The Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation for City of O’Brien, Texas Families: Your Path to Accountability and Justice

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: When “Tradition” Becomes Trauma in Texas

Imagine your child, eager to belong at their Texas university, accepts an invitation to join a fraternity, sorority, or Corps program. What begins as exciting quickly turns dark. There are late-night calls, unexplained injuries, a sudden personality change. They’re carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack” containing humiliating items. They’re forced to perform hundreds of push-ups until they collapse. They’re sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding.” They consume milk and hot dogs until they vomit, then are forced to sprint. Then comes the brown urine, the inability to stand, the four-day hospitalization with a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student and Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter pledge in fall 2025. His story, detailed in the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and the ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit, represents the harsh reality facing Texas students today. Attorney911—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—represents Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

For families in City of O’Brien, Haskell County, and throughout North Texas, this case serves as a critical warning: hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. It’s dangerous, often criminal conduct that can leave permanent physical and psychological scars. Whether your child attends school near home in West Texas or at a major university hours away, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help.

This comprehensive guide provides City of O’Brien families with everything you need to know about hazing in Texas: what it looks like today, how Texas law protects victims, what’s happening at major Texas universities, and your legal options when things go wrong.

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:

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
2. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
   • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately using techniques from our video on using your phone to document evidence
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
   • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
4. 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

Beyond Stereotypes: The Modern Reality

For families in City of O’Brien and rural Texas communities unfamiliar with modern Greek life, hazing has evolved far beyond the old stereotypes. Today’s hazing involves sophisticated digital control, psychological manipulation, and dangerous physical rituals that can cause permanent harm.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced drinking games: “Lineups,” “Century Club” (100 shots of beer), “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor
• Coerced consumption: “Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean drinking
• Dangerous mixtures: Unknown substances mixed into drinks
• The Texas reality: This is the most common fatal hazing method, responsible for deaths like Max Gruver at LSU and Stone Foltz at Bowling Green

2. Physical Hazing

• Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, squats, or wall-sits until collapse (like Bermudez’s 100+ push-ups and 500 squats)
• Environmental exposure: Being left outside in cold weather in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking (historically common in NPHC organizations but officially prohibited)
• Restraint: Being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in the mouth (as happened to another Pi Kappa Phi pledge on October 13, 2025)

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts: “Elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions (as alleged in Texas A&M Corps cases)
• Degrading costumes or requirements: The “pledge fanny pack” with condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items
• Racist or sexist role-playing

4. Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse and intimidation: Constant yelling, threats of expulsion from the organization
• Social isolation: Being cut off from non-member friends and family
• Sleep deprivation: 3 AM wake-up calls, overnight “study sessions” or chauffeuring duties
• Public humiliation: “Roasts,” forced embarrassing performances

5. Digital/Online Hazing

• 24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
• Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares
• Location tracking: Required sharing of live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Evidence destruction coaching: Instructions on how to delete incriminating messages

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Contrary to popular belief, hazing extends far beyond fraternity houses:

Greek Letter Organizations:

• Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities
• Panhellenic sororities
• National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC – Divine Nine)
• Multicultural Greek Council organizations

Military and Corps Programs:

• Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (with documented cases including “roasted pig” allegations)
• University of Texas Naval ROTC
• Other military-affiliated groups

Athletic Programs:

• Football, basketball, baseball teams
• Cheer and spirit squads
• Marching bands and performance groups

Spirit and Tradition Organizations:

• Texas Cowboys (UT Austin)
• Absolute Texxas (UT spirit group)
• Similar organizations at other campuses

Academic and Service Organizations:

• Honors societies
• Professional fraternities
• Student government associations

The common thread across all these groups: power imbalance, tradition justification, and secrecy.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What City of O’Brien Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protection

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving City of O’Brien families—hazing is specifically defined and criminalized in the Education Code. Understanding these statutes is crucial for holding organizations accountable.

§ 37.151: Definition of Hazing
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key implications for City of O’Brien families:

• Location doesn’t matter (on-campus, off-campus, at retreats, or in private homes)
• Intent matters: “Reckless” conduct qualifies (knowing the risk but doing it anyway)
• Mental harm counts alongside physical harm

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death (like Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure)
• Additional charges: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters

§ 37.155: The Critical “Consent Is Not a Defense” Rule
Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.”

This directly counters the most common defense organizations use: “They wanted to do it.” Texas recognizes that power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion make true consent impossible in hazing contexts.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by: The State of Texas (prosecutor’s office)
• Goal: Punishment (jail time, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: Phi Delta Theta members charged with negligent homicide in Max Gruver’s death

Civil Cases:

• Brought by: Victims or surviving families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability
• Example: Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi

Critical point: You don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue civil litigation. The standards of proof differ, and civil cases can proceed even if criminal charges aren’t filed.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protection for Texas Students

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
• Mandates hazing prevention education
• Phased implementation through 2026
• Increases transparency that helps families identify problematic organizations

Title IX Implications:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
• Creates additional liability for universities that fail to respond adequately
• Provides alternative reporting and resolution pathways

Clery Act Requirements:

• Mandates reporting of certain crimes on campus
• Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable offenses (assault, alcohol crimes)

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing
• Chapter officers with supervisory responsibility
• Example: The 13 individual Pi Kappa Phi members named in Bermudez’s lawsuit

2. Local Chapter/Organization

• The campus chapter as a legal entity
• Housing corporations that own chapter facilities
• Example: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515)

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters sued in the Bermudez case

4. Universities and Governing Boards

• Public institutions (UH, Texas A&M, UT) with potential sovereign immunity limitations
• Private institutions (SMU, Baylor) with fewer immunity protections
• Liability based on negligence, deliberate indifference, or policy failures
• Example: University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents as defendants

5. Third Parties

• Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
• Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
• Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: The Most Common Fatal Pattern

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
• Outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

• “Bible study” drinking game with incorrect answers requiring drinking
• BAC of 0.495% at death
• Outcome: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• Texas relevance: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at all five Texas focus universities

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

• “Big Brother Night” with handle of liquor
• Died from acute alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: FSU suspended all Greek life; Pi Kappa Phi chapter closed
• Texas relevance: Same national organization as the UH Bermudez case

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

• Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
• Falls captured on chapter security cameras; delayed medical care
• Outcome: Dozens of criminal charges; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Texas relevance: Beta Theta Pi has Texas chapters with similar risk profiles

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

• Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at Pocono Mountains retreat
• Fatal traumatic brain injury; delayed 911 call
• Outcome: National fraternity convicted of manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Texas relevance: Demonstrates off-campus retreat liability

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

• “Pledge dad reveal” night with forced excessive drinking
• Severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; needs 24/7 care)
• Outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants; multi-million dollar compensation
• Texas relevance: Phi Gamma Delta has active Texas chapters

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

• Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within the program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit
• Texas relevance: Major athletic programs at Texas schools carry similar risks

What These Cases Mean for City of O’Brien Families

1. Patterns repeat: The same behaviors (forced drinking, physical abuse, cover-ups) occur across states and organizations
2. Liability is broad: Nationals, chapters, universities, and individuals can all be held accountable
3. Reform follows tragedy: Major legal changes often require litigation and public exposure
4. Texas isn’t immune: Our state sees similar incidents requiring similar legal responses

Texas Focus: Where City of O’Brien Families Send Their Children

Families in City of O’Brien, Haskell County, and surrounding North Texas communities typically send students to a mix of regional institutions and major statewide universities. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is critical for prevention and response.

Regional Campuses Near City of O’Brien

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County)

• Distance from City of O’Brien: Approximately 120 miles
• Greek Life Scale: Significant fraternity/sorority presence
• Recent Hazing Context: Ongoing litigation involving severe injuries (rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing)
• Key Organizations: Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and others with national hazing histories
• Reporting Channels: Texas Tech Office of Student Conduct, Texas Tech Police Department
• City of O’Brien Connection: Common choice for Haskell County students; cases filed in Lubbock County courts

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, Randall County)

• Distance from City of O’Brien: Approximately 100 miles
• Greek Life Scale: Moderate but active Greek community
• Local Resources: Canyon Police Department, WTAMU Dean of Students
• Relevant Jurisdiction: Randall County courts for local filings

Major Statewide Universities for City of O’Brien Students

Beyond regional options, City of O’Brien families frequently send students to Texas’s flagship institutions, where Greek life and organizational hazing present known risks.

University of Houston: The Bermudez Case Ground Zero

Campus Culture:

• Large urban commuter/residential mix
• Active Greek life across multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC)
• Documented Incident: Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu case (2025)

Official Hazing Policy & Response:

• UH prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Specific prohibition of forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment
• Reporting through Dean of Students, UHPD, online forms
• Bermudez Case Response: UH called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary/criminal referrals, credited Pi Kappa Phi HQ for chapter closure

How UH Cases Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts, UHPD or Houston PD investigations
• Potential Defendants: Individuals, chapters, nationals, UH, property owners
• Evidence Sources: Group chats, medical records, UH conduct files, national org records

What UH Students & City of O’Brien Parents Should Do:

1. Report immediately to UH Dean of Students (713-743-5470)
2. Document all communications with UH administrators
3. Request prior disciplinary records for the organization
4. Consult Houston-based hazing counsel familiar with UH processes

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

Campus Culture:

• Tradition-heavy environment with strong Greek and Corps presence
• Documented Incidents:
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021): Industrial cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
  • Corps of Cadets “roasted pig” lawsuit (2023): Alleged degrading hazing with binding and humiliation

Official Framework:

• Student Conduct office handles Greek cases
• Corps has separate disciplinary system
• Public reporting less transparent than UT’s system

Legal Considerations for City of O’Brien Families:

• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts, College Station PD or A&M PD
• Sovereign Immunity Issues: Public university with potential immunity defenses
• Corps Specifics: Military-style hierarchy creates unique power dynamics

Practical Guidance:

• Different reporting paths for Greek vs. Corps cases
• Document both university and Corps chain of command responses
• Consider dual civil claims and potential UCMJ implications for Corps cases

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

Campus Culture:

• Public hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu)
• Documented Incidents:
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Forced milk consumption and strenuous calisthenics
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon assault case (2024): Exchange student with dislocated leg, fractures
  • Various spirit organizations sanctioned for forced workouts

UT’s Public Transparency:

• Lists organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions
• Shows patterns of repeated violations
• Provides evidence for “prior notice” in civil cases

Legal Advantages for Families:

• Public records support negligence claims
• Demonstrated patterns help prove institutional knowledge
• Austin venue may be favorable for certain claims

Action Steps:

1. Check UT’s public hazing page for organization history
2. Report through UT Dean of Students (512-471-2841)
3. Preserve all digital evidence before university investigation begins

Southern Methodist University: Private School Dynamics

Campus Culture:

• Affluent private university with strong Greek presence
• Documented Incident: Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation leading to suspension

Private University Considerations:

• Less public transparency than state schools
• Potential for deeper insurance coverage
• Different disciplinary processes

Legal Strategy:

• May involve compelling discovery of internal records
• Insurance coverage often more substantial
• Dallas County venue considerations

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Scrutiny

Campus Culture:

• Religious affiliation with historical scrutiny over misconduct issues
• Documented Incident: Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended

Unique Factors:

• Religious branding may affect public relations response
• Prior Title IX scandals create organizational sensitivity
• McLennan County court jurisdiction

Practical Advice:

• Document all communications with Baylor administration
• Be aware of potential privacy concerns around religious counseling
• Consider parallel Title IX reporting if applicable

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter for City of O’Brien Families

Why National Patterns Predict Local Risk

When a City of O’Brien student joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a campus chapter—they’re joining a national organization with a documented history. These histories matter because:

1. Foreseeability: Nationals know (or should know) the risks based on prior incidents
2. Pattern Evidence: Similar conduct across chapters shows systematic issues
3. Negligence Standards: Failure to address known patterns can constitute negligence

Major Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021), David Bogenberger death (NIU 2012)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
• City of O’Brien Relevance: Multiple Texas chapters with similar risk profiles

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• National History: Multiple deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury case (Alabama 2023)
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case (Texas A&M 2021), assault case (UT 2024)
• Pattern: Known for alcohol hazing and physical abuse

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU 2017)
• Current Texas Case: Leonel Bermudez UH lawsuit (2025)
• Demonstrated Pattern: Similar forced consumption and physical hazing across chapters

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU 2017)
• Texas Presence: All five focus universities
• Legislative Impact: Max Gruver Act (Louisiana felony hazing statute)

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

• National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter (2017)
• Pattern: Physical hazing and paddling traditions

The Institutional Knowledge Problem

National fraternities and sororities maintain detailed risk management policies precisely because they know the dangers. When they fail to enforce these policies meaningfully, they can be held liable for:

• Negligent supervision
• Failure to train
• Deliberate indifference to known risks
• Punitive damages in cases of particularly reckless conduct

For City of O’Brien families, this means your child’s case isn’t just about local chapter members—it’s about holding national organizations accountable for patterns they’ve known about for years.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Texas Families

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group chats: Screenshot immediately with timestamps and participant names visible
• Social media evidence: Instagram stories, Snapchat memories, TikTok videos showing events
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages
• Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Snapchat maps

Medical Documentation:

• Emergency room records: Specifically note “hazing” as cause of injury
• Lab results: Blood alcohol levels, creatine kinase (CK) tests for rhabdomyolysis
• Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Ongoing treatment records: Document long-term impact

Institutional Records:

• University conduct files: Prior incidents involving same organization
• National fraternity records: Risk management files, prior incident reports
• Insurance policies: Coverage available through nationals, housing corporations
• Property records: Ownership of houses where hazing occurred

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges from same class
• Former members who quit
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders
• Medical providers, emergency responders

Damages: What Texas Law Allows Families to Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, therapy
• Lost earnings/educational impact: Missed semesters, delayed graduation, reduced earning capacity
• Life care costs: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and recovery
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in college experience

Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
  T- Emotional harm to family members

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• To punish particularly reckless or intentional conduct
• To deter future similar conduct
• Available under Texas law in appropriate cases

The Insurance Coverage Battle: Why Experience Matters

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance—but insurers routinely deny hazing claims based on:

• Intentional act exclusions: Arguing hazing is intentional, not negligent
• Criminal act exclusions: Citing violation of criminal hazing statutes
• Policy limits disputes: Multiple defendants, multiple policies

Our Approach:

• Identify all potential policies: Chapter, national, university, individual homeowners
• Navigate exclusions: Argue negligent supervision even if hazing was intentional
• Bad faith claims: When insurers unreasonably deny valid claims
• Settlement within limits: Structured to maximize recovery

Why Attorney911’s Background Matters for City of O’Brien Families

Lupe Peña’s Insurance Insider Advantage:

• Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
• Knows exactly how insurers value and defend hazing claims
• Understands reserve-setting, IME tactics, delay strategies
• Translation: We know their playbook because we used to run it

Ralph Manginello’s Complex Litigation Experience:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (against billion-dollar defendants)
• Federal court experience (Southern District of Texas)
• HCCLA criminal defense background
• Translation: We’re not intimidated by national organizations or their lawyers

Our Investigative Network:

• Digital forensics experts for message recovery
• Medical experts for injury causation
• Economists for damages calculation
• Greek life culture experts for context
• Translation: We build cases that force serious settlement discussions

Practical Guides & FAQs for City of O’Brien Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Physical Warning Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”

Academic Red Flags:

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

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Talk openly but non-confrontationally: “I’m concerned about you. Are you safe?”
2. Document everything: Write down dates, times, what your child tells you
3. Preserve evidence: Screenshot texts, photograph injuries
4. Seek medical attention: Even if they resist, prioritize health over secrecy
5. Consult an attorney early: Before contacting the university or organization

For Students: Is This Hazing?

Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this activity something we have to hide from the university?
• Are older members making us do things they don’t have to do?

If It’s Hazing:

1. Your safety comes first: Leave dangerous situations immediately
2. Document everything: Screenshot, photograph, record (Texas is one-party consent)
3. Seek medical help: Go to ER or student health; tell them you were hazed
4. Report safely: Dean of Students, campus police, anonymous hotlines
5. Know your rights: Consent is NOT a defense to hazing in Texas

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed

• Mistake: Allowing your child to delete “embarrassing” messages
• Reality: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
• Solution: Preserve everything immediately using techniques from our evidence video

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• Mistake: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Reality: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Solution: Document first, then let your attorney handle communications

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• Mistake: Accepting quick settlement from university
• Reality: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often inadequate
• Solution: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

• Mistake: “I want people to know what happened”
• Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Solution: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

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

• Mistake: Trusting internal university process
• Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Solution: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity, 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—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“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 (like Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis).

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states: “Consent is not a defense to hazing.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure 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 exceptions exist. The “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

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

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

Why Attorney911 for City of O’Brien Hazing Cases

Texas-Based, Texas-Focused, Texas-Experienced

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand Texas law, Texas universities, and how powerful institutions fight back. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of O’Brien, Haskell County, and all of North Texas.

Our Unique Qualifications

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Lupe Peña):

• Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
• Knows how fraternity and university insurers value claims
• Understands their delay tactics and coverage arguments
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Experience (Ralph Manginello):

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (against billion-dollar defendants)
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams
• “We’ve taken on the biggest corporations and won.”

Hazing-Specific Expertise:

• Currently representing Leonel Bermudez in $10M UH/Pi Kappa Phi case
• Understanding of Greek culture, tradition, and coercion dynamics
• Network of digital forensics, medical, and Greek life experts
• Experience with both criminal and civil hazing proceedings

Texas Geographic Mastery:

• Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
• Familiar with courts statewide, including rural counties
• Understanding of different university systems and their processes
• Spanish-language services available (Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish)

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response:

• Evidence preservation before deletion
• Medical attention coordination
• Strategic reporting guidance

2. Thorough Investigation:

• Digital forensics for deleted messages
• University records requests
• National organization document discovery
• Witness interviews and testimony preservation

3. Strategic Litigation:

• Identifying all potentially liable parties
• Navigating insurance coverage disputes
• Building cases that force serious settlement talks
• Trial readiness that changes negotiation dynamics

4. Client-Centered Advocacy:

• Regular communication (we update clients every 2-3 weeks)
• Respect for privacy and sensitivity
• Focus on accountability and prevention, not just compensation
• Spanish-language services for Hispanic families

Our Promise to City of O’Brien Families

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

• Get you answers about what really happened
• Hold the right people and institutions accountable
• Secure compensation for medical care, therapy, and impact on your child’s future
• Help prevent this from happening to another family

We’re not about bravado or quick settlements. We’re about thorough investigation, strategic litigation, and real accountability.

Your Next Step: Free Confidential Consultation

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether near City of O’Brien or anywhere in the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Haskell County and throughout Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today

For Immediate Help:

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781

Online:

• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello) or lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services:

• Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
• Servicios legales en español disponibles

What to Expect in Your FREE Consultation

1. We Listen: Tell us what happened without judgment
2. We Review: Look at any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. We Explain: Your legal options in plain English
4. We Answer: Your questions about process, timeline, and costs
5. No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Everything you tell us is confidential. The consultation is free, and we work on contingency—you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston (KPRC 2): 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 (KTRK): https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

• Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency Fees: 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.

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