The Complete Guide for Boydston Families: Hazing Lawsuits, Campus Risks, and Texas-Specific Legal Help

An Urgent Warning for Families in Boydston and Across Texas

It’s 2:37 AM. Your phone buzzes with a frantic call from your daughter, a sophomore at the University of Houston. Her voice is slurred, panicked. She’s at an off-campus Pi Kappa Phi house near Yellowstone Boulevard Park, and her “Big Sister” just handed her a handle of vodka with the instruction: “Finish this or you’re out. Everyone before you did it.” Across the room, another pledge is vomiting into a trash can while members film on their phones. Your daughter wants to call 911 but someone just whispered, “Snitches get stitches, and chapters get shut down.” She’s trapped—terrified of both the immediate danger and the social consequences of speaking up.

For families in Boydston, Donley County, and throughout the Texas Panhandle, this nightmare scenario isn’t just hypothetical. Right now, just hours from Boydston in Houston, our firm is fighting exactly this kind of case—and the details are more disturbing than most parents can imagine. If your child attends any Texas university, from Texas A&M in College Station to UT Austin, from Baylor in Waco to smaller regional campuses, you need to understand what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law applies, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect students.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

The Modern Reality Boydston Families Need to Understand

Hazing in 2025 isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless initiation pranks. It’s a calculated system of coercion, humiliation, and abuse that leverages digital tools, psychological manipulation, and institutional loopholes to operate in plain sight. For parents in Boydston whose children might attend West Texas A&M University in nearby Canyon, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or any of the major universities across Texas, understanding these evolving tactics is critical.

Four Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. The pattern is systematic: forced consumption during “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, or drinking games framed as “traditions.” At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter, pledges were forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately required to perform sprints. The medical result? Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure requiring four days of hospitalization. This is happening right now at Texas universities.

Physical and “Wellness-Disguised” Hazing
Modern chapters often frame abuse as “fitness challenges” or “team building.” The UH Pi Kappa Phi case included 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills conducted at Yellowstone Boulevard Park. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. At Texas A&M, Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges suffered severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts after industrial-strength cleaner was poured on them during what was presented as a “bonding activity.”

Digital and Psychological Coercion
New members face 24/7 digital control through GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord. They’re required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, share live locations via tracking apps, and participate in social media humiliation. The “pledge fanny pack” rule at UH forced students to carry condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices 24/7—non-compliance meant expulsion threats. Sleep deprivation, enforced dress codes, and mandatory overnight chauffeuring create psychological exhaustion that breaks down resistance.

Sexualized and Humiliating Rituals
From forced nudity to simulated sexual acts, these abuses leave deep psychological scars. The “roasted pig” position reported in Texas A&M Corps cases involves binding students between beds with apples in their mouths. Such degradation isn’t isolated to Greek life—it occurs in athletic teams, spirit groups, and Corps programs across Texas campuses.

Texas Hazing Law: What Boydston Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes under Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F. The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Crucially, consent is not a defense (Section 37.155). This means even if your child “agreed” to participate, the conduct remains illegal when power imbalance and coercion are present.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing violations (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 charges: Assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases

Organizational and University Liability

Texas law allows prosecution of organizations themselves (Section 37.153). Fraternities, sororities, or clubs can face fines up to $10,000 per violation. More importantly for civil cases, this organizational liability creates multiple layers of potential defendants:

Individual members who planned or participated
Chapter officers who knew or should have known
National headquarters that set policies and collected dues
Universities that failed to act on prior warnings
Property owners who allowed dangerous activities

The Critical “Good Faith” Reporting Protection

Section 37.154 provides immunity for those who report hazing in good faith. This is essential for Boydston families to understand: if your child calls 911 or reports abuse, they’re protected from certain legal consequences. Texas universities also generally provide amnesty for underage drinking in medical emergencies—saving a life takes priority over disciplinary actions.

The Flagship Case: What’s Happening Right Now at University of Houston

Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi: A $10 Million Wake-Up Call

Right now, our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This case isn’t historical—it’s actively being litigated as we speak, and it shows exactly what Texas families are up against.

The Timeline of Abuse

The abuse began with seemingly “minor” requirements in September 2025: forced dress codes, hours-long “study” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties. By October, it escalated to physical torture: cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and forced consumption rituals. On November 3, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. He collapsed, unable to stand without help.

Medical Catastrophe and Institutional Response

By November 6, Bermudez was passing brown urine—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis. He was hospitalized for four days with critically elevated creatine kinase levels confirming severe muscle breakdown and acute kidney failure. The long-term risk? Permanent kidney damage. Meanwhile, the institutional response followed a familiar pattern: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter on November 6, members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, and UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” while promising cooperation with law enforcement.

Why This Case Matters for Boydston Families

This isn’t an isolated incident at one Houston fraternity. It’s a case study in how national organizations, local chapters, and universities interact when systems fail. The same national fraternities operating at UH have chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, and campuses across Texas. The same insurance companies, the same defense tactics, the same institutional pressures exist everywhere. When we uncover evidence in the Bermudez case—deleted group chats, national policy violations, prior incident reports—we’re developing strategies that protect Texas families statewide.

Where Boydston Families Send Their Students: Texas Campus Realities

The Texas University Landscape for Panhandle Families

Families in Boydston and throughout Donley County typically send students to several categories of Texas institutions:

Regional Universities Close to Home

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX) – 90 minutes from Boydston
Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX) – 2.5 hours from Boydston
Amarillo College and other Panhandle institutions

Major Texas Universities Drawing Statewide Enrollment

Texas A&M University (College Station)
University of Texas at Austin
University of Houston
Texas Tech University (already noted regionally but significant statewide draw)
Baylor University (Waco)
Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

Specialized and Commuter Campuses

Various UT System and A&M System satellite campuses
Community colleges with Greek life or organization chapters

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Your Child’s Campus

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, incident patterns, and institutional relationships across Texas. This isn’t theoretical analysis; it’s built from public records, IRS filings, and case documentation. Here’s what it tells us about the environment facing Boydston students:

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Texas Families

The Reality Behind the Letters

When your child joins an organization with Greek letters, they’re not just joining a local club. They’re entering a complex network of legal entities, insurance policies, and national hierarchies. Our database tracks 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. For Boydston families, understanding this network is crucial because liability often extends far beyond the students directly involved.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Data Samples)

The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations registered in Texas. These aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), mailing addresses, and formal structures. Here are examples from our database that represent the types of organizations operating across Texas:

House Corporations and Housing Entities

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147

Alumni Chapters and Support Organizations

Frisco TX Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated – EIN 920575785 – Frisco, TX 75034
Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Frat Inc – EIN 232452759 – Grand Prairie, TX 75054
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Beaumont Alumnae Chapter – Recorded in Beaumont-Port Arthur metro data

Honor Societies and Professional Organizations

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple chapters including Texas Tech Health Sciences (EIN 820644459), University of Texas at Tyler (EIN 352335400), Texas A&M University (EIN 900293166)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc – EIN 760221936 – Houston, TX 77277

Metro-Specific Greek Presence: Where Organizations Concentrate

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ Greek organizations including:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX
Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) – Arlington/Dallas area
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ organizations including:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston
Multiple National Pan-Hellenic Council graduate chapters

Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ organizations serving UT Austin and surrounding areas
San Antonio Metro: 86+ organizations
Lubbock Metro: 59+ organizations serving Texas Tech and surrounding campuses
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42+ organizations centered on Texas A&M

What This Means for Boydston Families

When hazing occurs, these organizational structures matter because they determine:

Where insurance coverage exists
Which national headquarters bear responsibility
How deep the investigation must go to identify all liable parties
Whether prior incidents at other chapters created foreseeable risks

National Hazing Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Deadly Scripts That Keep Claiming Lives

The most dangerous aspect of modern hazing is its predictability. The same scenarios, with minor variations, cause injuries and deaths year after year. When we see these patterns at Texas universities, we know exactly what investigations need to uncover and what defenses organizations will attempt.

Alcohol Poisoning Cases: The Most Common Killer

The Stone Foltz Pattern (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State, 2021)
A “Big/Little” night ends with a pledge forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. The student dies from alcohol poisoning. The fraternity members delay calling 911. The result: criminal convictions, a $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, $3M from university), and chapter closure. This exact pattern has occurred with Pi Kappa Alpha chapters multiple times—which is why national headquarters had clear foreseeability when similar conduct occurred elsewhere.

The Max Gruver Pattern (Phi Delta Theta, LSU, 2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers mean forced drinking. A student reaches 0.495% BAC and dies. The result: felony hazing convictions, the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, and chapter closure. When we see forced drinking games at Texas fraternities, we know this is a documented lethal pattern.

The Timothy Piazza Pattern (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State, 2017)
Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking, falls captured on chapter cameras, delayed medical care. The result: 18 members facing over 1,000 criminal counts, civil settlements, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. The surveillance footage aspect is particularly relevant as more chapters install cameras.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Patterns

The Chun “Michael” Deng Pattern (Pi Delta Psi, Baruch College, 2013)
A blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat leads to fatal head trauma. Members delay calling 911. The result: criminal convictions including for the national fraternity, a 10-year ban from Pennsylvania, and six-figure fines. This demonstrates that off-campus locations don’t eliminate liability.

The Danny Santulli Pattern (Phi Gamma Delta, Missouri, 2021)
A “pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking leads to permanent brain damage. The student cannot walk, talk, or see—requiring 24/7 lifetime care. The result: settlements with 22 defendants and chapter closure. This shows catastrophic injury doesn’t require death to create life-altering consequences.

Why These National Patterns Matter for Texas Cases

When we take a hazing case at a Texas university, we don’t start from zero. We know:

What evidence typically exists (chapter cameras, group chats, medical records)
How nationals will respond (initial denial, then “rogue chapter” defense)
What insurance arguments will be made (intentional act exclusions)
What investigative paths yield results (prior incident reports, pattern evidence)

This national perspective informs every Texas case we handle, whether at UH, Texas A&M, or regional campuses serving Boydston families.

Texas-Specific Hazing Incidents and Institutional Responses

University of Houston: Current Crisis and Historical Patterns

Beyond the active Bermudez case, UH has faced multiple hazing incidents demonstrating systemic issues:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledges deprived of food, water, and sleep during multi-day events; one student suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table. The chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension.

Multiple IFC Organizations: UH’s public conduct records show repeated alcohol violations, physical hazing incidents, and failure to follow university policies leading to probation and suspensions.

Institutional Response Pattern: UH generally follows a predictable sequence: incident report, temporary suspension, investigation, chapter probation or closure, public statement emphasizing zero tolerance. However, the recurrence of incidents suggests deeper cultural issues persist.

Texas A&M University: Greek Life and Corps Challenges

Texas A&M presents unique hazing risks through both its substantial Greek system and Corps of Cadets traditions:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended, and lawsuits were filed.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Allegations (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a simulated sexual position with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled the matter internally.

Multiple IFC and Panhellenic Suspensions: Texas A&M’s student conduct records show regular hazing violations across the Greek system, with sanctions ranging from probation to multi-year suspensions.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Recurrence

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing violation databases, which ironically reveals persistent problems:

Public Hazing Violations Log: Accessible online, showing organizations, dates, conduct descriptions, and sanctions.

Example: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.

Texas Cowboys and Spirit Groups: Multiple traditional organizations have faced hazing sanctions, showing the problem extends beyond Greek letters.

Pattern Despite Transparency: Even with public accountability, violations continue, suggesting that transparency alone doesn’t eliminate hazing culture.

Southern Methodist University: Private University Dynamics

As a private institution, SMU has different reporting requirements but similar hazing challenges:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended with multi-year recruiting restrictions.

Panhellenic and IFC Violations: Regular conduct reviews reveal alcohol hazing, forced activities, and policy violations across the Greek system.

Private University Considerations: Less public reporting but similar legal liabilities when incidents occur.

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability Challenges

Baylor’s history with institutional response to misconduct creates specific dynamics:

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions during season.

Greek Life Incidents: Multiple fraternities and sororities have faced hazing allegations and sanctions.

Institutional Context: Baylor’s recent history with sexual assault scandal responses may influence how hazing cases are handled internally.

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Why the Letters Matter

The Foreseeability Framework

When a national organization has multiple chapters with hazing incidents across the country, they have “foreseeability”—legal knowledge that specific activities create unreasonable risks. This foreseeability creates duty, and breach of that duty creates liability. For Boydston families, this means the national history of an organization matters tremendously in hazing cases.

High-Risk National Organizations with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National hazing history: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, $10M settlement), multiple other alcohol poisoning deaths
Texas chapters: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, most major campuses
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, physical abuse, cover-up culture

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National hazing history: Multiple deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
Texas chapters: Nearly every major Texas campus
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, alcohol coercion, delayed medical response

Pi Kappa Phi

National hazing history: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State), ongoing UH Bermudez case
Texas chapters: Multiple campuses including UH (now closed Beta Nu chapter)
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption rituals

Phi Delta Theta

National hazing history: Max Gruver death (LSU, Louisiana felony hazing law)
Texas chapters: Widespread Texas presence
Pattern: Drinking game hazing, bid night alcohol poisoning risks

Kappa Alpha Order

National and Texas history: SMU paddling incident, multiple suspensions
Pattern: Physical hazing traditions, alcohol abuse

How National Histories Build Civil Cases

When we investigate a hazing incident at a Texas chapter, we immediately research:

Prior incidents at that specific chapter
Prior incidents at other chapters of the same national
National policy manuals and training materials
Communications between chapter and national about risk management
Insurance coverage and prior claims

This research establishes whether the national organization knew or should have known about risks, whether their policies were adequate, and whether they enforced those policies. In the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi national had clear foreseeability based on Andrew Coffey’s death and other incidents—yet similar conduct occurred at UH.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Imperative

Hazing cases are won or lost in the first two days. Evidence disappears rapidly: group chats are deleted, witnesses are coached, physical evidence is destroyed. For Boydston families, immediate action is critical.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads with timestamps intact
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (screenshot before they disappear)
Discord or Slack channels
Fraternity-specific apps
Location data and social media posts

Photographic and Video Evidence

Injuries documented from multiple angles with date stamps
Scene photos of locations where hazing occurred
Videos recorded by participants (often exist even if deleted)
Security camera footage from houses or nearby businesses

Medical Documentation

Emergency room records explicitly stating “hazing” as cause
Lab results (creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis, BAC levels)
Hospital admission and discharge summaries
Follow-up treatment records
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, anxiety, depression

Organizational Records

Pledge manuals or “education” materials
Chapter meeting minutes
Communication with national headquarters
Prior conduct reports from university
Insurance policies and risk management documents

Witness Information

Names and contact information for other pledges
Former members who may have quit over concerns
Roommates, friends, or partners who observed changes
Medical personnel who treated injuries

The Damages Framework in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment)
Future medical care (therapy, medications, specialist visits)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Lost income and diminished earning capacity
Life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts)

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, humiliation, trauma
PTSD, anxiety, depression diagnosis and treatment
Loss of enjoyment of life and educational experience
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support and services
Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
Grief and mental anguish of surviving family

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional harm
Designed to punish and deter similar conduct
Often triggered by cover-ups, destruction of evidence, or prior warnings ignored

Strategic Considerations for Texas Cases

Sovereign Immunity Challenges with Public Universities
Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT have some immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual capacity lawsuits. We navigate these complexities while building cases that create accountability.

Insurance Coverage Battles
Fraternity and university insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” We counter by arguing negligent supervision claims remain covered, and we identify all potential insurance sources (national policies, chapter policies, individual homeowner policies).

Multiple Defendant Coordination
Hazing cases typically involve 10-20+ defendants: individual members, chapter officers, national organizations, housing corporations, universities. We develop strategies that account for different defendants having different motivations, insurance, and defense approaches.

Practical Guide for Boydston Parents and Students

Immediate Steps If You Suspect Hazing

First 24 Hours: Preservation and Protection

Medical Priority: If injured or intoxicated, go to ER immediately. Tell medical staff “this was hazing” for documentation.
Digital Evidence: Screenshot ALL group chats, DMs, texts. Even embarrassing content is evidence.
Physical Evidence: Photograph injuries from multiple angles. Save clothing, receipts, any objects used.
Documentation: Write down everything—names, dates, locations, what happened, who was there.
Witness List: Record names and contact information for anyone who saw or knows about incidents.
Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Do NOT wait.

What NOT to Do

Don’t delete any messages, even if embarrassing
Don’t confront the organization directly
Don’t sign anything from university or insurance without legal review
Don’t post details on social media
Don’t let your child attend “one last meeting” with the organization

Recognizing Hazing Warning Signs

Physical Indicators

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance abuse
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage

Behavioral Changes

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the group
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”

Academic Red Flags

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Patterns

24/7 group chat monitoring requirements
Geo-tracking demands via Find My Friends or Life360
Social media policing by members
Requests/demands via disappearing message apps

Navigating University Reporting Systems

Where to Report

Dean of Students Office: Primary point for conduct violations
Campus Police: For criminal aspects (assault, alcohol to minors)
Title IX Office: If hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based elements
Greek Life Office: Though be aware they may prioritize system protection
State and Local Police: For serious criminal conduct

What to Expect from Universities

Initial expressions of concern and promises to investigate
Possible interim measures (chapter suspension during investigation)
Internal conduct process with varying transparency
Potential pressure to handle “internally” rather than legally
Possible retaliation concerns against reporting students

Protecting Your Rights During University Processes

Document all communications (emails, meetings, phone calls)
Consult with attorney before making formal statements
Understand that university discipline ≠ legal accountability
Be aware of timing (investigations can drag, evidence disappears)
Consider parallel legal action rather than relying solely on university process

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

Mistake #1: Deleting Evidence
Thinking: “I don’t want this embarrassing stuff saved”
Reality: Looks like cover-up, destroys case. Preserve EVERYTHING.

Mistake #2: University-Only Resolution
Thinking: “The school promised to handle it internally”
Reality: Universities protect institutions first. Internal discipline rarely produces accountability or compensation.

Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long
Thinking: “Let’s see how this plays out”
Reality: Texas has 2-year statute of limitations, evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade.

Mistake #4: Talking to Insurance Adjusters
Thinking: “They just need my statement to process the claim”
Reality: Recorded statements are used to minimize value. Everything should go through your attorney.

Mistake #5: Social Media Posts
Thinking: “I want people to know what happened”
Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility. Waives privacy.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Boydston Families

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and universities actually operate—and how to hold them accountable when systems fail.

Insurance Insider Advantage: 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 claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements
Deploy Independent Medical Exams to reduce damages

This insider knowledge is invaluable. We don’t guess at defense strategies—we know them because we used to implement them. When insurers claim hazing is excluded, we know how to argue negligent supervision claims remain covered. When they lowball settlements, we know how to build cases that force fair valuations.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience: Ralph Manginello’s Track Record

Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same capability applies directly to hazing cases against national fraternities and major universities. We’re not intimidated by institutional defendants because we’ve faced them before—and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Results

Our firm has recovered millions for families in wrongful death and severe injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build comprehensive damage models that reflect true lifetime impacts. In hazing cases, this means properly valuing:

Lifetime medical care for brain injuries or organ damage
Lost earning capacity when education or careers are derailed
Emotional trauma and psychological treatment needs
Family impacts and relationship damages

Digital Evidence and Investigation Capability

Hazing cases live in digital evidence: deleted group chats, social media posts, encrypted messages. We have relationships with digital forensics experts who can recover “permanently deleted” communications. We know how to subpoena national fraternity records, university conduct files, and insurance documents. Our investigative approach mirrors how we handle complex trucking or refinery cases—leave no stone unturned.

Texas-Specific Legal Knowledge

We understand Texas hazing law (Chapter 37), sovereign immunity issues with public universities, and how Texas courts approach institutional liability. We’re admitted in federal courts (Southern District of Texas) for cases involving Title IX or other federal claims. We speak the language of Texas judges and understand what evidence matters in our jurisdiction.

Spanish Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult with Spanish-speaking families directly. This is particularly important for Texas’ diverse population and ensures all families can access quality legal representation regardless of language.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency for personal injury cases, including hazing litigation. This means:

No upfront costs for families
No hourly billing
We only get paid if we recover compensation
Aligns our interests completely with yours

Your Next Steps: Boydston-Specific Guidance

If You’re Currently Dealing with a Hazing Situation

Immediate Action Required

Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 availability)
Preserve Evidence: Follow our digital evidence checklist
Medical Attention: Document everything through healthcare providers
Avoid Common Pitfalls: No deletions, no confrontations, no unsigned agreements

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact our firm, we’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs and process
Provide immediate guidance on protecting rights
No pressure to hire immediately—take time to decide

Boydston-Specific Considerations

Families in Boydston and the Texas Panhandle should consider:

Proximity to Campuses: West Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other regional universities have Greek life and organization risks
Legal Venues: Depending on where incidents occur, cases may be in various Texas counties or federal districts
Travel Considerations: We make the process accessible regardless of your location in Texas
Local Connections: We understand Texas culture, university systems, and community dynamics

Contact Information for Boydston Families

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Families Throughout Texas

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781 (Ralph Manginello direct)
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello)
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Office Locations:
Houston, Texas (Primary)
Austin, Texas
Beaumont, Texas

Service Area: We serve families throughout Texas, including Boydston, Donley County, the Texas Panhandle, and all regions of the state.

Final Thoughts for Boydston Families

Hazing isn’t a “rite of passage” or “tradition” that students should endure. It’s abuse—often criminal abuse—that leaves physical injuries, psychological trauma, and sometimes causes death. Texas law recognizes this reality through Education Code Chapter 37, which makes hazing illegal regardless of “consent” and provides pathways for accountability.

The case we’re currently fighting at University of Houston—representing Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi—shows exactly what’s at stake. A young man facing permanent kidney damage. A national fraternity with prior hazing deaths. A university responding after the fact. This pattern repeats across Texas campuses, year after year.

If your family is facing a hazing situation, whether at a major university or regional campus, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have experienced legal teams and insurance companies focused on minimizing liability. You deserve advocates who understand these systems and know how to fight for accountability.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll listen, we’ll explain your options, and we’ll help you make informed decisions about protecting your child and pursuing accountability. Because in Texas, hazing isn’t just wrong—it’s illegal, and those responsible should be held accountable.

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)
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