The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawsuits for City of Sadler, Texas Families: Rights, Risks, and Real Accountability

If Your Child at College Was Hazed, Here’s What Every City of Sadler Parent Must Know Now

Picture this: your child, excited to start their college journey and build lifelong friendships, accepts a bid to join a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university. What begins as camaraderie quickly turns dark. They’re handed a “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices—required to carry it 24/7. They’re forced to chauffeur older members at all hours. Then come the “workouts” at dawn in a local park: 100 push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls until they collapse. When they vomit from forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns, they’re made to lie in the vomit-soaked grass. Members spray them in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” Their urine turns brown. They cannot stand without help.

This isn’t a hypothetical horror story. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student and Pi Kappa Phi pledge in fall 2025. The hazing caused rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, leading to a four-day hospitalization and ongoing risk of permanent damage. His family, with our firm as their counsel, filed a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The chapter was suspended and surrendered its charter. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

If you’re a parent in City of Sadler, Denison, Sherman, or anywhere in Grayson County, this could be your child. Students from our communities attend universities across Texas—from nearby Austin College in Sherman to major hubs like Texas A&M, UT Austin, University of Houston, SMU, and Baylor. Hazing doesn’t care about ZIP codes or hometown pride. It exploits tradition, brotherhood, and the desire to belong, often with brutal consequences.

This guide is for you—the City of Sadler parent, family member, or student navigating the terrifying reality of campus hazing. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, the national patterns repeating at Texas schools, and exactly how our firm builds cases that hold powerful institutions accountable. You are not alone, and you have options.

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)

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if they insist they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE deletion: screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items
Write everything down while memory is fresh
DO NOT: confront the fraternity/sorority, sign anything from the university, post on social media, or let your child delete messages

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in City of Sadler, the word “hazing” might conjure images of movie pranks or harmless initiations. Modern hazing is far more systematic, psychologically complex, and dangerous. It’s not just about alcohol—it’s about control, degradation, and institutionalized abuse.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – The Gateway
These behaviors establish power imbalance and normalize control:

24/7 “pledge fanny pack” requirements with humiliating contents
Mandatory chauffeur duty and errand-running at all hours
Enforced dress codes and speech restrictions
Social isolation from non-members and family
Required attendance at events that sabotage academics
Digital control: Constant GroupMe monitoring, mandatory location sharing via Find My Friends, social media policing

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – The Abuse
These cause measurable physical and psychological harm:

Sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls for “meetings”
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
“Smokings” – extreme calisthenics beyond safe limits (hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse)
Public humiliation: embarrassing costumes, forced performances, “roasting” sessions
Exposure to disgusting conditions (lying in vomit, being covered in food)

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – The Catastrophe
These activities have high potential for permanent injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking games, lineups, funneling
Physical beatings: paddling, punching, “branding” with burns
Dangerous physical tests: blindfolded tackle rituals (“glass ceiling”), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
Sexualized hazing: forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Chemical hazing: pouring industrial cleaners on skin causing burns requiring grafts
Extreme environment exposure: locked in freezing rooms, left outside in severe weather

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing pervades campus life:

Corps of Cadets programs (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit and tradition organizations (Texas Cowboys, Aggie Band)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations
ROTC and military-style groups

The common thread: power imbalance, tradition as justification, and secrecy enforced by group loyalty.

Texas Hazing Law: What City of Sadler Families Must Understand

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, but understanding how they apply in real cases is crucial for Grayson County families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

§37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act (on or off campus) directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization

Key Implications for City of Sadler Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Off-campus houses, Airbnb rentals, remote parks—all covered
Mental health counts: Severe humiliation, psychological torment, and trauma qualify
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just disregard obvious risks

§37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§37.155 Critical Provision – Consent is NOT a Defense:
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that is irrelevant under Texas law. Courts recognize that power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion invalidate true consent.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (The State’s Role):

Prosecuted by district attorneys (Grayson County DA for local incidents)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in deaths
Limitation: Criminal cases don’t provide financial compensation for families

Civil Lawsuits (Your Family’s Path to Recovery):

Filed by victims or surviving families
Goal: Compensation for damages and institutional accountability
Legal theories: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability
Advantage: Can uncover institutional cover-ups through discovery that criminal cases might miss

Federal Law Overlay: Beyond Texas Statutes

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates hazing prevention programming
Phase-in through 2026 increases transparency

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX mandates university response
Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault, alcohol offenses

Who Can Be Liable: The Full Accountability Picture

In serious hazing cases, multiple parties may share liability:

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Local Chapter Officers: Presidents, pledgemasters, risk managers who knew or should have known
Chapter Housing Corporations: Legal entities that own/manage fraternity houses (like the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Housing Corporation in the UH case)
National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Often have deepest pockets and prior knowledge of patterns
Universities: When they knew or should have known about dangerous traditions and failed to act
Property Owners & Landlords: Off-campus housing where hazing occurs
Alcohol Providers: Bars or individuals who furnish alcohol to minors

The National Hazing Epidemic: Patterns Repeating at Texas Schools

The hazing that injured Leonel Bermudez at UH follows decades of documented patterns. These national cases matter because they prove fraternities and universities knew the risks but failed to prevent harm.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Fatal Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021):

Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night: pledge forced to drink entire bottle of whiskey
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement: $7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU
Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017):

Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game: wrong answers = forced drinking
BAC 0.495% – died from alcohol toxicity
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
$6.1 million verdict for family

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (2017):

Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night: extreme drinking, falls captured on chapter cameras
Died from traumatic brain injuries after hours-delayed medical care
18 members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts
Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Brutality Disguised as Tradition

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013):

Pi Delta Psi “glass ceiling” ritual: blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled
Died from traumatic brain injury at off-campus retreat
National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021):

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed against chapter

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

Widespread sexualized and racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then received confidential settlement for wrongful termination
Shows hazing permeates big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for City of Sadler Families

These national patterns matter because:

They prove foreseeability: National fraternities knew these rituals could kill
They establish liability standards: Courts have ruled nationals responsible for chapter conduct
They provide settlement benchmarks: $1M–$14M ranges for deaths, significant amounts for injuries
They show institutional complicity: Universities often prioritize reputation over student safety

Texas University Focus: Where Grayson County Students Face Hazing Risks

City of Sadler families send students to universities across Texas. Here’s what’s happening at major campuses and how it affects our community.

University of Houston: The Leonel Bermudez Case and Systemic Issues

For City of Sadler Families: While Houston is hours away, Grayson County students attend UH. The Bermudez case proves even “urban commuter” schools have severe Greek life hazing.

Documented Incident – Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025):

Leonel Bermudez: Forced physical hazing caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Specific acts: Fanny-pack humiliation, hose “waterboarding,” forced overeating, 100+ push-ups/500 squats
Medical outcome: Brown urine, 4-day hospitalization, risk of permanent kidney damage
Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025
Legal action: $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County; defendants include UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, 13 individuals

UH’s Greek Landscape:

26+ fraternities including Sigma Chi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Lambda Chi Alpha
6 Panhellenic sororities
9 NPHC (Divine Nine) organizations
Active multicultural Greek council

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (where UH is located)
Police involvement: UHPD and Houston Police Department
Evidence sources: GroupMe chats from Houston-area chapters, medical records from Houston hospitals
Local counsel advantage: Our Houston office handles these cases directly

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Collide

For City of Sadler Families: A&M’s proximity makes it a common choice for local students. The Corps of Cadets adds another layer of hazing risk beyond Greek life.

Documented Incidents:

1. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021):

Pledges subjected to substances including industrial-strength cleaner
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed against chapter
Fraternity suspended for two years

2. Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Hazing (2023 Lawsuit):

Freshman cadet allegedly bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Other degrading acts including simulated sexual positions
$1+ million lawsuit filed against A&M
University claimed it handled matter internally

3. Recent Rhabdomyolysis Cases (2023-2024):

Multiple fraternity pledges hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing
Condition identical to Leonel Bermudez’s UH injuries
Ongoing litigation with specialized medical expert involvement

A&M’s Unique Risk Factors:

Corps of Cadets traditions often blur into hazing
Extreme school loyalty discourages reporting
Massive Greek system with 50+ fraternities/sororities
“Texas A&M way” mentality can protect abusers

University of Texas at Austin: Public Transparency, Persistent Problems

For City of Sadler Families: UT’s prestige attracts top Grayson County students. Its public hazing violation database offers transparency but reveals ongoing issues.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database (hazing.utexas.edu):

Recent Sanctions Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

Violation: New members directed to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Sanction: Probation + mandatory hazing prevention education
Pattern: Similar to UH Pi Kappa Phi forced consumption rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024):

Violation: Assault of Australian exchange student at party
Injuries: Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Status: Chapter already on suspension for prior violations
Legal: $1+ million lawsuit filed

Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization):

Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, and humiliation rituals

UT’s Greek Landscape:

60+ fraternity/sorority chapters
14 Panhellenic sororities
6 NPHC organizations
Active Asian American and multicultural Greek councils

Transparency Advantage:
UT’s public database helps prove pattern and knowledge in lawsuits—showing the university and organizations knew about problems but didn’t prevent harm.

Southern Methodist University: Private School, Public Problems

For City of Sadler Families: SMU’s Dallas location and private status create different dynamics, but hazing persists.

Documented Incident – Kappa Alpha Order (2017):

New members paddled, forced to drink, sleep-deprived
Chapter suspended for 4+ years
Restrictions on recruiting until 2021

SMU’s Greek Reality:

High percentage of students in Greek life
Significant financial resources in defense
Private university status means less public oversight
Dallas-Fort Worth legal venue with complex jurisdictional issues

Baylor University: Faith, Football, and Hazing Scandals

For City of Sadler Families: Baylor’s religious identity doesn’t immunize it from hazing problems.

Documented Incident – Baylor Baseball (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered throughout season
Details kept confidential

Baylor’s Context:

Recent history of sexual assault scandals and cover-ups
Football program oversight failures
Religious branding vs. reality of student conduct
Waco legal venue with unique local dynamics

Austin College: The Local Connection for City of Sadler Families

For Grayson County Families: Austin College in Sherman is in our backyard. While smaller than state schools, it’s not immune.

Greek Life at Austin College:

5 fraternities: Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, etc.
4 sororities
Small campus dynamics – hazing can be more hidden but equally damaging
Local jurisdiction: Grayson County courts, Sherman police

Local Advantage: Our firm understands Grayson County legal systems and can represent local families without the distance barrier of Houston or College Station cases.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What City of Sadler Parents Aren’t Being Told

Behind the letters and house banners operates a complex network of legal entities, insurance policies, and institutional relationships. Understanding this ecosystem is key to holding the right parties accountable.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Tracking the Real Entities

Our firm maintains a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from public records. This isn’t speculation—it’s documented reality.

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations:
These are tax-exempt entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), legal names, and mailing addresses across Texas:

Sample Entities Relevant to North Texas/Grayson County Area:

Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – Corinth, TX 76210 (EIN: 201237505)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Denton, TX 76204 (EIN: 263170920) – Texas Woman’s University chapter
National Pan-Hellenic Council North Dallas Suburbia – Carrollton, TX 75011 (EIN: 264080411)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – Lufkin, TX 75904 (EIN: 273662583)
Lambda Omega Epsilon Sorority Inc – Conroe, TX 77385 (EIN: 861854073)
Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter – Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (EIN: 300517788)
Denton-Lewisville Guide Right Foundation – Flower Mound, TX 75028 (EIN: 861205340) – Kappa Alpha Psi affiliate
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Waco, TX 76710 (EIN: 364091267) – Xi Chi chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Prairie View, TX 77446 (EIN: 237279532) – Prairie View A&M alumni
Beta Upsilon Chi – Fort Worth, TX 76244 (EIN: 742911848) – Christian fraternity

Cause IQ Metro Organizations – Dallas-Fort Worth Area (510+ Greek Entities):
The DFW metroplex, just south of Grayson County, contains one of America’s densest Greek ecosystems:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX (national headquarters)
Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) – Arlington, TX (national sorority headquarters)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth, TX
Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter – Fort Worth, TX (TCU)
Sigma Nu Fraternity – Lambda Epsilon Chapter – Fort Worth, TX (TCU)
Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Denton, TX (Texas Woman’s University)

The Brand Overlap Reality:
The same national organizations appear across multiple Texas metros and campuses. For example:

Sigma Gamma Rho appears in IRS records (Waco, Commerce) AND Cause IQ data (Houston, Beaumont chapters)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has Texas chapters at TWU, UT Tyler, UT El Paso, Texas State, Texas Tech Health Sciences
Kappa Alpha Psi has alumni chapters in Prairie View, Dallas, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth

What This Data Means for Your Case

Multiple Insured Entities: Each legal entity (chapter housing corp, alumni association, educational foundation) may carry separate insurance policies
National Pattern Evidence: When Sigma Alpha Epsilon hazes at Texas A&M, their national’s knowledge of SAE hazing at Alabama, Cal Poly, etc., becomes relevant
Jurisdictional Strategy: Some entities may be incorporated in different counties or states, affecting where lawsuits can be filed
Asset Discovery: Alumni foundations and housing corporations often hold significant real estate and financial assets

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations for City of Sadler Families

If hazing has injured your child, understanding the legal process demystifies what can feel overwhelming. Here’s how serious hazing litigation actually works.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

1. Digital Communications (The #1 Evidence Source):

GroupMe/WhatsApp/Discord chats: Planning, bragging, cover-up discussions
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “permanently” deleted content
Social media: Instagram Stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat snaps showing hazing
Location data: GPS timestamps proving presence at hazing locations
Example from UH case: “Pledge fanny pack” rules and “waterboarding” discussions in GroupMe

2. Medical Documentation:

ER records stating “hazing” as cause of injury
Lab results: Creatine kinase levels proving rhabdomyolysis (like Bermudez’s 50,000+ CK levels)
Toxicology reports: Blood alcohol content in alcohol poisoning cases
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from trauma

3. Organizational Records:

National fraternity files: Prior incident reports, risk management manuals
Chapter meeting minutes: Discussions of “traditions” and “pledge education”
University conduct records: Prior sanctions against same organization
Insurance policies: Determining coverage and limits

4. Witness Testimony:

Other pledges experiencing same hazing
Former members willing to break silence
Roommates/RAs noticing physical/behavioral changes
Medical personnel documenting injuries and patient statements

The Damages Reality: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment (physical therapy, counseling)
Future medical care: Lifelong treatment for permanent injuries (kidney damage, brain injury)
Lost educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries prevent chosen career path

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in sports, activities, normal college experience
Relationship damage: Strained family and friend relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (For Tragic Losses):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support your child would have provided
Loss of love, companionship, guidance for parents and siblings
Grief and emotional suffering of surviving family

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future hazing
When awarded: Especially reckless conduct, cover-ups, prior warnings ignored
Texas caps: Generally limited but exceptions for gross negligence/intentional acts

Realistic Settlement Ranges Based on National Precedents

Fatal Hazing Cases:

$1M – $14M total recovery (depending on facts, defendants, jurisdiction)
Stone Foltz (BGSU): $10M total ($7M national fraternity, $3M university)
David Bogenberger (NIU): $14M settlement
Max Gruver (LSU): $6.1M verdict plus confidential settlements

Severe Injury Cases:

$375,000 – $10M+ depending on permanency of injuries
Danny Santulli (Missouri): Multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants for permanent brain damage
Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10M+ settlement for physical/psychological hazing
Texas A&M SAE chemical burns: $1M lawsuit filed

The Insurance Battle: Why Insider Knowledge Matters

Fraternities and universities carry liability insurance, but insurers routinely deny hazing claims citing:

“Intentional acts” exclusion: Claiming hazing is intentional, not negligent
“Criminal acts” exclusion: Arguing hazing violates criminal statutes
“Known risk” defenses: Claiming victims assumed the risk

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

Value and reserve claims
Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
Delay to pressure families into low settlements
Fight coverage under policy exclusions

We navigate these battles daily, often securing coverage where other attorneys can’t.

Practical Guides: What City of Sadler Families and Students Should Do Right Now

For Parents: The 48-Hour Action Plan

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

Medical: ER immediately if injured or intoxicated
Safety: Remove child from dangerous environment
Evidence: Screenshot messages shown to you; photograph visible injuries
Notes: Document everything they tell you (who, what, when, where)
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

Digital: Help child preserve ALL group chats/texts (do NOT delete)
Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
Medical records: Request all ER/hospital documentation
Witnesses: List names/contacts of other pledges, bystanders
University: Note any communications but don’t respond yet

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
Reporting decision: With lawyer’s guidance, decide whether to report to campus/local police
University response: Refer all communications to your attorney
Insurance: DO NOT talk to adjusters without lawyer present
Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots to cloud storage

For Students: Safety, Evidence, and Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous/degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Am I being told to keep secrets from parents/university?
Are older members making us do things they don’t do themselves?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 – you won’t get in trouble for seeking help in medical emergency
Get to safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
Texas law protects good-faith reporters of hazing emergencies

Exiting Safely:

Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) for protection
Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my pledge/membership effective immediately”
DO NOT go to “one last meeting” – that’s where pressure/retaliation happens
If fearing retaliation, report to Dean of Students AND campus police

Evidence Collection While It’s Happening:

Screenshot ALL group chats with timestamps visible
Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
Save everything digital – don’t delete even if embarrassed
Tell medical providers “I was hazed” so it’s in official records

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages

What parents think: “I don’t want them in more trouble”
Reality: Looks like cover-up; may be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

What parents think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do: Document everything, call a lawyer BEFORE any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Reality: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
What to do: DO NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media

What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
What to do: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for City of Sadler Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case is fact-specific.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but it becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

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

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

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

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

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: The Texas Advantage for City of Sadler Families

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.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

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

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:

BP Texas City explosion litigation – one of few Texas firms involved
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.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Track Record:

Proven results in complex wrongful death with economist collaboration
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association)
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 (group chats, chapter records, university files)
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Data Advantage

While other firms start from scratch, we begin with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros. Our proprietary database includes:

125 IRS-registered Texas Greek entities with EINs and addresses
96 Texas university campuses with Greek life presence
510+ Dallas-Fort Worth Greek organizations (metro nearest Grayson County)
Cross-referenced brand data showing national patterns

This means when we take your case, we already know:

The legal entities behind the Greek letters
Where to find insurance coverage
Prior incidents involving the same organizations
National headquarters’ knowledge of hazing patterns

Serving City of Sadler and Grayson County Families

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Sadler, Sherman, Denison, and all of Grayson County. Distance doesn’t limit our ability to help because:

Digital case management: We handle evidence collection and communication electronically
Texas-wide network: Experts and investigators across the state
Virtual consultations: Initial meetings via phone/Zoom for convenience
Local counsel collaboration: We work with local attorneys when beneficial
Travel to you: We come to Grayson County for important meetings, hearings, or depositions

For City of Sadler families with students at nearby Austin College: We understand Grayson County courts and can represent you locally without the distance challenges of Houston or College Station cases.

Call to Action: Your Next Step Toward Accountability

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions responsible for protecting students hope you’ll stay silent. We help you find your voice—and use it to force real change.

What to Expect in Your Free, Confidential Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

We listen without judgment – tell us what happened in your own words
We review evidence you have – photos, texts, medical records (don’t worry if you have little)
We explain legal options – criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We discuss realistic expectations – timelines, potential outcomes, challenges
We answer cost questions – contingency fee means no upfront costs; we only get paid if you do
No pressure to hire – take time to decide; we’re here when you’re ready

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 Today

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

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Serving All Texas, Including City of Sadler and Grayson County

Whether your child was hazed at University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, Austin College, or any Texas campus, we have the expertise to help. We understand the unique challenges facing City of Sadler families—the distance from major universities, the tight-knit community concerns, and the need for discrete, effective representation.

Call us today. Let us help you turn this crisis into accountability, prevention, and, ultimately, healing.

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 specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many 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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com