The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: What Goldthwaite Families and Parents Need to Know About Fraternity, Sorority, Corps & Campus Abuse

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone—And You Have Legal Rights

For families in Goldthwaite, Mills County, and across the Central Texas region, sending a child to college represents a proud milestone filled with hope for new friendships and bright futures. But for too many Texas families, that promise shatters when their child becomes the victim of hazing—ritualized abuse disguised as tradition, often hidden behind Greek letters, athletic uniforms, or Corps insignia.

Right now, in Houston, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: the $10 million lawsuit we filed on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the Click2Houston report on the UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, Bermudez was subjected to months of degrading humiliation, extreme physical abuse, and forced consumption rituals that nearly killed him. He developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days. The chapter has since been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage to this young man—and the institutional failures that allowed it—demand accountability.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Goldthwaite, Mills County, and throughout Texas who need to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, and what legal options exist when universities and Greek organizations fail in their duty to keep students safe.

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, photograph injuries, save physical items
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT: Confront the fraternity/sorority, sign anything from the university, post details on social media, or let evidence be destroyed

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours: Evidence disappears fast, universities move quickly to control the narrative, and your child’s rights need immediate protection. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing has evolved far beyond the “harmless pranks” of decades past. For Goldthwaite families with children at Texas universities, understanding modern hazing is critical to recognizing danger signs and taking appropriate action.

The Three-Tier Reality 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 tracking via apps
• Servitude requirements: Acting as on-call chauffeurs, cleaning members’ spaces, running errands
• Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize outside the group
• Psychological manipulation: “You’re not committed if you don’t participate” pressure

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environments)

• Sleep deprivation: Mandatory late-night meetings, 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
• Forced consumption: Spoiled food, excessive bland foods (milk, bread, hot dogs), hot sauce, unknown substances
• Extreme physical “conditioning”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, sprints until vomiting
• Public humiliation: Embarrassing costumes, public performances, demeaning nicknames

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

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties, chugging challenges
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “gladiator” fights
• Dangerous environments: Exposure to extreme cold/heat, restrained kidnapping, blindfolded activities
• Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, coercion

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today’s hazing lives on smartphones. Goldthwaite parents should watch for:

• Group chat tyranny: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
• Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, public shaming
• Evidence destruction coaching: Messages that say “delete this after reading” or “no screenshots”
• Location tracking: Required sharing of live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH exemplifies this modern reality. According to the ABC13 coverage of the UH hazing lawsuit, Bermudez was required to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items. He faced forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints. He was sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” and threatened with actual waterboarding. This wasn’t “boys will be boys”—it was systematic abuse that nearly killed a young man.

Texas Hazing Law: What Goldthwaite Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Framework

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Goldthwaite students at Texas universities—hazing is defined broadly and carries serious consequences:

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health and occurs for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership in any organization.

Key Provisions for Goldthwaite Families:

1. Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that power imbalances and peer pressure negate true consent.

2. Criminal Penalties Scale with Harm (§ 37.152):

   • Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury
   • Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
   • State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face university bans.

4. Good-Faith Reporter Immunity (§ 37.154): Students who report hazing or call 911 in emergencies have legal protection—a critical provision Goldthwaite families should know about.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Your Options

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State):

• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Prosecutors: District Attorney’s office in the county where hazing occurred

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families):

• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Theories: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability
• Damages: Medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress

Critical Insight: A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case. Many of the largest hazing settlements occur without criminal charges ever being filed.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires Texas universities receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
• Mandates improved prevention programs (phased in by 2026)
• Creates national transparency that benefits Goldthwaite families

Title IX & Clery Act:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX protections apply
• Clery Act requires crime reporting that often includes hazing-related offenses
• These federal laws provide additional avenues for accountability

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragedies that have occurred at universities nationwide provide painful but important lessons for Goldthwaite families. These cases show consistent patterns that repeat across campuses and organizations.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Fatal Pattern

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

• Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement: $7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU
• Lesson for Goldthwaite families: “Big/Little” events are among the deadliest hazing rituals

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

• “Bible study” drinking game: wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died with 0.495% BAC
• Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act created felony hazing statute
• Lesson: Drinking games framed as “tradition” are criminal enterprises

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

• Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
• Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
• 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
• Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law enacted
• Lesson: Delayed medical care dramatically increases liability

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

• Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at off-campus retreat
• Fatal head injuries; delayed 911 call
• National fraternity criminally convicted
• Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Lesson for Goldthwaite families: Off-campus retreats can be particularly dangerous

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

• Widespread sexualized, racist hazing within football program

• Multiple lawsuits against university and coaching staff

• Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
• Lesson: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Goldthwaite Families

1. Patterns repeat: The same dangerous rituals appear at campus after campus
2. Delayed medical care worsens outcomes: Students often fear “getting the chapter in trouble” more than getting medical help
3. Cover-ups increase liability: Destroying evidence or intimidating witnesses creates additional legal exposure
4. National organizations know the risks: Their anti-hazing policies exist because tragedies have occurred before

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH exemplifies these patterns. According to the Hoodline summary of the $10M UH hazing lawsuit, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, after reports of hazing, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025. But this response came only after a young man nearly died from kidney failure. For Goldthwaite families, the lesson is clear: institutions often act decisively only after tragedy strikes.

Texas University Focus: Where Goldthwaite Students Attend and What Happens There

Goldthwaite families send their children to universities across Texas, from nearby regional campuses to major state institutions. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is essential for prevention and response.

Universities Near Goldthwaite & Central Texas

Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Erath County):

• Distance from Goldthwaite: Approximately 60 miles
• Greek Life: Active fraternity/sorority community
• Notable for Goldthwaite families: Many Central Texas students choose Tarleton for its proximity and programs
• Hazing context: As part of the Texas A&M System, Tarleton follows system-wide anti-hazing policies but has experienced Greek life incidents requiring disciplinary action

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County):

• Distance from Goldthwaite: Approximately 180 miles
• Greek Life: Major Greek community with historical hazing incidents
• Notable for Goldthwaite families: Popular choice for West Texas students
• Documented incidents: Multiple fraternity suspensions for hazing violations, including cases involving forced drinking and physical abuse

McMurry University (Abilene, Taylor County):

• Distance from Goldthwaite: Approximately 95 miles
• Greek Life: Smaller Greek community but subject to same risks
• Notable: Private university with religious affiliation

Major Texas Universities Goldthwaite Families Choose

While Goldthwaite students attend universities across Texas, several institutions draw significant numbers from our region. Here’s what parents need to know:

University of Texas at Austin

For Goldthwaite Families:

• Many high-achieving Texas students aim for UT Austin
• Jurisdiction: Travis County courts, Austin police departments
• Transparency advantage: UT publishes hazing violations publicly at hazing.utexas.edu

Documented Incidents Include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
• Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Ongoing litigation involving assault allegations

What Goldthwaite Students/Parents Should Do:

1. Check UT’s public hazing log before your child joins any organization
2. Report incidents to UT’s Student Conduct Office and UTPD
3. Understand that prior violations on UT’s log strengthen civil cases by showing patterns

Texas A&M University

For Goldthwaite Families:

• Strong draw for Central Texas students interested in engineering, agriculture
• Unique risk: Corps of Cadets tradition culture
• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts, College Station police

Documented Incidents Include:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; $1 million lawsuit filed
• Corps of Cadets (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position; sought over $1 million
• Multiple fraternity suspensions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse

What Goldthwaite Students/Parents Should Do:

1. Be particularly vigilant about Corps of Cadets “traditions”
2. Report to both Student Conduct and Corps leadership if applicable
3. Document everything—A&M’s size can make investigations challenging

University of Houston

For Goldthwaite Families:

• Urban campus with commuter and residential mix
• Current active case: Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit we’re litigating
• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts, UHPD and Houston PD

Documented Incidents Include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed during multi-day event; misdemeanor hazing charges filed
• Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol misconduct, physical hazing
• Current Pi Kappa Phi case: Systematic abuse leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

What Goldthwaite Students/Parents Should Do:

1. Utilize UH’s reporting channels through Dean of Students
2. Preserve digital evidence aggressively (group chats are critical)
3. Contact counsel familiar with Harris County courts and UH procedures

Baylor University & Southern Methodist University

For Goldthwaite Families Considering Private Universities:

Baylor (Waco):

• Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
• Religious context: Baylor’s faith identity doesn’t immune it from hazing problems
• Approach: Private university status affects transparency

SMU (Dallas):

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended
• Affluent Greek culture: Different social dynamics but same risks
• Approach: SMU uses Real Response anonymous reporting system

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Every Entity Behind the Letters

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every Greek organization, housing corporation, alumni chapter, and related entity in Texas. This isn’t theoretical; it’s built from public records that give Goldthwaite families unprecedented insight into who’s really behind campus organizations.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Goldthwaite Families

If you’re a parent in Goldthwaite, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. These are not secret societies when it comes to legal accountability. Below are examples from our database of Texas-registered Greek organizations—every one a real entity with an Employer Identification Number (EIN), legal name, and mailing address on file with the IRS.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records):

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 161675890 | 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822 | Zeta Rho HCB | IRS B83 filing
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 201237505 | 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210-4202 | Beta Chapter | IRS B83 filing
• ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 262025321 | 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201-5816 | Mu Gamma Chapter | IRS B83 filing
• PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820 | IRS B83 filing
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 filing
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204-7005 | Theta Delta | IRS B83 filing
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 741380362 | PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 | IRS B83 filing
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 900293166 | 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-0001 | Texas A&M University | IRS B83 filing

Why This Directory Matters for Goldthwaite Families:

1. Insurance identification: Each entity may carry insurance that covers hazing claims
2. Legal accountability: You can’t hold “the fraternity” accountable without knowing its legal structure
3. Pattern recognition: Multiple entities under one national brand show organizational depth
4. Investigation starting point: We begin where many lawyers give up

Texas Universities: Where Goldthwaite Students Actually Attend

Based on our Texas Universities database and understanding of Central Texas educational patterns, Goldthwaite families commonly send students to:

Regional/Nearby Campuses:

• Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Erath County)
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County)
• McMurry University (Abilene, Taylor County)
• Howard Payne University (Brownwood, Brown County)

Major Statewide Hubs:

• Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
• University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County)
• University of Houston (Houston, Harris County)
• Texas State University (San Marcos, Hays County)
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County)

Private & Specialized:

• Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Dallas County)

Each of these campuses has Greek life, athletic programs, and student organizations where hazing can occur. The proximity to Goldthwaite doesn’t reduce risk—it just changes which police departments and courts have jurisdiction.

Metro-Level Greek Presence: Understanding the Scale

From our Cause IQ metro organization data, we track Greek entities across Texas metropolitan areas:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek-related organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek-related organizations
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek-related organizations
• Lubbock Metro: 59 Greek-related organizations (relevant for Texas Tech families)
• College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek-related organizations

For Goldthwaite families with students at Texas Tech in Lubbock, understanding that there are 59 Greek organizations in that metro area—each with potential housing corporations, alumni chapters, and insurance policies—illustrates the complexity of holding the right parties accountable.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Repeat Across Texas Campuses

National organizations don’t operate in isolation. When a Texas chapter hazes, it’s often repeating patterns that have caused injuries and deaths at other campuses. For Goldthwaite families, understanding these national histories is crucial to recognizing foreseeability—the legal concept that organizations should have known certain activities were dangerous based on past incidents.

High-Risk National Organizations with Documented Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”):

• Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, 2021 – alcohol poisoning death during “Big/Little” night
• David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, 2012 – alcohol poisoning death
• Texas Pattern: Multiple chapter suspensions at UT, Texas A&M, other Texas schools
• Goldthwaite relevance: Active at most major Texas universities

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”):

• Traumatic Brain Injury: University of Alabama, 2023 – lawsuit alleging TBI during hazing
• Chemical Burns: Texas A&M, 2021 – industrial cleaner caused burns requiring skin grafts
• Assault Case: UT Austin, 2024 – exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
• Goldthwaite relevance: Particularly active in Texas with documented violent incidents

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• Max Gruver: LSU, 2017 – “Bible study” drinking game death
• National response: Implemented alcohol-free housing policy after Gruver death
• Goldthwaite relevance: Demonstrates how national policies change only after tragedy

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• Andrew Coffey: Florida State, 2017 – Big/little event alcohol poisoning death
• Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, 2025 – rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from hazing
• Goldthwaite relevance: Our current active case shows patterns continuing despite national “reforms”

Why National Histories Matter in Your Case

When we represent Goldthwaite families in hazing cases, we use national pattern evidence to establish:

1. Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known certain activities were dangerous
2. Inadequate prevention: Their anti-hazing policies weren’t meaningfully enforced
3. Punitive damages potential: Repeated warnings ignored show reckless disregard
4. Insurance coverage arguments: Nationals can’t claim “rogue chapter” when patterns exist nationwide

The Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating at UH exemplifies this. Despite Andrew Coffey’s death at Florida State in 2017, similar dangerous practices continued at the UH chapter, nearly killing Leonel Bermudez in 2025. For Goldthwaite families, the lesson is clear: national organizations often reform only when forced by litigation.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & What Goldthwaite Families Can Expect

When hazing injures a Goldthwaite student, building a strong case requires immediate action, strategic investigation, and understanding of Texas legal procedures. Here’s what our process looks like at Attorney911.

Critical Evidence That Makes or Breaks Cases

Digital Evidence (The Most Important Category):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
• Location data: GPS from phones, Snapchat Maps, Find My Friends

Documentation from the Leonel Bermudez UH Case:
In our active UH litigation, digital evidence proved critical. Messages showed:

• Planning of hazing events
• Instructions to pledges
• Admissions by members
• Attempts to cover up after Bermudez’s hospitalization

Physical & Medical Evidence:

• Injury documentation: Photos taken immediately and over subsequent days
• Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like Bermudez’s critically high creatine kinase levels)
• Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge fanny packs” like in the UH case

Institutional Records:

• University files: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, suspension records
• National fraternity records: Risk management files, incident reports from other chapters
• Insurance policies: Identifying all potential coverage sources

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges (often afraid initially but may cooperate)
• Former members who left due to hazing
• Roommates, friends, RAs who observed changes
• Medical providers who treated injuries

Damages: What Goldthwaite Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment (Bermudez faces ongoing kidney monitoring)
• Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: Permanent injuries affecting future work
• Therapy costs: PTSD, depression, anxiety treatment

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries during hazing and recovery
• Emotional distress: Humiliation, trauma, loss of dignity
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Can no longer participate in college activities normally

Wrongful Death Damages (If Tragedy Occurs):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support for parents and siblings
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Defendants Act Recklessly):

• Available when conduct shows gross negligence or willful disregard
• The UH Pi Kappa Phi case may involve punitive elements given the severity

Strategic Considerations for Goldthwaite Families

Jurisdiction Matters:

• If incident near Goldthwaite: Mills County or surrounding county courts
• If at major university: Typically county where campus is located
• Federal court possibilities: Title IX claims or diversity jurisdiction

Defendant Identification:

• Individual students who participated
• Chapter officers who organized or supervised
• Local chapter (if incorporated)
• National fraternity/sorority
• University (public or private)
• Property owners/landlords
• Alcohol providers (dram shop liability)

Insurance Coverage Battles:

• Fraternities and universities have insurance policies
• Insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional act”
• Our insurance insider knowledge (from Mr. Lupe Peña’s defense background) helps navigate these disputes

Settlement vs. Trial:

• Most cases settle confidentially
• Settlement amounts depend on injury severity, evidence strength, defendant resources
• Trial may be necessary if defendants won’t offer fair compensation

Practical Guides for Goldthwaite Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Goldthwaite Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Action

Warning Signs Your Goldthwaite Student May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, irritability
• Constant phone use for group chats with immediate response demands
• Financial requests for unexplained expenses
• Defensiveness about organization activities
• Physical signs: bruising, burns, weight changes, sleep deprivation

How to Talk to Your Child (Non-Confrontational Approach):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are they respecting your time?”
2. “Have you had to do anything that made you uncomfortable?”
3. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
4. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from us or the university?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Goldthwaite Parents:

HOURS 1-6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):
✅ Medical attention for injuries/intoxication
✅ Safety: Remove from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything your child tells you
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

HOURS 6-24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):
✅ Digital preservation: Help child save all messages (DO NOT DELETE)
✅ Physical evidence: Secure clothing, objects, receipts
✅ Medical records: Request copies from ER/hospital
✅ Witness list: Names/contacts of others involved
✅ University communication: Note any contact from school

HOURS 24-48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):
✅ Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
✅ Reporting decision: With lawyer’s guidance, decide on police/university reporting
✅ University response: Refer school to your attorney if they contact you
✅ Insurance: Do NOT speak to insurance adjusters without counsel
✅ Evidence backup: Upload everything to cloud storage

For Goldthwaite Students: Your Rights & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment:

• Are you being pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
• Would you do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do?
• Are you being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

How to Exit Safely:

1. Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
2. Quitting/de-pledging: Send written resignation to chapter leadership
3. Safety planning: Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
4. Avoid retaliation: Don’t go to “one last meeting” where pressure might occur

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
• Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
• You can request no-contact orders through the university if harassed

Evidence Collection for Students:

• Screen shots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
• Voice memos: Texas is one-party consent for recordings you’re part of
• Photos/videos: Injuries, locations, objects used
• Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Based on our experience representing Texas families, here are the most damaging errors:

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed
What happens: “I’ll just delete these embarrassing messages”
Why it’s fatal: Looks like cover-up, may be obstruction of justice
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What happens: Parents angrily call the fraternity president
Why it’s fatal: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document quietly, then call a lawyer

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: University pressures quick “internal resolution”
Why it’s fatal: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often minimal
Better approach: “I need to consult an attorney before signing anything”

4. Posting on Social Media
What happens: “I want people to know what they did!”
Why it’s fatal: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigation
What happens: “The Dean said they’re handling it internally”
Why it’s fatal: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Better approach: Preserve evidence now; university process ≠ legal accountability

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters
What happens: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s fatal: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

Why Attorney911 for Goldthwaite Hazing Cases

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

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Currently Litigating One of Texas’s Most Serious Hazing Cases:
We represent Leonel Bermudez in the $10 million lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t theoretical expertise—we’re in federal court right now fighting for a hazing victim who nearly died from kidney failure. We know what these cases look like from the inside because we’re living one.

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”
• Set reserves and negotiate settlements

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
• HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential signals elite defense capability
• 25+ Years Experience: Practicing since 1998, founded firm in 2001

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain the comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations shown earlier in this guide. When we take your case, we don’t start from zero—we already know:

• Legal names and EINs of organizations
• Insurance coverage likely sources
• Prior incident patterns
• National organization histories

How We Investigate Goldthwaite Hazing Cases

Immediate Evidence Preservation:

• Digital forensics for deleted messages
• Subpoenas for university and national organization records
• Witness interviews before memories fade or coaching occurs
• Medical expert review for injury documentation

Strategic Defendant Identification:
We look beyond obvious parties to identify ALL potentially liable entities:

• Individual members who participated
• Chapter officers who organized
• Local chapter housing corporations
• National headquarters
• University administrators
• Property owners
• Alcohol providers

Damages Validation:

• Economist collaboration for lifetime earning loss calculations
• Medical expert testimony for future care needs
• Psychological evaluation for PTSD and trauma
• Life care planning for catastrophic injuries

Trial Readiness:
Universities and national fraternities know which lawyers will actually go to trial. Our federal court experience and trial record change how they negotiate. As we explain in our video on whether your case will go to trial, readiness for trial improves settlement leverage.

Our Commitment to Goldthwaite Families

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish. Goldthwaite’s Hispanic families can communicate comfortably in their preferred language.

Contingency Fee Basis:
No upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.

Immediate Response:
We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason. Hazing evidence disappears quickly. We provide 24/7 availability for genuine emergencies.

Educational Mission:
We believe an informed family is an empowered family. That’s why we create resources like this guide and our educational YouTube videos, including one on using your phone to document evidence.

Call to Action for Goldthwaite Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends a university near Goldthwaite or anywhere in Texas—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers protecting their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 for a hazing case consultation:

We Will:

1. Listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
3. Explain your legal options in plain English
4. Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
5. Answer questions about costs (remember: contingency fee, no recovery = no fee)
6. Provide honest assessment of your case strengths and challenges

No Pressure:
We won’t pressure you to hire us on the spot. Take time to make the right decision for your family. Everything you tell us is confidential.

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Hablamos Español: Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Don’t Let Time Run Out

Texas generally has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but the clock starts ticking from the date of injury. Evidence disappears quickly—messages get deleted, witnesses graduate, memories fade. As we explain in our video on Texas statutes of limitations, timing is critical.

Whether you’re in Goldthwaite, Mullin, Star, or anywhere in Mills County or Central Texas, if hazing has hurt your child, call us today. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent this from happening to another family.

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