Hazing & Campus Injury Guide for Brazoria County Families: Protecting Your Student at Texas Universities

If Your Child Was Hazed in Brazoria County or Beyond, You’re Not Alone

For parents in Danbury, Angleton, Lake Jackson, and across Brazoria County, the moment your child leaves for college is filled with pride and hope. You’ve prepared them for academic challenges, but nothing prepares a family for the phone call no parent wants to receive: “Mom, Dad… something happened at the fraternity,” or “I was hurt during a team initiation,” or worse, the hospital calling because your child has been admitted with injuries from a hazing incident.

Right now, just a short drive north from Danbury in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died from hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This isn’t an abstract problem—it’s happening at Texas universities where Brazoria County families send their children. When Bermudez’s urine turned brown from rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after forced workouts, humiliation with “pledge fanny packs,” and simulated waterboarding, it wasn’t just a Houston problem—it was a Texas-wide warning about what can happen when hazing culture goes unchecked.

At Attorney911, we serve families across Texas, including right here in Brazoria County. We understand that whether your child attends nearby Alvin Community College, commutes to the University of Houston, or attends Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor hours away, hazing threatens their safety and future. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects students, what’s happening at major Texas universities, and how our firm’s Texas-based expertise can help when institutions fail to protect your child.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR BRAZORIA COUNTY FAMILIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
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What most Brazoria County parents remember about college hazing comes from movies or news stories from years ago—perhaps paddling or silly pranks. What’s happening today is more sophisticated, more dangerous, and often hidden behind digital walls and “unofficial” traditions.

Modern hazing operates on three escalating levels that every parent should recognize:

Tier 1: The Subtle Start—What Many Miss as “Just Tradition”

This is where most hazing begins, often dismissed as “team bonding” or “pledge education.” For Brazoria County students at Texas universities, this might include:

• 24/7 digital control: Constant GroupMe messages requiring immediate responses at all hours, even during classes or family dinners
• Mandatory servitude: Being “on call” as designated drivers until 3 AM, cleaning older members’ apartments, or running personal errands
• Social isolation: Being told they cannot socialize with non-members, former friends, or even family without permission
• Dress codes and demeaning rules: Carrying “pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents like condoms and sex toys (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case), wearing specific clothing, or using only certain entrances

What makes this particularly dangerous is how institutions frame it. As we saw in the Bermudez case, activities that included “mandatory interviews” and “overnight driving duties” created a foundation of compliance that escalated to physical abuse.

Tier 2: Escalation to Harassment—Where Most Injuries Begin

When subtle control normalizes compliance, harassment begins. This includes behaviors that cause clear discomfort but that organizations often excuse as “character building”:

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “study sessions” that are actually interrogation-style questioning, 3 AM wake-up calls for “accountability checks,” or multi-day events with minimal rest
• Forced physical activity beyond safe limits: “Conditioning workouts” that are actually punishment—dozens of push-ups, hours of wall sits, sprints until vomiting (all documented in the UH case at Yellowstone Boulevard Park)
• Food and substance manipulation: Forcing consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting (as Bermudez endured), then immediate exercise
• Public and digital humiliation: Being forced to post embarrassing content on social media, perform demeaning acts in public, or endure “roasting” sessions

Tier 3: Violence and Life-Threatening Danger

This is where hazing becomes criminal assault and where we see permanent injuries and deaths:

• Forced alcohol consumption: Not just drinking at parties, but coerced rapid consumption games like “Big/Little” nights where pledges must finish entire bottles
• Physical beatings and torture: Paddling, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” (as in the UH case), exposure to extreme cold in underwear
• Dangerous rituals: The “glass ceiling” tackle rituals that killed Michael Deng, “Hell Night” beatings, or being hog-tied (as another UH Pi Kappa Phi pledge endured for over an hour)
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “elephant walks,” and coercion

What’s changed most dramatically is where this happens. Today’s hazing has moved:

1. Off-campus to Airbnbs, rural properties, and members’ family homes (like the Culmore Drive residence in the UH case)
2. Online through encrypted apps, disappearing messages, and social media challenges
3. Underground through “unofficial” chapters that have lost recognition but continue operating

For Brazoria County students, this means the danger isn’t confined to campus. A student from Lake Jackson at Texas A&M might be taken to a College Station apartment for hazing. A Pearland student at UT Austin might be driven to a Hill Country retreat. And because it happens off-campus, universities often claim it’s “beyond their jurisdiction”—a legal argument we regularly dismantle.

The Texas Legal Framework: What Brazoria County Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s clearest hazing laws, but complex legal battles require understanding both the statutes and how courts actually apply them.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas defines hazing broadly and provides clear penalties:

Definition (§37.151): 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 mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Includes brutal treatment, forced physical activity, exposure to elements, forced consumption, or any activity that adversely affects mental health

Critical Protections for Brazoria County Families:

• Consent is NOT a defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. This directly counters the most common defense organizations use.
• Immunity for good-faith reporting (§37.154): Students who report hazing or call for medical help are protected from liability, even if they were involved.
• Organizational liability (§37.153): Both individuals AND organizations can face criminal charges and fines up to $10,000 per violation.
• Enhanced penalties: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death becomes a state jail felony.

The Criminal vs. Civil Distinction

Most Brazoria County families don’t realize they have two parallel legal paths:

Criminal Prosecution:

• Brought by the state (Brazoria County District Attorney, Harris County DA, etc.)
• Focus: Punishment (jail time, fines, probation)
• Charges can include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal investigations are ongoing alongside our civil lawsuit

Civil Lawsuit:

• Brought by victims and families
• Focus: Compensation and accountability
• Damages include: Medical expenses, future care, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress
• Example: Our $10 million lawsuit for Bermudez seeks compensation for his four-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney risks, and trauma

These cases often proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction strengthens a civil case, but a civil case can proceed even without criminal charges.

Federal Overlay: More Than Just Texas Law

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, federal Title IX requirements apply. Universities receiving federal funds must investigate and address these violations.

Clery Act: Requires universities to report campus crime statistics, including hazing incidents that involve criminal acts.

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): New federal legislation requiring colleges to:

• Publicly report hazing incidents by 2026
• Implement enhanced prevention programs
• Maintain transparent disciplinary records

For Brazoria County students at private universities like Rice (though not our focus schools) or dealing with federal issues, these frameworks provide additional accountability levers.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In serious hazing cases, multiple parties share responsibility:

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
2. Chapter Officers: Presidents, pledge educators, risk managers who allowed or directed hazing
3. Local Chapters: The fraternity/sorority as an organization
4. National Organizations: Headquarters that collect dues, set policies, and supervise chapters
5. Universities: When they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act
6. Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurs
7. Alumni and Advisors: Those who supervised or funded the organization

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we’ve sued all relevant parties: 13 individual members, the Beta Nu chapter, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, their housing corporation, University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures true accountability and maximizes potential recovery.

The National Context: Why These Cases Matter for Brazoria County

Every major hazing case in Texas follows patterns established nationally. When we represent Brazoria County families, we leverage these precedents to build stronger cases.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Killer

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

• Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from university)
• Takeaway for Texas: The same “Big/Little” tradition exists at Texas Pi Kappa Alpha chapters

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

• “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
• Died with 0.495% BAC
• Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony
• Takeaway for Texas: Phi Delta Theta chapters operate at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools

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

• “Big Brother” night with excessive alcohol
• Died from acute alcohol poisoning
• Takeaway for Texas: This is the SAME national organization involved in our UH case

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Permanent Injuries

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):

• Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
• Suffered permanent brain damage, cannot walk, talk, or see
• Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar
• Takeaway for Texas: Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

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

• “Glass ceiling” ritual involving blindfolded tackling
• Died from traumatic brain injury
• Fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• National organization criminally convicted

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

• Sexualized and racist hazing within the football program
• Multiple lawsuits, coach fired, confidential settlements
• Takeaway for Texas: Hazing occurs in athletic programs too, not just Greek life

The Texas University Landscape: Where Brazoria County Students Face Risk

As a Brazoria County parent, you likely have children at or considering these five major Texas universities. Each has its own hazing history and institutional response patterns.

University of Houston: Our Current Battlefield

For Brazoria County Families: Just 45 minutes north of Danbury, UH attracts many local students. Our firm’s active case here gives us unparalleled insight into how UH handles—and sometimes mishandles—hazing crises.

Campus Snapshot:

• Large urban commuter campus with growing residential population
• Active Greek life across all councils: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural
• Recent expansion and increased Greek housing

UH’s Public Hazing Stance:

• Prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Provides anonymous reporting through Dean of Students
• Claims “zero tolerance”

The Reality from Our Case:
When Leonel Bermudez was being hazed at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi house, at Culmore Drive residences, and at Yellowstone Boulevard Park:

• The abuse continued for weeks despite visible signs
• UH’s response after the fact: Called conduct “deeply disturbing” but emphasized Pi Kappa Phi’s “decisive action” in closing the chapter
• Our lawsuit alleges UH knew or should have known about systemic hazing

What This Means for Brazoria County Families:

• Proximity means many local students choose UH
• Urban campus means hazing often occurs in surrounding neighborhoods, not just on campus
• University’s relationship with Greek life creates conflicts of interest in investigations

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk Collide

For Brazoria County Families: Many local students attend A&M, particularly those interested in engineering, agriculture, or the Corps of Cadets. The 90-minute drive from Lake Jackson means parents might miss early warning signs.

Corps of Cadets Culture:

• Military-style discipline with intense tradition
• 2023 lawsuit alleged cadets were bound in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
• University responded through internal discipline rather than transparency

Greek Life Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts
• Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse

A&M’s Institutional Pattern:

• Emphasizes internal resolution
• Less public transparency than UT Austin
• Corps traditions create blurred lines between “discipline” and “hazing”

For Brazoria County Parents:

• Ask specific questions about Corps “orientation” activities
• Understand that traditions run deep and reporting may face peer retaliation
• Recognize that off-campus hazing is common in College Station’s rental market

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Persistent Problems

For Brazoria County Families: UT attracts top students from across Texas, including many from our area. The relative transparency here helps families but doesn’t eliminate risk.

UT’s Public Hazing Log:

• One of the most transparent systems nationally
• Publicly lists organizations, violations, and sanctions
• Example: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) sanctioned for forced milk consumption and calisthenics

Recent Patterns:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted, suffering dislocated leg, broken nose at party
• Multiple spirit groups disciplined for alcohol hazing, humiliation rituals

What Transparency Reveals:

• Same organizations appear repeatedly with new violations
• Sanctions often involve probation rather than permanent removal
• Alumni and donor influence may affect disciplinary outcomes

For Brazoria County Students at UT:

• Check the public hazing log before joining any organization
• Understand that “probation” doesn’t mean safety improvement
• Recognize that university transparency doesn’t prevent off-campus hazing

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus, Private Problems

For Brazoria County Families: SMU’s private status and affluent reputation attract some local students, particularly for business programs. The lack of public records requires different investigative approaches.

Private University Challenges:

• Not subject to Texas Public Information Act requests
• Less transparency in disciplinary proceedings
• Donor influence potentially greater

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Chapter suspensions across multiple organizations

SMU’s Response Pattern:

• Emphasizes “internal resolution”
• Limited public reporting
• Potential conflicts with donor-alumni relationships

For Families Considering SMU:

• Ask specific questions about how hazing reports are handled
• Request meeting with Greek life office before membership decisions
• Understand that private university status doesn’t eliminate liability

Baylor University: Religious Identity, Recurring Scandals

For Brazoria County Families: Baylor’s religious affiliation attracts some local families, but recent scandals reveal systemic issues.

Broader Pattern of Institutional Failure:

• 2016 sexual assault scandal revealed systemic Title IX failures
• Football program sanctions, coaching changes
• Cultural issues around accountability and transparency

Hazing-Specific Incidents:

• Baseball team (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Multiple Greek life sanctions for alcohol violations

What This Means for Safety:

• Institutions with prior accountability failures may repeat patterns
• Religious branding doesn’t guarantee ethical conduct
• “Internal handling” may prioritize reputation over victim protection

Fraternities and Sororities: The National Networks Behind Local Chapters

When a Brazoria County student is hazed at a Texas university, they’re often encountering a national pattern, not an isolated incident. We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database tracking Greek organizations across the state. Here’s what it reveals about organizations operating where your children might join:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ): A Pattern of Violence

National History:

• Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
• “California Polytechnic 2008”: Carson Starkey died from alcohol poisoning
• “University of Texas 2024”: Exchange student seriously injured at party

Texas Presence:

• Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, Texas Tech, Texas State
• Houston Metro: 188 Greek organizations tracked in our database
• IRS B83 Records: Multiple Texas-registered SAE entities with EINs and addresses

Pattern Evidence:
The same organization facing allegations at UT Austin in 2024 has faced similar allegations at Texas A&M (chemical burns, 2021) and nationally. This establishes foreseeability—if nationals know about pattern, they have duty to prevent recurrence.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ): The Alcohol Death Specialists

National History:

• Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021): $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger (NIU 2012): $14 million settlement
• Multiple other alcohol poisoning deaths

Texas Presence:

• Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, Texas Tech
• IRS B83 Record Example:
  • Organization: PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY
  • EIN: 746064445
  • Address: 1855 HIGHWAY 69 N, NEDERLAND, TX 77627-8843
  • Role: EPSILON KAPPA CHAPTER housing/support entity

The “Big/Little” Pattern:
This ritual—where new members are paired with older members for forced drinking—has caused deaths at multiple campuses. When we see Texas chapters using same ritual, we can argue nationals had notice.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Currently in Our Courtroom

National History:

• Andrew Coffey (FSU 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother” night
• Our current case (UH 2025): Leonel Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

Texas Presence:

• Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin
• IRS B83 Record Example:
  • Organization: BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC
  • EIN: 462267515
  • Address: 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035-6629
  • Role: UH chapter housing corporation

What This Means for Families:
The same national organization that killed a student at FSU in 2017 nearly killed another at UH in 2025. This isn’t coincidence—it’s institutional failure.

Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Physical Hazing Specialists

National History:

• Chad Meredith (University of Miami 2001): $12.6 million verdict after drowning death
• Multiple physical hazing incidents nationwide

Texas Presence:

• Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, Texas Tech
• IRS B83 Record Example:
  • Organization: KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC
  • EIN: 133048786
  • Address: 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845-6681
  • Role: Texas A&M chapter entity

The Data-Driven Advantage for Brazoria County Families

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine isn’t just theoretical—it’s practical litigation intelligence. When we take a case, we already know:

1. The organizational structure behind the Greek letters your child saw
2. The insurance entities that may provide coverage
3. The national pattern that establishes foreseeability
4. The Texas-specific entities that can be held liable

For example, from our IRS B83 data:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations Relevant to Brazoria County Students:

• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN: 475370943 – 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-7005 (THETA DELTA chapter at UH)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN: 746084905 – 4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-3067 (UH chapter)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN: 746064445 – 1855 HIGHWAY 69 N, NEDERLAND, TX 77627-8843 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter housing)
• Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp – EIN: 814123811 – 1016 FAIRVIEW AVE, COLLEGE STA, TX 77840-6175 (Texas A&M housing entity)
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta – EIN: 824398421 – 1305 FM 359 RD, RICHMOND, TX 77406-2017 (Greater Houston area entity)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN: 237279532 – PO BOX 2142, PRAIRIE VIEW, TX 77446-2142 (Prairie View A&M alumni chapter)
• Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – EIN: 900927378 – 13211 LOST LAKE DR, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78249-3625 (TEXAS XI chapter entity)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN: 364091267 – 1101 MELROSE DR, WACO, TX 76710-4154 (XI CHI chapter at Baylor)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN: 392352450 – PO BOX 540026, HOUSTON, TX 77254-0026 (Houston graduate chapter)

This isn’t a complete list—we track 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. But it illustrates an important point: behind every social organization your child might join, there are registered entities, insurance policies, and legal structures. When hazing occurs, we know how to identify and pursue every potentially liable party.

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

When a Brazoria County family comes to us after a hazing incident, we follow a systematic approach developed through cases like Bermudez’s and our broader complex litigation experience.

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (First 48 Hours)

Digital Evidence – The Most Critical:

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord screenshots with timestamps
• Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos before they disappear
• Location data: Google Maps history, Find My Friends logs, Snapchat location sharing
• Deleted message recovery: Through forensic experts before phones are reset

Physical Evidence:

• Photograph injuries immediately and daily as they evolve
• Preserve clothing with stains or damage (don’t wash it)
• Secure any objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)
• Document locations with photos and videos

Medical Documentation:

• Go to ER immediately—don’t wait
• Tell doctors exactly what happened: “I was forced to drink by my fraternity” or “I was beaten during initiation”
• Request copies of all records: toxicology reports, imaging, doctor notes

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez’s mother took him to the hospital when his urine turned brown. Those medical records showing critically high creatine kinase levels and acute kidney failure became foundational evidence.

Phase 2: Investigation and Discovery

University Records:

• Prior complaints against the same organization
• Disciplinary history through public records requests
• Clery Act reports and campus police records
• Internal emails about the organization

National Organization Records:

• Prior incident reports from other chapters
• Risk management policies and training materials
• Insurance policies and coverage information
• Communications with the local chapter

Witness Development:

• Other pledges who may be afraid to come forward
• Former members who left due to hazing
• Roommates, friends, or romantic partners who witnessed changes
• Medical professionals who treated injuries

In Our Current Case, we’ve subpoenaed records from Pi Kappa Phi national showing what they knew about hazing risks, from UH showing their oversight of Greek life, and from individuals showing their roles in the abuse.

Phase 3: Legal Strategy and Damages Analysis

Establishing Liability:
We look for:

1. Direct participation: Who planned and executed the hazing
2. Supervisory failure: Which officers allowed or encouraged it
3. Institutional knowledge: What the university and nationals knew beforehand
4. Pattern evidence: Similar incidents at other chapters establishing foreseeability

Damages Calculation:
For a Brazoria County student, damages might include:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment)
• Future medical care (therapy, medications, potential kidney dialysis in Bermudez’s case)
• Lost educational opportunity (withdrawn semester, lost scholarships)
• Diminished earning capacity (if permanent injury affects career)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and loss of dignity
• Loss of enjoyment of college experience

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Parents’ emotional suffering

In Serious Cases, we work with:

• Medical experts to document injuries and future needs
• Economists to calculate lifetime earning impacts
• Psychologists to assess trauma and emotional harm
• Life care planners for catastrophic injury cases

Phase 4: Negotiation and Litigation

Insurance Dynamics:
Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance, but insurers often:

• Deny coverage claiming hazing is “intentional” and therefore excluded
• Delay payments hoping families will settle cheaply
• Use aggressive defense tactics to minimize value

Our Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, set reserves, and negotiate. We don’t just react to their tactics—we anticipate them.

Settlement vs. Trial:
Most cases settle, but settlement value depends on trial readiness. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial because:

• Insurers pay more when they know we’re ready for court
• Juries in Brazoria County, Harris County, and Travis County have awarded significant verdicts in hazing cases
• Public trials create accountability beyond money

Practical Guide: What Brazoria County Families Should Do Right Now

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Action

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

1. Physical Signs:

   • Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
   • Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
   • Weight changes from food/water manipulation
   • Coming home with torn or stained clothing

2. Behavioral Changes:

   • Suddenly secretive about organization activities
   • Withdrawing from family and old friends
   • Constant phone anxiety (checking group chats)
   • Defensive when asked about the organization
   • Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, anger

3. Academic Impact:

   • Grades dropping suddenly
   • Missing classes or falling asleep in class
   • Losing scholarships or academic standing

4. Financial Red Flags:

   • Unexplained expenses for “fines” or “required purchases”
   • Maxing out credit cards on alcohol or gifts for older members
   • Requests for money without clear explanation

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Talk Openly but Carefully:

   • “I’m concerned about you—are you safe in your organization?”
   • “Have they asked you to do anything that made you uncomfortable?”
   • “Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

2. Document Everything:

   • Write down what your child tells you with dates and details
   • Photograph any injuries or evidence they show you
   • Save texts or emails about the situation

3. Seek Medical Care Immediately if Injured:

   • Go to the ER—don’t wait
   • Tell doctors it’s hazing-related for proper documentation
   • Get copies of all records

4. Contact an Attorney BEFORE Reporting:

   • We can help preserve evidence before it’s destroyed
   • We can navigate university processes that often favor the institution
   • We can protect against retaliation

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

If You’re Being Hazed:

1. Your Safety Comes First:

   • If in immediate danger, call 911
   • Texas has “good faith” reporting protections—you won’t get in trouble for calling for help

2. Preserve Evidence:

   • Screenshot ALL group chats, texts, social media posts
   • Photograph injuries immediately
   • Save any physical evidence (don’t wash clothes, keep objects)

3. Know Your Rights:

   • You CAN leave an organization at any time
   • “Consent” is not a defense to hazing in Texas
   • You have the right to report without retaliation

4. Safe Exit Strategies:

   • Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted professor)
   • Send a clear resignation in writing
   • Don’t go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure you

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

From handling cases across Texas, we’ve seen families make these errors:

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete evidence
What happens: “I don’t want this embarrassing stuff on my phone”
The result: Case becomes nearly impossible to prove
What to do: Preserve EVERYTHING before even thinking about deletion

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the organization directly
What happens: Parents show up angry at the fraternity house
The result: Immediate lawyer-up, evidence destruction, witness coaching
What to do: Document first, then call us—we handle confrontation strategically

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” agreements
What happens: School offers quick “internal resolution” with confidentiality
The result: You waive legal rights for minimal compensation
What to do: NEVER sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on social media
What happens: Emotional posts about what happened
The result: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, use inconsistencies against you
What to do: Keep everything private until case resolves

MISTAKE #5: Waiting to see how university handles it
What happens: “We’re investigating internally, let us handle this”
The result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do: Preserve evidence NOW, consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to insurance adjusters alone
What happens: Adjuster calls for “just a quick statement”
The result: Recorded statement used to minimize your claim
What to do: “My attorney will contact you” is the only response

Frequently Asked Questions from Brazoria County Families

“My child ‘agreed’ to the initiation—do we have a case?”
YES. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t true voluntary consent.

“Can we sue the university?”
It depends. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case requires specific analysis.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (like our UH Pi Kappa Phi case) involve off-campus locations.

“How long do we have to file?”
Generally 2 years from injury in Texas, but exceptions exist (discovery rule, tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment). Time is critical—evidence disappears fast.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially. We can often get court records sealed and settlement terms private.

“How much do you cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we win. We cover all case costs upfront.

“We’re in Brazoria County—are you too far away?”
We serve families statewide. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re accessible to Brazoria County. Initial consultations can be by phone, video, or in person.

Why Attorney911 for Brazoria County Hazing Cases

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

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Advantage

While other firms start from zero, we begin with our proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. When you bring us a case, we already know:

• The organizational structure behind the Greek letters
• The insurance entities that may provide coverage
• The national pattern establishing foreseeability
• The Texas-specific entities that can be held liable

From our IRS B83 data, we know exactly which Texas-registered entities stand behind fraternities and sororities at every major campus. This isn’t theoretical—it’s practical litigation intelligence we use to build stronger cases for Brazoria County families.

Insurance Insider Knowledge: Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background

What most families don’t realize: Fraternity and university insurance companies use the same tactics as auto insurers—they just have deeper pockets. Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how they:

• Value (and undervalue) claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions
• Set reserves and negotiate settlements

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers who assume families don’t understand their tactics.

Complex Institutional Litigation: Ralph Manginello’s BP Experience

Hazing cases aren’t just about individuals—they’re about taking on powerful institutions. Mr. Manginello’s experience with BP Texas City explosion litigation matters here:

“We’ve faced billion-dollar corporations and won. National fraternities and major universities have unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated because we’ve been here before.”

Our BP experience taught us how to:

• Uncover institutional knowledge of dangers
• Prove systematic failures despite “paper policies”
• Manage cases against defendants with unlimited resources
• Work with teams of experts to prove complex causation

Multi-Million Dollar Results and Trial Readiness

We’ve recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. But what matters more than past results is present readiness:

“A case prepared for trial gets better settlements. A case prepared for settlement gets more delay.”

Universities and insurers know which lawyers will actually go to trial. Our federal court experience and trial history signal we’re ready. That changes how they negotiate from day one.

Spanish Language Services for Brazoria County Families

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. For Hispanic families in our community, this isn’t just about translation—it’s about cultural understanding and comfort during difficult times.

The Human Side: We Understand This Is About More Than Money

When we take a hazing case, we’re pursuing:

1. Compensation for real losses and suffering
2. Accountability so those responsible face consequences
3. Prevention so no other family endures this pain
4. Answers because families deserve to know what happened and why

In the Bermudez case, when Mr. Peña said, “If this prevents harm to another person… Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough,” he meant it. This work is about justice, not just settlements.

For Brazoria County Families: Your Next Steps

If you’re reading this because hazing has touched your family, we want you to know:

You’re not alone. This happens to families across Texas, including right here in Brazoria County.

What happened is not your child’s fault. “Consent” under peer pressure isn’t real consent.

Time matters. Evidence disappears quickly—group chats get deleted, witnesses get coached, memories fade.

You have options. You don’t have to accept the university’s “internal resolution” or the organization’s explanations.

What to Expect When You Call Us

1. We listen without judgment. Tell us what happened in your own words.

2. We review what evidence you have. Photos, texts, medical records—whatever you’ve preserved.

3. We explain your legal options clearly. Criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither—we help you understand the pros and cons.

4. We discuss realistic timelines and expectations. No false promises, just honest assessment.

5. You decide what’s right for your family. No pressure to hire us on the spot.

6. Everything is confidential. What you tell us stays between us.

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Brazoria County families dealing with hazing:

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

Hablamos Español: Mr. Peña provides consultations in Spanish. Contact lupe@atty911.com for Spanish-language services.

Serving: Danbury, Angleton, Lake Jackson, Pearland, Alvin, Manvel, and all Brazoria County communities, plus families throughout Texas dealing with hazing at any university.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs – Using your cellphone to document evidence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c – Texas statutes of limitations explained
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY – Client mistakes that can ruin your case
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc – How contingency fees work

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com

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