The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability in Texas: A Wood County Resource

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You’re Not Alone—And You Have Rights

The phone rings late at night. Your college student, who started the semester full of excitement about joining a campus organization, sounds different. They’re evasive about their activities, exhausted beyond normal academic stress, or maybe they’re calling from a hospital bed after a “pledge event” went terribly wrong. For families in Wood County and across East Texas, this nightmare scenario is frighteningly real—and it’s happening right now at Texas universities.

In November 2025, the entire state learned just how serious campus hazing can become when Attorney911 filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly lost his life pledging Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. The allegations read like a parent’s worst fears: forced consumption of food until vomiting, hours-long physical “workouts” at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rule. The result? Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring four days of hospitalization with ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t an isolated incident in far-off Harris County—it’s a warning to every Texas family. Whether your child attends Jarvis Christian University right here in Wood County, commutes to Texas A&M University-Commerce or Stephen F. Austin State University, or attends one of Texas’s major hubs like UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, or SMU, the same dangerous dynamics exist in fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletic teams, and spirit organizations across our state.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Wood County families who need to understand:

What modern hazing actually looks like in 2025
How Texas law protects (or fails to protect) our students
The documented history of hazing at Texas universities where Wood County students enroll
What legal options exist when institutions fail to prevent harm
Why choosing the right legal team matters against powerful national organizations

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911 (Legal Emergency Lawyers™). We represent Leonel Bermudez in that landmark UH case, and we’ve built a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine that tracks every Greek organization in our state because families shouldn’t have to start from zero when tragedy strikes.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN WOOD COUNTY

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’re “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 Beyond the Stereotypes

Many Wood County parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rites” from decades past. Today’s reality is more dangerous, more psychologically damaging, and often deliberately hidden behind digital walls and off-campus locations. Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—whether on or off campus—directed against a student for purposes of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, that endangers mental or physical health or safety.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The “Gateway”)
What seems harmless often sets the stage for worse. This includes:

Being “on call” 24/7 for older members’ errands
Mandatory late-night meetings that interfere with academics
Social isolation from non-members
“Scavenger hunts” designed to humiliate
Digital control: required instant responses to group chats, location sharing via Find My Friends, social media policing

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)
This creates hostile, abusive environments:

Sleep deprivation (3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events)
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
“Smokings” or extreme calisthenics beyond safe limits
Public humiliation (embarrassing costumes, public performances)
Verbal abuse, yelling, degradation
Digital humiliation: forced embarrassing social media posts, TikTok “challenges”

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Where People Get Seriously Hurt or Die)

Forced alcohol consumption (chugging, funneling, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor)
Physical beatings and paddling
Dangerous physical “tests” (blindfolded tackles, “glass ceiling” rituals)
Sexualized hazing (forced nudity, simulated acts)
Exposure to extreme environments (locked in cold rooms, left outside)
Chemical hazing (like the Texas A&M SAE case where pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial cleaner)
Rhabdomyolysis risk: Extreme exercise without proper conditioning—exactly what hospitalized Leonel Bermudez at UH

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus life:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC (military-style traditions with documented abuse)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit & Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, mascot programs, etc.)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic & Honor Societies
Cultural & Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s power imbalance, tradition, and secrecy.

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today’s hazing lives on smartphones:

GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord chats organize events and enforce compliance
Snapchat, Instagram Stories showcase humiliation then disappear
Location-sharing apps track pledges’ movements
Deleted messages that digital forensics can sometimes recover
Social media dares that spread humiliation beyond the chapter

When we investigate hazing cases, these digital trails often provide the most critical evidence—if preserved before deletion.

Texas Hazing Law: What Wood County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding these laws is crucial because they define both criminal penalties and civil liability frameworks.

Texas Education Code §37.151: Definition

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

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key implications for Wood County families:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreats are all covered
Mental harm counts as much as physical harm
“Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm
§37.155: Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal Penalties (§37.152)

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: Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer, retaliating against reporters

Organizational Liability (§37.153)

Organizations can be prosecuted if they:

Authorized or encouraged hazing, OR
An officer/member acting officially knew and failed to report

Penalties for organizations: Fines up to $10,000 per violation, plus university recognition revocation.

Why Texas Law Matters for Your Case

Criminal vs. Civil Cases Work Together
- Criminal cases: Brought by the state (DA), aim for punishment
- Civil cases: Brought by victims/families, aim for compensation and accountability
- They can proceed simultaneously or independently
Multiple Layers of Liability
- Individual members who participated
- Chapter officers who organized or covered up
- Local chapter as an entity
- National headquarters that failed to supervise
- Universities that knew or should have known
- Property owners of hazing locations
- Alcohol providers (under dram shop laws)
Good-Faith Reporting Protections (§37.154)
- Those who report hazing in good faith have immunity
- Many universities offer amnesty for calling 911 in alcohol emergencies
- This protection exists precisely because cover-ups worsen outcomes

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report incidents more transparently and strengthen prevention (phased implementation through 2026)
Title IX: Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes that often overlap with hazing (assault, alcohol offenses)

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez at UH follows patterns established in deadly cases nationwide. These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re predictable scripts that repeat when organizations prioritize tradition over safety.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: The Deadliest Formula

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
BAC of 0.495% at death
Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act created felony hazing statute
Family received $6.1 million verdict

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

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

What Texas families must understand: These “traditions” aren’t unique to those schools. The same scripts run at Texas chapters. When we see forced drinking at UH, A&M, or UT, we’re seeing the same foreseeable risk that killed students elsewhere.

Physical Hazing Pattern: When “Tradition” Causes Catastrophe

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled in “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 excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; needs 24/7 care)
Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar

Athletic & Institutional Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing spanning years
Multiple lawsuits against university
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletics

What These Patterns Mean for Wood County Families

Foreseeability: National organizations know these risks because they’ve seen them before
Pattern Evidence: Similar conduct at Texas chapters shows this isn’t “rogue” behavior
Legal Precedent: Courts have awarded significant damages in similar cases
Cover-up Culture: Delayed medical care makes outcomes worse and increases liability

When we investigate Texas hazing cases, we look for these same patterns. They’re not coincidences—they’re evidence of systemic failure.

Texas University Focus: Where Wood County Students Face Risk

Wood County families send students to universities across our state. Whether it’s Jarvis Christian University here at home, regional campuses like Texas A&M-Commerce and Stephen F. Austin, or major hubs like UT Austin and Texas A&M, each campus has its own hazing landscape.

University of Houston: The Current Frontline

Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi: A Wood County Family’s Case Study

In late 2025, Attorney911 filed what has become one of Texas’s most significant active hazing cases. The allegations against UH’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter show how modern hazing operates:

The Hazing Timeline:

Sept 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid
Sept-Oct: Forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties
“Pledge fanny pack” rule: Must carry 24/7 containing condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices, humiliating items
Oct 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
Nov 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats at Yellowstone Boulevard Park under expulsion threats
Multiple locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Park for dawn/late-night hazing

The Medical Catastrophe:

Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure
Passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help
Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels
Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

Nov 6: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspends chapter
Nov 14: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
UH statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement

The Lawsuit:

$10 million damage demand
Defendants include: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
Attorney911 represents Bermudez throughout litigation

Why This Matters to Wood County Families: This isn’t ancient history—it’s happening right now in our state. The same national organizations operate at campuses where Wood County students enroll.

UH’s Greek Ecosystem: What We Track
From public records and our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we know UH hosts:

Interfraternity Council: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Lambda Phi Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Pi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Chi
Panhellenic Council: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha
NPHC (Divine Nine): All nine historically Black organizations
Multicultural Greek Council: Multiple organizations serving diverse communities

UH’s Public Record: While UH maintains hazing policies and reporting channels, its public disclosure lags behind UT Austin’s transparency. Cases like Bermudez’s show why families need experienced counsel to uncover what institutions don’t voluntarily disclose.

Texas A&M University: Corps Traditions & Greek Life Risks

For Wood County families with students in College Station, understanding A&M’s unique landscape is crucial.

Corps of Cadets Hazing History:

2023 lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations
Highlights military-style traditions with documented abuse risks

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Plaintiffs sued for $1 million
Chapter suspended for two years
Shows evolution beyond traditional physical hazing

Greek Life at Texas A&M:

Collegiate Panhellenic: 14 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta
Interfraternity Council: 19 fraternities including Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
NPHC: All nine organizations present
Corps-specific organizations: Additional layer of tradition and risk

A&M’s Accountability Challenge: As a public institution with sovereign immunity protections, A&M presents unique legal hurdles. However, our experience with BP Texas City litigation shows how to navigate institutional defenses.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Recurring Patterns

UT Austin stands out for its public hazing violations log—a resource that actually helps families see patterns.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log (hazing.utexas.edu):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → hazing found → chapter probation + mandatory education
Texas Wranglers (multiple years): Sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Various spirit organizations: Similar patterns of punishment-based “tradition”

Sigma Alpha Epsilon at UT (2024):

Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

What UT’s Transparency Reveals:

Patterns repeat despite sanctions
Alcohol + physical strain remains common combination
Spirit/tradition groups face similar issues as Greek organizations
Public records help prove institutional knowledge in lawsuits

UT’s Greek Landscape:

University Panhellenic: 14 sororities
Interfraternity Council: Multiple fraternities including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma
Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic: 6 organizations
NPHC: Multiple chapters

Southern Methodist University: Private Institution Dynamics

SMU’s private status and affluent demographic create distinct hazing challenges.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended
Restrictions on recruiting until around 2021

SMU’s Greek Life Profile:

Panhellenic: 8 sororities including Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma
Interfraternity: 6 fraternities including Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Alpha Order, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
NPHC: All nine organizations represented

Private University Considerations:

Fewer sovereign immunity hurdles than public schools
Often greater resources but also stronger institutional protection instincts
Alumni networks that can influence outcomes

Baylor University: Religious Identity & Accountability History

Baylor’ history with athletic scandals and religious branding creates unique context.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Part of broader cultural scrutiny following football sexual assault scandal

Baylor’s Greek Life:

Panhellenic: 9 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Zeta Tau Alpha
Interfraternity: 5 fraternities including Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi
NPHC: 7 organizations

Baylor-Specific Factors:

Religious mission sometimes conflicts with accountability transparency
Prior scandal responses shape institutional approach
Texas’ largest Baptist university with corresponding community pressures

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Why Data Matters

When Wood County families come to us after a hazing incident, they’re often starting from zero against organizations with decades of records, insurance policies, and legal strategies. That’s why we’ve built what no other Texas firm has: a comprehensive data engine tracking every Greek organization in our state.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Entities Serving Texas Families

From IRS filings, university records, and organizational databases, we maintain intelligence on 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. Here’s what that means for your case:

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations:
These tax-exempt entities include house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies—each with EINs, legal names, and addresses we can investigate. Examples from our database:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc | EIN: 161675890 | 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc | EIN: 201237505 | 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204
Chi Omega Fraternity | EIN: 740555581 | 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity | EIN: 746064445 | 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter | EIN: 746084905 | 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
Kappa Sigma Fraternity | EIN: 756067776 | 3128 Waits Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76109

Texas Universities – 96 Campuses We Track:
From our headquarters in Houston, we monitor campuses where Wood County students enroll:

Jarvis Christian University – Hawkins, Wood County (your local campus)
Texas A&M University-Commerce – Commerce, Hunt County
Stephen F. Austin State University – Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County
University of Texas at Tyler – Tyler, Smith County
Plus all major hubs: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, Texas Tech, etc.

Metro Organization Intelligence:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations tracked
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 organizations tracked
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 organizations tracked
San Antonio Metro: 86 organizations tracked
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 organizations tracked

Why This Database Matters for Your Case:

We don’t start from zero – we already know the organizations’ legal structures
Insurance identification – we trace which entities carry coverage
Pattern evidence – we can show if this chapter or national had prior incidents
Discovery roadmap – we know what records exist and where to find them

National Organization Histories: Pattern Evidence That Wins Cases

When we take a hazing case, we investigate not just what happened to your child, but what that national organization knew—or should have known—based on its history.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) National Pattern:

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
Multiple other alcohol-related injuries and deaths nationwide
Legal significance: When Pike chapters at UH, UT, or Texas A&M use similar “Big/Little” drinking rituals, nationals can’t claim they didn’t foresee the risk

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) National Pattern:

Carson Starkey (Cal Poly, 2008): Alcohol poisoning death, confidential settlement
Multiple traumatic brain injury lawsuits including University of Alabama (2023)
Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021)
UT Austin assault case (2024)
Pattern: Physical violence combined with alcohol, repeated despite national “anti-hazing” policies

Phi Delta Theta National Pattern:

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death, $6.1M verdict
Multiple other alcohol hazing incidents
Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing statute

Pi Kappa Phi National Pattern:

Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): “Big Brother Night” alcohol death
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Extreme physical hazing causing rhabdomyolysis
Connection: Same national organization, different dangerous traditions

How Pattern Evidence Works in Court:

Foreseeability: Nationals knew or should have known certain activities cause harm
Inadequate response: Prior incidents resulted in insufficient punishment/deterrence
Negligent supervision: Failure to implement meaningful oversight
Punitive damages: Especially reckless or indifferent conduct

When we represent hazing victims, we don’t just look at the single incident—we build the pattern that shows this was predictable and preventable.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Realistic Expectations

If your family is considering legal action, understanding the process helps manage expectations and make informed decisions.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important Today):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat (screenshot before disappearance), TikTok
Location data: Find My Friends logs, GPS histories
Deleted messages: Digital forensics can sometimes recover
Event planning: Texts/emails organizing the hazing

Physical & Medical Evidence:

Injury photographs: Immediately after, plus progression over days
Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like Bermudez’s creatine kinase levels)
Toxicology reports: Blood alcohol content, drug panels
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

Organizational Records:

Chapter documents: Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, meeting minutes
National files: Prior incident reports, risk management policies
University records: Prior conduct violations, Clery reports, Title IX files
Insurance policies: Identifying all potential coverage sources

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges/victims
Former members who quit
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Medical providers
University officials

The Investigation Process

Phase 1: Immediate Preservation (0-7 days)

Secure digital evidence before deletion
Document injuries and statements
Identify all involved individuals/organizations
Send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction

Phase 2: Deep Investigation (1-3 months)

Subpoena records from universities, nationals, social media platforms
Digital forensics on phones/computers
Interview witnesses (often multiple rounds as trust builds)
Medical expert review of injuries/treatment
Economic analysis of damages

Phase 3: Case Development (3-6 months)

Legal research on applicable laws/precedents
Expert retention (medical, Greek life culture, economics)
Demand package preparation
Settlement negotiations or litigation filing

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Lost educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Lost income: Current and future earning capacity reduction
Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries (like Danny Santulli’s 24/7 care needs)

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, guidance
Parents’/siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Warrants):

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
To deter future similar conduct
Available under Texas law in certain circumstances

Realistic Timeline & Outcomes

Typical Case Progression:

Investigation: 3-6 months
Pre-suit negotiations: 3-6 months
Litigation if no settlement: 1-3 years
Trial (if necessary): Additional 6-12 months

Settlement vs. Trial:

90%+ of cases settle before trial
Settlement advantages: Confidentiality, faster resolution, certainty
Trial advantages: Public accountability, potentially higher awards, precedent setting
Our approach: Prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—that’s what gets fair settlements

Recent Settlement/R verdict Benchmarks:

Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10M total settlement
Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1M verdict
Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10M+ settlement
Various confidential settlements in Texas cases

Important: Every case is unique. These figures illustrate possibilities, not guarantees. Your case’s value depends on specific facts, injuries, liability clarity, and many other factors.

Wood County Practical Guides: Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond academic stress
Weight changes (from food restriction or stress)
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM activities)
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-Greek activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, requests for money

How to Talk to Your Child (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If Hazing Is Confirmed – Immediate Steps:

Safety first: Remove from dangerous situation, get medical care if needed
Evidence preservation: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save items
Documentation: Write down everything they tell you (dates, times, names)
Legal consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before taking other actions
University reporting: With attorney guidance, determine if/when to report

Dealing with Universities:

Document all communications
Ask specifically about prior incidents with same organization
Request copies of all policies and procedures
Don’t sign anything without attorney review
Understand: University disciplinary process ≠ legal accountability

For Students: Safety Planning & Rights

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe/demeaning?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
Are older members making me do things they don’t do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

Exiting Safely:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my pledge/membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”—that’s where pressure/retaliation happens
If fearing retaliation, report to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection While It’s Happening:

Screenshots: Group chats with timestamps and participant names
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries (immediately and over days), locations, objects used
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
Witness information: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Your Texas Legal Rights:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you’re the victim even if you “agreed”
You can file a civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges are filed
You can request a no-contact order through the university if harassed

For Witnesses/Former Members: Coming Forward

If You Participated and Regret It:

Your testimony can prevent future harm
You may need your own legal advice about potential exposure
Cooperating early often leads to better outcomes
Many feel guilt—taking accountability helps healing

If You Saw Something and Said Nothing:

It’s not too late to come forward
Your information could save another student
Anonymous reporting options exist
Consider speaking with an attorney about your role

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Reality: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction, makes case nearly impossible
Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document everything, call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Reality: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often far below value
Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”

What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Reality: They pressure, intimidate, extract damaging statements
Instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through your lawyer

6. Waiting for University “Internal Process”

What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this”
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Counsel

What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process”
Reality: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
Instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity hurdles. Every case depends on specific facts.

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

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm/cause wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Major cases have involved off-campus locations with successful litigation.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Wood County 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.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That same experience applies when suing national fraternities and universities.

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

How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Defense strategies employed in hazing prosecutions
How to advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure
Constitutional challenges applicable to evidence collection

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We’ve recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We know how to:

Work with economists to value young lives
Develop life care plans for permanent injuries
Calculate lifetime earning capacity losses
Prove non-economic damages like pain and suffering

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
While other firms start from zero, we maintain comprehensive data on:

1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS records for 125 Texas-registered Greek entities
Campus-specific chapter rosters and violation histories
National organization patterns and prior incidents
This isn’t theoretical—we used this data in the Bermudez UH case to identify all potentially liable entities.

Our Investigation Approach

Digital Forensics Mastery:
We recover deleted messages, analyze social media trails, and trace digital evidence that organizations think they’ve destroyed.

Expert Network:
Medical specialists, Greek life culture experts, economists, psychologists, digital forensics professionals—we select the right team for each case.

Pattern Evidence Development:
We don’t just look at the single incident—we build the history showing this was predictable and preventable.

Institutional Knowledge Uncovering:
Through discovery and public records requests, we uncover what universities and nationals knew before your child was hurt.

Why Wood County Families Choose Us

Local Understanding, Statewide Reach:
Based in Houston with offices in Austin and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Wood County and all surrounding communities. We understand Texas courts, Texas laws, and Texas university systems.

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—serving Hispanic families across Texas with cultural understanding and clear communication.

Contingency Fee Basis:
No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for your family.

Immediate Response:
We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason—when you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get immediate attention, not a voicemail.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers and PR teams. You deserve the same level of representation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what happens:

We Listen Without Judgment: Tell us what happened in your own words
Evidence Review: We’ll look at any photos, messages, or documents you’ve preserved
Legal Options Explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither—we explain pros/cons
Realistic Assessment: Based on similar cases, we discuss possible outcomes and timelines
Cost Discussion: Contingency fee means no money upfront; we only get paid if we recover for you
No Pressure: Take time to decide; we won’t push immediate commitment
Complete Confidentiality: Everything you tell us is protected

Contact Attorney911 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:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Serving Wood County & All Texas:
From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent families throughout Texas who’ve been affected by campus hazing. Whether your student attends school here in Wood County at Jarvis Christian University or at any Texas campus, we’re here to help.

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 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