Texas Hazing Lawyer Guide: Protecting Lakeport Families from Fraternity, Sorority & Campus Abuse

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

It starts with a text message at 2:00 AM. Your son or daughter, a freshman at a Texas university, is expected at an “optional” fraternity event. They’re told to wear specific clothes, bring a backpack with humiliating items, and be ready to follow orders. What happens next isn’t bonding—it’s systematic abuse designed to break them down. Forced drinking until they vomit. Extreme workouts until their muscles break down. Psychological torment disguised as tradition. And when they collapse, the response isn’t to call 911, but to hide the evidence and protect the organization.

Right now, in Texas, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The complaint details months of systematic hazing: a degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme physical workouts that led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—conditions that nearly killed him and require ongoing medical care.

This isn’t a story from another state or another era. This is happening right now at Texas universities where Lakeport families send their children. If your child has been hazed, injured, or abused in connection with a fraternity, sorority, Corps of Cadets program, athletic team, or campus organization, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, what national patterns tell us about accountability, and how our firm—with unique insurance insider knowledge and experience against billion-dollar defendants—helps families in Lakeport and across Texas seek justice.

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing isn’t just “boys will be boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Texas law, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership in any organization. Here’s what that actually looks like on Texas campuses today:

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “Big/Little nights”)
• Pressure to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol or mixed substances
• Drug-related hazing (forced consumption of marijuana, pills, or unknown substances)
• The medical reality: Alcohol poisoning can cause permanent brain damage or death within hours. In the Leonel Bermudez case at UH, forced consumption led to vomiting, then immediate forced sprints—a dangerous combination that can lead to aspiration and death.

2. Physical Hazing

• Paddling, beatings, or physical assaults
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) beyond safe limits—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats forced on Bermudez
• Sleep deprivation and food/water restriction
• Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments
• The medical reality: Extreme exercise can cause rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down and floods the bloodstream with toxins, leading to kidney failure—exactly what happened to Bermudez.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts (“roasted pig,” “elephant walk”)
• Degrading costumes or role-playing with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
• Public shaming on social media or in group settings
• The psychological reality: This isn’t “just embarrassing”—it can cause lasting PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.

4. Digital and Psychological Hazing

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Social media challenges or public humiliation via TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat
• Isolation from non-members, forced lying to parents and university officials
• Psychological manipulation and threats of expulsion from the group
• The modern reality: Hazing now follows students everywhere via their phones, with no escape even in their dorm rooms.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

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

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
• Spirit and tradition groups (Texas Cowboys, Aggie Bonfire, etc.)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic clubs and honor societies

The common thread? Power imbalance, tradition, and secrecy. Older members justify abuse as “what we went through,” while victims stay silent out of fear, shame, or loyalty.

Texas Hazing Law: What Lakeport Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F). Here’s what every Lakeport parent should understand:

The Legal Definition of Hazing in Texas

Under Texas Education Code §37.151, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in an organization that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student
• Occurs on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
• Includes activities like forced drinking, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, or psychological manipulation

Critical point: Consent is NOT a defense. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that even if the victim “agreed” to the activity, it’s still hazing under the law. Courts recognize that power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing violation (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death
• Additional charges: Furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Organizations can also be fined up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can permanently revoke recognition.

Good Faith Reporting Protection

Texas law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for anyone who reports hazing in good faith. Many Texas universities also have “amnesty” policies for students who call 911 in alcohol emergencies—even if they were drinking underage. This is critical: never hesitate to call for medical help because of fear of getting in trouble.

Federal Laws That Apply

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention (phased in through 2026)
• Title IX: Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based discrimination
• Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes, including hazing-related assaults

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, carried out, or covered up the hazing
2. Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority as an organization (if incorporated)
3. National Headquarters: For failure to supervise, enforce policies, or act on prior warnings
4. Universities: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations
5. Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses, Airbnb hosts, venue owners
6. Alcohol Providers: Bars or individuals who supplied alcohol to minors

In the Bermudez case, we sued 16 defendants: UH, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This comprehensive approach ensures accountability at every level.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

What happens at Ohio State, Penn State, or LSU matters for Texas families because the same national organizations operate here, with the same dangerous traditions. These cases show patterns that help prove liability:

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Pattern

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

• Bid acceptance night with forced drinking
• Piazza suffered multiple falls captured on chapter cameras
• Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for 12 hours
• Result: 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts; Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
• Gruver’s blood alcohol content reached 0.495% (six times the legal limit)
• Result: Felony hazing convictions; Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act

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

• Pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU); chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Why this matters for Texas: These same organizations—Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha—have active chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor. Their national headquarters knew these drinking traditions were deadly but failed to eliminate them.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

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

• Pledge blindfolded and repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at off-campus retreat
• Suffered fatal traumatic brain injury; help delayed
• Result: National fraternity convicted of felony manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

• Forced to drink excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
• Suffered permanent brain damage: cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
• Result: Settlements with 22 defendants; chapter closed

Why this matters for Texas: Off-campus retreats and “tradition nights” are common at Texas schools. The legal principle established in the Deng case—that nationals can be criminally liable for chapter actions—applies equally in Texas courts.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within the program
• Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired
• Result: Confidential settlements; program culture exposed

Why this matters for Texas: Texas has some of the nation’s most prominent athletic programs. Hazing occurs in locker rooms and training facilities, not just Greek houses.

What These Cases Mean for Lakeport Families

1. Patterns repeat: The same dangerous traditions appear at chapter after chapter
2. Nationals have notice: When Pi Kappa Alpha has a death at Bowling Green, they can’t claim “we didn’t know” when the same happens at a Texas chapter
3. Cover-ups make things worse: Delaying medical care or destroying evidence increases liability dramatically
4. Accountability is possible: Multi-million dollar settlements and criminal convictions show that justice can be achieved

Texas Universities: A Guide for Lakeport Families

Lakeport families send children to universities across Texas. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at the major institutions:

University of Houston: The Current Battlefront

Campus Snapshot: UH is Texas’s third-largest university with over 46,000 students and active Greek life across four councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC). The campus is just a few hours from Lakeport, making it a common choice for East Texas students.

The Leonel Bermudez Case (Our Current Litigation):

• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
• Allegations: Systematic hazing from September to November 2025 including:
  • “Pledge fanny pack” with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
  • Forced dress codes, overnight driving duties, weekly interviews
  • Physical abuse: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure
  • “Waterboarding” with a hose, forced consumption until vomiting
  • November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
• Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter November 6; chapter voted to surrender charter November 14; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County; we represent Bermudez

UH’s Hazing Policy:

• Prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Requires reporting to Dean of Students Office
• Maintains disciplinary records (though not as publicly accessible as UT’s)

What Lakeport Families Should Know:

• UHPD and Houston Police Department both have jurisdiction depending on location
• Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
• Prior incidents at UH (like the 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha lacerated spleen case) show pattern of physical hazing
• If your child is at UH: Document everything, report through multiple channels, and contact us immediately if hazing involves injury

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Campus Snapshot: Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and robust Greek life create multiple hazing risk environments. Many Lakeport students choose A&M for its engineering and agricultural programs.

Recent Hazing Incidents:

1. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

   • Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit
   • Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
   • Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years

2. Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)

   • Cadet alleged being bound between beds with an apple in his mouth
   • Simulated sexual acts and degradation
   • Sought over $1 million in damages

A&M’s Hazing Policy:

• Separate policies for Greek life and Corps
• Reporting through Student Conduct Office
• History of addressing incidents but often through internal discipline

What Lakeport Families Should Know:

• The Corps operates under military-style discipline but still faces hazing issues
• Off-campus houses in Bryan/College Station are common hazing venues
• If your child is in the Corps or Greek life at A&M: Be alert for physical hazing disguised as “training” or “tradition”

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

Campus Snapshot: UT’s public hazing violation log provides unprecedented transparency. The university’s size and Greek life prominence make it a hub for both prevention and incidents.

Public Hazing Violations (Examples from UT Log):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
• Texas Wranglers (2022): Forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing; suspension
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Multiple violations leading to suspension

UT’s Hazing Policy:

• Maintains public database at hazing.utexas.edu
• Requires immediate reporting
• Investigates through Student Conduct and Title IX offices

What Lakeport Families Should Know:

• UT’s transparency means you can check an organization’s history before your child joins
• Prior violations in the database can strengthen civil cases by showing pattern
• If your child is at UT: Check the hazing log, document everything, and use multiple reporting channels

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

Campus Snapshot: SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek presence create unique hazing dynamics. As a private university, SMU has less public reporting but similar legal responsibilities.

Recent Hazing Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended
• Multiple anonymous reports through SMU’s Real Response system

SMU’s Hazing Policy:

• Anonymous reporting available
• Investigation through Student Affairs
• Less public disclosure than public universities

What Lakeport Families Should Know:

• Private university status doesn’t reduce liability
• Confidential settlements are common but require experienced negotiation
• If your child is at SMU: Use anonymous reporting but also consult an attorney to ensure proper investigation

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

Campus Snapshot: Baylor’s Christian identity contrasts with recurring hazing incidents, particularly in athletics.

Recent Hazing Incidents:

• Baseball Team Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
• Multiple Greek life incidents resulting in probation

Baylor’s Hazing Policy:

• “Zero tolerance” publicly stated
• Reporting through Student Conduct
• History of handling scandals internally

What Lakeport Families Should Know:

• Religious branding doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
• Athletic hazing is prevalent despite national attention on Greek life
• If your child is at Baylor: Don’t assume Christian environment prevents abuse; document and report

Fraternities and Sororities: National Patterns That Predict Texas Behavior

The same national organizations operate across Texas campuses. Their histories elsewhere predict what might happen here. Here are organizations with documented hazing patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”)

• National Pattern: Alcohol poisoning deaths (Stone Foltz at BGSU, David Bogenberger at NIU)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
• Liability Insight: Nationals knew “Big/Little” drinking traditions were deadly but failed to eliminate them

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”)

• National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths and injuries nationwide; traumatic brain injury case at Alabama
• Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M; assault case at UT
• Liability Insight: SAE eliminated pledging nationally in 2014 but hazing continues

Phi Delta Theta

• National Pattern: Max Gruver alcohol poisoning death at LSU
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU
• Liability Insight: “Bible study” drinking games are a known deadly tradition

Pi Kappa Phi

• National Pattern: Andrew Coffey alcohol poisoning death at Florida State
• Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu, now closed), other Texas campuses
• Current Case: We represent Leonel Bermudez against UH Pi Kappa Phi
• Liability Insight: Nationals suspended chapter quickly but prior warnings likely existed

Kappa Alpha Order

• National Pattern: Paddling and physical hazing violations
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
• Texas Incidents: SMU chapter suspension for paddling
• Liability Insight: Physical hazing traditions persist despite national policies

Why National Histories Matter in Your Case

When we take a hazing case, we investigate:

1. Prior incidents at the same chapter: Through university records and member testimony
2. Prior incidents at other chapters of the same national: Through national headquarters files
3. National’s knowledge and response: Did they have anti-hazing policies? Were they enforced?
4. Pattern evidence: If Pi Kappa Alpha had a death at BGSU in 2021, they can’t claim “unforeseeable” when the same happens at a Texas chapter

This investigation builds what lawyers call “foreseeability“—the legal concept that the organization should have known this would happen based on past experience. It’s crucial for overcoming defense arguments and securing accountability.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Lakeport Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records of Greek organizations across Texas. This directory helps us—and you—understand the complex web of entities that may share liability in hazing cases. Here are examples of Texas-registered Greek organizations from public filings:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings)

Organizations with Texas Mailing Addresses:

1. Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc

   • EIN: 133048786 | College Station, TX 77845
   • IRS B83 filing: fraternity chapter entity

2. Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc

   • EIN: 161675890 | The Woodlands, TX 77382
   • IRS B83 filing: sorority housing corporation

3. Sigma Phi Lambda Inc

   • EIN: 201237505 | Corinth, TX 76210
   • IRS B83 filing: Christian sorority national organization

4. Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc

   • EIN: 475370943 | Houston, TX 77204
   • IRS B83 filing: fraternity chapter (Theta Delta chapter at UH)

5. Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation

   • EIN: 371768785 | Missouri City, TX 77459
   • IRS B83 filing: housing corporation for UH chapter

6. Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc

   • EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035
   • IRS B83 filing: housing corporation for UH chapter (defendant in Bermudez case)

7. Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter

   • EIN: 746084905 | Houston, TX 77204
   • IRS B83 filing: fraternity chapter at UH

8. Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

   • EIN: 263170920 | Denton, TX 76204
   • IRS B83 filing: academic honor society at Texas Woman’s University

9. Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc

   • EIN: 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147
   • IRS B83 filing: fraternity educational foundation

10. Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity

    • EIN: 262025321 | Denton, TX 76201
    • IRS B83 filing: fraternity chapter at University of North Texas

Why This Matters for Lakeport Families:
These IRS filings show the complex organizational structure behind Greek life. A single fraternity may have multiple legal entities: a national headquarters, a housing corporation, an alumni association, and an educational foundation. In hazing cases, we investigate all these entities to identify insurance coverage and liability.

Greek Organizations in Texas Metros (Cause IQ Data)

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro (188 Greek organizations):

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston)
• Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni (Houston)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae (Houston)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter (Houston)

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (510 Greek organizations):

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (Fort Worth)
• Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) national headquarters (Dallas)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation (Fort Worth)

Austin-Round Rock Metro (154 Greek organizations):

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp (Austin)
• Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter (Austin)
• Chi Omega House Corporation (Austin)

College Station-Bryan Metro (42 Greek organizations):

• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter (College Station)
• Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp (College Station)

What This Means for Investigation:
When hazing occurs, we don’t just look at the undergraduate chapter. We investigate:

• Housing corporations that own the property
• Alumni associations that fund and advise
• National headquarters that set policies
• Insurance carriers for each entity

This comprehensive approach is why our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine includes 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. We start with data, not guessing.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When hazing causes injury or death, building a strong case requires immediate action and strategic investigation. Here’s how we approach these cases for Lakeport families:

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

1. Digital Communications (Most Important Evidence Today)

• Group chat screenshots: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord
• Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos, Facebook posts
• Deleted message recovery: Through digital forensics experts
• Location data: Find My Friends shares, geo-tagged photos
• What it shows: Planning, participation, cover-up attempts, admissions of guilt

2. Medical Documentation

• ER records, hospitalization reports, lab results (like Bermudez’s critically high creatine kinase levels)
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Future treatment plans and life care assessments for permanent injuries
• Why it matters: Documents harm and connects it to the hazing event

3. Physical Evidence

• Clothing with blood, vomit, or chemical stains
• Paddles, props, alcohol bottles, “pledge manuals”
• Photographs of injuries immediately after and as they develop
• Why it matters: Tangible proof that withstands “he said/she said” arguments

4. Institutional Records

• University disciplinary files on the organization
• National fraternity/sorority incident reports
• Prior complaints from other students or parents
• Why it matters: Shows pattern and knowledge

5. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges who experienced the same hazing
• Former members who quit over hazing
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders who saw something
• Why it matters: Corroborates the victim’s account

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages (for student or parent caregivers)
• Educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transfer expenses)
• Future earning capacity reduction (for permanent disabilities)
• Example: In rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez’s, future kidney treatment may cost $500,000+ over a lifetime

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, PTSD, depression
• Humiliation and loss of dignity
• Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in activities they loved)
• Example: Hazing victims often require years of therapy for trauma

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

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

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Especially Bad):

• To punish defendants for reckless or malicious conduct
• To deter future hazing
• Available when defendants knew the risks but acted anyway
• Example: When nationals knew about deadly traditions but didn’t stop them

Our Legal Strategy: Why Experience Matters

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Within 48 hours: We help families secure screenshots, photos, and witness statements
• We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• We send preservation letters to universities and organizations before they destroy records

2. Comprehensive Defendant Identification

• We don’t just sue the obvious parties. We investigate:
  • All individual participants
  • Chapter officers and advisors
  • Housing corporations and alumni associations
  • National headquarters and their insurers
  • Universities and individual administrators
• Example: In the Bermudez case, we sued 16 defendants to ensure full accountability

3. Insurance Coverage Analysis

• Mr. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background is critical here
• He knows how fraternity and university insurers:
  • Value claims (and try to undervalue them)
  • Use “intentional act” exclusions to deny coverage
  • Delay payments to pressure families
• We identify ALL potential insurance policies and fight coverage denials

4. Pattern Evidence Development

• We subpoena national headquarters for prior incident reports
• We research similar cases across the country
• We build the “foreseeability” argument: they knew this would happen

5. Strategic Settlement vs. Trial Decision

• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• This maximizes settlement value
• When institutions won’t offer fair compensation, we’re ready to take them to court
• Our BP Texas City explosion experience proves we’re not intimidated by big defendants

Practical Guides for Lakeport Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Secretive behavior about organization activities
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Financial issues: unexpected expenses, requests for money
• Academic decline: missing classes, falling grades

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

1. Choose the right time: When you’re both calm and not rushed
2. Use open questions: “How are things going with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
3. Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt with anger or solutions
4. Emphasize safety: “Your health is more important than any organization”
5. Offer support: “We’ll get through this together, no matter what”

If You Suspect Hazing: The 48-Hour Action Plan

HOURS 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

• If injured or intoxicated: Call 911, then get to ER
• Remove child from dangerous situation
• Screenshot any messages they show you
• Photograph visible injuries
• Write down everything they tell you
• Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

HOURS 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

• Help child preserve ALL digital evidence (don’t delete anything)
• Save physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
• Request medical records from ER/hospital
• List witnesses (other pledges, bystanders)
• Note any university communications but don’t respond yet

HOURS 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

• Consult with experienced hazing attorney
• Decide on reporting strategy (with attorney’s guidance)
• Backup all evidence to cloud storage
• Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters or sign anything

Dealing with the University:

• Document every communication (emails, calls, meetings)
• Ask specific questions:
  • “Has this organization had prior hazing violations?”
  • “What specific steps are you taking to investigate?”
  • “Will you preserve all relevant evidence?”
• Remember: The university’s interests may not align with your child’s
• Never sign a “resolution agreement” without attorney review

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Am I being told to keep secrets from parents or university officials?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?
• If you answered YES to any: It’s likely hazing

How to Exit Safely:

1. If in immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
2. Tell someone outside the organization first: Parent, RA, trusted friend
3. Send written resignation: Email/text to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
4. Do NOT attend “one last meeting”: This is often a pressure/retaliation opportunity
5. Document any retaliation: Threats, harassment, stalking—report to campus police

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good faith immunity)
• Hazing is a crime—you are the victim, not the perpetrator
• Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
• You can request no-contact orders through the university or courts

For Witnesses and Former Members: Coming Forward

If You Participated and Regret It:

• Your testimony can prevent future harm
• Cooperating with investigators can be considered in your favor
• Get your own attorney to advise on potential exposure
• Silence protects abusers, not victims

If You Witnessed Hazing:

• Document what you saw (dates, times, details)
• Preserve any evidence (photos, messages)
• Report through campus channels or anonymously
• Consider speaking with an attorney about protection from retaliation

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

• What happens: Looks like cover-up, destroys case
• What to do: Preserve EVERYTHING, even if embarrassing

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do: Document quietly, then call attorney

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What happens: You may waive right to sue or accept inadequate settlement
• What to do: Never sign without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

• What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• What to do: Keep details private; let attorney control messaging

5. Waiting “to See How University Handles It”

• What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• What to do: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• What happens: Recorded statements used against you; lowball settlements
• What to do: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Lakeport Families

Q: Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. 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 in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

Q: Is hazing a felony in Texas?
A: It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

Q: Can my child bring a case if they “agreed” to the initiation?
A: Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

Q: How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

Q: Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?
A: 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.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911 for a hazing case?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including hazing. That means:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Payment comes from the settlement or verdict
  This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford to take on wealthy fraternities and universities.

Q: What if my child was hazed at an out-of-state school?
A: We still may be able to help. As Texas-based hazing specialists, we:

• Serve as co-counsel with local attorneys in other states
• Provide consultation on hazing case strategy nationwide
• Handle cases with Texas connections (Texas-based nationals, insurers, or defendants)
  Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation regardless of location.

Why Attorney911 for Lakeport 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 Lakeport families choose Attorney911:

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:
  • Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
  • Use delay tactics and coverage exclusions
  • Negotiate settlements
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities or universities
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Current Texas Hazing Litigation Experience

• Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi
• We understand the specific tactics Texas universities and Greek organizations use
• We have active relationships with experts in rhabdomyolysis, PTSD, and Greek life culture

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Experience working with economists to value lifetime care needs
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery

• Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
• Deep understanding of Texas courts, judges, and procedures
• “We’re Texas lawyers fighting for Texas families.”

Investigative Depth and Expert Network

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• Medical experts specializing in hazing injuries (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD)
• Greek life culture experts and institutional policy analysts
• Economists and life-care planners for damage valuation

Spanish-Language Services

• Hablamos Español – Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Serving Texas Hispanic families with cultural understanding

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand that hazing cases involve:

• Trauma and shame: Victims often blame themselves
• Institutional resistance: Universities and nationals protect their reputations
• Complex dynamics: Greek life culture, tradition, and secrecy
• Rapid evidence destruction: Digital messages disappear in hours

Our approach balances:

1. Compassionate support for your family through a difficult time
2. Aggressive investigation to uncover the truth
3. Strategic litigation to hold all responsible parties accountable
4. Privacy protection to shield your child from further trauma

We Serve All of Texas, Including Lakeport and Gregg County

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Lakeport and all of Gregg County. Whether your child attends:

• A local institution like LeTourneau University in Longview
• A major Texas university like UH, Texas A&M, or UT
• An out-of-state school with Texas connections

We can help. Texas hazing law applies wherever your child attends school if the organization has Texas connections. We’ve handled cases involving:

• East Texas students at West Texas schools
• Houston families with children at College Station
• International students at Texas universities
• Every major Greek organization operating in Texas

Your Next Step: Free Confidential Consultation

If your child has been hazed, injured, or abused in connection with a campus organization, you don’t have to face this alone. The window for preserving evidence and protecting your rights is short—typically 48 hours or less.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
2. Evidence review: We’ll examine any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Legal options explained: We’ll outline your family’s rights and potential paths forward
4. Realistic assessment: We’ll discuss what to expect in terms of timeline, process, and potential outcomes
5. No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family
6. Spanish services available: Hablamos Español – ask for Mr. Lupe Peña

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 Today:

• 24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

We serve all of Texas from our offices in:

• Houston (Harris County)
• Austin (Travis County)
• Beaumont (Jefferson County)

Remember: Evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases. Group chats are deleted, witnesses are coached, and organizations close ranks. Contact us today to protect your child’s rights and begin the journey toward accountability and healing.

For Lakeport families and all Texas parents: Your child’s safety and future are worth fighting for. We’re here to help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

1. Click2Houston (KPRC 2) – “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

   • URL: 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/

2. ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) – “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

   • URL: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

3. Hoodline – “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”

   • URL: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

1. “📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

2. “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

3. “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

4. “📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

1. Attorney911 – Main Website & Contact
   • URL: 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