The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Accountability for Menard County, Texas Families

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

For parents in Menard County, Texas, the call you never want to receive might start with your college-aged child saying, “Everything’s fine,” but their voice sounds strained, exhausted, or fearful. Perhaps they’re calling from a fraternity house in College Station, a sorority event in Austin, or a Corps of Cadets retreat near Waco. The details they share—or refuse to share—hint at something darker than typical college fun: forced drinking, humiliating rituals, extreme physical exertion, or psychological torment disguised as “tradition” or “bonding.”

Right now, in our own state, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly lost his life to fraternity hazing. His story—which resulted in a $10 million lawsuit against UH and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter—shows exactly how quickly “pledge activities” can turn into medical catastrophes. If your family in Menard County is facing this nightmare, you need to know that Texas law provides powerful tools for accountability, and experienced Texas hazing attorneys can help you use them.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Menard County families whose children attend Texas universities. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas and federal law address it, what we’ve learned from national tragedies, and what’s happening at universities your children likely attend—including the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. Most importantly, we’ll show you the path toward accountability and recovery.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN MENARD 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
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Students

Many Menard County parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals” from decades past. Today’s hazing has evolved into something more systematic, more dangerous, and better hidden. Understanding these modern forms is the first step in recognizing if your child is at risk.

Modern Hazing Goes Far Beyond Stereotypes

Hazing in 2025 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. Critically, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

We categorize hazing into three escalating tiers:

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

Deception and secrecy oaths (“Don’t tell your parents/university”)
Derogatory names or identities
Mandatory servitude (cleaning rooms, running errands, being “on call” 24/7)
Social isolation from non-members
Constant group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

Verbal abuse, screaming, degrading language
Sleep deprivation (late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls)
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Forced physical activity beyond safe limits (“smokings,” extreme calisthenics)
Public humiliation (embarrassing costumes, performances, “roasts”)
Digital humiliation (forced social media posts, TikTok challenges)

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

Forced/coerced alcohol consumption (drinking games, “Big/Little” nights)
Forced drug use
Physical beatings and paddling
Dangerous physical “tests” (blindfolded tackles, “glass ceiling” rituals)
Sexualized hazing (forced nudity, simulated sexual acts)
Exposure to extreme environments (locked in cold rooms, outdoor exposure)
Kidnapping and restraint

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

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

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swim teams)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (Texas Cowboys, spirit organizations)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy. Even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal, these three factors keep dangerous practices alive year after year.

Texas Hazing Laws: What Menard County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that give victims and families powerful legal tools. Understanding this framework helps you recognize your rights and what accountability looks like under Texas law.

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

Definition (§ 37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:
applied: (1) endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student; and (2) occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Plain English for Menard County Families: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Location doesn’t matter—it can happen on or off campus. Mental harm counts as much as physical harm.

Critical Protections in Texas Law:

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing if it meets the definition. Courts recognize that peer pressure and power imbalance make true consent impossible.
Good-Faith Reporter Immunity (§ 37.154): Students who report hazing in good faith or call 911 in medical emergencies are protected from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. Many universities extend this to alcohol violations in emergency situations.
Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew about it and failed to report it. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 and university bans.
Criminal Penalties Escalate with Harm (§ 37.152):
- Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Outcome: Criminal record for perpetrators

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Outcome: Financial recovery for victims, policy changes, institutional reform

Both types can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many hazing cases settle civilly while criminal proceedings are still pending.

Federal Law Overlay Affecting Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention requirements
Mandates public hazing data reporting (phased in by 2026)
or victims: Creates national database showing patterns across universities

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
Both create additional avenues for accountability when universities fail to respond appropriately

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up
Chapter officers (presidents, pledge educators, risk managers)

Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
Housing corporations that own chapter houses

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

University or Governing Board:

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) under certain negligence theories
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) with fewer immunity protections
Key questions: Prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties:

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

Every case is fact-specific. Our investigation determines which parties bear legal responsibility based on their involvement, knowledge, and control.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez vs. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

Right now, we’re leading one of the most significant hazing cases in Texas—a case that shows exactly how modern hazing operates and why experienced legal intervention matters.

What Happened at University of Houston

In fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. What followed was a systematic campaign of abuse that nearly killed him:

The Hazing Regimen:

“Pledge fanny pack” requirement: Carried 24/7 with condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and humiliating items
Enforced dress codes and schedules: Hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties
Physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills in cold weather
Degradation: Lying in vomit-soaked grass, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints
The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under threat of expulsion

Medical Catastrophe:
After the November 3 workout, Bermudez’s condition deteriorated for days. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and was rushed to the hospital by his mother. Doctors diagnosed:

Rhabdomyolysis: Severe skeletal muscle breakdown
Acute kidney failure: Critically high creatine kinase levels
Four-day hospitalization with ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter; chapter shut down
University of Houston: Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and pledged cooperation with law enforcement

The Lawsuit:
We filed a $10 million lawsuit on Bermudez’s behalf against:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members (chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, and others)

Why This Matters for Menard County Families:
This case demonstrates that:

Severe hazing happens at Texas universities—not just “up north” or at small schools
Medical consequences can be life-altering—rhabdomyolysis and kidney damage are real risks
Multiple entities bear responsibility—from individual members to national headquarters to the university itself
Experienced legal action gets results—the chapter was shut down within weeks of our involvement

The Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case details the medical findings, while ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit provides the most detailed timeline of events.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The Bermudez case follows patterns seen in tragic hazing deaths nationwide. Understanding these patterns helps us build stronger cases and prevent future harm.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

Bid-acceptance event with forced heavy drinking
Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; 12-hour delay before calling 911
18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Impact: Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

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

“Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering incorrectly
Blood alcohol content of 0.495% at death
Impact: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Impact: Ohio strengthened anti-hazing laws; chapter president ordered to pay $6.5M personally

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Fatal head injuries; delayed medical care
Impact: National fraternity criminally convicted; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university; head coach fired
Impact: Demonstrated hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Menard County Families

Common threads in all major hazing cases:

Forced drinking as centerpiece of initiation
Delayed or denied medical care due to fear of consequences
Systematic cover-ups and evidence destruction
Institutional knowledge of problems before tragedy

These patterns show that hazing deaths and injuries are foreseeable and preventable. When organizations ignore warnings or treat anti-hazing policies as paperwork exercises, they bear legal responsibility for the consequences.

Texas University Focus: Where Menard County Students Attend

Menard County families send their children to universities across Texas. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools helps you recognize risks and responses.

University of Houston: Urban Campus with Significant Greek Life

For Menard County Families:
While UH is several hours from Menard County, its large Houston presence means many Central Texas students choose it for its urban opportunities and diverse programs.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed onto table during hazing; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
2025 Pi Kappa Phi case: Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure case detailed above
UH’s approach: Generally suspends chapters during investigations; publishes limited disciplinary information

How UH Hazing Cases Proceed:

Jurisdiction: Houston Police Department and/or UHPD depending on location
Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
Multiple potential defendants: students, chapter, national, university, property owners

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

For Menard County Families:
As one of Texas’s flagship universities, Texas A&M attracts students from across the state, including Menard County. Its unique Corps of Cadets culture presents specific hazing risks alongside traditional Greek life concerns.

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 for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

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

Texas A&M’s Approach:

Separate processes for Greek life and Corps violations
Generally suspends organizations during investigations
Less public transparency than UT Austin

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency Leader with Ongoing Issues

For Menard County Families:
UT Austin’s academic reputation draws students from across Texas, including Menard County. Its relatively transparent hazing violation reporting provides valuable insight into ongoing problems.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page Shows Patterns:

Recent Examples:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and required education
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; sued for over $1 million
Various spirit organizations: Sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices

UT’s Approach:

Maintains public database of hazing violations (hazing.utexas.edu)
Generally provides details: organization, date, conduct, sanction
Multiple organizations show repeated violations over years

Southern Methodist University: Private School with Greek Emphasis

For Menard County Families:
SMU’s private university status and strong Greek presence create a different environment than public universities. Its Dallas location makes it accessible to students from across Texas.

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended with recruiting restrictions until 2021
SMU’s Approach: Private university with less public transparency; uses anonymous reporting systems like Real Response

Baylor University: Religious Identity Amid Broader Scandals

For Menard County Families:
Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues create complex dynamics for hazing response and accountability.

Documented Incidents:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions during season
Context: Occurs against backdrop of broader institutional accountability questions

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Meet Texas Chapters

The fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses aren’t local clubs—they’re chapters of national organizations with decades of hazing history. This history matters because it shows patterns of conduct and institutional knowledge.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Lawsuits

When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down in Pennsylvania or Louisiana, that demonstrates foreseeability. National headquarters can’t claim “we had no idea this could happen” when their own records show identical incidents causing injuries or deaths at other chapters.

Key legal concepts this supports:

Negligence: Failure to take reasonable care
Gross negligence: Conscious, voluntary disregard of need for reasonable care
Punitive damages: Intended to punish particularly reckless behavior

Organization Patterns Seen at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

National history: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021), David Bogenberger death (NIU, 2012)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

National history: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama, 2023)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin (lawsuit), SMU
Pattern: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M; assault case at UT Austin

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

National history: Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017)
Texas presence: Chapter at UH (Bermudez case)
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing leading to medical crises

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

National history: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

National history: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter
Texas presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU (suspended)
Pattern: Paddling and physical hazing traditions

How We Use National Patterns in Texas Cases

Our investigation always includes:

Subpoenaing national headquarters records for prior incidents
Identifying identical “scripts” or “traditions” used across chapters
Demonstrating what the national organization knew and when
Showing failure to enforce their own anti-hazing policies

This pattern evidence transforms a “local chapter incident” into evidence of institutional failure at the national level.

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

When hazing causes harm, building a strong case requires systematic evidence collection, understanding of damages, and strategic decision-making. Here’s what the process looks like.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important Evidence):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
Recovery capability: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages
What to preserve: Screenshot immediately with timestamps and participant names visible

Photos & Videos:

Event footage: Content filmed by members during hazing
Injury documentation: Photos from multiple angles with scale references
Location evidence: Houses, rooms, venues where hazing occurred
Security footage: Ring/doorbell cameras, building security systems

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals and “tradition” documents
Emails/texts from officers about initiation activities
National policies and training materials
Meeting minutes and planning documents

University Records:

Prior conduct files on the same organization
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and annual disclosures
Internal emails among administrators about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Surgery and rehabilitation notes
Toxicology and lab reports (critical for alcohol/drug cases)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges who experienced the same conduct
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, friends who observed changes or injuries
Medical personnel who provided treatment

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

Medical expenses: ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment, medications
Future medical care: Physical therapy, psychological counseling, long-term specialists
Lost earnings: Time off work for victim or caring parent
Educational impact: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries cause permanent disability affecting work ability

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

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

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and society
Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Purpose: Punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
When awarded: Defendant had prior warnings and ignored them; conduct was especially cruel; attempts to cover up
Texas specifics: Statutory caps except in certain intentional tort cases

The Role of Insurance Coverage

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

Intentional acts exclusion: Claiming hazing is intentional and therefore excluded
Criminal acts exclusion: Arguing criminal behavior isn’t covered
Policy limits: Attempting to minimize payout amounts

Our approach includes:

Identifying all potential policies: Chapter, national, university, umbrella coverages
Navigating exclusion arguments: Showing negligent supervision even if acts were intentional
Bad faith claims: When insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Practical Guides & FAQs for Menard County Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight loss or gain from food/water restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-group activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring

Academic & Financial Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Unexpected large expenses (forced purchases, “fines”)
Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members

Questions to Ask (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?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

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

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
Wanting to quit: Tell someone outside the org first, then send email/text to chapter leadership
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If fearing retaliation: Report to Dean of Students and campus police immediately

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
- Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
- Instead: Preserve everything immediately
Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly
- They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
- Instead: Document everything, call a lawyer first
Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms
- May waive right to sue; settlements often far below case value
- Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review
Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer
- Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
- Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control messaging
Waiting “to see how the university handles it”
- Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
- Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video on Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case for more guidance.

Texas Hazing FAQs for Menard County Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some 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—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

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

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

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Learn more about Texas statutes of limitations in our video: Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Menard County Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive data on Greek organizations operating in Texas. This directory shows the complex network of entities behind campus chapters—entities that often bear legal and financial responsibility in hazing cases.

Why This Directory Matters for Menard County Families

If your child was hazed, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to them. These aren’t just student clubs—they’re legal entities with tax IDs, insurance policies, and organizational structures. We track them so families never start from zero.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Sample)

House Corporations & Alumni Chapters:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN: 133048786) | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC (EIN: 161675890) | 115 WILD WICK WAY, THE WOODLANDS, TX 77382-1822 | IRS B83 filing
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION (EIN: 371768785) | 4102 EASTSHORE ST, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459-1820 | IRS B83 filing
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN: 462267515) | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 filing
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC (EIN: 475370943) | 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-7005 | THETA DELTA chapter | IRS B83 filing

Honor Societies & Professional Organizations:

HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI (EIN: 263170920) | 411 TEXAS STROOM 219, DENTON, TX 76204-0000 | TEXAS WOMENS UNIVERSITY chapter | IRS B83 filing
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI (EIN: 352335400) | 3900 UNIVERSITY BLVD, TYLER, TX 75799-6600 | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER chapter | IRS B83 filing
SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS INC (EIN: 760221936) | PO BOX 271704, HOUSTON, TX 77277-1704 | IRS B83 filing

Multicultural & NPHC Organizations:

ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED – SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER (EIN: 392352450) | PO BOX 540026, HOUSTON, TX 77254-0026 | IRS B83 filing
KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC (EIN: 453325054) | PO BOX 1312, MANSFIELD, TX 76063-0169 | IRS B83 filing
SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY (EIN: 364091267) | 1101 MELROSE DR, WACO, TX 76710-4154 | XI CHI chapter | IRS B83 filing

Metro Organization Snapshot (Cause IQ Data)

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (510 total organizations):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth
Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta), Arlington
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation, Fort Worth
Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter, Fort Worth

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro (188 total organizations):

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter, Houston

Austin-Round Rock Metro (154 total organizations):

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp., Austin
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter, Austin
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta), Austin

What This Means for Your Case

This directory demonstrates that:

Greek organizations are legal entities with tax IDs and addresses
Multiple layers exist behind campus chapters (house corporations, alumni groups, nationals)
Insurance and assets often reside with these entities, not the student chapter
Our investigation starts here—we identify all potentially responsible parties from day one

When you work with us, you’re not hiring a lawyer who needs to “figure out who to sue.” You’re hiring a firm that already maintains this database and knows how to use it to build maximum leverage in your case.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Menard County and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across the region.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña’s Defense Background):
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. He understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. His federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means he’s not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. Learn more about Ralph’s credentials at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries and permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure, navigate plea agreements, and coordinate parallel proceedings.

Investigative Depth:
Our network includes medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. We know how to obtain hidden evidence—deleted group chats, chapter records, university files that institutions hope never see daylight.

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic Texas families in their preferred language.

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

Immediate Evidence Preservation: We start with digital forensics requests before group chats disappear
Multiple Defendant Identification: We trace liability through the organizational chain—from individual members to national headquarters
Pattern Evidence Development: We subpoena national records to show prior incidents and institutional knowledge
Expert Collaboration: We work with specialists who can explain everything from rhabdomyolysis medicine to Greek organization psychology
Trial Readiness: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because that’s what forces fair settlements

Call to Action for Menard County Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Menard County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to expect in your free consultation:

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

Contact Information:

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

Hablamos Español: Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Understanding Contingency Fees

We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases: no upfront costs, no hourly fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Watch our video explaining How Do Contingency Fees Work? for complete details.

Final Message to Menard County Families

Whether you’re in Menard County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved—fraternities, sororities, universities—have experienced lawyers protecting their interests. You deserve the same level of representation fighting for yours.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, achieve accountability, and prevent this from happening to anyone else.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com