The Definitive Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Colorado City Parents Need to Know

A West Texas Parent’s Worst Nightmare

Imagine getting a call in the middle of the night. Your son, who you sent off to college just a few months ago with so much hope, is in a Houston emergency room. His urine is brown—a terrifying sign of muscle breakdown. He’s being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after what was supposed to be a “workout” with his new fraternity brothers. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, in November 2025, just hours from where Colorado City families sit right now.

At Attorney911, we represent Leonel in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The details are harrowing: forced “pledge fanny packs” filled with humiliating items, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” hog-tying of other pledges, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and extreme physical hazing including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that led directly to his medical crisis.

This case isn’t happening in some distant state. It’s unfolding right now in Harris County, Texas, with extensive coverage in Click2Houston and ABC13. And it demonstrates exactly why Colorado City families need to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law addresses it, and what legal options exist when these “traditions” turn dangerous.

What This Guide Offers Colorado City Families

If you’re a parent in Colorado City or anywhere in Mitchell County, your child might attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, or one of the major universities hours away in Houston, College Station, or Austin. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Texas families who need clear answers about:

What modern hazing actually involves (far beyond the old stereotypes)
How Texas and federal law protect—or fail to protect—your child
What we’ve learned from national hazing deaths and injuries
What’s happening at Texas universities where Colorado City students often enroll
What legal options exist for victims and families throughout West Texas

Whether your child attends school 30 minutes away or 300 miles from home, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help. This article provides general educational information—not specific legal advice. Every case depends on its unique facts, and we encourage families to consult with experienced hazing attorneys for case-specific analysis.

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 using techniques from our video on using your phone to document evidence
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Colorado City families who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus culture, it’s crucial to understand that hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. Today’s hazing combines traditional abuse with digital coercion and psychological manipulation.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Critical for Colorado City parents to understand: “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, or drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean consumption. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. Students from West Texas schools like Texas Tech have faced similar forced drinking rituals.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) far beyond normal conditioning, sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme environments. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involved cold-weather workouts in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and the “Nov 3 workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that caused rhabdomyolysis.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. At Texas A&M, a Corps of Cadets member alleged being bound in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming. This often begins with subtle hazing like requiring pledges to be “on call” 24/7 for older members’ demands.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
Group chat dares, social media “challenges,” pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 digital monitoring via apps like GroupMe, Discord, or Snapchat. This is particularly insidious as it follows students back to their dorm rooms—and even back home to Colorado City during breaks.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs in:

Corps of Cadets/ROTC programs (particularly concerning for Texas A&M families)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs
Marching bands and performance groups
Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common thread across all these groups is social status, tradition, and secrecy—elements that keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas + Federal

Texas Hazing Law Basics

Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37, hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that:
.

The key elements Colorado City families need to understand:

Location doesn’t matter: On-campus, off-campus, at an Airbnb retreat—all can be hazing
Consent is NOT a defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states this
Criminal penalties escalate: From Class B misdemeanor to state jail felony for serious injury or death
Organizations can be prosecuted: Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can face fines up to $10,000 per violation
Good-faith reporting protections exist: Those who report hazing or call for help in emergencies have immunity

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: What Colorado City Families Need to Know

Criminal Cases:

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

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Critical insight: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families in cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit pursue civil action regardless of criminal proceedings.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Public hazing data requirements phased in by 2026
Affects all major Texas universities where Colorado City students enroll

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Both create additional avenues for institutional accountability

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders are named defendants.

2. Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself, if it’s a legal entity. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is a defendant in the UH case.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is named in the UH lawsuit.

4. University or Governing Board
The school or regents may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants.

5. Third Parties
Landlords of event spaces, bars/alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), security companies.

Every case is fact-specific, but Colorado City families should understand that multiple parties often share liability in serious hazing cases.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to severe falls captured on chapter cameras. Help was delayed for hours. Dozens faced criminal charges, civil litigation followed, and Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway for Colorado City families: Extreme intoxication combined with delayed medical care creates devastating legal exposure.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions followed, with BGSU settling for nearly $3 million and additional settlements from the fraternity. Relevance to Texas: The same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) operates chapters at Texas universities where Colorado City students enroll.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking led to death from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Texas connection: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
A blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat caused fatal head injuries, with delayed medical care. The national fraternity was convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus retreats can be particularly dangerous, and national organizations face serious consequences.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program, leading to multiple lawsuits, coach termination, and confidential settlements. Texas relevance: This demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Colorado City Families

The common threads—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups—appear consistently across the country. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements typically follow only after tragedy and litigation. Colorado City families facing hazing at Texas universities are operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons and precedents.

Texas Focus: Where Colorado City Students Attend

Geographic Reality for Colorado City Families

Situated in Mitchell County in West Texas, Colorado City families typically send students to regional universities and major Texas institutions. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is crucial:

Primary Regional Universities:

Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – 115 miles from Colorado City
Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls) – 95 miles from Colorado City
Abilene Christian University – 105 miles from Colorado City
West Texas A&M University (Canyon) – 165 miles from Colorado City

Major State Universities (Common Choices):

University of Texas at Austin – 290 miles
Texas A&M University (College Station) – 350 miles
University of Houston – 400 miles
Texas State University (San Marcos) – 275 miles

Each campus has its own Greek life culture, hazing history, and institutional response patterns that Colorado City families must understand.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Colorado City Families

If you are a parent in Colorado City, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. At Attorney911, we maintain an unmatched Texas Greek-life data engine compiled from IRS records, university registries, and metro organizational databases. This directory represents just a fraction of the 1,423 Greek-related organizations we track across 25 Texas metros.

West Texas & Regional Organizations Relevant to Colorado City Families:

From IRS B83 Public Filings:

KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY – EIN 756067776 – FORT WORTH, TX 76109 – THETA CHAPTER
SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY – EIN 752609909 – COMMERCE, TX 75428 – MU ZETA CHAPTER
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI – EIN 820644459 – LUBBOCK, TX 79430 – TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY LOCATION
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY – EIN 752290669 – AMARILLO, TX 79118 – UPSILON ZETA CHAPTER
PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY – EIN 900927378 – SAN ANTONIO, TX 78249 – TEXAS XI CHAPTER
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC – EIN 475381060 – SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 – THETA IOTA CHAPTER
KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY – EIN 237279532 – PRAIRIE VIEW, TX 77446 – ALUMNI CHAPTER
SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER – EIN 911981478 – FORT WORTH, TX 76109
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC – EIN 462267515 – FRISCO, TX 75035

From Cause IQ Metro Listings (Lubbock/Abilene Regions):

Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing – Lubbock, TX
Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi) – Lubbock, TX
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Lubbock – Lubbock, TX
Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter – Lubbock, TX
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – TTU Health Sciences Center – Clyde, TX
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Phi Chapter – Clyde, TX
Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity – Epsilon Tau – Abilene, TX

Major University Chapters Where Colorado City Students Often Join:

University of Houston (Relevant to Bermudez Case):

Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter (subject of $10M lawsuit)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Pi Kappa Alpha
Sigma Chi
Kappa Sigma
Alpha Sigma Phi

Texas A&M University:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (chemical burns lawsuit 2021)
Phi Delta Theta
Pi Kappa Alpha
Beta Theta Pi
Corps of Cadets organizations

Texas Tech University:

Phi Delta Theta Housing Corporation
Kappa Alpha Order
Multiple IFC and Panhellenic chapters

This directory demonstrates why experienced hazing litigation requires deep organizational knowledge. We already know the names, EINs, and legal entities behind the Greek letters—families shouldn’t have to start from zero when crisis strikes.

Texas Tech University: Closest Major University to Colorado City

Campus & Culture Snapshot
As the closest major research university to Colorado City (115 miles), Texas Tech in Lubbock serves many West Texas families. With approximately 40,000 students and active Greek life across IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils, its fraternity and sorority system is substantial. The campus culture blends West Texas traditions with typical Greek life patterns seen nationwide.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
Texas Tech prohibits hazing under Student Code of Conduct Section 10. The university requires all student organizations to complete anti-hazing education and maintains reporting channels through the Office of Student Conduct, Risk Intervention & Safety Education (RISE), and Texas Tech Police Department. Like all Texas public universities, Tech must comply with Chapter 37 reporting requirements.

Documented Incidents & Responses
While specific recent public incidents may be limited, Texas Tech has faced hazing concerns including:

Phi Delta Theta chapter discipline for alcohol-related violations
Various organizational probations for risk management failures
Ongoing monitoring of Greek life through the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life

How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Might Proceed
For Colorado City families, a Texas Tech case would likely involve:

Jurisdiction: Lubbock County courts, with potential federal claims in the Northern District of Texas
Investigating agencies: Texas Tech Police Department and/or Lubbock Police Department
Potential defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national headquarters, Texas Tech University System
Medical care: University Medical Center or Covenant Health systems in Lubbock

What Texas Tech Students & Parents Should Do

Immediate reporting: Contact Texas Tech Office of Student Conduct at (806) 742-2011 or Texas Tech Police at (806) 742-3931
Document everything: Save all group chats (GroupMe is particularly common at Tech), photograph injuries, preserve physical evidence
Medical attention: Utilize the Student Wellness Center or local emergency care
Legal consultation: Contact attorneys experienced in Lubbock County litigation and university proceedings
Understand Texas Tech’s process: The university conducts internal investigations that may run parallel to criminal/civil proceedings

Midwestern State University: Regional Option for Colorado City

Campus & Culture Snapshot
At 95 miles from Colorado City, Midwestern State in Wichita Falls serves as a regional comprehensive university with approximately 6,000 students. Greek life exists but operates at a smaller scale than major universities, with several national fraternities and sororities maintaining chapters.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
MSU Texas prohibits hazing under Student Handbook policies aligned with Texas Education Code. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, University Police Department, and anonymous reporting systems.

Recent History
Documented incidents have included organizational probations for alcohol violations and risk management failures. The university maintains active oversight through its Student Affairs division.

Practical Considerations for Colorado City Families

Proximity makes family support more feasible
Smaller campus may mean more personalized attention but potentially less robust investigative resources
Wichita Falls legal venues (78th/89th District Courts) handle such cases
United Regional Health Care System serves as primary medical provider

University of Houston: Flagship Case Location

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Though 400 miles from Colorado City, UH serves many Texas families and represents where some Colorado City students enroll. As the third-largest Texas university with 47,000 students, its Greek system includes 50+ chapters across multiple councils. The urban Houston location creates unique dynamics with off-campus housing and venues.

The Leonel Bermudez/Pi Kappa Phi Case
This active $10 million lawsuit represents exactly what Colorado City families must understand about modern hazing:

Timeline: September 2025 pledging through November 2025 hospitalization
Locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Specific hazing: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced overeating, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis
Medical outcome: Acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization, ongoing treatment
Institutional response: Chapter suspension (Nov 6), charter surrender (Nov 14), UH calling conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal team: Attorney911 represents Bermudez against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individuals

UH Hazing Policy & Current Climate
Following this high-profile case, UH has heightened scrutiny of Greek life. The university provides reporting through Dean of Students Office, UHPD, and online forms. Families should understand that even distant universities can profoundly impact West Texas students.

Texas A&M University: Corps of Cadets Considerations

Campus & Culture Snapshot
At 350 miles from Colorado City, Texas A&M represents a common choice for ambitious West Texas students. Beyond traditional Greek life, the Corps of Cadets represents a unique hazing risk environment with military-style traditions and discipline structures.

Notable Cases & Patterns

Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
Corps of Cadets “roasted pig” lawsuit (2023): Allegations of binding cadets between beds with apples in mouths
Multiple organizational suspensions for alcohol violations and hazing concerns

Special Considerations for Colorado City Families

Corps vs. Greek life: Understand the different oversight structures
Military tradition culture: Some behaviors framed as “tradition” may constitute hazing
University response patterns: A&M typically investigates through Student Conduct Office and Corps leadership
Bryan/College Station legal venues: Brazos County courts handle local litigation

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency Model

Campus & Culture Snapshot
At 290 miles from Colorado City, UT Austin represents another major destination with the most transparent hazing reporting among Texas universities. The public Hazing Violations page provides unprecedented visibility into organizational conduct.

Documented Violations (Examples)

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing
Various spirit groups: Disciplinary action for initiation practices

UT’s Approach & What It Means
UT’s relative transparency doesn’t eliminate hazing but provides valuable pattern evidence for civil cases. Colorado City families with students at UT should:

Regularly check the public violations page
Understand that documented violations strengthen future claims
Recognize that even “probation” or minor sanctions indicate organizational risk

Baylor University & Southern Methodist University

Baylor Considerations

Religious identity creates unique cultural dynamics
2020 baseball team hazing incident with 14 player suspensions
Title IX history affects institutional response patterns

SMU Considerations

Private university status affects transparency
2017 Kappa Alpha Order paddling and drinking incident
Affluent campus culture with strong Greek presence

For Colorado City families, the key understanding is that every Texas university has hazing incidents, and institutional responses vary widely. What matters most is preserving evidence and seeking experienced counsel regardless of the specific campus.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Matter

Why National Patterns Impact Colorado City Families

When a chapter at Texas Tech, UH, or any Texas university engages in hazing, it’s rarely an isolated incident. National organizations like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and Pi Kappa Phi have decades of documented hazing incidents across the country. This history matters legally because it establishes foreseeability—the national headquarters knew or should have known that certain “traditions” were dangerous.

Cross-Validated Brands Operating in Texas

From our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine analysis, these organizations appear in both IRS records and Cause IQ metro data, confirming their substantial Texas presence:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)

National history: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death ($14M settlement)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, SMU
IRS entities: Multiple Texas housing corporations and alumni associations
Legal significance: National pattern of Big/Little alcohol hazing creates foreseeability

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

National history: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama, chemical burns case at Texas A&M
Texas presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities
Recent Texas litigation: $1M chemical burns lawsuit at Texas A&M
Pattern: Known for alcohol hazing and physical abuse

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National history: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
Current Texas litigation: $10M Leonel Bermudez case at UH
Texas entities: Beta Nu housing corporation (EIN 462267515)
Significance: Active litigation demonstrates ongoing risk

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National history: Max Gruver death at LSU (Louisiana felony hazing law)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech
Texas entities: Multiple housing corporations including Texas Xi chapter

How National Histories Strengthen Civil Cases

When Colorado City families pursue hazing claims, this national pattern evidence helps establish:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew the risks from prior incidents
Negligence: Failure to implement effective prevention despite knowledge
Punitive damages potential: Reckless disregard for student safety
Insurance coverage arguments: Nationals can’t claim “rogue chapter” defense

Our investigative approach at Attorney911 always includes subpoenaing national organization records to uncover prior warnings, incident reports, and pattern evidence that strengthens your case.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Evidence Collection: What Colorado City Families Must Preserve

Digital Communications (Most Critical)

GroupMe/WhatsApp/iMessage: Screenshot entire conversations with timestamps
Social media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger
Fraternity apps: Organization-specific communication platforms
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover deleted content
Our video resource: Using your cellphone to document a legal case

Photos & Videos

Injury documentation immediately and over several days
Event locations and participants
Social media posts/stories showing hazing activities
Security/doorbell camera footage if accessible

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals or “tradition” documents
Meeting notes or communications about initiation activities
National policy manuals and training materials

University Records

Prior conduct violations (obtainable via discovery)
Campus police reports
Clery Act reports and safety statistics
Internal emails about organizational oversight

Medical Documentation

Emergency room/hospitalization records
Toxicology reports and lab results
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, trauma assessments)
Ongoing treatment records

Witness Information

Other pledges’ contact information
Roommates or bystanders who observed events
Former members who may cooperate

Damages: What Colorado City Families Can Recover

Economic Damages

Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, ongoing treatment, future care needs
Lost educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarship value
Lost earning capacity: Reduced future earnings due to permanent injury
Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and medical procedures
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Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support and inheritance
Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support
Parental grief and mental anguish

Punitive Damages

Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct
Designed to punish wrongful conduct and deter future hazing
Subject to Texas statutory caps in most cases

Strategic Considerations for West Texas Families

Jurisdiction & Venue

Cases may be filed in county where injury occurred, where defendants reside, or where organizational headquarters located
Federal court options for Title IX or constitutional claims
Choice of venue can significantly impact case value and strategy

Insurance Coverage Complexities

National fraternities typically carry liability insurance with hazing exclusions
Universities have sovereign immunity limitations (public) or private insurance (private)
Individual members may have homeowner’s policy coverage
Our insider knowledge from Mr. Peña’s defense background is invaluable here

Settlement vs. Trial Dynamics

Most cases settle confidentially before trial
Settlement timing affects compensation and privacy
Trial readiness maximizes settlement leverage
Public trials bring accountability but also publicity

Practical Guides & FAQs for Colorado City Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Action

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
Sudden weight loss or gain
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Secretive behavior about organizational activities
Constant phone monitoring for group messages
Financial strain from unexpected “fines” or purchases
Academic performance decline

How to Talk to Your Child

Choose calm, private setting without confrontation
Use open-ended questions: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority?”
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Emphasize safety over allegiance: “I care more about your health than your membership”
Listen without judgment if they begin to share

If Your Child Is Injured

Medical care first: Emergency room if needed, urgent care otherwise
Document everything: Photos, notes, preserved communications
Contact attorney within 24 hours: Evidence disappears quickly
Avoid university pressure: Don’t sign anything without legal review
Mental health support: Trauma counseling is often needed

Dealing with the University

Document all communications (emails, calls, meetings)
Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the organization
Understand the difference between student conduct process and legal action
Never rely solely on “internal investigation” promises

For Students: Rights & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment

Are you being pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
Would you participate if there were no social consequences?
Are older members making you do things they don’t do themselves?
Is the activity kept secret from advisors or administration?
Does it feel like earning membership rather than building friendship?

If You’re in Immediate Danger

Call 911 or campus police
Seek medical attention without delay
Contact trusted adult (parent, RA, professor)
Good-faith reporter protections exist in Texas

Safe Exit Strategies

Formal resignation via email (creates documentation)
Inform university officials of your departure
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Don’t attend “one last meeting” where pressure may escalate
Seek no-contact orders if retaliation occurs

Evidence Preservation for Students
The most critical mistake students make is deleting evidence out of embarrassment or fear. Instead:

Screenshot ALL group chats immediately
Save emails and organizational documents
Photograph injuries daily to show progression
Write detailed notes while memories are fresh
Tell someone trustworthy what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Digital Evidence
What families think: “We don’t want this embarrassing stuff saved”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys strongest evidence
Better approach: Preserve everything, even if embarrassing

2. Direct Confrontation with the Organization
What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Better approach: Document first, let attorneys handle communication

3. Signing University Settlement Offers
What universities do: Offer quick “resolution” with minimal compensation
Why it’s wrong: Waives right to full recovery, often undervalues case
Better approach: Never sign without attorney review

4. Social Media Posts About the Case
What families think: “We want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Creates inconsistencies, helps defense preparation
Better approach: Private documentation only, attorney controls messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigation
What universities promise: “Let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Statute runs, evidence disappears, witnesses graduate
Better approach: Parallel tracks – preserve evidence while university investigates

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you, early lowball offers
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Colorado City Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT, Texas Tech) have sovereign immunity limitations but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual capacity claims. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Each case requires careful analysis of facts and legal theories.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Under Texas Education Code §37.152, hazing causing serious bodily injury or death is a state jail felony. Individual officers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing. The criminal classification depends on injury severity and specific conduct.

“What if our child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Consent is not a defense to hazing under Texas law (§37.155). Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent. This is crucial for Colorado City families to understand – participation doesn’t eliminate legal rights.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury date in Texas, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving fraud or cover-up, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical – evidence disappears quickly. Learn more in our statute of limitations video.

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with successful litigation.

“Will this be confidential or public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability. Public trials bring exposure but also institutional change.

“How much does legal representation cost?”
We work on contingency fee basis – no fee unless we recover compensation. Learn how this works in our contingency fee explanation video. Initial consultations are always free and confidential.

About Attorney911: Why We’re Different for Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

When your Colorado City 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. Here’s why Attorney911 brings unmatched capability to hazing cases:

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Negotiate settlements from the defense perspective
His insider knowledge means we prepare for their strategies before they’re deployed. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can take on billion-dollar defendants. That same capability applies directly to national fraternities and university systems with unlimited legal budgets. Ralph’s federal court experience and HCCLA membership signal we’re not intimidated by institutional defendants. See Ralph’s complete credentials.

Active Texas Hazing Litigation
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez $10 million lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical experience—it’s current, active litigation giving us immediate insight into how Texas universities and national fraternities defend hazing cases in 2025.

West Texas Understanding & Reach
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Colorado City and all of West Texas. We understand:

Regional university dynamics at Texas Tech, Midwestern State, and other West Texas schools
Local legal venues in Lubbock, Wichita Falls, Abilene, and surrounding counties
The particular concerns of rural Texas families with students at distant universities
How to manage cases across geographical distances effectively

Comprehensive Investigative Resources
Our network includes:

Digital forensics experts for recovering deleted messages
Medical specialists for rhabdomyolysis, TBI, and psychological trauma
Greek life culture experts for understanding organizational dynamics
Economists for calculating lifetime damages
Life care planners for catastrophic injury cases

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability
With Ralph’s HCCLA membership and our extensive criminal defense practice, we understand both sides of hazing cases. This is crucial when:

Advising families about parallel criminal proceedings
Representing witnesses with potential criminal exposure
Navigating interactions between civil discovery and criminal investigations
Understanding how prosecutors evaluate hazing charges

Our Philosophy: Empathy Meets Accountability

We approach every hazing case with two parallel commitments:

First, to Your Family’s Healing:

We listen without judgment
We prioritize your child’s medical and emotional recovery
We protect your privacy throughout the process
We communicate regularly and clearly about case progress

Second, to Real Accountability:

We investigate thoroughly, following every lead
We identify all responsible parties, not just obvious ones
We build cases that force institutional change
We pursue compensation that reflects true harm, not quick settlements

This balanced approach has served Texas families well in cases ranging from wrongful death to catastrophic injury. We don’t just settle cases—we resolve them in ways that provide closure, compensation, and when possible, prevention of future harm.

How We Work with Colorado City Families

Initial Consultation (Free & Confidential)

We listen to your story without interruption
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain legal options in plain English
Answer your questions about process, timeline, and expectations
No pressure to hire us immediately

Investigation Phase

Immediate evidence preservation actions
Digital forensics for deleted communications
Subpoenas for organizational and university records
Expert consultations for medical and damages analysis
Regular updates on findings and strategy

Case Development

Identification of all potentially liable parties
Damages calculation with economic experts
Demand preparation and negotiation
Settlement evaluation or trial preparation
Your involvement in all major decisions

Resolution Options

Confidential settlement negotiations
Mediation with experienced neutrals
Trial preparation for cases requiring court resolution
Structured settlements for long-term care needs
Your goals guide our approach

Your Next Step: Free, Confidential Consultation

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Colorado City Family

Whether you’re dealing with a recent incident or uncovering past harm, we encourage you to take these steps:

1. Preserve Evidence Immediately

Screenshot all digital communications
Photograph injuries from multiple angles
Write detailed notes about what happened
Save physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
Do NOT delete anything, no matter how embarrassing

2. Seek Medical Attention

Emergency care for immediate injuries
Follow-up for ongoing symptoms
Psychological evaluation for trauma
Full documentation of all treatment

3. Contact Us for Confidential Consultation

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 availability)
Email ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Visit https://attorney911.com for more information
Hablamos Español – Spanish services available

What to Expect in Your Consultation:

We listen carefully to your experience
We explain Texas hazing law in plain terms
We review your evidence and medical records
We outline potential legal strategies
We answer all your questions honestly
We discuss costs (contingency fee – no recovery, no fee)
No pressure to hire us – take time to decide

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case

Proven Experience: From BP Texas City litigation to active hazing cases like Bermudez v. UH
Insider Knowledge: Former insurance defense attorney on our team
Texas Focus: Deep understanding of Texas law and university systems
Comprehensive Approach: Civil and criminal capability, full expert network
West Texas Service: We serve families throughout Texas, including Colorado City and all of Mitchell County
Empathetic Advocacy: We care about your family’s healing, not just legal outcomes

Contact Us Today

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
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
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com

Serving Colorado City & All of West Texas
Whether you’re in Colorado City, Mitchell County, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers and insurance companies protecting them. You deserve the same level of representation.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your rights, preserve critical evidence, and pursue the accountability and compensation your family deserves.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

For easy reference, here are the main resources mentioned in this guide:

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website:

Homepage and contact: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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