The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Every Town of Rule Family Needs to Know About Fraternity, Sorority, and Corps Abuse

For Families in Town of Rule: When Campus “Tradition” Becomes Criminal Abuse

Your child from Haskell County worked hard to earn their spot at a Texas university. They wanted the full college experience—friends, community, and maybe even Greek life or the Corps of Cadets. Then the phone calls changed. They seem constantly exhausted, secretive about their schedule, or show up home with unexplained injuries. When you ask what’s happening, you get vague answers about “pledge activities” or “team bonding.” You’re a parent in Town of Rule watching your child transform, and that deep parental instinct tells you something is wrong.

Right now, just hours from Town of Rule in Haskell County, we’re leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. Bermudez, a transfer student seeking community, endured months of systematic abuse that nearly killed him. He was forced to carry a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, subjected to overnight driving duties, and sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” During a November 3rd “workout,” he was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. He developed rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring four days of hospitalization. He now faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t happening in some distant state. This is happening at the University of Houston, where students from across Texas—including from communities like Town of Rule in Haskell County—pursue their education. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14th. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action. This case, which you can read about in the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit, represents exactly what we fight against every day.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Town of Rule, Haskell County, and throughout Texas who need to understand the reality of modern hazing. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025 (far beyond the old stereotypes), break down Texas and federal law, examine what’s happening at major Texas universities, and show you what legal options exist when “tradition” becomes abuse. For families in our tight-knit Haskell County community, where we look out for one another, this information could protect your child or someone else’s.

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

For detailed guidance on evidence collection, watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Students

For families in Town of Rule, where community values and looking out for neighbors run deep, understanding modern hazing requires moving beyond outdated stereotypes. What was once dismissed as “boys will be boys” or “harmless pranks” has evolved into systematic abuse that can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is 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. The critical element that families in Haskell County need to understand is this: “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal. When there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion, what looks like consent is often coercion.

Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37) defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for purposes of initiation or affiliation. This happens both on and off campus, and consent is explicitly not a defense.

The Five Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and most dangerous form. It includes forced or coerced drinking games, “lineups” where pledges must rapidly consume alcohol, “Big/Little” nights where new members are given handles of liquor, and pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances. The Leonel Bermudez case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. From Town of Rule to Houston, these practices persist despite numerous alcohol-poisoning deaths nationwide.

2. Physical Hazing
This extends far beyond paddling to include extreme calisthenics called “smokings,” sleep deprivation for days, food and water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous physical tests. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass, perform bear crawls and wheelbarrow races, and endure cold-weather exposure in his underwear. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or positions, and acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case containing condoms and sex toys represents this category. These acts cause profound psychological trauma that can last decades.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming in meetings or on social media. This creates an environment where victims feel trapped and powerless to report what’s happening.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
This is the newest frontier. Group chat dares, “challenges” shared on Instagram or TikTok, pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 digital monitoring via apps like GroupMe, Snapchat, or Discord. Pledges might be required to share their location at all times, respond instantly to messages at any hour, or post humiliating content publicly.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

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, swimming)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (like Texas Cowboys or similar groups)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

For families in Town of Rule sending students to Texas universities, understanding this breadth is crucial. Your child doesn’t need to join Greek life to encounter hazing. The common threads across all these groups are social status, tradition, and secrecy—factors that keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Haskell County Families Need to Know

When your family in Town of Rule faces a hazing situation, understanding Texas law becomes critical. Our state has specific statutes that govern hazing, and knowing your rights can mean the difference between accountability and cover-up.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of initiation or affiliation that endangers mental or physical health. For Haskell County families, several key provisions matter most:

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted if:

The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer or member acting officially knew about hazing and failed to report it
Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation and university revocation of recognition

Consent is Not a Defense (Section 37.155):
This is perhaps the most important provision for families. The law explicitly states that victim consent is not a defense to hazing charges. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Section 37.154):
Individuals who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability. Many universities also provide medical amnesty policies for those who call 911 in alcohol emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence

These cases can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil action. In fact, many successful civil hazing cases proceed regardless of criminal outcomes.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data. Implementation phases in through 2026, meaning more transparency is coming.

Title IX and Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics—hazing often overlaps with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

For Town of Rule families considering legal action, understanding potential defendants is crucial:

1. Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders were named.

2. Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity/sorority or club itself if it’s a legal entity. Officers and “pledge educators” often bear particular responsibility.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority:
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in the UH case.

4. University or Governing Board:
Schools may be sued under negligence or civil rights theories. Key questions involve prior warnings, policy enforcement, and deliberate indifference. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in our current case.

5. Third Parties:
Landlords of event spaces, bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties to ensure full accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

The hazing case we’re litigating at UH didn’t happen in a vacuum. It follows patterns seen across the country for decades. Understanding these patterns helps Haskell County families recognize that what happened to their child isn’t an isolated incident but part of a systemic problem.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night and died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members were convicted, and the family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case strengthened Ohio’s anti-hazing laws and shows how national organizations face massive liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
The 19-year-old pledge died after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol level reached 0.495%. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony and resulted in a $6.1 million verdict for the family.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
The 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night with extreme drinking. Security cameras captured his falls and the fraternity’s delayed response. Eighteen members faced over 1,000 criminal charges total, and the case led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
The pledge was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. He suffered fatal head injuries while help was delayed. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark case showing organizational criminal liability. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and a confidential settlement. This case proves hazing extends far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Town of Rule Families

These national cases share common threads with what we see in Texas:

Forced drinking, humiliation, and violence
Delayed medical care due to fear of consequences
Systematic cover-ups and witness intimidation
Multi-million dollar settlements only after tragedy
Legislative reforms following public outrage

For families in Haskell County, these precedents matter because they show:

Courts take hazing seriously
National organizations have deep pockets for settlements
Universities face significant liability
Change often requires litigation

Texas University Focus: Where Town of Rule Students Attend

Families in Town of Rule and Haskell County send their children to universities across Texas. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is crucial for prevention and response.

University of Houston: Ground Zero for Current Texas Hazing Litigation

For Town of Rule Families:
UH attracts students from across Texas, offering urban opportunities just hours from Haskell County. Its active Greek life includes 18+ fraternities and 12+ sororities across multiple councils.

Recent Case – Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025):
Our firm currently represents Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi. The case details extreme physical hazing, forced consumption rituals, and medical catastrophe resulting in rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and surrendered its charter November 14th. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary and criminal referrals.

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting:

Prohibits hazing on and off campus
Reporting through Dean of Students, Student Conduct, or UHPD
Maintains disciplinary records (though less transparent than UT’s public log)
Provides anonymous reporting options

What UH Students & Parents Should Do:

Document everything immediately—screenshots before deletion
Report to both UHPD and Houston Police if crimes occurred
Seek medical attention and request complete records
Contact experienced counsel before speaking to university investigators
Understand that UH, as a public institution, has sovereign immunity arguments but still settles serious cases

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Town of Rule Families:
Many Haskell County students choose A&M for its tradition, reputation, and Corps of Cadets. The combination of Greek life and military-style organizations creates unique hazing risks.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):
A cadet alleged 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. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules, demonstrating how institutional responses often prioritize internal resolution over victim justice.

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 skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million, and the fraternity received a two-year suspension.

Texas A&M Hazing Response:

Student Conduct Office handles investigations
Corps has its own discipline system
Public transparency limited compared to UT
History of handling matters “internally”

What A&M Families Should Know:

The Corps’ internal discipline system may conflict with criminal/civil processes
Documenting injuries medically is critical—burns, bruises, etc.
Texas A&M’s status as a public university affects litigation strategies
Multiple organizations (Greek and Corps) increase potential defendants

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

For Town of Rule Families:
UT Austin represents the flagship aspiration for many Texas students. Its relatively transparent hazing violation log provides unique insight into persistent problems.

Public Hazing Violations Log:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent systems at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and required education
Texas Wranglers (2023): Spirit group sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple other organizations show repeating patterns year after year

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. He sued for over $1 million. The chapter was already under suspension for prior violations, showing pattern of behavior.

UT’s Comparative Transparency:

Public violation log shows dates, conduct, sanctions
UTPD and Austin PD jurisdiction options
Still experiences repeated violations despite transparency
Demonstrates that disclosure alone doesn’t prevent hazing

What UT Families Should Do:

Check UT’s hazing log for prior violations of your child’s organization
Report to both UTPD and Austin Police for off-campus incidents
Use UT’s public records in building your case
Recognize that transparency doesn’t equal prevention

Southern Methodist University: Private School Challenges

For Town of Rule Families:
SMU’s private status and affluent reputation attract Texas students seeking prestigious Greek life. Its location in Dallas places it within reach for Haskell County families.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reported paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended with recruiting restrictions until 2021.

SMU’s Private University Dynamics:

Less public transparency than state schools
Strong Greek life tradition
Anonymous reporting via systems like Real Response
Different legal considerations than public institutions

What SMU Families Should Consider:

Private university status affects public records access
Civil litigation may be needed to uncover internal documents
SMU’s national reputation can affect settlement dynamics
Dallas venue offers different legal strategies than Austin or College Station

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Historical Scrutiny

For Town of Rule Families:
Baylor’s religious identity and Waco location appeal to many Texas families. Its history with football scandals creates context for hazing responses.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
Fourteen players were suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the early season.

Baylor’s Unique Context:

Religious identity affects institutional response
History of scrutiny over handling misconduct
“Zero tolerance” rhetoric versus recurring issues
Waco legal venue considerations

What Baylor Families Should Understand:

Baylor’s religious branding may influence internal handling
Prior scandals create both sensitivity and skepticism
Documentation and external counsel are particularly important
McLennan County courts have their own dynamics

The Greek Ecosystem: National Patterns Meet Texas Chapters

For Haskell County families, understanding that local fraternity chapters connect to national organizations with documented hazing histories is crucial. These patterns create legal liability and show that what happens to your child isn’t isolated.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries elsewhere, that shows foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known the risks. This supports negligence claims and can justify punitive damages.

Major National Organizations with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

National History: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death ($14M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, physical abuse

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National History: Multiple alcohol deaths, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama, chemical burns at Texas A&M
Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major Texas schools
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, alcohol coercion, repeated violations

Pi Kappa Phi:

National History: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), other Texas campuses
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption
Current Case: We represent Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi at UH

Phi Delta Theta:

National History: Max Gruver death at LSU ($6.1M verdict)
Texas Presence: Chapters at multiple Texas universities
Pattern: Drinking game hazing, “Bible study” rituals

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizational Liability

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal entities, and their histories. For families in Town of Rule, this means we don’t start from scratch when investigating your case.

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations:
These are the legal entities—house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies—that exist in Texas. Examples from our database include:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035-6629 (IRS B83 filing)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627-8843 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204-3067 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 (IRS B83 filing)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204-7005 (IRS B83 filing)
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, EIN 746047117, Austin, TX 78705-4017 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 237279532, Prairie View, TX 77446-2142 (IRS B83 filing)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843-0001 (Texas A&M University chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710-4154 (IRS B83 filing)
Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705-4018 (Chi Omega House Corporation)

Cause IQ Metro Organizations – 1,423+ Texas Entities:
Across 25 Texas metros, we track Greek organizations including:

510 in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington
188 in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land
154 in Austin-Round Rock
86 in San Antonio
59 in Lubbock
42 in College Station-Bryan
27 in Waco
22 in Beaumont-Port Arthur

What This Means for Your Case:
When you come to us with a hazing case, we already know:

The legal names and EINs of organizations involved
Their insurance coverage structures
Prior incidents in Texas and nationally
How to trace liability from local chapter to national headquarters

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

For families in Town of Rule facing the nightmare of hazing, understanding how cases are built provides both clarity and realistic expectations. This process requires systematic investigation, strategic planning, and experienced legal navigation.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord conversations
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok communications
Fraternity-specific apps and platforms
Key: Screenshot immediately—messages disappear fast. Watch our evidence preservation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

2. Photos & Videos:

Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
Social media posts showing activities
Security camera or doorbell footage
Injury documentation over time

3. Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, tradition lists
Emails/texts about “what we’ll do to pledges”
National policies and training materials
Risk management files

4. University Records:

Prior conduct files and disciplinary history
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and safety disclosures
Internal emails among administrators

5. Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Surgical notes, rehabilitation documentation
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety

6. Witness Testimony:

Other pledges and current members
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled
Coaches, trainers, academic advisors

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost earnings and educational costs
Future care needs (therapy, medications, surgeries)
Life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to family members
Lost financial support

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants show deliberate indifference
Capped in Texas but significant in egregious cases

Insurance Coverage Complexities

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance, but coverage fights are common:

Common Insurance Defenses:

“Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
“Policy excludes criminal conduct”
“This defendant isn’t an insured party”

How We Overcome These:

Argue negligent supervision (covered) versus intentional hazing
Identify all potential policies (chapter, national, university, individual)
Pursue bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny
Use our insider knowledge—Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney and knows their tactics

Timeline and Process

Immediate (0-48 hours):

Medical attention and evidence preservation
Initial consultation with counsel
Strategic decisions about reporting

Investigation Phase (1-4 months):

Gathering medical records
Interviewing witnesses
Preserving digital evidence
Researching organizational histories

Pre-Litigation (2-6 months):

Demand package to potential defendants
Negotiation with insurers
Settlement discussions

Litigation (6 months-2+ years):

Filing lawsuit if settlement fails
Discovery (document requests, depositions)
Expert testimony preparation
Mediation and potential trial

Most cases settle during discovery or mediation, but trial readiness is essential for leverage.

Practical Guides for Town of Rule Families: What to Do Right Now

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Financial strain from unexpected “dues” or purchases
Academic decline from missed classes or exhaustion

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose a private, calm setting
Use open questions: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’ve noticed you seem really tired lately”
Emphasize safety over status: “No organization is worth your health”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you no matter what”

If You Suspect Hazing:

Safety first: Remove from dangerous situations immediately
Medical attention: Even if they resist, health comes first
Document everything: Write down what they tell you with dates
Preserve evidence: Screenshot before deletion, photograph injuries
Consult counsel before reporting: Strategic timing matters

For Students: Self-Protection and Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
You won’t get in trouble for calling for help in an emergency

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation: “I am resigning my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
Document any retaliation or threats
Seek counseling support for the transition

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence:
“What parents think:” I don’t want them to get in more trouble
“Why it’s wrong:” Looks like obstruction of justice; case becomes nearly impossible
“What to do instead:” Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

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

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms:
“What universities do:” Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
“Why it’s wrong:” You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often lowball
“What to do instead:” Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

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

5. Waiting for University Action:
“What universities promise:” We’re investigating internally
“Why it’s wrong:” Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
“What to do instead:” Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

For more on common mistakes, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

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

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, and fight coverage. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” His background is detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):
Ralph is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations and winning. His federal court experience and HCCLA membership signal we’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams. His complete credentials are at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Current Texas Hazing Leadership:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit that has already shut down a fraternity chapter. We’re not talking about hypotheticals; we’re in the courtroom fighting for Texas families today.

Multi-Million Dollar Results:
Our wrongful death practice (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) has recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force accountability, not just accept low settlements.

Investigative Depth:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423+ Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. We know how to obtain deleted group chats, subpoena national fraternity records, and uncover university files others miss.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise witnesses facing criminal exposure and navigate the interaction between civil and criminal proceedings.

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation:
We act within hours, not days. Digital evidence disappears fast—we know how to preserve it before deletion.

2. Organizational Investigation:
We don’t just sue individuals. We trace liability through house corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters, and insurance policies.

3. Medical Coordination:
We connect families with specialists who understand hazing injuries—rhabdomyolysis experts, toxicologists, PTSD therapists.

4. Strategic Timing:
We know when to report to authorities, when to make demands, and when to file suit for maximum leverage.

5. Privacy Protection:
We fight for confidential settlements and sealed records to protect victims’ privacy while pursuing accountability.

Call to Action for Town of Rule and Haskell County Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Town of Rule, Haskell County, and throughout our region have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact us, you’ll receive:

A Listening Ear: We’ll hear your story without judgment
Evidence Review: We’ll examine any photos, texts, or medical records you have
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline criminal reporting, civil litigation, or other paths
Realistic Timelines: We’ll discuss what to expect and when
Cost Transparency: Contingency fee means no upfront costs—we only get paid if we win
No Pressure: Take time to decide—we won’t push you to hire us immediately

Contact Information

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

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

About Our Fee Structure

We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury hazing cases. This means:

No upfront costs or hourly fees
We cover all case expenses initially
We only get paid if we recover money for you
Fees come as a percentage of the recovery

Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Statute of Limitations Reminder

Texas generally allows 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit, but exceptions exist. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records over time. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Learn more about statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational 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

Firm Website Pages:

Main site: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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