The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Families in Weston Lakes, Texas

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone

Picture this scenario, one that sadly echoes through our community in Weston Lakes and across Fort Bend County: Your son or daughter excitedly joins a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or campus organization at a Texas university. What begins as camaraderie soon turns concerning—late-night calls, unexplained exhaustion, secretive behavior. Then comes the call no parent wants: your child is in the emergency room with kidney failure from “extreme workouts,” or hospitalized with alcohol poisoning after a “Big/Little night,” or suffering from psychological trauma after weeks of humiliation and abuse.

Right now, in our own backyard, we’re seeing exactly this. Our firm currently represents Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student whose fall 2025 Pi Kappa Phi pledge experience allegedly involved such severe hazing that he developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization. As reported by Click2Houston and ABC13, the alleged conduct included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under expulsion threats; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; and carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack” 24/7. His urine turned brown—a classic symptom of rhabdomyolysis—before hospitalization.

This is happening here in Texas, to students from families just like yours in Weston Lakes, Fulshear, Katy, and throughout Fort Bend County. If you’re reading this guide, you’re likely facing your own nightmare or trying to prevent one. This comprehensive resource is written specifically for Weston Lakes families and all Texas parents whose children have been affected by hazing at fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletic teams, spirit groups, or other campus organizations.

What This Guide Covers for Weston Lakes Families

This is more than just an article about hazing—it’s a practical, legal, and strategic guide built on our firm’s active litigation experience and proprietary Texas data. We’ll cover:

What hazing really looks like in 2025 (beyond the stereotypes)
Texas and federal hazing laws that protect your child
National case patterns and how they apply to Texas universities
Campus-specific realities at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and other schools where Weston Lakes students attend
Fraternity/sorority national histories that show repeating dangerous patterns
How to build a strong case with evidence that survives institutional pushback
Practical steps for parents and students facing a hazing crisis
Why our firm’s specific expertise matters for Weston Lakes families seeking accountability

Whether your child attends the University of Houston (just east of us in Harris County), Texas A&M (where many Weston Lakes students pursue engineering and agriculture), UT Austin, Baylor, SMU, or any other Texas campus, the legal principles and institutional dynamics are similar. We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston office, bringing specific insights about courts, universities, and Greek organizations that affect Weston Lakes residents.

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 for Weston Lakes Students

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” For Weston Lakes families sending children to Texas universities, understanding modern hazing’s reality is crucial. The activities that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez at UH—extreme physical punishment, forced consumption, psychological manipulation—represent today’s hazing landscape.

A Clear, Modern Definition

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
Involves humiliation or degradation
Creates power imbalance between new and existing members
Often occurs under the guise of “tradition,” “team building,” or “bonding”

Critically, “I agreed to it” does not make it legal or safe. Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing (Education Code §37.155), recognizing the power dynamics and peer pressure inherent in these situations.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
The most common—and most deadly—form affecting students from Weston Lakes and beyond:

Forced or coerced drinking games (“Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, “family tree” drinking)
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” or consumption quotas
Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous mixtures
Pattern seen in: Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green), Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU), Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi, FSU)

Physical Hazing
Beyond “tough workouts” to dangerous physical abuse:

Paddling, beatings, or physical assaults
Extreme calisthenics or “smokings” (100+ push-ups, 500+ squats as alleged in UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction
Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments
Pattern seen in: Texas A&M SAE chemical burns case, Texas A&M Corps “roasted pig” binding allegations

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Degrading acts that cause psychological trauma:

Forced nudity or partial undressing
Simulated sexual acts or positions
Degrading costumes or role-playing
Racial, sexist, or homophobic targeting
Pattern seen in: Northwestern football scandal, various fraternity initiation rituals

Psychological Hazing
Mental manipulation that can be as damaging as physical abuse:

Verbal abuse, screaming, humiliation sessions
Social isolation from non-members
Threats of expulsion or social exclusion
Forced confessions or betrayals

Digital/Online Hazing
The modern evolution affecting tech-savvy Weston Lakes students:

Group chat dares and “challenges” (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord)
Social media humiliation (forced TikTok videos, embarrassing Instagram posts)
24/7 availability demands via text
Location tracking requirements (Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps)
Digital evidence that becomes critical in litigation

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Contrary to stereotypes, hazing affects more than just fraternities. Weston Lakes families should be aware of these risk areas:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military Programs (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
Spirit and Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, Aggie Bonfire legacy groups)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread: social status, tradition worship, and secrecy keep these practices alive despite knowing they’re illegal. As one former fraternity member told us, “Everyone knows it’s wrong, but everyone before you did it, so you feel like you have to.”

Texas Hazing Law: What Weston Lakes Families Must Know

Texas has specific legal protections against hazing that apply whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT, or any state university. Understanding this framework is essential for Weston Lakes families considering legal action.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

§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 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 Weston Lakes Families:

Location doesn’t matter – off-campus houses, retreats, or private properties are still covered
Mental OR physical harm qualifies – psychological trauma counts
“Reckless” is enough – they don’t need to intend harm, just disregard obvious risks
“Consent is not a defense” (§37.155) – even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

§37.152 Criminal Penalties

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic 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, and universities themselves can face:

Criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing
Fines up to $10,000 per violation
University recognition revocation (chapter closure)

§37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. This is critical for Weston Lakes students afraid of getting in trouble for underage drinking or participation.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by: State prosecutors (Harris County DA, Fort Bend County DA, etc.)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in deaths
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases

Brought by: Victims and families (like the Bermudez family in the UH case)
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Typical claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, premises liability
Burden of proof: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)

Critical Insight: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case, and the civil discovery process often uncovers evidence that helps prosecutors.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthen prevention education
Maintain public hazing data (phasing in through 2026)
Impact for Weston Lakes families: More data about which organizations have violations

Title IX & Clery Act

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery Act: Requires reporting certain campus crimes; hazing often overlaps with assault/alcohol crimes
Practical effect: Additional reporting obligations and potential federal claims

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Chapter officers (presidents, pledge educators, risk managers)
Members who supplied alcohol or participated

Local Chapter / Organization

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
Housing corporations owning chapter houses
Example: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation named in UH lawsuit

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on: What they knew or should have known from prior incidents
Example: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters named in UH case despite chapter suspension

University or Governing Board

Public universities: UH System Board of Regents (named in UH case), Texas A&M System, UT System
Private universities: SMU, Baylor with different liability standards
Key questions: Prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties

Property owners/landlords of chapter houses
Alcohol providers (bars, liquor stores under dram shop laws)
Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating, we named 13 individual members plus the university, board of regents, national headquarters, and housing corporation because accountability requires pursuing every responsible entity.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Precedents That Protect Weston Lakes Students

Major national cases aren’t just headlines—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly affect cases involving Weston Lakes students. Here’s what these patterns mean for Texas families.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

What happened: Bid-acceptance night with forced drinking; Piazza fell multiple times on chapter house cameras; brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 hours
Legal outcome: 18 members charged with 1,000+ counts; involuntary manslaughter convictions; $60M+ in settlements; Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”
Weston Lakes relevance: Shows how delay in seeking medical help dramatically increases liability

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

What happened: “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking; Gruver’s BAC reached 0.495%
Legal outcome: Felony hazing convictions; $6.1M verdict against national fraternity; Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony
Weston Lakes relevance: “Drinking games” as hazing are now clearly established in law

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

What happened: “Big/Little” night where Foltz was forced to drink entire bottle of liquor
Legal outcome: $10M settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, $3M from BGSU); chapter president ordered to pay $6.5M personally
Weston Lakes relevance: Demonstrates university liability even at public institutions

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

What happened: “Big Brother” night with handle-of-liquor consumption
Legal outcome: Criminal hazing convictions; FSU suspended all Greek life
Weston Lakes relevance: Same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) as current UH case shows pattern

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

What happened: Blindfolded, weighted backpack “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat; repeated tackling caused fatal brain injury
Legal outcome: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Weston Lakes relevance: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability; national organizations can face criminal prosecution

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021)

What happened: Pledges allegedly covered in industrial cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
Legal outcome: $1M lawsuit; chapter suspended for 2 years
Weston Lakes relevance: Physical hazing goes beyond paddling to dangerous substances

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

What happened: Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Legal outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Weston Lakes relevance: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to high-profile athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Weston Lakes Families

Pattern Recognition Matters: Courts see that forced drinking games, physical endurance tests, and ritualized abuse repeat across organizations
National Organizations Have Notice: When Pi Kappa Phi has a fatal hazing at FSU (2017), then severe hazing at UH (2025), the national’s knowledge of risks is established
Universities Face Liability: Public and private schools pay significant settlements when they fail to prevent foreseeable harm
Individual Accountability Exists: Chapter officers can face personal financial ruin, not just organizational consequences

Texas Campus Focus: Where Weston Lakes Students Face Hazing Risks

Weston Lakes families primarily send students to Houston-area universities, but also to major state schools across Texas. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at each campus.

University of Houston: The Closest Major Campus to Weston Lakes

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UH sits just east of Weston Lakes in Harris County, making it the most accessible major university for our community. With over 46,000 students and active Greek life spanning fraternities, sororities, and multicultural organizations, it represents both opportunity and risk for Weston Lakes students.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH Policy: Prohibits hazing on and off campus
Reporting channels: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
Transparency: Limited public violation lists compared to UT Austin

Documented Incidents & Responses

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during alleged hazing; chapter suspended
2020 Sigma Chi Suspension: Alcohol-related hazing violations
2025 Pi Kappa Phi Case (Current): Leonel Bermudez rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure; chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025, then voted to surrender charter Nov 14, 2025
UH Statement on Pi Kappa Phi: Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary action up to expulsion, cooperation with law enforcement

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds for Weston Lakes Families

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts, potentially federal court for Title IX/Clery claims
Police involvement: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department depending on location
Common defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national headquarters, UH System Board of Regents
Legal venues: Harris County Civil Courthouse, federal Southern District of Texas

What UH Students & Weston Lakes Parents Should Do

Document immediately: Screenshot UH-related GroupMe chats, photograph injuries
Report strategically: UH Dean of Students first, but consult attorney before giving detailed statements
Preserve medical records: Hermann Memorial, UT Health, or other Houston hospital records
Understand UH’s dual role: Both investigator and potential defendant in serious cases
Contact Houston-based counsel: Familiarity with Harris County courts and UH administration matters

Texas A&M University: Where Tradition Meets Risk

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Many Weston Lakes students attend Texas A&M for engineering, business, and agriculture programs. The Corps of Cadets culture and strong Greek life create unique hazing risks that families should understand.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

University Rules: Student Rules 24 and 27 specifically address hazing
Corps Regulations: Additional military-style discipline system
Reporting: Student Conduct Office, Corps leadership, anonymous reporting

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial cleaner causing burns requiring skin grafts; $1M lawsuit; chapter suspended
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged being bound between beds with apple in mouth in simulated sexual position; sought $1M+; A&M stated handled internally
Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023): Extreme physical hazing allegedly causing muscle breakdown; ongoing litigation
Multiple Chapter Suspensions: Annual disciplinary actions for alcohol, physical hazing violations

How a Texas A&M Case Proceeds

Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts
Unique aspects: Corps separate disciplinary system; military-style chain of command issues
Sovereign immunity considerations: Texas A&M as state agency has some protections

What Texas A&M Families Should Know

Corps vs. Greek life: Different reporting chains, but similar hazing patterns
“Tradition” defense: Aggie traditions don’t excuse illegal hazing
University’s dual role: Investigating misconduct while potentially being liable for allowing it
Medical resources: Baylor Scott & White in Bryan-College Station often treats hazing injuries

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin’s size (51,000+ students) and Greek life intensity create significant hazing risks. Weston Lakes students attending UT face both academic opportunity and organizational pressure.

Official Hazing Policy & Transparency

Public Violations List: UT maintains transparent hazing.utexas.edu with organization names, violations, sanctions
Recent examples:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; probation
- Texas Wranglers (2022): Alcohol-related hazing violations; suspension
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Assault allegations involving exchange student; chapter already on probation

What UT’s Transparency Means for Weston Lakes Families

Pattern evidence: Public records show which organizations repeat violations
University knowledge: UT clearly knows about hazing risks
Discovery advantage: Prior violations are already documented

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

SMU Insights

Private university status affects liability standards
Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended
Reporting systems: Anonymous Real Response system

Baylor Insights

Religious identity interacts with hazing policies
Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Title IX history: Past sexual assault scandal informs current approach

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Matter for Weston Lakes Cases

When Weston Lakes students join Greek organizations at Texas universities, they’re not just joining local chapters—they’re connecting to national organizations with documented hazing histories. This matters legally.

Why National Histories Matter in Court

National fraternities/sororities have thick anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies precisely because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries. When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous patterns seen elsewhere:

Foreseeability is established: Nationals should have known this could happen
Pattern evidence supports negligence: “This wasn’t a rogue chapter—it’s part of your pattern”
Punitive damages become possible: When organizations ignore known risks

Organization Mapping: National Patterns at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

National history: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Legal significance: $14M settlement in Bogenberger case shows national liability

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

National history: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated pledge program in 2014 due to pattern
Texas incidents: Chemical burns at Texas A&M (2021), assault allegations at UT Austin (2024)
Legal significance: Known as “the deadliest fraternity” in some reports

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National history: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017)
Current Texas case: Leonel Bermudez rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure at UH (2025)
Legal significance: Pattern of alcohol hazing at “Big Brother/Little Brother” events

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National history: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017)
Texas presence: Multiple campus chapters
Legal significance: $6.1M verdict shows juror willingness to hold nationals accountable

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

National history: Timothy Piazza death (Penn State, 2017)
Texas presence: Chapters at major universities
Legal significance: Security camera evidence crucial in establishing delay in seeking help

Cross-Campus Pattern Evidence

When Weston Lakes attorneys investigate hazing cases, we look for patterns not just within one chapter, but across:

Same national, different Texas campuses: If Pi Kappa Alpha hazes at UH and Texas A&M, that’s a Texas pattern
Same rituals, multiple schools: “Big/Little” drinking nights, physical endurance tests, paddling traditions
National training inadequacies: Policy manuals that aren’t enforced, perfunctory risk management training

This pattern evidence becomes powerful in discovery when we subpoena national headquarters for:

Prior incident reports from other chapters
Risk management violation histories
Internal communications about hazing risks
Insurance coverage information

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Texas Universities

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed data on Greek organizations operating in Texas. This directory shows the complex web of entities that may share liability in hazing cases affecting Weston Lakes students.

Houston Metro Area Greek Organizations (Relevant to UH & Area Schools)

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area contains 188 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These include undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and honor societies. Examples from public records:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (Alumni/house corporation)
Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni – Houston, TX
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega – Houston, TX (Graduate chapter)
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma – Houston, TX (Graduate chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (Undergraduate chapter)

IRS-Registered Texas Greek Organizations (Sample)

From IRS B83 filings (organizations registered as student fraternities/sororities):

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681 (IRS B83 filing)
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc – EIN 161675890 – 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822 (IRS B83 filing, Zeta Rho HCB)
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – EIN 201237505 – 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210-4202 (IRS B83 filing, Beta Chapter)
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 371768785 – 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820 (IRS B83 filing)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629 (IRS B83 filing)

Texas Universities Weston Lakes Students Attend

From our Texas Universities database, these are the primary schools where Weston Lakes families send students:

University of Houston – Houston, Harris County
Texas A&M University – College Station, Brazos County
University of Texas at Austin – Austin, Travis County
Blinn College – Brenham, Washington County (common for Texas A&M transfer)
Prairie View A&M University – Prairie View, Waller County (nearby HBCU)
Sam Houston State University – Huntsville, Walker County
University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, Galveston County (health professions)

What This Directory Means for Weston Lakes Families

Multiple Entities, Multiple Insurance Policies: Each organization—chapter, housing corporation, alumni association—may have separate insurance coverage
Asset Discovery: Public records help locate entities that might share liability
Service of Process: Proper legal names and addresses ensure lawsuits reach all responsible parties
Pattern Evidence: Multiple chapters of same national show systemic issues

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Weston Lakes Families

Successful hazing litigation requires meticulous evidence collection, strategic defendant selection, and understanding of damage calculations. Here’s how we build cases for Weston Lakes families.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important Evidence Today)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat (screenshot quickly), TikTok, Facebook
Recovery methods: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
Pattern evidence: Chats showing planning, coercion, cover-up attempts

Photos & Videos

Injury documentation: Multiple angles, progression over days, scale references
Event footage: Social media posts, shared videos, security camera footage
Location evidence: House exteriors, room layouts, alcohol containers

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals: Handbooks outlining “traditions” or expectations
Chapter records: Meeting minutes, financial records showing alcohol purchases
National policies: Risk management manuals, anti-hazing training materials

University Records

Prior violations: Disciplinary histories of same organization
Incident reports: Campus police or conduct office filings
Clery reports: Annual crime statistics that might include hazing incidents

Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency care: ER reports, ambulance records, toxicology results
Specialist care: Nephrology (kidney), psychiatry (PTSD), orthopedics (injuries)
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

Witness Testimony

Other pledges: Often fear retaliation but may cooperate with protection
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled frequently willing to testify
Bystanders: Roommates, friends, neighbors who observed changes

Evidence Preservation: What Weston Lakes Families Should Do NOW

Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence for practical guidance. Key steps:

Screenshot everything: Group chats, DMs, social media posts (include timestamps)
Photograph injuries: Daily progression shows severity
Save physical evidence: Clothing, paddles, alcohol containers, receipts
Document conversations: Write down who said what, when
Medical documentation: Tell providers “this was hazing” for record accuracy

Damage Categories in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future care (ER, hospitalization, therapy, medications)
Lost income: Wages lost during recovery, parents’ time off work
Educational impact: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Future earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings from permanent disabilities

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain: From injuries, medical procedures, rehabilitation
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, fear
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in sports, social activities, normal college life
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of financial support: Deceased’s potential lifetime earnings
Loss of companionship: Parents’ and siblings’ grief
Emotional suffering: Family’s trauma

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

Purpose: Punish and deter especially reckless or intentional conduct
When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel acts, cover-up attempts
Texas caps: Generally limited but can be substantial in gross negligence cases

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Fraternity and university insurance fights are complex. Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney means we know how insurers:

Value claims: Reserve-setting formulas, injury valuation methods
Deny coverage: “Intentional act” exclusions, “criminal conduct” exceptions
Delay tactics: Extended investigations, document requests, lowball offers
Use IMEs: “Independent” medical exams that often minimize injuries

We counter with:

Multiple policy identification: Chapter insurance, national insurance, university coverage, individual homeowner policies
Bad faith claims: When insurers wrongfully deny valid claims
Expert-backed valuations: Medical experts, economists, life care planners

Practical Guides & FAQs for Weston Lakes Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical: Unexplained injuries, extreme exhaustion, weight changes, sleep deprivation
Behavioral: Sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family/friends, personality changes (anxiety, irritability)
Academic: Grades dropping, missing classes, losing scholarships
Digital: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about messages, deleted conversations
Financial: Unexpected expenses, maxed credit cards, requests for money without explanation

How to Talk to Your Child

Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: They may feel shame or fear letting you down
Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any group”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you through this no matter what”

If Your Child is Hurt

Medical care first: Even if they resist, insist on evaluation
Document immediately: Photos, screenshots, notes while memory fresh
Preserve evidence: Don’t wash clothing, don’t delete messages
Contact attorney: Before talking to university or organization

Dealing with the University

Document all communications: Emails, calls, meetings
Ask specific questions: “What prior incidents involved this organization?” “What disciplinary action was taken?”
Don’t sign anything: Universities may offer quick “resolutions” that waive legal rights
Remember their role: They’re both investigator and potential defendant

For Students: Is This Hazing? What to Do

Self-Assessment Questions

Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Are only new members required to do this while older members watch or participate?
Am I told to keep secrets from parents, university, or outsiders?
Would the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?

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

How to Exit Safely

Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
Quitting the organization: Send email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Avoid “one last meeting”: That’s when pressure and retaliation happen
Report retaliation: Stalking, threats, harassment are crimes

Evidence Collection for Students

Screenshots: Group chats with timestamps visible
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
Medical records: Tell providers “this was hazing” for accurate documentation
Witness info: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

For Former Members & Witnesses

If you participated and now regret it:

Your testimony matters: Could prevent future harm
Legal protection available: You may need your own attorney
Cooperation can help: With proper counsel, cooperating can lead to better outcomes
Guilt is normal: But continuing silence enables future abuse

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Deleting Evidence: Messages, photos, videos—preserve everything, even if embarrassing
Confronting the Organization: They’ll lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Signing University “Resolutions”: Often waive legal rights for minimal compensation
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Waiting for University Investigation: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball offers
Letting Your Child Attend “One Last Meeting”: Pressure, intimidation, and damaging statements occur

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions for Weston Lakes Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer 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 Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure could potentially support felony charges.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Consent is not a defense in Texas hazing law (§37.155). Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t truly voluntary. The alleged activities in the UH case—forced consumption, extreme workouts, humiliation—would be illegal even if “agreed to.”

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or discovery in Texas, but exceptions exist for minors, fraud, or cover-ups. The statute of limitations is strict—don’t wait. Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations for details.

“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 foreseeability. The Pi Kappa Phi hazing allegedly occurred at chapter houses, Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park—all potentially covered.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize client privacy while pursuing accountability. Public court filings can sometimes be sealed or use initials.

“How much does this cost?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work. This makes justice accessible against wealthy fraternities and universities.

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911: Why Weston Lakes Families Choose Us for 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 Weston Lakes families choose us for hazing litigation.

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation: The Leonel Bermudez UH Case

Right now, we’re leading one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi, et al. This $10 million lawsuit alleges:

Extreme physical hazing causing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Psychological abuse including simulated waterboarding and humiliation
Institutional failures by UH and Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Chapter suspension (Nov 6, 2025) then charter surrender (Nov 14, 2025)

This isn’t theoretical—we’re in active litigation against a major Texas university and national fraternity right now. When Weston Lakes families consult us, they’re getting counsel currently fighting the battles they may face.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics and lowball offers
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy “independent” medical exams to minimize injuries

As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers for Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and other nationals.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas experience
25+ Years Complex Litigation: Not intimidated by national fraternity defense teams
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability

We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets. Universities and national fraternities don’t intimidate us.

Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Experience

Wrongful Death Settlements: Proven track record valuing young lives
Economist Collaboration: Calculating lifetime care needs, lost earning capacity
Life Care Planning: For brain injuries, permanent disabilities, ongoing treatment
Non-Economic Damage Expertise: Valuing PTSD, trauma, loss of college experience

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability

HCCLA Membership: Understands criminal hazing charges and defenses
Witness Coordination: Advising former members with potential exposure
Parallel Proceedings: Managing cases with both criminal and civil tracks

Investigative Depth & Expert Network

Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence
Medical Experts: Nephrologists (kidney), psychiatrists (PTSD), toxicologists
Greek Life Experts: Understanding organizational dynamics, national policies
Economists & Life Care Planners: Calculating full damage scope

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Beyond individual cases, we’ve built a proprietary data system tracking:

1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 registered entities (125+ Texas Greek organizations with EINs)
Campus-specific rosters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
National incident patterns across fraternity/sorority brands

This means when Weston Lakes families come to us about hazing at Texas A&M’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter, we already know:

That SAE has chemical burn incidents at other campuses
The national organization’s risk management history
Prior violations at Texas A&M
Potentially liable entities (chapter, housing corp, alumni association, national)

We don’t start from zero—we start with data.

How We Approach Hazing Cases for Weston Lakes Families

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-48 Hours)

Evidence preservation guidance
Medical care coordination
University communication strategy
Witness protection planning

Phase 2: Investigation (Weeks 1-8)

Digital evidence collection
Subpoenas for university/organization records
Expert consultations (medical, psychological)
Defendant identification and asset research

Phase 3: Case Strategy (Months 2-4)

Liability analysis
Damage valuation
Settlement vs. trial assessment
Insurance coverage mapping

Phase 4: Resolution (Months 4-24+)

Negotiation with insurers/defendants
Mediation/settlement discussions
Trial preparation if needed
Post-resolution support

Our Commitment to Weston Lakes Families

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

You’ll Work Directly With Us: Not paralegals or case managers
Regular Updates: We explain each step in plain English
Privacy Protection: We control public messaging to protect your child
Holistic Approach: We consider emotional, academic, and family impacts
Accountability Focus: We push for reforms that prevent future harm

As Ralph Manginello says, “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This isn’t just about compensation—it’s about making campuses safer for all Texas students.

Call to Action: Contact Attorney911 for Weston Lakes Hazing Cases

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Weston Lakes, Fulshear, Katy, and throughout Fort Bend and Harris Counties have the right to answers and accountability when universities and Greek organizations fail to protect students.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation:

We Listen Without Judgment: Your story matters
Evidence Review: We’ll assess what you’ve preserved and what we need to obtain
Legal Options Explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic Expectations: Timelines, challenges, potential outcomes
Cost Discussion: Contingency fee basis—no fee unless we win
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Information for Weston Lakes Families

Call for Immediate Help: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct Lines:

Office: (713) 528-9070
Ralph Manginello Cell: (713) 443-4781

Email:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Mr. Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish Services: Hablamos Español – Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish

Service Areas: While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas and can work with local counsel nationwide for out-of-state cases.

Final Word to Weston Lakes Families

Whether your child attends University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other campus, hazing’s impact resonates back home to Weston Lakes. The fear, the medical bills, the academic disruption, the trauma—these aren’t abstract concepts when they affect your family.

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH shows these aren’t isolated incidents. They’re preventable tragedies enabled by institutional failures. Your family doesn’t have to face this alone.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and ensure no other Weston Lakes family goes through what yours has endured.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: 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