The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Accountability in Texas: A Complete Resource for Mexia and Limestone County Families

If your child came home from college with unexplained injuries, a sudden change in personality, or stories that don’t quite add up, you’re not alone. Right here in Mexia, we’ve spoken with parents who never imagined their student would be subjected to dangerous hazing rituals—until the texts appeared, the medical bills arrived, or the university called.

What begins as a proud moment—your child joining a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or campus organization—can quickly turn into a parent’s worst nightmare. In modern Texas colleges, hazing has evolved beyond simple pranks into systematic abuse involving forced alcohol consumption, physical punishment, sleep deprivation, and psychological torment, often documented in real-time through group chats and social media.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Mexia, Limestone County, and Central Texas who need to understand what hazing really looks like today, how Texas law protects students, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to keep our children safe. Whether your student attends Baylor University in nearby Waco, has ventured to Texas A&M in College Station, or studies farther away at UT Austin, UH, or SMU, the patterns of institutional neglect and organizational liability remain shockingly consistent.

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

For families in Mexia sending children to college, understanding modern hazing is critical. What was once dismissed as “boys will be boys” or “harmless tradition” has evolved into systematic abuse that leaves physical and psychological scars.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

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

Digital control: 24/7 group chat monitoring, required instant responses at all hours, location sharing demands
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize with family or old friends
Academic interference: Mandatory late-night meetings during exams, events that conflict with crucial study time

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

Sleep deprivation: “Study sessions” lasting until 3 AM, wake-up calls for meaningless tasks, multi-day events with minimal rest
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, excessive amounts of bland items, hot sauce challenges
Extreme physical “conditioning”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, “smokings” disguised as workouts
Public humiliation: Forced embarrassing performances, wearing degrading costumes, “roasting” sessions

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

Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, trivia games where wrong answers mean drinking
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with heated objects
Dangerous “tests”: “Glass ceiling” blindfolded tackle rituals, swimming while intoxicated, extreme exposure to elements
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion

The Digital Evolution: How Technology Enables and Exposes Hazing

Modern hazing exists in a paradoxical digital space. While smartphones enable constant monitoring and control (GroupMe demands, Snapchat location sharing), they also create permanent records of abuse. We’ve seen cases where:

Entire hazing rituals were planned in fraternity GroupMe chats
Injuries were photographed and shared in “pledge dad” channels
Members used disappearing messages (Snapchat, Instagram vanish mode) to discuss covering up incidents
Geo-tagged social media posts placed students at off-campus hazing locations

For Mexia families, this digital footprint can be both heartbreaking and evidentially crucial. Those same messages that show your child being pressured into dangerous situations become the evidence that holds organizations accountable.

Texas Hazing Law: What Mexia and Limestone County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and understanding them is essential for families seeking accountability. The Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, provides the framework that governs cases affecting students from Mexia to Houston.

The Legal Definition Under Texas Law

Texas defines hazing 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 that student
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students

Critical Clarifications for Texas Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb, private residence, or remote retreat is still illegal
“Consent” is NOT a defense: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that victim consent does not excuse hazing
Mental harm counts: Psychological abuse, humiliation, and emotional torment qualify as hazing under Texas law

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious bodily injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes bodily injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death

Organizational Liability and Institutional Responsibility

Texas law recognizes that hazing isn’t just about individual “bad apples.” Organizations can face:

Fines up to $10,000 per violation
Loss of university recognition and campus privileges
Civil lawsuits for negligence, gross negligence, and wrongful death

Critical Protections: Good-Faith Reporting Immunity

Texas provides important protections for those who report hazing:

Immunity from civil/criminal liability for good-faith reports to university or law enforcement
Medical amnesty policies at most Texas universities protect those calling 911 in alcohol-related emergencies
Anti-retaliation provisions make it illegal to punish those who report hazing

For Mexia families, these protections are crucial. Your child won’t get in trouble for saving a life or reporting abuse.

The Case That Changed Everything: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in recent memory—and it demonstrates exactly what Mexia families need to understand about institutional accountability.

The Facts: A Pattern of Systematic Abuse

In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter pledge period. The detailed allegations, covered extensively by Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline, reveal a pattern familiar to anyone studying hazing:

The “Pledge Fanny Pack” Humiliation:

Required 24/7 carry of a fanny pack containing condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and humiliating items
Non-compliance met with threats of physical punishment or expulsion

Systematic Physical and Psychological Abuse:

Forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interrogation-style interviews
Overnight and late-night driving duties as personal chauffeurs for members
Extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
Cold-weather exposure in nothing but underwear
Being forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
Face spraying with a hose “similar to waterboarding” and threats of actual waterboarding
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints

The November 3 “Workout” That Nearly Killed Him:

100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under threat of expulsion
Left unable to stand without help, beginning a days-long deterioration

Medical Catastrophe: From “Hard Workout” to Organ Failure

What fraternity members dismissed as “just being sore” from a workout became a life-threatening medical emergency:

Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown that floods the bloodstream with toxic proteins
He suffered acute kidney failure, passing brown urine as his kidneys shut down
Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels confirming the diagnosis
Faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical/psychological harm

Institutional Response: Too Little, Too Late

The response timeline reveals how institutions prioritize reputation over student safety:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter after receiving hazing reports
November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender their charter after “risk-management probe”
University of Houston labels conduct “deeply disturbing” but had clearly failed in its oversight duties

Why This Case Matters to Mexia Families

The Bermudez case isn’t just a Houston problem. It demonstrates:

National patterns repeating locally: Pi Kappa Phi had previously faced fatal hazing cases elsewhere
Institutional failure: Both university and national headquarters failed to prevent known dangerous practices
Medical seriousness: What starts as “tradition” can end with organ failure
Legal accountability is possible: Our firm is actively litigating this $10 million case RIGHT NOW

Where Mexia and Limestone County Families Send Their Children: Understanding the Texas University Landscape

Mexia families have deep educational connections throughout Texas. Whether your student attends nearby Baylor University in Waco (just 35 miles away), ventures to Texas A&M in College Station, or chooses UT Austin, UH, SMU, or other Texas campuses, understanding each school’s Greek ecosystem and hazing history is crucial.

Baylor University: The Local Institution with National Greek Presence

For many Mexia families, Baylor represents the closest major university with significant Greek life. Located just a short drive away in Waco, Baylor hosts:

Active Fraternities at Baylor:

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)
Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ)
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)
Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)
Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)

Active Sororities at Baylor:

Alpha Chi Omega (ΑΧΩ)
Alpha Delta Pi (ΑΔΠ)
Alpha Phi (ΑΦ)
Chi Omega (ΧΩ)
Delta Delta Delta (ΔΔΔ)
Kappa Alpha Theta (ΚΑΘ)
Kappa Kappa Gamma (ΚΚΓ)
Pi Beta Phi (ΠΒΦ)
Zeta Tau Alpha (ΖΤΑ)

Recent Baylor Hazing History:

2020 Baseball Team Hazing: 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Ongoing Greek Life Scrutiny: Baylor’s broader cultural and oversight challenges following prior scandals create particular concerns about institutional response to hazing incidents

For Mexia Families with Students at Baylor:

Waco police and McLennan County courts have jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
Baylor’s private status affects transparency compared to public universities
Proximity means families can respond quickly if issues arise

Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps, and Greek Life Intersection

Many Central Texas families choose Texas A&M, where unique traditions intersect with Greek life:

The Corps of Cadets Dimension:

Military-style environment with reported discipline and hazing risks
2023 lawsuit alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position
Traditional culture can sometimes normalize abusive practices as “character building”

Recent A&M Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol-related hazing and policy violations

For Mexia Families with Students at Texas A&M:

Brazos County courts handle local cases
Unique dual exposure (Greek + Corps) requires specialized legal understanding
College Station’s insular community can complicate reporting and witness cooperation

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

UT Austin stands out for its public hazing violations portal, offering Mexia families unprecedented transparency:

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database Shows Patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Multiple spirit organizations sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Texas Cowboys and similar tradition-heavy groups with repeated violations

Why UT’s Transparency Matters:

Public records establish pattern evidence for civil cases
Shows which organizations have prior knowledge of dangerous practices
Demonstrates institutional failure when violations repeat despite sanctions

Southern Methodist University: Private Prestige and Persistent Problems

SMU’s affluent private campus environment presents unique challenges:

Recent SMU Hazing History:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep-deprived
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol-related incidents
Private university dynamics: Less public transparency, more pressure to protect institutional reputation

University of Houston: Ground Zero for Current Texas Hazing Litigation

As demonstrated by our Bermudez case, UH represents both the problem and potential for accountability:

UH’s Greek Ecosystem:

40+ active fraternities and sororities across multiple councils
Urban campus with significant off-campus housing complicating oversight
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter now closed following our lawsuit

UH’s Response Pattern:

Quick to suspend chapters after incidents become public
Less proactive in preventing known dangerous traditions
Harris County courts as venue for major civil litigation

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Accountability Across 1,423 Greek Organizations

At Attorney911, we maintain what no other Texas law firm has: a comprehensive data engine tracking every fraternity, sorority, and Greek organization in Texas. For Mexia families, this means we don’t start from scratch when your child is harmed—we already know the organizations, their histories, and their insurance structures.

The Greek Ecosystem Surrounding Mexia and Central Texas

Waco Metro Area Greek Organizations (27+ tracked entities):

Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter (Baylor University)
Kappa Kappa Gamma – Baylor House Board
Delta Delta Delta – Baylor Chapter
Baylor Panhellenic Alumnae Association
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Xi Chi Chapter (EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority – Nu Iota Chapter (EIN 521346485, Waco, TX 76703)
Texas Rho Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon (EIN 741942292, Waco, TX 76706)

Statewide Network Affecting Mexia Students:
Our database tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, including:

IRS-Registered Texas Greek Organizations (Partial Listing):

Gulf Coast Alumni ET of OX Inc (EIN 452717861, Mexia, TX 76667) – Local connection to Mexia families
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity – Theta Delta Chapter (EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter (EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035) – Defendant in our UH case
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Zeta Eta Chapter (EIN 756060974, Commerce, TX 75429)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation (EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147)

Why This Data Matters for Your Case

When Mexia families come to us after a hazing incident, we already know:

Legal Entity Structures: Which housing corporations, alumni associations, or national entities actually hold insurance and assets
Prior Incident Patterns: Whether this organization has faced similar allegations elsewhere in Texas
Insurance Pathways: How to navigate the complex insurance coverage that fraternities and universities maintain
Jurisdictional Advantages: Where to file lawsuits for maximum strategic advantage

National Patterns, Texas Consequences: How History Repeats at Our Universities

The same fraternities that have caused deaths and catastrophic injuries at campuses nationwide operate here in Texas. For Mexia families, understanding these national patterns is crucial because they establish what these organizations knew—or should have known—about the risks they created for your child.

Deadly Patterns That Keep Repeating

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike) – The “Big/Little” Night Fatalities:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol, died from alcohol poisoning. $10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)
David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): Died from alcohol poisoning during fraternity event. $14 million settlement
Texas Presence: Active at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, Baylor, SMU

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE) – Chemical Burns and Brain Injuries:

University of Alabama (2023): Pledge suffered traumatic brain injury during hazing ritual
Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns from industrial cleaner requiring skin graft surgeries
UT Austin (2024): Australian exchange student assaulted, suffering multiple fractures
Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major Texas universities

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – The “Bible Study” Drinking Game Death:

Max Gruver – LSU (2017): Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) during drinking game. Louisiana enacted “Max Gruver Act” creating felony hazing statute
Texas Presence: Active at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Our Current UH Case Organization:

Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Leonel Bermudez – UH (2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from physical hazing – our active case

What These Patterns Mean for Texas Cases

When we represent Mexia families in hazing cases, these national histories provide:

Foreseeability Evidence: Proof that the organization knew these activities could cause death or serious injury
Punitive Damages Foundation: Demonstrates reckless disregard for student safety
Insurance Coverage Arguments: Shows pattern of conduct that should have been prevented
Negligence Per Se Potential: Evidence that national policies were window dressing, not genuine prevention

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages Recovery

When your child has been hazed, building a successful case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding the full scope of recoverable damages. Here’s what Mexia families need to know.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, Discord screenshots with timestamps and participant names visible
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat saves, TikTok videos, Facebook posts showing events or injuries
Text Messages: Complete conversation threads showing planning, execution, or cover-up attempts
Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “permanently” deleted content

Medical Documentation:

ER Records: Including statements about how injuries occurred (“patient reports being forced to drink…”)
Specialist Reports: Nephrologist reports for kidney damage, orthopedic reports for fractures, psychological evaluations for PTSD
Ongoing Treatment Records: Physical therapy, counseling sessions, medication management

Institutional Records:

University Discipline Files: Prior violations by the same organization
National Fraternity Records: Risk management reports, incident histories from other chapters
Insurance Policies: Liability coverage held by chapter, housing corporation, and national organization

Physical and Witness Evidence:

Photographs of Injuries: Multiple angles with scale reference, progression over days
Objects Used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, “pledge manuals”
Witness Lists: Other pledges, roommates, RAs, bystanders with contact information

The Full Scope of Recoverable Damages

Mexia families should understand all potential areas of compensation:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Past and future ER care, hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabilitation, psychological treatment
Lost Educational Opportunity: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, delayed graduation impact
Diminished Earning Capacity: For permanent injuries affecting future career prospects
Property Damage: Destroyed phones, clothing, other personal items

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts):

Physical Pain and Suffering: From injuries and ongoing medical treatment
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital footprint consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families Who Have Lost a Child):

Funeral and Burial Costs
Loss of Financial Support: The deceased’s potential lifetime earnings
Loss of Companionship and Society: For parents, siblings, and spouse
Parental Grief and Suffering: Emotional trauma of losing a child

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Reckless):

Available when defendants show conscious disregard for known risks
Particularly relevant when organizations had prior incidents and failed to take meaningful action

Strategic Considerations for Texas Cases

Jurisdiction Selection:

County Court vs. District Court: Depending on damages sought
Federal Court Considerations: When Title IX claims or diversity jurisdiction applies
Venue Shopping: Strategic filing locations within Texas

Defendant Identification:

Individual Members: Those who planned or executed hazing
Chapter Officers: Presidents, risk managers, pledge educators with supervisory responsibility
Local Chapter Entities: Housing corporations, alumni associations
National Organizations: Headquarters that set policies and collect dues
Universities: When negligent supervision or deliberate indifference exists
Third Parties: Property owners, alcohol providers, security companies

Insurance Coverage Navigation:

Multiple Policy Layers: Chapter liability, national organization coverage, university insurance
Coverage Disputes: Insurance companies often argue “intentional act” exclusions
Bad Faith Potential: When insurers wrongfully deny valid claims

Practical Guidance for Mexia Families: What to Do Now

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Warning Signs

Physical Warning Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Significant weight changes from food/water manipulation
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use in a child who doesn’t normally drink

Behavioral Red Flags:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality changes: new anxiety, depression, irritability, or anger
Constant phone monitoring with anxiety about missing messages
Financial pressure: unexpected large expenses, requests for money without clear explanation

Academic Indicators:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during instruction
Losing scholarships or academic standing

For Students: Is This Hazing? A Self-Assessment Guide

Ask yourself these questions:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice without social consequences or fear of being cut?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide activities from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed:

Mistake: Deleting group chats or “cleaning up” social media
Why It’s Wrong: Looks like cover-up, makes case nearly impossible to prove
Better Approach: Screenshot everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly:

Mistake: “Giving them a piece of your mind” before consulting lawyer
Why It’s Wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better Approach: Document everything, then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms:

Mistake: Accepting quick settlement offers from university risk management
Why It’s Wrong: You may waive rights to proper compensation
Better Approach: Have an attorney review ANY documents before signing

4. Posting on Social Media:

Mistake: Venting on Facebook or Instagram about what happened
Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better Approach: Keep details private; let your attorney control public messaging

5. Talking to Insurance Adjusters:

Mistake: Giving recorded statements without legal counsel
Why It’s Wrong: Statements are used to minimize or deny claims
Better Approach: “My attorney will contact you” is the only response needed

Your 48-Hour Action Checklist

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Get medical attention for any injuries or intoxication
✅ Remove your child from dangerous situation
✅ Screenshot any messages shown to you
✅ Photograph visible injuries
✅ Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Help your child preserve ALL digital communications (do not delete anything)
✅ Secure physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
✅ Request medical records from any treatment
✅ Document witness names and contact information
✅ Note all university communications but do not respond yet

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Complete initial consultation with experienced hazing attorney
✅ Decide on reporting to campus police, local police, or both
✅ If university contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Do NOT speak to any insurance representatives
✅ Backup all evidence to cloud storage or secure email

Frequently Asked Questions from Mexia Families

“Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus at a private house?”
Yes. Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases have involved off-campus locations and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“My child ‘agreed’ to participate. Does that matter?”
No. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary agreement.

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

“Will our name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

“Can we sue the university even though it’s a public school?”
Yes, with important qualifications. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Every case is fact-specific—contact us for case analysis.

“What if the fraternity says it was ‘just a party’ or ‘horseplay’?”
Texas law defines hazing broadly. Whether organizers call it “tradition,” “bonding,” or “horseplay” is irrelevant if the conduct meets the legal definition. We know how to counter these defense tactics.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: Our Unique Qualifications

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. Here’s why Mexia families choose us:

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”
Structure lowball settlement offers

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with well-funded institutional defendants.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions

Managing Partner Ralph Manginello brings unique credentials:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved in this billion-dollar case against massive corporate defendants
Federal Court Experience: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association membership signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ Years Experience: Practicing since 1998, founded his firm in 2001

“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams.“

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, including:

Working with economists to value lifetime earning capacity
Developing life care plans for catastrophic injuries
Navigating both civil and criminal case intersections
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.“

Texas-Specific Investigative Depth

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine gives us unprecedented advantage:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
IRS and Cause IQ data on every fraternity and sorority entity in Texas
Digital forensics capability to recover deleted messages and social media evidence
Expert network of medical professionals, psychologists, economists, and Greek life experts

Spanish Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Spanish-speaking families throughout Texas. Hablamos Español – contact Lupe at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Call to Action for Mexia and Limestone County Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether nearby at Baylor University or farther at Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, SMU, or any other school—we want to hear from you.

Families right here in Mexia, Limestone County, and throughout Central Texas have the right to answers and accountability. The organizations that harmed your child count on silence and inaction. We provide the opposite: thorough investigation, aggressive advocacy, and compassionate support through your family’s most difficult time.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911, you’ll receive:

A confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss what happened
Careful listening to your story without judgment
Review of any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
Clear explanation of your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic timeline of what to expect
Complete cost transparency (we work on contingency—no fee unless we win)
No pressure to hire us immediately—take time to decide with your family
Absolute confidentiality—everything you tell us is protected

Contact Attorney911 Today

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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña – Spanish services available)

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont Offices

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Mexia, Limestone County, Waco, College Station, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and every community in between. Distance doesn’t diminish accountability, and geography doesn’t limit justice.

Whether you’re in Mexia or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The call is free. The consultation is confidential. The time to act is now—before evidence disappears, witnesses scatter, and the institution closes ranks.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We’re here to help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Click2Houston investigation: 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 detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline case 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:

Using cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services)