Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Niederwald Families

If Your Student Was Hazed at a Texas University, This Guide Is For You

Imagine receiving a call at 2 AM. Your child, a student at Texas State University in San Marcos—just minutes from our Niederwald community—is in the emergency room. They can’t stand without help. They’re passing brown urine. Hours earlier, they were at a fraternity event where they were forced through hundreds of squats and push-ups, sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding,” and made to consume food until vomiting. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. It’s exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter in fall 2025—a case our firm is actively litigating right now.

For parents in Niederwald, Hays County, and throughout Central Texas, the reality of modern hazing hits close to home. Our children attend Texas State University in San Marcos, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and other campuses where Greek life and tradition organizations play significant roles in campus culture. When these institutions fail to protect students, families need answers, accountability, and experienced legal guidance.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law applies to these cases, what we’ve learned from national tragedies, and most importantly—what your legal options are if hazing has impacted your family. We’ll focus specifically on the universities where Niederwald families send their children and provide actionable information you can use right now.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Modern Hazing Isn’t Just “Boys Will Be Boys”

For families in Niederwald and throughout Central Texas, understanding contemporary hazing means looking beyond outdated stereotypes. Today’s hazing involves sophisticated manipulation, digital coercion, and psychological abuse that can leave lasting trauma even when no physical marks are visible.

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance at play.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form of hazing. What starts as “just drinking with the brothers/sisters” becomes coercive when:

New members are forced to consume entire bottles of alcohol during “Big/Little” nights
“Lineup” drinking games require rapid consumption
Wrong answers in trivia games mean mandatory shots
Students are pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances

The Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting—a classic food/alcohol combination hazing tactic.

2. Physical Hazing
This goes beyond traditional paddling to include:

“Workouts” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning (like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in the Bermudez case)
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water restriction as punishment
Exposure to extreme temperatures (being left outside in cold weather)
Being sprayed with hoses or subjected to waterboarding-like treatment

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Some of the most psychologically damaging hazing includes:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
“Roasted pig” restraint positions
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
Public shaming on social media or in group meetings

4. Psychological Hazing
This subtle but damaging category includes:

Verbal abuse, screaming, and constant criticism
Isolation from non-member friends and family
Manipulation through guilt and loyalty appeals
Forced confessions of personal information
Threats of expulsion from the organization for non-compliance

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier in hazing leverages technology:

Group chat dares and “challenges” that require instant compliance
Public humiliation via Instagram stories, TikTok videos, or Snapchat
Pressure to create or share compromising images
24/7 availability demands through messaging apps
Location tracking requirements through apps like Find My Friends

Where Hazing Happens in Texas Universities

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

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Spirit squads and tradition organizations (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

For Niederwald families with students at Texas State University, this means vigilance is required beyond just Greek life. The social status, tradition, and secrecy surrounding these practices keep them alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Niederwald Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Niederwald students at any Texas university—hazing has a specific legal definition that goes beyond common understanding. According to Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F:

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

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key points for Niederwald families:

Location doesn’t matter—hazing at an off-campus house in San Marcos or Austin is still illegal
Mental harm counts just like physical harm
“Reckless” behavior qualifies—they don’t need to have intended harm
Most importantly: Consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code § 37.155)

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Texas takes hazing seriously with escalating penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Additional criminal provisions:

Failing to report hazing if you’re a member or officer: misdemeanor
Retaliating against someone who reports: misdemeanor
Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation

Civil vs. Criminal 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
Example: Harris County prosecutors could file charges for UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
No criminal conviction required to pursue civil case

Many hazing cases involve both tracks running simultaneously. The recent University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating involves both potential criminal investigation and our civil lawsuit seeking accountability and compensation.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal legislation requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX and Clery Act
When hazing involves:

Sexual harassment or assault
Gender-based hostility
Certain criminal activities

These federal frameworks create additional reporting requirements and potential liability for universities. For Niederwald students at Texas State University or UT Austin, this means multiple layers of potential protection and accountability.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Understanding potential defendants is crucial for families considering legal action:

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Chapter officers often face greater liability

2. Local Chapter/Organization

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

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

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

4. University or Governing Board

Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories
Key factors: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity but exceptions exist

5. Third Parties

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

In our ongoing University of Houston case, we’ve named 17 defendants including individual members, chapter officers, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Universities

Why National Case History Matters for Niederwald Families

When your child is hazed at a Texas university, you’re not facing an isolated incident. You’re confronting a pattern that has repeated across the country for decades. National case histories matter because they show:

Foreseeability: The same dangerous behaviors keep happening
Institutional knowledge: National organizations know these risks exist
Legal precedents: Courts have established liability frameworks
Settlement values: Similar cases have resulted in significant compensation

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadliest Pattern

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

20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Takeaway for Texas families: The same fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools. The “Big/Little” drinking tradition that killed Stone Foltz exists in Texas chapters too.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
Wrong answers = forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
$6.1 million verdict for family
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Takeaway: Drinking games framed as “education” or “tradition” are still deadly hazing

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

Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Pledges given handles of hard liquor
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Takeaway: The same national organization (Pi Kappa Phi) involved in the UH case we’re litigating has this death in its history

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Suffered fatal head injuries; help delayed
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be particularly dangerous, and national organizations face serious consequences

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

18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Family settled with 22 defendants for confidential multi-million dollar amounts
Takeaway: Non-fatal hazing can result in catastrophic, lifelong injuries requiring enormous compensation

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway for Texas families: Hazing occurs in big-money athletic programs too. Texas universities with major sports programs need scrutiny.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Universities

These national precedents create a legal landscape where:

Universities and national organizations have clear notice of hazing risks
Pattern evidence from other campuses strengthens Texas cases
Settlement values are established ($1M–$14M range for deaths)
Institutional reforms often follow only after tragedy and litigation

For Niederwald families with students at Texas universities, these cases provide both warning and precedent. The same dangerous behaviors that caused deaths and injuries elsewhere are happening at Texas schools too.

Texas University Focus: Where Niederwald Students Attend

Understanding Your Child’s Campus Environment

Niederwald families typically send students to universities throughout Central Texas and beyond. Understanding each campus’s specific Greek life environment, history of hazing incidents, and reporting procedures is crucial for prevention and response.

Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)

Just minutes from Niederwald in Hays County

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas State University serves as the primary university for many Niederwald students due to its proximity in San Marcos. With growing Greek life and numerous student organizations, Texas State represents both opportunity and risk for local students.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting
Texas State University prohibits hazing under University Policy 04.01.11. The university defines hazing broadly and requires all student organizations to comply with state law. Reporting channels include:

Dean of Students Office
University Police Department
Online reporting forms
Student Justice Office

5.1.3 Documented Incidents & Responses
While Texas State maintains lower profiles than larger universities, hazing incidents have occurred:

Fraternity suspensions for alcohol-related hazing
Organizational probation for violating risk management policies
Ongoing education efforts through Bobcat Preview and orientation programs

5.1.4 How a Texas State Hazing Case Might Proceed
For Niederwald families:

Jurisdiction: Hays County courts typically handle cases
Local police: San Marcos Police Department and Texas State University Police
Potential defendants: Similar to other universities—individuals, chapters, nationals, potentially the university
Evidence collection: Crucial given typical off-campus locations in San Marcos

5.1.5 What Texas State Students & Parents Should Do

Document everything immediately (photos, texts, medical records)
Report to both Texas State administration AND San Marcos police if crimes occurred
Understand that off-campus housing doesn’t eliminate university responsibility
Contact experienced counsel familiar with Hays County jurisdiction

University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)

Approximately 45 minutes from Niederwald

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin represents a major destination for high-achieving Niederwald students. With one of the largest and most historic Greek systems in Texas, UT offers both prestigious opportunities and documented hazing risks.

5.2.2 UT’s Transparent Hazing Violations Page
UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. This transparency, while commendable, reveals ongoing issues:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing
Various fraternities and sororities with probationary status

5.2.3 Recent Significant Incident: Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024)

Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at SAE party
Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations
Takeaway for Niederwald families: Even prestigious fraternities at elite universities engage in dangerous behavior

5.2.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: Travis County courts
Police involvement: UTPD and Austin Police Department
Advantage: UT’s public violation history provides pattern evidence
Challenge: University’s size and bureaucracy can complicate responses

5.2.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

Check UT’s hazing violations page for organization history before joining
Report through multiple channels (UTPD, Dean of Students, online forms)
Document everything—UT’s size means cases can get lost without thorough evidence
Consider that Austin’s off-campus housing market creates additional liability questions

University of Houston (Houston, TX)

Approximately 2.5 hours from Niederwald

5.3.1 The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
Our firm is currently litigating one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases at UH. The details demonstrate extreme hazing that every Texas family should understand:

The Hazing Conduct:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule with degrading contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, overnight driving duties
Extreme physical abuse: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear
Violent rituals: lying in vomit-soaked grass, sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption: milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion

Medical Catastrophe:

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

Defendants and Response:

17 defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, 13 individual members
Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
Nov 14, 2025: Chapter votes to surrender charter; chapter shut down
UH statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures and cooperation with law enforcement

5.3.2 What the UH Case Means for Niederwald Families

Demonstrates extreme hazing happens at Texas universities
Shows comprehensive legal approach (suing all responsible parties)
Illustrates medical consequences of physical hazing
Provides precedent for other Texas cases

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

Approximately 2 hours from Niederwald

5.4.1 Unique Culture: Corps of Cadets and Greek Life
Texas A&M presents unique hazing risks through both traditional Greek life and its Corps of Cadets program. Niederwald students attending A&M may encounter both environments.

5.4.2 Corps of Cadets Hazing Incident (2023)

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
Texas A&M stated it handled matter under its rules
Takeaway: Military-style programs have their own hazing traditions and risks

5.4.3 Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity
Substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit poured on them
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
Fraternity suspended for two years
Takeaway: Hazing methods evolve to include dangerous substances

5.4.4 How Texas A&M Cases Differ

Corps jurisdiction: Military-style discipline complicates civil actions
University culture: Strong tradition can normalize harmful behaviors
Geographic isolation: College Station’s environment affects investigation dynamics

Baylor University (Waco, TX)

Approximately 1.5 hours from Niederwald

5.5.1 Religious Identity and Oversight Challenges
Baylor’s religious affiliation and history of scrutiny over misconduct create a complex environment for hazing response.

5.5.2 Baseball Hazing Incident (2020)

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Specific details not fully publicized
Part of broader cultural scrutiny following football scandal

5.5.3 Considerations for Baylor Cases

Private university status affects transparency
Religious branding can influence institutional response
Waco’s legal environment differs from larger metropolitan areas

Fraternities and Sororities: National Histories Matter

Why National Organization History Is Critical

When a Texas chapter hazes students, that chapter doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s part of a national organization with its own history, policies, and patterns of misconduct. This history matters legally because it establishes:

Foreseeability
National organizations know certain behaviors are dangerous because they’ve caused injuries and deaths at other chapters. When they fail to prevent those same behaviors at Texas chapters, that’s negligence.

Pattern Evidence
Multiple incidents across different campuses show systemic issues rather than isolated “bad apples.”

Punitive Damages Potential
When nationals ignore clear patterns of dangerous behavior, courts may award punitive damages to punish and deter.

Major National Organizations at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National history: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), David Bogenberger death (NIU), multiple other incidents
Texas chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, others
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, alcohol hazing
Legal significance: $10M Foltz settlement shows national liability

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National history: Multiple hazing deaths, traumatic brain injury case (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
Texas chapters: Most major Texas universities
Pattern: Physical abuse, dangerous substance exposure
2014 reform: Eliminated traditional pledge process nationally (shows recognition of problem)

Pi Kappa Phi

National history: Andrew Coffey death (FSU), now Leonel Bermudez case (UH)
Texas chapters: University of Houston (now closed), other campuses
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, alcohol coercion
Current relevance: Active litigation by our firm shows ongoing issues

Phi Delta Theta

National history: Max Gruver death (LSU)
Texas chapters: Multiple campuses
Pattern: Drinking game hazing
Legislative impact: Gruver case led to Louisiana felony hazing law

Kappa Sigma

National history: Chad Meredith drowning death (Miami), $12.6M verdict
Texas chapters: All major Texas universities
Pattern: Alcohol-related risks, swimming while intoxicated
Legal precedent: Meredith case established significant damage awards

How National History Strengthens Texas Cases

In Discovery
We subpoena national organizations for:

Prior incident reports at other chapters
Risk management files showing what they knew
Communications about hazing prevention (or lack thereof)
Training materials that may have been inadequate

In Negotiations
Pattern evidence increases settlement leverage. When we can show “this same behavior killed someone at another chapter last year,” defendants understand their vulnerability.

At Trial
Juries respond to patterns. Showing that a national organization ignored clear warnings from other tragedies makes them more likely to award significant damages.

For Niederwald families, understanding that their child’s local chapter is part of a national network with documented problems is crucial. It means your case isn’t just about one bad night—it’s about systemic failure.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

The Evidence That Wins Cases

Modern hazing cases turn on evidence preservation. What you do in the first 48 hours often determines the case outcome.

Digital Evidence (Most Critical)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord messages
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts
Texts/DMs: Direct messages planning events or discussing what happened
Photos/videos: Content filmed during hazing (often exists even if deleted)
Location data: GPS information from phones or apps
Deleted content: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chat evidence showed planning of hazing activities, discussions of what happened, and attempts to coordinate stories afterward.

Physical Evidence

Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like elevated creatine kinase showing rhabdomyolysis)
Injury documentation: Photos of bruises, burns, other injuries
Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, “fanny packs” with required contents
Clothing: Stained or damaged clothing from the event
Receipts: For alcohol purchases or other required items

Institutional Records

University files: Prior conduct violations, probation records, warning letters
National organization records: Incident reports, risk management files, training materials
Police reports: Campus or local police incident reports
Insurance policies: Coverage information for organizations and individuals

Witness Testimony

Other pledges: Often afraid initially but may cooperate as case develops
Former members: Those who left the organization often have valuable information
Roommates/RA: People who observed changes or heard discussions
Medical providers: Doctors, nurses, EMTs who treated injuries

Understanding Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, hospitalization, therapy, medications
Lost income: Wages lost during recovery or due to disability
Educational impact: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Future earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings if injuries cause permanent disability

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real)

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries sustained
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they once enjoyed
Reputational harm: Social stigma and embarrassment

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support: If deceased would have contributed to family
Loss of companionship and guidance: For parents, siblings, spouses
Emotional suffering: Grief, trauma of losing a child

Punitive Damages (When Available)

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
When awarded: Defendants had clear warnings, showed callous indifference, tried to cover up
Texas caps: Some limitations apply but significant awards possible

Settlement Values: What Similar Cases Have Achieved

Based on national precedents and our experience:

Hazing deaths: $1M–$14M settlements/verdicts
- Stone Foltz: $10M total
- David Bogenberger: $14M
- Max Gruver: $6.1M verdict plus confidential settlements
- Chad Meredith: $12.6M jury verdict
Severe injuries: $375K–multi-million
- Danny Santulli: Multi-million settlements with 22 defendants
- Chemical burn cases: $1M+ demands
- Traumatic brain injuries: Multi-million dollar values
Individual officer liability: Personal exposure
- Daylen Dunson (Pike president): Personally ordered to pay $6.5M

These figures aren’t guarantees but show what courts and juries have deemed appropriate for similar harms.

Insurance Coverage: The Hidden Battle

Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically have insurance policies that complicate cases:

Common Insurance Arguments:

“Hazing is an intentional act, so coverage is excluded”
“This happened at an uninsured location”
“That defendant isn’t covered under our policy”
“The policy limits are too low for these damages”

Our Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows:

How insurers value claims and set reserves
Their delay tactics to pressure plaintiffs
How they use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce values
Coverage arguments and how to counter them

This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurance companies.

Practical Guides for Niederwald Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries; extreme fatigue; weight changes; sleep deprivation
Behavioral: Sudden secrecy about activities; withdrawal from family/friends; personality changes; defensiveness
Academic: Grades dropping; missing classes; losing scholarships
Digital: Constant phone monitoring; anxiety about messages; deleting history obsessively

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose timing carefully: Not when they’re rushing to an event
Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t react with anger at them
Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll figure this out together”

If You Suspect Hazing:

Document everything your child tells you (dates, times, details)
Preserve evidence they show you (screenshot texts, photograph injuries)
Get medical attention if there are any physical concerns
Consult an attorney before reporting to understand options
Do NOT confront the organization—this usually backfires

For Students: Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Check:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

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

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written notice to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”—this is often a pressure tactic
Document any retaliation (threats, harassment, property damage)
Report retaliation to university and police if necessary

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good-faith immunity)
Consent is not a defense to hazing charges
You can request no-contact orders through the university
You have 2 years generally to file a civil lawsuit (but act faster)

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What happens: Your child deletes “embarrassing” texts or photos
Why it’s devastating: Looks like cover-up; may be obstruction of justice; loses strongest evidence
What to do instead: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately

2. Confronting the Organization
What happens: Parents angrily call the chapter president
Why it’s devastating: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document quietly, then consult attorney

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: University offers quick “resolution” if you sign waiver
Why it’s devastating: You may waive right to sue; settlements are typically lowball
What to do instead: “I need to consult with an attorney first”

4. Posting on Social Media
What happens: Family vents on Facebook about what happened
Why it’s devastating: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let attorney control messaging

5. Waiting “To See What University Does”
What happens: University says “we’re investigating” for months
Why it’s devastating: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters
What happens: Adjuster calls for “just a quick statement”
Why it’s devastating: Recorded statement used against you; early settlement is lowball
What to do instead: “Please contact my attorney”

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Consent is not a defense to hazing in Texas (Education Code § 37.155). Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

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

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“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 your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why The Manginello Law Firm for Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

When your Niederwald 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. Here’s why our firm is uniquely qualified:

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows:

How fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) claims
Their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
How they use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce values
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: We’re one of few Texas firms involved in this billion-dollar institutional case
Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Wrongful death settlements in the millions
Catastrophic injury cases with lifetime care valuations
Experience working with economists, life care planners, vocational experts
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability

Ralph Manginello’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
“We see the whole legal picture, not just one side.”

Investigative Depth

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, Greek life culture, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (deleted messages, chapter records, university files)
Resources to investigate thoroughly regardless of defendant resources
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response

24/7 availability for emergencies
Evidence preservation guidance within hours
Immediate communication with universities when appropriate

2. Thorough Investigation

Digital forensics for deleted communications
Subpoenas for national organization records
Investigation of prior incidents and patterns
Medical expert consultation for injury valuation

3. Comprehensive Defendant Identification

Not just the individuals involved
Chapter, housing corporation, national headquarters
University, administrators, third parties
Insurance coverage identification

4. Strategic Resolution

Settlement when it serves your interests
Trial readiness that forces fair negotiations
Privacy protection throughout process
Accountability beyond just money

We Serve Niederwald and All of Texas

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

Niederwald and Hays County (Texas State University cases)
Central Texas (UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor)
Houston area (University of Houston, Rice, others)
Statewide through our Austin and Beaumont offices

For Niederwald families, this means:

Understanding of local jurisdiction (Hays County courts)
Knowledge of Texas State University policies and procedures
Experience with Central Texas legal environment
Accessibility despite geographic distance

Your Next Steps: Contact Us Today

Free, Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, we offer:

Free consultation: No cost to discuss your case
Confidential discussion: Everything you tell us is protected
No pressure: We’ll explain options, you decide what’s best
Spanish services: Hablamos Español—contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

What to expect in your consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
Help you decide next steps at your pace

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Office Locations:
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Serving Niederwald, Hays County, and all of Texas

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