Hazing Victims in Deaf Smith County Deserve Justice — Attorney 911 Fights for Texas Families
This Happened at University of Houston. It Could Happen at a Deaf Smith County School.
Deaf Smith County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. Instead, many face a hidden epidemic: hazing — a culture of abuse disguised as “tradition” that hospitalizes and even kills students every year.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure.
This isn’t just happening in Houston. It’s happening at universities near Deaf Smith County. And we will fight for Deaf Smith County families with the same aggression.
What Is Hazing? The Truth Deaf Smith County Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It’s not “harmless fun.” It’s abuse — and it’s illegal.
Hazing in Texas Includes:
✔ Physical torture — Forced exercise until collapse, beatings with paddles, waterboarding
✔ Forced consumption — Drinking until alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting
✔ Sleep deprivation — Late-night activities that leave students exhausted and vulnerable
✔ Psychological abuse — Humiliation, threats, isolation
✔ Sexual humiliation — Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault
In our current case:
- A student was waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then continue running
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout — they kept going
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This happened at University of Houston. The same fraternities operate at universities near Deaf Smith County. The same risks exist for your child.
Why Deaf Smith County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & UH
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re in the courtroom fighting it. Our current case has already forced Pi Kappa Phi to shut down their UH chapter — but we won’t stop until they’re held fully accountable.
Deaf Smith County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to defend insurance companies. We know exactly how they’ll try to minimize your claim — and we know how to beat them at their own game.
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court and licensed in Texas and New York. Whether your child was hazed at a Deaf Smith County school or anywhere in America, we can fight for you.
4. We Come to Deaf Smith County — Distance Is Not a Barrier
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we travel to Deaf Smith County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Your location won’t stop us from seeking justice.
5. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront for Deaf Smith County Families
We understand the financial strain hazing puts on families. That’s why we work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win. No hourly fees. No upfront costs. We only get paid if you get paid.
Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens in Deaf Smith County?
Hazing is never just one person’s fault. We sue everyone responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students despite having authority over Greek life |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes; premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- UH Beta Nu Chapter
- University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
- UH Board of Regents
- Chapter officers and members
- A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)
Deaf Smith County families deserve the same comprehensive accountability.
What Should Deaf Smith County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Hazing injuries aren’t always visible. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries can be life-threatening. Go to the ER or urgent care — even if your child says they’re “fine.”
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✅ Photos/Videos — Injuries, hazing locations, any evidence of abuse
✅ Texts/Group Chats — Screenshots of all communications about hazing
✅ Social Media — Save posts, DMs, or stories about hazing activities
✅ Witness Information — Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
✅ Medical Records — Hospital reports, doctor notes, test results
✅ Academic Records — Impact on grades, scholarships, or enrollment
Do NOT:
❌ Delete any messages or posts
❌ Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Call Attorney 911 Immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
Hazing victims have limited time to take legal action. In Texas, the statute of limitations is typically 2 years — but evidence disappears fast.
The sooner you call us, the stronger your case will be.
What Damages Can Deaf Smith County Families Recover?
Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. We fight for full compensation, including:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages (if your child missed work)
- Educational impact (tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries affect career options)
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, fear of retribution)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
Punitive Damages:
If the conduct was especially egregious (like waterboarding or forced consumption until collapse), we pursue punitive damages to punish the defendants and prevent future hazing.
Our current hazing case seeks $10 million — and we won’t settle for less than Deaf Smith County families deserve.
Precedent Cases Prove Hazing Victims Win Big
Hazing cases do not settle for small amounts. Juries and courts recognize the lifelong harm caused by hazing. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| Case | Fraternity | Injury | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (BGSU) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death from alcohol poisoning | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (LSU) | Phi Delta Theta | Death from alcohol poisoning | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State) | Beta Theta Pi | Death from traumatic brain injury | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (FSU) | Pi Kappa Phi | Death from alcohol poisoning | Confidential multi-million settlement |
| Leonel Bermudez (UH) | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit pending |
These results are possible for Deaf Smith County families too.
Texas Law Protects Hazing Victims — Consent Is Not a Defense
Texas Education Code § 37.154 explicitly states:
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This means:
❌ “He agreed to participate” is not a valid defense
❌ “It’s just tradition” is not an excuse
❌ “Everyone does it” doesn’t make it legal
Hazing is illegal in Texas — and we hold perpetrators accountable.
Fraternities Near Deaf Smith County With Hazing Histories
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits operate at universities near Deaf Smith County. Your child could be at risk.
Pi Kappa Phi
- Notable Cases: Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 — death); Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 — kidney failure)
- Chapters Near Deaf Smith County: Texas Tech, Texas A&M, University of Texas at Austin, others
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Notable Cases: Multiple hazing deaths, including at Texas A&M (chemical burns, 2021)
- Chapters Near Deaf Smith County: Texas Tech, Texas A&M, University of Texas at Austin
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Notable Cases: Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 — death; $10.1M settlement)
- Chapters Near Deaf Smith County: Texas Tech, Texas A&M, University of Texas at Austin
Beta Theta Pi
- Notable Cases: Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 — death; $110M+ settlement)
- Chapters Near Deaf Smith County: Texas Tech, University of Texas at Austin
Phi Delta Theta
- Notable Cases: Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 — death; $6.1M verdict)
- Chapters Near Deaf Smith County: Texas Tech, Texas A&M
These organizations have paid millions in settlements — and they will pay again for Deaf Smith County victims.
Why Deaf Smith County Families Can’t Afford to Wait
1. Evidence Disappears Fast
- Texts get deleted
- Social media posts get removed
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
2. Statute of Limitations Applies
- In Texas, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
- If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever
3. Criminal Charges May Be Filed
- Hazing is a crime in Texas (up to State Jail Felony for death)
- Universities and law enforcement may investigate
- You need an attorney to protect your rights
4. The Sooner We Act, the Stronger Your Case
- We preserve evidence
- We interview witnesses
- We build a case that forces defendants to settle
What Happens If You Don’t Act? More Victims Will Suffer.
In our current case:
- Pi Kappa Phi knew about a “hazing crisis” — and did nothing
- The University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 — and did nothing
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious on October 15, 2025 — and they kept hazing
If no one holds them accountable, they will do it again.
Your child could be next.
Deaf Smith County Families: We’re Here to Help
You don’t have to face this alone. Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.
Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Deaf Smith County families on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions for Deaf Smith County Families
Q: My child was hazed but isn’t hospitalized. Is it still worth calling a lawyer?
A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, hazing causes PTSD, anxiety, depression, and academic harm. You may still have a valid legal claim.
Q: The fraternity says it was “just a prank.” Is that a defense?
A: No. Hazing is illegal in Texas regardless of intent. Consent is not a defense — even if your child agreed to participate.
Q: We’re in Deaf Smith County. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. We have federal court authority and are licensed in Texas and New York. We travel to Deaf Smith County for depositions and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear speaking out. We protect our clients’ identities and take steps to prevent retaliation. Your safety is our priority.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months, while others may take 1-2 years if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.
Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t directly haze our child?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.
Enough Is Enough — Deaf Smith County Families Deserve Justice
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s abuse — and it must stop.
Attorney 911 is leading the fight. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is just the beginning. We will not rest until every fraternity, every university, and every individual responsible for hazing is held accountable.
If your child has been hazed in Deaf Smith County, call us now. The sooner we act, the sooner we can stop this from happening to another family.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
Deaf Smith County families: Your child deserves justice. We’re here to fight for it.
