Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Jersey Village, Houston & Harris County Parents

The Call You Never Want to Make

You’re relaxing at home in Jersey Village when your phone rings—it’s your college student, their voice shaking. They’re describing something that sounds like abuse, but they keep calling it “tradition.” Or maybe you get the call no parent should ever receive: your child is in the emergency room after a fraternity event, suffering from severe physical injuries or alcohol poisoning so extreme it has damaged their kidneys. Your mind races with questions: What actually happened? Who’s responsible? What do we do now?

Right now, in Harris County, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, was subjected to brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter that left him with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, hospitalized for four days, and facing potential lifelong health consequences. According to detailed media coverage from Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez endured forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, was sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” performed hundreds of push-ups and squats under threat of expulsion, and was required to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack” 24/7. His urine turned brown—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis—before he was rushed to the hospital.

This isn’t happening in some distant state. This is happening right here in our community, at University of Houston, less than 20 miles from Jersey Village homes. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage to Bermudez—and potentially to other pledges—remains. And for every case that makes headlines, many more are quietly covered up by universities and national fraternities hoping families won’t pursue accountability.

If you’re a parent in Jersey Village, Spring Branch, the Greater Houston area, or anywhere in Harris County, this guide exists for you. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025 (far beyond the old stereotypes), how Texas law protects—and sometimes fails—students, what’s happening at Texas universities where your children may attend, and what legal options exist when traditions turn into trauma.

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 your student insists they’re “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
  • 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)

The Modern Definition

Hazing in 2025 isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless initiation.” Under Texas law and common legal understanding, hazing involves any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does not make it legal or safe when power imbalances and peer pressure are at play.

The Evolving Tactics

Today’s hazing has evolved to avoid detection while causing significant harm:

1. Digital Control & Psychological Manipulation

• 24/7 Group Chat Monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours; failure results in punishment
• Location Tracking: Mandatory use of Find My Friends, Life360, or Snapchat Maps
• Social Media Policing: Control over what pledges post; required “likes” and shares of organizational content
• Psychological Warfare: Isolation from non-members, sleep deprivation via constant late-night demands

2. Disguised as “Wellness” or “Tradition”

• Extreme workouts framed as “fitness challenges” or “conditioning”
• Forced drinking games called “family bonding” or “big/little reveal”
• Humiliating acts labeled as “tradition” or “character building”

3. Off-Campus & Third-Party Venues

• Moving hazing to Airbnbs, rural properties, or members’ family homes
• Using venues without university oversight or security cameras
• Creating geographic separation to avoid campus police jurisdiction

The Categories of Harm

Alcohol & Substance Hazing: Forced consumption remains the deadliest form. “Lineup” drinking, chugging challenges, “Bible study” drinking games where wrong answers mean drinking, Big/Little nights with handles of hard liquor—these continue despite national attention on alcohol-related deaths.

Physical Abuse: Bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills, hundreds of push-ups or squats until collapse, paddling, exposure to extreme temperatures, lying in vomit-soaked grass—all documented in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case and others.

Sexualized & Humiliating Acts: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig”), degrading costumes, racial or sexist role-playing, public humiliation on social media.

Psychological Torture: Verbal abuse, threats of expulsion from the group, sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, forced confessions, manipulation through fear of social exclusion.

Texas Law & Legal Frameworks: What Jersey Village Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

For families in Harris County and throughout Texas, our primary legal framework comes from the Texas Education Code. Here’s what you need to understand:

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

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
• Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key Points for Texas Families:

• Location Doesn’t Matter: On-campus, off-campus at a house in the Heights, at a retreat in the Hill Country—all covered
• Mental OR Physical Harm: Psychological trauma counts just as much as physical injury
• “Reckless” Is Enough: They don’t need to have intended harm—just been reckless about known risks
• Consent Is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law

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 Crimes: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and universities can face:

• Fines up to $10,000 per violation
• Loss of university recognition
• Criminal prosecution if they authorized or knew about hazing and failed to act

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

When hazing occurs, two parallel legal paths may emerge:

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by: The State of Texas (Harris County District Attorney, local prosecutor)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common Charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Your Role: Victim or witness—you don’t control the process

Civil Cases:

• Brought by: Victims and families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Your Control: You decide whether to file, when to settle, what to pursue

Critical Insight: You can—and often should—pursue a civil case even if criminal charges aren’t filed. The standards of proof are different (civil = “preponderance of evidence,” criminal = “beyond reasonable doubt”), and the goals are complementary.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public data (phased in by 2026). This means more visibility for families.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, federal Title IX obligations trigger, creating additional accountability layers and reporting requirements.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol crimes that must be disclosed.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In a civil hazing lawsuit, multiple parties may bear responsibility:

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

2. Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority itself (if incorporated), plus officers and pledge educators.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Often the deepest pocket and most responsible for patterns. Their knowledge of prior incidents at other chapters creates “foreseeability.”

4. University/Board of Regents: For negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, deliberate indifference to known risks. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections but exceptions exist.

5. Third Parties: Landlords of chapter houses, property owners where hazing occurred, alcohol providers under dram shop laws.

6. Housing Corporations: Separate legal entities that own chapter houses—like the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035), which was named in the UH lawsuit.

The Greek Ecosystem Around Jersey Village & Harris County: Behind the Letters

The Houston Metro Greek Landscape

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area contains 188 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These aren’t just undergraduate chapters—they include alumni associations, housing corporations, honor societies, and graduate chapters that form a complex web of responsibility and insurance coverage.

For Jersey Village families with students at UH, here’s what you’re really dealing with:

University of Houston’s Greek Community Includes:

• Interfraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Lambda Phi Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Pi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Chi
• Panhellenic Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha
• Multicultural & NPHC Organizations: Numerous fraternities and sororities serving diverse student populations

These Aren’t Just Student Clubs—They’re Legal Entities
Every major fraternity and sorority operates through a network of legal entities that control property, insurance, and finances. When hazing occurs, identifying all responsible entities is crucial for securing compensation and accountability.

Example Entities from Public Records (IRS B83 Filings):

• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905), Houston, TX 77204
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter (EIN 392352450), Houston, TX 77254
• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston metro, Cause IQ listing)
• Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni (Houston metro, Cause IQ listing)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae (Houston metro, Cause IQ listing)

The National Connection

The same national organizations operating at UH have histories of hazing incidents across the country. This pattern evidence matters legally because it shows foreseeability—national headquarters knew or should have known their chapters were engaging in dangerous behavior.

Pi Kappa Phi’s National History Includes:

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
• Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide for hazing violations
• Risk management policies created specifically because of past incidents

When national organizations fail to enforce their own policies or adequately supervise chapters, they become liable for the resulting harm.

Where Jersey Village Families Send Their Kids: Campus Realities

University of Houston: Our Local University

For many Jersey Village and northwest Harris County families, UH represents an excellent local option—commutable, respected, and affordable. But its urban campus and large Greek system create specific hazing risks.

UH’s Documented Hazing History:

• 2025 Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case: The Leonel Bermudez case represents one of the most severe recent hazing incidents in Texas. Beyond the physical abuse, the psychological manipulation—forcing pledges to carry humiliating “fanny packs,” threatening expulsion for non-compliance, creating constant anxiety—demonstrates systematic abuse.
• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Incident: Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep; one student suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and suspension.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: UH regularly sanctions organizations for hazing violations, though public transparency varies.

How UH Handles Hazing Reports:

• Reporting Channels: Dean of Students Office, Office of Student Conduct, UHPD
• Disciplinary Process: Investigation, potential interim suspension, formal hearing
• Potential Outcomes: Probation, suspension, expulsion of individuals; chapter sanctions
• Critical Gap: University processes focus on student conduct, not victim compensation

For Jersey Village Families at UH:

• Hazing incidents may involve UHPD and/or Houston Police Department depending on location
• Civil cases would typically be filed in Harris County courts
• Evidence collection must be immediate—group chats disappear quickly
• Practical Step: Familiarize yourself with UH’s hazing policy and reporting mechanisms before your child joins any organization

Texas A&M University: Tradition & Risk

Many Jersey Village students head to College Station, drawn by A&M’s reputation, engineering programs, and the Corps of Cadets. Each presents unique hazing risks.

Corps of Cadets Culture:

• Military-style discipline can cross into abuse
• 2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth
• Tradition-heavy environment where “this is how it’s always been” excuses dangerous behavior

Greek Life at A&M:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
• Multiple chapter suspensions annually for hazing violations
• Large, decentralized Greek community with significant off-campus activity

For Jersey Village Families at A&M:

• Both College Station PD and university processes may be involved
• Corps cases involve military-style discipline systems alongside civil liability
• Document everything—A&M’s traditions are deeply ingrained and vigorously defended

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Patterns

UT enjoys the most transparent hazing reporting among Texas universities, with a public violations website that reveals concerning patterns.

UT’s Public Hazing Log Shows:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
• Texas Wranglers & Other Spirit Groups: Repeated sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing
• Multiple Fraternities: Annual violations for alcohol-related hazing, physical abuse

What UT’s Transparency Reveals:

• Same organizations violate policies repeatedly
• Sanctions often don’t deter future behavior
• Pattern evidence strengthens civil cases against nationals

For Jersey Village Families at UT:

• UTPD handles on-campus incidents; Austin PD for off-campus
• Prior violations listed on UT’s website provide powerful evidence in civil cases
• Despite transparency, hazing continues—accountability requires legal action

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

While fewer Jersey Village students may attend these private universities, their hazing patterns matter for understanding the broader Texas landscape.

SMU’s Affluent Greek Culture:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
• Private university status means less public transparency
• Significant resources devoted to reputation protection

Baylor’s Complex History:

• Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Religious identity sometimes conflicts with accountability
• Football program scandals demonstrate institutional protection patterns

National Hazing Cases: Lessons for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadly Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning. Family secured approximately $10 million in settlements ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Lesson: National fraternities pay substantial settlements when their chapters follow deadly scripts.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Pledge died during “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking. Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Verdict: $6.1 million against individual defendants. Lesson: Juries award significant damages even when criminal penalties are limited.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; severe falls captured on chapter cameras; delayed medical care. Multiple criminal convictions; Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Lesson: Security footage and digital evidence are devastating in court.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Pledge subjected to violent “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat; fatal head injuries; help delayed. National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Lesson: Off-campus retreats don’t protect organizations from liability.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage from alcohol poisoning during “pledge dad reveal.” Family settled with 22 defendants; victim requires 24/7 care for life. Lesson: Non-fatal injuries can result in lifetime care costs reaching millions.

What These Cases Mean for Jersey Village Families

1. Patterns Repeat: The same hazing scripts—Big/Little nights, drinking games, physical abuse—occur across campuses. Nationals know these patterns but often fail to prevent them.
2. Settlements Are Substantial: From $6.1 million verdicts to $10+ million settlements, hazing cases have real financial consequences for organizations.
3. Transparency Follows Tragedy: Legislative change often requires litigation and public pressure.
4. Your Case Matters: Every hazing case that holds organizations accountable makes the next student safer.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Realistic Expectations

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group chats showing planning, coordination, threats
• Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (screenshot immediately—they disappear)
• Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages
• Social Media Posts: Photos/videos of hazing events, even if captioned as “fun”

Example from UH Case: The “pledge fanny pack” rule, forced consumption instructions, and threats of expulsion were likely communicated through group chats. Preserving these immediately was crucial.

Medical Documentation:

• ER Records: Must specifically mention “hazing” or describe circumstances
• Lab Results: Blood alcohol levels, creatine kinase (CK) levels showing rhabdomyolysis
• Imaging: X-rays, CT scans showing injuries
• Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

Organizational Records:

• Chapter Meeting Minutes
• Pledge Manuals/”Tradition” Documents
• National Fraternity Risk Management Policies
• Prior Incident Reports from same chapter or other chapters

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges experiencing same treatment
• Former members willing to speak out
• Roommates, friends who observed changes
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

The Damages Recovery Framework

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical Expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications)
• Lost Educational Opportunity: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Diminished Earning Capacity: If injuries affect career trajectory
• Life Care Plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical Pain & Suffering
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t participate in activities, withdrawal from college experience
• Reputational Harm: If incident becomes public

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral & Burial Costs
• Loss of Financial Support
• Loss of Companionship & Society
• Parents’ & Siblings’ Emotional Suffering

Insurance Coverage Battles

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance, but insurers often fight coverage using:

Common Insurance Defense Tactics:

• “Intentional Acts” Exclusion: Arguing hazing is intentional, not negligent
• “Criminal Acts” Exclusion: Claiming hazing crimes aren’t covered
• Policy Limits Disputes: Arguing multiple policies or exclusions apply
• Notice Violations: Claiming late reporting voids coverage

Our Insider Advantage: Attorney Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurers.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Pattern Evidence Matters

Why National Histories Strengthen Your Case

When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that caused injuries or deaths at other chapters, that shows foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known this could happen. This supports negligence claims and can justify punitive damages.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) National Pattern:

• Traumatic Brain Injury – University of Alabama (2023): Lawsuit alleging TBI during hazing
• Chemical Burns – Texas A&M (2021): Industrial cleaner causing severe burns
• Assault – UT Austin (2024): Exchange student with dislocated leg, broken nose
• Multiple Chapter Suspensions nationwide annually

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) National Pattern:

• Stone Foltz – BGSU (2021): $10 million in settlements
• David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): $14 million settlement
• Alcohol Poisoning Deaths at multiple chapters
• Known “Big/Little” Night Risks

The Legal Significance of Patterns

In civil litigation, prior similar incidents establish:

1. Notice: The national organization knew this type of behavior occurred
2. Foreseeability: They should have anticipated it could happen again
3. Inadequate Prevention: Their policies/training/enforcement failed
4. Gross Negligence: For punitive damages considerations

Cross-Validated Texas Organizations

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine identifies organizations appearing in both IRS records and metro databases, confirming their operational reality:

Examples from Public Records:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244) – Also in Cause IQ Dallas-Fort Worth listings
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147) – Cross-validated in metro data
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple Texas chapters in both IRS and Cause IQ data

These overlaps show we’re not dealing with abstract concepts but with real, trackable organizations that can be held accountable.

Practical Guidance for Jersey Village Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss/gain from food restriction or stress eating
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)
• Chemical burns or skin damage

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
• Withdrawal from family, non-Greek friends
• Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

If You Suspect Hazing: Immediate Action Steps

1. Safety First:

• If in immediate danger: Call 911
• Get medical attention for any injuries
• Remove your child from the dangerous situation

2. Evidence Preservation (Critical):

• Screenshot all group chats immediately—they disappear fast
• Photograph injuries from multiple angles with date stamps
• Save physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
• Write down everything your child tells you with dates/times

3. Strategic Reporting:

• Report to campus authorities (Dean of Students, campus police)
• Consider local police report if crimes occurred
• Use university anonymous reporting if safety concerns exist
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE

4. Legal Consultation:

• Contact experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours
• Do NOT sign anything from university or insurers first
• Let attorney guide communication strategy

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” group chats looks like cover-up and destroys your case
2. Confronting the Organization: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
3. Signing University Agreements: May waive your right to sue or accept inadequate settlements
4. Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
5. Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you

Watch our video on common client mistakes that can damage your case for more guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions from Texas Families

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

Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Each 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 Education Code §37.152 makes basic hazing a Class B misdemeanor, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH, involving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, would likely qualify for felony charges given the severity of injuries.

“My child ‘agreed’ to the initiation—do we have a case?”

Absolutely yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing activity.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t 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 or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In hazing cases with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.

“What if it happened off-campus at a private house?”

Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (fatal retreat) and many others show off-campus hazing still results in substantial liability.

“Will my child’s name be public?”

Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”

We work on contingency: No upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work. This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford representation against wealthy fraternities and universities.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

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 (and undervalue) claims, use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal Court Experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• HCCLA Membership: Elite criminal defense credential critical when hazing involves criminal charges
• 25+ Years Practice: Handling high-stakes cases since 1998

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

• Wrongful death settlements valuing lifetime earnings and family impact
• Catastrophic injury cases with life care plans and future medical costing
• Experience against national fraternities, universities, and their deep-pocket insurers

Our Investigative Depth

Digital Forensics Capability: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence, metadata
Expert Network: Medical specialists, toxicologists, economists, psychologists, Greek life culture experts
Public Records Mastery: Utilizing Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 metros
Institutional Pattern Evidence: Connecting local incidents to national histories

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

We don’t just settle quickly—we investigate thoroughly:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation: Before deletion occurs
2. Comprehensive Defendant Identification: Nationals, housing corporations, alumni associations, universities, individuals
3. Pattern Evidence Development: Prior incidents, policy violations, foreseeability
4. Damage Maximization: Life care plans, economic analysis, non-economic valuation
5. Accountability Focus: Policy changes, prevention, public awareness where appropriate

We Serve Families Throughout Texas

From our Houston office, we serve Jersey Village, Greater Houston, Harris County, and families across Texas dealing with hazing at:

• University of Houston (immediate local service)
• Texas A&M University
• University of Texas at Austin
• All Texas public and private universities

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

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

1. We Listen: Without judgment, we’ll hear what happened to your child
2. Evidence Review: We’ll examine any evidence you’ve preserved
3. Legal Options Explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Realistic Assessment: Timelines, challenges, potential outcomes
5. Cost Discussion: Contingency fee basis—no win, no fee
6. No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9111)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

For Immediate Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger right now or in the hospital:

1. Call 911 for medical emergencies
2. Then call us: 1-888-ATTY-911
3. We’ll guide you through evidence preservation and next steps

To Jersey Village & Harris County Families

Whether you’re in Jersey Village, Spring Branch, Cypress, or anywhere in the Greater Houston area, if hazing has impacted your family at UH or any Texas campus, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for protecting your child may now be minimizing their responsibility—we know how to hold them accountable.

Call us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you get answers, secure accountability, and prevent this from happening to another family.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• Click2Houston investigation: 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/
• ABC13 Eyewitness News coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

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 can ruin your case: 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