The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Resource for West Tawakoni Families

When Hazing Hits Home: What Every West Tawakoni Parent Needs to Know

The phone call every parent dreads finally comes. Your child, a bright student you sent off to college with pride, is in the hospital. Through tears and fragmented explanations, a horrifying story emerges: what began as joining a campus organization turned into forced drinking, brutal workouts, humiliation, and fear. They talk about “traditions,” “pledging,” and older students who controlled their every move. As a parent in West Tawakoni, your first thoughts are of their safety and recovery. Your next questions, however, turn to accountability: Who let this happen? What are our rights? How do we ensure this never happens to another family?

Right now, just hours from West Tawakoni in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to a detailed Click2Houston report, Bermudez was subjected to extreme physical hazing—including being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced to consume milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and completing punishing workouts of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats—that led to rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization. This $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders shows exactly what we’re confronting in Texas today.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in West Tawakoni, Hunt County, and throughout East Texas who need answers about hazing. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at universities where West Tawakoni students attend, and what legal options exist for accountability and recovery. Whether your child attends Texas A&M University-Commerce right here in Hunt County, ventures to universities across the state, or studies elsewhere in Texas, this information could be critical to protecting their future.

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 West Tawakoni Students

For families in West Tawakoni, the term “hazing” might conjure images of movie stereotypes or stories from decades past. The reality in 2025 is more sophisticated, more dangerous, and often hides behind digital screens and coded language. Hazing today is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most deadly form. West Tawakoni students might face “Big/Little” nights where they’re given handles of liquor, “lineup” drinking games where wrong answers mean excessive consumption, or pressured to use drugs as part of initiation. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption rituals that led directly to medical catastrophe.

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes “smokings” or extreme calisthenics designed to cause exhaustion, sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions,” food and water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case included cold-weather workouts in underwear and lying in vomit-soaked grass.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. These aren’t just “pranks”—they’re traumatic events that cause lasting psychological harm.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, isolation from non-members, threats of expulsion from the group, forced confessions, and public shaming during meetings. For West Tawakoni students away from home for the first time, this psychological pressure can be overwhelming.

Digital/Online Hazing
This is where hazing has evolved most dramatically. Group chat dares on GroupMe or Discord, forced TikTok challenges, public humiliation via Instagram Stories, pressure to share compromising images, and 24/7 availability demands via text. As our educational video on using your phone to document evidence explains, these digital footprints often contain the most critical evidence.

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, West Tawakoni parents should know hazing occurs in:

Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit squads and tradition organizations
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic clubs and honor societies

The common thread across all these groups is power imbalance: older members controlling new members through tradition, social status, and secrecy.

Texas Hazing Law: What West Tawakoni Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F) that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. Understanding this framework is crucial for West Tawakoni families considering their options.

Texas Education Code § 37.151: The Definition That Matters

Hazing in Texas means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

Key Points for West Tawakoni Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or retreats is still hazing
Mental harm counts: Psychological trauma qualifies alongside physical injury
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm, just disregard obvious risks
Consent is NOT a defense (see § 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still 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

Additionally, failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters are separate misdemeanors. Organizations themselves can be fined up to $10,000 per violation.

The Critical “Good-Faith Reporting” Protection

Texas law provides immunity for those who in good faith report hazing to university or law enforcement. This means West Tawakoni students who call for help during emergencies generally won’t face charges for their own involvement. Many universities extend this with medical amnesty policies for alcohol-related emergencies.

Civil vs. Criminal Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Typical claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case, and many families pursue both to achieve full accountability.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data by 2026. This will give West Tawakoni families better information about campus safety records.

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for West Tawakoni Families

Major national cases have shaped today’s legal landscape. These aren’t just distant tragedies—they’re patterns that repeat at Texas campuses and create legal precedents that protect West Tawakoni students.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance event with dangerous drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter cameras. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours. This case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Lesson for West Tawakoni families: Delay in seeking medical help significantly increases liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking led to a fatal 0.495% BAC. This case produced Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute). Lesson: Organized drinking games are particularly dangerous and legally indefensible.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey died from alcohol poisoning. The family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Lesson: Universities face significant financial exposure alongside fraternities.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
A blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat caused fatal head injuries, with delayed medical care. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark for organizational criminal liability. Lesson for West Tawakoni families: Off-campus retreats are common hazing venues with enhanced danger due to isolation.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program, leading to multiple lawsuits, coach termination, and confidential settlements. Lesson: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with similar institutional cover-up patterns.

What These Cases Mean for West Tawakoni

These national precedents establish that:

Universities and national organizations face multi-million dollar liabilities
Criminal charges can reach individual members and entire organizations
Patterns of prior incidents create “foreseeability” that strengthens negligence claims
Full transparency in investigations is increasingly demanded by courts

For West Tawakoni families, these cases provide both warning and precedent: the same patterns occur at Texas schools, and the same legal strategies can achieve accountability.

Texas University Focus: Where West Tawakoni Students Are at Risk

West Tawakoni families send students to campuses throughout Texas. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at each university is crucial for prevention and response.

Texas A&M University-Commerce: Our Local University

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Located right here in Hunt County, Texas A&M-Commerce serves many West Tawakoni students as both a residential and commuter campus. With active Greek life, athletic programs, and student organizations, the same hazing risks exist here as at larger campuses.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
The university prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law, with reporting through the Dean of Students Office and University Police Department. As a public institution within the Texas A&M System, it follows system-wide policies while handling cases locally.

Local Context for West Tawakoni Families

Jurisdiction: Hunt County courts and law enforcement handle local cases
Logistics: Proximity means families can be directly involved in investigations
Support: Local medical facilities in Commerce and Greenville may treat hazing injuries
Community impact: Hazing incidents here directly affect our Hunt County community

What A&M-Commerce Students & Parents Should Do

Document any incidents through both university channels and local police if crimes occurred
Request records of prior incidents involving the same organization
Understand that as a public university, sovereign immunity considerations apply but don’t prevent all claims
Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for local Texas representation familiar with Hunt County courts

University of Houston: The Flagship Case Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UH’s large urban campus hosts extensive Greek life with multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural). The university’s location in a major city means hazing often moves to off-campus houses and venues.

The Leonel Bermudez/Pi Kappa Phi Case
Our ongoing litigation reveals a pattern common at UH and other Texas schools:

Multiple hazing locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Systematic abuse: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced physical workouts, simulated waterboarding
Medical consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization
Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov. 6, 2025, charter surrendered Nov. 14, 2025, UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

How UH Cases Proceed

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts, with potential federal claims
Defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national headquarters, UH system
Evidence: Houston PD and UHPD reports, medical records from Texas Medical Center

What West Tawakoni Families with UH Students Should Know

Houston is accessible from West Tawakoni for case involvement
The Bermudez case establishes precedent for similar claims
UH’s urban setting means evidence may be dispersed across multiple locations

Texas A&M University-College Station

Corps of Cadets Culture
The Corps’ tradition-heavy environment has seen significant hazing allegations. A 2023 lawsuit alleged cadets were subjected to simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” positions. The pattern shows formal military-style programs aren’t immune to abuse.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case
Around 2021, pledges alleged being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The $1 million lawsuit revealed how physical hazing evolves beyond traditional methods.

Practical Considerations for West Tawakoni Families

Brazos County jurisdiction for local cases
The A&M System’s size means internal investigations can be complex
Corps cases involve both university discipline and potential military consequences

University of Texas at Austin

Transparency Leader
UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions. Recent entries show ongoing issues despite this transparency.

Example Cases from Public Records

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing and forced activities
Various fraternities: Probation for “likely to cause mental or physical discomfort” activities

What UT’s Transparency Means for West Tawakoni Families
-s Public records provide evidence of prior incidents

Pattern establishment is easier with documented history
Travis County courts handle these cases

Southern Methodist University

Private University Dynamics
As a private institution, SMU has different transparency requirements but faces similar hazing issues. A 2017 Kappa Alpha Order incident involved paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation leading to chapter suspension.

Considerations for West Tawakoni Families

Dallas County jurisdiction
Private university status affects discovery processes
SMU’s affluent student body doesn’t prevent hazing risks

Baylor University

Post-Scandal Environment
Following major Title IX issues, Baylor faces heightened scrutiny of all misconduct. A 2020 baseball hazing incident resulted in 14 player suspensions, showing athletic programs carry risks.

Religious Context
Baylor’s Christian identity doesn’t eliminate hazing risks, and sometimes creates unique dynamics around accountability and reporting.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Patterns That Reach West Tawakoni

The same national organizations present at Texas campuses have histories of hazing incidents nationwide. These patterns matter because they establish what national headquarters knew or should have known about risks.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Track

Our firm maintains comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations through:

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Entities
These tax-exempt organizations include house corporations, alumni chapters, and related entities. Examples relevant to West Tawakoni families include:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785) – Missouri City, TX 77459
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 364091267) – Waco, TX 76710
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (EIN 900293166) – College Station, TX 77843

Cause IQ Metro Organizations – Dallas-Fort Worth Focus
With West Tawakoni within the DFW metro area, these organizations are particularly relevant:

510 total Greek-related organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro
20+ named organizations with DFW addresses
Examples: Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (Fort Worth), Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation (Fort Worth), Delta Delta Delta alumni chapters (Dallas)

Texas Universities – 96 Campuses
We track hazing incidents and organizational presence across all Texas universities, with particular focus on schools West Tawakoni students attend.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): $14 million settlement
Pattern: Big/Little alcohol hazing, fatal outcomes

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

Multiple deaths nationwide: Carson Starkey (Cal Poly, 2008) and others
Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021): $1 million lawsuit
UT Austin assault case (2024): Over $1 million lawsuit
Pattern: Physical abuse, chemical hazing, institutional knowledge

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Fatal alcohol poisoning
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our active $10 million lawsuit
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption rituals

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
Pattern: Organized drinking games, delayed medical response

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When West Tawakoni students are hazed by chapters of these national organizations, the national histories establish:

Foreseeability: Nationals knew or should have known the risks
Pattern evidence: Similar methods used across chapters
Negligent supervision: Failure to implement effective prevention
Punitive damages potential: Reckless disregard for known dangers

Our experience shows that national organizations often have thick anti-hazing manuals precisely because they’ve faced these issues before. Their failure to enforce those policies creates liability.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery for West Tawakoni Families

When hazing occurs, proper evidence preservation and legal strategy make the difference between accountability and cover-up. Here’s what West Tawakoni families need to know about building a case.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
Fraternity apps: Organization-specific communication platforms
Recovery: Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics

Photos & Videos

Event footage from members’ phones
Security camera or doorbell footage
Social media posts and stories
Injury documentation over time

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals and “tradition” documents
Officer communications about events
National policies and training materials
Risk management reports

University Records

Prior conduct files on the organization
Incident reports and investigation notes
Clery Act reports and annual disclosures
Internal emails about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology and lab reports
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Long-term treatment plans

The Damages Recovery Framework

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (tuition, fees, scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and trauma
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Occurs)

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

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

Available for reckless or intentional conduct
Designed to punish and deter
Subject to Texas caps in many cases

Insurance Coverage Considerations

Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically have insurance policies that may cover hazing claims, but insurers often argue:

Hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
Certain defendants aren’t covered
Policy limits are insufficient

Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys (Mr. Lupe Peña spent years at a national defense firm) gives us unique insight into these arguments and how to overcome them. We know how insurers value claims, use independent medical exams to reduce settlements, and employ delay tactics.

Practical Guides: Immediate Steps for West Tawakoni Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion or sleep deprivation
Sudden personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal)
Secretive behavior about organization activities
Constant phone checking for group chat messages
Financial requests without clear explanations
Academic performance decline

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Ask open questions: “How are things with your organization?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’m worried about your safety”
Emphasize support: “Nothing is more important than your wellbeing”
Document what they share: Write down details while fresh

If Your Child is Injured

Medical care first: Even if they resist, insist on evaluation
Preserve evidence: Photograph injuries, screenshot messages
Document details: Who, what, when, where, witnesses
Contact attorney: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to organizations

Dealing with the University

Document all communications
Ask specific questions about prior incidents
Don’t sign anything without legal review
Understand internal processes aren’t substitutes for legal rights

For Students: Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask These Questions

Am I being pressured to do something dangerous or humiliating?
Would I do this if I truly had a free choice?
Are older members making us do things they don’t do?
Am I being told to keep secrets from the university or my family?

If You’re in Immediate Danger

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Get to a safe location
Contact parents or trusted adults
Remember: Good-faith reporting protections exist

Exiting Safely

You have the right to leave any organization at any time
Inform someone outside the organization first
Send written notice (email/text) to document your resignation
Don’t attend “one last meeting” where pressure might occur

Evidence Preservation for Students

Screenshot group chats immediately
Photograph injuries from multiple angles
Save all messages (don’t delete even if embarrassed)
Tell medical providers you were hazed for proper documentation

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Deleting evidence: Destroying messages looks like cover-up
Confronting the organization: Alerts them to destroy evidence
Signing university agreements: May waive legal rights
Posting on social media: Creates inconsistencies for defense attorneys
Delaying medical care: Injuries worsen and causation becomes harder to prove
Talking to insurance adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you
Waiting for “internal resolution”: Statutes of limitations run, evidence disappears

As we explain in our video on client mistakes that can ruin your case, these errors are common but preventable with early legal guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions for West Tawakoni Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (like Texas A&M-Commerce) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and claims against individuals. Private universities (like Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case requires individual analysis.

“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 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 isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally two years from the date of injury in Texas, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately apparent, and fraudulent concealment by defendants may toll the statute. As our video on Texas statutes of limitations explains, time is critical—call us immediately.

“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 cases (like Pi Delta Psi’s retreat hazing) occurred off-campus.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially. We prioritize client privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

“How much does this cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation. As explained in our contingency fee video, this makes legal representation accessible regardless of financial situation.

Why Attorney911 for West Tawakoni Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurers fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) 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”
Employ independent medical exams to reduce settlements

We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with well-funded institutional defendants.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability against massive defendants. We’ve faced billion-dollar corporations and won. Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and experienced defense teams—we’re not intimidated.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience
We have a proven track record in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We work with economists to value lifetime care needs, lost earning capacity, and full damages. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise on criminal exposure for witnesses or participants
Navigate dual-track criminal and civil proceedings
Understand how criminal outcomes affect civil liability

Investigative Depth and Resources

Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
Medical experts for injury causation and treatment
Greek life culture experts for institutional patterns
Economists for damages valuation
Psychologists for trauma assessment

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery
From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including West Tawakoni and Hunt County. We understand:

Local court procedures and jurisdictions
Texas-specific laws and sovereign immunity issues
The cultural context of Texas universities

Spanish Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Hispanic families in West Tawakoni and across Texas receive complete understanding and representation.

Our Approach: Thorough Investigation, Real Accountability

We investigate every hazing case as if your child’s life depends on it—because it does. Our process includes:

Immediate evidence preservation before deletion occurs
Comprehensive investigation of all potentially liable parties
Aggressive discovery to obtain hidden university and fraternity records
Expert collaboration to establish damages and causation
Strategic negotiation with insurance companies and defense counsel
Trial readiness because cases that are prepared for trial get better settlements

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing and recovery.

Your Next Step: Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family in West Tawakoni, Hunt County, or anywhere in Texas, you don’t have to face this alone. The path to accountability begins with a conversation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak directly with our legal team. We’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer all your questions about process and costs
Provide honest assessment of your case’s strengths

There’s no pressure to hire us on the spot. Take time to decide what’s right for your family. Everything you tell us is confidential.

Why Time is Critical

In hazing cases, evidence disappears quickly:

Group chats are deleted within days
Witnesses are coached on what to say
Physical evidence is destroyed
Universities begin internal processes that may conflict with legal claims

The first 48 hours are most critical for evidence preservation. Even if you’re unsure about legal action, call us to protect your options.

Contact Information

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

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

Serving West Tawakoni and All of Texas

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects West Tawakoni families just as it does those in university towns. Distance doesn’t prevent us from providing comprehensive representation.

Whether your child attends Texas A&M-Commerce here in Hunt County, ventures to universities across Texas, or studies elsewhere, we have the experience and resources to help your family seek accountability and recovery.

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