The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Leon County, Texas Families

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

It starts with a text message. Your student, who left Leon County for the University of Houston or Texas A&M with such promise, sends a vague message about “mandatory chapter events” running late. Weeks pass, and you notice changes: unexplained exhaustion, mysterious bruises, sudden secrecy about their new fraternity or sorority “family.” Then the phone call comes—your child is in the emergency room with kidney failure from extreme physical hazing, or worse, they’re not coming home at all.

This nightmare scenario became reality for one Texas family in late 2025, and it’s happening closer to home than Leon County parents might realize. Right now, attorneys from The Manginello Law Firm are leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history: the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

This comprehensive guide exists for every Leon County parent who needs answers about hazing at Texas universities. We’ll explain what modern hazing actually looks like, break down Texas and federal law, examine patterns at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, and show how experienced legal counsel can help families in Leon County and throughout Texas seek accountability.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Modern Hazing Goes Far Beyond Stereotypes

When Leon County families think of hazing, they might picture outdated images of paddling or silly pranks. The reality in 2025 is more systematic, more digital, and more dangerous than ever. Hasing today 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.

The critical legal point that every Leon County parent must understand: “I agreed to it” does not make hazing legal or safe. Texas law recognizes that true consent cannot exist when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of social exclusion.

The Five Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form, responsible for most hazing fatalities nationwide. It includes forced drinking games like “lineups” where pledges must rapidly consume alcohol, “Big/Little” nights where new members are given handles of liquor, and coercion to consume unknown substances. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics called “smokings” or “workouts” designed to cause injury. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, leading to rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. Other methods include sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme temperatures.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“roasted pig” positions, “elephant walks”), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case contained condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items that pledges were required to carry 24/7.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming during “interview” sessions. This creates psychological trauma that can last longer than physical injuries.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier includes group chat dares on GroupMe or Discord, social media humiliation via Instagram or TikTok challenges, pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 digital monitoring where pledges must respond immediately to messages at all hours.

Where Hazing Happens Across Texas Campuses

Leon County families should understand that hazing isn’t limited to fraternities:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets/ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading
Spirit and Tradition Groups like Texas Cowboys at UT
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common thread across all these groups: social status, tradition, and secrecy keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. For Leon County parents, this means vigilance is needed regardless of what type of organization your child joins.

Texas Hazing Law: What Leon County Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas has one of the more comprehensive state hazing laws in the country. Under Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

For Leon County families, several key provisions matter most:

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, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted if the organization authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it. Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation and potential campus ban.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§37.154):
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. This is critical for Leon County students who fear getting in trouble for underage drinking or other violations that occurred during hazing.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155):
Texas law explicitly states that victim consent does not excuse hazing. This directly counteracts the most common defense fraternities use.

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, manslaughter
Example: The criminal prosecution of Pi Delta Psi members after Michael Deng’s death

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress
Example: The $10 million lawsuit in the Leonel Bermudez UH case

These cases can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil justice. Many families in Leon County pursue civil cases even when prosecutors decline criminal charges, as civil cases have lower burdens of proof.

Federal Law Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX and Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes that often overlap with hazing (assault, alcohol crimes).

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority itself if incorporated
National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
University: Schools may be liable for negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
Third Parties: Landlords, bar owners, event venues, security companies

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, defendants include 13 individual members, the Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Repeated Tragedies

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid-acceptance night, Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol, fell repeatedly, and fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours. Security cameras captured the entire tragedy. The case resulted in criminal charges against 18 members and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Takeaway for Leon County: Extreme intoxication combined with delayed medical care creates devastating liability. The “code of silence” that prevents calling for help increases both criminal and civil exposure.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Gruver died during a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol level reached 0.495%. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.

Takeaway for Leon County: “Tradition” drinking games are predictable and preventable. National fraternities that fail to stop these rituals face legislative backlash and massive liability.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Foltz died after being forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a Big/Little event. The case resulted in a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pike national, $3M from BGSU) and criminal convictions.

Takeaway for Leon County: Universities can face multi-million dollar liability alongside fraternities. Big/Little events are particularly dangerous and predictable.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Brutal Traditions

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Deng died during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual where he was repeatedly tackled while carrying a heavy backpack. Fraternity members delayed calling 911. The national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Takeaway for Leon County: Off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability. National organizations can face criminal prosecution, not just civil suits.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to the head coach’s firing and confidential settlements. The scandal demonstrated that hazing permeates big-money athletic programs with institutional protection.

Takeaway for Leon County: Hazing isn’t just a Greek life problem. Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and athletic programs at all Texas universities require similar vigilance.

What These National Cases Mean for Leon County Families

These patterns show that:

Forced drinking rituals follow predictable scripts
Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes
Cover-ups and destroyed evidence increase liability
National organizations often have prior knowledge of dangerous traditions
Universities face liability when they fail to enforce policies

For families in Leon County dealing with hazing at Texas schools, these national precedents provide powerful legal arguments about foreseeability, pattern evidence, and institutional knowledge.

Texas University Focus: Where Leon County Students Attend

Understanding the Texas Greek Ecosystem

Before examining individual universities, Leon County families should understand the scale of Greek life in Texas. According to public records and our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

Statewide Data:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
125+ Texas-registered organizations in IRS B83 filings
96 major university campuses in Texas

Metro Concentrations:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 organizations
Austin-Round Rock: 154 organizations
San Antonio: 86 organizations

This dense network means the same national organizations operate across multiple Texas campuses, creating predictable patterns that experienced attorneys can track and leverage in litigation.

Public Records Directory: Texas Greek Organizations

The following examples come from public IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ metro data, showing the types of organizations behind Texas Greek life:

IRS B83 Registered Organizations (Sample):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204

Cause IQ Metro Organizations (Houston Sample):

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter, Houston, TX

These public records form the backbone of our investigative approach, allowing us to identify all potentially liable entities from the beginning of a case.

University of Houston: Houston’s Flagship Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UH represents the diverse, urban face of Texas higher education. With over 46,000 students, its Greek life includes 50+ chapters across four councils. The campus’s location in Houston creates unique dynamics, with many events occurring at off-campus houses in surrounding neighborhoods like the Third Ward and Montrose.

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting
UH prohibits hazing both on and off campus, with specific bans on forced consumption, sleep deprivation, and physical mistreatment. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, UHPD, and online forms. However, as the Bermudez case shows, policies alone don’t prevent hazing.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Watersmoment Moment
In Fall 2025, Bermudez endured systematic abuse as a Pi Kappa Phi pledge, including:

“Pledge fanny pack” requirement with humiliating contents
Forced physical hazing at Yellowstone Boulevard Park and chapter houses
Simulated waterboarding with hose spraying
Extreme workouts leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Hospitalization for four days with life-threatening conditions

The chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement.

What This Means for Leon County UH Families

Off-campus locations don’t eliminate university liability
Systematic hazing can occur even with national fraternity policies
Medical emergencies require immediate documentation
Early legal intervention preserves evidence before chapter closure

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk in College Station

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M’s unique culture blends intense school spirit with military traditions through the Corps of Cadets. Greek life is deeply embedded, with historic houses lining University Drive. The convergence of Corps traditions and fraternity culture creates particular hazing risks that Leon County families should understand.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million, and the chapter received a two-year suspension.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, demonstrating that hazing extends beyond Greek life.

A&M’s Response Framework
Texas A&M handles hazing through Student Conduct procedures and Corps regulations. The university emphasizes education but has faced criticism for inconsistent enforcement. For Leon County families, understanding both Greek and Corps reporting channels is essential.

Practical Guidance for A&M Families

Document both Greek and Corps activities
Understand the different reporting chains for each system
Preserve evidence quickly—Corps cases often involve rapid internal adjudication
Consider that off-campus “retreats” are common for both groups

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Persistent Problems

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT’s Greek life is among the largest and most visible in Texas, with historic mansions along West Campus. The university’s public hazing violations page represents one of the most transparent approaches in the state, yet incidents continue.

Public Hazing Violations (Sample)
UT’s public log shows patterns across organizations:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers (2022): Forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing; suspension
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Multiple violations leading to chapter closure

The UT Transparency Advantage
For Leon County families, UT’s public violations database provides:

Evidence of prior notice for negligence claims
Pattern evidence across multiple organizations
Documentation of university knowledge
Settlement leverage in negotiations

Legal Strategy Implications
UT’s transparency cuts both ways. While it helps plaintiffs establish institutional knowledge, it also allows the university to argue it took reasonable steps. Experienced counsel knows how to navigate this balance to maximize recovery.

Southern Methodist University: Private School Dynamics

Campus & Culture Snapshot
SMU’s affluent, private campus hosts a prominent Greek system with historic houses along Bishop Boulevard. As a private institution, SMU faces different legal standards than public universities, affecting both liability and transparency.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reported paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. The chapter received a multi-year suspension, demonstrating that even at private schools with resources, hazing persists.

SMU’s Response Systems
SMU utilizes anonymous reporting through Real Response and emphasizes educational programming. However, private university status means fewer public records are available, requiring different investigative approaches.

Considerations for Leon County SMU Families

Private university lawsuits face different sovereign immunity issues
Confidential settlement is more common
Alumni networks can influence outcomes
Early evidence preservation is even more critical with fewer public records

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Institutional Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor’s religious identity and recent history with sexual assault scandals create a unique context for hazing cases. The university has invested in reform but faces ongoing challenges with institutional culture.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
Fourteen players were suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the early season. The incident highlighted that hazing permeates athletic programs even at religious institutions.

Baylor’s Legal Landscape
Following previous scandals, Baylor has faced intense scrutiny and litigation. For hazing cases, this means:

Heightened sensitivity to institutional liability
Potential for larger settlements due to prior pattern evidence
Complex interplay between religious identity and legal accountability

Guidance for Baylor Families

Document any religious dimensions to hazing (prayer requirements, scripture misuse)
Understand Baylor’s unique disciplinary processes
Consider how prior institutional failures might affect your case
Act quickly—Baylor moves decisively to control narratives after incidents

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Pattern Evidence Matters

Why National Histories Affect Your Texas Case

When a Leon County student is hazed at a Texas university, the national organization’s history becomes critically important. Courts consider whether:

The national had prior notice of dangerous traditions
Their policies were effectively enforced
They responded adequately to previous incidents
The local chapter’s conduct was foreseeable based on national patterns

Major National Organizations at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), multiple alcohol hazing deaths
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Legal Significance: Pattern of Big/Little alcohol hazing creates strong foreseeability arguments

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National History: Multiple deaths nationwide, elimination of pledge system in 2014
Texas Presence: All five major Texas universities
Legal Significance: National’s prior reforms show knowledge of risks, increasing liability for continuing violations

Pi Kappa Phi

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU), Bermudez case (UH)
Texas Presence: UH, Texas A&M, others
Legal Significance: Current active litigation provides immediate pattern evidence

Phi Delta Theta

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU)
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses
Legal Significance: Louisiana felony case establishes severe consequences pattern

How We Use National Histories in Texas Cases

Our approach involves:

Subpoenaing National Records: Prior incident reports, training materials, internal communications
Establishing Pattern Evidence: Showing similar incidents at other chapters
Proving Foreseeability: Demonstrating the national knew or should have known about risks
Challenging Policy Enforcement: Showing anti-hazing policies were window dressing

For the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi’s national history—including the Andrew Coffey death—establishes that the organization knew about alcohol and physical hazing risks but failed to implement effective prevention at UH.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord messages showing planning, coordination, cover-ups
iMessage/SMS texts between members
Social Media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat snaps
Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages

Photos & Videos

Event footage shared in group chats
Security camera footage from houses
Injury documentation with timestamp and scale reference
Social media posts showing hazing activities

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals and “tradition” documents
Risk management reports to nationals
Chapter meeting minutes
Financial records showing alcohol purchases

University Records

Prior conduct violations (obtained via discovery)
Campus police reports
Clery Act reports
Internal emails about the organization

Medical Documentation

ER records stating “patient reports hazing”
Toxicology reports showing blood alcohol levels
Specialist evaluations for long-term injuries
Psychological assessments for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

Medical bills (emergency care, hospitalization, surgery)
Future medical expenses (therapy, medications, long-term care)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages
Available when defendants show reckless indifference or intentional misconduct. In Texas, these can be significant but are subject to statutory caps in many cases.

Settlement vs. Trial: Realistic Expectations

Most Cases Settle Confidentially

National fraternities and universities prefer avoiding public trials
Settlement amounts often include non-disclosure agreements
Typical ranges: $1M-$10M+ for death cases, $100K-$2M+ for injury cases

When Cases Go to Trial

Juries often award significant damages in hazing cases
Public trials bring accountability but also publicity
Trial preparation requires extensive resources that we maintain

The Manginello Law Firm Approach
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This trial readiness:

Increases settlement leverage
Ensures thorough evidence development
Demonstrates to defendants we’re serious
Protects your interests if settlement fails

Practical Guides for Leon County Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Financial drains (unexplained expenses, requests for money)
Academic decline (missed classes, dropping grades)

How to Talk to Your Student

Use open-ended questions: “How are things with your new fraternity/sorority?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’m worried about how tired you’ve been.”
Emphasize safety over loyalty: “You can always come home, no questions asked.”
Document what they share (dates, times, details)

Immediate Steps if Injury Occurs

Medical Care First: Get to ER immediately, tell doctors “this was hazing”
Preserve Evidence: Photograph injuries, screenshot messages, save clothing
Document Everything: Write down names, dates, locations, what happened
Contact an Attorney: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university or insurance

Dealing with the University

Document all communications (emails, calls, meetings)
Ask specific questions about prior incidents with the organization
Request copies of all policies and procedures
Don’t sign anything without legal review
Remember: university interests may conflict with your family’s interests

For Students: Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Assessment Questions

Would you do this if you truly had a free choice?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are older members making you do things they don’t do themselves?
Are you being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?
Would the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?

If You Want to Leave

You have the legal right to quit at any time
Send a clear written resignation (email/text for documentation)
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Don’t attend “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
Document any retaliation or threats immediately

Protective Measures

Screenshot concerning messages as you receive them
Use Texas’ one-party consent law to record conversations you’re part of
Share your location with trusted friends during events
Have an exit strategy and code word with friends

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What families think: “We don’t want this embarrassing stuff saved”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys key evidence, can be obstruction
Better approach: Preserve everything, even if embarrassing

2. Confronting the Organization
What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching, defense preparation
Better approach: Document quietly, let your attorney handle communications

3. Signing University Agreements
What universities do: Pressure quick “resolution” with minimal compensation
Why it’s wrong: Often waives legal rights, settlements are typically lowball
Better approach: “I need to consult with an attorney before signing anything”

4. Social Media Posts
What families think: “People should know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Keep details private, let your attorney control messaging

5. Waiting Too Long
What families think: “Let’s see how the university handles it”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Better approach: Consult an attorney immediately, preserve evidence now

Why Choose The Manginello Law Firm for Your Hazing Case

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

When your Leon County family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities and national fraternities fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as a defense attorney for national insurance companies. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Negotiate settlements to minimize payouts

As Mr. Peña says: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with organizations that have unlimited legal budgets.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)
Our firm is one of the few in Texas with BP Texas City explosion litigation experience. Taking on billion-dollar corporations taught us how to:

Manage massive document discovery
Work with teams of experts
Navigate federal court procedures
Stand up to institutional pressure

This experience directly applies to suing national fraternities and universities with deep pockets and experienced defense teams.

Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, including:

Brain injury cases with seven-figure settlements
Wrongful death claims with comprehensive damage recovery
Complex institutional cases requiring economist collaboration

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise on criminal exposure for witnesses
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Protect your rights during university disciplinary processes

Investigative Depth
Our network includes:

Digital forensics experts for recovering deleted messages
Medical experts specializing in hazing injuries
Greek life culture experts
Economists for damage calculation
Psychologists for trauma assessment

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Response
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we:

Preserve evidence before it disappears
Document the scene and witnesses
Advise on medical documentation
Begin immediate investigation

Comprehensive Investigation
We don’t just take statements. We:

Subpoena national fraternity records
Obtain university conduct files
Recover deleted digital evidence
Identify all potentially liable parties

Strategic Litigation
We build cases that:

Establish pattern evidence across chapters
Prove institutional knowledge of risks
Maximize insurance coverage
Position for trial while seeking fair settlement

Client-Centered Representation
We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. We:

Keep you informed at every step
Respect your privacy concerns
Work to prevent future harm to others
Pursue accountability, not just compensation

Call to Action: Your Next Steps

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Whether you’re in Centerville, Buffalo, or anywhere in Leon County, if hazing has affected your family at a Texas university, we want to help. The path forward begins with a conversation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and outcomes
Answer all your questions about costs and process

No Pressure, Just Information
We never pressure families to hire us immediately. We provide the information you need to make the best decision for your family. Everything you tell us is confidential, whether or not you decide to work with us.

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

Spanish Language Services
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Final Message to Leon County Families

Hazing thrives in secrecy and silence. By coming forward, you not only protect your own family’s rights but also help prevent future tragedies. The patterns we’ve seen at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor will continue until institutions face real accountability.

Your child didn’t deserve what happened to them. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you’re seeking answers, accountability, or prevention for other families, we’re here to help.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find the path forward.

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