The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Abuse for Rio Vista Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone—Here’s What You Need to Know

It starts with a text message at 2 AM. Your child, a freshman at a Texas university, is expected at an “unofficial” fraternity event at an off-campus house. They’re told to dress in a specific, humiliating way and bring certain items. When they arrive, older members separate the pledges. What follows are hours of forced drinking, extreme calisthenics, verbal abuse, and psychological pressure. Your child is exhausted, scared, and feels trapped—wanting to belong but increasingly aware that what’s happening is dangerous. The next morning, they can barely walk. Their urine is dark brown. They’re hospitalized with a diagnosis that sounds foreign and terrifying: rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. This exact medical catastrophe happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025, and our firm, Attorney911, represents him in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit. For families right here in Rio Vista and across Johnson County, this case serves as a stark reminder that severe hazing isn’t something that happens “elsewhere”—it’s happening at Texas universities where our children study.

If you’re a parent in Rio Vista, Burleson, Cleburne, or anywhere in Johnson County, this comprehensive guide is for you. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) students, what’s happening at major universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect our children.

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 evidence, 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: Modern Hazing Methods

For Rio Vista families, understanding hazing means moving beyond old stereotypes of “harmless pranks.” Modern hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and designed to avoid detection while maximizing control over new members. We’ve seen every variation in our cases across Texas.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking games like “Bible study” or “family tree” where wrong answers mean consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol
“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of hard liquor to finish
Pressure to consume unknown mixtures or substances
The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting

Physical Hazing

Extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts” or “conditioning” (100+ push-ups, 500+ squats)
Paddling, beating, or physical strikes
Sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night or early-morning sessions
Exposure to extreme temperatures (like the cold-weather workouts in underwear at UH)
“Save-your-brother” drills and other dangerous physical challenges

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts or positions
Degrading costumes or “pledge uniforms”
Racially or sexually charged role-playing
The “pledge fanny pack” requirement at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi that contained condoms and sex toys

Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, screaming, and degradation during “interviews” or “grill sessions”
Social isolation from non-members and family
Constant criticism and threat of expulsion from the organization
Manipulation through “brotherhood” rhetoric that makes leaving feel like betrayal

Digital/Online Hazing

24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Forced social media posts or challenges
Geo-tracking through apps like Find My Friends
Recording and sharing humiliating content in private groups
Cyberstalking or harassment if pledges don’t comply

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Rio Vista parents should understand that hazing isn’t limited to stereotypical fraternity parties. It occurs in multiple contexts:

Fraternities and Sororities

Interfraternity Council (IFC) organizations
Panhellenic sororities
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC – Divine Nine)
Multicultural Greek organizations

Corps of Cadets & Military Groups

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets
ROTC programs
Military-style organizations with tradition-based activities

Athletic Teams

Varsity sports programs
Club sports
Cheer and spirit teams
Marching bands and performing groups

Academic & Service Organizations

Honor societies
Professional fraternities
Student government groups
Tradition clubs (like spirit organizations)

The common thread across all these contexts is power imbalance, secrecy, and the use of tradition to justify dangerous behavior.

Texas Hazing Law: What Rio Vista Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Legal Framework

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Rio Vista students at Texas universities—hazing is specifically defined and criminalized in the Education Code. This isn’t just university policy; it’s state law with real consequences.

§ 37.151 Definition of Hazing
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 purposes of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization

Key Elements for Rio Vista Families:

Location doesn’t matter: On-campus, off-campus, at retreats—all covered
“Reckless” is enough: Doesn’t require intent to harm, just disregard for risk
Mental OR physical harm: Psychological trauma qualifies
No consent defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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

Additional Provisions:

§ 37.153: Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
§ 37.154: Immunity for good-faith reporting (encourages calling for help)
§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a defense to prosecution
§ 37.156: Universities must publish annual hazing reports

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

When Rio Vista families encounter hazing, they often face two parallel legal tracks:

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State)

Prosecuted by district attorneys
Focus on punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families)

Focus on compensation and accountability
Types of claims: negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision
Burden of proof: “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
Can proceed even without criminal charges

Why Both Matter for Rio Vista Families:

Criminal cases provide public accountability
Civil cases provide compensation for medical bills, trauma, and future care
We often handle both aspects, using evidence from criminal investigations to strengthen civil claims

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Strengthens prevention programs
Phased implementation through 2026
Creates national hazing database

Title IX Protections

Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Requires universities to investigate and respond appropriately
Can provide additional remedies beyond state law

Clery Act Requirements

Mandates reporting of certain crimes, including alcohol/drug violations and assaults
Requires transparent campus safety statistics
Often overlaps with hazing incidents

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadliest Pattern

The cases that have shaped national awareness share disturbing similarities that Rio Vista parents should recognize:

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
12-hour delay before calling 911
18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Result: Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

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

“Big Brother” night with handle of liquor
Death from acute alcohol poisoning
University-wide Greek life suspension
Pattern: Formulaic drinking traditions that repeat across chapters

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game
Blood alcohol level: 0.495%
Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

Forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey
$10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)
Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

What Rio Vista Families Should Understand:

These aren’t “accidents”—they’re predictable outcomes of known dangerous traditions
National fraternities often have identical “Big/Little” or “bid night” scripts
Delayed medical response dramatically increases liability

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at remote retreat
Fatal traumatic brain injury
National fraternity criminally convicted
Result: 10-year ban from Pennsylvania

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

“Pledge dad reveal” drinking event
Permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Settlements with 22 defendants
Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can be lifelong catastrophes

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Sexualized and racist hacing allegations
Multiple lawsuits against university
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful termination claim
Impact: Showed hazing in big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Rio Vista Students

These national precedents matter because:

Pattern evidence helps prove negligence in Texas cases
Settlement amounts establish value ranges for serious injuries
Legal strategies that worked elsewhere can be adapted for Texas courts
National organizations can’t claim they “didn’t know” about risks

Texas University Focus: Where Rio Vista Students Attend

Understanding the Local Landscape

Rio Vista families typically have children at regional institutions and major Texas universities. Understanding each campus’s specific context is crucial for effective advocacy.

Regional Institutions Near Rio Vista:

Southwestern Adventist University (Keene, Johnson County)
Hill College (Hillsboro, nearby community college)
Tarleton State University (Stephenville, within driving distance)

Major Universities Rio Vista Families Attend:

University of Texas at Austin (common for high-achieving students)
Texas A&M University (traditional choice for many Texas families)
University of Houston (urban option with strong programs)
Baylor University (private option with religious affiliation)
Texas State University (San Marcos, growing in popularity)

University of Houston: A Case Study in Institutional Failure

The Leonel Bermudez case provides a template for understanding how hazing systems operate and how institutions respond.

The Incident Timeline:

September 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu
September-October: Enforced dress codes, “pledge fanny pack,” overnight driving duties
October 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth
November 3: Extreme workout (100+ push-ups, 500 squats) under expulsion threats
November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends chapter
November 6-9: Bermudez hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
November 14: Chapter votes to surrender charter

Medical Catastrophe:

Critically high creatine kinase levels (muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure requiring multi-day hospitalization
Brown urine indicating rhabdomyolysis
Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Defendants in the Lawsuit:

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

Why This Matters for Rio Vista Families:

Shows how quickly “tradition” can become medical emergency
Demonstrates multiple layers of liability (university, national, individuals)
Illustrates evidence types that win cases (medical records, witness testimony)

UH’s Greek Ecosystem (From Official Rosters):

Interfraternity Council: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and others
Panhellenic Council: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha
NPHC (Divine Nine): All historically Black organizations represented

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Rio Vista families with children at A&M, understanding both Greek life and Corps culture is essential.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Incidents:

2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged “roasted pig” positioning (bound between beds with apple in mouth)
Historical Issues: Tradition-heavy environment with documented abuse
University Response: Typically handled through internal Corps discipline

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and other substances
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed
Chapter suspended for two years

Texas A&M’s Greek Landscape:

Large IFC System: 30+ fraternities including Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
Active NPHC: Strong Divine Nine presence
Corps-Greek Overlap: Many cadets also join fraternities

What Rio Vista A&M Families Should Know:

Corps incidents often follow different reporting channels
University may try to handle internally through Commandant’s office
Civil cases can proceed regardless of internal discipline

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

UT Austin maintains a public hazing violations page—a resource Rio Vista families should know exists.

Documented Violations (Selected Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing
Spirit Organizations: Repeated violations for forced activities

UT’s Reporting Advantages:

Public database allows pattern recognition
Shows which organizations have prior sanctions
Provides evidence for “notice” arguments in lawsuits

UT Austin Greek Life Scale:

One of nation’s largest Greek systems
60+ fraternity/sorority chapters
Includes everything from traditional IFC to multicultural organizations

Southern Methodist University: Private University Dynamics

SMU’s status as a private institution affects how hazing cases proceed for Rio Vista families.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Chapter suspended for multiple years
Illustrates private university disciplinary processes

SMU’s Greek Culture:

Historically strong Greek presence
Significant alumni involvement and funding
Private status means less public transparency

Considerations for Rio Vista Families:

Fewer public records available
Different legal standards than public universities
Often higher insurance coverage

Baylor University: Religious Context and Historical Challenges

Baylor’s history with institutional response to misconduct informs how hazing cases might be handled.

Baseball Hazing Incident (2020):

14 players suspended following investigation
Staggered suspensions during season
Handled through athletic department

Baylor’s Unique Context:

Religious affiliation affects institutional culture
History of Title IX scrutiny
Different risk management approach

Fraternities & Sororities: National Patterns and Local Chapters

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Track

Our firm maintains comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations—information that becomes crucial when building cases for Rio Vista families. This isn’t theoretical; it’s concrete data from public records.

IRS B83 Texas Organizations (125 Registered Entities):
These are the legal entities behind Greek life in Texas—house corporations, alumni chapters, and educational foundations. Examples from our database include:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter (EIN 746064445) – 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905) – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204

Texas Universities Data (96 Campuses):
We track every Texas campus, including those Rio Vista students attend:

Southwestern Adventist University – Keene, Johnson County
University of Texas at Austin – Travis County
Texas A&M University – Brazos County
University of Houston – Harris County
Baylor University – McLennan County

Metro Area Concentrations:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 organizations
Austin-Round Rock: 154 organizations
San Antonio: 86 organizations

Why This Data Matters for Rio Vista Cases:

Identifies all potentially liable entities
Shows organizational connections across Texas
Provides evidence of national brand presence
Helps locate insurance coverage

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Rio Vista families should understand that many fraternities operating at Texas universities have national patterns of misconduct.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – High-Risk Pattern:

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, alcohol poisoning death
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, alcohol poisoning death
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, UT, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: Consistent “Big/Little” alcohol hazing across chapters

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple Violations:

Texas A&M: Chemical burns case (2021)
University of Texas: Assault case (2024)
University of Alabama: Traumatic brain injury case
National Response: Eliminated pledging in 2014 due to deaths

Phi Delta Theta – Drinking Rituals:

Max Gruver: LSU, “Bible study” drinking death
Legislative Impact: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
Texas Chapters: Multiple campuses

Pi Kappa Phi – Recent Texas Connection:

Andrew Coffey: Florida State, alcohol poisoning death
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, rhabdomyolysis case
Pattern: Similar drinking traditions across chapters

How National Histories Create Liability

When we represent Rio Vista families, national patterns become crucial evidence for:

Proving Foreseeability:

Shows nationals knew or should have known about risks
Demonstrates failure to implement effective prevention
Supports negligence claims against headquarters

Establishing Pattern Evidence:

Similar incidents at other chapters
Identical “traditions” or rituals
Consistent failure to enforce policies

Overcoming Defense Arguments:

Counters “rogue chapter” claims
Refutes “unforeseeable accident” defenses
Shows systemic failures

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Evidence Collection: The Critical First Steps

For Rio Vista families, evidence preservation in the first 48 hours often determines case outcomes.

Digital Evidence Priorities:

Group Chats: Screenshot entire conversations (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage)
Social Media: Preserve posts, stories, DMs before deletion
Location Data: Save Find My Friends or tracking app histories
Deleted Messages: Consult digital forensics experts early

Medical Documentation:

Immediate Care: ER records, ambulance reports
Lab Results: Toxicology, kidney function, creatine kinase levels
Specialist Evaluations: Nephrology, psychiatry, physical therapy
Ongoing Treatment: Document all follow-up care

Physical Evidence:

Clothing worn during incidents
Objects used in hazing (paddles, bottles, props)
Photographs of injuries (multiple angles, with scale)
Receipts for forced purchases

Institutional Records:

University conduct files (obtained via discovery)
National fraternity risk management documents
Prior incident reports
Insurance policies

Damages in Hazing Cases: What Rio Vista Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment
Lost Earnings: Current income loss and reduced future earning capacity
Educational Costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Life Care Plans: Long-term care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and public exposure

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral Expenses: Burial and related costs
Loss of Support: Financial contributions deceased would have made
Loss of Companionship: Emotional support for family members
Parental Grief: Emotional suffering of losing a child

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

For particularly reckless or malicious conduct
Requires proving gross negligence or intentional harm
Capped under Texas law but can be substantial

Case Strategy: Multiple Defendant Approach

Our approach for Rio Vista families involves identifying all potentially liable parties:

Individual Students:

Those who planned or participated in hazing
Officers who failed to intervene
Members who supplied alcohol or drugs

Local Chapter:

As a legal entity if incorporated
Housing corporation if separate entity
Alumni advisory boards

National Organization:

Headquarters that set policies
Risk management departments
Insurance carriers

University/College:

For negligent supervision
Failure to enforce policies
Deliberate indifference to known risks

Third Parties:

Property owners/landlords
Alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
Security companies

Insurance Coverage Battles: Our Insider Advantage

Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us unique insight into how fraternity and university insurers fight claims:

Common Insurance Tactics We Anticipate:

Coverage Denials: Claiming hazing is excluded as “intentional act”
Reserve Manipulation: Setting artificially low settlement reserves
Delay Strategies: Dragging out cases to pressure families
IME Games: Using “independent” medical exams to minimize injuries

Our Counter-Strategies:

Multiple Policy Identification: Finding all potential coverage sources
Bad Faith Claims: Suing insurers for unreasonable denial
Early Valuation: Establishing realistic case value before negotiations
Trial Preparation: Showing we’re ready to go to court if necessary

Practical Guides & FAQs for Rio Vista Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Financial strain from unexpected “dues” or purchases
Academic performance decline

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose the Right Time: When they’re rested and not distracted
Use Open Questions: “How are things with your organization?”
Listen Without Judgment: Avoid immediate anger or accusations
Emphasize Safety: “Your health matters more than any group”
Offer Support: “We’ll help you through this, no matter what”

If You Suspect Hazing:

Document Everything: Dates, times, what your child shares
Preserve Evidence: Screenshots, photos, physical items
Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor
Contact an Attorney: Before reporting to university
Avoid Confrontation: Don’t contact the organization directly

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment:

Do I feel pressured or coerced?
Would I do this if I had a real choice?
Is this activity dangerous or degrading?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

How to Exit Safely:

Tell Someone First: Parent, trusted adult, or attorney
Send Written Notice: Email to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Document Everything: Save all communications
Avoid “Last Meetings”: Don’t go alone to discuss your departure
Report Retaliation: Any threats or harassment should be documented

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

Good Faith Immunity: Protected if you call for help in emergency
Consent Isn’t Defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Civil Action Rights: Can sue for damages regardless of criminal charges
Privacy Protections: Can request sealed records in litigation

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

What happens: Messages are deleted to “avoid trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys key evidence
Better approach: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization

What happens: Parents directly contact fraternity/sorority
Why it’s wrong: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Better approach: Let attorney handle all communications

3. Signing University Agreements

What happens: Quick “resolution” offered by school
Why it’s wrong: Often includes waiver of legal rights
Better approach: Have attorney review ANY documents before signing

4. Social Media Posts

What happens: Details shared publicly for sympathy or justice
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything for inconsistencies
Better approach: Keep details private, let attorney control messaging

5. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

What happens: Recorded statements used against you
Why it’s wrong: Early lowball settlements, manipulated statements
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

6. Waiting for University Investigation

What happens: Evidence disappears during “internal process”
Why it’s wrong: Statute of limitations runs, witnesses graduate
Better approach: Preserve evidence independently while university investigates

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees individually. 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 Education Code §37.152 makes basic hazing a Class B misdemeanor, 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 activities?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary. The Leonel Bermudez case proceeds despite any alleged “agreement.”

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally, 2 years from the date of injury or discovery of injury in Texas. However, the discovery rule may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent, and fraudulent concealment by defendants may toll (pause) the statute. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. While some media attention may occur (especially if criminal charges are filed), we prioritize your family’s privacy throughout the process.

“What if it happened at an off-campus house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with successful litigation.

About Attorney911: Why Rio Vista Families Choose Us

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

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. From our Texas offices, we serve Rio Vista families and students across the state with specialized hazing litigation expertise.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: Active Texas Litigation
Right now, we’re leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas—the $10 million lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical; it’s active, current litigation that demonstrates our commitment to holding institutions accountable. When Rio Vista families work with us, they’re getting attorneys who are currently fighting the battles they read about in the news.

Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s Background
Mr. Peña’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm gives us unprecedented insight into how fraternity and university insurance companies operate. He knows:

How insurers value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Their delay tactics and settlement strategies
How to counter coverage exclusion arguments
The reserve-setting formulas they use

This insider knowledge means we don’t just react to insurance company moves—we anticipate them. As Mr. Peña says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation: Ralph Manginello’s Experience
Ralph Manginello’s background includes:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved, proving capability against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Experience: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential showing elite criminal defense capability
25+ Years Practice: Handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases

This experience means we’re not intimidated by national fraternities, university legal teams, or their deep-pocketed insurers. We’ve taken on the largest corporations and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Results
Our proven track record includes:

Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
Catastrophic injury cases with lifetime care planning
Complex institutional negligence claims
Cases requiring economist collaboration for damage valuation

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability
With Ralph’s HCCLA membership and criminal defense experience, we understand both sides of hazing cases:

How criminal charges interact with civil litigation
Strategies for advising witnesses with dual exposure
Navigating parallel proceedings
Protecting Fifth Amendment rights while pursuing civil claims

Comprehensive Investigation Resources
We don’t just file lawsuits—we investigate thoroughly:

Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages and social media evidence
Expert Network: Medical specialists, economists, Greek life experts, psychologists
Public Records Research: Utilizing our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine database
Institutional Discovery: Obtaining hidden university and fraternity files

Spanish Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult with Spanish-speaking families directly. Our commitment to serving all Texas families includes removing language barriers during difficult times.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal issues—they’re family crises. Our approach balances:

Compassionate Client Care:

We listen without judgment
We explain options clearly and honestly
We respect your family’s privacy needs
We provide regular updates and clear communication

Aggressive Legal Strategy:

We investigate thoroughly from day one
We identify all potentially liable parties
We build cases for trial from the beginning
We don’t settle cheaply or quickly without fair value

Prevention Focus:
We believe accountability should include institutional change. We often work with families to:

Negotiate policy changes into settlements
Create scholarship funds in victims’ names
Support hazing prevention initiatives
Ensure lessons are learned so others are protected

Call to Action: Your Next Steps as a Rio Vista Family

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

The hardest step is often the first one. If you’re reading this because hazing has affected your child or someone you love in Rio Vista, Johnson County, or anywhere in Texas:

We’re Here to Listen
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment or interruption
Explain your legal options in clear, straightforward terms
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Answer your questions about process, timing, and potential outcomes
Help you understand the realistic path forward

What Your Consultation Includes:

Case Evaluation: We’ll assess the strengths and challenges of your situation
Evidence Review: We’ll examine what evidence exists and what needs preservation
Option Explanation: Civil suit, criminal report, both, or other approaches
Cost Discussion: Contingency fee basis—no fee unless we recover for you
Next Steps: Immediate actions to protect rights and preserve evidence

No Pressure, Just Information
We won’t pressure you to hire us on the spot. We believe educated families make the best decisions. Take our information, discuss with your family, and decide what’s right for you.

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781

Email:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish Services: Se habla Español – Mr. Peña puede consultar en español

Serving: Rio Vista, Johnson County, and all of Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website:
https://attorney911.com

Educational YouTube Videos:

Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Practice Area Pages:

Wrongful Death Claims: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Attorney Profiles:

Ralph Manginello: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña: 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