Llano County’s Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: Protecting Your Student at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU & Baylor

A Message to Llano County Parents from Texas Hazing Attorneys

As a parent in Llano County, you’ve worked hard to provide opportunities for your children. Perhaps your son or daughter is now continuing their education at one of Texas’s great universities—maybe living in Llano while commuting to Texas State University in San Marcos, or perhaps residing on campus at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University in College Station, or another institution where Llano County families commonly send their students. The excitement of college life, new friendships, and campus organizations can quickly turn to nightmare when hazing enters the picture.

Right now, in Harris County, we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu chapter). This $10 million lawsuit alleges systematic abuse that left a student with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The details—including forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, “pledge fanny packs” containing humiliating items, and hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”—reveal how dangerous hazing remains in Texas, even in 2025.

For families in Llano County and across the Texas Hill Country, this case serves as a critical warning. Whether your student attends a university within commuting distance or has moved to a campus hours away, understanding hazing realities and legal protections is essential. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing looks like today, Texas and federal laws that protect students, documented incidents at major Texas universities, and how our firm builds cases for accountability and compensation.

If This Just Happened: Immediate Help for Llano County Families

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 your student insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it disappears:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- 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 narratives. 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

Hazing has evolved beyond stereotypical “hell week” pranks. Today’s hazing blends physical abuse, psychological manipulation, and digital control, often disguised as “tradition” or “bonding.” For Llano County families unfamiliar with modern Greek life and campus organizations, recognizing these patterns is crucial.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)

Deception and secrecy: Students told to lie to parents, university officials, or outsiders about activities
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated driver at all hours, cleaning rooms, running errands for older members
Social control: Being “on call 24/7” through group chats, requiring permission to socialize with non-members
Digital monitoring: Forced location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps, instant response requirements to group messages

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of unpleasant substances (hot sauce, spoiled food, excessive bland foods)
Extreme physical activity: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, forced runs
Public humiliation: Embarrassing acts in public spaces, “roasting” sessions, degrading costumes

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Potential for Serious Injury or Death)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, chugging challenges
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
Dangerous “tests”: Blindfolded tackle rituals (“glass ceiling”), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaners poured on skin (causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts)

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Contrary to popular belief, hazing extends far beyond fraternity houses:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (especially at Texas A&M and other military-style institutions)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, and other sports)
Spirit and tradition organizations (Texas Cowboys, Aggie Bonfire legacy groups, etc.)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations

For Llano County students, this means hazing risks exist across campus life, not just in Greek organizations.

Texas Hazing Laws: What Llano County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, primarily in the Education Code Chapter 37. Understanding these statutes helps Llano County families recognize their rights and the obligations of universities and organizations.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Framework

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, 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.

Key Provisions for Llano County Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing occurring off-campus (at rentals, retreats, or private homes) is still illegal
“Consent is not a defense” (Section 37.155): Even if the victim “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
Good-faith reporting immunity (Section 37.154): Students who report hazing or call for medical help are protected from liability

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without 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
Additional charges: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters are separate misdemeanors

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153)

Organizations can face:

Criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report
Fines up to $10,000 per violation
University recognition revocation and campus bans

How Texas Law Compares Nationally

Texas has stronger provisions than some states but trails others in specific areas:

Stronger than: States without specific hazing statutes or weaker penalties
Similar to: Most states with felony provisions for serious injury/death
Weaker than: Pennsylvania (Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law), Louisiana (Max Gruver Act), Ohio (Collin’s Law), which have enhanced felony provisions and specific institutional requirements

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Mandates public hazing data by approximately 2026
Strengthens prevention education requirements

Title IX and Clery Act:

Hazing involving sexual harassment or gender-based hostility triggers Title IX obligations
Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes; hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, or drug violations

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Understanding national patterns helps Llano County families recognize how organizations repeat dangerous behaviors and how courts have responded.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Bid-acceptance event with forced drinking, severe falls captured on chapter cameras, hours delayed before calling 911. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Lesson for Texas families: Delayed medical response significantly increases liability and demonstrates callous indifference.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
“Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking, fatal alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Lesson for Texas families: “Game” formats don’t eliminate liability; organized drinking rituals are predictable and preventable.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Big/Little night, forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey, died from alcohol poisoning. Result: $10 million total settlements ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Lesson for Texas families: National organizations and universities both face massive liability when patterns repeat.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Pledge at fraternity retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual, fatal head injuries, delayed help. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Lesson for Texas families: Off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability; national organizations can face criminal prosecution.

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program. Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination claim confidentially. Lesson for Texas families: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to athletic programs with significant institutional resources.

What These Cases Mean for Llano County Families

These national precedents establish that:

Forced drinking rituals are predictable and preventable
Delayed medical response significantly increases liability
National organizations have notice of dangerous patterns
Universities face liability for failing to protect students
Substantial financial recoveries are possible through litigation

Texas University Focus: Where Llano County Students Attend

Llano County families commonly send students to universities across Texas, particularly those within reasonable commuting distance or with strong academic programs. Understanding each campus’s specific landscape helps parents recognize risks and responses.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Llano County Families: Located approximately 150 miles from Llano, Texas A&M attracts students from across Central Texas. The Corps of Cadets and robust Greek life create multiple environments where hazing can occur.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Fraternity suspended for two years; pledges sued for $1 million.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth. Sought over $1 million in damages.
Texas A&M Hazing Transparency: The university maintains conduct records but with less public transparency than UT Austin’s published violations list.

How Texas A&M Cases Proceed:

Jurisdiction typically falls to Brazos County courts
Involved agencies: Texas A&M University Police Department, College Station Police Department
Potential defendants: Individual students, local chapters, national organizations, Corps leadership, university

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do:

Report to Student Conduct Office and Corps leadership (if applicable)
Document through Texas A&M’s online reporting systems
Seek medical care at Baylor Scott & White or St. Joseph Health
Understand that Corps cases involve both military-style discipline and civil liability

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Tradition

For Llano County Families: Approximately 80 miles from Llano, UT Austin serves as a major destination for Hill Country students. The university publishes hazing violations publicly, providing unique transparency.

Published Hazing Violations (Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with mandatory hazing-prevention education.
Texas Wranglers (Multiple Years): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices.
UT’s Public Hazing Log: Available at hazing.utexas.edu, showing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions.

How UT Austin Cases Proceed:

Jurisdiction typically in Travis County courts
Involved agencies: UT Police Department, Austin Police Department
The public violations log provides powerful evidence of patterns and institutional knowledge

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do:

Check hazing.utexas.edu for organization histories
Report through Dean of Students Office and UTPD
Document using UT’s online reporting systems
Recognize that prior violations on public log strengthen civil claims

Texas State University: The Local Option

For Llano County Families: Located approximately 50 miles from Llano in San Marcos, Texas State University serves as a primary commuting school for many Llano County students. Its growing Greek life and campus organizations present hazing risks closer to home.

San Marcos and Hays County Context:

Jurisdiction: Hays County courts and San Marcos Police Department
Medical facilities: Central Texas Medical Center, Ascension Seton Hays
Greek life includes traditional IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, and multicultural organizations

What Texas State Students & Parents Should Do:

Report to Texas State Dean of Students Office
Document through university’s online conduct reporting
Seek medical care at Central Texas Medical Center if needed
Recognize that proximity to home doesn’t reduce legal rights or remedies

University of Houston: Current Litigation Example

For Llano County Families: Though farther from Llano (approximately 180 miles), UH serves as an important example of active hazing litigation affecting Texas families right now.

Leonel Bermudez Case (Active 2025):

Victim: Leonel Bermudez, UH transfer student
Allegations: Systematic hazing including forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting, “pledge fanny packs” with humiliating items, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis
Medical Harm: Acute kidney failure, brown urine, four-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney damage risk
Defendants: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
Status: Active $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County

How UH Cases Proceed:

Jurisdiction in Harris County courts
Involved agencies: UH Police Department, Houston Police Department
Medical facilities: Memorial Hermann, UTHealth, Baylor St. Luke’s

What UH Students & Parents Should Do:

Report to UH Dean of Students and Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life
Document through UH’s online reporting systems
Seek medical care at Texas Medical Center facilities if needed
Recognize that active litigation demonstrates serious institutional liability

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University: Private Institution Considerations

For Llano County Families: These private universities (approximately 180-200 miles from Llano) present different legal landscapes than public institutions.

SMU Considerations:

Private university status affects transparency
Greek life significant on campus
Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended until approximately 2021

Baylor Considerations:

Religious affiliation affects some legal arguments
History of Title IX scrutiny creates institutional sensitivity
Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation

What Private University Students & Parents Should Do:

Understand that private institutions have fewer sovereign immunity protections
Document through internal reporting systems while preserving independent evidence
Recognize that religious branding doesn’t eliminate legal liability
Seek counsel familiar with private university litigation strategies

Fraternity and Sorority Histories: National Patterns in Texas Chapters

The same national organizations involved in high-profile hazing deaths and injuries across the country operate chapters at Texas universities. This pattern evidence strengthens cases for Llano County families.

Why National Histories Matter

When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that caused death or serious injury in another state, it demonstrates:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known the risks
Pattern and Practice: Systematic failure to enforce anti-hazing policies
Notice: Prior incidents put the organization on notice of dangerous traditions

National Organizations with Documented Histories at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021), David Bogenberger death (NIU 2012)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama 2023)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, documented incidents at both
Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case (Texas A&M 2021), assault case (UT Austin 2024)

Phi Delta Theta:

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU 2017)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced alcohol consumption

Pi Kappa Phi:

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU 2017)
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu, now closed via lawsuit)
Current Case: Leonel Bermudez lawsuit demonstrates ongoing Texas pattern

Kappa Alpha Order:

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
Pattern: Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation

How National Patterns Strengthen Texas Cases

Discovery Evidence: National organizations’ internal files showing prior incidents
Expert Testimony: Greek life experts can testify about predictable patterns
Punitive Damages Arguments: Knowing violation of policies despite prior tragedies
Insurance Coverage Fights: Demonstrating institutional knowledge affects coverage arguments

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

For Llano County families considering legal action, understanding how cases are built helps manage expectations and recognize the importance of early evidence preservation.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important in 2025):

Group Messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
Recovery Potential: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages
Preservation Steps: Screenshot immediately, do NOT delete, back up to cloud storage

Photos and Videos:

Content: Events filmed by participants, security camera footage, doorbell cameras
Medical Documentation: Injury photos with timestamps, progression over days
Location Evidence: Houses, venues, specific rooms where hazing occurred

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge Manuals: Initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Communication: Emails/texts between officers about activities
National Files: Policies, training materials, prior incident reports

University Records:

Prior Conduct: Previous violations, probation letters, suspension records
Incident Reports: Campus police reports, student conduct filings
Public Records: Clery Act reports, hazing violation logs (UT Austin)

Medical and Psychological Records:

Emergency Care: ER reports, hospitalization records, toxicology results
Specialist Care: Nephrology (kidney), orthopedics (fractures), burn specialists
Psychological: PTSD diagnoses, therapy records, medication prescriptions

Witness Testimony:

Other Pledges: Often afraid initially but may cooperate as case develops
Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled frequently provide critical testimony
Bystanders: Roommates, significant others, venue staff

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifetime needs for catastrophic injuries
Lost Earnings: Time off work, delayed graduation, diminished earning capacity
Educational Costs: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships

Non-Economic Damages (Compensable Harm):

Physical Pain: From injuries, surgeries, ongoing limitations
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable):

Funeral/Burial Costs
Loss of Support: Financial contributions deceased would have made to family
Loss of Companionship: Emotional harm to parents, siblings, spouse

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
When Awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts
Texas Caps: Generally capped except in certain intentional tort cases

Case Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

Defense: “The Student Consented”

Our Response: Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense (Education Code §37.155)
Evidence: Group chat pressure, power imbalance, fear of exclusion

Defense: “Rogue Chapter, National Didn’t Know”

Our Response: Prior incidents at other chapters create constructive notice
Evidence: National’s own files showing pattern of similar behavior

Defense: “Happened Off-Campus, Not Our Responsibility”

Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty when organization sponsors/controls activities
Evidence: National dues collection, advisor involvement, organization sanctioning

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: Having policies isn’t enough; must meaningfully enforce them
Evidence: Prior violations with minimal consequences, ineffective training

Defense: “University Sovereign Immunity” (Public Schools)

Our Response: Exceptions for gross negligence, ministerial acts, Title IX violations
Strategy: Sue individuals in personal capacity, pursue insurance coverage

Practical Guides for Llano County Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response

Warning Signs Your Student May Be Hazed:

Physical: Unexplained injuries, extreme exhaustion, sleep deprivation, weight changes
Behavioral: New secrecy, withdrawal from family/friends, personality changes, constant phone anxiety
Academic: Grades dropping, missing classes, academic probation
Financial: Unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards, vague requests for money

How to Talk to Your Student:

Open Questions: “How are things with [organization]? Are they respectful of your time?”
Non-Judgmental: “Is there anything making you uncomfortable that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
Safety First: “If you’re ever scared or hurt, call me immediately no matter the time.”

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: If in danger, call 911 then 1-888-ATTY-911
Document Everything: Write down what your student says with dates/times
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
Medical Care: Get professional evaluation even if student insists they’re “fine”
Legal Consultation: Contact us before confronting organization or signing anything

For Students: Recognizing and Responding

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being pressured to do something I wouldn’t do freely?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

If You’re Being Hazed:

Immediate Danger: Call 911, get to safe location
Medical Emergency: Texas law protects those who call for help in good faith
Exiting Safely: You can resign membership at any time; send email/text for documentation
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot everything, photograph injuries, save physical items

Where to Report:

Campus: Dean of Students, Student Conduct Office, Title IX Coordinator (if sexualized)
Law Enforcement: Campus police or local police for criminal acts
Anonymous: National Anti-Hazing Hotline 1-888-NOT-HAZE
Legal: Attorney911 for confidential consultation about rights and options

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

Mistake: Letting your student delete messages to “avoid more trouble”
Why Wrong: Looks like cover-up, obstruction of justice, makes case nearly impossible
Better: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

Mistake: Calling fraternity/sorority leaders to “give them a piece of your mind”
Why Wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better: Document everything, then call us before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Mistake: Signing waivers or internal settlement agreements under pressure
Why Wrong: May waive right to sue; settlements often far below case value
Better: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

Mistake: Sharing details publicly before consulting attorney
Why Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better: Document privately; let your attorney control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigation

Mistake: Delaying legal action “to see how the university handles it”
Why Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Better: Preserve evidence now; consult attorney immediately

Public Records: Texas Greek Organizations Serving Llano County Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain extensive data on Greek organizations operating in Texas. This public records directory demonstrates the complex network of entities that may share liability in hazing cases.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Entities)

The IRS recognizes over 125 tax-exempt Greek organizations in Texas. These include house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies, and related entities. Examples relevant to universities where Llano County students attend:

University of Houston Area:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU GAMMA CHAPTER INC, EIN 273662583, Lufkin, TX 75904
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta chapter)
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204

Texas A&M University Area:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC, EIN 812525354, College Station, TX 77845 (Theta Rho chapter)
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035

University of Texas at Austin Area:

CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 (house corporation)
LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC, EIN 741130606, Austin, TX 78705 (Alpha Mu chapter)
BUILDING CORPORATION OF DELTA CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA PI, EIN 746047117, Austin, TX 78705

Additional Texas Entities:

TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa chapter)
SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER, EIN 911981478, Fort Worth, TX 76109

Metro Organization Networks

Our Cause IQ data reveals networked organizations across Texas metros:

Austin-Round Rock Metro (154 Greek organizations):

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp., Austin, TX (UT chapter house corporation)
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter, Austin, TX (UT chapter house)
Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Austin, TX (UT chapter house corporation)

College Station-Bryan Metro (42 Greek organizations):

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter, College Station, TX (Texas A&M chapter)
Omega Psi Phi – Tau Tau Chapter, College Station, TX (Texas A&M chapter)
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae, College Station, TX

Why This Directory Matters for Llano County Families:
These public records show the complex network of entities behind campus organizations. When hazing occurs, multiple organizations may share liability:

Undergraduate chapters
House corporations (property owners)
Alumni associations
National headquarters
Educational foundations

Our investigative approach identifies all potentially liable entities to maximize accountability and insurance coverage.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Texas Families Choose Us for Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Llano County and the surrounding Hill Country region.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, and fight coverage. “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 involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with deep pockets and sophisticated defense teams. This experience translates directly to hazing cases against national fraternities and major universities. We’re not intimidated by institutional defendants; we’ve faced them before and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Results:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs and loss of companionship. For hazing cases involving permanent injuries (brain damage, kidney failure, PTSD) or fatalities, we build comprehensive damage models that reflect true lifetime impacts.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us unique insight into how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure and understand the strategic implications of parallel proceedings.

Investigative Depth and Expert Network:
We investigate hazing cases with the same rigor as complex wrongful death claims:

Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted group chats, social media evidence
Medical Experts: Nephrologists for kidney injuries, psychiatrists for PTSD, toxicologists for alcohol poisoning
Greek Life Experts: Understanding organizational culture and patterns
Economists: Valuing lifetime care needs and lost earning capacity

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families throughout Texas who may prefer consultation in Spanish.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation:
Within hours of contacting us, we initiate evidence preservation protocols: securing group chat screenshots, photographing injuries, documenting witness information before memories fade or intimidation begins.

2. Comprehensive Defendant Identification:
Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we identify all potentially liable entities: individual members, local chapters, house corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters, universities, and third parties.

3. Strategic Insurance Coverage Analysis:
We analyze all potential insurance policies (chapter, national, university, homeowner’s) and develop strategies to overcome common coverage denials for “intentional acts.”

4. Damage Quantification with Economic Precision:
Working with economists and life care planners, we quantify both economic losses (medical care, lost earnings) and non-economic harm (pain, suffering, emotional distress).

5. Institutional Pattern Evidence Development:
We subpoena national organizations’ internal files to demonstrate prior incidents and pattern of inadequate response—critical for punitive damages and overcoming “rogue chapter” defenses.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Free Confidential Consultation:

We Listen: You tell your story without judgment or interruption
Evidence Review: We examine any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
Legal Options Explained: We outline criminal reporting, civil litigation, and other options
Realistic Assessment: We provide honest assessment of strengths, challenges, and potential outcomes
Fee Explanation: Contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless you recover
No Pressure: Take time to decide; we never pressure immediate retention

Ongoing Communication:

Regular updates every 2-3 weeks
Direct access to your attorneys (not passed to paralegals)
Clear explanations of each phase of the process

Call to Action for Llano County Families

If your student has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Texas State University in San Marcos, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, or any other institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Llano County and throughout the Texas Hill Country have the right to answers, accountability, and compensation.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

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

Spanish-Language Services:

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

What We’ll Discuss in Your Consultation:

The specific facts of your situation
Evidence preservation strategies
Texas hazing laws and their application to your case
Potential defendants and liability theories
Realistic timelines and expectations
Our contingency fee structure (no fee unless we win)
Your questions and concerns

Immediate Next Steps if You Suspect Hazing:

Medical: Ensure your student gets appropriate care
Evidence: Preserve all digital and physical evidence
Document: Write down everything while fresh
Contact Us: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for guidance
Do Not: Confront organizations, sign documents, or post on social media

Whether you’re in Llano, Kingsland, Buchanan Dam, or anywhere in Llano County, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same institutions and organizations operate across Texas, and the same legal principles protect students statewide. We’ve successfully represented families from across Texas, and we’re ready to help you.

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
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