The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Mills County Families: Holding Texas Universities & Fraternities Accountable

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

For parents in Mills County, sending your child to college should mark the beginning of an exciting chapter, not a parent’s worst nightmare. Yet right now, families across Central Texas—from Goldthwaite to Mullin to Priddy—are facing exactly that reality. The quiet communities of Mills County, where neighbors look out for one another, feel far removed from the dangerous rituals happening on campuses in Houston, College Station, and Austin. But the reality is that students from our high schools, our churches, and our tight-knit communities are participating in Greek life at universities across Texas, and some are coming home broken—physically, emotionally, or not coming home at all.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLD, operating as Attorney911—the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Right now, we are actively fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history: the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. This isn’t a historical case study or a news story from another state. This is happening right now in Harris County, and it demonstrates exactly what Texas families are up against when powerful institutions prioritize reputation over student safety.

If you’re a Mills County parent discovering that your child has been hazed, assaulted, or injured in connection with a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, athletic team, or campus organization, this guide is for you. We’ve written it specifically for Central Texas families who need to understand their rights, the legal landscape, and what true accountability looks like. What happens in Houston courtrooms matters for families here in Mills County because the same national fraternities, the same institutional cover-up tactics, and the same insurance companies operate everywhere in Texas.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Modern Hazing Isn’t Just “Boys Being Boys”

Many Mills County families grew up with images of hazing as harmless pranks or excessive partying. That outdated picture couldn’t be further from today’s reality. Modern hazing is systematic, often criminal, and deliberately hidden from university oversight. It’s not about “tradition”—it’s about power, control, and exploitation.

In our current Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case, the hazing included acts that sound like torture, not college socialization: pledges being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass, hog-tied face-down on tables with objects in their mouths, and subjected to extreme physical workouts that led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This wasn’t happening in some remote location—this occurred at the Pi Kappa Phi chapter house, at a Culmore Drive residence, and at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, all in Houston.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
These behaviors establish power imbalances and often get dismissed as “just how things are”:

Digital control: 24/7 group chat monitoring, required instant responses at all hours, location sharing demands
Servitude requirements: Acting as personal drivers, cleaners, errand-runners for older members
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for social activities
Academic interference: Mandatory late-night meetings during exam weeks, required attendance that conflicts with classes

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

Sleep deprivation: 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal sleep
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive bland foods
Public humiliation: “Roasting” sessions, embarrassing public performances, degrading costumes
“Voluntary” coercion: Framing dangerous activities as optional while making clear refusal means social exclusion

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)
These activities have high potential for permanent injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with entire bottles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “gladiator” matches, extreme calisthenics until collapse
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, dangerous driving while fatigued

Why “Consent” Doesn’t Matter Under Texas Law

One of the most common questions we hear from Mills County families is: “But didn’t my child agree to this?” Texas law is crystal clear on this point. Education Code Section 37.155 states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. The legislature recognized that what looks like “agreement” from a teenager desperate for acceptance, operating under peer pressure and power imbalance, isn’t true voluntary consent. This legal principle is critical for families to understand—even if your child went along with activities, even if they were embarrassed to say no, the law still protects them.

Texas Hazing Law: What Mills County Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has one of the more comprehensive hazing statutes in the country under Chapter 37, Subchapter F of the Education Code. Here’s what it means for your family:

Definition (Section 37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization that endangers the student’s mental or physical health or safety. This applies whether the act occurs on or off campus.

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional penalties for failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face university sanctions if they authorize or encourage hazing, or if officers knew about hazing and failed to report it.

Good Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154): Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. This is crucial for bystanders or participants who want to do the right thing but fear consequences.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

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

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or their families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Burden: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)
Common claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress

These cases can run simultaneously, and you don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue civil justice. In fact, some of the most significant accountability comes through civil litigation where families can uncover systemic failures and secure compensation for lifelong injuries.

Federal Laws That Apply in Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain transparent hazing data. While full implementation phases in through 2026, it represents a major shift toward transparency that helps families hold institutions accountable.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting requirements and investigation protocols. Universities that fail to properly address sexualized hazing can face federal sanctions.

Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain campus crimes and maintain safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with Clery-reportable crimes like assault, alcohol offenses, and sexual violence.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A 20-year-old pledge died after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The case resulted in $10 million in settlements ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU) and criminal convictions against multiple members. This exact same “Big/Little” script plays out at Texas chapters annually.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Died during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol content was 0.495%. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. The same fraternity has active chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other Texas schools.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Death from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night with extreme drinking captured on chapter security cameras. The multi-year prosecution became one of the largest hazing cases in U.S. history and led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Physical and Ritualized Violence

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): A pledge died from head injuries during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability. This case proves that off-campus “retreats” don’t protect organizations from prosecution.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): An 18-year-old pledge suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage after being forced to drink excessively during a “pledge dad reveal” night. He now requires 24/7 care for life. The family settled with 22 defendants, showing how multiple parties share liability in severe injury cases.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Multiple lawsuits alleged systemic sexualized and racist hazing within the football program. The head coach was fired, and the university reached confidential settlements while facing ongoing litigation. This demonstrates that hazing extends far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with multi-million dollar budgets.

What These Cases Mean for Mills County Families: Every one of these national organizations has chapters at Texas universities. The same patterns of forced drinking, physical abuse, delayed medical care, and institutional cover-ups that caused tragedies in other states are present here. When we see Pi Kappa Alpha repeating the same “Big/Little” drinking rituals that killed Stone Foltz, or Phi Delta Theta running similar “Bible study” games that killed Max Gruver, that’s not coincidence—it’s a pattern of foreseeable harm that creates legal liability.

Texas University Focus: Where Mills County Students Are at Risk

Mills County families send their children to universities across Texas. Whether your student attends a local community college, a regional university, or one of the major state hubs, understanding the specific hazing landscape at these institutions is critical.

The Statewide Reach From Mills County

From our Mills County communities, students regularly attend:

Central Texas Colleges: Texas State University (San Marcos), Baylor University (Waco), University of Texas at Austin
Public Universities: Texas A&M University (College Station), University of Houston, Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
Private Institutions: Southern Methodist University (Dallas), Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)
Regional Campuses: Tarleton State University, Angelo State University, and other schools within driving distance

What happens at these campuses matters directly to Mills County families. The legal strategies, institutional responses, and fraternity cultures at these schools create the environment that either protects or endangers our children.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis

The Leonel Bermudez Case – Active Litigation Right Now
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This case isn’t historical—it’s actively being litigated in Harris County right now, and it shows exactly what Texas families face.

What Happened at UH:

Systematic humiliation: Pledges required to carry “pledge fanny packs” 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and humiliating items
Physical torture: Extreme workouts including sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills in cold weather while wearing only underwear
Waterboarding simulation: Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Forced consumption: Required to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to run sprints
Medical catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels

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, effectively shutting down the chapter
UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement

Why This Matters for All Texas Families: This case demonstrates that even when a national fraternity and university claim to have “zero tolerance” policies, severe hazing still occurs. The rapid chapter closure shows institutions know how bad these cases look, but that doesn’t prevent the harm from happening first.

UH’s Greek Ecosystem:
The University of Houston hosts approximately 50 Greek organizations across multiple councils:

Interfraternity Council (IFC): 17 fraternities including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha
Houston Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities
National Pan-Hellenic Council: All nine “Divine Nine” historically Black organizations
Multicultural Greek Council: Numerous culturally-based organizations

Prior UH Hazing Incidents:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep during multi-day events; one student suffered a lacerated spleen
Various other fraternities have faced suspensions for alcohol violations and conduct “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort”

What UH Families Should Know:

UHPD and Houston Police Department may both have jurisdiction depending on where hazing occurs
The Dean of Students Office handles initial reports, but families should consult legal counsel before making formal statements
Prior conduct records for specific organizations can often be obtained through public records requests or discovery in litigation

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

The Corps of Cadets Dynamic
Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets culture creates additional hazing risks beyond traditional Greek life. The military-style hierarchy and tradition-heavy environment can foster abusive practices disguised as “discipline” or “character building.”

Recent A&M Hazing Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Lawsuit (2021): Pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years, and pledges sued for $1 million.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth and subjected to simulated sexual acts. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages.
Texas A&M Hazing Transparency: Unlike UT Austin, A&M does not maintain a public hazing violations database, making it harder for families to research prior incidents.

A&M’s Greek Landscape:
With one of the largest Greek systems in the South, A&M hosts:

Interfraternity Council: 19 fraternities including Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha
Collegiate Panhellenic Council: 14 sororities
Corps of Cadets: Military-style organization with its own subculture and documented hazing issues

What College Station Families Should Know:

Brazos County courts handle local litigation, but federal claims may be filed in appropriate districts
The University’s Student Conduct Office investigates hazing, but their processes often prioritize institutional protection over victim justice
Corps of Cadets cases involve additional military-style chain of command issues that require specialized legal understanding

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Persistent Problems

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database
UT Austin maintains one of the more transparent hazing reporting systems among Texas universities at hazing.utexas.edu. This public database allows families to research prior violations—a valuable resource that also demonstrates how frequently hazing occurs despite policies.

Recent UT Hazing Sanctions:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with mandatory hazing-prevention education
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose; chapter already under suspension for prior violations
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices

UT’s Organizational Reach:
With approximately 60 Greek chapters, UT’s system includes:

University Panhellenic Council: 14 sororities
Interfraternity Council: 16 fraternities
Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council: Multiple Asian-interest organizations
Various spirit groups and secret societies with documented hazing histories

What Austin-Area Families Should Know:

Travis County courts handle local litigation, but the university’s status as a state institution affects sovereign immunity arguments
UT’s transparency is better than most schools, but their public database still represents only reported and sanctioned cases—many incidents never reach official channels
The university’s relationship with wealthy alumni and donor organizations can create conflicts in serious hazing cases

Southern Methodist University: Affluence and Accountability

Private University Dynamics
As a private institution, SMU operates under different legal frameworks than public universities, particularly regarding sovereign immunity. However, their affluent donor base and reputation concerns can create additional pressure to settle cases quietly.

SMU’s Greek Culture:
With a historically strong Greek presence, SMU hosts:

Panhellenic Council: 8 sororities
Interfraternity Council: 6 fraternities
National Pan-Hellenic Council: Historically Black Greek organizations

Documented SMU Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep; chapter suspended with recruiting restrictions until 2021
SMU utilizes anonymous reporting systems like Real Response, but private university status limits public transparency about incident outcomes

What Dallas-Area Families Should Know:

Dallas County courts handle litigation, and SMU’s private status eliminates sovereign immunity defenses available to public universities
The university’s affluent environment means defendants often have significant resources, but also greater sensitivity to reputational damage
SMU’s smaller size can make witness cooperation more complicated due to social networks and future career concerns

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Institutional Scandal

Following the Sexual Assault Scandal
Baylor’s recent history with institutional failure regarding sexual assault creates important context for hazing cases. The university’s demonstrated pattern of prioritizing reputation over student safety in one arena suggests similar tendencies may exist in hazing contexts.

Baylor’s Documented Issues:

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions throughout the season
The university’s “zero tolerance” policies exist alongside repeated misconduct, suggesting enforcement gaps

Baylor’s Greek System:

Panhellenic Council: 9 sororities
Interfraternity Council: 5 fraternities
Religious identity influences both organizational culture and institutional response patterns

What Waco-Area Families Should Know:

McLennan County courts handle local litigation
Baylor’s religious branding and prior scandals create unique settlement dynamics and public relations considerations
The university’s conservative environment may affect how victims come forward and how allegations are received

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Texas Harm

Why National Headquarters Matter

When your child is hazed at a Texas chapter, the national headquarters isn’t a distant, unrelated entity. These organizations collect dues, set policies, provide training (or fail to), and maintain oversight—or should. Their knowledge of prior incidents at other chapters creates legal liability when the same patterns repeat in Texas.

Organizations with Documented National Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021): $10 million settlement after alcohol poisoning death
David Bogenberger (NIU 2012): $14 million settlement after drinking game death
Texas Presence: Active chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking events, forced alcohol consumption, delayed medical care

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Multiple Alcohol Deaths Nationwide: Long history of hazing-related fatalities
Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): $1 million lawsuit after cleaner caused severe burns
UT Austin Assault Case (2024): Ongoing litigation for serious physical injuries
Pattern: Physical violence combined with alcohol hazing, chemical abuse

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey (FSU 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother” night
Leonel Bermudez (UH 2025): Our current active litigation for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with alcohol coercion

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver (LSU 2017): Death from “Bible study” drinking game, led to Louisiana felony hazing law
Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games, forced consumption rituals

Beta Theta Pi:

Timothy Piazza (Penn State 2017): Death captured on chapter cameras, led to Pennsylvania anti-hazing law
Pattern: Bid acceptance drinking events, security camera evidence, delayed emergency response

The Legal Significance of National Patterns

In litigation, these national histories matter tremendously. They establish:

Foreseeability: Nationals knew or should have known certain rituals were dangerous
Prior Notice: Multiple incidents at other chapters put nationals on notice about specific risks
Pattern and Practice: Systematic failures in training, supervision, and enforcement
Punitive Damages Basis: Willful disregard of known dangers can support punitive claims

When we litigate hazing cases, we don’t just look at what happened at the specific Texas chapter. We investigate what the national headquarters knew about similar incidents elsewhere, what policies they had (or didn’t enforce), and how their failures created the environment for harm.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Investigate for Mills County Families

Our Data-Driven Approach

One of our firm’s unique advantages in hazing litigation is what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine. This isn’t marketing jargon—it’s a systematic approach to investigating Greek organizations that combines public records, institutional data, and investigative techniques specifically developed for campus abuse cases.

Public Records Directory: Texas Greek Organizations

For Mills County families, understanding who you’re really dealing with is crucial. Behind every fraternity or sorority chapter are multiple legal entities—house corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations—that may share liability. Here’s a sample of what our intelligence engine tracks:

IRS B83 Registered Organizations in Texas (Sample):

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 46-2267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 74-1380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 74-6064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 36-4091267 – Waco, TX 76710 (Xi Chi Chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 90-0293166 – College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M Chapter)

Metro Area Greek Organization Counts:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42+ organizations
Waco Metro: 27+ organizations
Statewide Total: 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros

What This Means for Your Case: When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know how to identify every potentially liable entity—the local chapter, the housing corporation, the alumni association, the national headquarters, and related foundations. This comprehensive approach is how we secure compensation from all responsible parties, not just the most obvious ones.

Campus-Specific Rosters and Histories

Our investigation extends to specific campus environments. For example, we maintain verified rosters of Greek organizations at major Texas universities:

University of Houston Current Greek Organizations Include:

Interfraternity Council: Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Houston Panhellenic Council: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha
National Pan-Hellenic Council: All nine Divine Nine organizations

Texas A&M’s Extensive System Includes:

Interfraternity Council: Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Collegiate Panhellenic Council: 14 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma

Why This Investigation Matters: When we represent a family, we cross-reference organizational memberships against national hazing histories, prior campus violations, and insurance coverage databases. This comprehensive approach often reveals patterns that individual chapter investigations miss—like a national organization that has paid multiple settlements for the exact same type of incident.

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

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos, Facebook posts
Deleted content: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages and media
Location data: GPS metadata, check-ins, photo location tags

Documentary Evidence:

Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like the critically high creatine kinase levels in the Bermudez case)
University records: Prior conduct violations, probation letters, Clery reports
Organizational documents: Pledge manuals, ritual scripts, meeting minutes
Financial records: Dues payments, alcohol purchases, fine documentation

Physical Evidence:

Injury documentation: Photographs of bruises, burns, swelling (take multiple angles over several days)
Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, costumes
Clothing: Blood-stained or damaged items from the incident

Witness Evidence:

Other pledges/victims: Often afraid to come forward initially but may cooperate as cases develop
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled often have valuable information
Roommates and friends: May have observed changes or heard admissions
Medical providers: Documentation of injuries and patient statements about causes

The Damages Framework: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, including therapy, medications, surgeries
Lost educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Earning capacity impact: Reduced future earnings due to physical or psychological injuries
Life care costs: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care (like traumatic brain injuries)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships
Reputational harm: Social stigma and digital footprint damage

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support: The deceased’s potential lifetime earnings
Loss of companionship: Emotional loss to parents, siblings, spouses
Pain and suffering of the deceased: Between injury and death

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct and deter future hazing
When awarded: When defendants knew of dangers and disregarded them, attempted cover-ups, or showed callous indifference

Realistic Timeline and Process

Immediate Phase (First 48 Hours):

Medical care and evidence preservation
Initial legal consultation
Strategic decisions about reporting

Investigation Phase (Weeks 1-12):

Comprehensive evidence gathering
Witness interviews
Organizational research
Demand package preparation

Negotiation Phase (Months 3-12):

Settlement discussions with insurers and institutions
Mediation attempts
Continued investigation and evidence development

Litigation Phase (If Necessary):

Filing lawsuit
Discovery process (documents, depositions, expert reports)
Possible settlement at any stage
Trial if no fair resolution reached

Important Reality: Most cases settle before trial, but preparing every case as if it will go to trial is what creates settlement leverage. Institutions and insurers know which law firms are truly ready for court—that knowledge changes how they negotiate.

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

If You Suspect Your Child Is Being Hazed

Warning Signs:

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Secretive behavior about organizational activities
Constant phone monitoring/panic about group chat responses
Financial strain from unexplained expenses
Academic decline due to “mandatory” events

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose a private, calm setting without time pressure
Use open-ended questions: “How are things really going with [organization]?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted lately, and I’m worried.”
Emphasize safety over status: “Your health and safety matter more than any membership.”
Make clear you’ll support them regardless of their decisions

Immediate Action Steps

Medical Emergency Protocol:

Call 911 immediately if your child is injured, unconscious, or severely intoxicated
Get to an ER—don’t wait to see if symptoms improve
Tell medical providers the truth: “This happened during fraternity/sorority activities”
Request copies of all records—this creates crucial documentation

Evidence Preservation Checklist:

Screenshot all digital communications: Group chats, DMs, emails (capture full threads with timestamps)
Photograph injuries immediately: Multiple angles, include scale reference (coin, ruler), take daily progression photos
Save physical evidence: Don’t wash clothing, don’t return objects used in hazing
Document everything in writing: Who, what, when, where, witnesses—while memory is fresh
Create a timeline: Document all related events in chronological order

Reporting Decisions:

Campus authorities: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, campus police
Local law enforcement: City or county police for criminal acts
National organizations: Headquarters reporting (though they often protect their chapters)
Anonymous options: National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE)
Consult an attorney first: Before making formal statements, understand the implications

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

1. Deleting Evidence

What happens: Families think “I don’t want this embarrassing stuff saved”
Why it’s devastating: Looks like cover-up, destroys your case, helps the defense
Better approach: Preserve everything, no matter how embarrassing—your lawyer will manage sensitivity

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What happens: Anger leads to direct confrontation with members or advisors
Why it backfires: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document everything, then let your attorney handle all communication

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

What happens: Universities pressure quick settlements with confidentiality clauses
Why it’s dangerous: You may waive legal rights for minimal compensation
Better approach: Have an attorney review ANY document before signing

4. Posting on Social Media

What happens: Families want to “tell their story” publicly
Why it hurts your case: Defense lawyers screenshot everything, inconsistencies get exploited
Better approach: Let your attorney control public messaging if necessary

5. Waiting Too Long

What happens: “Let’s see how the university handles it first”
Why evidence disappears: Messages get deleted, witnesses graduate, memories fade
Better approach: Consult an attorney immediately to preserve rights and evidence

Frequently Asked Questions from Texas Families

“Can we sue a public university in Texas?”
Yes, but sovereign immunity complicates cases against state institutions like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Every case requires specific analysis.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally two years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—consult an attorney immediately.

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

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death) occurred off-campus and still resulted in judgments.

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you. This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford to take on powerful institutions.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Mills County Families

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies operate—and how to win against them anyway. Here’s why our firm is uniquely qualified for Texas hazing litigation:

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Our associate attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, fight coverage exclusions, and pressure families into inadequate settlements. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers who assume most families don’t understand their tactics.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That same experience applies directly to hazing cases against national fraternities and major universities. We’re not intimidated by powerful institutions; we’ve faced them before and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Results:
We have a proven track record in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, working with economists, life care planners, and vocational experts to secure compensation that truly addresses lifelong needs. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense capability. This is crucial for hazing cases that often involve parallel criminal investigations. We understand how criminal charges interact with civil litigation and can advise clients navigating both systems.

Evidence Investigation Expertise:
From our trucking and maritime practice, we’ve developed sophisticated evidence collection skills—securing electronic logging device data, maintenance records, and driver qualification files. We apply that same rigor to hazing cases: recovering deleted group chats, obtaining chapter records, subpoenaing national organization files, and working with digital forensics experts.

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery:
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand Texas courts, procedures, and institutional landscapes. We know which experts to use, which judges hear certain cases, and how different Texas universities typically respond to litigation.

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic Texas families in their preferred language. This accessibility matters when families are dealing with trauma and complex legal concepts.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Response:
We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason. When you call, we respond immediately. Evidence disappears fast in hazing cases—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. We start preserving evidence within hours, not days.

Comprehensive Investigation:
We don’t just look at what happened at the specific event. We investigate:

The national organization’s knowledge of prior similar incidents
The university’s prior complaints about the same chapter
Insurance coverage across all potentially liable entities
Digital evidence recovery through forensic experts
Witness identification and interview strategies

Strategic Litigation:
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial because that’s what creates settlement leverage. Institutions and insurers know which law firms are truly ready for court—we make sure they know we’re prepared to try cases when necessary.

Client-Centered Representation:
We keep families informed at every stage, explain options in plain English, and respect that this is your child’s life and future. We’re not just lawyers; we’re advocates who understand the human cost of hazing.

Confidential Consultation: What to Expect

When you contact us for a hazing consultation, here’s what you can expect:

1. We Listen Without Judgment:
We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide honest feedback about your options.

2. Evidence Review:
We’ll review any evidence you’ve preserved—photos, messages, medical records—and advise on additional evidence collection.

3. Legal Options Explained:
We’ll explain the different paths forward: criminal reporting, civil litigation, university processes, or combinations thereof. We’ll discuss realistic timelines, potential outcomes, and what each approach entails.

4. No Pressure Decision:
We won’t pressure you to hire us immediately. We’ll provide the information you need to make an informed decision about what’s best for your family.

5. Contingency Fee Clarity:
We’ll explain our contingency fee structure clearly: we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you. We cover case expenses upfront and are only reimbursed if we win.

Call to Action for Mills County Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends school in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, Waco, or anywhere in Texas—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for your child’s safety have legal teams protecting their interests. You deserve the same level of representation protecting yours.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct line: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Spanish-language services available: Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Serving families throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.

We understand the Mills County community values—looking out for neighbors, standing up for what’s right, and protecting our children. When those values are violated by institutions that should know better, we’re here to help you hold them accountable.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com