The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: What Lexington Families Must Know About Fraternity, Sorority & Campus Abuse

If Your Child Was Hazed: Immediate Help for Lexington Families

You get the call no parent in Central Texas ever wants. Your child—a student at Texas A&M, UT Austin, or another Texas university—is in the emergency room. The story comes out in pieces: forced drinking, humiliating tasks, extreme workouts, threats of expulsion if they don’t comply. They were trying to join a fraternity, sorority, Corps unit, or athletic team, and what started as “tradition” became something dangerous and degrading. You feel anger, confusion, and fear—and you don’t know where to turn.

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country on behalf of a student just like yours. Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student at the University of Houston, is suing the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter, and 13 individual fraternity leaders for $10 million in damages after suffering rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from alleged hazing. The details are harrowing: enforced “pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents, hours-long workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and the infamous November 3rd workout involving 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that left him hospitalized for four days. We represent Bermudez in this active litigation.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, what has happened at universities where Lexington families send their children, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect students. Whether your child attends Texas A&M University in College Station, the University of Texas at Austin, or any other Texas campus, this information could be critical for their safety and your family’s future.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR LEXINGTON FAMILIES FACING HAZING

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 legal emergency help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
2. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
   • Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage)
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles with a coin for scale
   • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, paddles, props)
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
4. DO NOT:
   • Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
   • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
   • Post details on public social media
   • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
Evidence disappears fast—deleted group chats, coached witnesses, destroyed paddles. Universities move quickly to control narratives. 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

For families in Lexington and across Lee County, understanding modern hazing requires moving beyond outdated stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys.” Today’s hazing is often systematic, digitally documented, and disguised as “tradition” or “team building.”

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Just Tradition”)

• Digital control: 24/7 group chat monitoring, required immediate responses at all hours, location tracking via Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends
• Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
• Social isolation: Being told to cut contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize outside the organization
• Psychological manipulation: “If you really want to be one of us, you’ll do this”

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Causes Real Harm)

• Sleep deprivation: Mandatory 3 AM wake-up calls, overnight “study sessions” that are actually interrogations
• Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, excessive milk or bread
• Extreme physical “conditioning”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, runs in extreme weather
• Public humiliation: Forced embarrassing performances, wearing degrading costumes in public
• Digital shaming: Required TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, meme creation mocking pledges

Tier 3: Violent/Dangerous Hazing (High Risk of Serious Injury or Death)

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers = chugging
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking—often framed as “character building”
• Dangerous rituals: “Glass ceiling” blindfolded tackles, “trust falls” from heights, intoxicated swimming
• Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
• Chemical exposure: Texas A&M SAE case where pledges were covered in industrial cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Fraternities & Sororities:

• Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities
• Panhellenic sororities
• National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC/Divine Nine) organizations
• Multicultural Greek Council groups

Corps of Cadets & Military Programs:

• Texas A&M Corps of Cadets
• ROTC programs at various universities
• Military-style “drill” teams

Athletic Teams:

• Football, basketball, baseball programs
• Cheer and spirit squads
• Marching bands and performance groups

Other Campus Organizations:

• Spirit groups (Texas Cowboys, etc.)
• Service organizations
• Academic honors societies

The common thread across all these groups isn’t the letters or uniforms—it’s power imbalance, secrecy, and the misuse of tradition to justify abuse.

Texas Hazing Law: What Lexington Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing that apply whether your child attends school in College Station, Austin, Houston, or anywhere in the state. Understanding these laws is crucial for knowing your family’s rights.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student

Key Elements Every Lexington Parent Should Know:

1. Location Doesn’t Matter: The law applies both on and off campus—retreats, rented houses, and remote locations are covered.

2. “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 power imbalances and peer pressure invalidate true consent.

3. Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

   • Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing violations (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

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

5. Good-Faith Reporter Immunity (Section 37.154):
   Students who report hazing in good faith or call for medical help are protected from civil or criminal liability related to their own involvement.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State):

• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Charges may include: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Prosecutor: District Attorney’s office where incident occurred
• Standard: Beyond reasonable doubt

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families):

• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Claims may include: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, premises liability
• Filed by: Your family with legal representation
• Standard: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)

Crucial Point: A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case. Many families obtain justice through civil litigation even when criminal charges aren’t filed.

Federal Laws That Apply to Texas Hazing Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
• Mandates enhanced prevention programming
• Texas universities must comply by 2026

Title IX:

• Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination
• Requires universities to investigate and take appropriate action
• Can provide additional avenues for claims against schools

Clery Act:

• Requires universities to report crime statistics, including certain hazing-related offenses
• Failure to properly report can lead to federal fines and liability

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez vs. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

Right now, we’re actively litigating what has become one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases. This isn’t a historical example—it’s current proof of how seriously we take hazing litigation and what Lexington families might face.

The Timeline of Events

September 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at UH.

September–October 2025: Systematic hazing begins:

• Enforced dress codes and mandatory “study/work” blocks
• Weekly interviews with intense grilling
• Overnight chauffeuring duties for members
• “Pledge fanny pack” rule: Required to carry condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices 24/7 with expulsion threats for noncompliance

October 13, 2025: Another pledge is hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while members prepare for a meeting.

November 3, 2025: The catastrophic workout:

• 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Creed recitation while exhausted
• Bermudez completes workout but cannot stand without help afterward

November 6–9, 2025: Medical emergency:

• Condition deteriorates over several days
• Passes brown urine (classic rhabdomyolysis symptom)
• Mother rushes him to hospital
• Four-day hospitalization with critically high creatine kinase levels
• Diagnoses: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

The Institutional Response

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspends Beta Nu chapter after receiving hazing reports.

November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender their charter; chapter is officially shut down.

University of Houston Statement: Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and committed to cooperation with law enforcement.

Why This Case Matters for Lexington Families

1. It’s Current: This isn’t historical—we’re actively fighting this case right now in Harris County courts.

2. Pattern Recognition: The methods used—forced exercise, humiliation, systematic abuse—are identical to what happens at universities across Texas.

3. Multiple Defendants: The lawsuit names 16 defendants total, showing how we pursue accountability at every level:

   • University of Houston
   • UH System Board of Regents
   • Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
   • Beta Nu housing corporation
   • 13 individual fraternity leaders/members (president, pledgemaster, risk manager, etc.)

4. Medical Catastrophe: The rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure demonstrate how “workouts” can become life-threatening medical emergencies.

This case exemplifies our approach: thorough investigation, aggressive pursuit of all responsible parties, and fighting for maximum accountability to prevent future harm.

Texas Universities: Where Lexington Families Send Their Children

Lee County families typically have students at several key Texas institutions. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is essential.

Texas A&M University (College Station)

For Lexington Families: Just over an hour’s drive from Lexington, Texas A&M is a common destination for Lee County students. Its Corps of Cadets and extensive Greek life present unique hazing risks.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

1. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

   • Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit
   • Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
   • Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years
   • Case highlights evolving dangerous hazing methods

2. Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023):

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

3. Recent Disciplinary Actions:

   • Multiple fraternities on probation for alcohol violations that constitute hazing
   • Ongoing monitoring of high-risk organizations

Texas A&M’s Greek & Corps Ecosystem:
With over 60 Greek organizations and the 2,500+ member Corps of Cadets, A&M presents significant hazing risks that Lexington parents should understand.

University of Texas at Austin

For Lexington Families: Many academically competitive students from Lee County attend UT Austin. Its transparent hazing violation reporting provides unique insight into ongoing problems.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log (hazing.utexas.edu):

Recent Examples from Public Records:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter probation
• Texas Wranglers (2022): Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
• Multiple organizations annually sanctioned for violation of hazing policies

Why UT’s Transparency Matters:

1. Pattern Evidence: Repeated violations by same organizations establish foreseeability
2. Institutional Knowledge: Public records prove university knew about problems
3. Civil Case Strength: This documentation is powerful evidence in lawsuits

University of Houston

For Lexington Families: While farther from Lee County, UH attracts many Texas students and serves as our flagship case location, making its policies and history particularly relevant.

UH’s Documented History:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed onto table during hazing; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
• Ongoing disciplinary actions against multiple fraternities for “conduct likely to produce mental or physical discomfort”
• Current Pi Kappa Phi litigation demonstrating systemic issues

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

For Lexington Families: These private institutions, while less common destinations for Lee County students, set important precedents for Texas hazing litigation.

SMU Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended until 2021
• Multiple anonymous reports through SMU’s Real Response system

Baylor Patterns:

• Baseball team hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
• Ongoing scrutiny following broader athletic department scandals

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Public Records Every Lexington Family Should Know

We maintain what may be the most comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations in the state—not as an academic exercise, but as a litigation tool. When we take a case, we already know the organizational landscape behind the letters. Here’s what that means for Lexington families.

Greek Organizations in the Austin & College Station Regions

Based on IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ metro data, here are examples of the registered organizations operating in regions relevant to Lexington families:

Austin-Round Rock Metro (154 Total Greek Organizations):

• Texas Rho Housing Corporation (Sigma Alpha Epsilon) – Austin, TX 78705
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – 2620 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 (EIN: 746047117)
• Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma – Austin, TX
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX (University of Texas chapter house corporation)

College Station-Bryan Metro (42 Total Greek Organizations):

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845 (EIN: 133048786)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter – College Station, TX (Texas A&M chapter)
• Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp. – College Station, TX
• Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae – College Station, TX

Statewide Backbone (125 IRS-Registered Texas Greek Entities):

• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627 (EIN: 746064445) – Epsilon Kappa Chapter
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 (EIN: 462267515)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (EIN: 741380362)

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case

1. Insurance Identification: Each entity may carry insurance that could cover claims
2. Liability Tracing: Multiple organizations might share responsibility (chapter, housing corp, alumni association)
3. Asset Discovery: Legal judgments require collectible entities
4. Pattern Evidence: Multiple chapters of same national show foreseeability

When your child is hazed, you’re not just facing individual students—you’re up against interconnected organizations with legal structures, insurance policies, and defense strategies. We start with this data so you don’t have to.

National Hazing Histories: Why Patterns Matter in Texas Courts

The fraternity that hazed your child at Texas A&M or UT Austin isn’t operating in a vacuum. National organizations have decades of incident history that Texas courts can consider when determining liability.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – “Pike”

National Pattern:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died; $10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)
• David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14 million settlement

Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, multiple other campuses

Legal Significance: When a Texas Pike chapter repeats the same “Big/Little” drinking rituals that killed Foltz in Ohio, that establishes foreseeability—the national knew or should have known this could happen.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – “SAE”

National Pattern:

• Multiple alcohol-related deaths nationwide
• Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama (2023)
• Eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 due to pattern of deaths

Texas Incidents:

• Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021) – $1 million lawsuit
• UT Austin assault case (2024) – exchange student with dislocated leg, broken nose

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National Pattern:

• Max Gruver – LSU (2017): “Bible study” drinking game death; led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing)

Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

The Legal Doctrine of “Foreseeability”

When we sue a national fraternity in Texas, we don’t have to prove they knew about this specific chapter’s specific actions. We prove they knew this type of conduct was happening in their organization because:

1. Prior Incidents: Documented cases at other chapters
2. Internal Policies: Their own risk management manuals address these exact risks
3. Industry Knowledge: Every national has anti-hazing training because they know the dangers

This is why national histories matter: they turn “this was a rogue chapter” into “you knew this could happen and didn’t stop it.”

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

When we take a hazing case for a Lexington family, here’s what actually happens behind the scenes.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Group Chats & Messaging Apps (Priority #1):

• GroupMe: The most common fraternity/sorority communication platform
• WhatsApp/Signal/Telegram: Encrypted apps favored for sensitive discussions
• iMessage/SMS: Text threads planning events
• Discord/Slack: Organized chapter communications
• Recovery of deleted messages via digital forensics

Social Media Evidence:

• Instagram Stories showing hazing events (disappear after 24 hours—must screenshot immediately)
• Snapchat snaps and chats (vanish after viewing)
• TikTok videos of “challenges” or dares
• Facebook events and Messenger planning

Physical & Medical Evidence:

• Photographs of injuries with scale reference (coin, ruler)
• Medical records stating “patient reports hazing” in history
• Toxicology reports showing blood alcohol levels
• Clothing with stains, tears, or chemical residues

Institutional Records (Via Discovery):

• University conduct files on prior incidents
• National fraternity risk management reports
• Insurance policies and coverage documents
• Emails between chapter advisors and nationals

The Defendants: Who We Sue and Why

Individual Students:

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
• Chapter officers with supervisory responsibility

Local Chapter:

• As a legal entity (if incorporated)
• Housing corporation (separate legal entity often with insurance)

National Fraternity/Sorority:

• For negligent supervision and training
• For failing to enforce own policies
• For pattern of prior incidents establishing foreseeability

University:

• Under Title IX for gender-based harassment
• For negligent supervision of recognized organizations
• For premises liability if hazing occurred on campus property

Third Parties:

• Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
• Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
• Security companies that failed to protect

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses: ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, ongoing treatment
• Future medical care: Lifelong therapy for PTSD, physical rehabilitation
• Lost educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect career prospects

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and treatment
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved

Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable):

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

Punitive Damages:

• To punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
• To deter future hazing
• Available when defendants showed conscious indifference to known risks

Insurance Coverage Battles

Fraternities and universities carry multiple insurance policies that often conflict when hazing claims arise:

Common Insurance Arguments We Face:

• “Hazing is an intentional act, so insurance doesn’t cover it”
• “The policy excludes injuries expected or intended from the insured’s standpoint”
• “This happened at an unapproved event, so coverage is void”

How We Respond:

• Argue that even if hazing was intentional, the negligent supervision was not
• Identify all potential policies (national, local, university, individual homeowners)
• Pursue bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage

This is where Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney becomes invaluable—he knows their playbook because he used to write it.

Practical Guide for Lexington Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Physical Red Flags:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral Changes:

• New secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-Greek activities
  | – Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Constant phone checking/responding to group chats
• Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades plummeting suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

What to Do Immediately:

1. Prioritize safety: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
2. Preserve evidence: Help your child screenshot ALL group chats before deletion
3. Document everything: Write down what they tell you with dates/times
4. Contact an attorney BEFORE reporting to university or police
5. Do NOT confront the organization directly

For Students: Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask yourself these questions:

If the answer is YES to any, it’s likely hazing:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

How to Exit Safely:

1. If in immediate danger: Call 911 first, then a parent
2. To quit/de-pledge: Send a clear email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
3. Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
4. Document any threats or harassment for protective orders if needed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages
What happens: Evidence disappears; looks like cover-up; case becomes nearly impossible
What to do instead: Screenshot EVERYTHING immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Fraternity Directly
What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, prepare defenses
What to do instead: Document everything silently, then call us before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often far below true value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media
What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “to See How University Handles It”
What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your Lexington family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and insurance companies fight these cases—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

1. Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña 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”
• Our advantage: We know their playbook because we used to run it.

2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• 25+ Years Practice: Since 1998, handling high-stakes cases against powerful institutions
• Our advantage: We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams.

3. Data-Driven Investigation:

• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
• Digital Forensics Capability: Recovery of deleted messages, social media evidence
• Expert Network: Medical professionals, economists, psychologists, Greek life experts
• Our advantage: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

4. Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

• Ralph’s Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) membership
• Understanding how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• Our advantage: We see the whole legal battlefield, not just one piece.

5. Spanish-Language Services:

• Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Complete services available for Hispanic families
• Cultural understanding of Texas demographics
• Our advantage: We serve ALL Texas families.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0–48 Hours)

• Evidence preservation guidance
• Medical attention coordination
• Preliminary defendant identification
• Strategic reporting decisions

Phase 2: Investigation (Weeks 1–8)

• Digital forensics on devices
• Public records requests
• Witness interviews
• Medical record analysis
• Insurance policy identification

Phase 3: Case Development (Months 2–6)

• Expert consultations
• Damages valuation
• Demand package preparation
• Settlement negotiations

Phase 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

• Filing lawsuit
• Discovery process
• Depositions
• Mediation/trial

We handle everything so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lexington Families

Q: Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?
A: Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

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

Q: What if my child “agreed” to the initiation?
A: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be paused. Time is critical—evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Q: What if hazing happened off-campus at a rented house?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

Q: Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be public?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford to take on wealthy fraternities and universities.

Your Next Step: Contact Attorney911 Today

If hazing has impacted your Lexington family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers and PR specialists working to protect their interests. You need someone working just as hard to protect yours.

We Serve Lexington & All of Texas

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Lee County and the Lexington community. We understand the unique dynamics of Texas universities and the specific challenges Central Texas families face.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

1. We listen to your story without judgment
2. We review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. We explain your legal options clearly
4. We discuss realistic timelines and expectations
5. We answer all your questions about costs and process
6. No pressure to hire us immediately

Contact Information

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services Available:
Hablamos Español – Contacte a Lupe Peña a lupe@atty911.com para consulta en español

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Evidence disappears within days. Witnesses get coached. Universities control narratives. The sooner you call, the more we can protect your child’s rights and build a strong case for accountability.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent this from happening to another family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

• Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on 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
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Email: ralph@atty911.com