The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability for Hilshire Village & Greater Harris County Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone

Imagine this: Your son or daughter from Hilshire Village excitedly accepts a bid from a fraternity or sorority at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another Texas campus. What begins as camaraderie quickly turns concerning—constant texts at all hours, mandatory “study sessions” that run past midnight, unexplained exhaustion, and a new secrecy about their activities. Then comes the call no parent wants: your child is in the ER with acute kidney failure from a forced “workout,” or hospitalized with alcohol poisoning after a “big/little” event.

This isn’t hypothetical. Right now, in our own backyard, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, Bermudez was forced through extreme physical abuse including 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” His urine turned brown—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis—and he was hospitalized for four days. The chapter has since been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage remains.

This is happening here in Harris County, to students from neighborhoods like Hilshire Village, Spring Branch, and Memorial. If your family is facing this nightmare, you need more than generic legal information—you need Texas-specific expertise, institutional investigation experience, and a firm that understands exactly how fraternities, sororities, and universities fight these cases.

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

For families in Hilshire Village and across Harris County, understanding modern hazing is crucial. It’s not just “boys will be boys” or harmless initiation. Today’s hazing is more sophisticated, digitally enabled, and often disguised as “tradition” or “team building.”

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – Often dismissed as harmless but creates power imbalance

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Forced servitude (chauffeur duties, cleaning, errands at all hours)
• Social isolation from non-members
  -, “Voluntary” events that are actually mandatory

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Causes measurable physical/emotional harm

• Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings”
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) beyond safe limits
• Public humiliation and verbal abuse
• Geographic tracking via apps like Find My Friends

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – High risk of serious injury or death

• Forced alcohol consumption (lineups, drinking games, “big/little” bottles)
• Physical beatings and paddling
• Dangerous physical tests (“glass ceiling” tackles, blindfolded challenges)
• Sexualized hazing and assault
• Chemical exposure (like the Texas A&M SAE case where pledges suffered chemical burns)

The Digital Dimension: How Technology Enables and Exposes Hazing

Today’s hazing leaves a digital trail that can be crucial evidence:

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord messages planning events
• Instagram Stories, Snapchat showing hazing in “real time”
• Shared photo albums with compromising images
• Location tracking demands via smartphone apps
• Deleted messages that digital forensics can recover

The Leonel Bermudez UH case demonstrates this perfectly. The “pledge fanny pack” rule—requiring pledges to carry condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items 24/7—was enforced through constant digital monitoring and threats shared in group chats. According to the [ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit](https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/), these digital communications became critical evidence showing the systematic nature of the abuse.

Texas Hazing Law: What Hilshire Village Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Chapter 37 Framework

Texas has some of the nation’s clearest anti-hazing statutes, but understanding how they apply to your child’s situation requires legal expertise.

§37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that:

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety AND
• Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership

Key points for Harris County families:

• Location doesn’t matter – on-campus, off-campus at a Hilshire Village residence, or at a remote retreat
• “Consent is not a defense” (§37.155) – Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
• Good-faith reporter immunity (§37.154) – Those who report or call for help have protections

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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

Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face:

• Fines up to $10,000 per violation
• University recognition revocation
• Civil liability in addition to criminal penalties

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals/Orgs):

• Brought by Harris County District Attorney or local prosecutors
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
• Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal investigations may run parallel to our civil lawsuit

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties):

• Brought by victims/families seeking compensation and accountability
• Aim: Recovery for medical bills, pain/suffering, lost education, future care
• Can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed
• Can target multiple defendants: individuals, chapters, nationals, universities

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

Title IX applies when hazing involves:

• Sexual harassment or assault
• Gender-based discrimination or hostility
• Creates a hostile educational environment

Clery Act requires universities to:

• Report campus crime statistics including hazing-related assaults
• Issue timely warnings about ongoing threats
• Maintain public crime logs

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
• Mandates hazing prevention education
• Phased implementation through 2026
• Transparency tool for parents: Future public databases will show which organizations have violations

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Deadly “Traditions”

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

• Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of alcohol during “big/little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Texas connection: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game – wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died with 0.495% BAC
• Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act created felony hazing statute
• Texas connection: Phi Delta Theta active at multiple Texas campuses

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

• Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
• Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
• Delayed medical care proved fatal
• 18 members charged, 1,000+ criminal counts
• Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law resulted

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

• Blindfolded, weighted tackle ritual during retreat
• Fatal traumatic brain injury
• National fraternity criminally convicted
• Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Lesson: Off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

• “Pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking
• Permanent brain damage – cannot walk, talk, or see
• Requires 24/7 lifetime care
• Settlements with 22 defendants
• Texas connection: Shows catastrophic non-fatal outcomes

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Sexualized, racist hazing allegations
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit
• Demonstrates: Hazing exists in elite athletic programs with significant oversight failures

Texas University Deep Dive: Where Hilshire Village Students Attend

University of Houston: An Urban Campus with Significant Greek Life

For Hilshire Village families: UH is just minutes away, making it a common choice for local students. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates exactly what can happen close to home.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Large commuter/residential mix
• Active Greek system with 50+ chapters
• Urban setting with off-campus housing throughout Houston

Recent Documented Incidents:

1. Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi (2025)

   • $10 million lawsuit alleging extreme physical hazing
   • Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure injuries
   • Chapter suspended then closed
   • As reported by Hoodline summary of the $10M UH hazing lawsuit

2. Pi Kappa Alpha Incident (2016)

   • Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during hazing
   • Criminal hazing charges filed
   • Chapter suspension

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Reporting through Dean of Students Office
• Online reporting forms available
• Gap: Limited public disclosure compared to UT’s transparency

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts
• Police involvement: UHPD or Houston PD depending on location
• Common defendants: Individuals, chapter, national HQ, UH Board of Regents
• Evidence sources: Group chats, UH conduct records, medical documentation

What UH Parents Should Do:

1. Document everything immediately – use our video on using your phone to document evidence
2. Report to UH Dean of Students AND Houston PD if crimes occurred
3. Preserve digital evidence before UH or fraternity secures phones
4. Consult attorney before speaking with UH administrators or insurance representatives

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Tradition

For Hilshire Village families: While farther from home, A&M attracts many Harris County students seeking traditional college experience.

Notable A&M Hazing Incidents:

1. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

   • Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
   • Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
   • $1 million lawsuit filed by victims
   • Fraternity suspended for two years

2. Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)

   • Cadet allegedly bound between beds in degrading position
   • Simulated sexual acts and humiliation
   • Over $1 million lawsuit filed
   • A&M stated it handled matter internally

Texas A&M Hazing Response:

• Separate processes for Greek life and Corps
• Student Conduct Office investigations
• Challenge: Balancing tradition with safety in Corps environment

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log (hazing.utexas.edu) provides unprecedented transparency:

Recent Sanctions Include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members forced to consume milk and perform extreme calisthenics. Sanction: Probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.
  9
  -I- Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit group hazing involving alcohol and physical abuse. Sanction: Multi-year suspension.

What UT’s Transparency Means for Families:

• Prior violations establish pattern evidence
  Makes negligent supervision claims stronger against nationals
• Shows which organizations repeatedly violate policies

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University: Private Campus Challenges

SMU’s Greek Culture:

• Affluent student population
• Strong fraternity/sorority presence
• Kappa Alpha Order suspension (2017) for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation

Baylor’s Unique Context:

• Religious identity influences disciplinary approach
• Baseball team hazing (2020) resulted in 14 player suspensions
• History of institutional response challenges

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Behind the Letters

Public Records Reality: The Organizations Serving Hilshire Village Families

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed data on the Greek organizations connected to Texas campuses. This isn’t theoretical—these are real entities with legal identities, EINs, and addresses that can be held accountable.

Sample Organizations in the Houston Metro Area (188 total Greek entities):

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (Alumni/house corp.)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (Undergrad chapter)
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Theta Chi Chapter – Houston, TX (Grad chapter)

IRS-Registered Texas Greek Entities (125+ statewide):

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – College Station, TX 77845 (EIN: 133048786)
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – Frisco, TX 75035 (EIN: 462267515)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – Houston, TX 77204 (EIN: 746084905)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – Houston, TX 77254 (EIN: 392352450)

Why This Directory Matters for Hilshire Village Families:

1. Identifies all potential defendants beyond just the chapter members
2. Locates insurance coverage through housing corporations and alumni groups
3. Establishes jurisdictional connections for Texas courts
4. Proves organizational knowledge through national networks

National Pattern Evidence: Why History Repeats

Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s National History:

• Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
• Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama (2023)
• Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021)
• Assault case at UT Austin (2024) – Australian exchange student suffered dislocated leg, broken nose
• Pattern: Repeated violations despite national “anti-hazing” policies

Pi Kappa Alpha’s Dangerous Legacy:

• Stone Foltz death at BGSU (2021)
• David Bogenberger death at NIU (2012) – $14 million settlement
• Multiple Texas chapter violations
• Common script: “Big/little” alcohol hazing events

How Nationals Try to Avoid Liability:

1. “Rogue chapter” defense – Claim they didn’t know
2. “Policy vs. practice” gap – Point to manuals while ignoring violations
3. Quick chapter closure – Attempt to limit exposure
4. Insurance coverage fights – Argue hazing is excluded

Why These Patterns Matter in Texas Courts:

• Foreseeability – Nationals knew or should have known risks
• Negligent supervision – Failure to enforce own policies
• Punitive damages potential – Especially with prior warnings

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage
• Social media: Instagram Stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Deleted messages: Recoverable through digital forensics
• Location data: GPS history, Find My Friends logs

Documentation How-To: Watch our video on using your cellphone to document a legal case for proper evidence preservation techniques.

Physical Evidence:

• Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, specialist evaluations
• Photographic evidence: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
• Physical items: Clothing, paddles, alcohol containers, “pledge manuals”
• Witness statements: Roommates, other pledges, former members

Institutional Records:

• University conduct files: Prior violations, probation records
• National fraternity documents: Risk management files, incident reports
• Insurance policies: Coverage details for chapters and nationals
• Property records: Who owns houses where hazing occurred

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future care
• Lost educational opportunity: Tuition, delayed graduation, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: For permanent injuries affecting career
• Therapy costs: Physical, occupational, psychological

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life or activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and embarrassment

Wrongful Death Damages:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support from deceased
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Parental and sibling grief counseling

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless conduct and deter future hazing
• Requirements: Gross negligence, intentional acts, or cover-up attempts
• Texas caps: Limited by statute except in certain intentional tort cases

Common Defense Strategies and How We Overcome Them

Defense 1: “The Pledge Consented”

• Our response: Texas law §37.155 – “Consent is not a defense”
• Evidence: Group chat pressure, power imbalance documentation
• Precedent: Every major hazing case rejects consent defense

Defense 2: “National Didn’t Know – Rogue Chapter”

• Our response: Pattern evidence from other chapters
• Evidence: Prior incident reports to nationals, repeated violation patterns
• Strategy: Subpoena national risk management files

Defense 3: “It Happened Off-Campus – Not Our Property”

• Our response: Foreseeability and control arguments
• Evidence: Nationals collected dues, provided training, maintained relationship
• Precedent: Pi Delta Psi retreat case established off-campus liability

Defense 4: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

• Our response: Policy vs. enforcement gap
• Evidence: Minimal punishment for prior violations, perfunctory training
• Strategy: Show policies were window-dressing, not meaningful prevention

Defense 5: “University Sovereign Immunity” (Public Schools)

• Our response: Exceptions for gross negligence, Title IX violations
  • Strategy: Sue individuals in personal capacity, pursue insurance coverage
  • Precedent: BGSU (public) paid $3M settlement in Foltz case

Practical Guide for Hilshire Village Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Response

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) with inconsistent stories
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Constant phone anxiety (group chat monitoring)
• Personality changes (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
• Financial strain (forced purchases, “fines,” excessive alcohol buying)
• Academic decline (missing classes, falling grades)

How to Talk to Your Child:

1. Choose calm, private setting – Not over text or in public
2. Use open questions: “How are things really going with [organization]?”
3. Express concern without judgment: “I’m worried about your safety, not angry”
4. Emphasize support: “Nothing you tell me will change my love for you”
5. Listen more than talk – Let them share at their pace

If Your Child Is Injured:

1. Medical care first – Even if they resist, insist on ER evaluation
2. Document everything – Photos, notes, saved messages
3. Preserve physical evidence – Don’t wash clothing, keep objects
4. Contact attorney BEFORE speaking with university or organization
5. Avoid social media posts about the incident

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

• Are you being pressured or coerced?
• Would you do this if you had a real choice?
• Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would you hide it from parents or university?
• Are older members making you do things they don’t do?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:
e- Call 911 – Good-faith reporter laws protect those seeking help

• Get to safety – Your dorm, friend’s place, public area
• Contact parents – They can help from a distance

How to Exit Safely:

1. Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
2. Send written resignation (email/text to chapter president)
3. Do NOT attend “exit meetings” where pressure/retaliation may occur
4. Document any retaliation – Screenshot threats, save voicemails
5. Report retaliation to campus police and Dean of Students

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• Cannot be punished for calling 911 in medical emergencies
• Consent is not a defense to hazing charges
• Can request no-contact orders through university
• Civil lawsuit options exist even without criminal charges

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE 1: Deleting Evidence

• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, obstruction of justice
• What to do: Preserve EVERYTHING – even embarrassing content
• How we help: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages

MISTAKE 2: Confronting the Organization

• Why it’s wrong: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching
• What to do: Document quietly, let attorney handle communications
• How we help: Strategic approach preserves evidence and legal options

MISTAKE 3: Signing University Agreements

• Why it’s wrong: May waive legal rights, accept lowball settlements
• What to do: “I need to have my attorney review this first”
• How we help: Review all documents, negotiate proper terms

MISTAKE 4: Social Media Posts

• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt
• What to do: Complete social media pause regarding the incident
• How we help: Control narrative through proper legal channels

MISTAKE 5: Waiting “To See What Happens”
44- Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run

• What to do: Consult attorney immediately, preserve evidence now
• How we help: Immediate investigation while evidence is fresh

Learn more about common pitfalls in our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case.

Frequently Asked Questions for Texas Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case requires individual analysis—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific guidance.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Consent is not a defense under Texas Education Code §37.155. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary. This is crucial for Hilshire Village families to understand—your child’s participation doesn’t eliminate legal claims.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the discovery rule may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly. Learn more from our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

“What if it happened off-campus at a house in Hilshire Village?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in judgments.

“Will this be public or confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hilshire Village Families

Insurance Insider Advantage – Lupe Peña’s Experience:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as a national insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
• Employ independent medical exams to reduce settlements

As Mr. Peña explains, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers who typically have unlimited legal budgets.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience – Ralph Manginello’s Background:
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with deep pockets. This experience directly translates to hazing cases where we face:

• National fraternities with unlimited legal resources
• University legal teams with institutional protection priorities
• Multiple defendant coordination challenges
• Federal court procedural complexities

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides unique advantages:

• Understanding criminal hazing charges and defenses
  ff- Advising witnesses with potential criminal exposure
  • Navigating parallel criminal and civil proceedings
  • Working with prosecutors when appropriate

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We have recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. This experience matters because:

• We know how to value lifetime care needs (like rhabdomyolysis kidney damage)
• We work with economists to quantify future losses
• We understand juries and what persuades them
• We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability

Investigative Depth and Expert Network:
Our hazing investigations include:

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• Medical specialists to document injuries and future needs
• Greek culture experts to explain power dynamics and coercion
• Economists to calculate lifetime impact
• Psychologists to document trauma and PTSD

Local Harris County Knowledge:
Based in Houston, we understand:

• Harris County courts and procedures
• UH administration and dynamics
• Local investigation resources
• Community relationships that can aid cases

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation
Within hours of contact, we:

• Guide digital evidence preservation
• Secure medical record authorizations
• Identify potential witnesses
• Send evidence preservation letters to prevent destruction

Phase 2: Comprehensive Investigation
We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does:

• Subpoena university conduct records
• Obtain national fraternity risk files
• Recover deleted digital communications
• Interview witnesses before memories fade

Phase 3: Strategic Case Development
Every case receives individual strategy:

• Determine all potential defendants
• Identify insurance coverage sources
• Develop theme and narrative for jury
• Calculate full damage model

Phase 4: Resolution Focused on Accountability
We pursue:

• Fair compensation for all damages
• Institutional changes to prevent recurrence
• Public or private accountability as family prefers
• Closure and healing for your family

No-Cost Consultation: What to Expect

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation:

We Will:

• Listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you’ve preserved
• Explain your legal options clearly
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• Answer all your questions about process and costs
• Provide immediate guidance on evidence preservation

You Can Expect:

• No pressure to hire us immediately
• Complete confidentiality – nothing you tell us leaves the room
• Clear explanation of contingency fees (we don’t get paid unless you recover)
• Honest assessment of case strengths and challenges
• Respect for your pace – you decide when and if to proceed

Spanish Language Services Available:
Hablamos Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles para familias hispanas.

Take the Next Step: Contact Attorney911 Today

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced legal teams; you deserve the same.

We serve families throughout Texas, including Hilshire Village, Harris County, and all surrounding communities. Distance is no barrier—we handle cases statewide and have represented clients from every region of Texas.

Contact Us Now for Immediate Help:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Practice Areas Relevant to Hazing Cases:

• Wrongful Death Claims: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense (for witnesses/members): https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Educational Resources:

• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
• Evidence preservation guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of limitations explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Common client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Remember: Time Is Critical

Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses graduate or get coached. Statutes of limitations run. Universities and fraternities begin their defense immediately. Don’t let delay weaken your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent this from happening to another family. Your consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.

We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. When your family faces a legal emergency, we provide immediate, aggressive, professional help.

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