The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Hamlin Parents & Families Must Know

When Tradition Turns to Trauma: A Hamlin Parent’s Worst Nightmare

It begins with a phone call no parent in Jones County ever wants to receive. Your child—the one you sent off to college at Texas Tech, Hardin-Simmons, or McMurry with pride and hope—is in the hospital. The story comes out in fragments: a “pledge event,” older fraternity brothers, forced drinking, extreme physical exertion. The university calls it “an unfortunate incident.” The fraternity says it was “voluntary.” Your child sits bruised and traumatized, facing kidney damage from rhabdomyolysis, all in the name of “brotherhood.”

This is not hypothetical. Right now, just a few hours east of Hamlin in Harris County, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, allegedly endured months of abuse at the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter that left him with acute kidney failure and permanent health risks. His urine was brown from muscle breakdown. He spent four days hospitalized. The chapter is now shut down, but the damage—and the fight for accountability—continues.

If you’re a parent in Hamlin, Jones County, or anywhere across West Texas, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (or fails) your child, what’s happening at universities where Hamlin families send their students, and what legal options exist when tradition turns to trauma.

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 Greek Life

Hazing has evolved far beyond the “hell week” stereotypes. For Hamlin families with children at Texas universities, understanding modern hazing methods is the first step toward prevention and intervention.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Just Tradition”)
This is the gateway that normalizes abuse. It includes enforced “fanny pack” rules carrying humiliating items (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case), mandatory chauffeuring duties at all hours, required attendance that interferes with academics, and social isolation from non-members. In digital form, it means 24/7 group chat monitoring, mandatory location sharing via apps, and social media policing.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Middle Ground of Abuse)
Here, physical and psychological discomfort becomes systematic. Sleep deprivation through 3 AM “meetings,” food and water restriction, forced consumption of unpleasant substances (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting), and extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning.” Public humiliation through embarrassing costumes or performances, often now documented on TikTok or Instagram for social currency within the organization.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Where Catastrophe Occurs)
This is what makes national headlines and fills hospital beds. Forced alcohol consumption during “big/little” nights or drinking games like “Bible study.” Physical beatings and paddling. Dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles or extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis. Sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts. Chemical exposure (as in a Texas A&M SAE case where industrial cleaner caused burns requiring skin grafts).

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

What Hamlin parents might not realize is how technology has revolutionized both hazing and evidence collection:

Group Chat Tyranny: Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Discord create 24/7 access where pledges must respond instantly to demands
Social Media Humiliation: TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, and public shaming become “fun” for members but traumatic for new members
Location Tracking: Find My Friends, Life360, or Snapchat Maps used to monitor pledge movements
Digital Cover-Ups: Messages set to auto-delete, coaching on “what to say if investigated,” and coordinated story-building

Why “Consent” Doesn’t Matter in Texas Law

This is crucial for Hamlin families to understand: Under Texas Education Code § 37.155, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that when an 18-year-old faces social exclusion, power imbalance, and fear of losing their place in a community they’ve worked to join, their “yes” isn’t truly voluntary. This legal principle has been upheld in cases from LSU’s Max Gruver death to Penn State’s Timothy Piazza tragedy.

Texas Hazing Law Explained: What Hamlin Families Need to Know

Texas has one of the more comprehensive hazing statutes in the nation, but understanding how it works in practice is essential for Jones County families facing a crisis.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Framework

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers mental or physical health AND occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

Plain English for Hamlin Parents:
If someone makes your child do something dangerous or degrading to join or stay in a group—and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk—that’s hazing under Texas law. Location doesn’t matter (on or off campus), and mental harm counts 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
Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, or teams can be criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing OR if an officer knew and failed to report it. Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation and can lose university recognition.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
Explicitly states that victim “consent” does not justify or excuse hazing. This directly counters the most common defense families hear: “But they agreed to it.”

§ 37.154 Good-Faith Reporter Immunity:
Those who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability. Many Texas universities extend this to alcohol amnesty in medical emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (The State’s Role):

Brought by prosecutors (Jones County DA, campus police, or city police)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in deaths
Reality check: Criminal convictions are rare; cases often plead down to misdemeanors

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Path):

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Critical fact: You don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue a civil case

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

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 eventually give Hamlin families better information about campus safety records.

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 in campus safety statistics—hazing often overlaps with assaults or alcohol crimes.

Who Can Be Liable? The Web of Responsibility

Understanding the potential defendants helps Hamlin families recognize where to seek accountability:

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority itself if incorporated; officers often personally liable
National Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
Universities: Schools that knew or should have known about dangers and failed to act
Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses, Airbnb hosts, venue owners
Alcohol Providers: Bars or individuals who furnished alcohol to minors under dram shop theories

The National Blueprint: How Major Cases Shape Texas Litigation

The tragedies at other universities provide both warning signs and legal roadmaps for Texas families. These aren’t distant stories—they’re patterns repeating at Texas campuses right now.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: From Pennsylvania to Texas

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance night with forced drinking, dangerous falls captured on chapter cameras, and delayed medical help resulted in death. 18 members faced over 1,000 criminal counts. The case produced Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law and demonstrated how security footage can become powerful evidence.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking led to a 0.495% BAC and death. The case produced Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute) and showed how “games” can be deadly.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A forced bottle-of-alcohol consumption during “big/little” night caused fatal alcohol poisoning. The $10 million settlement ($7M from Pike national, $3M from BGSU) established benchmark compensation levels. The chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million.

What This Means for Hamlin Families:
These cases prove that forced drinking rituals follow predictable scripts. When we see similar patterns at Texas A&M, UT Austin, or Texas Tech, we know how to investigate and what evidence matters.

Physical Hazing Tragedies: When Tradition Becomes Torture

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
A blindfolded, weighted-down tackle ritual during a retreat caused fatal head injuries. The national fraternity was criminally convicted—a landmark for organizational liability. The fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
A “pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking caused permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care). Settlements with 22 defendants reached multi-millions, showing catastrophic non-fatal injuries have immense value.

What This Means for Hamlin Families:
Off-campus “retreats” and “unofficial” events are often where the worst violence occurs. These cases established that location doesn’t eliminate liability and that national organizations can be held accountable for chapter conduct.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Sexualized and racist hazing allegations led to multiple lawsuits, coach termination, and confidential settlements. The case proved hazing isn’t just a Greek problem—it infects elite athletic programs with the same dynamics of power abuse and silence.

Western Kentucky Swim Team (2012-2015)
Verbal and physical abuse led to program suspension and a $75,000 settlement. The case showed even non-revenue sports face hazing risks.

What This Means for Hamlin Families:
If your child is in Corps of Cadets, athletics, spirit groups, or performance ensembles at Texas schools, they face similar risks to Greek organizations. The legal principles of negligence and institutional liability apply equally.

Texas University Deep Dive: Where Hamlin Families Send Their Kids

Hamlin students attend universities across Texas, from nearby Abilene Christian and McMurry to major hubs like Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Each campus has its own hazing landscape and institutional response patterns.

West Texas & Regional Campuses: Close to Home Risks

For Hamlin families in Jones County, these are your local campuses:

McMurry University (Abilene, Taylor County)

Campus Culture: Small private Methodist university with Greek life presence
Hazing Reality: While specific public incidents are limited, the national patterns affecting all Greek organizations apply here
Parent Action: Don’t assume smaller campuses are safer—power dynamics and tradition pressures exist everywhere
Legal Jurisdiction: Taylor County courts, Abilene PD, and campus security

Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene, Taylor County)

Campus Culture: Baptist-affiliated with Greek organizations
Key Consideration: Religious affiliation doesn’t eliminate hazing risk—many national cases involve faith-affiliated schools
Reporting Channels: Dean of Students office, campus security, online reporting forms

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Abilene, Taylor County)

Professional Program Risks: Even graduate and professional programs face hazing in orientation, clinical rotations, and student organizations
Heightened Stakes: Students here have invested years in education—hazing jeopardizes careers worth hundreds of thousands of dollars

What Hamlin Parents Should Know About Regional Campuses:
Smaller schools often have less public scrutiny and fewer resources for investigation. Their “family atmosphere” can discourage reporting. Yet Texas hazing law applies equally, and experienced counsel knows how to navigate these environments.

Texas Tech University: Lubbock’s Greek Life Landscape

Many Hamlin students head to Texas Tech in Lubbock—a major Greek life campus with significant hazing history.

Campus Greek Ecosystem:

30+ fraternities and sororities across IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils
Fraternities Present Include: Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma
Sororities Present Include: Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Chi Omega

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Physical Hazing: Ongoing investigations into physical abuse allegations
Multiple Chapter Suspensions: Various organizations facing disciplinary action for alcohol, harassment, and hazing violations
Pattern Evidence: The same national organizations causing problems at other campuses operate at Texas Tech

Texas Tech’s Response System:

Office of Student Conduct handles investigations
Anonymous reporting through Raider Red’s Safety Center
Public hazing violation lists becoming more transparent

How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Lubbock County courts, Lubbock PD, Texas Tech Police Department
Common Defendants: Individual members, local chapters, national headquarters, Texas Tech Board of Regents
Evidence Sources: Tech’s disciplinary records, Lubbock bar surveillance, GroupMe chats from Tech-specific chapters

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Hamlin families with Aggie traditions, understanding both Greek and Corps hazing risks is essential.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Reality:

2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth, seeking over $1 million
Traditional Risks: “Fish” activities, physical endurance tests, psychological pressure framed as “character building”
Institutional Complexity: Corps blends military tradition with university oversight, creating liability questions

Greek Life Hazing History:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit causing severe burns requiring skin grafts. $1 million lawsuit filed, chapter suspended
Multiple Chapter Suspensions: Various organizations disciplined for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and policy violations
Transparency Challenges: A&M’s public hazing disclosures less detailed than UT Austin’s

Texas A&M’s Legal Position:

As a public university, sovereign immunity arguments possible but not absolute
Gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee liability create exceptions
Brazos County courts handle local litigation

What A&M Parents from Hamlin Should Do:

Understand both Greek AND Corps reporting channels
Document everything—A&M’s size can mean cases get lost in bureaucracy
Recognize that “tradition” defenses carry less weight after recent lawsuits

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

UT Austin leads Texas in hazing transparency, providing a public window into recurring problems.

UT’s Hazing Violations Database:
Publicly lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → probation and mandatory hazing prevention education
Texas Wranglers & Spirit Groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
Pattern Clear: Same organizations reappear with similar violations year after year

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):
Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. $1+ million lawsuit filed against chapter already under suspension for prior violations.

UT’s Institutional Advantages/Challenges:

Pro: Transparent violation database helps prove pattern knowledge
Con: Repeated violations suggest sanctions aren’t deterrent enough
Legal Venue: Travis County courts, Austin PD, UTPD

UT-Specific Evidence Strategies:

Start with UT’s public hazing database to establish prior notice
Subpoena UT’s internal disciplinary files (more detailed than public summaries)
Use Austin’s tech infrastructure to obtain digital evidence from local servers

University of Houston: Our Active Litigation Frontline

The Leonel Bermudez case represents exactly what we’re fighting right now—and what every Texas family should understand about hazing’s medical dangers.

The Bermudez Case: A Template for Texas Hazing Litigation

Victim: Leonel Bermudez, UH transfer student
Organizations: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, national Pi Kappa Phi, UH, UH System Board of Regents
Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced dress codes, overnight driving duties, extreme physical workouts, forced consumption causing vomiting, hose spraying “like waterboarding”
Medical Catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization, permanent kidney damage risk
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal Status: Active $10 million lawsuit in Harris County, representing transparency in accountability

UH’s Greek Landscape:

50+ fraternities and sororities across multiple councils
Recent History: Multiple chapter suspensions for hazing, alcohol violations, and risk management failures
Urban Campus Dynamics: Off-campus housing, Houston bar scenes, and commuter population create unique hazing environments

Harris County Legal Advantages:

Our home jurisdiction—deep understanding of local courts and procedures
Houston’s medical center provides world-class expert testimony
Harris County juries have awarded significant verdicts in institutional cases

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University: Private School Realities

For Hamlin families considering private universities, different dynamics apply.

SMU’s Affluent Greek Culture:

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived → chapter suspended
Private School Challenges: Less public records transparency, but discovery in litigation can uncover internal documents
Dallas Legal Venue: Experienced judiciary with complex litigation familiarity

Baylor’s Post-Scandal Environment:

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Title IX History: University already under scrutiny for institutional response failures
Waco Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts, Baylor-specific precedents developing

Private vs. Public University Considerations:

Sovereign Immunity: Not applicable to SMU/Baylor (private)
Discovery Access: May be easier than public records requests
Reputation Pressure: Often intense, leading to quicker settlements

The Organizations Behind the Letters: National Patterns Meet Texas Chapters

When a Hamlin family faces hazing at Texas Tech’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter or UT’s Pi Kappa Alpha, they’re confronting national organizations with documented histories of violence and death. This isn’t coincidence—it’s pattern.

How National Histories Create Legal Liability

National fraternities and sororities maintain anti-hazing policies precisely because they know the risks. When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that killed someone at Bowling Green or LSU, that demonstrates:

Foreseeability: The national knew this could happen
Failure to Supervise: Policies weren’t adequately enforced
Pattern Evidence: This isn’t “rogue individuals” but organizational culture

Major Organizations with Texas Presence and National Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), David Bogenberger death (NIU), multiple Chapter suspensions
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech
Pattern: “Big/little” alcohol nights, physical hazing traditions

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National History: Carson Starkey death (Cal Poly), traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities
Pattern: Physical violence, alcohol hazing, repeated violations

Phi Delta Theta

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU), leading to Louisiana felony hazing law
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas chapters
Pattern: Drinking games framed as “education”

Pi Kappa Phi

National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State)
Texas Presence: UH chapter (now closed in Bermudez case)
Pattern: Bid acceptance events, forced consumption

Kappa Alpha Order

National History: Multiple paddling and suspension incidents
Texas Presence: SMU, Texas A&M, other campuses
Pattern: Physical beatings, tradition-based abuse

The Insurance Reality: Why National Histories Matter Financially

National organizations carry insurance policies covering chapters. When multiple claims exist across states:

Insurers see pattern risks
Settlement valuations increase
Bad faith exposure grows if claims are wrongfully denied

For Hamlin families, this means cases against organizations with national histories often have deeper insurance pockets and greater settlement potential.

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

When hazing injures a Hamlin student, evidence disappears within hours. Understanding what matters—and how to preserve it—can determine whether justice is possible.

The Evidence Hierarchy: What Wins Cases

1. Digital Communications (The New Smoking Gun)

GroupMe/WhatsApp/Discord: Full threads showing planning, coaching, cover-ups
iMessage/SMS: Direct communications between members
Social Media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok messages
Preservation Method: Screenshot immediately with timestamps and participant names visible. Do NOT let your child delete anything.

2. Medical Documentation

ER Records: Must include “hazing” as cause in narrative
Lab Results: Blood alcohol, creatine kinase (rhabdomyolysis), kidney function
Imaging: X-rays, CT scans showing injuries
Psychological Evaluation: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

3. Photographic Evidence

Injuries: Multiple angles with scale reference (coin/ruler in frame)
Locations: Houses, rooms, venues where hazing occurred
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, costumes
Progression Photos: Document injury development over days

4. Institutional Records

University Disciplinary Files: Prior violations of same organization
Campus Police Reports: Previous incident documentation
National Fraternity Files: Risk management reports, prior chapter sanctions
Property Records: Landlord agreements, Airbnb receipts

5. Witness Network

Other Pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled
Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, bar staff
Experts: Medical specialists, Greek life culture experts, economists

The Damages Framework: What Recovery Actually Means

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (permanent injuries affecting career)
Therapy and rehabilitation expenses

Non-Economic Damages (Human Losses)

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in activities they loved)
Humiliation and loss of dignity

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional trauma
Lost financial support

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate)

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants knew risks and acted anyway
Texas has caps but exceptions exist for egregious cases

Realistic Case Timeline and Process

Phase 1: Emergency Response (First 48 Hours)

Medical stabilization
Evidence preservation
Initial legal consultation
Decision on immediate reporting

Phase 2: Investigation (Weeks 1-12)

Digital forensics on phones/devices
Medical record collection
Witness interviews
Public records requests

Phase 3: Pre-Litigation (Months 3-6)

Settlement demand packages
Negotiation with insurers
Mediation attempts
Decision on filing lawsuit

Phase 4: Litigation (Months 6-24+)

Discovery (document requests, depositions)
Expert designation
Mediation/settlement conferences
Trial preparation

Phase 5: Resolution

Settlement (most common)
Trial verdict (rare)
Appellate process (if applicable)

Practical Guides for Hamlin Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding

Warning Signs Your Hamlin Student May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, defensiveness
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Financial stress from unexplained expenses
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Grades dropping due to “mandatory” events
Physical signs: bruises, burns, weight changes, sleep deprivation markers

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

“How are things with [organization]? Is it what you expected?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“What happens if someone doesn’t participate in activities?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment
Prioritize safety over “not making waves”
Document everything they say
Preserve any evidence they show you
Contact experienced counsel before taking action

If Your Child Is Hospitalized or Injured:

Get medical documentation specifying “hazing” as cause
Photograph all injuries immediately
Secure their phone/device for evidence preservation
Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
Do NOT speak to university officials without counsel present

For Students: Survival and Safety Planning

Self-Assessment: Is This Hazing?

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?
Are older members making us do things they don’t do?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 (medical emergencies)
Text 911 if you can’t speak safely
Use SafeWalk or campus escort services
Go to public location or hospital

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation to chapter president/new member educator
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” or “exit interview”
If threatened, report to campus police and request no-contact order
Document any retaliation immediately

Evidence Collection (Do This Immediately):

Screenshot ALL group chats with timestamps visible
Photograph injuries with date references
Save emails, texts, social media posts
Record voice memos of conversations (Texas is one-party consent)
Preserve physical items (clothing, objects, receipts)

For Witnesses and Former Members: Navigating Complicity

If You Participated and Regret It:

Your testimony could prevent future injuries
Cooperation can be arranged through counsel
You may need your own attorney for criminal exposure
Coming forward can be part of personal redemption

If You Saw Something and Said Nothing:

The statute of limitations may still be open
Your evidence could be crucial
Good-faith reporter protections exist
Anonymous reporting is possible through hotlines

If You’re Being Pressured to Lie or Cover Up:

Obstruction of justice is a separate crime
Document any pressure attempts
Consult independent counsel immediately
Remember: protecting the organization won’t protect you personally

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

MISTAKE #1: Letting Evidence Disappear

What happens: Messages deleted, phones “wiped,” physical evidence destroyed
The result: Case becomes “he said/she said” with no proof
The fix: Screenshot and photograph EVERYTHING immediately. Do NOT delete.

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization Directly

What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
The result: Your surprise advantage disappears
The fix: Document quietly, then call counsel before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What happens: You waive legal rights for minimal concessions
The result: Settlement far below case value, no real accountability
The fix: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media

What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, find inconsistencies
The result: Your credibility damaged, case value decreased
The fix: Let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for “Internal Investigation”

What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
The result: Case weakens or becomes impossible
The fix: Preserve evidence NOW, consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters

What happens: Recorded statements used against you, lowball settlements offered
The result: Case undervalued, your words twisted
The fix: “My attorney will contact you” is the only response

MISTAKE #7: Letting Shame Silence You

What happens: Suffering continues for your child and future victims
The result: No accountability, no prevention
The fix: Recognize hazing victims are NEVER at fault. Courage protects others.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your Hamlin family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and insurance companies fight these cases—and how to win anyway.

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Active Frontline Experience: The Bermudez Case
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—a $10 million hazing case involving kidney failure, hospitalization, and institutional accountability. This isn’t theoretical; we’re in the courtroom fighting exactly what your family may be facing.

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy IMEs (Independent Medical Exams) to reduce settlements

We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. Universities and national fraternities use the same tactics: delay, deny, defend. We’re not intimidated.

Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Results
We’ve recovered millions for families in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists to value lifetime care needs, vocational experts to assess earning capacity loss, and medical specialists to document permanent disabilities.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand criminal hazing charges and how they interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses with potential exposure and navigate dual-track cases.

Digital Evidence Mastery
We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, analyze metadata, and trace digital footprints. In 2025, hazing cases are won or lost on GroupMe chats and social media evidence.

Texas Geographic and Legal Mastery
From our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, we serve families throughout Texas. We understand:

County-specific court procedures from Harris to Travis to Lubbock Counties
University-specific policies and prior incident histories
Local defense firms and their tactics

Our Investigation Process: How We Build Winning Cases

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation
Within hours of engagement, we:

Secure digital evidence before deletion
Document physical evidence before destruction
Identify and contact witnesses before coaching begins
Obtain medical records with “hazing” documentation

Phase 2: Institutional Pattern Investigation
We uncover what the organization already knew:

Prior complaints and incidents at same chapter
National organization’s knowledge of similar conduct elsewhere
University’s disciplinary history with the organization
Insurance coverage and policy limits

Phase 3: Expert-Led Case Development
We deploy specialists tailored to your case:

Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, kidney specialists)
Greek life culture experts
Digital forensics analysts
Economists for damage calculation
Life care planners for catastrophic injuries

Phase 4: Strategic Litigation Positioning
We build leverage through:

Thorough evidence presentation to insurers
Demonstrating institutional knowledge and foreseability
Calculating full economic and non-economic damages
Preparing for trial readiness (which drives better settlements)

What Makes Hazing Cases Different

Powerful Institutional Defendants
Universities and national fraternities have:

Unlimited legal budgets
Public relations teams
Political connections
Insurance coverage battles

Emotional Complexity

Victims often feel shame and loyalty conflict
Families fear publicity and retaliation
Witnesses are terrified of social consequences
Communities protect “traditions”

Evidence Challenges

Digital evidence disappears instantly
Witnesses are coached or intimidated
Organizations close ranks
Universities control narratives

Our Approach Addresses These Realities
We provide:

Emotional support alongside legal strategy
Privacy protection throughout process
Witness coordination and protection
Media management if needed
Focus on accountability, not just compensation

Your Next Steps: A Hamlin Family’s Action Plan

If hazing has impacted your family, time is your most valuable and disappearing resource. Here’s what to do right now:

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

Medical Priority: Get appropriate care and document EVERYTHING with medical providers
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot, photograph, save—assume everything will disappear
Documentation: Write down names, dates, locations, details while fresh
Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
Safety Planning: Ensure your child is physically and emotionally safe

Strategic Decisions (First Week)

Reporting Strategy: With counsel, decide on criminal reports, university reporting, timing
Medical Follow-Up: Specialists, psychological evaluation, ongoing documentation
Evidence Organization: All materials to counsel for systematic analysis
Communication Plan: How to handle university, organization, media inquiries
Family Support: Therapy, academic accommodations, financial planning

Long-Term Considerations

Legal Path: Civil lawsuit, criminal complaint, both, or other accountability methods
Academic Continuity: Transfer options, medical leaves, degree completion
Financial Planning: Medical bills, lost income, future care needs
Healing Journey: Therapy, support groups, family counseling
Advocacy Potential: Preventing future harm through your experience

Contact Attorney911 for Your Confidential Consultation

If you’re a Hamlin parent facing the nightmare of hazing, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The path is complex, but we’ve walked it before.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain legal options specific to your situation
Discuss realistic timelines and outcomes
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide with clarity
Everything is confidential—protected by attorney-client privilege

How to Reach Us:

24/7 Hazing Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Spanish Services: Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com (Se habla Español)
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Our Commitment to Hamlin Families:

We serve families throughout Texas, including Jones County and the Hamlin area
We understand West Texas values and communities
We fight for accountability that prevents future harm
We prioritize your family’s privacy and healing
We bring insider knowledge of how institutions really operate

Whether your child attends Texas Tech, McMurry, Hardin-Simmons, or any Texas campus, if hazing has caused injury, trauma, or loss, we can help you find answers, accountability, and a path forward.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family.

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