Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Paradise Families Seeking Justice and Accountability

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You Are Not Alone—And the Law is on Your Side

For a parent in Paradise, Texas, the call no one wants to receive often starts with a whispered confession or a late-night trip to the emergency room. Your child, full of promise and excited to start their college journey at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another Texas campus, is now hurting, scared, and confused. They might describe being forced to drink until they vomited, subjected to extreme workouts until their muscles broke down, or humiliated in a group chat that never sleeps. You feel a mix of rage, fear, and helplessness. This was supposed to be a time of growth, not trauma.

Right now, in our own state, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases to emerge in recent years. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a former University of Houston student who was brutally hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in the fall of 2025. The allegations are horrifying: a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme physical workouts that led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was hospitalized for four days, passing brown urine, and faces the risk of permanent kidney damage. This is not a distant news story—it is an active, $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County, and it exemplifies the brutal reality of modern hazing that families in Wise County and across Texas must confront.

This guide is written for you—the parents, families, and students in Paradise, Decatur, Boyd, and throughout Wise County—who are grappling with the nightmare of hazing. Whether your child attends a university an hour away or across the state, the patterns of abuse, institutional cover-ups, and legal battles are tragically similar. Our goal is to arm you with knowledge: what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what has happened at major Texas universities, and the practical steps you can take to protect your family and pursue accountability. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for any medical emergency.
• Then call us, Attorney911, at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate legal guidance for crises.

In the first 48 hours:

1. Get Medical Attention: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” seek a professional evaluation. Injuries like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) may not be immediately apparent.
2. Preserve Evidence BEFORE It’s Deleted:
   • Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), text messages, and social media DMs.
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles. Place a coin or ruler next to wounds for scale.
   • Save physical items (soiled clothing, paddles, receipts for alcohol).
   • Write down everything your child remembers—names, dates, locations, specific acts—while memories are fresh.
3. DO NOT:
   • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or team directly.
   • Sign any documents from the university or an insurance company.
   • Post details on public social media.
   • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” their phone.

Contact our experienced hazing attorneys within 24-48 hours. Evidence vanishes quickly. Universities and organizations move faster to control the narrative than to help your child. We can help you preserve evidence, understand your rights, and navigate the crisis. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: It’s More Than Just “Bad Pranks”

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “hell week” of past generations. Today, it is a calculated mix of psychological manipulation, digital control, and physical abuse, often disguised as “tradition,” “team building,” or “bonding.” For a new member desperate to belong, the line between voluntary participation and coercive abuse is deliberately blurred.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

In Texas, hazing is legally defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization. The act must endanger the student’s mental or physical health or safety. Crucially, the victim’s “consent” is not a defense under Texas law. When there is a power imbalance, fear of exclusion, and group pressure, there is no true consent.

The Four Pillars of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing: The most common and deadliest form. This includes forced chugging, drinking games with penalties (like the “Bible study” that killed Max Gruver at LSU), “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, and coerced consumption of drugs or unknown substances.
2. Physical and “Endurance” Hazing: This ranges from paddling and beatings to extreme, punitive calisthenics. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was forced to do over 100 push-ups and 500 squats in a single session. It includes sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme elements, and dangerous “rituals” like the blindfolded tackling that killed Michael Deng at a Pi Delta Psi retreat.
3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: Designed to degrade and assert dominance. This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (e.g., “elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions), wearing demeaning costumes, and acts with racist, homophobic, or sexist overtones.
4. Digital and Psychological Hazing: The 24/7 control mechanism. Pledges are monitored through GroupMe, required to respond instantly at all hours, have their locations tracked via apps, and are subjected to public shaming on social media. Psychological abuse includes verbal intimidation, isolation from non-members, threats of expulsion, and “secrecy oaths” that prevent victims from seeking help.

Who is at Risk?

While fraternities and sororities are often in the headlines, hazing pervades many organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC Units
• Athletic Teams (from football to swimming)
• Spirit and Tradition Groups (e.g., Texas Cowboys, cheer teams)
• Marching Bands and Performance Ensembles
• Certain Academic, Service, and Cultural Clubs

The common thread is a hierarchical structure, a culture of “earning” membership, and a tradition of secrecy.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability: A Framework for Accountability

Texas has clear, strong statutes criminalizing hazing, but the path to justice often requires navigating both the criminal and civil legal systems. Understanding this framework is the first step toward holding the right people accountable.

Texas Education Code, Chapter 37: The Anti-Hazing Statute

• Definition (§37.151): As noted, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation.
• Criminal Penalties (§37.152):
  • Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
  • Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes bodily injury.
  • State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death.
  • It is also a crime for an officer or member to fail to report hazing they are aware of.
• Organizational Liability (§37.153): The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or encouraged the hazing.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): This critical provision strips away the most common excuse. It doesn’t matter if the victim “went along with it.”
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§37.154): Individuals who report hazing in good faith to authorities are immune from civil or criminal liability. This encourages bystanders to call for help.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Justice

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (District Attorney). The goal is punishment—fines, probation, or jail time for individuals. A conviction can result from charges like hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or even manslaughter. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case at UH is under criminal investigation.
• Civil Cases: Brought by the victim or their family. The goal is financial compensation (damages) and institutional accountability. We file lawsuits based on negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, and premises liability. A civil case can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed, and the standard of proof is lower.

The Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault (which it often does), universities have a legal duty under Title IX to investigate and address the hostile environment.
• Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain crimes, including assaults and arrests for liquor/drug violations, in their annual security reports. Hazing incidents often overlap with Clery-reportable crimes.
• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): A new federal law requiring colleges to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs. This will increase transparency for families by 2026.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

A thorough investigation seeks to identify every entity that failed in its duty:

1. The Individuals Who Perpetrated the Acts: Members who planned, carried out, or supplied alcohol for the hazing.
2. The Local Chapter: As a legal entity, it can be sued for creating a dangerous culture and failing to control its members.
3. The National Organization: Headquarters that collect dues, set policies, and have a history of similar incidents across the country. Their knowledge of past hazing is key to proving they should have done more.
4. The University: Schools can be liable for negligent supervision if they knew or should have known about a dangerous pattern and failed to act. Public universities like UH and Texas A&M have certain immunity protections, but gross negligence can overcome them.
5. Third Parties: Property owners of off-campus houses, alumni advisors, and even alcohol providers under dram shop laws.

National Hazing Cases: The Tragic Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The hazing that injured Leonel Bermudez at UH is not an isolated anomaly. It follows a national playbook written in tragedy. Understanding these cases shows that what happened to your child was foreseeable—and therefore preventable.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

• Timothy Piazza, Penn State (Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid-acceptance night of forced drinking. Brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 hours. Result: 18 members charged, new Pennsylvania law, multi-million dollar civil settlements.
• Max Gruver, LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game. Result: Felony hazing convictions, the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a $6.1 million verdict for his family.
• Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Died after being forced to drink a bottle of liquor. Result: $10 million in total settlements ($7M from Pike national, $3M from BGSU), criminal convictions, and the chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
• Andrew Coffey, Florida State (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Died after a “Big Brother” night. His case is a direct parallel to the national history of the same fraternity now involved at UH.

The Physical & Ritualized Violence Pattern

• Chun “Michael” Deng, Baruch College (Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Died from brain injuries after a blindfolded, violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. Result: National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
• Danny Santulli, University of Missouri (Phi Gamma Delta, 2021): Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage from forced drinking. Result: Criminal charges, confidential multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants.

What These Cases Mean for Paradise Families

These national tragedies created legal precedents and plaintiff victories that directly benefit Texas families. They prove:

• Juries award multi-million dollar verdicts for hazing deaths and catastrophic injuries.
• National fraternities can be held liable for the patterns of abuse they fail to eradicate.
• Universities face massive settlements when their negligence is exposed.
• The legal strategies used in these cases—uncovering prior incidents, proving institutional knowledge, battling insurance denials—are the same we employ for our clients in Texas.

A Texas-Specific Deep Dive: Universities Serving Wise County Families

Families in Paradise and Wise County send their children to universities across the state. The following analysis is critical for understanding where risks exist and how each institution has handled—or failed to handle—hazing crises.

University of Houston: A Case Study in Active Litigation

For Paradise parents, UH is a major destination, just a couple of hours’ drive away. The events of fall 2025 show that severe hazing is not a historical problem but a current, ongoing threat.

• The Active Case – Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi: This lawsuit alleges a campaign of abuse against pledge Leonel Bermudez. Hazing occurred at the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. The “pledge fanny pack” rule, forced overeating, waterboarding simulation, and extreme Nov. 3 workout led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The chapter was suspended Nov. 6 and voted to surrender its charter Nov. 14, 2025. We represent Mr. Bermudez in this active, $10 million lawsuit.
• UH’s Greek Ecosystem: UH hosts a large Greek community with Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council chapters. Organizations with documented national hazing histories present at UH include Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and Kappa Sigma.
• Prior Incidents: UH has suspended chapters for hazing, including a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case where a pledge suffered a lacerated spleen.
• For UH Families: If hazing occurs, jurisdiction may involve UHPD and Houston Police. Civil suits are filed in Harris County courts. The university’s response in the Pi Kappa Phi case—calling conduct “deeply disturbing” and cooperating with police—is a template, but internal disciplinary processes often lack the transparency and rigor of the civil justice system.

Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps Culture, and Recurring Scandals

Many Wise County students are drawn to the tradition and opportunity at Texas A&M in College Station. Its unique Corps of Cadets culture and massive Greek system present specific hazing risks.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges sued the A&M SAE chapter for $1 million, alleging they were doused with a mixture including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged he was hazed by being stripped naked, bound between beds with an apple in his mouth in a “roasted pig” position, and subjected to other degrading acts. He sought over $1 million in damages.
• Public Records Insight: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks Texas-registered Greek entities, including those supporting A&M chapters. For example, public IRS records show the Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 133048786) in College Station and the Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority (EIN: 742930349) in College Station, illustrating the network of housing corporations and alumni chapters behind campus organizations.
• For A&M Families: Hazing reports may go to the Student Conduct Office and Corps leadership. The university’s response to the Corps case highlighted its internal disciplinary process, but such processes often shield the institution from the full discovery and accountability a civil lawsuit can achieve.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency Through Public Reporting

UT Austin is another flagship destination. It stands out for its public online hazing violation log, which provides a window into recurrent problems.

• Public Hazing Violations Log: UT maintains a searchable database of hazing sanctions. Recent entries include:
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume excessive milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.
  • Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Sanctioned for forced physical activity and alcohol-related hazing.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): An Australian exchange student sued the UT SAE chapter for over $1 million, alleging an assault at a party that left him with a dislocated leg, broken nose, and other injuries. The chapter was already on suspension for prior violations.
• Metro-Level Data: The Austin-Round Rock metro area, per our Cause IQ data, contains 154 Greek-related organizations. This density underscores the scale of the ecosystem parents are navigating.
• For UT Families: The public log is a tool. Prior violations listed there can be powerful evidence in a civil case to show the university and national organization had notice of a dangerous pattern. Jurisdiction involves UTPD and Austin Police.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University: Private School Challenges

• SMU: As a private university with a affluent student body and strong Greek life, SMU has faced hazing scandals, including a 2017 Kappa Alpha Order chapter suspension for paddling and forced drinking. Private schools like SMU have less sovereign immunity than public institutions but often fiercely protect their reputations.
• Baylor: Following its high-profile football scandal, Baylor has been under scrutiny. In 2020, 14 baseball players were suspended following a hazing investigation. Baylor’s religious identity and past institutional failures create a complex landscape for hazing accountability.

The Organizations Behind the Letters: National Histories Matter

When a fraternity at UH or A&M hazes, it is rarely inventing new tactics. It is following a script written by decades of misconduct across the country. This “pattern evidence” is legally crucial.

Why National Headquarters Are Legally Exposed

National fraternities and sororities publish anti-hazing policies and conduct risk management training precisely because they know their chapters have a history of causing death and injury. When a local chapter repeats a known, dangerous practice—like a “Big/Little” drinking night—the national organization can be held liable for failing to prevent it. We subpoena national headquarters for their incident reports, training materials, and communications with chapters to prove they knew the risks.

A Sampling of High-Risk National Organizations with Texas Chapters

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): National history includes the Stone Foltz death (2021, $10M settlement) and the David Bogenberger death (2012, $14M settlement). Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): One of the deadliest fraternities historically. Faced the Carson Starkey death (2008) and recent lawsuits at University of Alabama (TBI) and UT Austin (assault). Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU.
• Pi Kappa Phi: National history includes the Andrew Coffey death (2017). The subject of our active lawsuit at UH.
• Phi Delta Theta: National history includes the Max Gruver death (2017, $6.1M verdict). Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor.
• Kappa Alpha Order: Repeated hazing suspensions, including at SMU (2017). Present at Texas A&M, UT, SMU.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks the public-record footprints of these and hundreds of other organizations across 25 Texas metros. For example, IRS data shows the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515) in Frisco, TX, and the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN: 746064445) in Nederland, TX—entities that exist to support chapters across the state, including at UH and Lamar University.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Our Strategic Advantage

Pursuing a hazing case requires a meticulous, aggressive investigation and a deep understanding of how institutional defendants fight back. This is where our firm’s specific experience becomes critical for families in Paradise and across Texas.

The Evidence That Wins Cases

1. Digital Communications: The #1 source of evidence. We preserve and analyze GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, and Discord logs. We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages that show planning, boasting, and cover-ups.
2. Photos & Videos: Content shot by perpetrators themselves, often shared in group chats or on social media.
3. Internal Organization Documents: Pledge manuals, “tradition” lists, emails between officers, and national headquarters’ risk management files, obtained through subpoenas.
4. University Records: Prior conduct reports, Clery Act filings, and internal emails obtained through discovery or public records requests, proving the school had prior knowledge.
5. Medical Records: Documentation of injuries is non-negotiable. For injuries like rhabdomyolysis, we obtain ER reports, lab results (showing creatine kinase levels), and ongoing treatment plans.
6. Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and bystanders. We often find that once one victim comes forward, others feel empowered to do the same.

Compensable Damages: What You Can Recover

A civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim and family whole and punish the wrongdoers. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages: All past and future medical bills, lost wages, lost educational opportunities (tuition, scholarships), and diminished future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship, love, and guidance for the family.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious conduct or cover-ups, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future behavior.

Overcoming the Defense Playbook: Our Insider Edge

Fraternities, universities, and their insurers deploy a standard set of defenses. We are equipped to dismantle them:

• Defense: “The Victim Consented.” Our Rebuttal: Texas law (§37.155) states consent is no defense. We use evidence of peer pressure, threats of expulsion, and the power imbalance to prove coercion.
• Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter; National Didn’t Know.” Our Rebuttal: We subpoena national headquarters to prove they received prior complaints about this or other chapters, establishing “foreseeability.”
• Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus, Not Our Responsibility.” Our Rebuttal: Courts consistently hold that universities and nationals have a duty of care over recognized organizations, regardless of location. The Pi Delta Psi (Michael Deng) case was at a remote retreat, and the national was convicted.
• Defense: “Our Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts Like Hazing.” Our Rebuttal: This is a complex fight where Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable. He knows how insurers formulate these denials and how to argue that negligent supervision (a covered claim) led to the intentional acts.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Paradise Families, Students, and Witnesses

A Parent’s Action Guide

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, drastic weight change.
• Sudden secrecy about group activities; withdrawal from family and old friends.
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability.
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
• Financial requests for unexplained “fines” or alcohol purchases.

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Prioritize Safety & Health: If there’s any immediate danger, call 911.
2. Talk Calmly & Listen: Ask open-ended questions. “I’m worried about you. Is there anything happening in your [fraternity/sorority/team] that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe?”
3. Preserve Evidence: Guide your child to screenshot everything before it’s deleted.
4. Seek Medical Care: Get a professional evaluation, even for emotional distress.
5. Contact an Attorney BEFORE Reporting: Once you report to the university, their legal team swings into action to protect the institution. We can help you navigate the reporting process strategically to protect your child’s rights.
6. DO NOT confront the organization, sign university paperwork, or post on social media.

A Student’s Guide to Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being pressured to do something I wouldn’t normally do?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or secret?
• Would I feel safe telling my parents or a professor exactly what’s happening?
• If the answer is “no” to any of these, it is likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

• Your physical safety comes first. In an emergency, call 911. Texas has “good faith” reporting protections.
• You have the right to quit. Send a clear, written resignation to the chapter president (keep a copy). Do not attend a “final meeting” where pressure or retaliation could occur.
• Report to a trusted adult, the Dean of Students, or anonymously through campus hotlines.

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence: Screenshots are forever; deleted messages may be lost. Preserve everything.
2. Confronting the Organization: This triggers their legal defense and evidence destruction.
3. Signing University Resolution Papers: Universities may offer quick “resolutions” that require you to waive your right to sue.
4. Posting on Social Media: Defense investigators monitor everything. Inconsistencies can be used against you.
5. Waiting to Act: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade. The Texas statute of limitations is generally two years, but building a case takes time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we sue the University of Houston or Texas A&M?
A: Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity, lawsuits can proceed based on claims of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or by suing individual employees. These are complex arguments we navigate regularly.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, deadlines can vary based on specific facts. Do not delay; contact an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.

Q: Will our case be public? Will my child’s name be in the news?
A: We prioritize your family’s privacy. Many cases settle confidentially before trial. If a lawsuit is filed, we can request protective orders and use pseudonyms (e.g., John Doe) where appropriate.

Q: How much does it cost to hire your firm?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury and hazing cases. This means you pay no upfront fees or costs. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay attorney’s fees.

Why The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 is the Right Advocate for Your Paradise Family

When your family is facing a hazing crisis, you need more than a lawyer; you need a strategic partner who understands the playbook of powerful institutions and isn’t afraid to fight them. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas, including those in Wise County, Paradise, and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

• Active, High-Stakes Litigation Experience: We are currently litigating the $10 million Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case. We are in the trenches right now, fighting the same national fraternities and university defenses that your family may face.
• Insider Insurance Knowledge: Associate Attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies undervalue claims, deny coverage, and delay justice. We use their playbook against them.
• Experience Against Billion-Dollar Defendants: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We are not intimidated by the deep pockets or aggressive tactics of national fraternities or major universities.
• Complex Investigative Resources: We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database of over 1,400 Greek organizations in Texas, built from IRS, university, and public records. We don’t start from scratch; we start with data.
• Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Mr. Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the intersection of criminal hazing charges and civil lawsuits. We can advise on all aspects of the legal battlefield.
• Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña is a fluent Spanish speaker, ensuring we can serve all Texas families with comfort and clarity.

We Fight for Accountability to Prevent Future Harm

Our mission in these cases extends beyond financial recovery. We seek to force institutional change—whether through court-ordered reforms, public exposure of dangerous patterns, or the closure of rogue chapters—so that no other family in Paradise or elsewhere endures this pain.

Your Next Step: A Free, Confidential Consultation

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas university, time is of the essence. The window to preserve evidence and protect legal rights is narrow.

We invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation, and completely confidential consultation. In this meeting, we will:

• Listen compassionately to your story.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your family’s legal rights and options under Texas law.
• Outline the investigative process and what you can expect.
• Answer all your questions about timelines, costs, and strategies.

You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). You can also reach us directly at (713) 528-9070, or via email at ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com.

Hablamos Español. We serve Spanish-speaking families across Texas.

You don’t have to face this alone. Let us help you fight for accountability, recovery, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve taken a stand to protect your child and prevent this from happening to others.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com