The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits and Campus Accountability for City of Pearsall and Frio County Families

When Your Student’s Search for Belonging Ends in the Hospital

Imagine a student from Pearsall High School arriving at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another Texas campus, excited to find their place. They accept a bid from what seems like a reputable organization. Then, the reality begins: forced dress codes, a mandatory “pledge fanny pack” containing humiliating items, overnight chauffeuring duties, and “voluntary” workouts at 3 AM. The situation escalates to being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and 100+ push-up sessions that leave them passing brown urine and hospitalized with acute kidney failure.

This isn’t hypothetical. This exact scenario unfolded at the University of Houston in fall 2025, when Leonel Bermudez, a student just trying to find his community, nearly lost his life to fraternity hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter.

For parents and families in Pearsall and across Frio County—whether your students attend the local Southwest Texas Junior College or major universities hours away—this guide provides what you need to know: what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects your child, and why experienced legal representation matters when powerful institutions try to minimize accountability.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN PEARSALL:

If your student 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 at Pearsall’s emergency facilities or campus health centers
- 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
- Do NOT:
  - Confront the fraternity/sorority
  - Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  - Post details on social media
  - Let your student delete messages
Contact an experienced Texas hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
- Evidence disappears fast in today’s digital world
- Universities move quickly to control narratives
- We help preserve evidence and protect rights
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Actually Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many Pearsall families still picture hazing as harmless pranks or “boys will be boys” behavior. Today’s reality is more dangerous, more digital, and often deliberately hidden from public view until someone gets seriously hurt.

Modern hazing in Texas falls into three escalating categories that every parent should recognize:

The Digital Control Era

Today’s hazing begins on smartphones. New members are added to GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord servers where they’re expected to respond instantly to demands at any hour. Location-sharing through Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps allows constant monitoring. Social media becomes a tool for humiliation—forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, or compromising photos shared in private groups.

We see this pattern at schools across Texas: pledges told to carry phones at all times, respond within minutes to messages, and share their locations “for safety” while actually being tracked for control purposes.

The “Voluntary” Coercion Tactic

Organizations have learned to avoid the word “hazing.” Instead, they create “optional” activities with clear social consequences for non-participation. A pledge might be told, “Nobody’s forcing you to drink this bottle, but if you want to earn your letters…” The power imbalance makes true consent impossible, but creates legal cover for the organization.

Physical and Psychological Abuse Disguised as Tradition

The physical harms continue, often framed as “bonding” or “tradition”:

Alcohol hazing: Lineup drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, trivia games where wrong answers mean forced consumption
Extreme physical exertion: “Smokings” involving hundreds of push-ups or squats until collapse, as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case that caused rhabdomyolysis
Degrading rituals: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, racial or sexist role-playing
Isolation techniques: Cutting off contact with non-members, sleep deprivation, food restriction

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations that Pearsall students join:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
Corps of Cadets and military-style programs
Athletic teams from football to cheerleading
Spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys or similar groups
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic clubs and honor societies

The common thread isn’t the type of organization, but the power dynamics and secrecy that allow abuse to continue.

Texas Hazing Law: What Pearsall Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but understanding how they apply requires looking beyond the statute language to how cases actually play out in our courts and campuses.

The Education Code Chapter 37 Framework

Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership
Can occur on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
Consent is not a defense (even if your child “agreed”)

Criminal Penalties That Actually Get Applied

While the law provides for penalties up to state jail felonies for serious injury or death, what matters most to Pearsall families is how these laws get enforced:

Individual members can face misdemeanor or felony charges
Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
Good-faith reporting protections exist for those who call for help
Failure to report by members who know about hazing is itself a crime

The Civil Liability Landscape

Criminal charges are only part of the story. Civil lawsuits allow families to seek compensation for:

Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, ongoing treatment)
Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD)
Wrongful death damages (for families who have lost a child)

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Texas law allows lawsuits against multiple parties, which is crucial when seeking meaningful accountability:

Individual students who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
Chapter officers and leaders who organized or allowed the conduct
The local chapter as an organization
National fraternity/sorority headquarters that knew or should have known about risks
Universities that failed in their duty to protect students
Property owners of houses or venues where hazing occurred
Alcohol providers under Texas dram shop laws

Federal Laws Overlay

Several federal frameworks affect Texas hazing cases:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires universities receiving federal aid to improve hazing transparency and prevention by 2026
Title IX: Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes, including hazing-related assaults

National Hazing Cases That Shape Texas Litigation

The tragic cases that make national headlines aren’t just stories—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly affect how Texas courts view hazing cases involving Pearsall students.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. His family’s $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from BGSU) showed that universities and nationals face massive liability when their policies fail.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
During a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking, Gruver consumed fatal amounts of alcohol (BAC 0.495%). The $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, strengthening hazing penalties nationwide.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
The bid acceptance night turned fatal when Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol, fell multiple times (captured on chapter cameras), and fraternity members delayed calling for help for hours. The criminal convictions and civil settlements reshaped how universities monitor Greek life.

The Physical Abuse Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
At a Pennsylvania retreat, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He died from traumatic brain injuries while fraternity members delayed medical care. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark for organizational criminal liability.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
During a “pledge dad reveal” night, Santulli was forced to drink until he suffered severe, permanent brain damage. He now requires 24/7 care. The settlements with 22 defendants show that non-fatal injuries can still result in lifetime consequences and substantial recoveries.

The Athletic Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. The confidential settlements and coaching staff terminations demonstrated that hazing extends far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Pearsall Families

These national precedents matter because:

They establish pattern evidence that courts consider
They show how insurance companies respond to serious claims
They demonstrate what expert testimony can establish about hazing culture
They create legal roadmaps for Texas attorneys handling similar cases

When your student at UH or Texas A&M suffers harm from similar conduct, these cases provide the framework for seeking accountability.

Texas University Focus: Where Pearsall Students Attend

Pearsall families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding each campus’s Greek ecosystem, history of incidents, and response patterns helps families know what to expect.

University of Houston: Recent Ground Zero for Texas Hazing Litigation

For Pearsall families with students at UH (just a few hours’ drive northeast), the 2025 Pi Kappa Phi case represents both a warning and a precedent for accountability.

The Leonel Bermudez Case – What Happened
In fall 2025, transfer student Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid from Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. What followed included:

Mandatory “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Enforced dress codes and hours-long “study/work” blocks
Overnight chauffeuring duties for members
Physical hazing at Yellowstone Boulevard Park: sprints, bear crawls, “save-your-brother” drills
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion

Medical Consequences
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Response

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter
UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures
Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, the housing corporation, and 13 individual members

UH’s Greek Ecosystem
The University of Houston hosts active chapters of:

Pi Kappa Phi (now suspended), Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and others in the Interfraternity Council
Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, and others in the Panhellenic Council
Multiple NPHC (Divine Nine) and multicultural organizations

What Pearsall UH Families Should Know

UHPD and Houston Police Department have jurisdiction depending on location
Prior incidents include a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case involving a lacerated spleen
The university maintains conduct records that can be crucial in litigation
Off-campus houses on Calhoun Road, Cullen Boulevard, and other areas are common hazing locations

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersect

Many Pearsall students choose Texas A&M for its academic programs and tradition. The university’s unique Corps of Cadets culture intersects with Greek life in ways that create specific hazing risks.

Recent A&M Hazing Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges alleged they were 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 fraternity received a two-year suspension.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages, highlighting that hazing extends beyond Greek life into military-style programs.

A&M’s Greek and Corps Ecosystem

Active IFC fraternities including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta
Panhellenic sororities including Chi Omega, Kappa Alpha Theta, Delta Delta Delta
The Corps of Cadets with its own tradition-based culture
Multiple multicultural and NPHC organizations

What Pearsall A&M Families Should Know

Texas A&M’s tradition-heavy culture can normalize risky behaviors as “character building”
The university’s geographic isolation in College Station means many incidents occur off-campus at ranch houses or remote properties
Both university police and Brazos County Sheriff have jurisdiction
The university’s emphasis on tradition can complicate reporting and accountability

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Persistent Problems

UT Austin offers perhaps the most transparent hazing reporting system in Texas, which both helps families understand risks and provides valuable evidence for litigation.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database
UT maintains a publicly accessible list of hazing violations that shows ongoing issues:

Recent Documented Incidents

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Assault allegations involving an exchange student who suffered dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose; lawsuit filed for over $1 million
Texas Wranglers and other spirit groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing

UT’s Greek Ecosystem
As one of the nation’s largest Greek systems:

IFC fraternities including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma
Panhellenic sororities including Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Phi
Active NPHC and multicultural councils
Prominent spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys

What Pearsall UT Families Should Know

UTPD and Austin Police Department share jurisdiction
The public violations database provides valuable pattern evidence for lawsuits
West Campus housing creates concentrated Greek life neighborhoods with private houses
UT’s size means incidents may not receive immediate administrative attention

Southern Methodist University: Private University Dynamics

SMU’s status as a private university affects everything from transparency to liability considerations for Pearsall families.

SMU Hazing Context

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until 2021
Private university status means less public reporting than public institutions
Affluent student population can mean sophisticated legal defenses from families of involved students

SMU’s Greek Ecosystem

Traditional Panhellenic sororities including Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma
IFC fraternities including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
Active but less publicly documented NPHC presence

What Pearsall SMU Families Should Know

Dallas Police Department typically has jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
Private university disciplinary processes differ significantly from public institutions
SMU’s Greek life is concentrated in specific campus housing and nearby properties
The university’s reputation management can affect how incidents are handled

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability Challenges

Baylor’s recent history with institutional accountability issues creates a complex environment for addressing hazing.

Baylor Hazing Context

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Ongoing scrutiny from prior sexual assault scandal affects institutional response patterns
Religious identity influences both organizational culture and public relations approach

Baylor’s Greek Ecosystem

Active Panhellenic sororities including Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma
IFC fraternities including Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha
Christian fraternities like Beta Upsilon Chi with different but still present risks

What Pearsall Baylor Families Should Know

Waco Police Department and Baylor Department of Public Safety share jurisdiction
The university’s conservative culture can affect reporting willingness
Prior institutional crises have led to both improved policies and defensive postures
Off-campus housing in Waco’s student neighborhoods presents common hazing venues

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizational Patterns

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database tracking Greek organizations across Texas. For Pearsall families, this means we don’t start from zero when investigating your student’s case.

What Our Data Shows About Texas Greek Life

Statewide Scope:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with IRS tax-exempt status
1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metropolitan areas
96 Texas universities with campus Greek life

Metro Concentrations Relevant to Pearsall Students:

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86 Greek organizations

Sample Organizations From Our Public Records Directory

To show the depth of our tracking, here are examples of Texas Greek organizations from our database that may be connected to cases involving Pearsall students:

University of Houston-Area Organizations:

Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459 (IRS B83 filing)

Texas A&M-Area Organizations:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Rho Chapter, EIN 812525354, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority, EIN 742930349, College Station, TX 77840 (IRS B83 filing)

University of Texas-Area Organizations:

Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing—Chi Omega House Corporation)
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, EIN 746047117, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp, Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)

Statewide Honor Societies (Often Overlooked in Hazing):

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, multiple chapters across Texas including UT Tyler (EIN 352335400), UT El Paso (EIN 383742830), Texas A&M (EIN 900293166)

Why This Data Matters for Pearsall Families

When your student is hazed, we can immediately identify:

All Texas-registered entities connected to the organization
Insurance providers and coverage details
Prior incidents and disciplinary history
Alumni networks and financial supporters
Property ownership and housing arrangements

This comprehensive approach means we’re not just reacting to the immediate incident—we’re investigating the entire ecosystem that allowed it to happen.

National Fraternity Patterns: What History Reveals About Risk

Certain national fraternities have established patterns of hazing incidents that repeat across campuses, including Texas schools where Pearsall students participate. Understanding these patterns helps establish foreseeability—a key legal concept meaning the organization should have known the risks.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

National Pattern: Alcohol poisoning deaths during “Big/Little” events
Texas Presence: Active chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Relevant Cases: Stone Foltz (BGSU, fatal), David Bogenberger (NIU, fatal), UH 2016 spleen injury case
Why It Matters for Pearsall Families: When the same script plays out at multiple campuses, national headquarters cannot claim ignorance

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

National Pattern: Physical abuse, chemical burns, traumatic injuries
Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major Texas universities
Relevant Cases: Texas A&M chemical burns (2021), UT Austin assault (2024), University of Alabama TBI case
Why It Matters: SAE’s national history establishes that they knew or should have known about these risks

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National Pattern: Drinking game fatalities
Texas Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin
Relevant Case: Max Gruver (LSU, fatal)
Why It Matters: The “Bible study” drinking game pattern was established before Texas incidents

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National Pattern: Alcohol poisoning and physical hazing
Texas Presence: Recently suspended at UH, other Texas chapters
Relevant Cases: Andrew Coffey (FSU, fatal), Leonel Bermudez (UH, severe injury)
Why It Matters: National headquarters had warning from Florida before the Texas incident

Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)

National Pattern: Physical beatings and psychological abuse
Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities
Relevant Cases: College of Charleston ($10M+ settlement), UT Arlington hospitalization
Why It Matters: Established patterns of severe psychological harm

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

For Pearsall families considering legal action, understanding the investigative process helps set realistic expectations and demonstrates why experienced counsel matters.

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Modern hazing cases are won or lost on digital evidence and meticulous documentation:

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage screenshots
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat memories
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “permanently” deleted content
Location data: GPS records, Find My Friends history, geo-tagged photos

Medical Documentation:

Immediate care records: ER reports, ambulance records, initial hospitalization
Ongoing treatment: Physical therapy, psychological counseling, specialist care
Diagnostic evidence: Blood tests (especially for alcohol poisoning or rhabdomyolysis), imaging results
Psychological impact: PTSD diagnoses, anxiety treatment records, therapy notes

Institutional Records:

University files: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, probation records
National organization documents: Risk management policies, incident reports, training materials
Property records: House corporation documents, insurance policies, lease agreements

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges: Often afraid to come forward initially but may cooperate as cases develop
Former members: Those who left the organization or were expelled
Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, other students who witnessed events
Experts: Greek life culture experts, medical professionals, digital forensics specialists

The Damages Families Can Recover

Texas law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including lifelong treatment for permanent injuries
Lost educational opportunities: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarship value
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects
Therapy and counseling: Psychological treatment for trauma, PTSD, depression

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts):

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries sustained during hazing
Emotional distress: Humiliation, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages: In cases of particularly egregious conduct or cover-ups

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship and support
Parental grief and emotional suffering
Loss of future earnings and contributions

The Strategic Considerations

Successful hazing litigation requires balancing multiple strategic factors:

Criminal vs. Civil Proceedings:

Criminal cases focus on punishment; civil cases focus on compensation
They can proceed simultaneously but require different strategies
Criminal convictions can strengthen civil cases but aren’t required

Multiple Defendant Coordination:

Suing individuals, chapters, nationals, and universities requires coordinated strategy
Different defendants have different insurance coverage and defense approaches
Settlement dynamics change when multiple parties are involved

Privacy vs. Accountability:

Many families want to avoid public attention
Settlement negotiations can include confidentiality provisions
Balancing the desire for privacy with the need for accountability requires careful navigation

Timing Considerations:

Evidence preservation must begin immediately
Statutes of limitations create deadlines (generally 2 years in Texas)
University disciplinary processes run on different timelines than legal proceedings

Practical Guide for Pearsall Parents and Students

For Parents: Recognizing Warning Signs

Pearsall parents should watch for these changes when students return from campus:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Rapid weight loss or gain
Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Constant phone anxiety (checking group chats)
Personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during visits home
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Financial Patterns:

Unexpected large expenses for “dues” or “fines”
Requests for money without clear explanation
Maxed credit cards or overdrawn accounts

For Students: Safety and Exit Strategies

If you’re being hazed, your safety comes first:

In Immediate Danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s apartment, public area)
You won’t get in trouble for seeking help—Texas has good-faith reporting protections

If You Want to Leave:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
Send a clear email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Don’t go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If threatened, report to campus police and Dean of Students

Preserving Evidence:

Screenshot everything—group chats, DMs, event photos
Don’t delete anything even if embarrassed
Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
Save physical items (clothing, props, receipts)

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Based on our experience with Texas hazing cases, these errors can significantly harm your position:

1. Deleting Digital Evidence
What families think: “I don’t want my child to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up; makes case nearly impossible to prove
Better approach: Preserve everything; let your attorney determine relevance

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document everything, then call an attorney before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often minimal
Better approach: Have an attorney review ANY document before signing

4. Posting on Social Media
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Keep documentation private; let your attorney control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigations
What universities promise: “We’re handling this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Better approach: Preserve evidence now; consult an attorney immediately

Why Attorney911 for Pearsall Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how Texas universities, national fraternities, and insurance companies fight these cases—and how to win anyway.

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

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 (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Negotiate settlements behind closed doors

His experience means we know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)
As one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, we’ve faced billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That experience translates directly to hazing cases where we’re up against:

National fraternities with deep pockets and experienced counsel
University systems with sovereign immunity arguments
Coordinated defense strategies across multiple defendants

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

We know how to work with economists to value young lives
We understand the long-term care needs of permanent injuries
We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability

Criminal + Civil Hazing Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand:

How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
How to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
What prosecutors need to build criminal cases

Spanish-Language Services for Pearsall Families
With Pearsall’s predominantly Hispanic community, our Spanish-language services are crucial. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult with families in their preferred language, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation during this stressful time.

Our Investigative Approach for Texas Cases

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
Unlike firms starting from zero, we maintain a comprehensive database of:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs and addresses
1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metros
University disciplinary histories and prior incident patterns

When you hire us, we’re not just investigating one incident—we’re investigating the entire ecosystem that allowed it to happen.

Digital Forensics Capability
Today’s hazing evidence lives on smartphones. We work with digital forensics experts who can:

Recover deleted messages and social media content
Authenticate screenshots and digital evidence
Trace communication patterns showing planning and cover-ups

Expert Network
We maintain relationships with experts crucial to hazing cases:

Medical professionals specializing in rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, traumatic injuries
Psychologists experienced with PTSD from hazing trauma
Greek life culture experts who can explain power dynamics and coercion
Economists who can calculate lifetime impacts of injuries

What Makes Our Approach Different

We Investigate Like Your Child’s Life Depends on It
Because it does. For us, this isn’t about quick settlements—it’s about:

Getting answers about what really happened
Holding the right people accountable
Preventing this from happening to another family
Getting your student the resources they need to recover

We Understand Texas Specifically
From the agricultural communities of Frio County to the major university campuses, we understand:

How Texas hazing laws actually get applied in our courts
How universities in different Texas systems respond to crises
The cultural factors that affect reporting and accountability
The practical realities for families outside major metro areas

We’re Prepared to Go to Trial
Most personal injury firms settle every case. Our trial readiness changes settlement dynamics because defendants know we’ll actually present evidence to a Texas jury if they don’t offer fair compensation.

Your Next Steps: A Clear Path Forward

If hazing has affected your family, here’s what to do next:

Immediate Action (First 48 Hours)

Ensure Safety: Get medical attention for any injuries
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot digital communications, photograph injuries
Document Everything: Write down names, dates, locations, details
Contact Us: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

Consultation Process

When you contact Attorney911, here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Call (30-60 minutes)
We’ll listen to your story, answer preliminary questions, and explain how we can help. There’s no pressure and no obligation.

2. Evidence Review
If you decide to work with us, we’ll:

Review any documentation you’ve collected
Explain what additional evidence we need
Outline our investigation plan
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations

3. Investigation Phase
We’ll systematically:

Preserve digital evidence before it disappears
Identify all potentially liable parties
Obtain university and organizational records
Consult with medical and other experts
Build a comprehensive case strategy

4. Resolution Options
Depending on your case, we may pursue:

Negotiated settlement with all responsible parties
Litigation if settlements aren’t fair
Coordination with criminal proceedings if applicable
Your preferred balance of compensation and accountability

Contact Information

Attorney911 – The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Serving Pearsall, Frio County, and All of Texas

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Emergency: (713) 443-4781

Email:
Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish Services: Se habla español – Mr. Peña ofrece consultas en español

Office Locations:
Houston, Texas (Primary)
Austin, Texas
Beaumont, Texas

Service Area: We serve families throughout Texas, including Pearsall, Dilley, Cotulla, and all surrounding communities in Frio County and South Texas.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

For your convenience, here are important resources referenced in this guide:

News Coverage of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

Firm homepage and contact: https://attorney911.com

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