Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Lavaca County Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at Any Texas University, You Need to Read This Now

Imagine your child, a bright student from Lavaca County—maybe from Hallettsville, Yoakum, or Moulton—heads off to college with dreams of finding community and building their future. They join a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or athletic team at a Texas university, hoping to make lifelong friends and connections. Then, the texts start coming late at night. The unexplained bruises appear. The exhaustion becomes overwhelming. Your once-confident child is now anxious, secretive, and physically unwell. When you finally piece together what’s happening, you learn they’ve been subjected to brutal hazing rituals—forced drinking, extreme physical abuse, humiliation, and threats. Their health is compromised, their education is at risk, and powerful institutions seem more concerned with protecting their reputation than your child’s wellbeing.

This is not hypothetical. Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLD (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), we represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. Bermudez, a transfer student seeking community at UH, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring what news outlets have described as “waterboarding-like” hazing, forced overeating, humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rules, and extreme physical workouts that left him hospitalized for four days. His urine was brown from muscle breakdown, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

If this can happen at a major public university like UH, it can and does happen across the Texas campuses where Lavaca County families send their children.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for you—parents and families in Lavaca County and throughout Texas who need to understand:

• What modern hazing really looks like (far beyond stereotypes)
• Texas and federal hazing laws that protect your child
• How national fraternity and sorority histories create predictable patterns of abuse
• What’s happening at Texas universities including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and others
• Your legal rights and options when institutions fail to protect students
• Why evidence preservation in the first 48 hours is critical
• How experienced Texas hazing attorneys build cases that hold powerful organizations accountable

Whether your child attends a university hours from Lavaca County or one closer to home, Texas law and experienced counsel can help. We’ve created this resource because families facing hazing crises deserve clear information during one of the most difficult experiences they’ll ever face.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN LAVACA 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 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 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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For Lavaca County families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or athletic team dynamics, hazing often conjures images of harmless pranks or excessive partying. The reality in 2025 is far more dangerous, systematic, and psychologically complex. Hazing today is less about “boys will be boys” and more about systemic abuse masked as tradition, with sophisticated methods for avoiding detection.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing 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. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Six Categories of Modern Hazing Lavaca County Families Should Recognize

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “Big/Little” nights)
• Pressure to consume mystery beverages or excessive amounts in short periods
• Pharmaceutical hazing (forced Adderall use for all-nighters, other drug coercion)
• The Leonel Bermudez UH case included: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints

2. Physical Hazing

• Paddling, beatings, or “smokings” (extreme calisthenics)
• Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or early-morning workouts
• Food/water deprivation or forced consumption of unpalatable substances
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (left outside in cold, locked in hot spaces)
• The Leonel Bermudez UH case included: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and lying in vomit-soaked grass

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
• Public shaming rituals or “roasts”
• The Leonel Bermudez UH case included: mandatory “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items

4. Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
• “Gaslighting” about what’s normal or acceptable
• Forced confessions or blackmail material creation
• Systematic degradation of self-worth

5. Digital/Online Hazing

• Group chat dares and “challenges” (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord)
• Social media humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
• 24/7 availability expectations with immediate response requirements
• Geo-tracking demands (sharing location via Find My Friends)

6. Servitude and Exploitation Hazing

• Acting as personal drivers at all hours
• Cleaning members’ rooms, doing laundry, running errands
• Financial exploitation through mandatory purchases or “fines”
• Academic sabotage (completing assignments for older members)

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

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

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Organizations (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common thread across all these groups is social status, tradition, and secrecy that keeps abusive practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. For Lavaca County families with children in any student organization, understanding these patterns is the first step toward prevention and intervention.

Texas Hazing Law: What Lavaca County Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that apply to every college student in our state, whether they attend school near Lavaca County or elsewhere in Texas. The law is clear, strong, and designed to protect students from the exact scenarios we see in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s.

§ 37.151 Definition – In Plain English

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 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 Lavaca County Families:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing can happen on-campus, off-campus, at retreats, or in private homes
• Mental OR physical harm: Psychological abuse qualifies just as much as physical injury
• “Reckless” is enough: Doesn’t require malicious intent—just disregard for known risks
• “Consent is not a defense:** Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death
• Also criminal: Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer who knew) and retaliating against reporters

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted if:

• The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer/member acting in official capacity knew and failed to report
• Penalties for organizations: Fine up to $10,000 per violation, plus university can revoke recognition

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. Additionally, in medical emergencies, Texas law and many university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing themselves.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense
Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This directly rebuts the most common defense organizations attempt (“they agreed to it”).

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions
Texas colleges and universities must:

• Provide hazing prevention education
• Publish hazing policies
• Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by: The state (prosecutor)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: Harris County District Attorney prosecuting individual Pi Kappa Phi members in the Bermudez case

Civil Cases:

• Brought by: Victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Example: Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and individual members
• Critical distinction: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention
• Maintains public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)
• Applies to: All Texas public universities and most private ones

Title IX & Clery Act

• When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
• Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
• Many hazing incidents overlap with reportable categories (assaults, alcohol/drug crimes)

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• In the Bermudez case: 13 individual fraternity leaders/members named

2. Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
• Officers, pledge educators, risk managers
• In the Bermudez case: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter and its housing corporation

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew/should have known from prior incidents
• In the Bermudez case: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters named

4. University or Governing Board

• Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
• In the Bermudez case: University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents named

5. Third Parties

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories)
• Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties—something that distinguishes thorough representation from surface-level claims.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Lavaca County Families Can Learn from History

The heartbreaking reality is that hazing deaths and catastrophic injuries follow predictable patterns. The same scripts play out across campuses nationwide, with only the names and locations changing. Understanding these patterns isn’t just academic—it’s how we prove institutional knowledge and foreseeability in court.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• Bid-acceptance event with dangerous drinking games
• Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
• 19-hour delay before calling 911
• Result: 18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts; Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Takeaway for Lavaca County families: Delayed medical care dramatically increases liability

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

• “Big/Little” night where pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU); individual chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
• Takeaway for Lavaca County families: National organizations pay substantial settlements, but individual officers can also face massive personal liability

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game (wrong answers = forced drinking)
• Blood alcohol concentration of 0.495% at death
• Result: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute); confidential family settlement
• Takeaway for Lavaca County families: State legislatures respond to tragedies with stronger laws

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Fatal traumatic brain injury; help delayed
• Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Takeaway for Lavaca County families: Off-campus retreats are high-risk environments; national organizations face criminal liability

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Multiple lawsuits against university; head coach fired
• Result: Confidential settlements; program overhaul
• Takeaway for Lavaca County families: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Lavaca County Families

Common Threads Across All Major Cases:

1. Forced drinking as central component
2. Delayed or denied medical care when injuries occur
3. Cover-up culture and evidence destruction
4. Prior warnings ignored by organizations
5. Power imbalance exploited systematically

Financial Realities for Families:

• Death case settlements: $1M–$14M range
• Severe injury cases: $375K–multi-million range
• Individual officer liability: Up to $6.5M personally (Stone Foltz case)

Legislative Impact:

• Major cases drive state law changes
• Texas has strong laws but could see reforms following cases like Bermudez’s
• Federal reporting requirements increasing through Stop Campus Hazing Act

For Lavaca County families facing hazing at Texas universities, these national precedents provide both warning and roadmap. The patterns are established, the legal frameworks exist, and experienced attorneys know how to navigate from tragedy to accountability.

Texas Universities: Campus-Specific Realities for Lavaca County Families

Lavaca County families send their children to universities across Texas. Whether your student attends a school close to home or hours away, understanding campus-specific hazing realities is critical. We focus here on five major Texas universities where patterns have emerged, but these insights apply statewide.

University of Houston: The Current Frontline in Texas Hazing Litigation

For Lavaca County Families: UH is approximately 120 miles from Lavaca County, a manageable distance for many families in our region. When hazing occurs here, Harris County courts and Houston-based legal representation become relevant.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Large urban campus with mix of commuter and residential students
• Active Greek life with 50+ fraternity and sorority chapters
• Includes NPHC (Divine Nine), IFC, Panhellenic, and multicultural councils
• Recent growth in student population increases organizational pressures

The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case: A Lavaca County-Family Relevant Example

In November 2025, multiple Houston media outlets detailed allegations that read like a hazing prevention textbook of what NOT to do:

Key Allegations:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rule requiring degrading items carried 24/7
• Systematic humiliation through forced interviews, dress codes, overnight driving duties
• Physical abuse including sprints, bear crawls, “save-your-brother” drills in extreme conditions
• Waterboarding-like treatment with hose spraying in face
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
• Nov. 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats

Medical Catastrophe:

• Development of rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
• Acute kidney failure requiring four-day hospitalization
• Brown urine indicating critical muscle tissue breakdown
• Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

• Pi Kappa Phi national suspended Beta Nu chapter Nov. 6, 2025
• Chapter members voted to surrender charter Nov. 14, 2025
• UH called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary action up to expulsion
• Our firm represents Bermudez in ongoing $10 million lawsuit

How a UH Hazing Case Might Affect Lavaca County Families

• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (though families can participate remotely)
• Investigative resources: Houston-based legal teams with local connections
• Medical documentation: Texas Medical Center provides world-class care documentation
• Pattern evidence: UH’s prior hazing incidents establish institutional knowledge

What UH Students & Lavaca County Parents Should Know

1. Reporting channels: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
2. Evidence preservation: Houston law enforcement familiar with Greek life investigations
3. Medical care: Texas Medical Center expertise in treating hazing injuries
4. Legal precedent: Harris County courts see numerous institutional liability cases

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersections

For Lavaca County Families: College Station is approximately 100 miles from Lavaca County, making Texas A&M a common choice for local students. The Corps of Cadets adds unique hazing dynamics that Lavaca County military families should understand.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• 70,000+ students with strong tradition culture
• Corps of Cadets (2,500+ members) with military-style discipline
• 60+ fraternity and sorority chapters
• Unique “Aggie culture” that can normalize extreme tradition

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
• Severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
• Fraternity suspended for two years by university

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)

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

Texas A&M Pi Kappa Alpha Suspension (2023)

• Chapter suspended for hazing violations
• Part of national pattern of Pi Kappa Alpha incidents

How Texas A&M Hazing Cases Differ

• Corps jurisdiction: Separate military-style disciplinary system
• University culture: Strong tradition defense often invoked
• Investigation complexity: Multiple overlapping systems (Corps, Greek, athletic)
• Geographic reality: Brazos County legal environment differs from urban counties

What Texas A&M Families Should Do

1. Understand both systems: Greek life AND Corps regulations
2. Document everything: Aggie culture emphasizes loyalty, which can hinder reporting
3. Medical attention: Baylor Scott & White medical documentation crucial
4. Legal strategy: Requires understanding of unique Aggie culture defenses

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Pattern Evidence

For Lavaca County Families: UT Austin is approximately 130 miles from Lavaca County. While not the closest major university, its size and prestige attract Lavaca County students. UT’s public hazing violations database provides unique transparency.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• 50,000+ students with highly competitive Greek life
• 60+ fraternity and sorority chapters
• Public hazing violations database (hazing.utexas.edu)
• Urban campus with significant off-campus Greek housing

UT’s Hazing Violations Database: A Model for Transparency

Unlike many universities, UT publishes detailed hazing violations:

Sample Entries:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and hazing prevention education required
• Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit group sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
• Multiple fraternities: Probation for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, humiliation

Why This Matters for Lavaca County Families:

• Pattern evidence: Prior violations establish institutional knowledge
• Foreseeability: Organizations knew risks from recent incidents
• Discovery advantage: Public records supplement internal documents
• Settlement leverage: Public scrutiny pressures organizations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024)

• Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at SAE party
• Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
• Chapter already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations

UT-Specific Considerations

• Travis County courts: Experienced with university litigation
• Public records: Texas Public Information Act requests yield results
• Media attention: Austin media closely covers campus issues
• Political environment: State government oversight affects university responses

Southern Methodist University: Private University Dynamics

For Lavaca County Families: SMU in Dallas is approximately 200 miles from Lavaca County, representing a different educational environment. As a private university, SMU operates under different rules than public institutions.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Private Methodist-affiliated university
• Affluent student population with strong Greek life participation
• Approximately 35% of undergraduates in Greek organizations
• Different disciplinary procedures than public universities

Documented Incidents

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)

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

SMU’s Approach to Hazing

• Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
• Private university disciplinary procedures
• Less public transparency than state schools
• Different liability considerations (no sovereign immunity)

Private University Realities for Lavaca County Families

1. Different rules: No Texas Public Information Act access to records
2. Internal processes: Greater university control over investigations
3. Financial considerations: Endowment and donor influences
4. Legal strategy: Requires different approach than public universities

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Institutional History

For Lavaca County Families: Baylor in Waco is approximately 90 miles from Lavaca County, making it accessible for many families. Baylor’s religious identity and recent history with institutional scandals create unique dynamics.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Private Baptist university
• 15,000+ undergraduate students
• History of sexual assault scandal (2016) affecting institutional response
• Religious identity influences disciplinary approach

Documented Incidents

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Suspensions staggered over early season
• Part of broader pattern of athletic program issues

Baylor’s Institutional Context

• Recent $4.5 million Clery Act fine (2023) for reporting failures
• Pattern of institutional misconduct responses
• Religious identity affecting victim support approaches
• Ongoing federal oversight from prior scandals

Considerations for Baylor Families

1. Institutional history: Pattern of inadequate responses to misconduct
2. Religious dynamics: Potential “sin and forgiveness” framework
3. Legal precedents: Recent settlements establish valuation parameters
4. Investigation resources: Waco-based legal teams with Baylor experience

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Lavaca County Families Are Really Dealing With

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local club. They’re entering a complex ecosystem of interconnected organizations with national reach, substantial financial resources, and well-established patterns of behavior. Understanding this ecosystem is crucial for holding the right parties accountable.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizational Networks

At The Manginello Law Firm, we maintain what we call our “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine”—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across our state. This isn’t theoretical; it’s built from public records that tell us exactly who operates where, and it’s how we identify all potentially liable parties in hazing cases.

IRS B83 Backbone: 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations

The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations. Here are examples relevant to universities Lavaca County families attend:

University of Houston Area Organizations:

• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
• Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Inc – EIN 800209640 – Houston, TX 77248
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (Cause IQ listing)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Texas District – Houston, TX (Cause IQ listing)

Texas A&M Area Organizations:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845
• Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp. – College Station, TX (Cause IQ listing)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter – College Station, TX (Cause IQ listing)

UT Austin Area Organizations:

• Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581 – Austin, TX 78705
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX (Cause IQ listing)
• Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter – Austin, TX (Cause IQ listing)

Cause IQ Metro Organizations: 1,423 Greek Entities Across 25 Texas Metros

Metro Counts Relevant to Lavaca County Families:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 total Greek organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 total Greek organizations
• Austin-Round Rock: 154 total Greek organizations
• College Station-Bryan: 42 total Greek organizations
• Waco: 27 total Greek organizations

What This Means for Your Case:
When we handle a hazing case, we don’t just look at the local chapter. We investigate:

• House corporations that own properties
• Alumni chapters that fund activities
• National headquarters that set policies
• Insurance carriers for each entity
• Related organizations that might share liability

National Fraternity Patterns: History Repeats Itself

The same national organizations appear in hazing incidents across the country, including at Texas universities. This isn’t coincidence—it’s pattern.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Stone Foltz Pattern

• Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Alcohol poisoning death during “Big/Little” night
• David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14M settlement
• Texas Chapters: Multiple sanctions at UT, Texas A&M, other campuses
• Pattern: Big/Little nights with forced drinking as initiation ritual

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple Incident Pattern

• Traumatic Brain Injury (Alabama, 2023): Lawsuit alleging TBI during hazing
• Chemical Burns (Texas A&M, 2021): Industrial cleaner causing skin grafts
• Assault (UT Austin, 2024): International student with multiple fractures
• Pattern: Physical violence combined with alcohol hazing

Pi Kappa Phi – Andrew Coffey Pattern

• Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Alcohol poisoning death during Big Brother night
• Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme workouts
• Pattern: Systematic physical and psychological hazing over extended periods

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

Legal Concept: Foreseeability
If a national organization has seen the same hazing method cause injury or death at another chapter, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen” when it occurs at a Texas chapter. This establishes negligence.

Discovery Strategy
We subpoena national organizations for:

• Prior incident reports from other chapters
• Risk management files showing known patterns
• Communications about “problem chapters”
• Training materials that acknowledge risks

Insurance Implications
National organizations typically have liability insurance. Their history of incidents affects:

• Coverage availability
• Settlement reserves
• Defense strategy
• Bad faith exposure if they deny claims

For Lavaca County families, this means your child’s case isn’t starting from zero. There’s a documented history we can use to establish what these organizations knew and when they knew it.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

When your family faces a hazing crisis, understanding how cases are built can help you make informed decisions and avoid critical mistakes. Here’s what we do at The Manginello Law Firm, and what Lavaca County families should understand about the process.

Evidence: The Foundation of Every Strong Case

Digital Communications (Most Critical Evidence)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Deleted messages: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” content
• Metadata: Timestamps, participant lists, edit histories
• In the Bermudez case: Group chats showed planning of events, threats about consequences for non-participation

Photos & Videos

• Content filmed by members during hazing events
• Security camera footage from houses and venues
• Doorbell cameras (Ring, Nest) capturing comings and goings
• Social media posts/stories showing events or injuries

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents, initiation scripts
• Emails between officers about “what we do to pledges”
• National policies and risk management materials
• Meeting minutes discussing hazing or “traditions”

University Records

• Prior conduct files on the same organization
• Incident reports to campus police
• Clery Act reports showing pattern of incidents
• Internal communications among administrators
• Public records requests: We use Texas Public Information Act for state schools

Medical Documentation

• Emergency room records (critical for timing and severity)
• Hospitalization records showing diagnosis and treatment
• Follow-up care documentation
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• In the Bermudez case: Hospital records showing rhabdomyolysis diagnosis, kidney function tests, four-day hospitalization

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges experiencing same treatment
• Former members with similar experiences
• Roommates, friends, significant others who observed changes
• Medical providers who treated injuries
• University staff who received prior complaints

Damages: What Can Be Recovered in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses: Past and future care, including:
  • Emergency treatment
  • Hospitalization
  • Surgeries and rehabilitation
  • Psychological counseling
  • Long-term care for permanent injuries
• Lost income/earning capacity:
  • Missed work for victim or caring parent
  • Delayed graduation and entry into workforce
  • Reduced earning potential from permanent disabilities
• Educational costs:
  • Tuition for semesters missed or repeated
  • Lost scholarships
  • Transfer expenses
• Other economic losses:
  • Property damage (destroyed clothing, phones, etc.)
  • Relocation costs to escape trauma environment

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in activities they loved)
• Damage to reputation and relationships
• In wrongful death cases:
  • Loss of companionship and support
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Applicable)

• Designed to punish extreme misconduct and deter future behavior

• Available when defendants show conscious indifference or malice
• In hazing cases: Often pursued when organizations had prior warnings and failed to act

The Strategic Process: From Investigation to Resolution

Phase 1: Immediate Response (First 48 Hours)

• Evidence preservation before deletion
• Medical documentation initiation
• Initial witness interviews
• University and police notification strategy
• For Lavaca County families: We can coordinate remotely while evidence is preserved

Phase 2: Investigation (Weeks 1–12)

• Comprehensive evidence collection
• Digital forensics on phones and devices
• Public records requests
• Expert consultations (medical, psychological, Greek life)
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 3: Case Development (Months 3–9)

• Demand package preparation
• Settlement negotiations
• Mediation preparation
• Trial strategy development if settlement fails
• Expert retention for testimony

Phase 4: Resolution

• Settlement: Most cases resolve confidentially
• Trial: When institutions won’t offer fair compensation
• Appeal: If necessary to protect verdict

Realistic Expectations for Lavaca County Families

Timeline:

• Simple cases: 12–24 months to resolution
• Complex cases (like Bermudez): 24–36+ months
• Factors affecting timeline: Number of defendants, insurance coverage disputes, criminal proceedings

Confidentiality:

• Most settlements include confidentiality provisions
• We fight to protect your family’s privacy
• Public trials bring transparency but also publicity

Costs:

• We work on contingency fee basis
• No upfront costs for families
• We advance case expenses, repaid only if we win
• For Lavaca County families: Remote consultation eliminates travel costs

Emotional Realities:

• Legal process can be stressful but provides structure
• Many families find validation through accountability
• Settlement funds can provide medical care and fresh starts
• The process often prevents future harm to other students

Practical Guide for Lavaca County Families: What to Do Right Now

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Physical Warning Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss/gain from food restriction or stress eating
• Sleep deprivation (calls at 3 AM, inability to sleep)
• Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting chapter down”
• Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping exams/assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
6. “Are they asking you to keep secrets?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Lavaca County Parents:

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):
✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):
✅ Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
✅ University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):
✅ Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
✅ Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to campus/local police (with lawyer’s guidance)
✅ University response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
✅ Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

WEEK ONE PRIORITIES:
✅ Medical follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; see specialists if needed
✅ Evidence gathering: Attorney begins subpoenaing records, obtaining deleted messages
✅ Witness interviews: Attorney contacts other pledges and witnesses
✅ Strategy session: Decide on criminal report, civil suit, both, or internal process
✅ Protection: If retaliation occurs, document and report immediately

For Students: Self-Protection and Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

• If in immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
• You have legal right to leave at any time, regardless of what they’ve told you
• Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) for protection
• Send email/text to chapter president: “I am resigning my membership effective immediately”
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
• If fearing retaliation, report that fear to Dean of Students and campus police

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in medical emergencies (good-faith immunity)
• Hazing is a crime; you are the victim, not perpetrator
• You can file civil lawsuit even without criminal charges
• You can request no-contact orders if harassed after reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

• What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
• What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

• What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do instead: Document everything, call lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements often below case value
• What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to lawyer

• What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• What to do instead: Document privately; let lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

• What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions from Lavaca County Families

Q: Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?
A: 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 in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—we analyze each situation individually.

Q: Is hazing a felony in Texas?
A: It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death (like in the Bermudez case). Individual officers also face charges for failing to report hazing.

Q: Can my child bring a case if they “agreed” to the initiation?
A: Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states: “Consent is not a defense to prosecution for hazing.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

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

Q: What if hazing happened off-campus or at private house?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

Q: Will my child’s name be in the news?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlements.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?
A: We work on contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. We advance case expenses, repaid only from recovery. This makes quality representation accessible regardless of family resources.

Q: Can international students bring hazing cases?
A: Yes. Immigration status doesn’t affect right to sue for injuries. We’ve represented international students in hazing cases and understand unique concerns about visa status, cultural differences, and family distance.

Why The Manginello Law Firm for Lavaca 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. From our experience representing Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi national, to our deep knowledge of Texas university systems, here’s why Lavaca County families choose us:

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

• Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity/university insurers value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
• Economist collaboration for accurate damage calculations
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands criminal hazing charges interaction with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure
• Experience with Title IX and Clery Act violations

Investigative Depth

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists, Greek life specialists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does”

Texas-Specific Experience That Matters for Lavaca County Families

University of Houston Expertise

• Currently representing Leonel Bermudez in $10 million hazing lawsuit
• Deep knowledge of UH disciplinary procedures and insurance carriers
• Relationships with Houston medical providers who document hazing injuries
• Experience with Harris County courts and local defense firms

Texas A&M & Corps Understanding

• Knowledge of unique Corps of Cadets dynamics and jurisdiction
• Experience with College Station legal environment and local counsel
• Understanding of Aggie culture and tradition defenses
• Relationships with Brazos County medical providers

Statewide Coverage

• Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
• Serve families throughout Texas, including Lavaca County
• Remote consultation capabilities for families outside major metros
• Understanding of regional differences in university responses

Our Philosophy: Empathy Meets Accountability

We know hazing cases aren’t just legal matters—they’re family tragedies. Our approach balances:

For Your Child:

• Medical care coordination and psychological support referrals
• Academic accommodation assistance (withdrawals, transfers, disability services)
• Protection from retaliation and harassment
• Privacy preservation throughout process

For Accountability:

• Thorough investigation identifying all responsible parties
• Aggressive pursuit of fair compensation
• Systemic change advocacy to prevent future harm
• Public transparency when appropriate for safety

For Your Family:

• Regular communication (we update families every 2–3 weeks minimum)
• Realistic expectations about timeline and possible outcomes
• Emotional support referrals and resources
• Respect for your decisions about settlement vs trial

Call to Action for Lavaca County Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether close to Lavaca County or hours away—we want to hear from you. The distance from Hallettsville, Yoakum, or Moulton to Houston, College Station, Austin, or Waco doesn’t change your rights or our ability to help.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm 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-Language Services:

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

Whether you’re in Lavaca County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for these abuses count on families feeling isolated and overwhelmed. We’re here to change that equation.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, accountability, and a path forward.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

• Full-service Texas personal injury and criminal defense law firm. 24/7 free consultations. Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Practice areas include hazing litigation, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and insurance claims. Contingency fee basis. Spanish-language services available.
• https://attorney911.com

Educational YouTube Videos:

“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case:”

• Attorney Ralph Manginello identifies common mistakes that can damage personal injury claims. Vital guidance for hazing victims navigating legal process.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

“Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?:”

• Attorney Ralph Manginello explains Texas statutes of limitations for personal injury cases.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!:”

• Attorney911 explains contingency fee model—no upfront costs, no fee unless firm wins.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case:”

• Educational video explaining how to properly use smartphone to document evidence after injury or incident.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

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, PLLD.

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, PLLD / 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