Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Complete Guide for Deport Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Deport or at Any Texas University, You’re Not Alone

For parents in Deport, Texas, watching your child leave for college represents hope—hope for their future, their education, and their growth. But that hope can turn to nightmare when the phone rings with news that your child has been hurt, humiliated, or endangered in the name of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” Right now, in neighboring Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter—proving that these aren’t abstract concerns. They’re happening right here in our state, to Texas families just like yours in Deport.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Deport, Lamar County, and throughout Northeast Texas. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at universities where Deport students attend, and what legal options your family may have if hazing has touched your lives.

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)
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Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Complete Guide for Deport Families Seeking Justice and Accountability

If Your Child Was Hazed in Deport or at Any Texas University, You’re Not Alone

The call you never expected comes late at night. Your child, the one you sent off to college with so much hope from our close-knit Deport community, is in the hospital. The story emerges in fragments—forced drinking, extreme exercise, humiliation disguised as tradition. They call it “pledging” or “team bonding,” but you recognize it immediately: your child has been hazed. The fear, confusion, and anger are overwhelming. You’re dealing with a university administration that seems more concerned with its reputation than your child’s wellbeing, and a fraternity or sorority that’s closing ranks. You’re not sure where to turn here in Deport, miles from the major legal centers, but you know you need answers and accountability.

Right now, we’re actively fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas—the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. This isn’t an abstract problem from another state; this is happening right here in Texas, to families just like yours. The alleged hazing included a “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating items, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of food until vomiting, and extreme workouts that led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring four days of hospitalization. This case, which has been covered extensively by Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline, proves that even in 2025, severe hazing persists at Texas institutions, and families need experienced advocates to fight back.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Deport, Lamar County, and throughout Northeast Texas. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at universities where Deport students attend, and what legal options your family may have if hazing has touched your lives.

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Deport remember hazing as “pranks” or “rough initiations,” but today’s hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often digitally-enabled abuse. For Texas families, understanding these modern forms is crucial to recognizing when your child is in danger.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – These behaviors emphasize power imbalance and are often dismissed as “harmless tradition”:

• Deception and secrecy: Your child is told to lie to you, the university, or outsiders about activities
• Mandatory servitude: Acting as 24/7 designated drivers, cleaning members’ rooms, running errands at all hours
• Social control: Being “on call” for group messages, required to respond instantly at any hour
• Digital monitoring: Forced location sharing through apps like Find My Friends, social media policing

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Behaviors that cause emotional or physical discomfort:

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
• Food and water manipulation: Being limited to specific foods, forced to consume unpleasant substances
• Extreme physical exertion: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, forced runs
• Public humiliation: Being forced to perform embarrassing acts in public, wear degrading costumes
• Digital shaming: Being forced to post embarrassing content on social media, participate in TikTok “challenges”

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 answers requiring drinking, lineups where pledges must chug
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
• Dangerous tests: “Glass ceiling” blindfolded tackle rituals, forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
• Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
• Chemical exposure: The Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon case involved industrial-strength cleaner poured on pledges causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

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

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (especially at Texas A&M)
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading)
• Spirit and tradition groups (like Texas Cowboys at UT Austin)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic and service organizations

The common thread is power imbalance, tradition, and secrecy—elements that exist in many organizations beyond Greek life.

Texas Hazing Law: What Deport Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for families in Deport considering their legal options.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Under Texas law, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Key provisions that protect Deport families:

1. Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

   • Class B misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
   • Class A misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
   • State jail felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

2. Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):

   • Organizations can be prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing
   • Fines up to $10,000 per violation
   • Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus

3. Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155):

   • Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law
   • Courts recognize that consent under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent

4. Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Section 37.154):

   • Those who report hazing in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability
   • Many universities have amnesty policies for those who call for help in emergencies

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (district attorney)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Standard: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Typical claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Standard: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Both types can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families in Deport find that civil litigation provides the accountability and compensation needed for recovery when criminal cases don’t fully address their harms.

Federal Laws That Apply to Texas Hazing Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention requirements
• Mandates public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
• Applies to all Texas public universities and most private ones

Title IX and Clery Act:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations are triggered
• Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
• These federal frameworks provide additional avenues for accountability

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Understanding national patterns helps Deport families recognize that what happened to their child isn’t an isolated incident but part of predictable, preventable patterns.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

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

• 20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

• Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• $6.1 million verdict for the family

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

• Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
• Given handles of hard liquor
• FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

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

• Pledge subjected to violent “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled
• Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
• Fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

• 18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
• Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
• Family settled with 22 defendants for multi-million dollar amounts
• Requires 24/7 care for life

What These Cases Mean for Deport Families

These national cases establish crucial legal precedents that benefit Texas families:

• Pattern evidence: When the same fraternity uses the same dangerous rituals in Texas that caused deaths elsewhere, that shows foreseeability
• Institutional liability: Nationals can’t claim “we didn’t know” when they’ve had prior incidents
• Damages benchmarks: Multi-million dollar settlements show what serious cases are worth
• Individual accountability: Chapter officers can face personal financial ruin

Texas Universities: Where Deport Students Attend and What’s Happening There

Deport families send their children to universities throughout Texas. Understanding the specific landscapes at these schools helps you navigate what your child might be facing.

Regional Universities Serving Deport Students

Texas A&M University-Commerce (90 miles from Deport):

• Closest four-year university to Deport in Lamar County
• Active Greek life with fraternities and sororities
• As part of the Texas A&M system, subject to system-wide hazing policies
• Potential for cases to involve both campus conduct processes and civil litigation

Texas A&M University-Texarkana (115 miles from Deport):

• Growing campus with student organizations
• Serves many Northeast Texas students
• Hazing cases here would likely involve Bowie County courts

Other regional options for Deport students:

• University of Texas at Tyler (120 miles)
• Texas Tech University (300 miles, but draws from across Texas)
• Midwestern State University (150 miles)

Major Texas Universities Where Deport Students Attend

While Deport students attend schools across Texas, certain universities have particular hazing landscapes that families should understand.

University of Houston – Current Ground Zero for Texas Hazing Litigation

Right now, we’re leading the fight against one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases at UH. The Leonel Bermudez case alleges:

• Systematic abuse throughout fall 2025 pledge period
• “Pledge fanny pack” rule containing condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, humiliating items
• Physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
• Extreme conditions like cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
• “Waterboarding” tactics with hose spraying in face
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
• Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
• Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization

The response:

• Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended Beta Nu chapter on Nov 6, 2025
• Chapter members voted to surrender charter on Nov 14, 2025
• UH called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion
• 13 individual defendants including chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager
• Full defendant universe: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation

This case proves that even in 2025, with all the awareness and policies, severe hazing persists at Texas institutions. For Deport families with students at UH, this case shows what’s possible in terms of accountability.

Texas A&M University – Corps Culture and Greek Life

Texas A&M presents unique challenges with its Corps of Cadets tradition. Recent cases include:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021):

  • Pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner poured on them
  • Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
  • Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
  • Fraternity suspended for two years

• Corps of Cadets lawsuit (2023):

  • Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
  • Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
  • Sought over $1 million in damages
  • A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

For Deport families with students in the Corps or Greek life at A&M, these cases show that both environments carry significant hazing risks.

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency and Ongoing Issues

UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page showing ongoing issues:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
• Texas Wranglers and spirit organizations: Sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
• 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

UT’s relative transparency benefits families, as prior violations can support civil cases by showing patterns and institutional knowledge.

Southern Methodist University – Private University Challenges

As a private university, SMU has different transparency requirements but similar hazing issues:

• Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until 2021
• Ongoing hazing prevention efforts including anonymous reporting systems
• Private status means fewer public records, but civil discovery can uncover internal documents

Baylor University – Religious Identity and Scrutiny

Baylor’s history with institutional accountability issues affects its hazing landscape:

• Baylor baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Ongoing cultural challenges balancing religious identity with accountability
• Football program’s prior scandals create context for how institution handles misconduct

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Deport Families Are Up Against

To understand what your child faces, you need to understand the organizational landscape. Texas has a massive, interconnected Greek system.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data That Powers Cases

We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. This isn’t abstract; it’s concrete data that helps us build cases for families like yours in Deport.

By the Numbers: Texas Greek Organizations

• 1,423 fraternity and sorority organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
• 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS B83 filings
• 510 organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro
• 188 organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro
• 154 organizations in Austin-Round Rock metro

What This Means for Deport Families:
When your child is hazed, you’re not just up against a local chapter. You’re facing:

• National organizations with decades of experience defending claims
• Interconnected alumni networks
• Sophisticated insurance coverage strategies
• Institutional knowledge spread across multiple chapters

Major National Organizations with Texas Presence and Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

• Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement)
• David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois ($14M settlement)
• Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
• Pattern: Big/Little alcohol hazing

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

• Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
• Texas A&M chemical burns case
• UT Austin assault case
• Pattern: Physical abuse, alcohol hazing

Pi Kappa Phi:

• Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
• Leonel Bermudez case at UH
• Pattern: Alcohol hazing, physical abuse

Phi Delta Theta:

• Max Gruver death at LSU ($6.1M verdict)
• Pattern: Drinking game hazing

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI):

• Danny Santulli catastrophic brain injury at Missouri
• Pattern: Extreme alcohol hazing

How National Histories Create Liability in Texas Cases

When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous conduct that caused injuries or deaths elsewhere, that creates powerful evidence of:

1. Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
2. Inadequate prevention: Their policies and training failed
3. Pattern and practice: This wasn’t a “rogue chapter” but part of a pattern

For Deport families, this means your case isn’t just about what happened to your child. It’s about proving that the organization failed to prevent what they knew was likely to happen.

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

If you’re considering legal action from Deport, understanding how cases are built will help you make informed decisions.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord conversations
• Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat messages, TikTok videos
• Deleted messages: Forensic recovery of “disappearing” content
• Planning communications: Messages organizing hazing events

Medical Documentation:

• ER records showing treatment for injuries or intoxication
• Laboratory results (blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function)
• Specialist evaluations for ongoing conditions
• Psychological assessments for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Organizational Records:

• Chapter minutes and communications
• National fraternity/sorority policies and training materials
• Prior incident reports and disciplinary records
• Insurance policies and coverage documents

Witness Information:

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

The Damages Family Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
• Lost income: Time off work for recovery
• Educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships
• Future care costs: Lifelong care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harms):

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and impact on future opportunities

Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable):

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

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Designed to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Available when defendants showed conscious indifference
• Capped in Texas but can significantly increase recovery

Realistic Timelines and Outcomes

Most Cases Settle:

• 90%+ of hazing cases settle before trial
• Settlements are often confidential
• National examples: Foltz $10M, Bogenberger $14M, Gruver $6.1M

Trial When Necessary:

• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• Trial readiness improves settlement leverage
• Juries tend to be sympathetic to hazing victims

What Really Matters:

• Accountability: Holding organizations and individuals responsible
• Prevention: Forcing policy changes to protect future students
• Closure: The legal process can help families heal
• Financial security: Covering medical costs and future needs

Practical Guide for Deport Parents: What to Do Right Now

If you suspect or know your child has been hazed, here’s your step-by-step guide.

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food/water manipulation
• Sleep deprivation (calls at all hours, can’t stay awake)
• Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
• Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Behavior:

• Constant phone use monitoring group chats
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
• Receiving demands for immediate response at all hours
• Social media posts showing concerning activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

Listen without judgment if they open up. If they shut down, monitor closely and stay ready to intervene.

Your 48-Hour Action Checklist

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):

• Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
• Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
• Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
• Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
• Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):

• Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
• Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
• Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
• Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
• University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):

• Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
• Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students
• University response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
• Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
• Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
   • Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
   • Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer first

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

   • What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers
   • Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often lowball
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
   • What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

   • What organizations say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
   • Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
   • What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Why Attorney911 for Deport Hazing Cases

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

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Negotiate settlements behind the scenes

As Mr. Peña says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when facing well-funded opposition.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. This means:

• We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets
• We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university defense teams
• We have federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• We understand how to uncover institutional knowledge and cover-ups

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Experience collaborating with economists on lifetime care plans
• Success against massive institutional defendants
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• Experience navigating parallel proceedings

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult with Spanish-speaking families throughout Texas.

How We Investigate Hazing Cases

Our approach combines legal strategy with investigative depth:

Digital Forensics:

• Recovering deleted messages and social media content
• Analyzing group chat patterns and planning communications
• Working with experts to authenticate digital evidence

Organizational Discovery:

• Subpoenaing national fraternity records showing prior incidents
• Obtaining university disciplinary files through public records requests
• Uncovering insurance policies and coverage documents
• Tracing organizational structure and control

Expert Collaboration:

• Medical experts to document injuries and future care needs
• Psychologists to assess emotional trauma and PTSD
• Economists to calculate lifetime economic impacts
• Greek life culture experts to explain power dynamics
• Digital forensics specialists to recover evidence

Strategic Litigation:

• Identifying all potentially liable parties
• Navigating insurance coverage disputes
• Balancing victim privacy with public accountability
• Preparing for trial while pursuing settlement

Serving Deport Families Throughout Texas

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Deport and all of Lamar County. We understand that:

• Deport families may feel isolated from major legal centers
• Travel to Houston can be challenging
• Local resources for complex hazing litigation may be limited
• You need attorneys who will come to you or work remotely

We make ourselves accessible through:

• Remote consultations via phone and video conference
• Travel to meet families where they are
• Spanish-language services for Hispanic families
• Understanding of rural Texas communities and values

Frequently Asked Questions for Deport Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like Texas A&M and UT have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as 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.

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

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from 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—evidence disappears quickly.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
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 this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much will this cost? We’re not wealthy.”
We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including hazing litigation. This means:

• You pay no upfront fees
• We cover case expenses initially
• We only get paid if we recover money for you
• Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This makes justice accessible to all families, regardless of financial means.

Your Next Steps: Getting Help from Deport

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Here’s how to get started:

Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation

We offer no-obligation consultations to Deport families to:

• Listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you’ve preserved
• Explain your legal options clearly
• Answer your questions about process and timing
• Help you decide if legal action is right for your family

What to expect in your consultation:

1. We’ll listen carefully to understand what happened
2. We’ll explain Texas hazing law in plain English
3. We’ll review your potential claims and defenses
4. We’ll discuss realistic timelines and outcomes
5. We’ll explain our contingency fee structure
6. No pressure to hire us—take time to decide
7. Everything you tell us is confidential

How to Reach Us

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Spanish Services: Mr. Peña at lupe@atty911.com

If You’re Not Ready to Call Yet

If you’re still gathering information or not ready to speak with an attorney:

• Continue documenting everything
• Preserve all evidence carefully
• Avoid the critical mistakes listed above
• Watch our educational videos about preserving evidence and understanding your rights
• Know that we’re here when you’re ready

For Deport Families: You’re Not Alone

The journey from that terrifying phone call to accountability and healing is difficult, but you don’t have to walk it alone. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH proves that even in 2025, with all the policies and awareness, severe hazing continues at Texas institutions. It also proves that families can fight back and win accountability.

From our work on that case and others across Texas, we’ve seen the patterns: the same dangerous traditions, the same institutional cover-ups, the same life-altering injuries. We’ve also seen the power of families who refuse to be silenced, who demand accountability, and who force change to protect future students.

If you’re in Deport, Lamar County, or anywhere in Texas dealing with the aftermath of hazing, we want to help. We understand your community, we understand Texas law, and we understand how to fight institutional defendants.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. Because when it comes to protecting your child and holding institutions accountable, you deserve experienced advocates who know how to win.

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