Texas Hazing Laws & Lawsuits: A Comprehensive Guide for Fort Worth Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Need Answers & Accountability

Your child left for college in Fort Worth full of excitement. Now, they’re coming home with unexplained injuries, secretive behavior, or deep-seated fear. The texts are cryptic, the excuses don’t add up, and when you ask about their fraternity, sorority, or campus group, they shut down. You know something is wrong, but you don’t know what to call it, who to trust, or where to turn.

Right now, just a few hours from Fort Worth in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died after extreme hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to media reports including Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez was subjected to forced drinking, simulated waterboarding, extreme physical workouts, and humiliating rituals that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing health risks. The chapter has been shut down, but the fight for accountability continues.

If you’re a parent in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, or anywhere in North Texas, this case matters to you. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at UH have chapters at Texas Christian University right here in Fort Worth, at the University of Texas at Arlington, at University of North Texas in Denton, and at every major Texas campus where Fort Worth families send their children. The same dangerous patterns repeat. The same institutional cover-ups happen. And Texas families deserve the same fierce advocacy.

This guide is written specifically for Fort Worth families navigating the nightmare of campus hazing. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, break down Texas hazing laws, show you national patterns that play out at Texas schools, and provide practical steps to protect your child and pursue accountability. Whether your child attends TCU here in Fort Worth, A&M in College Station, UT in Austin, or any Texas campus, this information can help.

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:

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
2. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
   • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
   • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
4. Do NOT:
   • Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
   • 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 evidence, 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

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. Modern hazing is systematic, often digital, and deliberately hidden from adults and authorities. For Fort Worth parents whose children might be at TCU, UT Arlington, or schools across Texas, understanding these realities is the first step to protection.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
This is where it often starts – behaviors that establish power imbalance while seeming “harmless”:

• Digital control: Required 24/7 group chat monitoring (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord) with immediate response demands
• Mandatory servitude: Acting as designated drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
• Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for social activities
• “Voluntary” commitments: Events labeled “optional” but with clear social consequences for non-attendance

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)
When organizations test compliance through discomfort and degradation:

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal sleep
• Forced consumption: Spoiled food, excessive bland foods (milk, bread, hot dogs), hot sauce, unfamiliar substances
• Public humiliation: Embarrassing costumes, public performances, demeaning nicknames
• Extreme exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups/squats, wall-sits until collapse, punitive workouts

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Crisis)
Activities with high potential for serious injury or death:

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, trivia games where wrong answers mean drinking
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
• Dangerous rituals: Blindfolded tackles (“glass ceiling”), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual coercion
• Chemical exposure: The Texas A&M SAE case where pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial cleaner

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets & ROTC programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit & tradition groups (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
• Marching bands & performance groups
• Academic & service organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of group, but the dynamics of power, tradition, and secrecy that allow abuse to continue.

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today’s hazing leaves a digital trail that can be critical evidence:

• Group chat coordination: Planning, instructions, threats, and admissions in GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
• Social media evidence: Humiliating TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, Snapchat stories documenting events
• Location tracking: Required sharing of live location via Find My Friends or Life360
• Digital coercion: Threats delivered via text, social media DMs, or anonymous messaging apps

Fort Worth families should understand that while this digital footprint helps investigations, organizations have become sophisticated at using disappearing messages, encrypted apps, and coached responses to hide evidence.

Texas Hazing Laws: What Fort Worth Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but understanding how they work in practice is crucial for families considering legal action.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 (The Hazing Statute)

Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization that:

1. Endangers mental or physical health or safety, OR
2. Involves brutal treatment, forced physical activity, forced consumption, or other forced activity that adversely affects mental/physical health

Key provisions for Fort Worth families:

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause bodily injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing bodily injury
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Organizational Liability (§37.153):

• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
• Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus

Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155):

• Critical protection: Even if a student “agreed” to the activity, it’s still hazing under Texas law
• Courts recognize that consent under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true consent

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154):

• Individuals who report hazing in good faith have immunity from civil/criminal liability
• Many Texas universities extend this to amnesty for underage drinking when seeking medical help

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (The State’s Case):

• Who brings it: District Attorney or County Attorney
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Case):

• Who brings it: Victims or surviving families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Common claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Crucial point: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case, and a civil case can proceed even if criminal charges aren’t filed.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
• Phased implementation through 2026, creating national hazing databases
• Means more public information about which organizations have violations

Title IX (When Hazing Involves Sexual Elements):

• Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
• Creates additional reporting obligations and potential liability for universities
• Can provide alternative pathways to accountability

Clery Act:

• Requires reporting of certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
• Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol crimes, or sexual offenses may trigger Clery requirements

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students:

   • Those who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
   • Chapter officers with knowledge who failed to act

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

   • The fraternity/sorority chapter as an entity
   • Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

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

4. Universities & Governing Boards:

   • Texas public universities (UH, A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations but can still face liability for gross negligence or Title IX violations
   • Private universities (TCU, SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections

5. Third Parties:

   • Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
   • Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop laws)
   • Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The hazing incidents making national news aren’t anomalies—they’re patterns that repeat at Texas campuses. Understanding these patterns helps Fort Worth families recognize systemic issues rather than isolated “bad apples.”

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern (Deadly Repetition)

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

• 20-year-old pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Lesson for Texas: The same Pi Kappa Alpha chapters operate at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools

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

• Pledge forced into “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant drinking
• Died with 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
• $6.1 million verdict for family
• Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
• Lesson for Texas: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and SMU

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

• “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of liquor
• Died from acute alcohol poisoning
• FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
• Lesson for Texas: Pi Kappa Phi is the same fraternity involved in the UH case we’re litigating

Physical & Ritualized Violence Pattern

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

• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
• National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Lesson for Texas: Off-campus “retreats” and ritualized violence create extreme danger

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
• Lesson for Texas: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

What These National Cases Mean for Fort Worth Families

1. Patterns Prove Foreseeability: When the same organization has the same type of incident in multiple states, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

2. Settlement Values Set Precedents: Multi-million dollar settlements in other states establish what serious hazing cases are worth.

3. Legal Strategies Transfer: Defense tactics used by national fraternities in Ohio or Louisiana are the same ones they’ll use in Texas.

4. Your Case Isn’t Isolated: If your child was hazed, they’re part of a national pattern of abuse that organizations have repeatedly failed to stop.

Texas Universities: What Fort Worth Families Face at Major Campuses

Fort Worth families send students to universities across Texas. Each campus has its own Greek life culture, historical incidents, and institutional response patterns. Here’s what you need to know about the schools most relevant to Tarrant County families.

Texas Christian University (TCU) – Fort Worth’s Home Campus

For Fort Worth families, TCU isn’t just another university—it’s where your neighbors’ children attend, where local high school graduates go, and where hazing incidents happen in our own community.

Greek Life at TCU:

• Approximately 40% of undergraduates participate in Greek life
• 14 fraternities and 12 sororities
• Significant historical presence with deep alumni networks in Fort Worth

Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Kappa Sigma Chapter (2018): Member arrested for alleged hazing of pledges
• University response pattern: TCU typically places organizations on probation, requires anti-hazing education, and in serious cases, suspends chapter activities
• Transparency challenge: As a private university, TCU isn’t subject to Texas Public Information Act requests, making it harder for families to access prior incident reports

How TCU Hazing Cases Typically Proceed:

1. Reporting: To TCU Office of Student Conduct or TCU Police Department
2. Investigation: Internal university process often precedes any criminal investigation
3. Jurisdiction: Cases may involve Tarrant County courts if civil lawsuits are filed
4. Unique factors: TCU’s private status affects disclosure obligations and legal strategies

What Fort Worth Families Should Know About TCU Cases:

• Evidence preservation is critical—TCU’s internal process may not secure digital evidence
• Local counsel with Fort Worth connections can access venues and understand local legal culture
• TCU’s Greek life alumni include influential Fort Worth community members, creating potential conflicts in local response

University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) – The Commuter Campus

For Fort Worth families, UTA represents accessibility and proximity, with many students living at home while attending classes.

Greek Life at UTA:

• Smaller Greek community than traditional residential campuses
• Mix of traditional and multicultural organizations
• Many students are first-generation college attendees

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Chi Chapter (2020): Pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning from alleged hazing
• Lawsuit alleged negligent supervision and failure to implement risk management policies
• Case settled in August 2021 with confidential terms

Unique UTA Considerations:

• Commuter population means hazing may occur at off-campus apartments rather than chapter houses
• Many students work while attending, complicating recovery from hazing injuries
• UTA’s growing status means evolving Greek life culture with less established oversight

University of North Texas (UNT) & Texas Woman’s University – Denton’s Dual Campus

For Fort Worth families, Denton represents a traditional college town experience just 40 minutes away.

Documented Incidents:

• Multiple organizations appearing on UNT’s conduct reports for hazing violations
• Pattern: Alcohol-related incidents, forced physical activity, and psychological harassment
• Response: UNT typically uses probation, educational sanctions, and temporary suspensions

Denton-Specific Considerations:

• Cases may involve Denton County courts and local law enforcement
• TWU’s primarily female population faces unique sorority hazing patterns
• Denton’s music culture means marching band and music group hazing also occurs

Texas A&M University – Where Corps Culture Intersects Greek Life

For Fort Worth families with Aggie traditions, understanding the unique intersection of Corps and Greek life is essential.

The Corps of Cadets Factor:

• Military-style discipline creates different hazing dynamics
• 2023 lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
• Texas A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations

Greek Life Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
• Fraternity suspended for two years; lawsuit sought $1 million
• Pattern: Texas A&M’s size means multiple organizations face hazing allegations annually

What Fort Worth Families Should Know About A&M Cases:

• College Station venues create jurisdictional questions (Brazos County courts)
• The Corps has its own justice system parallel to university conduct processes
• A&M’s extensive alumni network can influence institutional responses

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency with Persistent Problems

For Fort Worth families, UT represents the flagship experience with relatively transparent reporting.

UT’s Hazing Violations Page:

• Public listing of organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions
• Example: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) – new members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and required education
• Pattern: Repeated violations by same organizations show systemic issues

Austin-Specific Considerations:

• Travis County courts handle civil litigation
• UT’s transparency provides valuable evidence for civil cases
• Austin’s off-campus housing market means hazing occurs in dispersed locations

Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Dallas’ Private Institution

For Fort Worth families, SMU represents an elite private education with significant Greek participation.

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
• Chapter suspended with recruiting restrictions until 2021
• Pattern: SMU’s affluent student body doesn’t immunize from hazing

SMU-Specific Challenges:

• Private university status limits public records access
• Dallas County venues for potential litigation
• SMU’s national reputation concerns may influence institutional response

Baylor University – Waco’s Faith-Based Institution

For Fort Worth families, Baylor represents Christian education with Greek life participation.

Documented Incidents:

• Baseball team hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
• Pattern: Baylor’s history with institutional response to misconduct (Title IX scandal) affects current handling

Baylor-Specific Factors:

• McLennan County courts for local litigation
• Religious identity affects internal processes and public relations
• Waco’s smaller legal community means local counsel choices matter

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Fort Worth Families

If you’re a parent in Fort Worth, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Many families don’t realize that behind the recognizable Greek letters are complex networks of legal entities—house corporations, alumni chapters, educational foundations, and national headquarters—each with their own insurance, assets, and legal responsibilities.

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records on Greek organizations operating in Texas. Here’s a sampling of the public records data that informs our investigations and strengthens our clients’ cases:

Organizations with Fort Worth & Tarrant County Presence

Based on IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ metro data, these entities operate in or serve the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area:

1. Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity
   EIN: 742911848 | Fort Worth, TX 76244
   IRS B83 filing – Christian fraternity with national headquarters in Fort Worth

2. Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
   EIN: 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147
   IRS B83 filing – Kappa Sigma housing and educational foundation

3. Fort Worth Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated
   EIN: 752755600 | Fort Worth, TX 76101
   IRS B83 filing – Alumni chapter serving Fort Worth area

4. Gamma Phi Delta Christian Fraternity Inc
   EIN: 742893931 | Fort Worth, TX 76124
   IRS B83 filing – Christian fraternity organization

5. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Psi Zeta Chapter
   EIN: 521345182 | Fort Worth, TX 76105
   IRS B83 filing – Graduate chapter serving Fort Worth

6. Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Texas Gamma Chapter
   EIN: 911981478 | Fort Worth, TX 76109
   IRS B83 filing – Chapter at Texas Christian University

7. Kappa Sigma Fraternity – Theta Chapter
   EIN: 756067776 | Fort Worth, TX 76109
   IRS B83 filing – Historic chapter with Fort Worth presence

Organizations at Major Texas Campuses Fort Worth Families Attend

These entities exist at universities where Tarrant County students commonly enroll:

1. Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
   EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035
   IRS B83 filing – Housing corporation for University of Houston chapter (involved in Bermudez case)

2. Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter
   EIN: 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627
   IRS B83 filing – Alumni association for Lamar University chapter

3. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
   EIN: 364091267 | Waco, TX 76710
   IRS B83 filing – Undergraduate chapter at Baylor University

4. Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech University
   EIN: 820644459 | Lubbock, TX 79430
   IRS B83 filing – Academic honor society chapter

Texas-Wide Greek Organization Snapshot

Our data tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, including:

• 188 organizations in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro
• 510 organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro
• 154 organizations in the Austin-Round Rock metro
• 86 organizations in the San Antonio metro

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case:
When your child is hazed, identifying every potentially liable entity is crucial. These organizations often have:

• Insurance coverage that can provide compensation
• Assets that can satisfy judgments
• Legal responsibilities for supervising chapters
• Prior knowledge of hazing patterns

We maintain this directory so Fort Worth families never start from zero. We already know the names, EINs, and connections between Greek organizations across Texas. This investigative foundation allows us to move quickly to preserve evidence, identify responsible parties, and build the strongest possible case for your family.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Realistic Expectations

When Fort Worth families come to us after a hazing incident, they’re often overwhelmed, angry, and unsure what to expect. Here’s how we approach these complex cases and what you should know about the process.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (The Most Important Category):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage screenshots showing planning, admissions, threats
• Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat evidence of events (saved before disappearance)
• Location data: Find My Friends, Life360, Snapchat Maps showing where incidents occurred
• Deleted message recovery: Through digital forensics when messages are deleted

Medical Documentation:

• Emergency room records: Initial treatment documents showing cause of injuries
• Specialist reports: Follow-up care establishing long-term effects
• Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from hazing trauma
• Toxicology reports: Blood alcohol content, drug screening results

Physical Evidence:

• Injury photographs: Multiple angles with scale references, progression over days
• Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, props
• Damaged clothing: Blood, vomit, chemical stains on clothing worn during hazing

Institutional Records (Obtained Through Discovery):

• University conduct files: Prior violations by same organization
• National fraternity records: Risk management reports, prior incident documentation
• Insurance policies: Coverage documents from all potentially liable entities

The Damages Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
• Lost educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects
• Property damage: Replacement of damaged personal items

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries sustained
• Emotional distress: PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma from publicized incidents

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support: From deceased’s potential future earnings
• Loss of companionship: For parents, siblings, spouse
• Emotional suffering: Grief, mental anguish of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• When awarded: Defendants had prior warnings, showed callous indifference, attempted cover-ups
• Texas caps: Generally limited, but can be significant in gross negligence cases

Common Defense Strategies & How We Overcome Them

Defense: “The Student Consented”

• Our response: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing
• Evidence: Group chat messages showing coercion, power imbalance, threats of exclusion

Defense: “This Was Rogue Individuals”

• Our response: National organizations have duty to supervise and prevent foreseeable harm
• Evidence: Prior incidents at other chapters showing pattern, inadequate training/enforcement

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

• Our response: Universities and nationals still have duty based on sponsorship and knowledge
• Evidence: University recognition of chapter, collection of dues, prior knowledge of off-campus activities

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

• Our response: Policies without meaningful enforcement are mere window-dressing
• Evidence: Prior violations with minimal consequences, perfunctory training, lack of oversight

Defense: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

• Our response: Negligent supervision claims may still be covered even if hazing was intentional
• Strategy: Identify all potential policies, fight coverage denials, pursue bad faith claims

Realistic Timeline & Process Expectations

First 30 Days: Crisis Management & Evidence Preservation

• Medical stabilization, evidence collection, initial reporting decisions
• Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to preserve critical evidence

Months 1-6: Investigation & Demand Phase

• Comprehensive evidence gathering, witness interviews, expert consultations
• Preparing detailed demand package to insurance companies and defendants

Months 6-18: Litigation Phase (If Settlement Fails)

• Filing lawsuit, discovery process, depositions, expert reports
• Most cases settle during this phase through mediation

Months 18-36: Trial Preparation & Resolution

• Trial preparation for cases that don’t settle
• Actual trials are rare but readiness forces better settlements

Key Reality: The average serious hazing case takes 18-24 months to resolve. Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and experienced defense counsel—they will not settle quickly or easily without thorough litigation preparation.

Practical Guidance for Fort Worth Families: Immediate Steps & Critical Mistakes

For Parents: Warning Signs & Response Strategy

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, limping, extreme fatigue, weight changes
• Behavioral changes: Secretiveness, withdrawal, anxiety when phone buzzes, personality shifts
• Academic decline: Falling grades, missed classes, lost scholarships
• Financial patterns: Unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards, vague explanations
• Digital behavior: Constant group chat monitoring, deleting messages, location tracking demands

How to Talk to Your Child (Without Shutting Them Down):

1. Choose the right time: Private, calm, no interruptions
2. Use open questions: “How are things with your fraternity?” not “Are they hazing you?”
3. Express concern, not accusation: “I’m worried because you seem exhausted” not “What are they doing to you?”
4. Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
5. Offer unconditional support: “You can leave anytime, no questions asked”

If Your Child Opens Up:

1. Listen without judgment: Don’t interrupt with anger or panic
2. Document immediately: Write down what they say while it’s fresh
3. Prioritize medical care: Even if they say they’re “fine”
4. Preserve evidence together: Help them screenshot messages, photograph injuries
5. Contact us before acting: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before confronting anyone

For Students: Safety, Evidence & Self-Protection

Is This Hazing? A Quick Self-Check:

• Are you being pressured or coerced?
• Would you do this if you had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is the activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are you being told to keep secrets?

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

How to Exit Safely:

1. For immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
2. To de-pledge: Email chapter president and university conduct office simultaneously
3. Document everything before announcing your departure
4. Have support ready: Tell a trusted friend, family member, or advisor first
5. Don’t go to “one last meeting”: This is where pressure and retaliation often occur

Evidence Collection Checklist (Do This NOW):

• Screenshot ALL group chats (full threads with timestamps)
• Photograph injuries (multiple angles, include scale like a coin)
• Save emails/calendars about “mandatory” events
• Record voice memos of conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
• Document witness names and contact information
• Save physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
• Back everything up to cloud storage or email to trusted adult

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete evidence

• What happens: Messages disappear, making case nearly impossible to prove
• The reality: Deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics, but it’s costly and not guaranteed
• Better approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the organization directly

• What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses
• The reality: Your anger is justified, but strategic silence preserves your advantage
• Better approach: Document everything, then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” agreements

• What happens: You may waive your right to sue or accept inadequate settlements
• The reality: Universities prioritize limiting their liability, not your full recovery
• Better approach: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on social media

• What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• The reality: Venting feels good but gives opponents free discovery
• Better approach: Document privately; let your attorney control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for university investigation

• What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• The reality: University process ≠ real accountability; internal investigations protect the institution
• Better approach: Preserve evidence now, consult attorney immediately, run parallel tracks

MISTAKE #6: Talking to insurance adjusters

• What happens: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
• The reality: Adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you
• Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE #7: Letting your child return to “one last meeting”

• What happens: They get pressured, intimidated, or extract damaging statements
• The reality: This is a common tactic to weaken cases
• Better approach: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through counsel

Frequently Asked Questions from Fort Worth Families

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

“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 hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist if the harm wasn’t immediately discoverable or if there was fraudulent concealment. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly. 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 knowledge. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. We cover all case expenses and only get paid if we win. Watch our video explaining contingency fees at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

“What’s the first step?”
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide the best path forward—no pressure, no obligation.

Why Attorney911 for Fort Worth 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. Here’s why Fort Worth families choose Attorney911 for hazing cases:

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

We’re Currently Fighting One of Texas’ Most Serious Hazing Cases
Right now, we represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. We’re not just talking about hazing theory—we’re in the trenches, fighting the same national fraternities and universities that might be involved in your case. Read the coverage at ABC13 and Click2Houston.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña’s Experience)
Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) 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
• Fight coverage under exclusions
• Deploy Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements

We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with the same insurance companies that defend fraternities nationwide.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello’s Background)
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. This experience directly applies to hazing cases where we face:

• National fraternities with deep pockets
• Universities with extensive legal departments
• Defense firms that specialize in institutional protection

We’re not intimidated by powerful defendants—we’ve faced them before and won.

Our Fort Worth & Texas-Wide Capabilities

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and all North Texas communities. We understand:

• Local campuses like TCU, UT Arlington, and UNT
• Texas legal venues including Tarrant County courts
• The specific challenges Fort Worth families face when children are hazed at distant campuses

Spanish-Language Services Available
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—serving Hispanic families throughout Texas who might face language barriers in dealing with universities and insurance companies.

Our Investigative Depth & Resources

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
We maintain detailed data on 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. When you come to us, we don’t start from zero—we already know:

• Which organizations have prior incidents
• How national fraternities are structured in Texas
• Where to find insurance coverage and assets

Expert Network for Complex Cases
We work with specialists who understand hazing’s unique challenges:

• Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD specialists)
• Digital forensics experts (recovering deleted messages)
• Greek life culture experts
• Economists (valuing lifetime impacts)
• Psychologists (documenting emotional trauma)

Evidence Preservation Expertise
We know evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases. Our immediate response protocol includes:

• Digital evidence preservation before deletion
• Witness interviews before coaching
• University record requests before alteration
• Comprehensive documentation systems

Our Approach: Empathetic but Tough

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

For your family:

• Compassionate listening without judgment
• Clear explanations of complex legal processes
• Regular communication (we update clients every 2-3 weeks)
• Respect for your privacy and emotional needs

For your case:

• Aggressive investigation and evidence preservation
• Strategic litigation against institutional defendants
• Maximum compensation pursuit for full damages
• Accountability focus to prevent future harm

We don’t just settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability and compensate the full extent of your family’s harm—medical, emotional, educational, and financial.

Take the Next Step: Free, Confidential Consultation for Fort Worth Families

If you’re reading this because hazing has touched your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether your child attends TCU here in Fort Worth, A&M in College Station, UT in Austin, or any Texas campus, we can help.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
2. We review your evidence: Texts, photos, medical records, anything you have
3. We explain your options: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. We discuss realistic expectations: Timelines, potential outcomes, challenges
5. We answer all your questions: Costs, privacy concerns, impact on your child’s education
6. No pressure to hire: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 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 Services: lupe@atty911.com (Hablamos Español)

Serving Fort Worth, Tarrant County & All Texas Communities

We represent families throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Distance doesn’t matter—we handle cases across the state and have resources in every Texas region.

Don’t wait until evidence disappears or the statute of limitations runs. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance. Watch our video on critical mistakes to avoid at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY, and learn about evidence preservation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

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
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
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