Hazing Lawyers in Galveston County: Protecting Students from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse
If your child was hazed in Galveston County, you need to act now. The same fraternities that hospitalized our client in Houston operate at universities near Galveston County. We’re fighting this battle right now—and we’ll fight for Galveston County families with the same determination.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. This same fraternity has chapters at universities near Galveston County, and the same dangerous “traditions” that nearly killed our client exist in Galveston County Greek organizations.
The Hazing Crisis in Galveston County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” In our current case, pledges were:
- Waterboarded with garden hoses (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until they collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles as physical punishment
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Hog-tied face-down with objects in their mouths
- Denied sleep and forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
This isn’t tradition—it’s torture. And it’s happening at universities near Galveston County.
Why Galveston County Families Need Legal Protection
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The Same Fraternities Operate Near Galveston County
National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have chapters at universities throughout Texas, including near Galveston County. The same national organizations that failed to protect our client in Houston oversee chapters where your child might be pledging. -
Universities Near Galveston County Have the Same Liability Failures
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. Universities near Galveston County have the same responsibility to protect students—and the same potential liability when they fail. -
Hazing Can Cause Permanent Damage
Our client spent four days in the hospital with kidney failure. Hazing can lead to:- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that destroys kidneys)
- Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
- Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression from psychological abuse
- Death (since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death per year in the U.S.)
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The Law Protects Galveston County Victims
Texas law is clear: Consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, fraternities can still be held legally responsible. Texas Education Code § 37.154 explicitly states that hazing victims cannot waive their rights by consenting to dangerous activities.
Who We Can Sue for Galveston County Hazing Victims
When hazing happens, everyone who participated or allowed it can be held accountable. In our current case, we’re pursuing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Knew about hazing risks but failed to prevent them |
| University | Failed to protect students despite having authority over Greek life |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes |
| Housing Corporations | Owned properties where hazing occurred |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
What Galveston County Families Can Recover
Hazing cases typically result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. In similar cases, victims have recovered:
- $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University)
- $6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver, LSU)
- $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Penn State)
For Galveston County victims, we pursue:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (hospitalization, ongoing treatment)
- Future medical care (kidney monitoring, potential dialysis)
- Lost wages (time missed from work)
- Educational disruption (tuition, scholarships lost)
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering from hazing injuries
- Mental anguish from trauma and PTSD
- Emotional distress from humiliation and abuse
- Loss of enjoyment of life from permanent limitations
Punitive Damages
When conduct is particularly egregious, courts award additional damages to punish the wrongdoers and prevent future harm. Waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, and wooden paddles all support punitive damages in Galveston County hazing cases.
The Attorney 911 Difference for Galveston County Families
We’re not just hazing lawyers—we’re former insurance defense attorneys who know how the other side thinks. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to protect victims. We know their playbook, and we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for Galveston County families.
Why Galveston County Families Choose Us:
✅ We’re fighting this battle RIGHT NOW – Currently litigating a $10M hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys – Know how to dismantle their defenses
✅ Federal court authority – Can pursue cases nationwide, including Galveston County
✅ Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) – Strategic advantage against national fraternities
✅ Se habla español – Bilingual representation for Galveston County Spanish-speaking families
✅ $0 upfront cost – We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
✅ Willing to travel to Galveston County – For depositions, meetings, and trials
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Galveston County
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
- Get medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, document everything
- Preserve evidence – Take photos of injuries, save text messages, screenshot social media
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity or university alone – They will try to control the narrative
- Do NOT post on social media – Anything you post can be used against you
- Contact us immediately – 2-year statute of limitations applies in Texas
📞 CALL NOW: 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Galveston County hazing emergencies
Galveston County Universities and Hazing Risks
Galveston County is home to several universities and colleges where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities involved in our current lawsuit have active chapters at institutions near Galveston County, including:
- Texas A&M University at Galveston – Multiple Greek organizations
- University of Houston-Clear Lake – Active Greek community
- College of the Mainland – Emerging Greek presence
- Nearby institutions: Texas A&M University (College Station), University of Houston (main campus), Rice University, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
If your child attends or plans to attend any university near Galveston County, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
The Legal Process for Galveston County Hazing Victims
- Free Consultation – We evaluate your case at no cost
- Evidence Preservation – We secure medical records, communications, and witness statements
- Demand Letter – We present your case to defendants and their insurance companies
- Negotiation – We fight for maximum settlement
- Litigation (if needed) – We file lawsuit and take case to trial
- Resolution – Settlement or jury verdict
We handle everything—so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
Galveston County Hazing Laws You Need to Know
Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 – Anti-Hazing Law
Definition of Hazing:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or membership in an organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, waterboarding)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Extreme physical exercise
- Psychological abuse
Criminal Penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine
- Class A Misdemeanor (if serious bodily injury): Up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine
- State Jail Felony (if death): 180 days to 2 years in jail, $10,000 fine
Civil Liability:
Victims can sue for economic and non-economic damages, plus punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
Consent is NOT a Defense:
Texas law explicitly states that victims cannot waive their rights by consenting to hazing.
Frequently Asked Questions for Galveston County Families
Q: My child consented to participate—can we still sue?
A: YES. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.
Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition”—is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, and physical beatings are assault and battery, not tradition.
Q: My child was hazed off-campus—can we still hold the university responsible?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks, they can be held liable.
Q: How much is our Galveston County hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases typically result in multi-million dollar settlements. Factors that increase value:
- Severity of physical injuries
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Institutional knowledge (did the university/fraternity know about prior hazing?)
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse)
- Permanent damage (kidney failure, brain injury, etc.)
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Galveston County?
A: The statute of limitations for personal injury in Texas is 2 years from the date of injury. However, do not wait—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights can be compromised.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer—what are our options?
A: We work on contingency—you pay NOTHING upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows Galveston County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: The fraternity already suspended the chapter—is it too late to sue?
A: NO. Chapter suspensions are damage control, not accountability. Many fraternities reopen under new names. Legal action is the only way to ensure real change.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation—how can we protect them?
A: We understand this fear—our current client is also afraid of retribution. We can:
- Handle all communications with the fraternity/university
- Protect your child’s identity when possible
- Pursue legal action without requiring public testimony
- Seek protective orders if necessary
Galveston County Hazing Warning Signs
Parents should be aware of these red flags that may indicate hazing:
🚩 Sudden secrecy – Your child becomes evasive about Greek life activities
🚩 Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, or signs of physical trauma
🚩 Behavioral changes – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal from family/friends
🚩 Sleep deprivation – Dark circles under eyes, falling asleep at odd times
🚩 Academic decline – Skipping classes, failing exams, dropping grades
🚩 Physical exhaustion – Complaints of extreme fatigue, muscle pain
🚩 Unusual purchases – Buying large quantities of alcohol, odd items
🚩 Social isolation – Suddenly spending all time with Greek organization
🚩 Fear or intimidation – Hesitant to discuss Greek life, fearful of consequences
If you notice these signs, contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
The Attorney 911 Promise to Galveston County Families
- We will listen – Your child’s story matters. We believe victims.
- We will investigate – We’ll gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build the strongest case possible.
- We will fight – We’re not afraid of national fraternities or universities. We’ll take them on.
- We will protect – Your child’s privacy and safety are our priority.
- We will win – We have a proven track record of multi-million dollar recoveries.
Galveston County Hazing Resources
Local Resources:
- Galveston County Sheriff’s Office: (409) 766-2322
- University of Houston-Clear Lake Police: (281) 283-2222
- Texas A&M University at Galveston Police: (409) 740-4545
- Galveston County Crisis Hotline: 1-888-919-4222
National Resources:
- HazingPrevention.Org: hazingprevention.org
- StopHazing: stophazing.org
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
Contact Attorney 911 for Galveston County Hazing Victims
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com/hazing
Serving Galveston County from our offices in:
- Houston
- Austin
- Beaumont
We come to Galveston County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
Galveston County Families: This Ends Now
Hazing has gone on for too long. Fraternities and universities have protected their reputations while students suffer. But we’re changing that.
Our current $10 million lawsuit is sending a message: If you haze students in Texas, you will pay. And we’ll bring that same message to Galveston County.
You are not alone. Your child deserves justice. Galveston County deserves accountability.
📞 CALL NOW: 1-888-ATTY-911
The same aggressive representation we’re providing in Houston is available to Galveston County families. We fight for you.
