The Ultimate Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Abuse in Texas: A Resource for Valentine Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

Imagine your child, excited to start their college journey, accepts a bid to join a fraternity, sorority, or campus organization at a Texas university. What begins as camaraderie and tradition soon turns into something darker. They’re forced to carry a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” at all times. They’re awakened at 3 AM for brutal workouts in a public park until they vomit. They’re sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” while members laugh. They’re told to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they’re sick, then forced to sprint until they collapse. When their urine turns brown and they can’t stand without help, they need four days of hospitalization for acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown that could cause permanent damage.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. This exact sequence of events happened to Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student and Pi Kappa Phi pledge, in fall 2025. His case—a $10 million lawsuit filed by our firm against UH, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders—represents the brutal reality of modern hazing that Texas families need to understand.

For parents in Valentine and across Jeff Davis County, this guide exists because what happened in Houston could happen to any Texas student. Whether your child attends Sul Ross State University in nearby Alpine, Texas A&M University in College Station, the University of Texas at Austin, or any other Texas campus, hazing remains a persistent, dangerous threat hidden behind traditions and Greek letters.

What You’ll Find in This Guide

This comprehensive resource provides Valentine families with everything you need to know about hazing in 2025:

• What hazing really looks like today—beyond stereotypes to the digital coercion, psychological abuse, and disguised “traditions” that endanger students
• Texas law and your rights—how Texas Education Code Chapter 37 defines hazing, criminal penalties, civil liability, and why “consent” is not a defense
• National patterns that matter for Texas families—how cases from Penn State to Bowling Green establish precedents that apply right here in Texas
• Texas university spotlight—what’s happening at campuses where Valentine students commonly attend, including Sul Ross State, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and others
• Fraternity and sorority national histories—how organizations with long records of hazing deaths operate chapters at Texas schools
• Building a legal case—what evidence matters, who can be held liable, and what damages families can pursue
• Practical action steps—immediate guidance for parents, students, and witnesses facing hazing situations
• Why our firm handles these cases—how our experience with the UH Pi Kappa Phi case and institutional litigation against billion-dollar defendants prepares us to help your family

If you’re reading this after discovering your child has been hazed, please know this first: You are not alone, and what happened is not your child’s fault. Hazing preys on young people’s desire for belonging and uses psychological pressure to normalize abuse. The law recognizes this power imbalance, which is why Texas specifically states that a victim’s “consent” is not a defense to hazing charges.

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 at Texas Universities

Many Valentine parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals” from their own college days. What happens today is different—more systematized, more psychologically sophisticated, and often deliberately hidden from university oversight. Understanding these modern realities is the first step in recognizing danger and taking action.

The Legal Definition in Texas

Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37—the law that governs hazing cases affecting Valentine families—hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

This means location doesn’t matter (off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreat locations all count). The act can be mental or physical harm. And crucially, the person doesn’t need malicious intent—”reckless” behavior (knowing the risk and doing it anyway) is enough.

Modern Hazing Categories

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and most deadly form of hazing. It’s not “just drinking with friends.” It’s systematic coercion:

• Forced consumption games: “Big/Little” nights where pledges must finish bottles of liquor, “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking, “family tree” drinking chains
• Coerced drug use: Pressure to consume marijuana, pills, nitrous oxide (as in the Collin Wiant Sigma Pi case at Ohio University)
• Disguised as celebration: Bid acceptance parties, initiation nights, “reveals” framed as positive events that become medically dangerous

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating, Bermudez was forced to consume “milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting,” then immediately forced to sprint—a classic alcohol-free but equally dangerous consumption hazing method.

Physical Hazing Beyond “Workouts”
What organizations call “conditioning” or “team building” often crosses into abuse:

• Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls for extended distances
• Paddling and beatings: Still prevalent despite national organizations prohibiting it
• Environmental exposure: Being left outside in cold weather in underwear (as in the UH case), locked in freezing rooms, denied bathroom access
• Dangerous physical tests: “Glass ceiling” blindfolded tackles (Pi Delta Psi case), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated

Psychological and Digital Hazing
The 24/7 nature of smartphones has created new avenues for control:

• Group chat tyranny: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, with punishment for delayed responses
• Sleep deprivation via phone: 3 AM “check-ins,” all-night monitoring requirements
• Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, public shaming
• Geolocation tracking: Requiring pledges to share live location via Find My Friends or Life360
• Psychological manipulation: Isolation from non-members, forced confessions, “gaslighting” about what’s normal

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Some of the most traumatic hazing involves sexual elements:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
• Sexual assault or coercion under the guise of “initiation”
• Racist, homophobic, or sexist role-playing and slurs

The “Optional” Illusion
Modern organizations have developed sophisticated cover stories:

• “Voluntary” participation: Events framed as optional but with clear social consequences for non-participation
• Euphemistic language: Calling hazing “tradition,” “bonding,” “new member education,” or “challenges”
• Off-campus relocation: Moving hazing to Airbnbs, rural properties, or members’ family homes to avoid university oversight
• Rapid evidence destruction: Deleting group chats, coaching witnesses, destroying physical evidence

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

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

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC Divine Nine, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (especially relevant at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
• Spirit and Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, cheer squads, drum majors)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization but the power imbalance between new and existing members, and the use of that imbalance to coerce dangerous behavior.

Texas Hazing Law: What Valentine Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but understanding how they work in practice requires looking at both criminal penalties and civil liability. For families in Valentine, this means knowing what happens in Jeff Davis County courts, as well as in the counties where universities are located.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Criminal Framework

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

Additional Offenses

• Failing to report hazing: If you’re a member or officer and you knew about hazing but didn’t report it
• Retaliation against reporters: Punishing someone who reports hazing

Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face:

• Fines up to $10,000 per violation
• University revocation of recognition and campus bans

Critical Protections for Valentine Families

• Consent is NOT a defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that even if the victim “agreed” to the hazing, it’s still a crime
• Good-faith reporter immunity: Those who report hazing in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result
• Medical emergency amnesty: Texas law and most university policies protect those who call 911 in alcohol or medical emergencies, even if they were drinking underage

Civil Liability: The Path to Accountability and Compensation

While criminal cases focus on punishment, civil cases allow victims and families to seek compensation and institutional reform. These cases can proceed even without criminal charges.

Who Can Be Sued in a Texas Hazing Case

• Individual Students: Those who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing
• Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, or club as a legal entity
• National Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Universities and Governing Boards: Schools may be liable for negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
• Third Parties: Property owners, alcohol providers, security companies

Types of Claims

• Negligence/Gross Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care
• Negligent Supervision: Failure to properly monitor and control the organization
• Premises Liability: Dangerous conditions at houses or event spaces
• Wrongful Death: When hazing results in fatal injuries
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Extreme and outrageous conduct
• Title IX Violations: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX and Clery Act

• Title IX: Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
• Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics

How Texas Law Compares

Texas has strong hazing laws but isn’t the strongest nationally:

• Pennsylvania (Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law): Upgraded felonies more easily
• Louisiana (Max Gruver Act): Felony hazing with serious prison time
• Ohio (Collin’s Law): Hazing becomes felony when drugs/alcohol cause physical harm
• Florida (Chad Meredith Law): Criminalized hazing after drowning death

Texas falls in the middle—having good criminal provisions and excellent “consent is not a defense” language, but without the same branding as laws named for victims.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Valentine Families

The tragedies that made national headlines aren’t isolated incidents—they’re patterns that repeat across campuses, including Texas schools. Understanding these patterns helps Valentine families recognize warning signs and understand what’s at stake.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

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

• Bid-acceptance event with forced drinking
• Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; 12-hour delay before medical help
• Result: Dozens of criminal charges; civil litigation; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Valentine takeaway: Extreme intoxication plus delay in calling 911 creates catastrophic legal exposure

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly
• BAC of 0.495%; died from alcohol toxicity
• Result: Felony hazing law in Louisiana (Max Gruver Act); $6.1 million verdict against individual and insurer
• Valentine takeaway: “Games” that tie drinking to performance are particularly dangerous

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

• Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Result: $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU); chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
• Valentine takeaway: Universities and individuals face massive liability; personal accountability extends to officers

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Fatal head injuries; delayed medical care
• Result: National fraternity criminally convicted; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Valentine takeaway: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability; national organizations can face criminal charges

Catastrophic Injury Pattern

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

• Forced excessive alcohol consumption during “pledge dad reveal”
• Severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
• Result: Settlements with 22 defendants; reportedly multi-million dollar total
• Valentine takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can result in lifetime care costs and substantial compensation

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination suit
• Valentine takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs with similar institutional cover-up patterns

What These Cases Mean for Valentine Families

These national patterns matter because:

• The same fraternities with national hazing histories operate chapters at Texas schools
• The same insurance companies that defended these cases will defend against Texas claims
• The same legal arguments about foreseeability, negligence, and institutional responsibility apply in Texas courts
• The same settlement ranges ($1M–$14M for deaths, multi-million for catastrophic injuries) establish benchmarks for Texas cases

Texas University Spotlight: Where Valentine Students Attend

Valentine families often send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools—and the specific organizations present—helps parents ask the right questions and recognize potential dangers.

Sul Ross State University (Alpine, Texas)

Distance from Valentine: Approximately 30 miles—the closest university to Valentine families

Campus Culture

• Small public university serving the Big Bend region
• Greek life includes fraternities and sororities alongside other campus organizations
• Close-knit campus environment where hazing might be less reported due to social pressure

What Valentine Parents Should Know

• Proximity means many Valentine students commute or live on campus
• Small campus size doesn’t eliminate hazing risk—sometimes increases secrecy
• University hazing policies apply equally to all recognized organizations
• Evidence preservation is equally critical here as at larger schools

Reporting Channels for Sul Ross Families

• Sul Ross State University Dean of Students office
• Campus police and local Alpine law enforcement
• Texas hazing laws apply fully to Alpine campus incidents

Texas A&M University (College Station)

Distance from Valentine: Approximately 380 miles—a common destination for Texas students

Campus Culture and Specific Risks

• Massive Greek life system with historical hazing issues
• Corps of Cadets with documented hazing incidents
• Tradition-heavy culture that can normalize abusive behaviors

Documented Incidents

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Lawsuit sought $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth during hazing. Sought over $1 million in damages.
• Multiple other fraternity suspensions for hazing violations in recent years

What Valentine Parents Should Know

• Texas A&M’s extensive Greek life (over 60 fraternity/sorority chapters) means multiple organizations with national hazing histories operate here
• Corps of Cadets hazing presents unique risks beyond traditional Greek life
• University’s public disciplinary records show ongoing pattern of violations
• Civil cases may involve both Brazos County courts and federal jurisdictions

University of Texas at Austin

Distance from Valentine: Approximately 430 miles

Transparency Leadership

• UT Austin maintains a public hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu)
• This transparency helps families research organizations before joining
• Documented violations show ongoing issues despite policies

Recent Documented Cases

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
• Multiple spirit organizations: Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; sued for over $1 million

What Valentine Parents Should Know

• UT’s transparency allows checking an organization’s history BEFORE your child joins
• Violations page evidence can be used in civil litigation to show pattern and knowledge
• Austin location means cases may involve Travis County courts and Austin PD jurisdiction
• Large Greek life system means multiple organizations with national hazing histories operate here

Other Texas Universities Valentine Students Attend

Texas Tech University (Lubbock)

• Documented fraternity hazing incidents including rhabdomyolysis cases
• Multiple Greek organizations with national hazing histories

University of Houston
Current Active Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

• Our firm represents Bermudez in this $10 million lawsuit
• Hazing occurred at: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
• Specific acts: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” 100+ push-ups/500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Medical outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
• Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
• Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

What This UH Case Means for Valentine Families

• Demonstrates that even in 2025, severe hazing continues at Texas universities
• Shows the medical seriousness of physical hazing (rhabdomyolysis can cause permanent kidney damage)
• Illustrates the wide net of liability (individuals, local chapter, housing corporation, national, university)
• Proves that chapters will be shut down after exposure, but only after harm occurs

How Hazing Cases Proceed at Texas Universities

Jurisdictional Considerations for Valentine Families

• Where the case is filed depends on where the hazing occurred and where defendants are located
• Valentine incidents might involve Jeff Davis County courts if students are hazed while home
• University incidents involve that county’s courts (Travis for UT, Brazos for A&M, Harris for UH, etc.)
• Federal courts may have jurisdiction for Title IX claims or when parties are from different states

University Internal Process vs. Legal Action

• University disciplinary process: Internal investigation, possible organizational sanctions
• Criminal process: Local or campus police investigation, possible charges
• Civil process: Separate lawsuit seeking compensation and accountability
• Important: These processes can proceed simultaneously; participating in one doesn’t preclude others

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas

The same national organizations involved in high-profile hazing deaths and injuries across the country operate chapters at Texas universities. This history matters because it establishes foreseeability—the legal concept that organizations should have known certain activities were dangerous based on past incidents.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a Texas chapter repeats behaviors that caused deaths at other campuses:

• It shows the national organization knew or should have known the risks
• It undermines claims that “this was a rogue chapter” or “we had no idea”
• It supports claims for punitive damages (extra damages meant to punish particularly reckless behavior)
• It helps overcome insurance company arguments that injuries were “unforeseeable accidents”

Major Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

• Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021): $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger (NIU 2012): $14 million settlement
• Multiple chapters suspended at Texas schools for hazing violations
• Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, Texas Tech, and other campuses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”)

• National pattern: Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide
• Texas incidents:
  • Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021): $1 million lawsuit
  • UT Austin assault case (2024): Over $1 million lawsuit
• Known for eliminating traditional pledge process nationally in 2014 due to pattern of deaths
• Texas presence: Chapters at most major Texas universities

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Max Gruver (LSU 2017): $6.1 million verdict; Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
• Multiple other alcohol-related hazing incidents nationwide
• Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, and other campuses

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Andrew Coffey (FSU 2017): Death during “Big Brother Night”; confidential settlement
• Current Texas case (UH 2025): $10 million lawsuit we’re litigating for Leonel Bermudez
• Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and other campuses

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

• SMU incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended
• Multiple other hazing suspensions nationwide
• Texas presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Texas Tech, and other campuses

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

Evidence of Pattern and Practice

• Prior incident reports from other chapters
• National training materials acknowledging hazing risks
• Communications showing national awareness of specific dangerous “traditions”

Negligence Arguments

• National had duty to supervise and prevent known dangers
• National failed to implement adequate safeguards despite knowing risks
• National’s policies were inadequate or not meaningfully enforced

Insurance Coverage Strategy

• National organizations typically have insurance policies
• Multiple prior incidents can trigger higher policy limits or additional coverage
• Pattern evidence counters insurance company arguments that incidents were “isolated”

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

When hazing causes injury or death, building a strong legal case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding what damages are available. For Valentine families, knowing this process helps you work effectively with your attorney.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (MOST IMPORTANT)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Emails and texts between members about planning or covering up hazing
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover deleted content
• Our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos and Videos

• Content filmed during hazing events (often shared in group chats)
• Injury documentation from multiple angles over time
• Location photos showing where hazing occurred
• Security camera or doorbell footage from houses and venues

Medical Documentation

• Emergency room records and hospitalization notes
• Lab results (blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function for rhabdomyolysis)
• Imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnosis)
• Future care estimates from medical experts

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Risk management policies from national organizations
• Member education materials
• Prior incident reports and disciplinary records

University Records

• Prior conduct files for the same organization
• Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
• Clery Act reports and safety statistics
• Internal emails about the organization or prior incidents

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
• Former members who quit due to hazing
• Roommates, RAs, friends who noticed changes or witnessed events
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

The Investigation Process

Immediate Evidence Preservation (First 48 Hours)

• Screenshot all relevant communications before deletion
• Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
• Save physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
• Write detailed notes while memory is fresh
• Identify potential witnesses with contact information

Formal Discovery Phase

• Subpoenas for phone records, social media accounts, organization documents
• Depositions of members, officers, advisors, university officials
• Expert consultations (medical, psychological, digital forensics, Greek life culture)
• Public records requests for university disciplinary files

Building the Liability Case

• Establishing duty of care (what each defendant should have done)
• Proving breach (how they failed in that duty)
• Connecting breach to injuries (causation)
• Documenting damages (what harm resulted)

Available Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
• Lost income/earning capacity: Missed work, reduced future earnings due to disability
• Educational costs: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Other expenses: Therapy, counseling, relocation costs

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Compensable)

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities
• Loss of consortium: Impact on family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (When Hazing is Fatal)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, love, and society
• Mental anguish of surviving family members

Punitive Damages (When Available)

• Extra damages meant to punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
• Available when defendants knew risks and acted with gross negligence
• Subject to caps in Texas but can significantly increase recovery

Settlement vs. Trial Considerations

Most Cases Settle

• Confidential settlements common to protect victim privacy
• Settlement amounts often substantial based on national precedents
• Can include non-monetary terms (policy changes, chapter closures)

When Cases Go to Trial

• When defendants won’t offer fair settlement
• When public accountability is important to the family
• When legal precedents need to be established
• Our firm’s trial readiness often encourages better settlement offers

Practical Guides & FAQs for Valentine Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Physical indicators: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries; extreme fatigue; weight changes; sleep deprivation
• Behavioral changes: Sudden secrecy; withdrawal from family/friends; personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Academic red flags: Grades dropping; missing classes; losing scholarships
• Financial concerns: Unexplained large expenses; buying excessive alcohol; requests for money
• Digital behavior: Constant group chat monitoring; anxiety about phone notifications; deleting messages obsessively

How to Talk to Your Child

• Ask open questions without judgment: “How are things going with [organization]?”
• Express concern for safety rather than criticism: “I’m worried this might not be safe…”
• Emphasize support: “No matter what, I’m here for you and your safety comes first.”
• If they open up, listen without interrupting; if they shut down, don’t force but monitor closely

If You Discover Hazing

1. Prioritize safety: Get medical attention if injured
2. Preserve evidence: Screenshot everything; photograph injuries; save physical items
3. Document details: Write down who, what, when, where while fresh
4. Consult attorney BEFORE reporting to university or confronting organization
5. Avoid common mistakes (see next section)

Working with the University

• Document all communications (emails, calls, meetings)
• Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
• Don’t accept “we’re handling it internally” as sufficient if serious harm occurred
• Understand the university’s dual role: investigating misconduct while protecting institutional reputation

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment

• Are you being forced or pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
• Would you do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
• Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Are you being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?
• Does the activity endanger your physical or mental health?

If you answered yes to any, 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 to hazing charges
• You can leave any organization at any time without legal penalty
• You can request no-contact orders if harassed after reporting

Safe Exit Strategies

• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, trusted friend, RA)
• Send written resignation: “I am resigning my membership effective immediately.”
• Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
• If fearing retaliation, report concerns to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students

• Screenshot group chats with timestamps and participant names visible
• Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
• Photograph injuries immediately and over days to show progression
• Save everything—don’t delete embarrassing content; it’s evidence
• Tell medical providers you were hazed so it’s documented in records

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

• What happens: Messages are deleted; physical evidence is destroyed
• Result: Case becomes nearly impossible to prove; looks like cover-up
• Solution: Preserve everything immediately before discussing with child

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization Directly

• What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Result: Evidence disappears; defense prepares
• Solution: Document everything, then call attorney BEFORE any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What happens: You may waive right to sue; accept inadequate settlement
• Result: Limited recovery; no real accountability
• Solution: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media

• What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Result: Weakens case; may waive certain privileges
• Solution: Document privately; let attorney control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University Investigation

• What happens: Evidence disappears; witnesses graduate; statute runs
• Result: University controls narrative; case weakens over time
• Solution: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters
Full video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
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—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
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 lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Video on statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
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.

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“Can international students affected by hazing get help?”
Yes. Our firm has handled cases involving international students and understands unique immigration concerns. Spanish-speaking services available through Mr. Lupe Peña.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your 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. Here’s why Valentine families choose our firm for hazing cases.

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation

Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases:

• Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi
• $10 million lawsuit against university, national fraternity, housing corporation, and 13 individuals
• Medical injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
• This isn’t theoretical—we’re in court right now holding institutions accountable

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

• Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers 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 Institutional Litigation Experience (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 Experience

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Experience working with economists to value lifetime care needs
• “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 how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

Compassionate Support

• We listen without judgment
• We explain everything in plain English
• We respect your family’s privacy and emotional needs
• We move at your pace while protecting legal deadlines

Aggressive Investigation

• Immediate evidence preservation
• Thorough investigation of all liable parties
• Strategic use of discovery and subpoenas
• Preparation for trial to force fair settlements

Holistic Accountability

• Financial compensation for tangible losses
• Institutional reform to prevent future harm
• Public or private accountability based on your preferences
• Legacy considerations (foundations, scholarships in victim’s name)

Valentine Families: We Serve Your Community

From our Texas offices, we serve families throughout the state, including Valentine and Jeff Davis County. We understand that:

• Valentine students attend universities across Texas
• Hazing incidents may involve multiple jurisdictions
• Local resources in Valentine may be limited for complex hazing litigation
• You need attorneys who can navigate both Texas courts and university systems

Our Promise to Valentine Families

When you call us, you get:

• Immediate response—we answer 24/7 for emergencies
• Direct access to attorneys—not paralegals or case managers
• Spanish-speaking services available through Mr. Peña
• Clear explanations of your options with no pressure
• Contingency fee basis—no win, no fee
• Regular updates on your case
• Respect for your family’s privacy and emotional needs

Call to Action: Get Help Today

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Valentine and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
• Answer your 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
• Spanish Services: Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Additional Resources:

• Learn about our wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Ralph Manginello’s background and credentials: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña’s insurance defense experience: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Whether you’re in Valentine or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have powerful lawyers and insurance companies. You need experienced advocates who know how to fight them.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the 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 your cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of limitations on your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes that can ruin your injury case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com

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