The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability for Wilmer, Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone—And You Have Rights

It’s a quiet evening in Wilmer, and your phone buzzes with a call from your college student. Their voice sounds different—strained, tired, maybe a little scared. They’re talking about “mandatory” late-night meetings, “traditions” they can’t discuss, or injuries they’re dismissing as “just part of the process.” As a parent in our tight-knit Dallas County community, that pit in your stomach tells you something is wrong. What you’re sensing might be hazing, and it’s not just “kids being kids”—it’s potentially criminal conduct that can cause lifelong physical and psychological harm.

Right now, in Houston, we’re representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are shocking: a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items, forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme workouts culminating in rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure that hospitalized him for four days. This case isn’t ancient history—it’s current, active litigation filed in late 2025, and it shows exactly what Texas families are up against when campus “traditions” turn dangerous.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Wilmer parents and families—whether your child attends the University of Texas at Dallas just up the road, the University of North Texas in Denton, or any Texas campus. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, your legal rights under Texas law, how national patterns repeat at our state universities, and what meaningful accountability looks like when institutions fail to protect students.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For Wilmer families watching their children head off to college, understanding modern hazing requires looking beyond the stereotypical “animal house” imagery. Today’s hazing blends digital pressure, psychological manipulation, and sophisticated cover-up tactics that make it harder to recognize and prove.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

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

Digital control: Constant GroupMe or WhatsApp messages requiring immediate responses at all hours
Geolocation tracking: Being forced to share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers at 3 AM, cleaning members’ apartments, running personal errands
Social isolation: Being told to cut contact with non-members, roommates, or even family
“Voluntary” mandatory events: Activities framed as optional but carrying implicit social consequences if missed

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Clear Abuse Patterns)

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “study sessions” that are actually interrogations, 3 AM wake-up calls for “mandatory workouts”
Food manipulation: Being forced to eat excessive amounts of bland food (milk, bread, hot dogs) or consume unpleasant substances
Extreme exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, sprints until vomiting
Public humiliation: Forced to wear degrading costumes in public, perform embarrassing acts for entertainment
Verbal abuse: Systematic belittling, shouting, “roasting” sessions designed to break down self-esteem

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Criminal Conduct)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mean chugging
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “gladiator” fights between pledges
Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, forced into unsafe physical challenges
Sexualized hazing: Simulated sexual acts, forced nudity, degrading positions like the “roasted pig”
Chemical exposure: The Texas A&M SAE case where pledges were doused with industrial cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, Wilmer parents should know hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
Corps of Cadets / Military-Style Programs (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit & Tradition Organizations (like the Texas Cowboys at UT)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic & Honor Societies

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the power imbalance between new and established members, combined with traditions that prioritize “earning” membership over safety.

Texas Hazing Law: What Wilmer Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s clearest hazing statutes, but understanding how they apply requires looking beyond the legal code to practical realities in Dallas County courts and university disciplinary systems.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership maintenance.

Key Points for Wilmer Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house in Dallas, a retreat in East Texas, or a university-owned facility all fall under Texas law
“Reckless” is enough: Defendants don’t need to have intended harm—just disregarded obvious risks
Mental health counts: Psychological abuse, humiliation, and coercion qualify alongside physical injury

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law recognizes that power imbalances and peer pressure make true consent impossible in hazing contexts.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Tracks

Criminal Cases (The State’s Role):

Prosecuted by Dallas County District Attorney or local county prosecutors
Focus on punishment: jail time, fines, probation
Common charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Important: A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil recovery

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Path to Accountability):

Filed by victims or surviving family members
Focus on compensation and institutional change
Defendants can include: individual students, local chapters, national organizations, universities, property owners
Damages can cover: medical bills, lost education, pain and suffering, wrongful death

Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires universities receiving federal funds to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates hazing prevention education (phased in by 2026)
Creates national transparency around patterns and responses

Title IX Implications:

When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
Triggers independent university investigation obligations
Can provide additional legal pathways beyond state law

Clery Act Requirements:

Universities must track and report certain crimes including assaults and hazing-related incidents
Creates public safety data Wilmer families can review before choosing schools

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The heartbreaking cases from other states aren’t just national news—they’re roadmaps showing exactly what Wilmer families might face and how the legal system has responded.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Pattern

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

Bid acceptance night with forced drinking
Fell multiple times on fraternity security cameras
12-hour delay before calling 911
Result: 18 members charged with over 1,000 counts; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law; multi-million dollar settlements

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

“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking
Blood alcohol content of 0.495% at death
Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute); $6.1 million verdict against fraternity

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

Forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” event
Died from alcohol poisoning
Result: $10 million total settlement ($7M from national fraternity, $3M from university); chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

“Glass ceiling” ritual: blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled
Fatal traumatic brain injury; delayed medical care
Result: National fraternity criminally convicted; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Result: Settlements with 22 defendants; lifetime care estimated in millions

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

Sexualized and racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired then settled wrongful-termination claim
Lesson: Multi-million dollar athletic programs have same accountability issues

What These Cases Mean for Wilmer Families

Patterns Repeat: The same fraternities with national hazing histories operate at Texas campuses
Cover-Ups Are Common: Delayed medical care appears in nearly every fatal case
Institutions Get Warnings: Prior incidents often weren’t enough to trigger meaningful prevention
Civil Litigation Drives Change: Multi-million dollar settlements force policy reforms that “zero tolerance” statements don’t

Texas University Focus: Where Wilmer Students Actually Attend

Wilmer families send children to universities across Texas, but certain patterns emerge based on proximity, academic programs, and campus cultures. Here’s what you need to know about the schools most relevant to our community.

University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) – The Local Choice

For Wilmer Families: Located just 25 miles north in Richardson, UTD represents the most accessible major university for many Dallas County students. Its growing Greek life and campus organizations mean hazing risks exist here too.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

Rapidly expanding residential population
Growing Greek life with IFC, Panhellenic, and multicultural councils
Strong focus on STEM and business programs
More commuter tradition shifting toward traditional campus experience

Documented Incidents & Response:
While UTD maintains lower public hazing violation reports than larger universities, this often reflects underreporting rather than absence of problems. The university’s conduct office handles cases internally, with limited public transparency compared to UT Austin’s published violation logs.

How a UTD Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Richardson Police Department and UTD Police Department
Civil Venue: Dallas County courts
Common Challenges: Digital evidence from GroupMe/WhatsApp, witness cooperation in tight-knit organizations

University of North Texas (UNT) – The Regional Hub

For Wilmer Families: Just 45 minutes northwest in Denton, UNT’s large Greek system and spirited campus culture make it a popular choice. Its size means more organizations, but also more potential for problematic traditions.

Greek Life Landscape:

Over 40 fraternities and sororities across four councils
Active National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) presence
Strong traditions in spirit organizations and marching band

Recent History & Patterns:
UNT, like many Texas universities, has faced periodic hazing allegations resulting in chapter suspensions. The challenge for Wilmer families is that many cases resolve through confidential university processes, leaving limited public records unless litigation follows.

Texas A&M University – The Tradition-Rich Environment

For Wilmer Families: While College Station is farther away, many Wilmer students choose A&M for its strong programs and traditional campus experience. The Corps of Cadets and robust Greek life create multiple potential hazing environments.

Corps of Cadets Culture:

Military-style discipline with historical hazing issues
2023 lawsuit alleging “roasted pig” bondage and simulated sexual acts
University statements emphasizing internal handling under Corps regulations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly doused with industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed; chapter suspended
Pattern: Physical abuse disguised as “tradition”

What A&M Families Should Know:

Both Greek life and Corps programs have documented hazing histories
University tends to handle matters internally before public disclosure
Civil litigation often necessary to uncover full scope of institutional knowledge

University of Texas at Austin – The Transparent Example

For Wilmer Families: UT Austin sets the standard for hazing transparency in Texas with its public violations log. This provides valuable insight into what actually happens behind closed doors.

Public Hazing Violations Log (hazing.utexas.edu):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members forced to consume milk and perform extreme calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers (2022): Alcohol-related hazing during initiation events; suspension
Multiple Greek Organizations: Probation, education requirements, suspension for various violations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Over $1 million lawsuit filed
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

UT’s Comparative Transparency:
While no system is perfect, UT’s public log allows Wilmer families to:

Research organizations before their children join
See patterns of repeated violations
Understand what conduct actually triggers disciplinary action

Southern Methodist University – The Private Campus Dynamic

For Wilmer Families: SMU’s proximity in University Park and strong Greek presence make it relevant despite its private status. The different legal environment affects how cases proceed.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep-deprived
Chapter suspended through 2021
Limited public details due to private university status

Private vs. Public Distinctions:

Fewer public records requirements
Different disciplinary procedures
Still subject to Texas criminal hazing laws
Civil discovery can uncover internal documents

University of Houston – Our Active Litigation Example

The Leonel Bermudez Case (Our Current Representation):
This isn’t a historical example—it’s what we’re fighting right now, and it shows exactly how modern hazing cases unfold in Texas.

The Allegations:

September 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
Fall 2025: Forced to carry “pledge fanny pack” with condoms, sex toy, humiliating items
Physical Hazing: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear
“Waterboarding” Tactics: Sprayed in face with hose, threatened with actual waterboarding
Forced Consumption: Made to drink milk, eat hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
November 3 Workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion

Medical Catastrophe:

Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure with brown urine
Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels
Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
UH Statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary action up to expulsion
Our Role: Representing Bermudez in $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individual members

Why This Matters for Wilmer Families:

It’s Current: This shows what’s happening at Texas campuses right now
Multiple Defendants: Universities, nationals, housing corporations, individuals can all be liable
Severe Injuries: Hazing causes permanent physical damage, not just embarrassment
Cover-Up Patterns: Despite “zero tolerance” policies, these situations still occur

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations Near Wilmer

As Texas hazing litigation specialists, we maintain what we call our “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine”—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal structures, and their histories. This isn’t theoretical; it’s concrete data we use to build cases for families like yours.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities & Sororities Serving Wilmer Families

If you’re a parent in Wilmer, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are examples from our database of Texas-registered entities that operate in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area that includes Wilmer.

IRS B83 Registered Organizations (Tax-Exempt Greek Entities):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity | EIN: 742911848 | Fort Worth, TX 76244 | IRS B83 filing
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc | EIN: 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147 | Fraternity housing foundation
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity | EIN: 521278573 | Dallas, TX 75241 | Lambda Lambda Chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority | EIN: 364091267 | Waco, TX 76710 | Xi Chi Chapter
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi | EIN: 263170920 | Denton, TX 76204 | Texas Woman’s University Chapter
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc | EIN: 475370943 | Houston, TX 77204 | Theta Delta Chapter
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity | EIN: 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627 | Epsilon Kappa Chapter
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter | EIN: 746084905 | Houston, TX 77204
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity | EIN: 900927378 | San Antonio, TX 78249 | Texas Xi Chapter
Kappa Sigma Fraternity | EIN: 756067776 | Fort Worth, TX 76109 | Theta Chapter

Cause IQ Metro Data for DFW Area:
The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro contains approximately 510 Greek-related organizations according to our data analysis. These include:

Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) national sorority headquarters in Dallas area
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation in Fort Worth
Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter at TCU in Fort Worth
Sigma Nu Fraternity – Lambda Epsilon Chapter at TCU in Fort Worth
Delta Kappa Epsilon – Tau Gamma House Corp. in Addison
Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter at Texas Woman’s University in Denton

Brand Overlap Analysis (Organizations in Both IRS and Metro Data):
When the same organization appears in both IRS tax records and metro organizational data, it confirms their substantial presence and formal structure. Examples relevant to Wilmer families include:

Beta Upsilon Chi: Appears in IRS records (EIN 742911848) and Cause IQ DFW data
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation: IRS EIN 741380362 with DFW metro presence
Pi Kappa Alpha: Multiple Texas entities with national patterns of hazing incidents

What This Data Means for Your Case

Multiple Liability Layers: A single fraternity may have separate legal entities for:
- National headquarters (often in other states)
- Housing corporation (Texas-registered)
- Alumni associations (local Texas chapters)
- Educational foundations (tax-exempt entities)
Insurance Coverage Complexity: Each entity may have different insurance policies with varying coverage for hazing claims
Discovery Pathways: Our database helps identify all potential defendants and their relationships from day one
Pattern Evidence: We can trace national organizations’ histories across multiple Texas campuses and metros

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Repeat in Texas

The organizations on Texas campuses aren’t isolated—they’re chapters of national brands with documented hazing patterns. For Wilmer families, understanding these national histories helps predict risks and build stronger cases.

High-Risk Organizations with Documented Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, 2021): Forced drinking death; $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14 million settlement
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights as recurring fatal scenario

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

Multiple Deaths Nationwide: Longest list of hazing fatalities of any fraternity
Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): Industrial cleaner causing skin grafts
UT Austin Assault (2024): Exchange student with multiple fractures
Pattern: Physical violence alongside alcohol hazing

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death
Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act: Created felony hazing statute
Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Big Brother night drinking death
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our current case with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Pattern: Physical endurance tests combined with humiliation

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

Foreseeability Doctrine:

If a national organization knew about hazing patterns from other chapters
And failed to prevent similar conduct at Texas chapters
That failure can support negligence claims and punitive damages

Prior Notice Evidence:

Internal memos about “problem chapters”
Risk management reports acknowledging patterns
Inadequate responses to prior incidents

Insurance Coverage Fights:

Nationals often argue “rogue chapter” defense
Pattern evidence undermines this position
Can trigger insurance coverage that might otherwise be denied

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Realistic Expectations

For Wilmer families considering legal action, understanding the process helps manage expectations and prepare for the journey ahead.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important in 2025):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts
Recovery Capability: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
Pattern Evidence: Messages showing planning, coordination, cover-up attempts

Medical Documentation:

Emergency room records (crucial for immediate injury documentation)
Specialist reports for ongoing conditions
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Pro Tip: Tell medical providers “I was hazed” for proper documentation

University Records:

Prior conduct violations (obtained via discovery or public records requests)
Internal investigation reports
Correspondence between administrators about the organization
Clery Act reports showing pattern of incidents

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges (often afraid but potentially cooperative)
Former members who left over hazing concerns
Roommates, friends, RAs who observed changes or injuries
Expert witnesses on Greek life culture, trauma, economics of damages

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career trajectory)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial but Harder to Quantify):

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (for Families):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship and support
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional trauma
Lost future contributions from the deceased

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

Designed to punish defendants and deter future conduct
Available in Texas for gross negligence or malicious conduct
Often where prior warnings were ignored

The Legal Process: What to Expect

Phase 1: Investigation & Preservation (Days 1-90)

Immediate evidence collection before deletion
Identifying all potential defendants
Preserving testimony through affidavits
Our Role: We often engage digital forensics experts immediately

Phase 2: Pre-Litigation Negotiation (Months 2-6)

Demand letters to defendants and insurers
Initial settlement discussions
University disciplinary process parallel track
Reality: Early settlements are often lowball offers

Phase 3: Litigation if Necessary (Months 6-24+)

Filing lawsuit if negotiations stall
Discovery process (document requests, depositions)
Expert witness preparation
Mediation attempts before trial
Statistics: Most cases settle before trial, but trial readiness drives better settlements

Phase 4: Resolution & Accountability

Monetary settlement or trial verdict
Non-monetary terms (policy changes, transparency agreements)
Often includes confidentiality provisions
Our Preference: We push for public accountability when possible to prevent future harm

Practical Guides for Wilmer Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with vague explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Financial requests for unexplained “fees” or purchases
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Grades dropping due to “mandatory” events during exams

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are the older members treating the new members?”
“Are there activities that make you uncomfortable?”
“What happens if someone doesn’t participate in something?”
“Do you feel like you can be honest with me about what’s happening?”

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: Get medical attention if injured
Document Everything: Screenshots, photos, written notes with dates
Contact a Lawyer Before Reporting: We can help preserve evidence and navigate university processes
Avoid Confrontation: Don’t contact the organization directly—they’ll destroy evidence

For Students: Your Rights & Safety Options

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Am I being pressured or coerced?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Am I being told to keep secrets?
If yes to any: It’s likely hazing

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate Danger: Call 911, then call parents/attorney
Planning to Quit: Tell someone outside the organization first
Formal Resignation: Email chapter president (creates paper trail)
Safety Planning: If fearing retaliation, involve campus police

Evidence Preservation Guide:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with scale reference
Medical Records: Tell providers “I was hazed”
Witness Info: Names and contact information for others
Physical Evidence: Save clothing, objects, receipts

For Witnesses & Former Members: Doing the Right Thing

Understanding Your Position:

You may feel guilt, fear, or loyalty conflicts
Your testimony could prevent future injuries or deaths
Legal protections exist for good-faith reporting
We can help navigate criminal exposure concerns

How Cooperation Works:

Confidential Consultation: We’ll explain your rights and options
Document Preservation: Help identify and save evidence
Testimony Preparation: If you choose to provide information
Legal Protection: Addressing any personal exposure concerns

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Hazing Case

From representing families across Texas, we’ve seen these errors undermine otherwise strong cases:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

What Happens: Messages disappear, photos are lost, patterns can’t be proven
Our Advice: Preserve everything immediately—embarrassing content is powerful evidence

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What Happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Our Advice: Document silently, then call us before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

What Happens: You may waive legal rights for minimal accommodation
Our Advice: Never sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

What Happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Our Advice: Keep everything private until case resolution

5. Waiting for University Investigations

What Happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Our Advice: Parallel track—preserve evidence while university process continues

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone

What Happens: Recorded statements are used against you; early lowball settlements
Our Advice: “My attorney will contact you” is the only response

7. Letting Your Child Return for “One Last Meeting”

What Happens: Pressure, intimidation, extracted statements that hurt the case
Our Advice: Once legal action is considered, all communication goes through counsel

Frequently Asked Questions from Wilmer Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case requires specific analysis—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code § 37.152 makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing. In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, the conduct could support felony charges given the rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to the hazing activity.” Courts recognize that power imbalances and peer pressure make true consent impossible in hazing contexts.

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

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million dollar results.

“Will this be confidential?”
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, but also advocate for transparency when it can prevent future harm.

“How much does this cost?”
We work on contingency fee basis for hazing injury cases—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover money for you. The fee comes from the recovery, not from your pocket. Initial consultations are always free.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how fraternities, sororities, and universities really operate—and how to hold them accountable despite their resources and institutional defenses.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Background):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements
Translation: We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello’s Background):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ Years Practice: Handling high-stakes cases since 1998
Translation: We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results:

Proven track record valuing lifetime care needs
Economist collaboration for future earnings loss calculations
Experience with brain injury, permanent disability, and complex trauma cases
Translation: We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine (Our Data Advantage):

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 records on 125+ Texas-registered entities
Campus-specific chapter rosters for major universities
National incident database with pattern analysis
Translation: We don’t start from zero—we already know the organizational landscape.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership means we understand criminal hazing charges
Can advise witnesses and former members with potential exposure
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Translation: We see the whole legal picture, not just civil liability.

Our Investigative Approach

Digital Forensics Expertise:

Recovering deleted group chats and social media
Preserving geolocation data and message patterns
Working with experts who testify on digital evidence

Institutional Discovery Skills:

Subpoenaing national fraternity risk management files
Obtaining university prior incident reports
Uncovering internal emails and investigation documents

Expert Network:

Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, kidney injury)
Greek life culture and organizational behavior specialists
Economists for damage calculations
Psychologists for trauma assessment

Why Location Matters: Serving Wilmer & Dallas County

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas including Wilmer and all of Dallas County. Here’s what that means for you:

Texas-Wide Practice:

Admitted to Texas courts statewide
Experience with Dallas County court procedures
Understanding of DFW metro Greek landscape

Remote Capability:

Initial consultations by phone/video
Digital evidence collection doesn’t require in-person meetings
Local co-counsel available when needed

Community Understanding:

We know Wilmer students attend UTD, UNT, and universities statewide
Familiar with Dallas County law enforcement jurisdictions
Understand the concerns of Texas families

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas campus, we offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your options.

What to Expect in Your Consultation:

We Listen: Tell us what happened without judgment
Evidence Review: We’ll look at any photos, messages, or documents you have
Options Explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, university process, or combination
Realistic Assessment: What your case might involve, timelines, potential outcomes
Cost Transparency: Contingency fee explanation—no fee unless we recover money
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

How to Prepare:

Write down what happened with dates and names
Screenshot any messages (don’t delete anything)
Take photos of injuries or related items
Gather medical records if treatment was needed
List witnesses or others who might know

Contact Us Today:

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

Spanish Language Services:

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case: 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/
ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary of the $10M UH hazing lawsuit: 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:

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

Attorney911 Website & Contact:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Ralph Manginello background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com