Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Gruver Families Seeking Justice

When Hazing Hits Home: What Every Gruver Parent Needs to Know Right Now

Imagine your child—who you raised with Texas Panhandle values of hard work, integrity, and community—has just started their freshman year at a major Texas university. They’re excited to join a fraternity, sorority, or campus organization, wanting that sense of belonging you hoped college would provide. Then the phone rings late at night. Your child is in the emergency room with kidney failure from extreme exercise, or hospitalized with alcohol poisoning, or psychologically shattered from systematic humiliation. The university says they’re “investigating.” The fraternity claims it was “voluntary.” And you’re left in Gruver, 400 miles away, feeling powerless, angry, and unsure what to do next.

This isn’t hypothetical. Right now, we’re actively litigating one of the most severe hazing cases in Texas history—the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter lawsuit. This $10 million case involves a student who developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through hundreds of push-ups and squats, made to lie in vomit-soaked grass, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and subjected to degrading “pledge fanny pack” rules containing condoms and sex toys. When his urine turned brown and he couldn’t stand, he was hospitalized for four days. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage remains.

If you’re a parent in Gruver, Texas, with a child at any Texas university—from West Texas A&M in nearby Canyon to Texas Tech in Lubbock to major hubs like UT Austin, Texas A&M, or University of Houston—this guide explains exactly what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what legal options you have, and why our firm brings unique expertise to these complex institutional cases. We serve families throughout Hansford County and the Texas Panhandle, bringing Houston-based hazing litigation experience to communities like Gruver that deserve justice when their students are harmed.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing isn’t just “boys will be boys” or “harmless tradition.” For Gruver families unfamiliar with modern Greek life dynamics, today’s hazing involves sophisticated psychological coercion, digital surveillance, and physical abuse disguised as “bonding” or “team building.”

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Texas law specifically defines hazing in Education Code Chapter 37 as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act” that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced chugging challenges, “lineups,” drinking games where wrong answers mean consumption
“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor (as in the Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green)
Pressured consumption of unknown or mixed substances
In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting

2. Physical Hazing

Paddling and beatings (still prevalent despite national bans)
Extreme calisthenics far beyond normal conditioning (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups)
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Exposure to extreme cold/heat (in our UH case: cold-weather workouts in underwear)
Dangerous physical “tests” like blindfolded tackles or “glass ceiling” rituals

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes
Acts with racial or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-play
Public shaming through social media or group meetings

4. Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Manipulation through “loyalty tests” or forced confessions
Systematic degradation of self-worth
Creating fear of expulsion from the group

5. Digital/Online Hazing

Group chat dares and “challenges” monitored 24/7
Requirement to share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Pressure to create compromising TikTok or Instagram content
Cyberstalking if pledges attempt to leave

Where Hazing Happens in Texas Universities

It’s not just fraternities:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (particularly relevant at Texas A&M)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic and service organizations

For Gruver families whose children attend Panhandle schools like West Texas A&M or Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, or who venture to larger universities elsewhere in Texas, understanding that hazing can occur in many group contexts is crucial.

Texas Hazing Law: How It Protects Your Child

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that protect students at both public and private institutions. Here’s what Gruver parents need to know:

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

Plain English translation: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group—and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk—that’s hazing under Texas law. Location doesn’t matter (on or off campus), and mental harm counts as much as physical harm.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (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

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense: This is critical. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that true consent doesn’t exist when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Students who report hazing or call 911 in medical emergencies are protected from criminal prosecution or university discipline related to underage drinking or participation. This “medical amnesty” is designed to save lives by removing fear of consequences.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families (like our UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
Aim: Compensation for damages and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Burden of proof: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)

Crucial point: You can pursue a civil case even if no criminal charges are filed. The standards of proof are different, and civil cases focus on compensating victims rather than punishing perpetrators.

Federal Laws That Overlay Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention programs
Mandates public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
Creates national reporting standards

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate and take appropriate action.

Clery Act: Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crimes that must be disclosed.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up
Chapter officers (president, pledge educator, risk manager)

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. University or Governing Board:

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) via the Board of Regents
Private institutions (SMU, Baylor) directly
Liability based on negligence, deliberate indifference, or failure to protect

5. Third Parties:

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
Security companies or event organizers

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’ve sued 13 individual members, the UH chapter, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the chapter housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Bid-acceptance event with extreme drinking (18 drinks in 82 minutes)
Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
12-hour delay in calling 911
18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Takeaway for Texas families: Delayed medical care dramatically increases liability and mirrors patterns we see in Texas cases.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game with wrong answers requiring consumption
BAC of 0.495% at death
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
Takeaway: Legislative change often follows tragedy—Texas has similar felony provisions for serious injury/death.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey
$10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from BGSU)
Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
Takeaway: Both institutions and individuals face massive liability in alcohol hazing deaths.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual with violent tackling
Fatal traumatic brain injury
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: National organizations face criminal liability, not just civil.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Sexualized and racist hacing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Gruver Families

These national patterns—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups—repeat at Texas campuses. The settlements and verdicts (ranging from $1M to $14M) demonstrate what’s possible when families pursue accountability. Most importantly, these cases show that hazing is foreseeable and preventable—organizations that ignore known risks face the greatest liability.

Texas Universities: What Gruver Families Need to Know

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX – 45 miles from Gruver)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As the closest four-year university to Gruver, West Texas A&M serves many Panhandle families. With active Greek life including Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and multiple sororities, the campus embodies both regional values and national Greek traditions. The Frank Heflin Foundation (EIN 203507402), a Phi Delta Theta alumni fund in Canyon, exemplifies the alumni support networks that sustain Greek life.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
WTAMU prohibits hazing under University Policy 33.02, aligning with Texas Education Code Chapter 37. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, and campus police. The university’s relatively small size means incidents often become community knowledge quickly in the tight-knit Panhandle.

Recent Greek Life Context:
While major publicized hazing incidents have been less frequent than at larger universities, WTAMU’s Greek organizations face the same national pressures and traditions. The presence of chapter housing corporations like the Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association in nearby Amarillo (EIN 752290669) shows the financial infrastructure supporting Greek life that can become targets in litigation.

How a WTAMU Hazing Case Might Proceed:

Jurisdiction: Potter County courts (Canyon) or federal court in Amarillo
Potential defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national organization, university
Evidence collection: Crucial given close-knit community where information spreads quickly
Our role: As Houston-based attorneys, we partner with local counsel when needed while bringing our institutional litigation experience

What WTAMU Students & Parents Should Do:

Document everything immediately—Panhandle communities talk, and evidence can disappear
Report to both WTAMU administration and local police if crimes occurred
Preserve digital evidence before group chats are deleted
Contact an attorney who understands both Texas hazing law and Panhandle community dynamics

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX – 110 miles from Gruver)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As a major destination for Gruver students, Texas Tech hosts one of Texas’s largest Greek communities with 59 Greek organizations in the Lubbock metro area according to Cause IQ data. The Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing (EIN 900927378) and Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Chi chapter represent the substantial infrastructure supporting this system.

Public Records Directory – Fraternities & Sororities Serving Gruver Families:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 59 Greek organizations in the Lubbock metro area. These include:

Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing, EIN 900927378, Lubbock, TX (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi), Lubbock, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter, Lubbock, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Lubbock, Lubbock, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation, EIN 237359384, Lubbock, TX (IRS B83 filing)
Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter, EIN 473967233, Lubbock, TX (IRS B83 filing)
TKE OP Housing, EIN 475033161, Lubbock, TX (IRS B83 filing)
Farm House Fraternity Inc, EIN 751565336, Lubbock, TX (IRS B83 filing)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 820644459, Lubbock, TX (IRS B83 filing – Texas Tech Health Sciences)

Recent Hazing Context:
Texas Tech has faced multiple hazing allegations, including a 2023 case where pledges allegedly suffered rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing—the same life-threatening condition in our UH Pi Kappa Phi case. The university has suspended chapters for violations, but like many large institutions, struggles with underground hazing that moves off-campus.

How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Might Proceed:

Lubbock County jurisdiction with potential federal court involvement
Multiple insurance policies typically involved (national, local, university)
Digital evidence recovery critical given tech-savvy student population
Often requires subpoenaing national headquarters records from other states

University of Houston – Our Active Case

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UH hosts approximately 60 Greek organizations, including the now-shuttered Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the center of our lawsuit. With its large commuter and residential population, UH’s Greek life balances urban campus dynamics with traditional fraternity/sorority culture.

The Leonel Bermudez Case – What Happened:
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after Pi Kappa Phi hazing that included:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule requiring degrading items 24/7
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
Cold-weather exposure in underwear
Hospitalization with brown urine and critically high creatine kinase levels

Defendants in Our Lawsuit:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders (president, pledgemaster, risk manager, etc.)

Institutional Response:

Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
Nov 14, 2025: Chapter votes to surrender charter
UH calls conduct “deeply disturbing” and promises cooperation with law enforcement

What This Means for Gruver Families:
This active litigation demonstrates our firm’s capability to take on major universities and national fraternities simultaneously. The detailed allegations show how hazing has evolved beyond simple drinking games to systematic psychological and physical abuse.

Texas A&M University

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
With one of the nation’s largest Greek systems and the Corps of Cadets, Texas A&M presents unique hazing risks. The university’s tradition-heavy culture can sometimes enable abusive practices disguised as “character building.”

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed against fraternity
Chapter suspended for two years

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):

Cadet allegedly bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts as hazing
Over $1 million lawsuit filed
University stated it handled matter under internal rules

Greek Infrastructure:
Texas A&M’s Greek community is supported by entities like:

Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp, College Station (Cause IQ)
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter, College Station (Cause IQ)
Omega Psi Phi – Tau Tau Chapter, College Station (Cause IQ)
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae, College Station (Cause IQ)

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT’s public hazing violations page represents one of Texas’s most transparent systems, listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions. This transparency actually strengthens civil cases by providing evidence of prior notice and patterns.

Public Hazing Violations Examples:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers (2022): Alcohol-related hazing during “transition period”; suspension
Multiple spirit groups sanctioned for forced workouts and humiliation

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Over $1 million lawsuit filed
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

Legal Advantage of UT’s Transparency:
When universities publicly document violations, they create records that can prove:

Notice of dangerous patterns
Inadequate responses to prior incidents
Deliberate indifference to known risks
These records become powerful evidence in civil litigation.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

SMU’s Greek Culture:
As a private institution with affluent student population, SMU’s Greek life faces different pressures but similar risks. The 2017 Kappa Alpha Order suspension for paddling and forced drinking demonstrates that hazing persists even at prestigious private universities.

Baylor’s Context:
Following major Title IX scandals, Baylor faces heightened scrutiny of all misconduct. The 2020 baseball hacing suspension of 14 players shows athletic programs aren’t immune. Baylor’s religious identity sometimes complicates accountability discussions.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Why Patterns Matter

The Foreseeability Principle

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing practices that caused deaths or injuries at other chapters nationally, that demonstrates foreseeability—the organization knew or should have known the risks. This principle is central to negligence claims.

Major Nationals with Documented Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021) – $10M settlement
David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012) – $14M settlement
Multiple chapters suspended at Texas schools including UT Austin
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Called “the deadliest fraternity” by Bloomberg
Multiple hazing deaths nationally
Chemical burns case at Texas A&M
Assault case at UT Austin
Pattern: Physical violence combined with alcohol

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) – Louisiana felony hazing law
Multiple chapter suspensions
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education”

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017)
Our active UH case with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with humiliation

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

Prior Notice Evidence: National headquarters received complaints about similar conduct at other chapters
Inadequate Response: Minimal punishments (probation, short suspensions) failed to deter future hazing
Policy vs. Practice Gap: Elaborate anti-hazing manuals ignored in practice
Profit Motive: Nationals continued collecting dues from dangerous chapters

In litigation, we subpoena national headquarters records to prove they knew about patterns but failed to take meaningful action. This can support claims for punitive damages in addition to compensation.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord messages
Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok content
Deleted message recovery via digital forensics
Location data and timestamps

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed during hazing events
Security camera footage from houses/venues
Doorbell camera recordings
Social media posts and stories

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals and “tradition” documents
Chapter meeting minutes
Communication with national headquarters
Risk management materials

University Records:

Prior conduct files and disciplinary history
Campus police reports
Clery Act reports
Internal emails about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Long-term treatment plans

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges and members
Roommates and friends
Alumni and former members
University staff and advisors

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages:

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost educational expenses (withdrawn semesters)
Lost earning capacity
Therapy and rehabilitation costs
Life care plans for permanent injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and trauma
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and love
Grief and emotional suffering
Parents’ and siblings’ therapy costs

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

For particularly reckless or malicious conduct
When defendants ignored prior warnings
To punish and deter future behavior
Subject to Texas statutory caps

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Fraternity and university insurance companies often fight coverage using arguments that:

Hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
They didn’t receive proper notice
Multiple policies create coverage disputes

Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, use IMEs (Independent Medical Exams) to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. We navigate coverage disputes with insider knowledge of insurance company playbooks.

Practical Guides for Gruver Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Financial requests for unexplained expenses
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

48-Hour Action Checklist:

Medical First: Get emergency care if injured or intoxicated
Document Everything: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, write notes
Preserve Evidence: Save clothing, receipts, physical items
Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
Report Strategically: With attorney advice, report to appropriate authorities
Avoid Mistakes: Don’t confront organization, sign university offers, or post on social media

For Students: Safety & Evidence Preservation

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

Am I being forced or pressured?
Would I do this if I had a real choice?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate Danger: Call 911 or campus police
Safe Location: Go to dorm, friend’s place, or public area
Formal Resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
Document Threats: Save any retaliation evidence

Evidence Collection Guide:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with scale reference
Medical Records: Tell providers you were hazed for documentation
Witness Info: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

What happens: Messages get deleted, case becomes “he said/she said”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; digital forensics can often recover, but originals are best
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately—even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Why it’s wrong: Gives them advantage and time to prepare defenses
Better approach: Document everything, then call attorney before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What happens: You may waive right to sue or accept minimal settlement
Why it’s wrong: Early settlements are typically far below case value
Better approach: “I need to have my attorney review this before signing”

4. Posting on Social Media

What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Why it’s wrong: Can waive privacy protections and attorney-client privilege
Better approach: Document privately; let attorney control public messaging

5. Waiting for University “Internal Process”

What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Why it’s wrong: University process ≠ real accountability; they control narrative
Better approach: Preserve evidence now; consult attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

What happens: Recorded statements used against you; lowball settlements
Why it’s wrong: Adjusters work for insurance company, not you
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

7. Letting Child Return for “One Last Meeting”

What happens: Pressure, intimidation, extracted statements
Why it’s wrong: Creates risk and can harm case
Better approach: Once considering legal action, all communication through attorney

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case

Our Unique Qualifications

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers fight claims
Understands their valuation methods, delay tactics, and coverage arguments
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams
25+ years handling high-stakes cases against powerful defendants

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Wrongful death and catastrophic injury settlements
Experience with economist collaboration for lifetime care planning
Understanding of full damage valuation beyond medical bills
“We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability”

Dual Civil/Criminal Expertise:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil cases
Can advise witnesses and former members with potential exposure
Navigates parallel proceedings effectively

Investigative Depth:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery
Subpoena power for national headquarters records
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does”

Spanish-Language Services:

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles
Cultural understanding of Texas Hispanic community needs

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Response:
a. 24/7 availability for emergencies
b. Evidence preservation guidance within hours
c. Strategic planning before university or organization responds

Comprehensive Investigation:
a. Digital forensics for deleted messages
b. Subpoenas for national headquarters records
c. University public records requests
d. Witness interviews and evidence collection

Strategic Litigation:
a. Identifying all potentially liable parties
b. Navigating insurance coverage disputes
c. Balancing privacy concerns with public accountability
d. Preparing for trial while seeking fair settlement

Client-Centered Representation:
a. Regular communication updates
b. Respect for family privacy and trauma
c. Collaboration with medical and mental health providers
d. Focus on healing and prevention, not just compensation

Your Next Steps: Free Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911:

We’ll Listen Without Judgment:

Hear your complete story
Understand your family’s concerns and goals
Answer your initial questions

Case Evaluation:

Review any evidence you’ve collected
Explain applicable Texas laws
Identify potential defendants and claims
Discuss realistic timelines and outcomes

Options Explanation:

Criminal reporting considerations
Civil lawsuit possibilities
University disciplinary processes
Settlement vs. trial dynamics

Fee Transparency:

Contingency fee basis—no fee unless we win
Explanation of costs and expenses
No pressure to hire immediately

Next Steps Planning:

Evidence preservation guidance
Strategic timing considerations
Communication protocols with university/organization
Referrals to medical or counseling resources if needed

Contact Information

Attorney911 – The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC

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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services:

Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com
Consultas gratuitas en español disponibles

Service Areas:
While based in Houston, we serve hazing victims and families throughout Texas, including Gruver, Hansford County, and the entire Panhandle region. We handle cases involving:

Texas universities (public and private)
Fraternities and sororities (all councils)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams and spirit groups
Other student organizations

Final Message to Gruver Families

If hazing has touched your family—whether your child attends West Texas A&M, Texas Tech, or any Texas university—you don’t have to face this alone. The isolation you feel in Gruver, miles from where the harm occurred, is compounded by university bureaucracies and organization stonewalling.

We understand Texas values: integrity, accountability, and protecting our children. We bring those values to every case, combined with sophisticated legal strategy born from decades of facing powerful institutions.

Your child deserves justice. Future students deserve prevention. Your family deserves answers.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate this difficult journey toward accountability and healing.

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