Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for City of Cresson Parents & Families

A City of Cresson Family’s Worst Nightmare

It’s late on a Thursday night in City of Cresson, and your phone buzzes with a call from your college freshman. Their voice is shaky, distant. They tell you they’re “fine,” but something feels wrong. You ask about the bruises on their arms in the last video call, about the sudden exhaustion, about why they’ve stopped coming home on weekends. They deflect, saying it’s just “pledge stuff” and “tradition.” You hear chanting in the background before the call drops. That sinking feeling tells you this is more than typical college stress. Your child, at a Texas university you trusted, might be in danger.

This scenario isn’t just parental anxiety—it’s the reality for families across Johnson County and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex when hazing crosses from hidden tradition to physical and psychological harm. At that moment, you need more than worry; you need answers, action, and accountability.

Right now, in a Harris County courtroom, we’re fighting exactly that battle. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. Bermudez, a UH transfer student, endured a fall 2025 pledge period that included:

Humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rules requiring 24/7 carry of condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices
Extreme physical hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park—including sprints, bear crawls, “save-your-brother” drills, and lying in vomit-soaked grass
Simulated waterboarding with a hose sprayed in his face
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints
A Nov. 3 “workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion

The medical result was catastrophic: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended Nov. 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on Nov. 14. The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing”.

This is happening in Texas right now. If your child in City of Cresson is facing similar pressure at any Texas campus—from the University of Texas at Austin to Texas A&M, from SMU to Baylor—you are not alone. This guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, the Texas laws that protect your child, and how experienced legal counsel can help secure accountability and prevent future harm.

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)

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately—even if they insist they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE deletion: Screenshot group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, texts), photograph injuries, save physical items
Write down everything while memory is fresh: who, what, when, where
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence vanishes quickly. We 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 City of Cresson & Beyond

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of paddling and silly pranks. For City of Cresson families with students at DFW-area schools or major Texas universities, understanding modern hazing is critical to recognizing danger.

A Modern Definition: Coercion, Not Consent

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining or maintaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical/mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical legal point—especially under Texas law—is that “I agreed to it” is not a defense when peer pressure and power imbalance are at play.

Main Categories of Hazing Today

1. Alcohol & Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking during “lineups,” “Big/Little” nights, or drinking games
Pressure to consume unknown mixtures or dangerous amounts
This remains the most common cause of hazing deaths nationwide

2. Physical Hazing

Paddling, beatings, or “smokings” (extreme calisthenics)
Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to elements
In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, this included cold-weather workouts in underwear and vomiting-inducing forced consumption

3. Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or simulated sexual acts (“roasted pig,” “elephant walk”)
Degrading costumes, racial/sexist role-playing, public shaming
Often filmed and shared in private group chats

4. Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Manipulation, forced confessions, constant scrutiny
Creating fear of exclusion or retaliation

5. Digital/Online Hazing

Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, Discord, Snapchat
Pressure to create/share compromising content on TikTok or Instagram
24/7 accessibility demands—expecting instant responses at all hours, tracked via location-sharing apps

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Greek Letters

While fraternities and sororities are frequent settings, hazing occurs in:

Corps of Cadets / ROTC units (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit & tradition groups (like the Texas Cowboys at UT)
Marching bands & performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy—a combination that keeps dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas & Federal Laws Protecting Your Child

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes designed to protect students. For City of Cresson families, understanding these laws is the first step toward accountability.

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

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in a student organization

Key Provisions for Johnson County Families:

Criminal Penalties (§37.152): Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters.
Organizational Liability (§37.153): The organization itself (fraternity, sorority, team) can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 if it authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer knew and failed to report it.
Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that power imbalance and peer pressure negate true consent.
Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§37.154): Those who report hazing in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. Many Texas universities extend amnesty to students who call 911 in alcohol-related emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (local DA or prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges can include: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families like yours
Aim: Compensation and institutional accountability
Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress

Both can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case, and evidence from one can strengthen the other.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Strengthens prevention education (phased in by 2026)
Increases transparency that families in Cresson can use to research organizations

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations are triggered
Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault or alcohol offenses

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/club itself as a legal entity
National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
University or Governing Board: The school may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories
Third Parties: Landlords of event spaces, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies

Every case is fact-specific. Our investigation determines which parties bear responsibility in your specific situation.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

Major national cases aren’t just headlines—they establish patterns that directly impact how we approach cases for Cresson families. These stories show the stakes and the legal pathways to accountability.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

What happened: 20-year-old pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning
Legal outcome: Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
For Cresson families: Shows national organizations pay substantial settlements when their chapters repeat dangerous traditions

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

What happened: Pledge forced into “Bible study” drinking game; died with 0.495% BAC
Legal outcome: Multiple prosecutions; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
For Cresson families: Demonstrates how tragic cases drive legislative change that strengthens all victims’ rights

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

What happened: Bid-acceptance drinking led to fatal falls; help delayed for hours
Legal outcome: Dozens of criminal charges; Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania
For Cresson families: Highlights how delay in calling 911 and cover-up culture compound liability

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

What happened: Pledge blindfolded, weighted, and tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat; died from traumatic brain injury
Legal outcome: National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
For Cresson families: Proves liability extends to off-campus retreats and can reach national headquarters

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

What happened: Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Legal outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired; confidential settlements
For Cresson families: Confirms hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs with institutional oversight failures

What These Cases Mean for City of Cresson Families

The patterns are clear: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Your family doesn’t need to wait for tragedy—experienced legal action can secure accountability and prevent escalation.

Texas Focus: Where Cresson Families Send Their Students

Cresson families invest in education across Texas. Whether your student attends a DFW-area school or a major state university, understanding each campus’s hazing landscape is crucial.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Greek Ecosystem Serving Cresson Families

Before discussing specific universities, it’s important to understand the organizational landscape right here in the metroplex that serves Cresson students. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros, including 510 in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro alone.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving DFW & Cresson Families

These are just examples from public filings—we maintain a comprehensive directory to identify all potentially liable entities in hazing cases:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – EIN 742911848 – Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Cause IQ DFW Metro listing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147 (Cause IQ DFW Metro listing)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc – EIN 453325054 – Mansfield, TX 76063 (IRS B83 filing)
Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) – Arlington, TX (Cause IQ DFW Metro listing)
Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity – Tau Deuteron Chapter – Waco, TX (Cause IQ DFW Metro listing, operates at Baylor)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX (Cause IQ DFW Metro listing, operates at UT)
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity – Gamma Iota Chapter – Austin, TX (Cause IQ DFW Metro listing, operates at UT)
Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Denton, TX (Cause IQ DFW Metro listing, operates at Texas Woman’s University)

Brands That Operate Across Texas Metros:
Organizations like Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 364091267 in Waco, EIN 752609909 in Commerce) appear in both IRS data and Cause IQ metro listings, showing how national brands maintain multiple entities across Texas—all of which may carry insurance or liability in hazing cases.

University of Houston (UH) – A Cautionary Case in Progress

For Cresson Families: While UH is a 4+ hour drive from Cresson, the ongoing Bermudez case establishes critical precedents that protect all Texas students. The university’s response—and our firm’s litigation—shapes how hazing cases are handled statewide.

Campus & Hazing Context:

Large urban campus with active Greek life (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC councils)
Current active litigation: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu) – our firm’s $10M lawsuit
Prior incidents include 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case with lacerated spleen injury

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (where our Houston office is based)
Potential defendants: Individuals, chapter, Pi Kappa Phi national, UH System Board of Regents
Evidence sources: UHPD reports, Dean of Students files, national fraternity records

Texas A&M University – Corps Culture & Greek Life

For Cresson Families: At just over 3 hours from Cresson, Texas A&M is a common choice for Johnson County students. Its unique Corps of Cadets culture presents specific hazing risks alongside traditional Greek life.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; fraternity suspended; lawsuit filed
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position; sought over $1 million
University response: A&M typically handles through Student Conduct Office and Corps regulations

What Cresson Parents Should Know:

Corps hazing often involves tradition-based physical and psychological abuse
Greek life at A&M includes major nationals with hazing histories (SAE, PiKA, Phi Delt)
Evidence collection must address both Greek and Corps contexts

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency & Repeated Violations

For Cresson Families: UT Austin is under 3 hours from Cresson and offers high transparency through its public hazing violations log—a resource few Texas universities provide.

Public Hazing Violations (Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and required education
Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple organizations appear repeatedly on UT’s public log, showing ongoing issues

How UT’s Transparency Helps Families:

Public records establish pattern evidence for negligence claims
Shows university knowledge of prior incidents
Can be subpoenaed in civil litigation to prove institutional failure to act

Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Private School Challenges

For Cresson Families: In the DFW metro just over an hour from Cresson, SMU’s private status affects transparency but not liability.

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep-deprived; chapter suspended until ~2021
SMU’s approach: Relies on anonymous reporting systems (Real Response) and internal conduct processes

Special Considerations for Cresson Families:

Private universities have fewer sovereign immunity protections than public schools
Less public reporting means discovery in lawsuits is crucial to uncover prior incidents
DFW legal venue may be more convenient for Cresson families than Austin or College Station

Baylor University – Religious Identity & Scrutiny

For Cresson Families: About 1.5 hours from Cresson, Baylor’s religious identity and past scandals create a complex environment for hazing accountability.

Documented Incidents:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Context: Occurs alongside Baylor’s history of Title IX and athletic program scrutiny

What Cresson Families Should Consider:

Baylor’s “zero tolerance” policies may conflict with internal handling tendencies
Religious branding can affect internal reporting dynamics and witness cooperation
Waco’s McLennan County courts have their own procedural considerations

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific & National Histories

The organizations at Texas universities aren’t isolated—they’re chapters of national brands with documented hazing histories. For Cresson families, this connection is crucial for establishing foreseeability and negligence.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

When a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH repeats the same forced drinking patterns that killed Andrew Coffey at Florida State in 2017, that’s not coincidence—it’s foreseeability. National headquarters create anti-hazing policies because they know the risks from prior tragedies. When local chapters ignore those policies, nationals can be held liable for negligent supervision.

Organization Patterns with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

National history: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021 – $10M settlement); David Bogenberger death (NIU, 2012 – $14M settlement)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, physical abuse

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

National history: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama, 2023); chemical burns lawsuit (Texas A&M, 2021)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
Pattern: Physical violence, forced drinking, chemical/substance abuse

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National history: Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017)
Texas presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu – now closed following Bermudez lawsuit)
Current case: We represent Leonel Bermudez against UH Pi Kappa Phi – active $10M lawsuit

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National history: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017 – led to Louisiana felony hazing law)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced consumption

How This Affects Your Case Strategy

Pattern Evidence: Prior incidents at other chapters show the national knew or should have known the risks
Negligent Supervision: Nationals that collect dues but fail to enforce policies may be liable
Punitive Damages: Repeated warnings ignored can support claims for punishment beyond compensation
Insurance Coverage: National policies often provide deeper pockets than local chapter insurance

When we take a hazing case for a Cresson family, we immediately investigate the national organization’s history with similar incidents. That history becomes leverage for settlement or evidence at trial.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Cresson Families

When hazing injures your child, building a strong case requires immediate action and strategic planning. Here’s what families in Johnson County need to know.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok messages (screenshot before deletion)
Deleted recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages
In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chats revealed planning and boasting about hazing

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
Security/doorbell camera footage from houses
Injury documentation: photograph immediately and over several days

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, “tradition” lists, initiation scripts
Emails/texts from officers about “what we’ll do to pledges”
National policies and training materials (showing what should have been prevented)

University Records:

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports (obtained via public records requests)

Medical & Psychological Records:

ER/hospitalization records (must mention “hazing” to clinicians)
Toxicological reports
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs
Former members who quit (often willing to testify)
Bystanders, security personnel, venue staff

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Past bills + future care (therapy, medications, surgeries)
Lost earnings: Missed semesters, delayed workforce entry, diminished earning capacity
Educational costs: Lost scholarships, transfer expenses, tutoring

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain & suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Emotional suffering of family members
Lost financial support

Punitive Damages (when available):

Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Require showing prior warnings ignored or cover-up attempts

Insurance Coverage & Institutional Strategy

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance—but insurers often fight hazing claims. Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows how insurers:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy “independent medical exams” to minimize injuries

We identify all potential policies: chapter, national, university, umbrella coverage. We negotiate from insider knowledge, and if insurers won’t offer fair settlement, we prepare for trial.

Practical Guides & FAQs for City of Cresson Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone use for group chats, anxiety when phone buzzes
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, requests for money
Academic decline: dropping grades, missing classes

How to Talk to Your Child:

Ask open questions: “How are things with [organization]? Are they respectful of your time?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt with anger
Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any membership”
Document: Write down what they tell you with dates and details

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize medical care if injured or intoxicated
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Contact an attorney BEFORE reporting to university (we can guide the process)
Do NOT confront the organization directly

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

Quick Self-Assessment:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?
Am I being told to keep secrets from parents or the university?

If you answered YES, it’s likely hazing.

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
Consent is not a defense—even if you “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
You can file civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges are filed
You can request no-contact order through university if harassed after reporting

Exiting Safely:

Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
Send email/text to chapter leadership: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate
If fearing retaliation, report to Dean of Students and campus police

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting your child delete messages – Looks like cover-up; destroys crucial evidence
Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly – Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Signing university “release” forms – May waive your right to sue; settlements are often inadequate
Posting details on social media – Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Waiting “to see how university handles it” – Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Talking to insurance adjusters without lawyer – Recorded statements are used against you
Letting your child attend “one last meeting” – Opportunity for intimidation or extracting harmful statements

Watch our video on common client mistakes that can ruin injury cases for more guidance.

Hazing FAQ for Cresson Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or 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, but it becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also face charges for failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters.

“My child ‘agreed’ to the initiation—do we have a case?”
Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

“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 cases with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

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

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”
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.

About Attorney911 & The Manginello Law Firm: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Us

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

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

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 argue coverage exclusions. As he puts it: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers who expect families to accept lowball settlements.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university defense teams. As Ralph notes: “We’ve faced the deepest pockets. We know how to build cases that force accountability, not just quick settlements.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries and permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that reflect the true value of your child’s health and future.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure, and we know how to navigate parallel proceedings.

Investigative Depth & Texas Data Advantage:
We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 metros. When we take your case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

The EINs and legal entities behind DFW-area fraternities
Prior incidents at Texas campuses
National organization patterns that establish foreseeability
Insurance structures of common defendants

Our network includes: medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD), digital forensics specialists, Greek life culture experts, economists, and life-care planners. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Our Approach: Empathy, Accountability, Prevention

We know 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 accountable—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
Secure compensation for medical care, therapy, educational disruption, and suffering
Help prevent this from happening to another family

This isn’t about bravado or quick settlements. It’s about thorough investigation and real accountability. As we’re demonstrating in the ongoing UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re willing to take on powerful institutions when they fail to protect students.

Call to Action for City of Cresson Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at a DFW-area school or a major university—we want to hear from you. Families in Cresson, Johnson County, and throughout the metroplex have the right to answers and accountability.

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
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide

Immediate 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
Spanish Services: Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Learn More About Our Practice:

Wrongful Death Experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense Capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello’s Background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Experience: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Whether you’re in Cresson or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions behind these organizations have legal teams ready to protect themselves. You should have the same.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston report: 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 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

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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