The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing for Trophy Club Families: Your Guide to Texas Law, Campus Risks, and Legal Rights

If Your Child Was Hazed in a Fraternity, Sorority, or Campus Organization, You’re Not Alone

For parents in Trophy Club and across North Texas, the nightmare often begins with a late-night phone call, a cryptic text, or a sudden change in your college student. What was supposed to be a safe college experience—perhaps at the University of North Texas just minutes away in Denton, Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, or Southern Methodist University in Dallas—has turned into something dark and confusing. Your child might be experiencing exhaustion beyond normal stress, unexplained injuries, or a new secrecy about their activities with their fraternity, sorority, or campus group.

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in recent memory. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledging. According to the lawsuit we filed, he was subjected to extreme physical hazing—forced through hundreds of push-ups and squats, made to lie in vomit-soaked grass, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and forced to consume excessive food until vomiting. The result? He developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring four days of hospitalization. This is happening in Texas right now, and it shows exactly what can go wrong when hazing culture goes unchecked.

If you’re a parent in Trophy Club, Denton County, or anywhere in North Texas, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects (or fails) your child, what’s happening at universities where Trophy Club families send their kids, and what legal options you may have if your child has been harmed.

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:

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
2. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
   • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
   • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh
4. Do NOT:
   • Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
   • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
   • Post details on public social media
   • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours. Evidence disappears fast—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many Trophy Club parents remember college hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals,” but modern hazing has evolved into something more systematic, more dangerous, and better hidden. Today’s hazing isn’t just about belonging—it’s about control, humiliation, and testing limits in ways that can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

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

• Digital control: 24/7 group chat monitoring, instant response requirements
• Servitude: Acting as designated drivers at all hours, cleaning rooms, running errands for older members
• Social isolation: Being cut off from non-members, requiring permission to socialize
• “Voluntary” mandatory events: Late-night meetings during exam weeks, weekend-long “retreats”

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

• Sleep deprivation: 3 AM wake-up calls for “mandatory” activities
• Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive bland foods
• Extreme physical exertion: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse
• Public humiliation: Forced embarrassing acts in public, degrading costumes, “roasting” sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking – still occurring despite national prohibitions
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
• Dangerous “tests”: “Glass ceiling” tackle rituals, blindfolded challenges, extreme environmental exposure

Where Hazing Happens in Trophy Club’s Backyard

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC programs with military-style traditions
• Athletic teams from football to cheerleading
• Spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys-type groups
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic and service organizations

For Trophy Club families, this means your child could be at risk whether they joined a fraternity at UNT, a spirit group at TCU, or an athletic team at any Texas university.

Texas Hazing Law: What Trophy Club Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code (Chapter 37), but understanding how they work in practice is crucial for families seeking accountability.

The Legal Definition in Plain English

Under Texas law, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act (on or off campus) directed against a student that:

1. Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
2. Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization

Critical protections for Trophy Club families:

• Consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code § 37.155)
• Location doesn’t matter – off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreats are all covered
• Good-faith reporters have immunity from liability

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Tracks

Criminal Cases (State Brings Charges)

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
• Additional charges often filed: Assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases (Your Family Seeks Compensation)

• Filed by victims or surviving families
• Focus on negligence and accountability: Wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Can proceed even without criminal charges
• Multiple defendants possible: Individuals, local chapters, national organizations, universities

Who Can Be Held Liable?

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, participated, or helped cover up hazing
2. Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority as an organization
3. National Headquarters: For failure to supervise, enforce policies, or act on prior warnings
4. Universities: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations
5. Third Parties: Property owners, alcohol providers, security companies

For Trophy Club families, this means accountability can extend far beyond the specific students involved.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragic cases that make national news aren’t isolated incidents—they reveal patterns that repeat across campuses, including here in Texas. Understanding these patterns helps Trophy Club families recognize the warning signs and understand what’s at stake.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: The Deadliest Script

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 national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

Max Gruver – LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game – wrong answers meant forced drinking
• Died with BAC of 0.495%
• $6.1 million verdict against fraternity members
• Led to Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana

What This Means for Trophy Club Families: The “Big/Little night” drinking script happens at Texas schools too. When national organizations have seen deaths from this pattern elsewhere but fail to prevent it here, that’s negligence.

Physical Hazing Pattern: Beyond “Tough Love”

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

• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Died from traumatic brain injury
• National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

• Forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
• Suffered permanent brain damage – cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
• Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar amounts

What This Means for Trophy Club Families: Physical hazing disguised as “tradition” or “conditioning” can cause catastrophic injuries. Universities and nationals often claim they didn’t know, but pattern evidence shows these methods are predictable and preventable.

Athletic Hazing Pattern: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Widespread sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and coaching staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then received confidential settlement
• Showed hazing extends into multi-million dollar athletic programs

What This Means for Trophy Club Families: If your child is an athlete at a Texas university, they’re not immune. The same power dynamics and “team bonding” excuses enable abuse across campus organizations.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Organizations Serving Trophy Club Families

As Texas hazing litigation specialists, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal entities, and their institutional footprints across Texas. This isn’t theoretical; it’s built from public records, IRS filings, and organizational data that helps us identify every potentially liable party in a hazing case.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Trophy Club Families

If you are a parent in Trophy Club, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are examples from our database of Texas-registered Greek organizations—these are public records showing the legal entities that exist behind the letters.

North Texas & DFW Metro Area Organizations:

• BETA UPSILON CHI (EIN: 742911848) – 12650 N Beach St Ste 114 PMB 305, Fort Worth, TX 76244 – IRS B83 filing
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC (EIN: 453325054) – PO Box 1312, Mansfield, TX 76063 – IRS B83 filing
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC (EIN: 741380362) – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147 – IRS B83 filing
• ARLINGTON-GRAND PRAIRIE ALUMNI CHAP OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRAT INC (EIN: 232452759) – PO Box 542901, Grand Prairie, TX 75054 – Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter
• FRISCO TX ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI INCORPORATED (EIN: 920575785) – 5729 Lebanon Rd Ste 144597, Frisco, TX 75034 – Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
• NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL NORTH DALLAS SUBURBIA (EIN: 264080411) – PO Box 112997, Carrollton, TX 75011 – IRS B83 filing
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC (EIN: 611562040) – PO Box 292013, Lewisville, TX 75029 – Phi Psi Zeta Chapter
• DENTON-LEWISVILLE GUIDE RIGHT FOUNDATION (EIN: 861205340) – 3213 Druid Way, Flower Mound, TX 75028 – IRS B83 filing
• KAPPA DELTA SORORITY – GAMMA BETA CHAPTER – Denton, TX – Chapter at Texas Woman’s University in Denton (Cause IQ metro listing)
• PHI CHI THETA – GAMMA IOTA CHAPTER – Carrollton, TX – Business fraternity chapter (Cause IQ metro listing)

Major Texas University Hub Organizations (Where Trophy Club Students Often Attend):

• UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON PI KAPPA PHI BETA NU HOUSING CORPORATION – Houston, TX – Entity behind the chapter in our Bermudez case
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI (EIN: 263170920) – 411 Texas St Rm 219, Denton, TX 76204 – Texas Woman’s University Chapter
• ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY (EIN: 262025321) – 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201 – Mu Gamma Chapter at UNT
• TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY CHAPTER OF PHI KAPPA PHI – Denton, TX – Academic honor society (IRS-Cause IQ overlap)
• UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS GREEK ORGANIZATIONS – Multiple registered entities serving UNT’s active Greek community

Statewide Texas Greek Infrastructure:

Our database tracks 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros, including:

• 510 organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro
• 188 organizations in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro
• 154 organizations in the Austin-Round Rock metro
• 86 organizations in the San Antonio metro
• 27 organizations in the Waco metro
• 22 organizations in the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro

Why This Directory Matters for Trophy Club Families:

When hazing occurs, these aren’t just college clubs—they’re legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), mailing addresses, and often insurance coverage. Our ability to immediately identify:

1. The local chapter’s legal entity
2. The housing corporation (often a separate legal entity)
3. The alumni association (sometimes holding insurance)
4. The national headquarters and its Texas-registered entities

…means Trophy Club families don’t start from zero. We already know how to find the organizations behind the letters.

Where Trophy Club Families Send Their Kids: Campus-Specific Hazing Realities

Trophy Club students attend universities across Texas and beyond. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at each campus helps parents recognize risks and know where to turn for help.

University of North Texas (UNT) – Minutes from Trophy Club

Campus & Culture:

• 15 minutes from Trophy Club in Denton
• Large Greek life community with 30+ fraternities and sororities
• Active Panhellenic, IFC, NPHC, and multicultural councils
• Mix of residential and commuter students

Recent Hazing Concerns:

• Multiple fraternities on disciplinary probation in recent years
• UNT’s Office of Student Conduct handles hazing reports
• Greek life offices in the University Union, Suite 345

What Trophy Club Parents Should Know:

• UNTPD (campus police) and Denton PD share jurisdiction
• Reports can be made anonymously through UNT’s online system
• The Dean of Students Office leads investigations
• Immediate Action: If your UNT student is hazed, document everything and contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before evidence disappears

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) – Denton

Campus & Culture:

• Historically women’s university with coeducational graduate programs
• Smaller Greek community but active sorority life
• Emphasis on leadership and professional development

Hazing Prevention:

• TWU has specific hazing policies in Student Handbook
• All organizations must complete anti-hazing training
• Reporting through Dean of Students or campus police

Texas Christian University (TCU) – Fort Worth

Campus & Culture:

• 40 minutes from Trophy Club
• Strong Greek presence with approximately 40% of students involved
• Affluent campus culture with significant fraternity/sorority housing

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Sigma chapter suspended (2018) for hazing allegations
• Multiple organizations on disciplinary probation in recent years
• TCU’s Student Affairs office handles conduct investigations

TCU-Specific Advice for Trophy Club Families:

• TCUPD has jurisdiction on campus; Fort Worth PD off-campus
• Greek Life Office in Sadler Hall, 2nd Floor
• Critical: TCU’s honor code processes can complicate external legal action – consult us early

Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Dallas

Campus & Culture:

• 45 minutes from Trophy Club
• Prominent Greek system with historic chapters
• Private university with different procedural rules than public institutions

Recent History:

• Kappa Alpha Order suspended (2017) for paddling and forced drinking
• SMU uses “Real Response” anonymous reporting system
• Office of Student Affairs handles conduct cases

What Trophy Club Parents Should Know About SMU:

• As a private university, different rules apply for records access
• SMUPD handles campus incidents
• Strategic Consideration: Private universities sometimes settle confidentially to avoid publicity

Major Texas Hubs Where Trophy Club Students Also Attend

University of Texas at Austin

• UT maintains a public hazing violations website (hazing.utexas.edu)
• Recent entries show Pi Kappa Alpha, Texas Wranglers, and other groups sanctioned
• UTPD and Austin PD share jurisdiction
• Pattern Evidence: UT’s public log helps prove prior knowledge in litigation

Texas A&M University

• Corps of Cadets hazing lawsuits involving simulated sexual acts and binding
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021) – pledges suffered severe burns
• Student Conduct Office handles investigations
• Unique Factor: Corps traditions create complex liability questions

University of Houston

• Our active case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu
• $10 million lawsuit alleging extreme physical hazing leading to kidney failure
• UHPD and Houston PD share jurisdiction
• Recent Action: Pi Kappa Phi chapter closed within days of our lawsuit filing

Baylor University

• History of athletic hazing incidents (baseball team suspensions, 2020)
• Private Christian university with different procedural approach
• Title IX Office handles sexualized hazing components

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter for Trophy Club Families

The fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses aren’t isolated clubs—they’re chapters of national organizations with documented hazing histories. This pattern evidence is crucial for holding organizations accountable when the same dangerous behaviors repeat.

Organizations with Documented National Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021) – alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012) – alcohol death, $14M settlement
• Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UNT, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• Traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama, 2023) – ongoing litigation
• Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021) – industrial cleaner caused severe burns
• Assault case (UT Austin, 2024) – exchange student suffered multiple fractures
• Pattern: Physical violence, dangerous substances, repeated violations
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, TCU

Phi Delta Theta

• Max Gruver (LSU, 2017) – drinking game death, $6.1M verdict
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced consumption
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

Pi Kappa Phi

• Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017) – alcohol poisoning death
• Our active case: Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, 2025)
• Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced exercise, humiliation rituals
• Texas Presence: Chapter at University of Houston (now closed)

Kappa Alpha Order

• SMU chapter suspension (2017) – paddling and forced drinking
• Pattern: Physical paddling traditions, alcohol hazing
• Texas Presence: Chapters at SMU, Texas Tech, Baylor

Why National Histories Matter in Court

When we represent Trophy Club families, this pattern evidence helps establish:

1. Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
2. Negligence: Failure to implement effective prevention despite prior incidents
3. Punitive Damages: Repeated, willful disregard for student safety

A common defense—”We didn’t know this chapter was hazing”—crumbles when we show the same national organization had nearly identical incidents at other chapters.

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

When hazing causes serious injury or death, the legal process involves multiple phases of investigation, evidence gathering, and strategic decision-making. Here’s what Trophy Club families should understand about building a case.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages
• Metadata: Timestamps, participant lists, location data

2. Photographic & Video Evidence

• Injury documentation: Multiple angles, progression over days
• Event footage: Photos/videos from hazing events
• Social media posts: Even “joking” captions can establish context
• Security footage: From houses, nearby businesses, doorbell cameras

3. Institutional Records

• University files: Prior complaints, disciplinary records, Clery reports
• National fraternity records: Risk management files, incident reports
• Insurance policies: Coverage details, liability limits
• Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, psychological evaluations

4. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
• Former members: Sometimes willing to testify about prior incidents
• Roommates/RAs: Noticed changes in behavior or physical condition
• Medical providers: Documented injuries and treatment

The Damages Trophy Club Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses: Past and future care, including lifelong treatment for catastrophic injuries
• Lost educational costs: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: For permanent disabilities affecting future employment

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries endured
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they once loved

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional suffering of family members
• Loss of guidance for younger siblings

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate)

• Purpose: Punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing
• When awarded: Particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts, prior warnings ignored
• Texas caps: Generally limited, but exceptions exist for gross negligence

Our Strategic Approach for Trophy Club Families

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (0-48 Hours)

• Secure digital evidence before deletion
• Document injuries and statements
• Identify all potential defendants
• Video resource: Watch our evidence preservation guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Phase 2: Investigation & Discovery (Weeks 1-12)

• Subpoena university and fraternity records
• Interview witnesses under legal protection
• Consult medical and psychological experts
• Identify all insurance coverage sources

Phase 3: Demand & Negotiation (Months 3-9)

• Present comprehensive demand package
• Negotiate with multiple insurance carriers
• Evaluate settlement vs. trial options
• Common mistake: Watch what NOT to do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Phase 4: Litigation or Resolution (Months 6-24+)

• File lawsuit if settlement inadequate
• Conduct formal discovery and depositions
• Prepare for trial while remaining open to settlement
• Pursue appeals if necessary

Practical Guides & FAQs for Trophy Club Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Financial strain from unexpected “fines” or purchases
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with your [fraternity/sorority/team]?”
2. “Are they respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
4. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
5. “Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

1. Listen without judgment – they’re likely scared and ashamed
2. Prioritize safety – remove them from dangerous situations
3. Document everything – write down what they tell you, with dates
4. Get medical attention – even if injuries seem minor
5. Contact us immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

For Students: Is This Hazing? What Are My Rights?

Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
• Is this activity something the university or my parents would approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about what’s happening?

If You Answered Yes:

1. You have rights under Texas law
2. Consent is NOT a defense – even if you “agreed”
3. Good-faith reporters have immunity – you can call for help without getting in trouble

How to Exit Safely:

• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
• Send written resignation to chapter president (email/text for record)
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” – that’s when pressure and retaliation happen
• If threatened, report immediately to campus police and Dean of Students

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed

• Mistake: “I’ll delete these embarrassing messages”
• Result: Looks like cover-up; case becomes nearly impossible
• Solution: Preserve everything immediately – screenshot, backup, document

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• Mistake: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Result: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Solution: Document everything first, then let your attorney handle communication

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• Mistake: Trusting the university’s “internal process”
• Result: May waive legal rights; settlements often far below case value
• Solution: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

• Mistake: “I want people to know what happened”
• Result: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Solution: Let your attorney control public messaging

5. Waiting Too Long

• Mistake: “Let’s see how the university handles it”
• Result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Solution: Act immediately – 2-year statute in Texas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue the university in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UNT, UT, Texas A&M) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, TCU, Baylor) have fewer immunity 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. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“How long do we have to file?”
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. Time is critical – call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

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

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency fee – no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Why Attorney911 for Trophy Club 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 base, we serve families throughout Texas, including Trophy Club, Denton County, and all of North Texas.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. 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”
• His insider knowledge is invaluable for navigating complex insurance fights

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

• BP Texas City explosion litigation – one of few Texas firms involved
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams
• 25+ years handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• Criminal defense experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Investigative Depth & Resources

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence from universities and nationals
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423+ tracked organizations
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases

• Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
• Experience valuing lifetime care needs for brain injury victims
• Wrongful death expertise: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation

Right now, we’re leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas:

• Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi
• $10 million lawsuit for catastrophic hazing injuries
• Chapter closed within days of our lawsuit filing
• Representing the victim against university, national fraternity, housing corporation, and 13 individual members

This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight right now, taking on powerful institutions to protect Texas students.

Call to Action: Trophy Club Families, You Have Options

If you or your child experienced hazing at UNT, TWU, TCU, SMU, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Trophy Club, Denton County, and throughout North Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Your Confidential Consultation

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:

• Listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options clearly and honestly
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
• Answer 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 and protected.

Contact Us Today

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

Spanish Services Available
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Don’t Wait – Evidence Disappears Fast

• Group chats are deleted within days
• Witnesses graduate and move away
• Universities control narratives quickly
• The 2-year statute of limitations runs faster than you think

Whether you’re in Trophy Club or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. We’ve helped families like yours navigate these complex cases, and we can help you too.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. Immediate help is available.

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 Our Active UH Case:

• Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Educational Videos:

• Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Our Practice Areas:

• Wrongful death: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• Main website: https://attorney911.com