternity event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
Why It Matters: This case shows that fraternities and universities will pay millions when they fail to prevent hazing. Our $10 million demand for our client is directly in line with this precedent.
Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict
What Happened: Maxwell Gruver was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” pledge event. He died from alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495—more than six times the legal limit.
Why It Matters: This case shows that juries will award millions in hazing cases. The verdict led to the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi
Outcome: $110+ million estimated settlement
What Happened: Timothy Piazza was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a fraternity event. He fell down stairs multiple times and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.
Why It Matters: This case shows that when evidence is strong, settlements reach $100+ million. It led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.
Jasper County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can and do win big. The same legal strategies apply to Jasper County cases. If your child has been hazed, you have the right to seek justice and compensation.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed Near Jasper County
If you suspect your child has been hazed at a college or university near Jasper County, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.
Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety
- If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
- If they are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked out. Some conditions, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms right away.
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation if necessary.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Preserve everything:
- Medical records — hospital visits, doctor notes, therapy records
- Photos and videos — injuries, hazing activities, locations
- Communications — text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
- Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders
- Documents — pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
- Financial records — medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid
Do not:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Report the Incident
- Report to the university/college — File a formal complaint with the school’s Title IX office or student affairs department.
- Report to law enforcement — Consider filing a police report. Hazing is a crime in Texas.
- Report to the national organization — If it’s a fraternity or sorority, report the incident to the national headquarters.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
Do not speak to the organization, the university, or their insurance companies without legal representation. They will try to minimize your child’s injuries and shift blame.
Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We will:
- Evaluate your case and explain your legal rights
- Guide you through the evidence preservation process
- Handle all communications with the defendants and their lawyers
- Fight for maximum compensation for your child’s injuries
Remember: The 2-year statute of limitations in Texas means you must act quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
🏢 Who We Are: Jasper County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
About Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving Jasper County
Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we are headquartered in Houston, we proudly serve hazing victims and their families nationwide—including Jasper County.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight right now. Jasper County families get the same aggressive representation we provide locally.
Why Jasper County Families Choose Attorney 911
| Advantage | Details | Jasper County Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Battle-tested trial attorneys | Proven expertise serving Jasper County families |
| Former Insurance Defense Insight | Higher claim leverage — we know their playbook | We know how Jasper County defendants will fight back |
| Federal Court Admissions | U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas | Can pursue Jasper County cases in federal court |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York licensed | Strategic advantage for Jasper County cases against national fraternities |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking clients | Jasper County Spanish-speaking families welcome |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case | Same strategies available for Jasper County victims |
The Attorney 911 Approach: How We Serve Jasper County Hazing Victims
When a legal emergency hits—whether it’s on a Texas highway, a Jasper County campus, or a fraternity house anywhere in America—we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
For Jasper County hazing victims, our team:
- Builds cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
- Preserves evidence immediately — texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
- Negotiates from strength — we’re currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing case
- Travels to Jasper County — for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed
- Provides remote consultations — Jasper County families can video chat with our attorneys
If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Jasper County hazing victims, we take it to court.
Meet Your Attorneys: The Lawyers Fighting for Jasper County
Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner
- 25+ years of litigation experience — available for Jasper County cases
- Former insurance defense attorney — knows how insurance companies think and fight claims
- Multi-billion dollar case experience — BP Texas City explosion litigation
- Federal court authority — can pursue Jasper County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar admission — Texas and New York
- Hazing-specific expertise — currently litigating $10M hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi
Jasper County families can reach Ralph directly:
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Direct Line: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Video Consultations: Available for Jasper County families
Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney
- 12+ years of litigation experience — available for Jasper County cases
- Former national defense firm attorney — worked at Litchfield Cavo LLP defending insurance companies
- Federal court authority — can pursue Jasper County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Wrongful death expertise — direct experience representing families who have lost loved ones
- Bilingual (fluent Spanish) — can serve Jasper County Hispanic families without language barriers
- Aggressive philosophy — “Outwork, outsmart, outfight” — exactly the mentality needed to take on Jasper County fraternities and universities
Jasper County families can reach Lupe directly:
- Email: lupe@atty911.com
- Direct Line: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Video Consultations: Available for Jasper County families
The Attorney 911 “Insurance Counter-Intelligence System”
Attorney 911 has assembled a team where BOTH attorneys are FORMER INSURANCE DEFENSE LAWYERS. This is not a coincidence—it’s strategy.
Ralph Manginello (Male) — Former Insurance Defense Attorney
Lupe Peña (Male) — Former Insurance Defense Attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP, National Firm)
Together, they represent a combined 37+ years of legal experience, with deep insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate. When a hazing victim or their family hires Attorney 911, they’re not just getting lawyers—they’re getting former insiders who know exactly how the other side thinks, operates, and tries to win.
This is an UNFAIR ADVANTAGE for victims.
Payment Flexibility for Jasper County Families
We understand that cost can be a prohibitive factor in hiring a lawyer, especially for Jasper County families dealing with the trauma of hazing. We take hazing cases on CONTINGENCY—you don’t pay us unless and until you get paid yourself.
CONTINGENCY FEE: Jasper County hazing victims pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we WIN your case.
What This Means for Jasper County Families:
- No financial risk to pursue justice
- No hourly fees or retainers
- We take on the risk so you can focus on recovery
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Why Jasper County Families Choose Us for Hazing Cases
- We’re in the fight RIGHT NOW — We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—we’re actively fighting this battle.
- We know how to win — Our attorneys have 37+ years of combined experience, including former insurance defense work that gives us insider knowledge of how defendants operate.
- We travel to Jasper County — For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys will come to Jasper County as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
- We understand Greek life culture — Ralph Manginello is a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach who understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing.
- We fight for maximum compensation — We pursue every possible avenue for compensation, including economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages when appropriate.
- We protect our clients — Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We understand the intimidation culture of hazing and will protect Jasper County victims from retaliation.
- We speak Spanish — Our bilingual staff can serve Jasper County Hispanic families without language barriers.
- We care — We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We will fight for Jasper County families because we truly care about stopping this abuse.
📞 Jasper County Families: Have You or Your Child Been Hazed?
If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Jasper County, you have legal rights. You have the right to seek justice. You have the right to compensation for your child’s injuries. And you have the right to hold the people and institutions who hurt your child accountable.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Jasper County hazing emergencies
We work on contingency — $0 upfront for Jasper County families. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
What Happens When You Call:
- Free Consultation — We’ll listen to your story and evaluate your case at no cost.
- Case Evaluation — We’ll explain your legal rights and options.
- Evidence Preservation — We’ll guide you on how to preserve critical evidence.
- Immediate Action — We’ll take steps to protect your rights and begin building your case.
- No Upfront Cost — You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
🎯 Our Message to Fraternities and Universities Near Jasper County
To the fraternities operating near Jasper County: We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter operates near Jasper County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To the universities near Jasper County: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
Every national fraternity with chapters near Jasper County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
Universities in Jasper County: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏆 We Are Jasper County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it has no place on college campuses near Jasper County.
Attorney 911 is here to fight for Jasper County families. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit, and we will bring the same aggressive representation to Jasper County.
If your child has been hazed near Jasper County, call us now:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Jasper County hazing emergencies
Jasper County families pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
Together, We Can Stop Hazing in Jasper County
Hazing doesn’t have to be this way. With accountability, we can change the culture. Your Jasper County case can save lives.
Call Attorney 911 now. Let’s fight for justice together.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Jasper County and Nationwide
Hazing Victims Deserve Justice. We Fight for It.
