The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Accountability for Families in Blum, Texas

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

We understand the sinking feeling that comes with that late-night phone call. Your child at college—maybe at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another Texas campus—is hurt, confused, and afraid to tell you everything. They mention “pledge activities,” “traditions,” or “team bonding” that went too far. As parents right here in Blum and across Hill County, you sent your children to college with dreams, not nightmares. That trust has been shattered by what you’re now learning: hazing.

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The details are horrific: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; extreme workouts of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; and the “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring humiliation items. This culminated in Bermudez developing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine, and requiring four days of hospitalization. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm continues.

This isn’t just a Houston problem. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at UH also have chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and campuses across Texas where Blum families send their children. The patterns repeat: forced drinking, physical abuse, psychological torment, and institutional cover-ups.

This comprehensive guide explains what Texas parents in Blum need to know about hazing: what it really looks like in 2025, Texas hazing laws, national case patterns that affect our state, what’s happening at major Texas universities, how fraternity and sorority national histories create liability, and what legal options your family may have. We’ve built a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking over 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros—because knowledge is power when facing powerful institutions.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Blum Families

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

For Blum families unfamiliar with contemporary Greek life or campus organizations, hazing has evolved far beyond the old stereotypes of harmless pranks. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digital, and designed to avoid detection while maximizing control and humiliation.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing remains the deadliest form. This includes forced “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, and trivia games where wrong answers mean forced consumption. In the Bermudez case at UH, Pi Kappa Phi members forced pledges to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately made them sprint.

Physical Hazing now often disguises itself as “conditioning” or “team building.” This includes:

“Smokings”: Extreme calisthenics like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats forced on Bermudez
Sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night meetings
Exposure to extreme elements (being outside in underwear in cold weather)
Paddling and beatings that leave bruises in places hidden by clothing

Psychological and Digital Hazing represents the newest frontier:

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response requirements
Social media humiliation through forced TikTok challenges or Instagram dares
Geo-tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Public shaming in chapter meetings or group chats
The “pledge fanny pack” rule seen in the UH case: requiring humiliating items be carried at all times

Sexualized Hazing includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, and degrading positions. At Texas A&M, a Corps of Cadets lawsuit alleged a cadet was bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Blum families should understand hazing extends beyond fraternity houses:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and tradition groups (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic and service organizations

The common thread across all these groups: power imbalance, tradition disguised as necessity, and systems that protect perpetrators over victims.

Texas Hazing Law: What Blum Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Criminal Hazing Statute

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that apply to every student at Texas universities, including those from Blum attending schools across the state. The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Key Provisions for Blum Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing is illegal whether it happens on-campus, at an off-campus house, at an Airbnb retreat, or anywhere else.
Consent is NOT a defense: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that even if the victim “agreed” to the activity, it’s still hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible.
Criminal penalties escalate with harm:
- Class B misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury
- Class A misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State jail felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Organizations can be prosecuted: Fraternities, sororities, and other groups can face fines up to $10,000 per violation.
Good-faith reporting protection: Those who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith receive immunity from prosecution.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (DA’s office)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Examples: Hazing charges, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
Burden: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Examples: Wrongful death, negligence, emotional distress
Burden: “Preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not)

These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case, and many hazing cases involve both tracks.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Maintains public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
Applies to all major Texas universities

Title IX:

Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Requires universities to investigate and remedy
Creates additional liability for schools that fail to respond

Clery Act:

Requires reporting of certain campus crimes
Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol crimes, or other reportable offenses must be included

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students: Those who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing
Chapter/Organization: The local fraternity, sorority, or club entity
National Headquarters: Organizations like Pi Kappa Phi national that set policies and collect dues
Universities: When they knew or should have known and failed to act
Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses or retreat venues
Third Parties: Alcohol providers, security companies, event organizers

In the Bermudez case, we sued 13 individual fraternity leaders, Pi Kappa Phi national, the Beta Nu housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern: Repeated Tragedies

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

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement: $7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU
Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

“Bible study” drinking game: wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC
$6.1 million verdict against fraternity
Max Gruver Act: Louisiana’s felony hazing statute

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Fell multiple times on chapter house cameras; help delayed for hours
18 members charged with 1000+ criminal counts
Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

“Big Brother Night” with handles of liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity convicted of manslaughter
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage
Settlements with 22 defendants
Now requires 24/7 care

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing
Multiple lawsuits against university
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit
Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life

What These Cases Mean for Blum Families

These national patterns matter because:

The same national organizations operate at Texas universities
Courts recognize “foreseeability” – if a national knew about patterns elsewhere, they’re responsible for preventing them here
Settlement amounts establish benchmarks for Texas cases
Legal strategies that worked nationally can be adapted for Texas courts

Texas University Focus: Where Blum Families Send Their Children

Understanding Blum’s University Connections

Families in Blum and Hill County typically have children at a mix of local institutions and major Texas universities:

Nearby Campuses for Blum Students:

Hill College (Hillsboro, TX) – Just 15 miles from Blum
Navarro College (Corsicana, TX) – Approximately 40 miles
Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen) – About 80 miles
University of Texas at Arlington – Approximately 85 miles

Major Texas Universities Blum Families Attend:

Texas A&M University (College Station) – Many Central Texas families’ top choice
University of Texas at Austin – State flagship attracting students statewide
University of Houston – Growing destination for Texas students
Baylor University (Waco) – Private option with strong regional draw
Texas State University (San Marcos) – Popular Central Texas location

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Blum Families

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations through IRS filings. Here are examples relevant to families in Blum and surrounding areas:

IRS B83 Organizations in Central/North Texas:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU GAMMA CHAPTER INC, 1416 SLEEPY HOLLOW DR, LUFKIN, TX 75904 (IRS B83 filing)
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI, 411 TEXAS ST ROOM 219, DENTON, TX 76204 (University of North Texas chapter)
SIGMA PHI EPSILON TEXAS ETA, 1305 FM 359 RD, RICHMOND, TX 77406
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC, 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204 (Theta Delta chapter)
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035

Major University Chapter Entities:

TEXAS EPSILON UPSILON CHAPTER, 13350 PADON RD, NEEDVILLE, TX 77461 (Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority)
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION, 4102 EASTSHORE ST, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER, 4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77204
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY, 2711 RIO GRANDE ST, AUSTIN, TX 78705 (Chi Omega House Corporation)

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Organizations (188+ Greek entities):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation, Fort Worth, TX
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter, Austin, TX

These entities represent the organizational backbone behind campus Greek life. When hazing occurs, we investigate not just the student members but these registered organizations that may carry insurance and liability.

University of Houston: The Current Epicenter

Campus Context for Blum Families:
UH sits approximately 200 miles from Blum, but many Texas families choose it for its strong programs and urban opportunities. The current Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates what can happen when systems fail.

Official Hazing Policy:
UH prohibits hazing on and off campus, with reporting through the Dean of Students and UHPD. The university posts limited disciplinary information.

Recent Major Incident – Leonel Bermudez Case:

Timeline: Fall 2025 pledge period with escalating abuse
Locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Conduct: Fanny pack humiliation, forced consumption, extreme workouts, simulated waterboarding
Medical Outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov. 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov. 14, 2025
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney911
Media Coverage: Click2Houston report, ABC13 coverage

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (Houston)
Potential Defendants: Students, chapter, national, UH, property owners
Evidence Sources: Group chats, medical records, UH conduct files, national fraternity records

What Blum Families with UH Students Should Do:

Document all communications with UH administrators
Request prior incident reports involving the same organization
Understand that UHPD and Houston PD may have overlapping jurisdiction
Recognize that off-campus locations don’t eliminate university liability

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Blum Connection:
Many Blum and Hill County families choose A&M for its tradition, value, and proximity. The Corps of Cadets adds another layer of potential hazing risk alongside Greek life.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Lawsuit (2023):

Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
A&M stated it handled matters under Corps regulations
Demonstrates hazing beyond Greek organizations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Fraternity suspended for two years
$1 million lawsuit filed

How A&M Handles Hazing:

Student Conduct Office processes
Corps-specific regulations and discipline
Public transparency limited compared to UT

What Blum Families with A&M Students Should Know:

Corps hazing can be particularly ritualized and severe
Off-campus “retreats” to rural areas are common
Document everything before the organization circles wagons
Both university and Corps disciplinary systems may apply

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing disclosure systems at hazing.utexas.edu, showing Blum families what’s really happening.

Recent UT Hazing Sanctions:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Assault allegations involving international student; chapter already under suspension

How UT Cases Differ:

UTPD and Austin PD jurisdiction issues
Public violation records provide powerful evidence for civil cases
Higher media scrutiny in state capital

For Blum Families with UT Students:

Check UT’s public hazing log for prior incidents with same organization
Understand that downtown Austin venues add third-party liability
Recognize that UT’s transparency doesn’t prevent hazing – it just documents it

Baylor University and SMU: Private University Dynamics

Baylor’s Context:

Religious identity creates unique dynamics around accountability
History of sexual assault scandal affects institutional response
Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended after investigation

SMU’s Greek Dominance:

Affluent student body with strong Greek participation
Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended
Private university status means less public transparency

What Blum Families at Private Universities Should Know:

Less public information available, but discovery in lawsuits can uncover more
Religious or private status doesn’t eliminate liability
Insurance coverage may differ from public institutions
Media relations are often more tightly controlled

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas Courts

Why National Patterns Create Texas Liability

When Blum families face hazing at Texas universities, the national organization’s history matters in court. Judges and juries consider “foreseeability” – if a national knew about dangerous patterns at other chapters, they’re responsible for preventing them here.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) National Pattern:

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement)
David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois ($14M settlement)
Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide
Texas Implications: Chapters at UH, UT, A&M, Baylor operate with this known history

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) National Pattern:

Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama
Chemical burns case at Texas A&M
Assault case at UT Austin (2024)
Texas Implications: SAE’s national reputation for hazing creates liability

Pi Kappa Phi National Pattern:

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
Leonel Bermudez rhabdomyolysis case at UH
National headquarters named in $10M lawsuit
Texas Implications: Current active litigation establishes precedent

How National Histories Affect Your Texas Case

Pattern Evidence: Shows juries this wasn’t an isolated incident
Punitive Damages: Repeated warnings ignored may justify punishment beyond compensation
Insurance Coverage: Nationals’ knowledge affects coverage arguments
Settlement Leverage: National organizations settle to avoid discovery of all chapter incidents

Texas-Specific Fraternity/ Sorority Presence

Organizations with Multiple Texas Campus Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (UT, A&M incidents)
Pi Kappa Alpha (UT sanction, national history)
Pi Kappa Phi (UH active litigation)
Kappa Alpha Order (SMU suspension)

NPHC (Divine Nine) Organizations:

Often different hazing traditions (paddling, physical discipline)
National organizations frequently disavow but patterns continue
Cultural considerations in litigation strategy

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Blum Families

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Immediate Evidence Preservation for Blum Families:

Group Chats: Screenshot GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage before deletion
Social Media: Archive Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat content
Photos/Videos: Document injuries immediately and over several days
Medical Records: Request all ER, hospital, and follow-up records
Physical Evidence: Save clothing, objects, receipts from events

Our Investigative Process Includes:

Digital forensics to recover deleted messages
Subpoenas for national fraternity incident reports
Public records requests for university conduct files
Witness interviews with other pledges and former members

Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Damages: What Blum Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, ongoing treatment)
Future medical care (therapy, medications, life care plans)
Lost educational expenses (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Lost earning capacity (permanent disability affecting career)

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Family members’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

Punishes especially reckless or intentional conduct
Requires showing prior warnings ignored
Available under Texas law in appropriate cases

Insurance Coverage Battles: Why Experience Matters

Fraternity and university insurance companies use standard defense tactics:

Deny coverage based on “intentional act” exclusions
Delay settlement hoping families run out of resources
Use “independent” medical exams to minimize injuries
Argue comparative fault (“they consented”)

Our Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how these companies value claims, set reserves, and fight coverage. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurers.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Blum Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Blum Student May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
Personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, defensiveness
Secretive about organization activities
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial drains for “fines,” alcohol, or mandatory purchases

How to Talk to Your Child:

“I’m concerned about you, not angry”
“Your safety matters more than any organization”
“We can handle this together, confidentially”
“What would you want your best friend to do in this situation?”

If Your Child Is Injured:

Medical care FIRST – even if they resist
Document everything: photos, texts, conversations
Contact an attorney BEFORE talking to university or insurance
Preserve digital evidence before deletion

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I truly had a choice?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

Safe Exit Strategies:

Have an exit plan before events
Use buddy system with trusted friend
Know emergency contacts outside the organization
“I need to leave for a family emergency” is always valid

Good-Faith Reporting Protection:
Texas law and university policies often protect those who:

Report hazing in good faith
Call for medical help in emergencies
Cooperate with investigations

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

MISTAKES BLUM FAMILIES MUST AVOID:

Letting Evidence Be Destroyed: Deleting group chats or “cleaning up” looks like cover-up and destroys your case.
Confronting the Organization: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, and coach witnesses.
Signing University “Resolutions”: Often include waivers of your right to sue for inadequate amounts.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility.
Waiting for University Investigations: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball offers.
Letting Your Child Return for “One Last Meeting”: Pressure, intimidation, and extracted statements hurt cases.

Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

FAQ for Blum Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes. Public universities (UH, A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee suits. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would qualify.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to it?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Courts recognize power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up situations, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical.

Watch our video on statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

“What will this cost?”
We work on contingency: no fee unless we recover compensation. Initial consultations are free.

Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Texas Families Choose Us

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

When your Blum family faces a hazing case, 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.

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims
Understands their delay tactics and coverage arguments
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national organizations or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We’re not afraid of fraternity lawyers.”

Active Texas Hazing Case Experience:

Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi: Current $10M lawsuit we’re litigating
Multi-million dollar wrongful death experience
Digital evidence expertise for modern hazing cases
Understanding of Texas-specific laws and courts

Investigative Depth for Blum Families:

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 metros
Digital forensics for deleted messages and social media
Network of experts: medical, economic, psychological, Greek life culture
Experience obtaining hidden university and fraternity records

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense expertise
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil cases
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Our Commitment to Blum Families

We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. For Blum and Hill County families facing hazing at any Texas campus:

We understand the unique dynamics of Texas universities
We know the national organizations operating here
We’re familiar with Texas courts and procedures
We’re currently fighting one of Texas’ biggest hazing cases

Call to Action: Confidential Consultation for Blum Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether near Blum at Hill College or farther at A&M, UT, UH, or other schools—we want to hear from you.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – no recovery, no fee)
No pressure to hire us – take time to decide
Everything is confidential

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today:

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

Learn More About Our Practice:

Wrongful death experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Whether you’re in Blum, Hillsboro, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for protecting students must be held accountable. We’re here to help make that happen.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for your confidential consultation.

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