The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Resource for Santa Clara Families

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

As a parent in Santa Clara, Texas, you send your child to college with hopes for their future—academic growth, lifelong friendships, and safe passage into adulthood. The nightmare begins when that phone call comes: your child is in the hospital, or worse, and the story involves a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or athletic team. The confusion, anger, and fear can feel overwhelming. You’re told it was “just tradition” or “voluntary,” but your child has broken bones, alcohol poisoning, or traumatic psychological wounds. You face a powerful university, a national organization with deep pockets, and a system designed to protect institutions rather than victims.

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the complaint filed in late 2025, Bermudez endured forced “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, extreme physical workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and other abuses that landed him in the hospital for four days with brown urine indicating severe muscle breakdown. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended and then voted to surrender its charter, but the physical and psychological harm to Bermudez continues. This active $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and 13 individual members shows exactly what Texas families are up against—and what experienced legal representation can achieve.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Santa Clara families and parents throughout Guadalupe County and Central Texas who need to understand hazing in 2025, Texas law, what’s happening at our universities, and how to protect your child’s rights when institutions fail them.

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

For Santa Clara parents who may not be familiar with modern campus culture, hazing has evolved far beyond the “harmless pranks” of decades past. Today’s hazing is systematic, often digitally documented, and increasingly dangerous.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Just Tradition”)

• 24/7 digital control: Pledges required to respond instantly to GroupMe messages at all hours
• Servitude duties: Acting as designated drivers at 3 AM, cleaning members’ apartments, running personal errands
• Social isolation: Being told they cannot socialize with non-members or even call home without permission
• Geographic tracking: Forced to share live location via Find My Friends or Life360
• “Optional” mandates: Activities framed as voluntary but with clear social consequences for non-participation

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creating Hostile Environments)

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings” that last until dawn, followed by 7 AM classes
• Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled milk, raw eggs, hot sauce, or excessive bland foods
• Public humiliation: Being forced to wear degrading costumes in public, perform embarrassing acts for social media
• Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” involving hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls for extended distances
• Verbal abuse: Constant yelling, derogatory names, threats of expulsion from the organization

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Serious Injury or Death)

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mean chugging
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “walloping” traditions that leave bruises and fractures
• Dangerous environments: Locked in freezers, left outside in extreme weather, forced into cramped spaces
• Sexualized hazing: Simulated sexual acts, forced nudity, “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions
• Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaners poured on skin causing chemical burns (as alleged in Texas A&M SAE case)

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Contrary to popular belief, hazing isn’t limited to fraternities:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC Divine Nine, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit Organizations (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, and similar tradition groups)
• Marching Bands and performing arts groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

For Santa Clara families whose children attend Texas Lutheran University right here in Guadalupe County or larger universities across Texas, understanding that hazing can occur in any group with power dynamics is crucial.

Texas Hazing Law: What Santa Clara Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, but families often don’t understand how they apply or their limitations.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

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

1. Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
2. Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key Provisions for Santa Clara Families:

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

• 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
• Additional charges: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155):
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that power imbalance and peer pressure negate true consent.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Section 37.154):
Students who report hazing or call 911 in emergencies have protection from university discipline and criminal liability in many cases.

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and lose university recognition.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by: The State of Texas (prosecutor)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Charges may include: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
• Standard: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

• Brought by: Victims and families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Claims may include: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, premises liability
• Standard: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)

Critical Insight: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil lawsuit, and a civil case can proceed even if criminal charges aren’t filed.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires universities receiving federal funds to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs by 2026.

Title IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based discrimination, federal Title IX protections apply.

Clery Act:
Requires reporting of certain crimes on campus; hazing incidents overlapping with assault or alcohol crimes may trigger Clery reporting.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The hazing incidents affecting Santa Clara families aren’t isolated events—they follow predictable patterns seen nationwide.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: The Most Common Killer

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning. $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Died from alcohol poisoning during “Bible study” drinking game. Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Died after consuming excessive alcohol during “Big Brother” night. FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Died from traumatic brain injuries after bid acceptance drinking; delayed 911 call captured on fraternity cameras. Led to Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Died from traumatic brain injury during blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat. National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
Suffered permanent brain damage from alcohol poisoning during “pledge dad reveal.” Settlements with 22 defendants, requires 24/7 life care.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing led to head coach firing, confidential settlement, and multiple player lawsuits.

What These Cases Mean for Santa Clara Families:
These national precedents show juries award significant verdicts, universities pay substantial settlements, and patterns repeat. The same organizations operating at Texas universities have been sued successfully elsewhere.

Texas University Spotlight: Where Santa Clara Students Attend

Santa Clara families send students to universities across Texas. Here’s what’s happening at major campuses.

University of Houston: Current Active Litigation

Our Active Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
We currently represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit alleging severe hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. Key allegations include:

• “Pledge fanny pack” requirement with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
• Extreme physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races in vomit-soaked grass
• Waterboarding simulation: Sprayed in face with hose, threats of actual waterboarding
• Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
• Medical consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
• Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, 13 individual members
• Outcome: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025

UH Greek Life Overview:

• 16+ IFC fraternities including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha
• 6 Panhellenic sororities
• Active NPHC Divine Nine organizations
• Multiple multicultural Greek councils

Prior UH Incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during alleged hazing; chapter suspended
• Multiple other chapters with disciplinary history for alcohol violations and policy breaches

For Santa Clara Students at UH:

• Houston is within driving distance for many Santa Clara families
• UHPD and Houston Police Department share jurisdiction
• Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
• Evidence preservation is critical given our active litigation experience with UH

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Santa Clara Families: College Station is a common destination for Central Texas students, including those from Santa Clara and Guadalupe County.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Incident (2023):
Lawsuit alleged cadet was bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth, subjected to simulated sexual acts. Sought over $1 million.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. $1 million lawsuit filed.

Texas A&M Greek Life Scale:

• 19+ IFC fraternities
• 14+ Panhellenic sororities
• Large NPHC presence
• Corps of Cadets with approximately 2,500 members

Unique A&M Considerations:

• Corps traditions versus actionable hazing
• University culture that strongly defends traditions
• Brazos County jurisdiction for legal proceedings
• Aggie Network that can influence witness cooperation

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing disclosure systems at hazing.utexas.edu.

Recent Sanctions Include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
• Texas Wranglers (multiple years): Sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
• Various spirit groups: Discipline for physical endurance tests, sleep deprivation

Sigma Alpha Epsilon UT Incident (2024):
Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. $1+ million lawsuit filed.

For Santa Clara Students at UT:

• Austin is a common destination for high-achieving Central Texas students
• UTPD and Austin PD jurisdiction
• Travis County courts handle civil litigation
• Public violation records provide powerful evidence for civil cases

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

SMU Greek Life Profile:

• Historically strong Greek presence
• 8 Panhellenic sororities
• 6 IFC fraternities
• Active NPHC organizations

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended until approximately 2021.

Private University Considerations:

• Less public transparency than state schools
• Dallas PD and SMU PD jurisdiction
• Dallas County courts for litigation
• Often substantial insurance coverage from private institutions

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions affected team season.

Baylor’s Historical Context:

• Previous Title IX sexual assault scandal
• Religious identity affecting institutional response
• Waco PD and Baylor PD jurisdiction
• McLennan County courts for legal proceedings

Baylor Greek Life:

• 9 Panhellenic sororities
• 5 IFC fraternities
• Active NPHC presence
• Christian fraternity alternatives available

Texas Lutheran University: Local Santa Clara Connection

Right Here in Guadalupe County:
Texas Lutheran University in Seguin serves many Santa Clara and local families.

Small Campus Considerations:

• Different scale but similar power dynamics
• Seguin PD and campus security jurisdiction
• Guadalupe County courts for local cases
• Close-knit community affecting reporting decisions

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Texas Conduct

The organizations at Texas universities aren’t local clubs—they’re chapters of national brands with documented histories.

Organizations with National Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

• Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, alcohol poisoning death, $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, alcohol poisoning death, $14 million settlement
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, Texas State

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

• Traumatic Brain Injury Case: University of Alabama, ongoing litigation
• Chemical Burns Case: Texas A&M, $1 million lawsuit
• Assault Case: UT Austin, $1+ million lawsuit
• National Pattern: Multiple alcohol-related deaths leading to 2014 elimination of pledge program
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU

Pi Kappa Phi:

• Andrew Coffey: Florida State University, alcohol poisoning death
• Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, our active $10 million lawsuit
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT

Phi Delta Theta:

• Max Gruver: LSU, alcohol poisoning death, led to Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Kappa Alpha Order:

• SMU Incident: 2017 paddling and alcohol hazing, chapter suspension
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Why National Histories Matter for Santa Clara Families

Foreseeability: When a national organization has seen deaths at other chapters, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

Pattern Evidence: Similar conduct across multiple chapters shows systemic issues, not “rogue” behavior.

Settlement Leverage: National organizations with multiple lawsuits often settle more readily to avoid discovery of their full incident history.

Insurance Coverage: Nationals typically have deeper insurance coverage than local chapters.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important Category):

• GroupMe chats: Primary communication for most Greek organizations
• Text messages: Individual and group texts planning events
• Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok showing activities
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can retrieve “disappearing” messages
• Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends sharing, Snapchat maps

Photographic and Video Evidence:

• Injury documentation: Progressive photos of bruises, burns, swelling
• Event footage: Videos taken by participants during hazing
• Security cameras: Fraternity house systems, Ring doorbells, venue surveillance
• Social media posts: Even “joking” posts can show context and participation

Medical Documentation:

• Emergency room records: Initial treatment documentation
• Lab results: Blood alcohol levels, kidney function tests (critical for rhabdomyolysis cases)
• Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Specialist reports: Orthopedic, neurological, psychiatric assessments

Organizational Records:

• Pledge manuals: Official and “unofficial” education materials
• Chapter minutes: Meeting notes discussing events
• National communications: Emails with headquarters about incidents
• University records: Prior disciplinary actions against the chapter

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges: Often fearful but may cooperate with protection
• Former members: Those who quit or were expelled
• Roommates and friends: Observers of behavioral changes
• Medical providers: Treatment observations and expert opinions

Damages Recovery: What Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
• Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: Lifetime income reduction for permanent injuries
• Property damage: Destroyed clothing, phones, other personal items

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college experience, activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and digital footprint

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support: Deceased’s potential lifetime earnings
• Loss of companionship: Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering
• Grief and mental anguish: Family therapy and counseling costs

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Trigger: Prior warnings ignored, cover-up attempts, extreme cruelty
• Texas caps: Generally limited but significant in appropriate cases

Case Strategy: From Evidence to Accountability

Immediate Investigation Phase (Days 1-30):

• Evidence preservation before deletion
• Witness interviews while memories fresh
• Medical documentation collection
• Preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction

Demand and Negotiation Phase (Months 2-6):

• Comprehensive demand package with evidence summary
• Settlement negotiations with insurers
• Mediation attempts where appropriate
• Assessment of all potentially liable parties

Litigation Phase (If Necessary):

• Filing in appropriate jurisdiction (often defendant’s county or injury location)
• Discovery process: Depositions, document requests, expert disclosures
• Expert testimony: Medical, economic, Greek life culture experts
• Trial preparation for leverage in settlement discussions

Public Records: Texas Greek Organizations Serving Santa Clara Families

If you are a parent in Santa Clara, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are examples from our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—actual public records of organizations operating in Texas.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records)

Central Texas Area Examples:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN 273662583 – Lufkin, TX 75904
• Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter – EIN 300517788 – Nacogdoches, TX 75965
• Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter – EIN 452729519 – Nacogdoches, TX 75965
• Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta – EIN 756041410 – Nacogdoches, TX 75965
• Epsilon Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity – EIN 756053083 – Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Major University Hub Organizations:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 (Related to UH case)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204

Honor Societies and Professional Organizations:

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas State University – EIN 463831593 – Austin, TX 78723
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Texas at Tyler – EIN 352335400 – Tyler, TX 75799
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech University Health Sciences – EIN 820644459 – Lubbock, TX 79430

Metro Area Concentration:

• Dallas-Fort Worth Metro: 510+ Greek organizations per Cause IQ data
• Houston Metro: 188+ Greek organizations
• Austin Metro: 154+ Greek organizations
• San Antonio Metro: 86+ Greek organizations

What These Records Mean for Santa Clara Families

Multiple Layers of Liability:
A single fraternity chapter may have:

• Undergraduate chapter (student members)
• Housing corporation (property owner)
• Alumni association (adult supervision)
• National headquarters (policy setting)
• Insurance carriers (coverage sources)

Investigative Starting Point:
These public records give us immediate names, EINs, and addresses to begin investigation—we don’t start from zero.

Pattern Recognition:
Organizations with multiple Texas entities often have complex structures designed to diffuse liability.

Practical Guide for Santa Clara Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Physical Warning Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food manipulation
• Signs of alcohol or drug use in non-users

Behavioral Red Flags:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Constant phone anxiety (checking GroupMe)
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the group

Academic Indicators:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Evidence:

• Group chat notifications at all hours
• Embarrassing social media posts or tags
• Location sharing demands from the organization
• Requests to delete messages or clear history

Questions to Ask Your Child:

1. “What exactly do you have to do to join/stay in this group?”
2. “Are you ever afraid to say no to something they ask?”
3. “Have you seen anyone get hurt or been hurt yourself?”
4. “Do you feel like you can quit if you want to?”
5. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from us or the university?”

For Students: Safety Planning and Exit Strategies

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 – Good faith reporter protections apply in Texas
• Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
• Contact parents or trusted adult immediately

If You Want to Quit:

• Tell someone outside the organization first
• Send written resignation (email/text for record)
• Do NOT attend “one last meeting” – this is often a pressure tactic
• Document any retaliation (save messages, record calls if legal)

Evidence Preservation:

• Screenshot everything before it disappears
• Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
• Save physical items (clothing, objects used in hazing)
• Write detailed notes of events, names, dates, locations

Reporting Options:

• Campus resources: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct
• Law enforcement: Campus police, local police
• National hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
• Legal counsel: Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence: Messages seem embarrassing now but are critical evidence later. Preservation is key.

2. Confronting the Organization: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching. Let attorneys handle communications.

3. Signing University Agreements: Universities often pressure quick “internal resolutions” that waive legal rights.

4. Social Media Posts: Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility.

5. Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you. Direct all communications through counsel.

6. Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run.

7. Letting Your Child Return: Pressure and intimidation often increase after incidents are reported.

Frequently Asked Questions for Santa Clara Families

Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?

Yes, under specific 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. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific.

Is hazing a felony in Texas?

It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death.

What if my child “agreed” to participate?

Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Peer pressure and power imbalance negate true voluntary consent.

How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent. Evidence preservation needs to begin immediately.

What if it happened off-campus?

Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases involve off-campus houses or retreats.

Will my child’s name be public?

Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

What will this cost us?

We work on contingency – no fee unless we recover compensation. Initial consultations are always free.

Why Attorney911 for Santa Clara 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.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (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 claims, deploy delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):
We’re one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or universities. We’ve faced corporate giants before and we know how to win.

Active Texas Hazing Litigation:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging severe hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. We’re not just talking about hazing law; we’re actively litigating major Texas hazing cases.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations, including 125+ IRS-registered entities, 96 Texas university campuses, and metro-level organization tracking. We don’t start investigations from zero.

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both criminal hazing charges and civil litigation. We can advise on dual exposure issues and navigate complex multi-track cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Results:
We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build substantial cases that force accountability.

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. We serve Hispanic families throughout Texas with culturally competent representation.

Our Investigative Approach

Digital Evidence Mastery:
We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, reconstruct social media activity, and preserve electronic evidence before it disappears.

Organizational Mapping:
We identify all potentially liable parties—individual members, chapter officers, housing corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters, insurance carriers.

Pattern Evidence Development:
We research prior incidents within the same organization, both locally and nationally, to establish foreseeability and pattern evidence.

Expert Network:
Medical experts, psychologists, economists, Greek life culture experts, and digital forensics specialists collaborate to build comprehensive cases.

Call to Action for Santa Clara Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Santa Clara, Seguin, Guadalupe County, and throughout Central Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

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

Contact Information:

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 Services: lupe@atty911.com

Service Areas:

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

• Santa Clara and Guadalupe County
• Greater Central Texas region
• All Texas university communities
• National cases with Texas connections

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

Whether your child attends Texas Lutheran University here in Guadalupe County, commutes to San Antonio, or attends university elsewhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help.

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