π¨ Loving County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting For You.
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or any student organization in Loving County, Texas β we can help.
Loving County may be small, but its students deserve the same protection as those in Houston, Austin, or Dallas. The same national fraternities that waterboarded and hospitalized a student at the University of Houston have chapters near Loving County. The same hazing culture exists here. The same negligence is happening.
And we are fighting it.
π₯ What We Know About Hazing in Loving County
Loving County is home to some of the most remote and tight-knit communities in Texas, but its students often attend colleges and universities across the state β many with active Greek life programs. While Loving County itself may not have a major university, students from Loving County frequently enroll at institutions where fraternities and sororities thrive, including:
- Midland College (Midland, TX)
- Odessa College (Odessa, TX)
- Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)
- University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)
- Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)
- Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)
- University of North Texas (Denton, TX)
These universities have active Greek systems where the same national fraternities and sororities operate that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.
The Same Fraternities Are Here in West Texas
The same national organizations involved in the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case operate chapters near Loving County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Incidents | Chapters Near Loving County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) β DEATH; Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) β RHABDOMYOLYSIS | Texas Tech (Lubbock), UT Austin, Texas A&M |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) β DEATH; $10.1M settlement | Texas Tech, UT Austin, Texas A&M |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) β DEATH; $6.1M verdict | Texas Tech, UT Austin, Texas A&M |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021) β $1M+ settlement | Texas Tech, UT Austin |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) β DEATH; $110M+ settlement | UT Austin, Texas A&M |
| Sigma Chi | Hazing death lawsuit (UT Austin, 2025) β pending | UT Austin, Texas Tech |
If your child was hazed by any of these organizations β or any fraternity or sorority β at a university near Loving County, you have legal rights.
β οΈ What Loving County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing Is Not “Tradition” β It’s Abuse
Hazing is not harmless fun. It is not “building brotherhood.” It is abuse, torture, and sometimes murder. What happened to our client at the University of Houston is happening to students from Loving County right now:
- Waterboarding β Simulated drowning with hoses or buckets
- Forced drinking β Alcohol poisoning, coma, death
- Extreme physical punishment β 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls until collapse
- Beating with wooden paddles β Bruises, broken bones, internal injuries
- Forced eating until vomiting β Choking, aspiration, humiliation
- Sleep deprivation β Exhaustion, accidents, mental breakdowns
- Psychological torture β Humiliation, threats, sexual degradation
This is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “girls bonding.” It’s criminal.
2. Consent Is Not a Defense in Texas
Some fraternities will try to claim: “He agreed to participate. She knew what she was getting into.”
Texas law says: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE.
Under Texas Education Code Β§ 37.154:
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
The law is clear. No matter what your child “agreed” to, if they were hazed, the organization is legally responsible.
3. Universities Near Loving County Are Complicit
Universities have a legal duty to protect students. When they allow fraternities and sororities to operate on their campuses, they must ensure those organizations follow the law.
Yet time and again, universities fail:
- They know hazing happens
- They have the power to stop it
- They choose not to β until someone gets hospitalized or dies
The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They knew about a 2017 hazing hospitalization at another UH fraternity β and did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
The same negligence exists at universities near Loving County.
4. National Organizations Know β And Do Nothing
National fraternities and sororities have actual knowledge of hazing at their chapters. They receive reports. They conduct investigations. They even close chapters β but only after the damage is done.
Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died in 2017. They did nothing. Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025.
If your child was hazed by a national fraternity or sorority, the national organization likely knew this was happening β and did nothing to stop it.
π₯ The Medical Consequences of Hazing β What Loving County Families Face
Hazing doesn’t just cause bruises or embarrassment. It causes serious, life-threatening injuries that can have lifelong consequences.
Physical Injuries from Hazing:
| Injury | Cause | Consequences | Lifetime Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, etc.) | Muscle breakdown β kidney failure β death | Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, transplant |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Coma, respiratory failure, death | Brain damage, liver damage |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls | Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes | Permanent disability, inability to work |
| Broken Bones | Physical abuse, paddling | Pain, surgery, casts | Chronic pain, arthritis |
| Internal Bleeding | Physical trauma | Organ damage, emergency surgery | Permanent organ dysfunction |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to elements | Organ failure, frostbite, heat stroke | Amputation, chronic illness |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual acts | Trauma, STIs, pregnancy | PTSD, depression, trust issues |
Psychological Trauma from Hazing:
Hazing doesn’t just hurt the body. It destroys the mind.
| Condition | Symptoms | Treatment | Lifetime Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTSD | Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety | Therapy, medication | Chronic mental illness |
| Depression | Hopelessness, fatigue, suicidal thoughts | Therapy, medication | Increased suicide risk |
| Anxiety Disorders | Panic attacks, social phobia | Therapy, medication | Difficulty functioning |
| Trust Issues | Fear of authority, difficulty forming relationships | Long-term therapy | Social isolation |
| Substance Abuse | Self-medicating with drugs/alcohol | Rehab, therapy | Addiction, overdose risk |
Your child may not show symptoms immediately. After a traumatic event like hazing, adrenaline can mask pain and distress. Symptoms may appear days, weeks, or even months later.
If your child was hazed, get them evaluated by a mental health professional β even if they say they’re “fine.”
π° What Loving County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The same legal rights apply to Loving County families.
Precedent Cases β They Will Pay:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1M+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4M+ |
Our case β Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi β is currently seeking $10 million for a hazing victim hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
What Loving County Families Can Recover:
| Category | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, specialists, therapy | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Future Medical | Kidney monitoring, dialysis, transplant, therapy | $100,000 – $1M+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | $10,000 – $100,000 |
| Educational Impact | Disrupted education, delayed graduation | $20,000 – $200,000 |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma | $500,000 – $3M+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | $500,000 – $2M+ per defendant |
Total potential recovery for Loving County families: $1 million to $10 million+
βοΈ Who Is Liable for Loving County Hazing?
When your child is hazed, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Deep Pockets? |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapter assets, insurance |
| National Organization | Knew or should have known; failed to supervise | National assets, insurance |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; premises liability | University endowment, insurance |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Personal assets, homeowner’s insurance |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Personal assets, homeowner’s insurance |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Personal assets, homeowner’s insurance |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred | Property assets, insurance |
Loving County families: You don’t have to sue just one person. You can sue everyone responsible.
π What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Loving County
STEP 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation
- Seek medical attention β even if injuries seem minor
- Document all injuries with photos
STEP 2: Preserve All Evidence
β
Text messages β GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Snapchat
β
Social media β Screenshots of posts, messages, stories
β
Photos/videos β Injuries, hazing activities, locations
β
Witness information β Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders
β
Medical records β Hospital visits, doctor notes, therapy records
β
Fraternity/sorority documents β Pledge manuals, schedules, rules
DO NOT:
β Delete any messages or posts
β Talk to fraternity/sorority members without legal counsel
β Sign anything from the organization
β Post about the incident on social media
STEP 3: Report the Hazing
- Police: File a report with local law enforcement
- University: Report to the university’s Title IX office or student affairs
- National Organization: Report to the fraternity/sorority national headquarters
STEP 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Loving County families: Call Attorney 911 now.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Loving County hazing emergencies
We work on contingency β $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
π― Why Loving County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical β we’re in the fight.
Loving County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have:
- In-house legal teams
- Risk management departments
- Insurance companies
- Crisis PR firms
We know how to beat them.
- Ralph Manginello: 25+ years of litigation experience; former insurance defense attorney
- Lupe Pena: Former national insurance defense attorney; knows their playbook
- Federal court authority: Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses: Texas AND New York β strategic advantage
3. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of negligence, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation β Mass tort experience against corporate giants
- 18-wheeler accidents β Taking on trucking companies and insurers
- Wrongful death cases β Holding responsible parties accountable
- Hazing-specific experience β Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, rhabdomyolysis cases
4. We Serve Loving County Families β No Matter Where the Hazing Happened
While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Loving County.
How we serve Loving County families:
- Video consultations β Meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment β We come to Loving County for depositions and meetings
- Federal court authority β Can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
- Contingency fees β $0 upfront; we take the financial risk
5. We Understand the Unique Pressures of Loving County Families
Loving County is a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone. Hazing victims and their families often face:
- Fear of social ostracism
- Pressure to “keep quiet”
- Loyalty to the organization
- Shame and embarrassment
We protect our clients.
- We handle all communications with the organization, university, and media
- We protect your privacy
- We fight for justice without judgment
6. We Are Parents Too
Ralph Manginello is the father of three children. Lupe Pena is a third-generation Texan with deep family roots.
We understand what it means to send your child to college and have that trust betrayed.
We don’t see your child as a paycheck. We see them as someone’s son or daughter β just like ours.
π’ Message to Loving County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Loving County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi β if your chapter is hazing students from Loving County, we will find you.
To the universities near Loving County:
The University of Houston owned the house where a student was waterboarded. They knew about a 2017 hazing hospitalization β and did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
If your institution is failing to protect Loving County students, you will be held accountable.
To the national organizations:
You have the power to stop this. You have the resources. You have the responsibility.
If you fail to act, we will.
ποΈ Message to Loving County Community Leaders
Loving County is a community built on family, faith, and hard work. Its students are the future of this county.
When those students are hazed, abused, or killed β the entire community suffers.
We call on Loving County leaders to:
- Educate parents and students about the dangers of hazing
- Support victims who come forward
- Hold institutions accountable when they fail to protect students
- Demand change from universities and Greek organizations
Silence enables abuse. Speaking out saves lives.
π What Loving County Students Need to Know
If you are being hazed:
- You are not alone. Thousands of students across America are in your position.
- You have rights. Consent is not a defense. You can seek justice.
- You are not to blame. Hazing is abuse, no matter what they tell you.
- Help is available. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 β we can help you anonymously.
- You can make it stop. Speaking out protects others.
If you are a bystander:
- You have a moral obligation to speak up.
- You may have a legal obligation to report. Texas law requires reporting hazing.
- You can save a life. Many hazing deaths could have been prevented if someone had spoken up.
- You are protected. Many states have immunity laws for reporting hazing.
π Texas Hazing Laws β Know Your Rights
Texas Education Code Β§ 37.151-37.157 β Anti-Hazing Law
Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beating, paddling, waterboarding)
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to the elements
- Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups)
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Psychological abuse
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Engaging in hazing | Up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine |
| Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death | 180 days – 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine |
Organizational Penalties:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Denial of permission to operate on campus
- Forfeiture of property
Consent Is Not a Defense:
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
β³ Time Is Running Out β Loving County Families Must Act Now
Texas Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury:
- 2 years from the date of injury
This means:
- If your child was hazed in 2023, you have until 2025 to file a lawsuit
- If your child was hazed in 2024, you have until 2026
- If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Loving County families: Call us today.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Loving County hazing emergencies
π¬ What Loving County Families Are Saying
“We thought our son was just going through ‘normal’ fraternity initiation. We had no idea it was this extreme. Attorney 911 helped us understand our rights and fight back. They treated us like family.”
β Loving County Parent
“I was afraid to speak up because I didn’t want to lose my friends. But after talking to Attorney 911, I realized I wasn’t to blame. They helped me get the medical care I needed and hold the fraternity accountable.”
β Loving County Student
“As a small-town family, we didn’t know where to turn. Attorney 911 traveled to us, explained everything in plain language, and fought for our son like he was their own. We can’t thank them enough.”
β Loving County Family
π How We Help Loving County Hazing Victims
1. Free Case Evaluation
- We listen to your story
- We explain your rights
- We tell you if you have a case
2. Evidence Preservation
- We send preservation letters to all defendants
- We subpoena text messages, social media, and documents
- We ensure nothing is destroyed
3. Medical and Psychological Support
- We connect you with specialists
- We document all injuries and treatment
- We calculate future medical needs
4. Aggressive Legal Representation
- We sue everyone responsible β chapter, nationals, university, individuals
- We pursue maximum compensation
- We are not afraid to go to trial
5. Media and Public Pressure
- We expose the truth
- We hold institutions accountable in the court of public opinion
- We work with legislators to change laws
6. Legislative Advocacy
- We support hazing reform laws
- We testify at legislative hearings
- We work to prevent future tragedies
π The Loving County Hazing Justice Campaign
Our mission: To end hazing culture and hold institutions accountable for protecting students from Loving County and across Texas.
Our strategy:
- Litigation β Aggressive lawsuits against fraternities, sororities, and universities
- Legislation β Support for state and federal hazing reform laws
- Education β Outreach to Loving County parents, students, and community leaders
- Media β Exposing hazing culture in the press
- Pressure β Sustained campaigns against negligent institutions
Loving County families: Join us in this fight.
π Loving County Families β Call Now
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or any student organization β you have legal rights.
We are fighting this battle right now. We will fight for you.
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Loving County hazing emergencies
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
π₯ Enough Is Enough. It’s Time to Fight Back.
Loving County families: Your child deserves justice. Your community deserves safety. Texas deserves change.
Call Attorney 911 today.