The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: Holding Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities Accountable for Families in Lometa and Across Lampasas County

If You’re a Parent in Lometa, Texas, Your Child Isn’t Just Another Statistic

The call comes late at night. Your son or daughter, away at college for the first time, sounds different—exhausted, anxious, secretive. They mention “mandatory events” that keep them out until dawn, unexplained bruises, or a sudden drop in grades. Or worse, perhaps you’ve already received that call: your child is in the emergency room with alcohol poisoning, a traumatic injury, or kidney failure after a “pledge workout.”

For families in Lometa, Lampasas, and across Central Texas, sending a child to the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus should be a proud milestone. Instead, it can become a nightmare when Greek life, Corps traditions, athletic teams, or campus organizations cross the line into dangerous, illegal hazing.

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—representing Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to a detailed ABC13 investigation, Bermudez was forced through extreme workouts, “save-your-brother” drills, and relentless physical punishment that culminated in brown urine and multiple days of hospitalization. This isn’t ancient history—this case was filed in late 2025, and we’re actively litigating it today.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents in Lometa, Lampasas County, and Central Texas who need to understand:

What modern hazing really looks like at Texas universities where your children may attend
How Texas law protects—and often fails—students subjected to these dangerous traditions
The national patterns of fraternity and sorority hazing that keep repeating at our Texas campuses
What you can do immediately if you suspect or discover hazing involving your child
How experienced Texas hazing attorneys investigate, build cases, and hold powerful institutions accountable

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 Beyond the Stereotypes

Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”: The Modern Definition of Hazing

For Lometa families unfamiliar with the evolution of campus culture, hazing in 2025 isn’t just about silly pranks or harmless traditions. Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—whether on or off campus—directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization. The critical legal point Texas parents need to understand: “Consent” is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the power dynamics, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion create a coercive environment that the law recognizes as invalid consent.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing That Every Lometa Parent Should Recognize

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

Forced drinking games: “Bible study,” “family tree,” or trivia where wrong answers mean shots
Big/Little nights: Pledges given handles of liquor to consume alone or in “family lines”
Lineup challenges: Rows of shots that must be consumed rapidly
Coerced drug use: Being pressured to consume unknown substances or excessive amounts

2. Physical Hazing and Endurance Rituals
These often masquerade as “conditioning” or “team building”:

Extreme calisthenics: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, “smokings”
Paddling and beatings: Still occurring despite national prohibitions
Sleep deprivation: All-night “study sessions,” 3 AM wake-up calls for “optional” events
Environmental exposure: Locked in cold rooms, left outside in extreme weather

3. Psychological and Humiliation Hazing
Designed to break down identity and create dependency:

Verbal abuse and degradation: Constant criticism, humiliation in front of peers
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, family, or friends
Identity stripping: Forced to answer to demeaning nicknames, wear degrading costumes
Public shaming: “Roasts” that cross into psychological abuse

4. Sexualized Hazing
Among the most traumatic forms, often underreported due to shame:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts: “Elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions
Coerced pornography viewing or production
Sexual assault disguised as initiation

5. Digital Hazing and 24/7 Control
The newest frontier, enabled by smartphones:

Group chat slavery: Required to respond instantly at all hours, punishments for delayed responses
Location tracking: Forced to share real-time location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media humiliation: Forced to post embarrassing content, participate in TikTok “challenges”
Evidence destruction coaching: Instructions on how to delete messages if caught

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just “Frat Boys”

Lometa parents sending children to UT Austin, Texas A&M, or other Texas campuses should understand hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and Tradition Organizations (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the toxic combination of tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance that allows these practices to continue even when everyone knows they’re illegal.

Texas Hazing Law and Liability: A Practical Guide for Lometa Families

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation of Hazing Law

For families in Lometa and Lampasas County, understanding Texas-specific law is crucial. The Texas Education Code provides both criminal penalties and civil frameworks for holding perpetrators accountable.

Texas Hazing Law Summary:

Definition: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for purposes of initiation or affiliation
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
Consent Defense: Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing charges
Reporting Protection: Individuals who report hazing in good faith have immunity from civil or criminal liability

What This Means for Lometa Families:
When your child attends a Texas university, these laws apply regardless of whether the hazing occurs on-campus in Austin or College Station, or at an off-campus house in Houston. The location doesn’t matter—the conduct does.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Dual Pathways

Many Lometa parents are confused by the difference between criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. Here’s what you need to know:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by: The State of Texas (prosecutor’s office)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical Charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Process: Investigation → Charges → Plea/Trial → Sentencing
Your Role: Victim/witness, not a party to the case

Civil Lawsuits:

Brought by: Victims and their families (you)
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Typical Claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Process: Investigation → Demand → Filing → Discovery → Settlement/Trial
Your Role: Plaintiff with control over the case

Critical Insight: These processes can—and often should—run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required to file a civil lawsuit, and the evidence gathered in criminal investigation can strengthen your civil case. As we’ve seen in our Leonel Bermudez case against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi, pursuing both tracks maximizes accountability.

Federal Law Overlay: What Texas Universities Must Do

Beyond Texas law, federal requirements create additional accountability layers:

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid (virtually all Texas universities) to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
Your child’s university will be implementing these requirements now

Title IX and Clery Act Implications:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional university responsibilities. The Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes—many hazing incidents involving assault or alcohol crimes fall under these reporting requirements.

Who Can Be Held Liable: The Full Universe of Responsibility

One of the most important concepts for Lometa parents to understand is that multiple parties can share liability for hazing injuries. In our experience handling cases across Texas, we systematically identify every potentially responsible entity:

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, executed, or participated in the hazing
Those who supplied alcohol or drugs
Those who helped cover up or destroy evidence

2. Local Chapters and Organizations

The fraternity/sorority chapter itself (if incorporated)
Chapter officers who knew or should have known
Pledge educators and risk managers with specific duties

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Entities that had prior knowledge of similar incidents at other chapters
Insurance carriers that provide coverage

4. Universities and Governing Boards

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) under certain negligence theories
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) with fewer immunity protections
Individual administrators who showed deliberate indifference

5. Third Parties

Property owners of off-campus houses
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
Security companies or event organizers

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re pursuing all these categories: individual fraternity members, the local Beta Nu chapter, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the chapter housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures maximum accountability and insurance coverage.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Tells Us About Current Risks

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Deadly “Traditions” That Keep Repeating

The national data is clear: forced drinking hazing follows predictable scripts that keep causing deaths. Texas families should recognize these patterns:

The “Big/Little” Night Fatality Pattern:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Pi Kappa Alpha pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during Big/Little night; $10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)
Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Pi Kappa Phi pledge given handle of liquor at Big Brother event; Florida State temporarily suspended all Greek life
Pattern Insight: These aren’t random tragedies—they’re predictable outcomes of specific event structures that nationals know are dangerous

The “Drinking Game” Death Pattern:

Max Gruver – LSU (2017): Phi Delta Theta pledge in “Bible study” drinking game; wrong answers = forced drinking; Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” creating felony hazing
Timothy Piazza – Penn State (2017): Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; falls captured on chapter cameras; delayed medical help; Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law” resulted
Pattern Insight: Structured drinking games create peer pressure dynamics that override individual judgment

Physical Hazing Patterns: From Paddling to Paralyzing Injuries

The “Ritualized Violence” Pattern:

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013): Pi Delta Psi pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled in “glass ceiling” ritual; national fraternity criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Danny Santulli – Missouri (2021): Phi Gamma Delta pledge forced to drink until unconscious at “pledge dad reveal”; suffered severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see); settlements with 22 defendants

The “Extreme Workout” Injury Pattern:

Our Leonel Bermudez Case – Houston (2025): Pi Kappa Phi pledge forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Texas A&M SAE Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program spanning years. Multiple lawsuits against university, confidential settlements, head coach fired. The takeaway for Texas parents: major athletic programs with massive budgets harbor systemic abuse too.

What National Patterns Mean for Texas Families

These aren’t distant problems. The same national organizations operating at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor have chapters at these schools with the same “traditions.” When we represent Texas families, we use these national patterns to show:

Foreseeability: Nationals knew or should have known these rituals were dangerous
Pattern Evidence: This wasn’t a “rogue chapter”—it was predictable based on organizational history
Prior Notice: Nationals had been warned repeatedly through prior incidents

Texas University Focus: Where Lometa Families Send Their Children

Geographic Reality for Lometa and Lampasas County Families

Located in Central Texas’s beautiful hill country, Lometa families typically send children to:

Primary Region: Central Texas universities (UT Austin, Texas State, smaller Central Texas schools)
Major Statewide Hubs: University of Texas at Austin (2-hour drive), Texas A&M University (3-hour drive), Baylor University (2.5-hour drive)
Commuting Range: Tarleton State, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, smaller regional campuses

Understanding which universities your children attend—and their specific hazing histories—is crucial for prevention and response.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Persistent Problems

For Lometa families with students at UT Austin:
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing disclosure systems at hazing.utexas.edu. This transparency reveals both the university’s commitment to accountability and the persistent nature of the problem.

Recent UT Hazing Violations Reveal Patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation with required hazing prevention education
Texas Wranglers (2023): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple Fraternities: Repeated sanctions for alcohol hazing, physical endurance rituals, humiliation practices

What UT Parents Should Know:

Reporting: UTPD and Dean of Students Office handle initial reports
Transparency Advantage: Public violation records can support civil cases by showing pattern awareness
Geographic Reality for Lometa Families: Austin’s jurisdiction means cases typically filed in Travis County courts, but Lampasas County residents can work with Houston-based counsel who litigate statewide

UT’s Greek Ecosystem Includes High-Risk Nationals:
Based on IRS and campus data, UT hosts chapters of national organizations with extensive hazing histories:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple national hazing deaths)
Pi Kappa Alpha (Stone Foltz death pattern)
Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver death)
Kappa Sigma (multiple serious injury cases)

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersections

For Aggie families from Lometa:
Texas A&M presents unique challenges with its Corps of Cadets culture intersecting with traditional Greek life. The university’s size and tradition intensity require particular vigilance.

Recent A&M Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe burns requiring skin grafts; fraternity suspended; civil lawsuit filed
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in simulated sexual position with apple in mouth; sought over $1 million damages
Multiple Chapter Suspensions: Repeated alcohol hazing, physical abuse incidents across various fraternities

Corps-Specific Risks A&M Parents Must Understand:
The Corps maintains its own disciplinary system separate from standard university conduct processes. This parallel system can create:

Accountability Gaps: Different standards and transparency
Tradition Defense: “This is how we’ve always done it” mentality
Reporting Barriers: Fear of Corps consequences overrides safety concerns

A&M’s Data-Driven Greek Presence:
Texas A&M hosts one of the nation’s largest Greek systems with chapters tied to Texas-registered entities, including:

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 812525354) in College Station
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp in College Station
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter in College Station

Baylor University: Private University Dynamics and Athletic Hazing

For Lometa families at Baylor:
As a private religious institution, Baylor operates under different transparency and liability frameworks than public universities.

Recent Baylor Hazing Issues:

Baseball Team Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Fraternity Sanctions: Multiple organizations disciplined for alcohol hazing, physical abuse
Title IX History: University’s past sexual assault scandal context informs current hazing response approach

Private University Realities:

Less Public Data: Fewer required disclosures than public institutions
Different Legal Standards: Sovereign immunity doesn’t apply, but religious exemptions might
Internal Process Focus: Heavy emphasis on “internal resolution” that may disadvantage victims

Baylor’s Documented Greek Entities:
IRS records show Baylor-connected organizations including:

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Nu Iota Chapter at Baylor (EIN 521346485)
Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Rho Chapter in Waco (EIN 741942292)
Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter in Waco

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Greek Culture with Persistent Issues

For Lometa families at SMU:
SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek tradition create particular hazing dynamics.

Recent SMU Hazing History:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended until 2021
Multiple Sanctions: Various organizations disciplined for alcohol hazing, humiliation rituals
Transparency Challenges: Private university status limits public disclosure

SMU’s Dallas-Fort Worth Greek Network:
IRS and Cause IQ data reveal SMU-connected organizations operating in the DFW metro area, which hosts 510+ Greek-related entities, including:

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc in Fort Worth (EIN 741380362)
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter in Dallas
Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity in Fort Worth (EIN 742911848)

University of Houston: Our Current Ground Zero for Texas Hazing Litigation

For Houston-area families or Lometa students at UH:
Our firm’s active litigation makes UH a case study in institutional hazing response. The Leonel Bermudez case demonstrates what serious hazing looks like and how institutions respond.

The UH Pi Kappa Phi Case Timeline:

Sept 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid
Sept-Oct 2025: Forced dress codes, “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, overnight chauffeuring duties
Oct 13, 2025: Another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth for over an hour
Nov 3, 2025: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threat
Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends chapter; Bermudez hospitalized
Nov 9, 2025: Diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Nov 14, 2025: Chapter votes to surrender charter
Nov 2025: $10 million lawsuit filed; case ongoing

UH’s Response Pattern:
According to Click2Houston coverage, UH labeled conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised cooperation with law enforcement, and credited Pi Kappa Phi for decisive action. This institutional response pattern—public concern paired with deflection to national organizations—is common.

UH’s Houston-Area Greek Network:
The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro hosts 188 Greek organizations, including entities connected to UH:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter in Houston
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Theta Chi Chapter in Houston
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity in Houston

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage for Lometa Families

Why Public Records Matter in Hazing Cases

When we take a hazing case for a Lometa family, we don’t start from scratch. We deploy what we call our “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine”—a proprietary database built from public records that gives us immediate investigative advantages.

Texas Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations

For Lometa families, understanding this ecosystem is crucial. Here’s what exists in public records:

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations:
The IRS maintains records of 125+ tax-exempt Greek organizations in Texas with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs). These aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities that can be sued and often carry insurance. Examples relevant to Central Texas families include:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc
EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
Data Source: IRS B83 filing – Texas A&M chapter housing entity

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc
EIN: 475370943 | 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204
Data Source: IRS B83 filing – University of Houston chapter

Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta
EIN: 824398421 | 1305 FM 359 Rd, Richmond, TX 77406
Data Source: IRS B83 filing – Greater Houston area chapter

Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation
EIN: 371768785 | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459
Data Source: IRS B83 filing – Houston-area housing corporation

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
Data Source: IRS B83 filing – North Texas housing entity

Texas Universities Connection Mapping:
We cross-reference these organizations with Texas’s 96 university campuses. For Lometa families, the primary connections are:

Central Texas Campuses:

University of Texas at Austin (Travis County)
Texas State University (Hays County)
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Bell County)
Tarleton State University (Erath County)

Statewide Hubs Lometa Families Attend:

Texas A&M University (Brazos County)
Baylor University (McLennan County)
University of Houston (Harris County)
Texas Tech University (Lubbock County)

Metro-Level Greek Presence:
Cause IQ data reveals Greek organization concentrations across Texas metros:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510+ organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188+ organizations
Austin-Round Rock: 154+ organizations
San Antonio: 86+ organizations
College Station-Bryan: 42+ organizations (directly relevant for Aggie families)
Waco: 27+ organizations (directly relevant for Baylor families)

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case:
When your child is hazed, we immediately:

Identify all registered entities connected to the organization
Determine insurance coverage possibilities
Uncover prior incident history through connected organizations
Build a defendant universe beyond just the individuals involved

National Brand Patterns: The Same Organizations, Same Problems

Our data analysis reveals critical overlaps—the same national brands appear in both IRS registrations and metro organization data, meaning:

Cross-Validated High-Risk Organizations in Texas:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Appears in IRS records (EINs 364091267, 752609909) AND Houston, Beaumont metro data with multiple chapter listings
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity: IRS entities (EINs 237279532, 521278573) AND Beaumont alumni chapter in metro data
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity: IRS-registered (EIN 746064445) AND Houston district listing in metro data
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi: Multiple IRS entities across Texas campuses

What This Means for Lometa Families:
The organization that hazed your child at UT Austin isn’t an isolated local club—it’s part of a statewide and national network with trackable history, insurance, and liability. We know how to trace these connections because we maintain this database for every Texas case we handle.

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

Evidence Collection: The Digital-First Reality

For Lometa parents in the critical first hours:
Evidence preservation is everything. Hazing cases in 2025 are won or lost in group chats and social media.

Category 1: Digital Communications (MOST CRITICAL)

Group Messaging Apps: GroupMe (most common), WhatsApp, iMessage groups, Discord servers
Social Media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger
Chapter-Specific Apps: Many nationals have proprietary communication platforms
Preservation Method: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps visible immediately

Category 2: Photos and Videos

Event Documentation: Content filmed during hazing (often shared in group chats)
Injury Documentation: Multiple angles, scale references, progression over days
Location Evidence: House exteriors, room interiors where hazing occurred
Preservation Method: Save originals, back up to cloud immediately

Category 3: Physical Evidence

Injuries: Medical records are critical—tell doctors exactly what happened
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, “pledge packs”
Clothing: Don’t wash—preserve stains, tears, damage
Receipts: Forced purchases, alcohol buys, “fines”

Category 4: Institutional Records

University Files: Prior conduct violations, probation letters, warning emails
National Records: Member education materials, risk management policies
Insurance Information: Often uncovered through discovery

We created a video specifically about evidence preservation because proper documentation in the first 48 hours dramatically changes case outcomes.

Damages: What Texas Law Allows Hazing Victims to Recover

Understanding potential damages helps Lometa families make informed decisions about pursuing cases:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Past and future—ER visits, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications
Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Missed work, delayed graduation, reduced lifetime earnings
Educational Costs: Lost tuition, forfeited scholarships, transfer expenses
Other Expenses: Counseling, tutoring, relocation

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

Physical Pain and Suffering: From injuries, medical procedures, permanent disability
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of enjoyment
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, digital footprint consequences
Loss of Educational Experience: What college should have been versus reality

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral/Burial Costs
Loss of Financial Support: Future contributions to family
Loss of Companionship: Relationships with parents, siblings, partners
Emotional Suffering: Grief, trauma of loss

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):
In cases of particularly egregious conduct or institutional indifference, Texas law may allow punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future conduct.

Case Strategy: Why Every Defendant Matters

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing 13 individual members PLUS the chapter, housing corporation, national headquarters, university, and board of regents. This isn’t overkill—it’s strategic:

Insurance Coverage Maximization:
Different defendants have different insurance policies. By including all potentially responsible parties, we:

Access multiple insurance pools
Prevent coverage disputes from limiting recovery
Create pressure for comprehensive settlement

Institutional Accountability:
Suing only individual students misses the point. The systems—national policies, university oversight failures, housing corporation knowledge—enable hazing to continue. We target the systems, not just the symptoms.

Pattern Evidence Development:
National organizations have history. Universities have prior incidents. By including these defendants, we can subpoena records showing they knew or should have known about risks.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Lometa Families Facing Hazing

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response Protocols

Early Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or “accidents”
Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
Sudden personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, defensiveness
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Financial strain from unexplained expenses or “dues”
Academic decline due to “mandatory” event interference
Secretive behavior about organization activities

How to Talk to Your Child About Concerns:

Choose neutral time: Not when they’re stressed or rushed
Use open questions: “How are things with your organization?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Express concern, not accusation: “I’m worried about your safety” not “You need to quit”
Emphasize support: “Nothing you tell me will make me love you less”
Document responses: Write down what they say while fresh

If Your Child Confirms Hazing: IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS

Medical First: Get professional evaluation even if they insist they’re “fine”
Preserve Evidence: Help them screenshot, photograph, save everything
Contact Attorney: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before university or organization
Do NOT Confront Organization: This triggers evidence destruction
Document Timeline: Write down everything they tell you with dates

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights Protection

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Are you being pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
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?
Are you told to keep secrets from parents, RAs, or university?
~ If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

Safe Exit Strategies:

Immediate Danger: Call 911, then trusted friend/family
Non-Emergency Exit: Email chapter president “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT Attend “One Last Meeting”: This is often intimidation opportunity
Document Threats: Save any retaliation evidence
University Reporting: Dean of Students can help with protection orders if needed

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

Good Faith Reporter Protection: You won’t get in trouble for calling 911 in emergency
Consent Isn’t Defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Civil Lawsuit Option: You can sue even without criminal charges
Privacy Protection: Courts can seal records, settlements can be confidential

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Based on our experience with Texas hazing litigation, these errors compromise cases:

MISTAKE #1: Deleting Evidence to “Protect” Your Child
What happens: Messages get deleted, injuries heal without documentation, case becomes “he said/she said”
Our advice: Preserve everything—embarrassing content proves coercion

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization First
What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, prepare defenses
Our advice: Document first, call attorney, let us control communication

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: You may waive litigation rights for minimal “internal resolution”
Our advice: Never sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Social Media Posts Before Consultation
What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Our advice: Document privately; let attorney control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University Investigation
What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
Our advice:* Preserve evidence now; university process ≠ real accountability

We created a video about common case-destroying mistakes because we’ve seen too many families learn these lessons too late.

Frequently Asked Questions from Texas Parents

“Can we sue a public university like UT or Texas A&M?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. The Leonel Bermudez case against UH demonstrates public universities can be sued successfully.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a misdemeanor, but hazing causing serious bodily injury or death is a state jail felony. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if it happened off-campus at a rental house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat) occurred off-campus with full liability.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury in Texas, but discovery rule and tolling may apply. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to preserve options.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially. We prioritize privacy through sealed records and confidential settlements while pursuing accountability.

“What does this cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover. Watch our contingency fee explanation video for details.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: Our Unique Advantages for Lometa Families

Our Ground Zero Experience: The UH Pi Kappa Phi Case

We’re not theoretical experts—we’re in the fight right now. Our representation of Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi gives us current, relevant experience that benefits every Texas family we represent. We know exactly how these cases unfold because we’re living one daily.

Insurance Insider Advantage: Former Defense Attorney Perspective

Mr. Lupe Peña—our associate attorney and a male attorney who uses he/him pronouns—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
Deploy coverage exclusion arguments
Negotiate from position of institutional strength

His insider knowledge means we don’t just react to defense strategies—we anticipate and counter them from day one.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Managing partner Ralph Manginello’s background includes BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That experience translates directly to hazing cases where we face:

National fraternities with deep pockets and experienced counsel
University legal teams with institutional resources
Insurance carriers with entire departments dedicated to claim minimization

We’re not intimidated by institutional defendants because we’ve beaten them before.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data-Driven Investigation

While other firms start from scratch, we deploy our proprietary database of:

125+ IRS-registered Texas Greek organizations with EINs
96 Texas university campus connections
1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
Brand overlap analysis showing national patterns

For Lometa families, this means faster case development, broader defendant identification, and stronger pattern evidence.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability

Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense capability. This matters because hazing cases often involve:

Parallel criminal investigations
Witnesses with criminal exposure
Strategic coordination between civil and criminal tracks
Understanding of constitutional protections during investigations

Spanish Language Services for Texas Families

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Hispanic families in Lometa and across Texas receive culturally competent representation in their preferred language. Se habla Español—contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

Our firm has recovered millions in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We understand how to:

Work with economists to value young lives
Develop life care plans for permanent injuries
Calculate lifetime earning capacity losses
Negotiate with multiple insurance carriers

Digital Evidence Expertise

From GroupMe chats to deleted Snapchats, we know how to preserve and present digital evidence. We work with digital forensics experts to recover what organizations try to destroy.

Call to Action for Lometa and Central Texas Families

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If you suspect or know your child has been hazed at any Texas university, we want to hear from you. Families in Lometa, Lampasas County, and throughout Central Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen: Your story, without judgment or interruption
Evidence Review: We’ll look at what you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
Options Explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither—with pros and cons
Realistic Timeline: What to expect week by week, month by month
Cost Discussion: Contingency fee structure—we don’t get paid unless you recover
No Pressure: Take time to decide; we’ll answer all questions

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today:

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

Hablamos Español – Complete legal services available in Spanish

Why Act Now? The Critical Timeline

Hazing cases have expiration dates:

Evidence Disappears: Group chats get deleted, witnesses graduate
Statute of Limitations: Generally 2 years in Texas
University Control: Internal processes protect institutions, not victims
Medical Evidence Fades: Injuries heal, memories fade

We’re currently litigating the Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi. We know how these institutions fight, and we know how to win. Don’t let your family face them alone.

Final Message to Lometa Parents

Sending your child to college should be a celebration of their future. When hazing turns that experience into trauma, you need advocates who understand both Texas law and the realities of campus culture. We’ve dedicated our practice to holding powerful institutions accountable because we believe every Texas family deserves justice when systems fail their children.

Whether your child attends UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, UH, or any Texas campus, we have the experience, resources, and determination to pursue full accountability. From our comprehensive Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to our active litigation in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we bring unparalleled expertise to every family we represent.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you navigate this difficult time, protect your child’s rights, and pursue the accountability that can prevent future harm to other Texas students.

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