The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Lumberton, Texas Families: Protecting Your Child at Texas Universities

As a parent in Lumberton, Texas, you sent your child to college with dreams of their future. But what happens when that dream becomes a nightmare of hazing, abuse, and institutional cover-ups? Right now, in our own state, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country—the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—where a young man suffered rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization after fraternity hazing. This isn’t a distant problem; it’s happening at Texas campuses where Lumberton families send their children every year.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Lumberton, Hardin County, and throughout Southeast Texas whose children may be facing hazing at fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletic teams, or campus organizations. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at major Texas universities, and what legal options you have when institutions fail to protect students.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For Lumberton families unfamiliar with modern Greek life and campus culture, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys being boys.” Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digital, and deliberately hidden from university oversight.

Modern Hazing Definition

Hazing means any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it legal under Texas law when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form, responsible for most hazing deaths nationwide:

Forced consumption of alcohol during “Big/Little” nights, “family tree” games, or initiation rituals
Chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges drink rapidly in succession
Being pressured to consume unknown mixed substances or dangerous combinations
The Leonel Bermudez UH case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting

2. Physical and “Conditioning” Hazing
Often disguised as “team building” or “fitness challenges”:

Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”)—hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse
Paddling, beatings, or physical punishment
Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or mandatory tasks
Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments
The UH case included 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and cold-weather exposure in underwear

3. Psychological and Humiliating Hazing
Designed to break down identity and enforce loyalty:

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Public shaming on social media or in group meetings
Forced nudity or degrading costumes
“Roasted pig” positions, simulated sexual acts
Racial or sexist slurs and role-playing

4. Digital and Social Media Hazing
The newest frontier, exploiting technology:

Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Forced creation of compromising TikTok or Instagram content
Geo-tracking demands via Find My Friends or Life360
Social media policing—controlling what pledges can post
Evidence destruction instructions via disappearing messages

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Lumberton families should know hazing extends beyond traditional fraternities:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs (Texas Cowboys, Aggie Bonfire legacy groups)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations

Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Protections

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for Lumberton families considering action. Texas has specific hazing laws, but federal statutes also provide important protections.

Texas Hazing Law (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas takes hazing seriously, with laws that specifically address campus conduct:

§ 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
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key points for Lumberton families:

Location doesn’t matter—on-campus, off-campus, at retreats, all covered
Can be mental OR physical harm
“Reckless” conduct qualifies—they don’t need to intend harm
§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed”

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Additional crimes:

Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer who knew
Retaliating against someone who reports hazing

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted if:

The organization authorized or encouraged hazing
An officer/member acting officially knew and failed to report
Penalties: Fines up to $10,000 per violation, plus university bans

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability. This protects bystanders and victims who call for help.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in deaths
Example: Beaumont or Houston police investigate, Jefferson or Harris County DA prosecutes

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Focus: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Critical point: You don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue civil action

Federal Law Overlay

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

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phasing in by 2026)

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must investigate and respond appropriately.

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol crimes that must be reported.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up.

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if a legal entity). Officers and “pledge educators” are key targets.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents.

University or Governing Board
Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories. Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference.

Third Parties

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

The tragedies that have occurred nationwide aren’t distant history—they’re roadmaps showing exactly what can happen at Texas campuses and how courts have responded.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking. Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members; civil litigation; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law resulted.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Big/little event; pledge given a handle of liquor; drank to dangerous levels; died. Criminal hazing charges against members; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life and overhauled policies.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. Death led to felony hazing law in Louisiana (Max Gruver Act). Family later won $6.1 million verdict.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge night; forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey; died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions; BGSU agreed to nearly $3 million settlement; additional settlements with fraternity/individuals. Former chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge at a fraternity retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual. Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed. Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years; national organization criminally convicted.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal” night. Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care). Multiple criminal charges; settlements with 22 defendants.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits against university and staff; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially. Demonstration that hazing extends beyond Greek life into big-money athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Lumberton Families

Common threads Lumberton families should recognize:

Forced drinking is the single deadliest pattern
Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes and increases liability
Cover-up attempts (destroying evidence, coaching witnesses) are common
Universities often prioritize reputation over student safety initially
Multi-million dollar settlements are reality when injuries or deaths occur
National fraternity patterns repeat across states—what happened at Bowling Green or LSU can happen at Texas A&M or UH

Texas University Focus: Where Lumberton Families Send Students

Lumberton families typically have students at nearby universities like Lamar University in Beaumont or major Texas institutions. Understanding each campus’s specific hazing landscape is crucial.

Lamar University (Beaumont, TX – 30 minutes from Lumberton)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
As Lumberton’s closest four-year university, Lamar hosts multiple Greek organizations and student groups. The Beaumont-Port Arthur metro area has 22 Greek-related organizations recorded in public filings, including undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, and honor societies.

Documented Greek Organizations Near Lumberton
Based on IRS and Cause IQ public records, organizations operating in the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro include:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Epsilon Chapter (Beaumont, TX – undergraduate chapter at Lamar University)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Alpha Psi Sigma (Beaumont, TX – alumnae chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Lamar University Chapter (Beaumont, TX)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Beaumont Alumnae Chapter (Beaumont, TX)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Beaumont Alumni Chapter (Beaumont, TX)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Alumni (Beaumont, TX – alumni association)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Lambda Lambda Chapter (Beaumont, TX – undergraduate chapter at Lamar University)

Hazing Policy & Reporting
Lamar University prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, LUPD, and online reporting forms.

What Lumberton Families Should Know

Lamar’s proximity means Lumberton students often live at home while attending
Beaumont courts (Jefferson County) would handle local cases
Evidence preservation is critical—document everything immediately
The university’s response may involve both student conduct processes and coordination with Beaumont police

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

Campus & Culture
Massive Greek system plus the unique Corps of Cadets culture. For Lumberton families, this is a common destination for students seeking traditional college experience.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Incident (2023)
A former cadet sued Texas A&M alleging degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million. A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years; pledges sued for $1 million.

Texas A&M University System Public Records
Based on IRS B83 filings, Texas-registered organizations connected to A&M include:

Texas A&M University Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi (College Station, TX 77843 – EIN 900293166)
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corporation (College Station, TX 77840)
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae Chapter (College Station, TX)
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter (College Station, TX)

University of Houston (Houston, TX)

Active Litigation: Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case
Right now, we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 fraternity leaders.

Case Details Every Lumberton Parent Should Know:

Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices), forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, extreme workouts
Physical Abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure, lying in vomit-soaked grass, being sprayed with hose “similar to waterboarding”
Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter November 6, 2025; members voted to surrender charter November 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

Media Coverage:

UH Greek Life Public Records
IRS filings show Houston-area Greek organizations include:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (Frisco, TX 75035 – EIN 462267515)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (Houston, TX 77204)
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston, TX)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae Chapter (Houston, TX)

University of Texas at Austin

Transparency Leader
UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—more transparent than many Texas schools.

Documented Incidents:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
Texas Wranglers and other spirit groups sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024)
Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million; chapter already under suspension for prior violations.

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)

Private University Dynamics
As a private institution, SMU has different transparency requirements but similar hazing risks.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until around 2021.

Baylor University (Waco, TX)

Athletic Program Scrutiny
Following prior scandals, Baylor faces particular scrutiny around campus culture.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation; suspensions staggered over early season.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Matter for Texas Cases

When a fraternity chapter at UH, Texas A&M, or Lamar repeats hazing methods that caused deaths at other campuses, that pattern becomes critical evidence. National organizations know these risks—their anti-hazing policies exist precisely because of prior tragedies.

Why National Histories Matter in Court

Foreseeability Doctrine
If a national fraternity had prior incidents of alcohol hazing deaths at other chapters, they can’t claim “we couldn’t have predicted” when the same pattern causes injury at a Texas chapter.

Negligent Supervision Claims
Nationals that collect dues, provide materials, and maintain oversight relationships with chapters may have duty to supervise effectively.

Punitive Damage Eligibility
When organizations ignore known dangerous patterns, courts may award punitive damages to punish reckless disregard for safety.

Organization-Specific Pattern Evidence

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): $10M settlement ($7M from national, ~$3M from university)
David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): $14M settlement
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns case, $1M lawsuit
University of Texas (2024): Assault case, $1M+ lawsuit
University of Alabama (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
Pattern: Multiple campuses, various hazing methods

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

Max Gruver – LSU (2017): $6.1M verdict, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Death during Big Brother Night
UH Active Case: Leonel Bermudez rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Pattern: Physical and alcohol hazing combinations

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy for Lumberton Families

When hazing causes harm, building a strong case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding what damages are recoverable.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: Screenshot EVERYTHING immediately
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat (screenshot before disappearance), TikTok
Recovered Data: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts

Photos & Videos

Injury Documentation: Photograph from multiple angles with scale reference (coin, ruler)
Scene Evidence: Houses, rooms, alcohol bottles, paddles, props
Social Media Content: Videos posted by participants showing events

Medical Records

ER/Hospital Records: Specifically mention “hazing” to treating physicians
Lab Results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney/liver function (critical for rhabdomyolysis)
Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

University & Organization Records

Prior Discipline: University conduct files on same organization
National Fraternity Files: Prior incident reports, risk management documents
Policy Manuals: Anti-hazing policies that were ignored

Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices for preserving digital evidence.

Recoverable Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

Medical Bills: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Lost Earnings: Missed work for victim or caring parent
Educational Impact: Lost tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation
Future Care Costs: Lifelong care for catastrophic injuries (brain damage, disability)

Non-Economic Damages

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral/Burial Costs
Loss of Financial Support: Deceased’s potential lifetime earnings
Loss of Companionship: Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering
Grief Counseling: Family members’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
When Awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts
Texas Caps: Subject to statutory limits except in certain intentional tort cases

Insurance Coverage Strategy

Fraternities and universities have insurance policies that often become battlegrounds:

Common Insurance Defenses:

“Hazing is intentional conduct, not covered”
“Policy excludes criminal acts”
“University has sovereign immunity” (public schools)

How We Overcome These:

Argue negligent supervision is covered even if hazing was intentional
Use bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage
Identify all potential policies: chapter, national, university, individual members
Our insider knowledge: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney and knows exactly how these companies fight claims

Practical Guide for Lumberton Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially if excuses don’t add up)
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight loss/gain from food/water restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or exercise
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-group activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Sudden obsession with pleasing older members

Academic & Digital Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
Social media posts showing concerning activities

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate Safety First:

If your child is in physical danger, call 911 or campus police
Get medical attention immediately—health over “getting in trouble”

Document Everything:

Write down dates, times, what your child told you
Screenshot texts, group chats, photos immediately
Photograph injuries from multiple angles
Save physical items (damaged clothing, receipts, objects)

Reporting Channels:

Campus Authorities: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, campus police
Local Police: Beaumont PD, Hardin County Sheriff if crimes occurred
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous, 24/7)
University Hotlines: Most schools have anonymous reporting

Legal Consultation Early:
Contact a lawyer experienced in hazing cases early, even if unsure about filing suit. We can:

Help preserve evidence before destruction
Navigate university processes (which can be adversarial)
Advise on criminal vs. civil options
Protect your child from pressure or retaliation

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages
What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
Do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Do instead: Document everything, call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” Forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
Do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing first

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”
What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
Do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

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

Frequently Asked Questions for Lumberton Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
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.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
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.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
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.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
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.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
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.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
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.

Why Attorney911 for Lumberton 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. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Lumberton, Hardin County, and all Southeast Texas communities.

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
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”
Learn about Lupe Peña’s insurance defense experience

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions – Ralph Manginello

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation (taking on billion-dollar corporations)
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
25+ years of complex litigation experience
Learn about Ralph Manginello’s background

Active Hazing Litigation Experience
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—a $10 million case involving rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and institutional failures. We’re not theorizing about hazing law; we’re actively litigating serious Texas hazing cases.

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

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

Investigative Depth & Expert Network

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists, Greek life culture experts
Experience obtaining hidden evidence: group chats, chapter records, university files
Digital forensics capability to recover deleted messages
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does”

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families throughout Texas who prefer consultation in Spanish.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

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

For Your Family:

Compassionate, judgment-free listening
Clear explanations of every step
Respect for your privacy and trauma
Regular communication (we update clients every 2-3 weeks)

For Your Case:

Immediate evidence preservation
Thorough investigation uncovering all responsible parties
Strategic use of digital forensics and expert testimony
Willingness to go to trial if settlement offers are inadequate
Focus on both compensation AND institutional accountability

No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This makes justice accessible to all families, regardless of financial resources.

Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work

Call to Action for Lumberton Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at Lamar University, Texas A&M, UH, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Lumberton, Hardin County, and throughout Southeast Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Listen Without Judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
Evidence Review: We’ll review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Legal Options Explained: We’ll explain your rights under Texas law and all available options
Realistic Expectations: We’ll discuss realistic timelines, potential challenges, and what recovery might involve
No Pressure: Take time to decide—no obligation to hire us immediately
Everything Confidential: Attorney-client confidentiality protects everything you share

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Availability: We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason

Email:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña (Spanish services): lupe@atty911.com

Website: https://attorney911.com

Practice Area Pages:

Offices Serving Texas:

Houston, TX (Primary)
Austin, TX
Beaumont, TX (Serving Jefferson County and surrounding areas)

Whether you’re in Lumberton or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

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
Texas statutes of limitations: 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

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.

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