24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Earth

Trinity County (Texas/Trinity County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Pike: $24M, Sigma Chi: $10M+ | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 26, 2026 17 min read
trinity-county-featured-image.png

Attorney 911: Trinity County’s Trusted Hazing Litigation Experts

🚨 Hazing in Trinity County: What Families Need to Know

If you’re a parent in Trinity County, Texas, sending your child off to college is already stressful enough. But what happens when the very organizations meant to provide community and leadership—like fraternities and sororities—cross the line into abuse?

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. This isn’t just happening in Houston—it’s happening right here in Trinity County, too.

🔍 Hazing Isn’t Just “Tradition”—It’s Abuse

Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s a dangerous cycle of physical and psychological abuse that can lead to:
Hospitalization (like our client, who spent 4 days in the hospital with kidney failure)
Permanent injuries (rhabdomyolysis, brain damage, PTSD)
Death (at least one hazing-related death occurs in the U.S. every year)

And the worst part? Universities and national fraternities often turn a blind eye—until it’s too late.

💡 Why Trinity County Families Choose Attorney 911

1️⃣ We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving we have the experience, resources, and determination to take on powerful institutions.

2️⃣ We Know the Playbook (Because We Used to Defend It)

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to minimize, deny, or cover up hazing cases. Now, we use that insider knowledge to fight for victims instead of against them.

3️⃣ We Don’t Back Down—Even Against National Fraternities

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Trinity County. If they’re willing to let a student be waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles in Houston, what’s stopping them from doing the same in Trinity County?

We’re not afraid to take on the big guys—and we’ve won millions doing it.

4️⃣ We Travel to Trinity County (And Nationwide)

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims across Texas and the U.S. If your child was hazed at a Trinity County university or anywhere in America, we’ll come to you for depositions, meetings, and court appearances.

5️⃣ No Upfront Costs—We Only Get Paid If You Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that every Trinity County family can afford aggressive legal representation, no matter their financial situation.

📌 What Counts as Hazing in Texas?

Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or maintaining membership in an organization.

Examples of Hazing (That We’ve Seen Firsthand):

🔴 Physical Abuse:

  • Being struck with wooden paddles (like in our UH case)
  • Forced extreme exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
  • Waterboarding (simulated drowning with a hose)

🔴 Forced Consumption:

  • Drinking large amounts of alcohol until vomiting
  • Eating spicy food, milk, or peppercorns until sick
  • Being forced to continue exercising after vomiting

🔴 Psychological Torture:

  • Sleep deprivation (forced to drive fraternity members at all hours)
  • Humiliation (stripped to underwear in cold weather, carrying sexual objects)
  • Threats of expulsion or violence if they refuse to comply

🔴 Dangerous “Traditions”:

  • “Big Brother/Little Brother” events (forced drinking, paddling)
  • “Hell Week” (extreme physical and mental endurance tests)
  • “Line-ups” (verbal and physical abuse in front of members)

⚠️ Important: Consent Is NOT a Defense in Texas

Even if your child agreed to participate, Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Fraternities and sororities cannot hide behind “tradition” or “he signed up for it.”

🏛️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Trinity County?

When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held accountable—not just the students doing the hazing. In our current case, we’re suing:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter Directly organized and conducted the hazing
National Fraternity/Sorority Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”
University/College Owned the fraternity house (or had authority to regulate Greek life) and failed to stop hazing
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated the hazing
Former Members/Alumni Allowed hazing at their homes (premises liability)
Fraternity Housing Corporation Owned the property where hazing occurred

💰 Where the Money Comes From

Fraternities and universities don’t pay settlements out of pocket—they have insurance policies with deep pockets. We know how to force these insurers to pay what your family deserves.

📅 The Clock Is Ticking—Act Now

⏳ Texas Has a 2-Year Statute of Limitations

If your child was hazed, you have only 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. After that, your legal rights disappear forever.

🚨 Evidence Disappears Fast

  • Texts, social media posts, and photos get deleted
  • Witnesses forget details or move away
  • Fraternities destroy records to cover their tracks

The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

🛡️ What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Trinity County

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and concussions can be life-threatening.
  • Go to the ER or urgent care—document everything.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence

Photos/Videos: Take pictures of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used (paddles, hoses, alcohol bottles).
Texts/Social Media: Screenshot all communications about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs).
Witness Information: Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses.
Medical Records: Keep copies of all hospital visits, doctor notes, and bills.

Step 3: DO NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

  • They will try to control the narrative and minimize your claim.
  • Never give a recorded statement to their insurance company.
  • Never sign anything without legal review.

Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We’ll:
Evaluate your case for free
Preserve evidence before it disappears
Handle all communications with the fraternity/university
Fight for maximum compensation

💬 Real Stories from Hazing Victims (And Their Families)

📌 Case 1: The $10 Million Fight (Our Current Case)

What Happened:
A University of Houston student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi hazing. He ended up in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, requiring 4 days of inpatient care.

What We’re Doing:
We filed a $10 million lawsuit against:

  • Pi Kappa Phi National
  • The local chapter
  • The University of Houston (who owned the fraternity house)
  • Individual members and alumni

Why It Matters for Trinity County:
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Trinity County. If they’re willing to let this happen in Houston, they’re doing it in Trinity County, too.

📌 Case 2: Stone Foltz – $10.1 Million Settlement

What Happened:
A Bowling Green State University student was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event. He died from alcohol poisoning.

Outcome:

  • $10.1 million settlement (largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history)
  • Chapter permanently expelled
  • Multiple members criminally convicted

Why It Matters for Trinity County:
$10 million is possible. If a fraternity kills a student, they will pay. If they hospitalize a student, they will pay.

📌 Case 3: Maxwell Gruver – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

What Happened:
An LSU student was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event. His BAC was 0.495 (6x the legal limit) when he died.

Outcome:

  • $6.1 million jury verdict
  • “Max Gruver Act” passed in Louisiana, making hazing a felony
  • Chapter permanently banned

Why It Matters for Trinity County:
Juries hate hazing. If your case goes to trial, the verdict could be even higher than the settlement demand.

🎯 How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth in Trinity County?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically include compensation for:

Type of Damage Examples Potential Compensation
Medical Bills ER visits, hospital stays, therapy, future treatment $50,000 – $500,000+
Lost Wages Time missed from work or school $10,000 – $100,000+
Pain & Suffering Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD $100,000 – $3,000,000+
Punitive Damages Punishment for egregious conduct (like waterboarding) $500,000 – $2,000,000+ per defendant
Wrongful Death If hazing results in death $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+

💰 Total Potential Recovery: $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+

🚫 Common Defenses (And How We Crush Them)

Fraternities and universities will try every trick in the book to avoid responsibility. Here’s how we fight back:

🔹 Defense: “He Consented to the Hazing”

Our Response:
Texas law explicitly says consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code § 37.154).
No one “consents” to torture. Waterboarding, 500 squats, and wooden paddles are not reasonable “traditions.”
Peer pressure and fear of expulsion negate true consent.

🔹 Defense: “It Was Just a Prank / Tradition”

Our Response:
Hazing is illegal in Texas—it’s not a “prank,” it’s a crime.
Universities and fraternities know the risks—they’ve had decades to stop it.
Juries don’t buy it. If it looks like abuse, it is abuse.

🔹 Defense: “The University Didn’t Know”

Our Response:
They own the fraternity house. If hazing happens on their property, they’re liable.
They’ve had prior incidents. Many universities have multiple hazing reports before something serious happens.
They have a duty to protect students. Ignorance is not an excuse.

🏆 Why Trinity County Families Trust Attorney 911

✅ 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience

Ralph Manginello has been litigating cases for over 25 years, including multi-million-dollar settlements in personal injury and wrongful death cases.

✅ We Know Their Playbook (Because We Used to Work for Them)

As former insurance defense attorneys, we know exactly how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to deny or minimize claims. Now, we use that knowledge to fight for victims instead.

✅ We’ve Won Millions for Victims Like You

  • BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
  • Multi-million-dollar trucking accident cases
  • Wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
  • Our current $10 million hazing lawsuit

✅ We’re Not Afraid of Big Institutions

We’ve taken on:

  • National fraternities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma)
  • Major universities (University of Houston, Texas A&M)
  • Fortune 500 companies (BP, trucking corporations)

✅ We Travel to Trinity County (And Nationwide)

We come to you for depositions, meetings, and court appearances. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

✅ Se Habla Español

We have bilingual staff to serve Spanish-speaking families in Trinity County.

✅ 24/7 Availability for Legal Emergencies

Hazing doesn’t wait—and neither do we. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime.

📞 What Trinity County Families Should Do Next

If your child was hazed in Trinity County—or anywhere in Texas—here’s how we can help:

  1. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
  2. Schedule a free, confidential consultation (in-person or video)
  3. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options
  4. We’ll preserve evidence before it disappears
  5. We’ll handle all communications with the fraternity/university
  6. We’ll fight for maximum compensation—so you can focus on healing

🚨 Don’t Wait—The Clock Is Ticking

Every day you delay is a day closer to losing your legal rights forever. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and fraternities destroy records to cover their tracks.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

🔥 A Message to Trinity County Fraternities & Universities

To the fraternities operating near Trinity County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and all the others:
If your chapter is hazing students in Trinity County, we will find out. And we will sue you.

To Trinity County universities:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now—or face the same accountability.

The message is clear:
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now.
And we’re not stopping until every Trinity County family gets justice.

📍 Serving Trinity County & Beyond

While we’re headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Trinity County.

We will travel to Trinity County for:
Depositions
Client meetings
Court appearances
Trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

📞 Get Help Now—Before It’s Too Late

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Only Get Paid If You Win

💬 What Trinity County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911

“After my son was hazed, we felt powerless against the fraternity and the university. Attorney 911 didn’t just fight for us—they fought like it was their own child. We got justice, and now we’re making sure no other family goes through what we did.”Trinity County Parent

“I was scared to speak up because I didn’t want to lose my scholarship. Ralph and Lupe protected me every step of the way—from the police report to the lawsuit. Because of them, I got the compensation I needed to recover and move forward.”Hazing Victim

*”The fraternity tried to intimidate us into silence. Attorney 911 stood up to them and made sure they paid for what they did. If you’re dealing with hazing in Trinity County, these are the lawyers you want on your side.“* — Trinity County Family

🚀 Take Action Today—Before It’s Too Late

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it must stop.

If your child was hazed in Trinity County—or anywhere in Texas—you have legal rights. But you must act now before evidence disappears and your rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

We don’t just fight for justice—we win it. 🏆

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911