The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawsuits for Hawk Cove, Hunt County Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You Have Legal Rights. Here’s What Every Hawk Cove Parent Needs to Know.

We understand that discovering your child has been subjected to hazing is every Texas parent’s nightmare. The phone call you never wanted to receive, the sudden trip to the emergency room, the unexplained injuries, or the dramatic change in your once-vibrant student. For families in Hawk Cove and across Hunt County, this nightmare became a devastating reality for one local family when Leonel Bermudez—a University of Houston student—was hospitalized with kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

At Attorney911, we are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The details are shockingly brutal: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and the horrifying outcome—rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure that turned his urine brown and required four days of hospitalization. This didn’t happen in some distant state. It happened right here in Texas, at a major public university.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents in Hawk Cove, Commerce, Greenville, and throughout Hunt County who need to understand the reality of modern hazing, Texas hazing laws, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect our children. Whether your student attends Texas A&M University-Commerce right here in our county, or has traveled to UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, or SMU, the patterns are disturbingly similar.

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, 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 (Beyond the Stereotypes)

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is no longer just about “harmless pranks” or “tough initiation.” Under Texas law and in practical reality, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—whether on or off campus—directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student.

The critical understanding for Hawk Cove families is this: “consent” is not a defense in Texas. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, even if they wanted to prove their dedication, the law recognizes the immense power imbalance and peer pressure inherent in these situations. What looks like voluntary participation is often coercion dressed as tradition.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – Often dismissed as “just tradition” but sets the stage for escalation:

24/7 digital control: Constant GroupMe demands, required immediate responses at all hours
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers at 2 AM, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for social activities
Geographic tracking: Forced location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
The “pledge fanny pack” humiliation: As in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, being forced to carry condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and degrading items

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Escalation that creates hostile environments:

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls for mandatory activities
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, excessive milk (like the UH case)
Extreme physical demands: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups/squats, wall sits until collapse
Public humiliation: Forced embarrassing performances, “roasting” sessions, degrading costumes
Digital shaming: Mandatory embarrassing social media posts, TikTok “challenges,” meme creation

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – Activities with high potential for severe injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking – still occurring despite national prohibitions
Dangerous physical tests: “Glass ceiling” blindfolded tackles, forced fights, intoxicated swimming
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
Chemical exposure: As in the Texas A&M SAE case where pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial cleaner
Kidnapping/restraint: Transporting pledges blindfolded, tying up or binding (as alleged in the UH case where another pledge was hog-tied face-down)

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most public attention, hazing permeates many campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC programs (particularly relevant for Texas A&M families)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer – as seen in Northwestern University scandal)
Spirit and tradition groups (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, and similar organizations)
Marching bands and performance groups (as tragically demonstrated in the Florida A&M case)
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

For Hunt County families, the proximity to Texas A&M University-Commerce means understanding that hazing risks exist not just at large flagship universities but at regional campuses with active Greek life and athletic programs.

Texas Hazing Law: Your Legal Framework

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 – The Foundation

Texas has one of the more comprehensive anti-hazing statutes in the country. For Hawk Cove parents, understanding these key provisions is essential:

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act on or off campus that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report.

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Reporting: Good-faith reporters to universities or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability. This is crucial for encouraging medical help-seeking.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the State of Texas (prosecutor)
Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: The potential criminal investigation into the UH Pi Kappa Phi case

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims/families (like the Bermudez lawsuit)
Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability
Critical point: A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue civil justice

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently and maintain public hazing data by 2026. This will significantly increase visibility of patterns.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional university responsibilities and potential federal claims.

Clery Act: Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with reportable assault and alcohol crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Our experience in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates the comprehensive approach needed:

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Chapter Officers: Presidents, pledgemasters, risk managers (like the 13 individuals sued in the UH case)
Local Chapters: The fraternity/sorority itself as a legal entity
National Organizations: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Housing Corporations: Separate legal entities that own/manage chapter houses (like the Beta Nu housing corporation sued alongside Pi Kappa Phi national)
Universities: Schools may be liable for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or premises liability
Third Parties: Property owners, alcohol providers, security companies

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A 20-year-old pledge died after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Why this matters for Texas: The same Pi Kappa Alpha organization has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other Texas schools.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495%) after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Resulted in the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana. Why this matters: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor.

Andrew Coffey – FSU, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” Why this matters critically: This is the same national fraternity involved in the UH Bermudez case. The pattern was known years before our client was injured.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Died from traumatic brain injury after being blindfolded, weighted down, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter – a landmark case for organizational criminal liability.

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million. Why this matters for Hunt County: SAE has chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Texas Tech.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023-2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program over years. Multiple lawsuits led to coach termination and confidential settlements. Why this matters: Texas athletic programs at all levels face similar risks.

What These National Cases Mean for Hawk Cove Families

Patterns repeat: The same dangerous traditions recur across campuses
National organizations know the risks: Their anti-hazing policies exist because of these prior tragedies
Universities often respond only after litigation: Multi-million dollar settlements drive policy changes
Texas is not immune: Our state has seen serious hazing injuries and deaths

Texas University Focus: Where Hawk Cove Families Send Students

Texas A&M University-Commerce: Our Local Campus

For Hawk Cove and Hunt County families, Texas A&M University-Commerce represents the most immediate concern. As a growing regional university with active Greek life, understanding its hazing landscape is essential.

Campus Culture: As part of the Texas A&M system, Commerce shares some cultural elements with College Station while developing its own Greek community. The university hosts fraternities and sororities through its Office of Student Engagement.

Hazing Policy: Texas A&M-Commerce follows Texas A&M System regulations prohibiting hazing, with reporting through the Dean of Students and University Police Department.

Historical Context: While specific hazing incidents at Commerce may not make national news, regional campuses often see similar patterns to flagship schools, sometimes with less media scrutiny.

Practical Considerations for Hawk Cove Families:

Commerce is minutes from Hawk Cove, meaning medical care would likely be sought locally
Hunt County courts would have jurisdiction over incidents occurring at the Commerce campus
Local law enforcement coordination between Commerce PD and Hunt County Sheriff is crucial
Families can monitor TAMUC’s compliance with Texas hazing reporting requirements

Our Recommendation: Hawk Cove families with students at TAMUC should be equally vigilant about hazing risks as those with students at larger universities. The dynamics of power, tradition, and secrecy operate similarly regardless of campus size.

University of Houston: The Current Active Case

The Leonel Bermudez Case – Why It Matters Statewide:

Right now, as we litigate the Bermudez case, we’re seeing firsthand how hazing operates at a major Texas university. The allegations against Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter include:

Systematic degradation: The “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating contents required 24/7
Physical torture: Forced consumption until vomiting, immediate sprints, cold exposure, hose spraying “like waterboarding”
Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring hospitalization
Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

UH’s Greek Landscape: With over 30 fraternities and sororities across multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural), UH represents the complex Greek ecosystem many Texas students enter.

Geographic Relevance for Hawk Cove: While Houston is hours from Hunt County, many East Texas families choose UH for its proximity and programs. When hazing occurs there, Hunt County families need to understand their rights despite the distance.

Texas A&M University-College Station

Corps of Cadets Culture: The unique military-style environment presents distinct hazing risks, as evidenced by the 2023 lawsuit alleging cadets were bound in “roasted pig” positions with apples in their mouths.

Recent SAE Chemical Burns Case: The $1 million lawsuit alleging industrial cleaner caused severe burns shows that even with increased scrutiny, dangerous hazing continues.

Greek Life Scale: With one of the largest Greek systems in the South, Texas A&M’s sheer size means more students at risk and more opportunities for dangerous traditions to persist.

For Hunt County Families: Texas A&M is a common destination for high-achieving students. Understanding both Greek and Corps hazing risks is essential.

University of Texas at Austin

Transparency Leader: UT’s public Hazing Violations page provides unprecedented visibility, listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions.

Documented Cases Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Various organizations: Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, punishment-based practices

SAE Assault Case (2024): An Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at an SAE party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose – sued for over $1 million.

Why This Matters: UT’s transparency allows families to research organizations’ histories before joining – a model other Texas schools should follow.

Southern Methodist University

Private University Dynamics: SMU’s affluent campus and strong Greek presence create unique pressures and traditions.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep – chapter suspended for years.

Transparency Challenges: As a private institution, SMU has fewer public reporting requirements, making internal investigations and litigation crucial for accountability.

Baylor University

Post-Scandal Environment: Following the sexual assault scandal, Baylor faces ongoing scrutiny of institutional accountability.

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation.

Religious Identity Considerations: Baylor’s Christian mission creates particular tensions when hazing allegations arise within faith-based organizations.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Risk

Why National Histories Matter for Liability

When we sue a national fraternity like Pi Kappa Phi in the Bermudez case, we’re not just addressing one chapter’s misconduct. We’re holding accountable an organization that knew or should have known these patterns based on:

Prior identical incidents at other chapters
National training materials that acknowledge these specific risks
Risk management files documenting repeated violations
Insurance claims history showing pattern of similar injuries

Organization-Specific Patterns

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Andrew Coffey’s 2017 death at FSU from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night” established a national pattern that makes the UH Bermudez case particularly compelling for foreseeability arguments.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ): Stone Foltz’s 2021 death at BGSU ($10M settlement) followed David Bogenberger’s 2012 death at NIU ($14M settlement). This organization has paid enormous sums for alcohol hazing deaths.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ): Multiple hazing deaths nationwide led to elimination of the pledge process in 2014, yet incidents continue (Texas A&M chemical burns, UT Austin assault).

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Max Gruver’s 2017 death at LSU resulted in felony hazing legislation and demonstrated how drinking games turn deadly.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

At Attorney911, we maintain a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from public records. For Hawk Cove families, this means we start investigations with pre-existing knowledge of organizational structures.

Texas Public Records Directory – Organizations Relevant to Hunt County Families:

IRS B83 Registered Greek Organizations in Texas (Sample):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 201237505 | 4251 FM 2181 STE 230 PMB 480, CORINTH, TX 76210-4202 | BETA CHAPTER | IRS B83 filing
KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 237279532 | PO BOX 2142, PRAIRIE VIEW, TX 77446-2142 | 646 PRAIRIE VIEW ALUMNI | IRS B83 filing
ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 262025321 | 920 W PRAIRIE ST, DENTON, TX 76201-5816 | MU GAMMA CHAPTER | IRS B83 filing
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 EASTSHORE ST, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459-1820 | IRS B83 filing
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 filing
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-7005 | THETA DELTA | IRS B83 filing
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 741380362 | PO BOX 470061, FORT WORTH, TX 76147-0061 | IRS B83 filing
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 740555581 | 2711 RIO GRANDE ST, AUSTIN, TX 78705-4018 | CHI OMEGA HOUSE CORPORATION | IRS B83 filing
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 900293166 | 114 HENDERSON HALL 4233 TAMU, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77843-0001 | TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY | IRS B83 filing

Cause IQ Metro Organizations – Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (510 total organizations):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity | Fort Worth, TX – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) | Arlington, TX – national sorority headquarters in Dallas area
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation | Fort Worth, TX – Kappa Sigma housing foundation

Brand Overlap – Organizations Appearing in Both IRS and Cause IQ Data:

BETA UPSILON CHI (EIN: 742911848) appears as Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity in Cause IQ DFW data
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC (EIN: 741380362) appears in both datasets
PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY (EIN: 746064445) appears as Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha in Houston data

What This Means for Your Case: When you contact Attorney911 about a hazing incident, we already know how to identify:

The legal entity behind the chapter
Related housing corporations and alumni associations
National organization structure and insurance arrangements
Prior incidents within the same fraternity/sorority family

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

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important in 2025):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
Recovered data: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Snapchat Maps

Photographic/Video Evidence:

Injuries documented immediately and over time
Event locations and setups
Participants identifiable in videos/photos
Social media posts/stories showing activities

Medical Documentation:

ER records explicitly stating “hazing” as cause
Toxicology reports showing alcohol/drug levels
Specialist evaluations for ongoing conditions
Psychological assessments for PTSD, trauma, anxiety

Organizational Records:

Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents
Chapter meeting minutes
National policies and training materials
Prior incident reports and disciplinary records

University Files:

Conduct history of the organization
Clery Act reports
Internal investigation documents
Correspondence about prior warnings

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (when applicable):

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

Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly reckless or intentional conduct, courts may award additional damages to punish defendants and deter future conduct.

Realistic Case Timelines and Outcomes

Immediate (0-30 days): Evidence preservation, medical stabilization, initial legal assessment

Investigation (1-6 months): Gathering records, interviewing witnesses, identifying all potential defendants

Pre-litigation (3-9 months): Settlement negotiations, demand letters, mediation attempts

Litigation if Necessary (1-3 years): Filing lawsuit, discovery process, depositions, expert reports

Trial or Settlement: Most cases settle confidentially before trial; those that try can result in verdicts like the $12.6M Chad Meredith verdict or $10M+ Stone Foltz settlement

Insurance Coverage Complexities

Fraternity and university insurers often argue:

Hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
Policies don’t cover criminal conduct
Certain defendants aren’t insured parties

Our insurance insider advantage (from Mr. Peña’s defense background) helps navigate these arguments and identify all potential coverage sources, including:

National fraternity liability policies
Chapter/housing corporation policies
University liability coverage
Individual members’ homeowners/parents’ policies

Practical Guides: What Hawk Cove Families Should Do Now

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight changes
Sleep deprivation patterns (constant late nights, early wake-ups)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use (if previously uncommon)

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Constant phone monitoring/panic about group chats

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping abruptly
Missing classes or assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing academic standing or scholarships

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are they respecting your time for studies and sleep?”
“What kinds of activities do new members participate in?”
“Is there anything that’s made you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to, without consequences?”

48-Hour Action Checklist:

Medical First: ER visit for any injuries or intoxication
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot ALL messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
Documentation: Write down everything your child says with dates/times
Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
Strategic Decisions: With attorney guidance, decide on reporting to campus/local police

For Students: Safety and Evidence Preservation

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Am I being pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Am I being told to keep secrets from university/parents?
Are older members making me do things they don’t do themselves?

If You Need to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911 first
Safe departure: Tell someone outside the organization first
Formal resignation: Email chapter president/advisor (creates record)
Avoid “last meetings”: Don’t attend where pressure/retaliation might occur
Document threats: Save any retaliation evidence

Evidence Collection Checklist:

Screenshot entire message threads (with timestamps/names)
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
Save all digital content before deletion
Get medical care and mention “hazing” explicitly
Identify witnesses with contact information

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” messages looks like cover-up and destroys your case
Confronting the Organization: Alerts them to destroy evidence and prepare defenses
Signing University Papers: Waivers or “resolution agreements” often limit legal options
Social Media Posts: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Delaying Medical Care: Injuries worsen and documentation becomes less compelling
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you
Waiting for University Investigation: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run

Frequently Asked Questions for Hawk Cove Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations but can be sued for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when individual employees are sued in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Each case requires specific analysis – call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involving kidney failure would likely qualify for felony charges if prosecuted.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This recognizes the power imbalance and coercion inherent in these situations.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known, and statutes may be tolled (paused) in cases of fraud or cover-up. Time is critical – evidence disappears quickly.

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

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (fatal retreat) and many others occurred off-campus.

“Can international students pursue cases?”
Yes. Hazing victims have legal rights regardless of immigration status. We’ve handled cases involving international students and understand the additional complexities they face.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics and coverage arguments
Negotiate settlements and prepare for trial
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential signals elite capability
“We’ve taken on the largest corporations and won. National fraternities and universities don’t intimidate us.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Wrongful death settlements in the millions
Catastrophic injury cases with lifetime care planning
Experience working with economists to value young lives
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.”

Texas-Specific Expertise:

Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
Deep understanding of Texas courts and procedures
Knowledge of Texas hazing law nuances
Spanish-language services available (Se habla Español)

Investigative Depth:

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked
Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden university and fraternity records
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because it does.”

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Response: 24/7 availability for hazing emergencies
Evidence Preservation: Digital forensics, rapid documentation
Comprehensive Investigation: Identifying ALL potentially liable parties
Strategic Litigation: Balancing settlement opportunities with trial readiness
Client-Centered Advocacy: Your family’s wellbeing guides every decision
Accountability Focus: Preventing future harm through systemic change

The Bermudez Case: Active Proof of Our Commitment

Right now, we’re actively litigating Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million case against:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity Headquarters
Beta Nu Housing Corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders and members

This isn’t theoretical expertise – it’s current, active, high-stakes litigation demonstrating exactly how we approach hazing cases: thoroughly, aggressively, and with unwavering commitment to our client.

Call to Action for Hawk Cove Families

If you suspect or know your child has been hazed at any Texas campus – whether Texas A&M-Commerce here in Hunt County, or at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas school – you have rights and options.

What to Expect When You Call Attorney911:

Compassionate Listening: We’ll hear your story without judgment
Immediate Guidance: Evidence preservation steps you can take NOW
Case Evaluation: Honest assessment of your legal options
Clear Explanation: Understanding of timelines, processes, and realistic expectations
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

We Serve Families Throughout Texas:
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims across Texas, including Hawk Cove, Commerce, Greenville, and throughout Hunt County. Distance doesn’t prevent us from providing comprehensive representation.

Contact Us Today:

24/7 Hazing Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Spanish Services: Lupe Peña – lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Remember: The first 48 hours are critical for evidence preservation. If you’re even considering legal action, call us now to protect your options.

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)
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