Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Lovelady Parents, Students, and Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor, or Any Texas Campus, You’re Not Alone

For parents in Lovelady, the unthinkable moment often starts with a late-night phone call, a cryptic text, or a hospital notification. Your child, who left for college with excitement and promise, is now facing a crisis you never expected. The world of fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and campus organizations—meant to build community—can sometimes harbor dangerous traditions that lead to physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death.

Right now, less than 100 miles from Lovelady in Houston, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to detailed media coverage in Click2Houston and ABC13, the alleged conduct included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme workouts that left Bermudez hospitalized for four days with brown urine indicating severe muscle breakdown.

If your child has been hurt in connection with fraternity, sorority, Corps, athletic, or other campus activities anywhere in Texas—including schools Lovelady families attend like Sam Houston State, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or University of Houston—this guide explains what hazing looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how experienced counsel can help your family seek accountability.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Hazing isn’t just “boys will be boys” pranks or harmless traditions. Under Texas law and in modern practice, hazing encompasses a wide range of behaviors that endanger physical or mental health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

For Lovelady families, it’s crucial to understand: 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, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key point for Texas parents: “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Main Categories of Hazing in 2025

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, or drinking games
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” and pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting

Physical Hazing

Paddling, beatings, and physical assaults
Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”), 100+ push-ups, 500+ squats beyond normal conditioning
Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme elements
In the UH case, Bermudez was allegedly forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass and endure cold-weather exposure

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, public humiliation
“Pledge fanny pack” rules requiring carrying condoms, sex toys, humiliating items
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones

Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
“24/7 on call” expectations via group chats
Social media policing and public shaming

Digital/Online Hazing

Group chat dares on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Forced TikTok challenges or Instagram story humiliation
Geo-tracking demands via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Recording hazing acts and sharing in private groups

Where Hazing Actually Happens

For Lovelady families with children at various Texas campuses, understanding that hazing extends beyond Greek life is critical:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (Texas A&M Corps particularly)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, etc.)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The common threads: social status, tradition, secrecy, and power imbalances that keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Lovelady Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that govern cases involving Lovelady students, whether they attend school nearby or hours away.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing)

§ 37.151 Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

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

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense
It is not a defense to prosecution that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This is particularly important for overcoming the “but they agreed to it” argument.

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions
Texas colleges must maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions. This creates public records that can show patterns of misconduct.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were promised by the university

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Can proceed even without criminal charges being filed

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case for compensation.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Maintains public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX / Clery Act

When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations can be triggered
Clery requires reporting certain crimes; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

For Lovelady families considering legal action, understanding potential defendants is crucial:

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if a legal entity)
National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, supervise chapters
University or Governing Board: The school or regents under negligence or civil-rights theories
Third Parties: Landlords of event spaces, bars or alcohol providers (dram shop), security companies

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, defendants include:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

The national landscape of hazing litigation provides important context and precedent for Texas cases involving Lovelady students.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Takeaway for Lovelady families: Formulaic drinking traditions are repeating scripts for disaster

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Led to Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana
Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing

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

Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Pledges given handles of hard liquor
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Takeaway: The same national organization (Pi Kappa Phi) involved in the UH case has prior fatal incidents

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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 was delayed
Fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway for Lovelady parents: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Lovelady Families

Common threads that apply to Texas cases:

Forced drinking remains the most common fatal hazing method
Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes and increases liability
Cover-up attempts (deleting messages, coaching witnesses) are common
National organizations face significant exposure when chapters repeat conduct seen elsewhere
Plaintiff victories range from $1M–$14M in death cases, with individual officers sometimes facing personal liability

Texas Focus: Where Lovelady Families Send Their Children

Lovelady families often have children at various Texas institutions. Understanding the specific landscape at each major campus helps parents recognize risks and responses.

University of Houston (UH) – Houston County’s Flagship University

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Lovelady Families
UH serves as a major destination for Houston County students, including those from Lovelady. As an urban campus with active Greek life and numerous student organizations, it represents both opportunity and potential risk for local families.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting
UH prohibits hazing on or off campus and provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students, conduct offices, and campus police. The university maintains disciplinary records that can show patterns of misconduct.

Current Major Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
Our firm’s active litigation involves allegations that should concern every Lovelady parent with a child at UH:

Hazing Locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Specific Conduct: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced overeating until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” extreme workouts (100+ push-ups, 500 squats)
Medical Harm: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization, ongoing risk of permanent damage
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed for Lovelady Families

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (where UH is located)
Potential defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national headquarters, UH, property owners
Evidence sources: UHPD records, Dean of Students files, national fraternity records

Texas A&M University – Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Lovelady Families Considering A&M
Many Lovelady students attend Texas A&M, drawn by its academic reputation and traditional campus culture. The Corps of Cadets and active Greek life present unique hazing risks that parents should understand.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries; fraternity suspended; $1 million 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
Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023): Allegations of extreme physical hazing resulting in severe muscle breakdown; ongoing litigation

Unique Considerations for A&M Families

Corps traditions versus hazing: Understanding where “team building” crosses into abuse
Dual Greek/Corps membership complexities
University’s historical handling of hazing incidents

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency and Pattern Evidence

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page
Unlike many universities, UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—invaluable for showing patterns.

Example Entries Relevant to Lovelady Students

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Various fraternities and sororities with repeated violations showing ongoing issues

Why UT’s Transparency Matters for Legal Cases
Prior violations on UT’s public log can strongly support civil suits by showing:

Pattern evidence of similar conduct
University knowledge of ongoing issues
Inadequate responses that failed to prevent recurrence

Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Private University Dynamics

SMU’s Greek Culture Considerations
As a private university with affluent student body and strong Greek presence, SMU presents unique dynamics for hazing cases.

Documented Incidents

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended for years
Ongoing investigations typically handled through internal processes with less public transparency than public universities

Legal Strategy for SMU Cases

Overcoming private university confidentiality barriers
Compelling discovery of internal records through litigation
Navigating different insurance and liability structures

Baylor University – Religious Identity and Prior Scandals

Baylor’s Unique Context
Following high-profile sexual assault scandals, Baylor faces increased scrutiny of all forms of campus misconduct, including hazing.

Documented Incidents

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Ongoing challenges balancing religious identity with accountability for misconduct

Considerations for Baylor Families

How Baylor’s policies and prior scandals interact with hazing claims
The practical realities of pursuing claims against religious-affiliated institutions
Potential for internal resolution versus public litigation

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Public Records Showing Who’s Behind the Letters

For Lovelady parents, understanding that fraternities and sororities are more than social clubs is crucial. They’re often complex networks of legal entities with insurance, property holdings, and national oversight.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Data-Driven Approach

Our firm maintains what we call the “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine”—a comprehensive database tracking over 1,400 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t theoretical; it’s built from public records that show the real structure behind campus Greek life.

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations
From IRS public filings, we track entities like:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN 133048786 | COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845)
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION (EIN 371768785 | MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459)
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN 462267515 | FRISCO, TX 75035)
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC (EIN 475370943 | HOUSTON, TX 77204)

Cause IQ Metro Organizations – Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA
In the Houston metro area (which includes Houston County and Lovelady), public records show 188 Greek-related organizations, including:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston, TX)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae (Houston, TX)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter (Houston, TX)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega (Houston, TX)

Why National Histories Matter for Texas Cases

When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that got another chapter shut down or sued in another state, that shows foreseeability—a key legal concept supporting negligence claims against national organizations.

Pattern Evidence from National Hazing Database

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) National Pattern:

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): $14M settlement
Multiple Texas campus incidents showing repeating “Big/Little” drinking script

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) National Pattern:

Traumatic brain injury case (University of Alabama, 2023)
Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021): $1M lawsuit
Assault case (UT Austin, 2024): >$1M lawsuit

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) National Pattern:

Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Fatal alcohol poisoning
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our active $10M lawsuit—same national organization

National Headquarters’ Knowledge and Responsibility

National fraternities/sororities often have:

Thick anti-hazing manuals because they’ve seen deaths before
Risk management policies developed from prior incidents
Legal departments that track litigation across chapters

When they fail to enforce their own policies or adequately supervise chapters, they can face liability for:

Negligent supervision
Failure to warn
Ratification of dangerous traditions

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

When hazing causes serious injury or death, building a strong case requires immediate action, thorough investigation, and strategic legal thinking.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important in 2025)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord messages
Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok content
Recovering deleted messages through digital forensics
In the UH case, group chat evidence showed planning and coordination

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses/venues
Social media posts showing hazing acts
Medical documentation of injuries

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists
Emails/texts from officers about pledge activities
National policies and training materials

University Records

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and transparency logs
UT Austin’s public hazing violations page provides excellent pattern evidence

Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels, drug screens)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Documentation of long-term effects like kidney damage from rhabdomyolysis

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost wages/income
Diminished earning capacity from permanent injuries
Educational costs (missed semesters, lost scholarships)

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
In wrongful death cases: loss of companionship, parental grief

Punitive Damages (When Available)

Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Deter future hazing
Available when defendants show callous indifference to known risks

Case Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

Fraternities, universities, and their insurers typically employ several defense strategies that experienced hazing attorneys anticipate:

Defense: “The Pledge Consented”

Our Response: Texas law § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense; power imbalance and coercion negate “voluntary” participation

Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter”

Our Response: National pattern evidence shows foreseeability; national headquarters’ knowledge of prior incidents creates duty

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate liability based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: Paper policies versus enforcement reality; negligent supervision despite known risks

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re addressing these defenses by:

Showing national Pi Kappa Phi’s knowledge of similar incidents
Demonstrating UH’s control over chapter activities
Proving conduct met Texas hazing definition regardless of location
Using digital evidence to overcome “consent” arguments

Practical Guides for Lovelady 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 fatigue or exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring with anxiety about responses
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, requests for money without clear explanation

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

“How are things going with [organization]? 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?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

48-Hour Action Checklist

Hour 1–6: Medical attention if injured/intoxicated; screenshot any messages shown; photograph injuries
Hour 6–24: Help child preserve all digital evidence; secure physical items; request medical records
Hour 24–48: Consult experienced hazing attorney; decide on reporting strategy; refer university contacts to lawyer
Week 1: Medical follow-up; attorney begins evidence gathering; document any retaliation

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

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 or university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) for safety
Send email/text to chapter leadership: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If fearing retaliation, report to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection While It’s Happening

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps, participant names
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries (multiple angles with scale), locations, objects used
Medical documentation: Tell providers “I was hazed” so it’s in records
Witness information: Names/contact info for others who saw what happened

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

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

Your testimony and evidence may prevent future harm
You may want independent legal advice about your role
Cooperating can be important step toward accountability
We can help navigate your position as witness or potential defendant

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed
What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately using our evidence preservation guide

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What families 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 lawyer before any confrontation

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

4. Posting on Social Media Before Talking to Lawyer
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 lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “To See How University Handles It”
What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Lawyer
What adjusters say: “We just need your statement”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Lovelady Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain 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 depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure could potentially support felony charges.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm or cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—watch our statute of limitations video for details.

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involved off-campus locations (Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Park).

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

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Experience

When your Lovelady 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 Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
Economist collaboration for comprehensive damages analysis
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands criminal hazing charges and how they interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth & Data-Driven Approach

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking 1,400+ organizations across 25 metros
Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery and public records
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation

Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi
We’re currently leading this $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit involving:

Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from extreme physical hazing
National Pi Kappa Phi organization with prior fatal incident (Andrew Coffey, FSU 2017)
University of Houston’s response and oversight responsibilities
Comprehensive media coverage in Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline

This isn’t theoretical expertise—it’s active, current litigation that demonstrates our capability and commitment.

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Digital forensics for deleted messages
Rapid preservation before organizations destroy evidence
Systematic documentation following our evidence preservation video guidelines

2. Comprehensive Defendant Identification

Tracking all liable entities through public records
Identifying insurance coverage sources
Building cases against individuals, chapters, nationals, and universities

3. Pattern Evidence Development

Researching national organization histories
Documenting prior incidents at same chapter
Establishing foreseeability and negligent supervision

4. Strategic Settlement vs Trial Decisions

Preparation for trial improves settlement leverage
Understanding when to mediate versus litigate
Maximum compensation through case strength, not desperation

5. Victim-Centered Approach

Prioritizing client wellbeing alongside legal strategy
Respecting privacy concerns while pursuing accountability
Emotional support through traumatic process

Serving Lovelady and All Texas Families

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Lovelady and surrounding Houston County communities. We understand that hazing at Texas universities—whether at nearby Sam Houston State or hours away at Texas Tech—affects families across our state.

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

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation for Lovelady Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we encourage you to take these steps:

1. Preserve Evidence Immediately

Screenshot all digital communications
Photograph injuries and locations
Save physical evidence
Write down everything while fresh

2. Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor
Tell providers “this was hazing-related”
Follow up for comprehensive evaluation

3. Consult with Experienced Hazing Counsel

Understand your legal options
Develop strategic approach
Protect against common mistakes

4. Contact Attorney911 for Free Confidential Consultation

What to expect in your free consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review evidence you’ve preserved
Explain legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
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
Everything you tell us is confidential

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 services)

Office Locations:

Houston, Texas (Primary)
Austin, Texas
Beaumont, Texas

Final Word to Lovelady Families

Whether your child attends school nearby or hours from home, hazing can shatter the college experience you envisioned for them. The confusion, fear, and institutional resistance can feel overwhelming.

But you don’t have to face this alone. The same national fraternities, the same university systems, and the same insurance companies operate across Texas. Our experience with the UH Pi Kappa Phi case and our comprehensive understanding of Texas hazing law means we’re prepared to help your family seek answers, accountability, and compensation.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you decide the best path forward for your family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency Fees Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas:

Main Website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense Practice: 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