Hazing Litigation Guide for Simonton, Texas Parents & Families by Attorney911

A Crisis in Our Community: Your Child, Hazing, and the Fight for Accountability

For a parent in Simonton, Texas, the journey from our tight-knit community in Fort Bend County to a major Texas university should be filled with promise. Your child leaves the quiet streets of Simonton for the vibrant campus of the University of Houston, the tradition-rich grounds of Texas A&M, or another Texas institution. You trust in the safety of these communities. But right now, families just like ours in Simonton and across the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro are facing a harrowing reality: a culture of violent hazing that universities and national Greek organizations have failed to eradicate.

This is not a distant problem. We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, in a multi-million dollar hazing lawsuit against the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and the university itself. According to a recent Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, our client was subjected to a “pledge fanny pack” humiliation ritual, forced consumption of food until vomiting, and extreme workouts that led to him developing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring a four-day hospitalization. This happened here in our own backyard at UH, a school where many Simonton students pursue their education.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Simonton, Fort Bend County, and throughout Texas. We will explain what modern hazing really looks like, the Texas laws designed to protect your child, the national patterns that predict these tragedies, and exactly what has been happening at Texas universities where Simonton families send their children. Most importantly, we will outline your family’s legal rights and the path to accountability.

Immediate Help for a Hazing Emergency in Simonton

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 for legal emergencies – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if your 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 evidence, 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 from our Houston office

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Simonton families unfamiliar with modern Greek life dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond the “hell week” stereotypes. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, digitally monitored, and often disguised as “tradition” or “team building.” Understanding these modern forms is crucial for recognizing when your child might be in danger.

The Three-Tier System of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)
These behaviors emphasize power imbalance and create psychological pressure that sets the stage for escalation. For Simonton students at Texas universities, this might include:

Being “on call” 24/7 via GroupMe or WhatsApp, required to respond instantly to member demands
Forced chauffeuring of older members at all hours, including late-night drives from Simonton to Houston venues
Mandatory “study sessions” that interfere with academic obligations
Social isolation from non-members and family
Carrying degrading “pledge items” (like the fanny pack in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items)

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creating Hostile Environments)
These behaviors cause measurable physical or emotional harm:

Sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night meetings or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Extreme physical “conditioning” beyond safe limits (hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse)
Public humiliation through embarrassing costumes or performances
Verbal abuse, screaming, and degradation in group settings

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Potential for Injury or Death)
These are the activities that make national headlines and destroy lives:

Forced/coerced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mandate consumption
Physical beatings and paddling: Still prevalent despite national prohibitions
Dangerous physical tests: Blindfolded tackles, “glass ceiling” rituals, extreme endurance challenges
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Chemical exposure: As seen in the Texas A&M SAE case where industrial cleaner caused chemical burns requiring skin grafts

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

For Simonton parents, understanding the digital dimension is critical. Today’s hazing involves:

24/7 digital control: GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Discord servers where pledges are monitored constantly
Location tracking: Members demanding access to Find My Friends or Life360
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares
Evidence destruction coaching: Instructions on how to delete messages, use disappearing apps like Snapchat
Cyberstalking and harassment if pledges don’t comply

Texas Hazing Laws: What Simonton Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F) that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. These laws govern cases involving Simonton students at Texas universities.

The Legal Definition of Hazing in Texas

Under Texas Education Code §37.151, hazing means 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.

Critical implications for Simonton families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house, Airbnb, or retreat is still illegal
“Consent” is NOT a defense: Texas law explicitly states that victim consent doesn’t excuse hazing (§37.155)
Recklessness is enough: Defendants don’t need to have intended harm – knowing the risk and proceeding anyway constitutes hazing

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional penalties: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters are separate crimes

Organizational Liability in Texas

Texas law allows organizations to be prosecuted if they:

Authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition and ban them from campus.

Good-Faith Reporting Protections

A crucial protection for Simonton students: Texas law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for anyone who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement. Many Texas universities also have medical amnesty policies that protect students who call 911 in alcohol emergencies.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Simonton Families

The tragic cases that make national news aren’t isolated incidents – they represent patterns that repeat across campuses, including those attended by Simonton students. Understanding these patterns helps families recognize that what happened to their child wasn’t an “accident” but a predictable outcome of known dangerous practices.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

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

20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Why this matters for Simonton families: The same “Big/Little” tradition exists at Texas chapters of Pi Kappa Alpha and other fraternities

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
$6.1 million verdict for family
Why this matters for Simonton families: Led to Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana – similar legislative pressure exists in Texas

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Why this matters for Simonton families: Shows off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability

Severe Injury Pattern (Non-Fatal but Catastrophic)

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

18-year-old forced to drink dangerous amounts during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Family settled with 22 defendants for confidential multi-million dollar amounts
Why this matters for Simonton families: Demonstrates that non-fatal hazing can still destroy lives and create enormous liability

Texas University Focus: Where Simonton Families Send Their Children

Simonton families have deep connections to Texas higher education. Whether commuting to nearby universities or sending children to campuses across the state, understanding the specific hazing landscapes at these institutions is crucial.

University of Houston: Our Current Active Litigation

For Simonton Families: UH is just a 45-minute drive from Simonton, making it a common choice for local students. The Houston metro area contains 188 Greek-related organizations according to our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine data.

Active Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu:
We currently represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Specific hazing conduct documented in the ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule with degrading contents
Extreme physical hazing at Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
Hose spraying in face “similar to waterboarding”
100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion

Medical consequences: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025; members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025; UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

What Simonton UH families should know:

Report hazing to UH Dean of Students Office or UHPD
Document everything immediately – evidence disappears quickly
Both UHPD and Houston Police Department may have jurisdiction depending on location
Prior disciplinary records of UH Greek organizations can be critical evidence

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Simonton Families: While farther from Simonton, Texas A&M attracts many Texas students with its strong traditions and academic programs. The College Station-Bryan metro contains 42 Greek organizations according to our data.

Recent Significant Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly forced into strenuous activity, then covered with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit
Resulted in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
SAE chapter suspended for two years

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules

What Simonton Texas A&M families should know:

Hazing occurs in both Greek life AND Corps of Cadets
Texas A&M has specific reporting channels for both systems
The university’s tradition-heavy culture can sometimes enable abusive behaviors
Documentation is crucial – take photos of injuries immediately

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

For Simonton Families: UT Austin is a premier destination for Texas high school graduates. The Austin-Round Rock metro contains 154 Greek organizations.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing disclosure systems, showing:

Recent documented violations:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple other organizations with probation for physical hazing, alcohol coercion, or punishment-based practices

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members
Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations

What Simonton UT Austin families should know:

Check UT’s public hazing violations page for organization histories
Report to UTPD or Dean of Students Office
Prior violations on UT’s public log can powerfully support civil cases
Austin Police Department may have jurisdiction for off-campus incidents

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

While farther from Simonton, SMU and Baylor are common choices for Texas families seeking private education with strong Greek systems.

SMU’s Greek Life Context:

Private university with affluent student body
Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended
SMU uses Real Response anonymous reporting system

Baylor’s Unique Context:

Religious identity with history of scrutiny over misconduct issues
Baylor baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Baylor’s broader cultural reforms impact how hazing is addressed

The Greek Ecosystem Serving Simonton Families: Public Records Reality

At Attorney911, we maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine that tracks 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This investigative depth means we don’t start from scratch when a Simonton family comes to us with a hazing case. We already know the organizational landscape behind the Greek letters at Texas universities.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Simonton Families

The following organizations are recorded in public filings with Texas addresses and connections to campuses where Simonton students enroll. This represents a small sample of the 188 Greek organizations in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area that serves our community:

From IRS B83 Public Filings – Texas-Registered Greek Organizations:

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta Chapter)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 371768785 – 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
Southwestern Region of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc – EIN 510194762 – 6822 Sandswept Ln, Houston, TX 77086
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (Alumni/house corp per Cause IQ data)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX (Graduate chapter per Cause IQ data)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (Undergrad chapter per Cause IQ data)

From Texas Universities Where Simonton Students Enroll:

University of Houston: Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, and 20+ other fraternities and sororities
Texas A&M University: Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, and 30+ other Greek organizations
University of Texas at Austin: Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and 50+ other chapters

Why This Directory Matters for Simonton Families:
When hazing occurs, these organizations – not just individual students – often hold insurance policies and legal responsibility. Our ability to immediately identify the proper legal entities, their EINs, and their relationships to national headquarters gives Simonton families a critical advantage in seeking accountability.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and What Simonton Families Can Expect

When a Simonton family comes to us with a hazing case, we deploy the same investigative rigor we’ve used in BP Texas City explosion litigation and multi-million dollar wrongful death cases. Here’s what that process looks like.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (screenshot immediately), TikTok
Recovered deleted messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” content
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends logs, Uber/Lyft receipts

Physical and Medical Evidence:

Photographs of injuries: Multiple angles, with scale (coin or ruler in frame)
Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (especially important for conditions like rhabdomyolysis)
Physical items: Clothing with stains, paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge manuals”

Institutional Records:

University conduct files (obtained through discovery)
National fraternity risk management files
Prior incident reports and disciplinary histories
Insurance policies and coverage documents

Witness Information:

Other pledges and members
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit due to hazing

The Damages Framework: What Simonton Families Can Recover

In hazing cases, families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages:

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Future earning capacity reduction (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and counseling costs

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (in fatal cases):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Designed to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants showed conscious indifference to known risks

How Attorney911’s Broader Experience Strengthens Hazing Cases

Our firm’s experience in complex litigation directly applies to hazing cases:

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm
He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers fight claims, set reserves, and use delay tactics
This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with the same insurance companies that defend Greek organizations

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can take on billion-dollar defendants
Federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas
Not intimidated by national fraternities or universities with unlimited legal budgets

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Ability to advise witnesses and former members with potential criminal exposure

Spanish-Language Services:

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families in Simonton and throughout Texas

Practical Guide for Simonton Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Simonton Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring, anxiety when phone pings
Grades dropping suddenly or missing classes for “mandatory” events
Financial requests for unexplained large expenses

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontational Approach):

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

48-Hour Action Checklist for Simonton Parents:

Medical First: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
Document Everything: Write down what happened while memory is fresh
Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance
Strategic Reporting: With lawyer’s guidance, decide whether/when to report to campus or local police
Medical Follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; get psychological evaluation if trauma present

For Simonton Students: Recognizing Hazing and Protecting Yourself

Self-Assessment Questions:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If You Need to Exit Safely:

In immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
To quit/de-pledge: Tell someone outside the org first, then send written resignation
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Document any threats or harassment for protective orders if needed

Evidence Collection Guide:

Screenshots: Capture full group chat threads with timestamps
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles, locations, objects used
Voice memos: Texas is a one-party consent state – you can record conversations you’re part of
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in medical records
Witness information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy a Hazing Case

Based on our experience representing families in Simonton and across Texas, these are the most damaging errors:

Letting Your Child Delete Messages: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence for proper techniques.
Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching. Let your attorney handle all communications.
Signing University “Resolution” Forms: Universities often pressure families to sign waivers. Do NOT sign anything without attorney review.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility.
Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitation run. Act immediately.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Recorded statements are used against you. Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you.”

As Attorney Ralph Manginello explains in our video on client mistakes, these errors can significantly reduce or eliminate your family’s ability to recover compensation.

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Tragedy

When we investigate hazing cases for Simonton families, we don’t just look at the local chapter. We examine the national organization’s history because patterns repeat. The same dangerous traditions that caused deaths in other states are often practiced at Texas chapters attended by Simonton students.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): Alcohol poisoning death during “Big/Little” night
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
Texas Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing is a predictable, repeating script

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Multiple chapters nationwide with alcohol-related deaths and injuries
Texas A&M SAE (2021): Chemical burns requiring skin grafts
UT Austin SAE (2024): Assault causing multiple fractures
Pattern: Physical violence combined with alcohol coercion

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death
Led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute (Max Gruver Act)
Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Big/Little alcohol death
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (our current case)
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with alcohol

Why National Histories Matter for Simonton Cases

When a national organization has seen the same dangerous practice cause death or catastrophic injury at another chapter, that creates foreseeability. In legal terms, they knew or should have known the risks. This can:

Defeat “we didn’t know” defenses
Support claims for punitive damages
Increase settlement leverage
Show institutional negligence rather than “rogue” individuals

Frequently Asked Questions from Simonton Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

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

“What if it happened off-campus at a rental house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. As we explain in our video on contingency fees, this makes legal representation accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford to take on wealthy universities and national fraternities.

Why Attorney911 for Simonton Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Simonton and Fort Bend County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe 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, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can take on billion-dollar defendants. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. We’ve faced the deepest pockets and most experienced defense attorneys in Texas.

Multi-Million Dollar Results:
We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability and compensation commensurate with the harm done.

Investigative Depth:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas. We maintain directories of legal entities, EINs, and organizational relationships. When a Simonton family comes to us, we don’t start from scratch—we already know the organizational landscape behind the Greek letters.

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability:
With Ralph’s HCCLA membership and criminal defense experience, we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with potential criminal exposure.

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families in Simonton and throughout Texas.

What to Expect When You Contact Attorney911

Your Free, Confidential Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot – take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Call to Action for Simonton Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Simonton, Fort Bend County, and throughout the Houston metro area have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm today 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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

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

Whether you’re in Simonton or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. We understand the unique culture of Texas universities, the power dynamics of Greek organizations, and the legal pathways to accountability. Call us today.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

https://attorney911.com