The Complete Town of Mertens, Texas Guide to Hazing Incidents, Laws, and Holding Greek Life Accountable

A Message to Parents in Town of Mertens and Across Hill County

The call comes late at night. Your child, a freshman at a Texas university, is slurring their words on the phone. They talk about “mandatory brotherhood events,” about being exhausted from 3 AM workouts, about not being able to say no. Or perhaps you’ve noticed unexplained bruises when they visit home, a new anxiety about their phone buzzing, or a withdrawal from the bright student who left for college just months ago. For families in our close-knit Town of Mertens community in Hill County, where everyone knows everyone and we pride ourselves on looking out for each other, discovering your child is being hazed at college creates a special kind of nightmare.

Right now, just a few hours’ drive from Mertens in Houston, we’re witnessing one of the most serious hazing cases in recent Texas history. In late 2025, a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit was filed against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, housing corporation, and 13 fraternity leaders. The victim, Leonel Bermudez, nearly lost his kidneys after developing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from brutal hazing rituals. As coverage from Click2Houston and ABC13 detailed, he was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under expulsion threats, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” made to lie in vomit-soaked grass, and forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. His urine turned brown before he was hospitalized for four days.

We represent Bermudez in this ongoing litigation. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025. The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This case proves that severe hazing isn’t just happening in other states—it’s happening right here in Texas, at schools where Mertens families send their children.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Town of Mertens, Hill County, and throughout Texas who need to understand:

What modern hazing really looks like in 2025
How Texas law protects—or fails to protect—our children
What’s happening at Texas universities where Mertens students attend
How national fraternity histories create predictable patterns of abuse
What legal options exist for holding organizations accountable
Why immediate action matters when evidence disappears within days

Whether your child attends Hill College right here in our community, or has ventured to Texas A&M, Baylor, UT Austin, UH, or any other Texas campus, the legal principles and institutional failures we’ll discuss apply directly to your family’s situation.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like at Texas Universities

Beyond the “Boys Will Be Boys” Stereotype

For many families in our rural Hill County community, Greek life might seem like distant campus politics. But hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “pranks” of decades past. In 2025, hazing is a calculated system of control that blends psychological manipulation with physical risk, often disguised as “tradition” or “bonding.”

Hazing in modern Texas Greek life means any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The key understanding for Mertens parents is this: “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of social exclusion.

The Five Modern Hazing Categories Affecting Texas Students

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest category. What we saw in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case—forced consumption until vomiting—is tragically common. It includes “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, “lineup” drinking games where rapid consumption is mandatory, and games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean forced drinks. The risk isn’t just alcohol poisoning alone; it’s the combination of extreme intoxication with physical exertion, sleep deprivation, and delayed medical care.

2. Physical Hazing and “Conditioning”
The UH case revealed extreme workouts (100+ push-ups, 500 squats) framed as “conditioning.” This category includes paddling, beatings, “smokings” (exhaustive calisthenics), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements. What parents might dismiss as “tough workouts” become criminal hazing when they’re punitive, mandatory, and dangerous.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. In the Pi Kappa Phi case, pledges carried “pledge fanny packs” containing condoms and sex toys as humiliation tools. These acts cause profound psychological trauma.

4. Psychological Hazing and Digital Control
Modern hazing includes 24/7 digital surveillance. Pledges must respond instantly to GroupMe messages at all hours, share locations via tracking apps, and endure public shaming in group chats. Social media becomes a tool for humiliation—forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, and meme creation mocking specific pledges.

5. Servitude and Exploitation
This is where many Mertens families first notice something’s wrong. Your child becomes a permanent chauffeur for older members, cleans houses at all hours, runs errands during class time, and spends money they don’t have on gifts for “bigs.” Their academic performance plummets because “mandatory” events override everything.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas Campus Life

While fraternities and sororities dominate hazing headlines, parents in Town of Mertens should know these practices extend to:

Corps of Cadets programs at Texas A&M and other schools
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit and tradition organizations (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic honors societies and service clubs

The common thread isn’t the type of organization but the combination of social status, tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance that lets these practices continue even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Town of Mertens Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F. For parents navigating a crisis, here’s what matters:

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

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

Plain English Translation: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats, and Airbnbs count. Mental harm counts as much as physical harm.

Criminal Penalties That Actually Matter (§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

Critical for Mertens families: The law also makes it a crime to fail to report hazing if you’re a member or officer who knows about it, and to retaliate against someone who reports.

The Most Important Texas Provision for Victims (§37.155)

“Consent is not a defense.” Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that even if the victim “agreed” to the hazing activity, it’s still a crime. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent. This directly counters the #1 defense fraternities use: “They wanted to do it.”

Organizational Liability (§37.153)

Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted if the organization authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer knew and failed to report. Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition. This means both individuals AND the organization can face consequences.

Good-Faith Reporting Protections (§37.154)

A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. In medical emergencies, Texas law and university policies typically provide amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were drinking underage. This is designed to remove the “I don’t want to get in trouble” barrier to saving lives.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: What Mertens Families Actually Need

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter
Reality: Overworked prosecutors may prioritize quick plea deals over thorough justice

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation AND accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Critical: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case

Most families in Town of Mertens need to understand that while criminal cases get headlines, civil cases often deliver real accountability through financial consequences that force institutional change.

Federal Law Overlay: The Stop Campus Hazing Act and Beyond

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026). This means more sunlight on problems that were previously hidden.

Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Clery requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crimes that must be disclosed.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority itself (if incorporated)
National Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters—their liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
University or Governing Board: Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories, especially if they had prior warnings
Third Parties: Landlords of event spaces, bars that overserved, security companies

Every case is fact-specific. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we named 13 individual members, the chapter housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, UH, and the UH System Board of Regents.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern That Keeps Repeating

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

20-year-old pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
Settlement: $10 million total ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Takeaway for Mertens families: Universities will pay millions when their oversight fails

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Result: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Takeaway: Legislative change follows tragedy, but only after families fight

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

“Big Brother Night” event, pledge given handle of liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
Result: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Takeaway: The same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) involved in the UH case has previous deadly patterns

Physical and Ritualized Violence

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

Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: National organizations can face criminal conviction, not just civil liability

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, later settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway for Mertens parents: Hazing extends to big-money athletic programs with the same institutional cover-ups

What These National Cases Mean for Town of Mertens Families

Patterns Predict Outcomes: The same scripts—forced drinking nights, physical “conditioning,” delayed medical care—repeat across states and organizations
Settlement Values Are Substantial: Multi-million dollar settlements ($10M for Foltz, $6.1M for Gruver verdict) show what serious cases are worth
Institutional Knowledge Is Key: When national fraternities have prior incidents, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
Time is Everything: Evidence disappears within days; witnesses get coached; statutes of limitations run

Texas Universities Where Town of Mertens Families Send Their Kids

Understanding Our Local Educational Landscape

Families in Town of Mertens and throughout Hill County typically have children attending:

Local/regional institutions: Hill College (right here in Hill County), McLennan Community College, Texas State Technical College
Major Texas universities: Baylor University (Waco), Texas A&M University (College Station), University of Texas at Austin, University of Houston, Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
Private universities: Southern Methodist University (Dallas), Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)

The geographic reality means Mertens students often live hours from home, making it harder for parents to notice warning signs and easier for organizations to hide misconduct.

University of Houston: The Active Case in Our Backyard

Campus Snapshot for Mertens Families:
UH is just over 3 hours from Mertens, making it a common choice for Hill County students wanting urban opportunities while staying within driving distance. The large commuter population sometimes leads to intense “instant bonding” pressures in Greek life.

The Active Pi Kappa Phi Case:
As detailed in Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage, Leonel Bermudez’s experience reveals UH’s Greek life dangers:

Hazing occurred at multiple locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Systematic degradation: “Pledge fanny pack” rule with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Extreme physical abuse: Forced consumption until vomiting followed by immediate sprints, cold-weather exposure, hose spraying “like waterboarding”
Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization

UH’s Response Pattern:
The university called conduct “deeply disturbing” only after litigation began. The chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and surrendered its charter November 14, 2025—reactive measures after catastrophic harm.

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds for Mertens Families:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts where UH is located
Potential defendants: Individuals, chapter, national Pi Kappa Phi, UH, property owners
Critical evidence: Group chats, medical records, prior complaints to UH

Texas A&M University: Traditions and Tragedies

Campus Snapshot for Mertens Families:
About 2.5 hours from Mertens, A&M’s Corps of Cadets and strong Greek life create overlapping hazing risks. Many Hill County students are drawn to A&M’s traditions and reputation.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years
Pattern: SAE has multiple similar incidents nationally

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023):

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter under its rules
Pattern: Military-style groups have unique hazing traditions

What Mertens Parents Should Know About A&M:

The Corps and Greek life sometimes interact in dangerous ways
University tends to handle complaints “internally” first
Prior incidents create patterns juries recognize

Baylor University: Proximity and Problems

Campus Snapshot for Mertens Families:
Baylor in Waco is the closest major university to Mertens at about 45 minutes away. Its religious identity doesn’t immunize it from hazing—in some cases, it may create additional pressure to “keep quiet” about misconduct.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Pattern: Athletic hazing often involves upperclassmen dominating newcomers

What Makes Baylor Cases Different:

Religious branding creates narrative control challenges
Smaller community increases retaliation fears
Private university status affects transparency

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Continued Problems

Campus Snapshot for Mertens Families:
About 2 hours from Mertens, UT’s size and prestige attract Hill County students. Its relatively transparent hazing violation reporting provides useful public data.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent public logs. Examples include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → probation
Various spirit groups: Forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
Pattern: Repeated violations show ongoing issues despite transparency

Sigma Alpha Epsilon at UT (2024):
快3 Australian exchange student alleged assault at party

Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Pattern: Same national fraternity with multiple Texas incidents

Southern Methodist University: Affluence and Accountability Gaps

Campus Snapshot for Mertens Families:
About 1.5 hours from Mertens, SMU’s affluent reputation and strong Greek presence create unique dynamics. Private university status means less public transparency.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until 2021
Pattern: Historical fraternities with “tradition” defenses

What Mertens Families Should Know About SMU Cases:

Private university = less public reporting
Wealthy defendants = better-funded defenses

Discovery process can uncover what’s not publicly posted

The Local Option: Hill College and Regional Campuses

For Mertens families with students at Hill College or similar regional campuses:
After Greek life exists even at community colleges through local chapters of national organizations

Hazing risks are present but less publicized
Smaller campuses sometimes mean fewer oversight resources
The same Texas laws apply regardless of campus size

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Data-Driven Reality for Mertens Families

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Why Data Matters

When your child is hazed, you’re not just fighting individuals—you’re fighting systems. Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, built from:

Table A – IRS B83 Texas Organizations: 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs, legal names, and addresses
Table B – Texas Universities: 96 campuses with locations and characteristics
Table C – Cause IQ Metro Organizations: 129 organizations across 15 Texas metros
Table D – Brand Overlap: 36 national brands appearing in both IRS and Cause IQ data

This means when a Mertens family comes to us with a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know the organizational landscape, insurance entities, and historical patterns.

Public Records Directory: Organizations Serving Texas Students

For Mertens families, here’s what the data shows about Greek organizations operating in our region and at Texas universities:

From IRS B83 Filings – Texas-Registered Greek Organizations:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing)
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY, EIN 262025321, Denton, TX 76201 (IRS B83 filing)
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI, EIN 383742830, El Paso, TX 79968 (IRS B83 filing)
DELTA PHI UPSILON FRATERNITY INC, EIN 800209640, Houston, TX 77248 (IRS B83 filing)
SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (IRS B83 filing)
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing)

From Cause IQ Metro Data – Dallas-Fort Worth Area:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth, TX – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Cause IQ metro listing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation, Fort Worth, TX – Kappa Sigma housing foundation (Cause IQ metro listing)
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter, Dallas, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)

From Cause IQ Metro Data – Houston Area:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX (Alumni/house corp.) (Cause IQ metro listing)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter, Houston, TX (Undergrad chapter) (Cause IQ metro listing)

What This Data Means for Your Case

When we take a hazing case from a Mertens family, this data helps us:

Identify all liable entities beyond the individual members
Trace insurance coverage through housing corporations and national organizations
Establish patterns of the same national brands appearing across multiple incidents
Prove institutional knowledge through prior complaints and violations

For example, in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, knowing that Beta Nu had a separate housing corporation (EIN 462267515) helped us identify additional insurance coverage and entities that might otherwise have avoided liability.

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Outcomes

Why National Histories Matter for Texas Cases

When your child is hazed by a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH, you’re not just dealing with that specific chapter—you’re dealing with a national organization that has seen this exact script before. In Pi Kappa Phi’s case, Andrew Coffey died at Florida State in 2017 from nearly identical forced drinking rituals. Nationals know these patterns because they’ve paid millions in settlements for them.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Death from forced drinking; $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): Death from alcohol poisoning; $14M settlement
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced consumption, delayed medical care
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, SMU

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Multiple alcohol deaths nationally leading to 2014 pledge process elimination
Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns from cleaner; $1M lawsuit
UT Austin (2024): Assault causing multiple fractures; $1M+ lawsuit
Pattern: Physical violence combined with alcohol, repeated Texas incidents
Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Death from forced drinking at “Big Brother Night”
UH (2025): Leonel Bermudez rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure case
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing disguised as “workouts”
Texas Presence: Recently closed UH chapter, other Texas chapters

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Death from “Bible study” drinking game; $6.1M verdict
Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games, forced rapid consumption
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor

How Pattern Evidence Strengthens Your Case

In court, we use these national histories to establish:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
Inadequate Prevention: Their policies and training failed to prevent predictable harm
Punitive Damages Basis: Repeated incidents show reckless disregard for safety

When a national fraternity has paid $10M for a death at one chapter, then sees similar conduct at another chapter, courts recognize they had every reason to intervene aggressively but didn’t.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Mertens Families

Evidence That Actually Wins Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, intimidation, or admissions
Deleted message recovery via digital forensics—even “disappearing” messages can often be recovered
Social media evidence: Instagram stories, Snapchat videos, TikTok posts showing events
Location data: Find My Friends sharing, geotagged photos, Uber/Lyft receipts

Medical Documentation:
-pour** Hospital records must explicitly state “hazing” or “forced consumption”**

Toxicology reports showing blood alcohol levels
Kidney function tests for rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez’s
Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety

Organizational Records (Obtained via Discovery):

National fraternity incident reports on prior violations
Chapter meeting minutes discussing “traditions”
Risk management manuals showing what policies existed
University conduct files on prior complaints

Physical Evidence:

Photographs of injuries taken immediately and over several days
Damaged clothing with blood, vomit, or chemical stains
Paddles, props, or objects used in hazing
Receipts for forced alcohol purchases

Damages: What Texas Law Allows Families to Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing therapy
Future medical care: Lifelong treatment for conditions like kidney damage or PTSD
Lost educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect career prospects

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial in Serious Cases):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma from publicized hazing

Wrongful Death Damages (If Tragedy Occurs):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support to family
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Egregious):

Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future conduct
Available when: Prior warnings ignored, cover-up attempted, callous indifference shown
Texas caps: Generally limited but can be substantial in gross negligence cases

Insurance Coverage Battles: The Hidden Fight

Fraternities, universities, and housing corporations all carry insurance—but insurers routinely deny hazing claims using:

Intentional act exclusions: “Hazing was intentional, so not covered”
Criminal act exclusions: “Hazing is a crime, so not covered”
Policy limit games: Multiple policies with conflicting coverage

Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, set reserves, use IMEs to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. We don’t just accept denials—we fight them using insurance law knowledge most plaintiff firms lack.

The Strategic Timeline: Why Immediate Action Matters

Day 1-3: Evidence Preservation Window

Group chats get deleted within 48-72 hours
Witnesses get coached on what to say
Physical evidence (paddles, bottles) disappears
Universities begin internal “investigations” that control narrative

Week 1-2: Institutional Responses

Fraternity nationals send risk managers
University conduct offices begin proceedings
Insurance adjusters make initial contact
Without counsel, families make statements that hurt their case

Month 1-3: Critical Decisions

Statute of limitations clock is running (2 years in Texas generally)
Settlement offers start appearing (usually lowball)
Criminal investigations may begin
Academic consequences (suspension, expulsion) may be threatened

Why Mertens Families Should Call Us Immediately:
We intervene during the evidence preservation window. We send preservation letters to fraternities, universities, and social media platforms. We secure digital forensics experts before messages are permanently deleted. We navigate the dual tracks of criminal and civil proceedings. Waiting “to see how the university handles it” usually means evidence disappears and leverage weakens.

Practical Guides for Town of Mertens Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Constant phone anxiety (checking GroupMe, fearing missed messages)
Personality changes: new anxiety, depression, irritability
Academic freefall: skipping classes, failing grades
Financial red flags: unexpected large purchases, requests for money

How to Talk to Your Child (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [fraternity/sorority]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment first
Prioritize safety: If they’re injured or intoxicated, get medical help NOW
Document everything they tell you (dates, names, details)
Do NOT confront the organization directly—this triggers evidence destruction
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

For Students: Is This Hazing? What Are My Rights?

Self-Assessment Questions:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If You Answered YES:

Immediate danger: Call 911, then get to safe location
Medical attention: Even if you think you’re “fine”—internal injuries like rhabdomyolysis take days to manifest
Evidence preservation: Screenshot EVERYTHING before it’s deleted
Safe exit: You can email chapter leadership: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Reporting: Dean of Students, campus police, or anonymously via hotlines

Your Texas Legal Rights:

Good-faith reporter immunity: You won’t get in trouble for calling 911 in an emergency
Consent is NOT a defense to hazing: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still illegal
Retaliation protection: Texas law protects against retaliation for reporting
Civil lawsuit option: You can sue even if no criminal charges are filed

For Witnesses/Former Members: Doing the Right Thing

If you participated in or witnessed hazing and now regret it:

Your testimony could prevent future injuries or deaths
You may need your own attorney (we can refer you)
Cooperation can sometimes mitigate your own liability
The cover-up is often worse than the crime legally

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages

Why it’s wrong: Looks like obstruction of justice; destroys case
What to do: Preserve everything immediately (watch our evidence video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs)

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity directly

Why it’s wrong: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching
What to do: Document privately, contact attorney first

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” forms

Why it’s wrong: Often includes liability waivers, lowball settlements
What to do: Never sign without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on social media

Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; hurts credibility
What to do: Keep everything private until case resolves

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for university to “handle it”

Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do: Preserve evidence NOW, consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions from Town of Mertens Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. 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 hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call us immediately. (Learn more in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c)

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

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

“How much does this cost?”
We work on contingency fee—you pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs, no hourly fees. (Watch our fee explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc)

“What if my child made mistakes too?”
Texas’ comparative fault system (51% bar rule) means recovery is barred only if your child is 51% or more at fault. Hazing coercion, power imbalance, and Texas’ “consent is not a defense” law protect victims even if they participated under pressure.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Town of Mertens Families Deserve Texas-Specific Expertise

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how Texas universities, national fraternities, and their insurers fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background):
Mr. Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims using proprietary formulas
Use delay tactics to pressure families financially
Deploy “independent” medical exams to reduce settlements
Fight coverage under intentional act exclusions
His insider knowledge means we don’t just react to insurance tactics—we anticipate and counter them from day one.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello’s BP Credential):
Ralph was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation, facing billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That experience translates directly to fighting national fraternities and university systems. We’re not intimidated by institutional defendants because we’ve beaten them before.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
Our proprietary database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros means we start investigations ahead of other firms. When a Mertens family brings us a case, we already know:

The organizational structure behind the local chapter
Prior incidents involving the same national brand
Insurance entities and coverage likely available
University reporting patterns and prior violations

Evidence Mastery from Trucking/Maritime Practice:
Our experience securing trucking logs, maritime records, and complex accident data translates directly to hazing investigations. We know how to:

Recover deleted group chats via digital forensics
Subpoena national fraternity incident reports
Obtain university conduct files through public records requests
Preserve social media evidence before it disappears

Our Texas Geographic Reach Serving Mertens Families

While based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Town of Mertens and all of Hill County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in our rural communities differently—often with greater distances from campus, closer-knit community concerns, and unique challenges in navigating urban university bureaucracies.

Our Commitment to Town of Mertens Values

We understand that families in our part of Texas value:

Direct communication without legal jargon
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Community accountability—knowing those responsible are held answerable
Preventing future harm to other families’ children
Privacy and discretion during difficult times

That’s why we:

Provide regular updates (learn about our communication: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JrQowOLv1k)
Fight for institutional changes, not just settlements
Protect your family’s privacy while pursuing justice
Speak plainly about what to expect every step of the way

Our Track Record in Serious Injury and Wrongful Death

While we can’t discuss specific hazing settlements due to confidentiality, our broader practice shows our capability:

Multi-million dollar settlements in logging accident brain injury cases
Significant recoveries in wrongful death trucking accidents
Complex refinery and plant injury litigation against international companies
Successful criminal defense results including DWI dismissals and deferred adjudication

This experience matters because hazing cases require:

Economic analysis of lifetime care needs (for brain injury, kidney damage cases)
Understanding of both criminal and civil proceedings
Experience with institutional defendants and their defense tactics
Ability to work with medical experts, psychologists, and economists

Your Next Step: Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Town of Mertens Consultation

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Whether your child attends Hill College, Baylor, Texas A&M, UH, UT Austin, SMU, or any Texas campus, we want to help. The window for preserving evidence closes within days. The statute of limitations clock is running. Universities and fraternities are already building their defenses.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly in plain English
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
Help you decide the best path forward for your family

No pressure to hire us on the spot. Take time to think, talk with family, and make the decision that’s right for you. Everything you tell us is confidential.

Contact Information for Town of Mertens Families

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 (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Spanish-language Services Available:
Hablamos Español—Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We listen first: Tell us what happened in your own words
Evidence review: We’ll look at any screenshots, photos, or documents you have
Legal options explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic assessment: What your case might be worth, what challenges exist
Next steps: Immediate actions to protect evidence and rights
Questions answered: Everything you want to know about process, timing, costs

Serving Town of Mertens and All of Texas

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. Distance doesn’t matter—we handle everything remotely when needed. What matters is acting before evidence disappears and memories fade.

Whether you’re in Town of Mertens, Hillsboro, Whitney, Aquilla, or anywhere in Hill County—if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have lawyers. Insurance companies have lawyers. Your family deserves experienced advocates too.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, accountability, and a path forward.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

For easy reference, here are the full URLs for resources mentioned in this guide:

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Click2Houston coverage: 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/
No dependencies for & groups at all—
ABC13 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 your 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
Attorney communication and updates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JrQowOLv1k

Attorney911 Main Website and Practice Areas:

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

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