The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Resource for Families in Pecan Hill and Ellis County

Understanding the Unthinkable: When Your Child’s Dream College Experience Turns to Danger

Imagine a promising student from right here in Pecan Hill, Ellis County—a young man or woman you raised with strong Texas values—heading off to a prestigious university. They join what seems like a respected organization, seeking friendship and connection. Now picture them lying in a hospital bed in Houston or Austin, diagnosed with acute kidney failure after being forced to drink until they vomited, then made to sprint until they collapsed. Their urine is brown. Their muscles are breaking down. This isn’t a hypothetical horror story. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston in the fall of 2025, and his case filed by our firm represents the brutal reality of modern hazing that Texas families, including those in Pecan Hill, must understand.

If you are a parent in Pecan Hill, Midlothian, Waxahachie, or anywhere across Ellis County, your child may attend schools close to home or travel to major universities across Texas. The bonds of community and family run deep here, and the thought of your son or daughter being systematically abused by an organization they trusted is every parent’s nightmare. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for you—to explain what hazing truly looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, and what happens at the universities where Ellis County families send their children. We will walk you through the legal landscape, using real cases like Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi as a sobering example of what we are fighting right now, and show you the path to accountability.

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

Many families in Pecan Hill still picture hazing as harmless pranks or simple initiation rites. The reality in 2025 is far more sinister, systematic, and digitally sophisticated. Hazing today is a calculated process of control, humiliation, and endurance testing that often leaves permanent physical and psychological scars.

A Modern Definition Beyond Stereotypes

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. Critically, in Texas, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. The law recognizes that true consent cannot exist when someone fears social exclusion or retaliation.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadliest form. It’s not casual drinking; it’s forced consumption with consequences for refusal. Examples include “lineup” drinking games where pledges must finish drinks in sequence, “Big/Little” nights where a handle of liquor is given as a “gift,” and trivia games where wrong answers mean shots. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting—a classic substance hazing tactic.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts.” At UH, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session. Other methods include sleep deprivation rituals, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme elements (like being left outside in cold weather in underwear), and dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions), and degrading costumes or roles. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, pledges were required to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms and sex toys as constant humiliation. Another pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members, and manipulation create psychological dependency. New members may be told they’re “worthless” without the organization, cut off from family and old friends, and subjected to constant criticism. The UH case included weekly interviews where pledges were grilled and threatened with expulsion for minor infractions.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
This is the newest frontier. Pledges must respond instantly to group chat messages at all hours, share their live location via tracking apps, post humiliating content on social media, or participate in TikTok “challenges” designed to degrade. Messages are often deleted to avoid evidence, creating a digital paper trail that only forensic experts can fully recover.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing permeates many organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
Spirit Squads and Tradition Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT
Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common thread is social status, tradition, and secrecy—organizations with strong internal cultures and initiation rituals are most susceptible, regardless of their official purpose.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas Statutes and Your Rights

For families in Pecan Hill and Ellis County, understanding Texas law is your first step toward accountability. Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions that apply whether your child attends school in Commerce, Denton, or Houston.

Texas Hazing Law Basics: Education Code Chapter 37

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, 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 Ellis County Families:

Location doesn’t matter—hazing at an off-campus house, an Airbnb retreat, or even a park is still illegal
Harm can be mental or physical—PTSD and psychological trauma count
“Consent is not a defense” – Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that victim consent doesn’t legalize hazing
Good-faith reporters are protected – Those who report hazing or call for medical help have immunity

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional charges for failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and institutional accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress

These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, most hazing deaths result in both criminal prosecutions and multi-million dollar civil settlements.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data by 2026. This will give Texas families better access to information about organizations with violation histories.

Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault and alcohol crimes that must be publicly reported.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders were named.

2. Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity/sorority or club itself as a legal entity, plus individual officers acting in official capacity.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:
Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their prior knowledge of similar incidents at other chapters creates “foreseeability.”

4. University or Governing Board:
Schools may be liable for negligence if they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the Bermudez case.

5. Third Parties:
Property owners, landlords, bars serving alcohol (under Texas dram shop law), security companies, and event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific. An experienced hazing attorney investigates all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragedies at other universities are not distant news—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly affect cases here in Texas. These cases show how courts view hazing liability and what families can expect.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
A bid-acceptance event led to Piazza consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol, suffering multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras. Brothers delayed calling for help for 12 hours. This case resulted in dozens of criminal charges and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495%) after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. This led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. His family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” His death led to FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Died from traumatic brain injury during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark case holding the organization criminally liable.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing, and confidential settlements. This proves hazing extends far beyond Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for Ellis County Families

These national cases establish crucial legal principles:

Organizations can be held criminally liable, not just individuals
Multi-million dollar settlements are common in death and severe injury cases
Prior incidents create “foreseeability”—if a national organization knew about similar hazing elsewhere, they’re more liable
Cover-ups and delayed medical care dramatically increase liability
State laws strengthen after high-profile cases—Texas may see similar reforms after the UH case

Texas Focus: Universities Serving Ellis County Families

Pecan Hill and Ellis County families send students to universities throughout Texas. Whether your child attends a nearby school or a major university hours away, understanding each campus’s specific landscape is crucial.

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: Your Local Greek Ecosystem

Ellis County lies within the Dallas-Forth Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, which according to our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine contains 510 Greek-related organizations. This dense network includes everything from undergraduate chapters to alumni associations and honor societies that operate right in our backyard.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Ellis County Families

As part of our investigative process, we maintain detailed records of Texas Greek organizations. Here are examples of entities recorded in public filings that operate in our metro area:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity | EIN: 74-2911848 | Fort Worth, TX 76244 | IRS B83 filing
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc | EIN: 74-1380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147 | IRS B83 filing
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity | EIN: 52-1278573 | Dallas, TX 75241 | IRS B83 filing – Lambda Lambda Chapter
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter | Dallas, TX | Cause IQ metro listing
Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter | Denton, TX | Cause IQ metro listing at Texas Woman’s University
Phi Chi Theta – Gamma Iota Chapter | Carrollton, TX | Cause IQ business fraternity chapter
National Pan-Hellenic Council North Dallas Suburbia | EIN: 26-4080411 | Carrollton, TX 75011 | IRS B83 filing

These are just samples from the hundreds of organizations we track. When hazing occurs, we know how to identify every related entity that may share liability.

Where Ellis County Families Send Their Children

Local & Regional Campuses:

University of Texas at Arlington (Tarrant County) – 45 minutes from Pecan Hill
Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County) – 1 hour away
Texas Woman’s University (Denton County) – 1 hour away
University of North Texas (Denton County) – 1 hour away
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Ellis County) – Right in Waxahachie

Major Texas Hubs Ellis County Students Attend:

University of Texas at Austin (2.5-3 hours)
Texas A&M University (2.5-3 hours)
University of Houston (4 hours)
Baylor University (1.5 hours)
Southern Methodist University (45 minutes)
Texas Tech University (5 hours)
Texas State University (3 hours)

The proximity to the DFW metro means Ellis County students have immense Greek life options, each with its own risks and histories.

University of Texas at Arlington: Your Closest Major Campus

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Arlington serves many Ellis County students as a commuter-friendly option with growing Greek life. With over 40,000 students, it’s part of the University of Texas System and has expanding fraternity and sorority communities.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting
UTA prohibits hazing under University of Texas System policies and Texas law. Reporting goes through the Office of Student Conduct, campus police (UTAPD), and online reporting systems. Like all Texas public universities, UTA must comply with Chapter 37 reporting requirements.

5.1.3 Documented Incidents & Responses
While UTA hasn’t had headline-grabbing hazing deaths like larger schools, internal disciplinary records show recurring issues:

Sigma Chi chapter disciplined for alcohol-related hazing violations
Multiple organizations placed on probation for “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort” behaviors
Annual Clery Act reports document alcohol and assault incidents in Greek housing

5.1.4 How a UTA Hazing Case Might Proceed
For Ellis County families, a UTA case would involve:

Jurisdiction: Tarrant County courts (Fort Worth)
Police: UTAPD and/or Arlington Police Department
Legal Venue: Often the 67th District Court or other Tarrant County district courts
Travel: Just 45 minutes from most Ellis County locations

5.1.5 What UTA Students & Parents Should Do

Report to UTA’s Office of Student Conduct immediately
Document everything before approaching the university
Understand that as a public university, UTA has sovereign immunity arguments but can still be sued under certain exceptions
Contact a lawyer who understands UT System procedures and Tarrant County courts

Texas A&M University-Commerce: Your Regional University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Formerly East Texas State University, A&M-Commerce serves many first-generation college students from Ellis and surrounding counties. Greek life exists but is smaller than at flagship campuses.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting
As part of the Texas A&M System, Commerce follows System policies prohibiting hazing. Reports go through the Dean of Students and A&M-Commerce Police Department.

5.2.3 Documented Incidents & Responses

Historical issues with athletic team hazing
Greek organizations periodically suspended for alcohol violations
The university’s smaller size means incidents may receive less media attention but still cause serious harm

5.2.4 How an A&M-Commerce Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: Hunt County courts
Police: A&M-Commerce PD and/or Commerce Police Department
Venue advantages for Ellis County families: closer proximity than major hubs

5.2.5 What A&M-Commerce Students & Parents Should Do

Don’t assume smaller schools mean less severe hazing
Report through official channels but preserve independent evidence
Understand that A&M System resources may be deployed in defense

Texas Woman’s University & University of North Texas: Denton County Options

For TWU:
As a women’s university with some coeducational programs, TWU has sororities but limited fraternity presence. Hazing risks exist in sororities, athletic teams, and academic organizations.

For UNT:
With over 44,000 students, UNT has active Greek life across all councils. The university publishes hazing violations online and has disciplined multiple organizations in recent years.

Denton County Logistics for Ellis County Families:

Both campuses about 1 hour from Pecan Hill
Jurisdiction in Denton County courts
Denton police departments plus campus PDs involved
Many Ellis County students commute to these schools

Major Texas Hubs: What Ellis County Families Need to Know

University of Texas at Austin
UT’s public Hazing Violations page shows recurring issues:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers spirit group disciplined for forced workouts
Multiple organizations sanctioned for alcohol-related hazing

For Ellis County students at UT:

Jurisdiction in Travis County (Austin)
2.5-3 hour travel for family meetings
UT’s relative transparency helps establish pattern evidence

Texas A&M University
Aggie culture includes unique risks:

Corps of Cadets traditions sometimes cross into hazing
Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Multiple Greek organizations disciplined annually

For Ellis County students at A&M:

Brazos County jurisdiction
2.5-3 hour travel
Strong institutional loyalty sometimes impedes reporting

University of Houston
The Bermudez case reveals systemic issues:

Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter engaged in extreme physical hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Chapter suspended November 6, 2025, then surrendered charter November 14, 2025
13 individual members plus national headquarters, housing corporation, and UH itself named in $10 million lawsuit

For Ellis County students at UH:

Harris County jurisdiction
4 hour travel
UH now under intense scrutiny—may affect how they handle future cases

Baylor University
Baylor’s history with institutional scandals affects hazing response:

Baseball team hazing (2020): 14 players suspended
Multiple Greek organizations disciplined internally
Private university status means less public transparency

For Ellis County students at Baylor:

McLennan County jurisdiction (Waco)
1.5 hour travel
Religious affiliation may influence internal handling

Southern Methodist University
SMU’s affluent, Greek-dominated culture presents risks:

Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Multiple organizations on probation in recent years
Private university with confidential disciplinary processes

For Ellis County students at SMU:

Dallas County jurisdiction
45 minute travel
Wealthy defendant considerations in litigation

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The organizations on Texas campuses don’t exist in isolation—they’re chapters of national brands with documented histories of hazing incidents across the country. This history matters tremendously when building a case.

Why National Histories Matter in Court

When a Texas chapter repeats dangerous behaviors that have caused injuries or deaths at other chapters, that establishes foreseeability. National headquarters cannot claim “we had no idea this could happen” if similar incidents occurred at other schools. This pattern evidence supports claims of negligent supervision and can justify punitive damages.

Organization Mapping: National Brands with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

National History: Stone Foltz alcohol poisoning death (BGSU, $10M settlement); David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights causing alcohol poisoning

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”)

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury case (Alabama); chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: Physical abuse combined with substance hazing

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National History: Andrew Coffey alcohol poisoning death (FSU)
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu now closed), other Texas campuses
Current Case: We represent Leonel Bermudez in $10M lawsuit against UH Pi Kappa Phi
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver alcohol poisoning death (LSU, $6.1M verdict)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

National History: Multiple paddling and alcohol hazing incidents
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, SMU, others
Pattern: Physical beatings disguised as tradition

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

National History: Timothy Piazza death (Penn State)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: Extreme intoxication with delayed medical care

Cross-Validated Brands in Texas

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine identifies organizations appearing in both IRS records and metro databases, confirming their operational presence:

Beta Upsilon Chi appears in IRS records (EIN 74-2911848, Fort Worth) and Cause IQ DFW listings
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation appears in IRS and Cause IQ data
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority has multiple Texas IRS filings and appears in Houston and Beaumont metro data

These overlaps prove we can track specific national brands across Texas metros and campuses without guessing.

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

When we represent a family from Ellis County whose child was hazed at a Texas university, we:

Subpoena national headquarters for incident reports from other chapters
Establish pattern evidence showing the organization knew these risks
Challenge “rogue chapter” defenses by proving systemic issues
Identify all insurance coverage from national policies down to local chapter policies

This multi-layered investigation is why families need attorneys who understand Greek life nationally, not just locally.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When hazing injures your child, building a strong case requires immediate action and strategic thinking. For Ellis County families, understanding this process helps you make informed decisions during a crisis.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important in 2025)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Screenshot EVERYTHING immediately
Deleted messages: Digital forensics can often recover them if phones are preserved
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts showing events
Location data: GPS tracking from phones or apps like Find My Friends
Email: Official chapter communications about events

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, digital evidence showed planning of hazing events, discussions about punishments, and attempts to cover up after Bermudez’s hospitalization.

Photos & Videos

Injuries: Photograph from multiple angles immediately and over several days
Locations: Pictures of houses, rooms, parks where hazing occurred
Events: Videos members took (often they film their own hazing)
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge packs,” costumes

Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency room records: Must specify “hazing” as cause
Lab results: Blood alcohol, creatine kinase (for rhabdomyolysis), drug tests
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Future care plans: For permanent injuries like brain damage or kidney impairment

Organizational Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
National policies on hazing and risk management
Chapter meeting minutes discussing new member activities
Insurance policies for national and local entities

University Records

Prior conduct files on the same organization
Clery Act reports showing pattern of incidents
Internal emails among administrators about the organization
Title IX records if sexualized hazing involved

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including lifelong treatment for permanent injuries
Lost earnings/educational impact: Missed semesters, delayed graduation, reduced earning capacity
Therapy costs: Psychological treatment for trauma

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants knew risks and proceeded anyway
The UH Pi Kappa Phi case may justify punitive damages given the extreme brutality

Our Investigative Process for Ellis County Families

When you contact us about hazing, we immediately:

Evidence Preservation
- Guide you through securing digital evidence before deletion
- Contact digital forensics experts if needed
- Document the scene and physical evidence
Witness Identification
- Identify other pledges who may be afraid to come forward
- Locate former members who left due to hazing
- Find roommates, RAs, or bystanders who saw something
Organizational Mapping
- Use our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to identify all liable entities
- Trace relationships between local chapter, housing corporation, alumni groups, national HQ
- Identify all potential insurance policies
Medical Documentation
- Ensure proper diagnosis and documentation of all injuries
- Consult medical experts on long-term prognosis
- Calculate future care costs for serious injuries
Legal Strategy Development
- Determine optimal jurisdiction (often where injury occurred or where defendants are based)
- Decide whether to pursue criminal charges alongside civil case
- Develop timeline balancing urgency with thorough investigation

Insurance Coverage Battles: Why Experience Matters

Fraternities, sororities, and universities have complex insurance arrangements. Insurers often argue:

“Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
“The policy doesn’t cover this location or these individuals”
“The organization failed to follow risk management procedures”

Our insurance insider knowledge is crucial here. Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, use independent medical exams to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. We:

Identify ALL potential policies (national, local, umbrella, individual)
Navigate coverage disputes and “bad faith” claims
Ensure families don’t leave money on the table

Practical Guides & FAQs for Ellis County Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight loss or gain
Sleep deprivation (calls at 3 AM, all-night “events”)
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Secrecy about organization activities
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial strain from unexplained expenses

How to Talk to Your Child

Choose the right time: When they’re rested and you have privacy
Use open questions: “How are things with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: They may feel shame or loyalty conflict
Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you through this no matter what”

If Your Child is Hurt

Medical care first: Go to ER immediately for serious injuries
Document everything:
- Photograph injuries with date/time
- Screenshot texts/group chats
- Write down what they tell you while fresh
Secure evidence:
- Save clothing worn during hazing
- Preserve phones/computers (don’t let them delete anything)
- Get names of witnesses
Contact us before reporting: We’ll guide you on how to report without compromising evidence

Dealing with the University

Document all communications: Save emails, take notes on calls
Ask specific questions:
- “What prior incidents involve this organization?”
- “What disciplinary action was taken?”
- “What’s your hazing prevention training?”
Don’t sign anything without attorney review
Remember: University interests ≠ your family’s interests

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing? Simple Test
Ask yourself:

Would I do this if I truly had a free choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
Are only new members doing this while older members watch?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

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

How to Exit Safely

In immediate danger: Call 911, then campus police
Text/email resignation: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Don’t go to “one last meeting”—that’s when pressure/retaliation happens
If threatened: Report to campus police and Dean of Students

Your Legal Rights in Texas

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency (good-faith immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you’re the victim, not perpetrator
You can sue even if you “agreed”—consent isn’t a defense in Texas
You can request no-contact orders if harassed after reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence
What families think: “We don’t want them in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; may be obstruction of justice; makes case impossible
Instead: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document everything, call us before any contact

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure quick “internal resolution”
Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often minimal
Instead: “I need my attorney to review this before I sign”

4. Posting on Social Media
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Instead: Document privately; let your attorney control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How University Handles It”
What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
What adjusters say: “We just need your statement”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
Instead: “My attorney will contact you”

FAQ: Answers for Ellis County Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would likely qualify.

“My child ‘agreed’ to the initiation—do we have a case?”
Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion isn’t voluntary. The Bermudez case proceeded despite any “agreement” to pledging.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known, and fraudulent concealment by the organization may toll (pause) the statute. Time is critical—call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

“What if it happened off-campus at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Major cases like Pi Delta Psi (retreat death) and Sigma Pi (unofficial house death) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. This makes justice accessible to families against wealthy fraternities and universities.

Why Attorney911 for Ellis County Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Texas offices, we serve families throughout the state, including those right here in Pecan Hill and Ellis County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (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.”

Current High-Stakes Hazing Litigation

Right now, we’re fighting the Leonel Bermudez $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi
This isn’t theoretical—we’re in active litigation with real defendants, real medical evidence, real consequences
Our work on this case informs every hazing case we handle

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
Public records directory with EINs, addresses, and organizational relationships
Used in the Bermudez case to identify all liable entities
“We don’t start from scratch—we already know the landscape.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care calculations
Experience valuing catastrophic injuries (brain damage, organ failure)
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’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

Investigative Depth

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (deleted messages, internal reports)
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Promise to Ellis County Families

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Your child trusted an organization that betrayed them. Your faith in the university may be shattered. You’re dealing with medical crises, emotional trauma, and institutional stonewalling.

Our job is to:

Get you answers about what really happened
Hold the right people accountable—not just individuals but the systems that enabled abuse
Secure resources for your child’s recovery and future
Help prevent this from happening to another family

We’re not about bravado or quick settlements. We’re about thorough investigation and real accountability. The Bermudez case shows our approach: naming 13 individuals, the chapter, housing corporation, national headquarters, UH, and the UH System Board of Regents. Everyone responsible, no exceptions.

Spanish-Language Services

Hablamos Español. Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult with Spanish-speaking families directly. Contact him at lupe@atty911.com or call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Mr. Peña.

Call to Action: Your Next Step as an Ellis County Family

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UT Arlington close to home, Texas A&M Commerce where many Ellis County students attend, or a major university farther away—we want to hear from you. The road to accountability starts with one phone call.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot
Everything confidential—what you tell us stays protected

Contact Us Today

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Texas Hazing Litigation Specialists
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)
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Serving Pecan Hill, Waxahachie, Midlothian, and all Ellis County families, plus students from Texas campuses statewide.

Whether the hazing happened at a DFW metro campus, a major Texas university, or anywhere your educational journey has taken you, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for protecting your child failed. Now it’s time to hold them accountable.

Call us today. Let’s get started.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Media Coverage of Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Click2Houston investigation: 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: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational 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 case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

Contact and information: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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