The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability for Families in Appleby, Texas

If This Just Happened: 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)

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if your 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 directly
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats 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

1. Understanding Hazing: A Crisis Closer Than Appleby Families Realize

It begins with hope—your child from Appleby excitedly joins a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or athletic team at their Texas university. They want friendship, tradition, and belonging. Then comes the phone call no parent in Nacogdoches County ever expects. Your child is in the hospital. Their “urine was brown” from muscle breakdown. They were forced through hundreds of push-ups until they collapsed. They were sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” Older members told them not to call for help.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. Right now in Texas, we’re fighting exactly this case.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. The allegations read like torture: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; being hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth; and constant humiliation through a “pledge fanny pack” rule. The result? Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, and a four-day hospitalization with ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Families in Appleby and throughout East Texas need to understand this reality: hazing is happening right now at Texas universities, and it’s causing catastrophic injuries. Your child attending Stephen F. Austin State University right here in Nacogdoches County, or traveling to Texas A&M, UT Austin, or other campuses, could be at risk.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, Texas hazing laws, national patterns that predict local behavior, and what Appleby families can do if their child becomes a victim. We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), and we’re currently leading one of Texas’s most serious hazing lawsuits. We serve families throughout Texas, including right here in Appleby and Nacogdoches County.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For Appleby parents who didn’t grow up with today’s Greek life, understanding modern hazing requires moving beyond “boys will be boys” stereotypes. Hazing in 2025 is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and disguised with euphemisms like “team building” or “tradition.”

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

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

• 24/7 digital control: Pledges required to respond instantly to GroupMe messages at all hours
• Servitude duties: Acting as designated drivers into early morning hours, cleaning members’ apartments, running personal errands
• Social isolation: Being told to cut contact with non-members or requiring “permission” to see family
• Geolocation tracking: Mandatory sharing of live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• “Optional” events that are socially mandatory, with refusal meaning exclusion from the “big/little” matching

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creating Hostile Environments)

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “study sessions” that are actually interrogation, 3 AM wake-up calls for meaningless tasks
• Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of disgusting combinations (like the milk/hot dog/peppercorn mixture in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case), limiting access to normal meals
• Extreme physical “conditioning”: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls across campus
• Public humiliation: Forced to wear degrading costumes in public, perform embarrassing acts for entertainment
• Digital shaming: Required to post humiliating TikTok videos or Instagram stories as “challenges”

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Potential for Injury or Death)

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking
• Physical beatings: Paddling traditions (especially in some NPHC organizations despite national prohibitions), punches, kicks, slaps
• Dangerous physical tests: Blindfolded tackle rituals (“glass ceiling”), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “elephant walks,” sexual coercion
• Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaners poured on skin causing chemical burns (as alleged in a Texas A&M SAE case)
• Kidnapping/restraint: Being bound, transported to remote locations, held against will

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

Appleby families should know hazing extends beyond fraternity houses:

• Fraternities and Sororities: IFC, Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine), multicultural Greek organizations
• Corps of Cadets & ROTC: Military-style organizations with tradition-heavy cultures
• Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading—often with “rookie” traditions
• Spirit & Tradition Groups: Texas Cowboys, cheer teams, drum majors, spirit organizations
• Marching Bands & Performance Groups: Often overlooked but with documented hazing incidents
• Academic & Honor Societies: Some pre-professional and honor groups have initiation rituals

The Digital Evolution of Hazing

Today’s hazing leaves a digital trail that can become crucial evidence:

• GroupMe/WhatsApp/Discord servers: Planning, coordination, and real-time hazing occur here
• Snapchat/Instagram Stories: Humiliating acts recorded and shared, often with disappearing messages
• Location-sharing apps: Members track pledges’ movements
• Deleted messages: Organizations coach members to delete evidence, but digital forensics can recover it
• Social media challenges: “Pledge challenges” filmed and posted for entertainment

For Appleby parents: if your child is constantly on their phone, anxiously responding to messages at all hours, or suddenly secretive about their screen, these could be warning signs of digital hazing control.

3. Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Appleby Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Criminal Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that Appleby residents should understand:

§ 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 or safety of a student
• Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students

Key Provisions for Appleby Families:

• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
  • Class B misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
  • Class A misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
  • State jail felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154): Those who report hazing in good faith are protected from liability

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

When Appleby families pursue justice, civil lawsuits address different goals:

Potential Defendants in Civil Cases:

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
2. Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
3. National Headquarters: For negligence in supervision, training, and enforcement
4. Universities: For negligent supervision, Title IX violations, or Clery Act failures
5. Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurs
6. Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws if they overserved minors

Legal Theories Used in Hazing Cases:

• Negligence/Gross Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care
• Negligent Supervision: Universities/nationals failed to properly oversee chapters
• Premises Liability: Dangerous conditions at chapter houses
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Extreme and outrageous conduct
• Wrongful Death: When hazing results in fatal injuries
• Title IX Violations: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender discrimination

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
• Mandates hazing prevention education programs
• Phased implementation through 2026
• Appleby families will eventually have better access to campus hazing data

Title IX & Clery Act:

• Title IX applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
• Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes, including some hazing-related assaults
• These federal laws can provide additional avenues for accountability

Sovereign Immunity Considerations for Texas Public Universities

For Appleby families considering suits against public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT, Texas State, etc.):

• Public universities have some sovereign immunity protection under Texas law
• Exceptions exist for:
  • Gross negligence or willful misconduct
  • Ministerial (non-discretionary) duties
  • Title IX violations (waives immunity)
  • Suits against individual employees in personal capacity
• Even with immunity arguments, universities often settle to avoid bad publicity
• Example: Bowling Green State (public university) settled for $3 million in Stone Foltz case despite potential immunity defenses

4. National Hazing Case Patterns: Predicting What Appleby Families Might Face

The same patterns repeat across the country. Understanding these helps Appleby families recognize risks and build stronger cases.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern (The Most Common Fatal Hazing)

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

• Incident: Pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Appleby relevance: Same fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) operates at Texas A&M, UT, UH, Baylor

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• Incident: “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
• Outcome: $6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements; Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
• Appleby relevance: Same fraternity (Phi Delta Theta) at Texas A&M, UT, UH

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

• Incident: Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; delayed medical care captured on chapter cameras
• Outcome: 18 members charged with 1,000+ counts; Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Appleby relevance: Demonstrates how cover-ups and delayed help worsen outcomes and liability

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Incident: Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual involving violent tackles at retreat
• Outcome: National fraternity criminally convicted; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Appleby relevance: Shows nationals can face criminal liability, not just civil

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021)

• Incident: Pledges allegedly covered in industrial cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
• Outcome: Fraternity suspended for two years; $1 million lawsuit filed by victims
• Appleby relevance: SAE chapters at Texas A&M, UT, UH, SMU, Baylor

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Incident: Widespread sexualized and racist hazing within football program
• Outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired; confidential settlements
• Appleby relevance: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

What These National Patterns Mean for Appleby Families

1. Same Organizations, Same Problems: The fraternities with national hazing histories (Pi Kappa Alpha, SAE, Phi Delta Theta, etc.) have chapters at Texas schools Appleby students attend
2. Predictable Patterns: Forced drinking, physical abuse, cover-ups, delayed medical care—these scripts repeat
3. Legal Precedents: Previous verdicts and settlements establish values and strategies
4. Foreseeability: Nationals know these risks—their anti-hazing policies prove they anticipated problems

5. Texas University Focus: Where Appleby Students Face Hazing Risks

Appleby families primarily send students to regional universities and major Texas hubs. Here’s what you need to know about each campus.

Stephen F. Austin State University (Local to Appleby in Nacogdoches)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Located right here in Nacogdoches County, just minutes from Appleby
• Active Greek life with fraternities and sororities
• Tradition-heavy campus with potential for hazing in various organizations

Greek Life Organizations (Sample from IRS Records):

• Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation (EIN 300517788) – 316 E Lakewood St, Nacogdoches
• Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta Chapter (EIN 756041410) – 402 N Steen Dr, Nacogdoches
• Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter (EIN 452729519) – 1936 N St, SFA Station Box 6159, Nacogdoches
• Theta Chi Fraternity – Epsilon Tau Chapter (EIN 756053083) – 321 Old Tyler Rd, Nacogdoches

Local Legal Considerations for Appleby Families:

• Jurisdiction: Nacogdoches County courts and SFA campus police
• Medical care: Nacogdoches Medical Center for immediate treatment
• Local attorneys: We serve Appleby and Nacogdoches County directly from our Texas offices

What Appleby SFA Families Should Do:

1. Document everything immediately—SFA investigations may be slower than larger universities
2. Preserve digital evidence before group chats are deleted
3. Contact local Nacogdochos police if crimes occurred, not just campus police
4. Seek medical documentation at Nacogdoches Medical Center even for seemingly minor injuries

University of Houston (Major Destination for East Texas Students)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Large urban campus with significant Greek life
• Recent high-profile hazing case shows serious risks
• Many Appleby-area students choose UH for proximity and programs

The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case (Current as of 2025):
We are actively litigating this case right now. Key facts Appleby families should know:

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez, UH transfer student
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH
• Allegations:
  • “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
  • 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
  • Hose spraying in face “similar to waterboarding”
  • Hog-tying another pledge face-down with object in mouth
• Medical Harm: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
• Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County; defendants include UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, 13 individual members

UH’s Greek Ecosystem (From Public Records):
The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro has 188 Greek-related organizations. Examples relevant to Appleby students:

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (IRS-Cause IQ overlap)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae Chapter
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter – Houston
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston

How UH Hazing Cases Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts, Houston Police Department, UHPD
• Medical documentation: Texas Medical Center hospitals
• Discovery targets: UH conduct records, chapter communications, national fraternity files

Texas A&M University (Popular Choice for Appleby Graduates)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Massive Greek life and Corps of Cadets culture
• Documented hazing incidents in both fraternities and Corps
• Many Appleby students attend for tradition and academics

Documented Hazing Incidents:

1. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021):

   • Pledges allegedly covered in industrial cleaner causing severe burns
   • Required skin graft surgeries
   • $1 million lawsuit filed against chapter
   • Fraternity suspended for two years

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

   • Cadet allegedly bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth
   • Simulated sexual acts and humiliation
   • Sought over $1 million in damages
   • Texas A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations

Texas A&M’s Greek Infrastructure (From Public Records):
IRS B83 records show multiple Texas-registered organizations supporting A&M Greek life:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station
• Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp (Cause IQ listing) – College Station
• Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae (Cause IQ) – College Station
• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter (Cause IQ) – College Station

Corps of Cadets Specific Considerations:

• Unique military-style hierarchy and tradition culture
• Different reporting chains through Corps leadership
• Potential for both institutional and individual liability
• Appleby parents should understand both Greek and Corps risks

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Large, transparent hazing violation reporting system
• Public log of sanctioned organizations
• Many documented hazing incidents despite transparency

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log:
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent systems. Recent entries include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; probation and hazing prevention education required
• Various spirit organizations: Forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
• Multiple fraternities and sororities: Documented violations leading to probation or suspension

UT Greek Infrastructure (From IRS Records):

• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta (EIN 475370943) – 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston (supports UT chapter)
• Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta) (Cause IQ) – Austin, TX
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp (Cause IQ) – Austin, TX

What Appleby UT Families Should Know:

1. Use the public database: Check utexas.edu/hazing for prior violations
2. Transparency helps cases: Documented patterns strengthen negligence arguments
3. Austin jurisdiction: Travis County courts, UTPD, Austin Police Department
4. Medical documentation: UT Dell Medical Center and Austin hospitals

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

For Appleby students attending private universities:

SMU Considerations:

• Private university with affluent Greek culture
• Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspension
• Different transparency standards than public universities
• Dallas County jurisdiction, SMU PD, Dallas Police

Baylor Considerations:

• Religious identity with historical oversight challenges
• Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
• Waco jurisdiction, Baylor PD, Waco Police
• Unique dynamics with religious branding and accountability

6. Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Why Patterns Matter for Appleby Cases

When your Appleby student is hazed by a fraternity at Texas A&M or UH, you’re not just dealing with college kids. You’re facing national organizations with documented histories of the exact same behaviors.

The National Organization Playbook

Why Nationals Matter Legally:

1. Deep Pockets: National headquarters often have insurance and assets
2. Prior Knowledge: Their anti-hazing policies prove they anticipated these risks
3. Control: They collect dues, provide training, and can revoke charters
4. Pattern Evidence: What happened in Ohio or Louisiana can prove foreseeability in Texas

How We Use National Histories in Appleby Cases:

• Subpoena national records showing prior incidents at other chapters
• Demonstrate foreseeability: “You knew this could happen because it happened at 10 other chapters”
• Negate “rogue chapter” defense: Show nationals failed to adequately supervise
• Support punitive damages: Prove reckless disregard for known risks

Organization-Specific Patterns Appleby Families Should Know

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• Stone Foltz death: Bowling Green, $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger death: Northern Illinois, $14M settlement
• Texas chapters: Active at Texas A&M, UT, UH, Baylor, Texas Tech
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption traditions

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• Traumatic brain injury case: University of Alabama, ongoing lawsuit
• Chemical burns case: Texas A&M, $1M lawsuit
• Assault case: UT Austin, $1M+ lawsuit
• Texas chapters: All major Texas universities
• Pattern: Physical violence, dangerous substance exposure

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Max Gruver death: LSU, $6.1M verdict, Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas chapters: Texas A&M, UT, UH, others
• Pattern: Drinking game hazing, “Bible study” traditions

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Andrew Coffey death: Florida State, chapter closure
• Leonel Bermudez case: UH, $10M lawsuit (our current case)
• Texas chapters: UH, Texas A&M, others
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption rituals

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizations

Our firm maintains what we call the “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine”—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. For Appleby families, this means:

We Already Know the Entities:
From IRS B83 public filings, we track 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations including:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) – College Station (Texas A&M)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta (EIN 475370943) – Houston (supports multiple chapters)
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785) – Missouri City
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – Frisco

We Understand the Structure:

• National headquarters: Set policies, collect dues, provide minimal oversight
• Housing corporations: Own properties, potentially have insurance
• Alumni organizations: Provide funding and influence
• Local chapters: Where hazing actually occurs

We Know How to Investigate:

• Subpoena national incident reports
• Obtain deleted digital communications via forensics
• Identify all potentially liable entities and insurance policies

7. Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Appleby Families

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Evidence (Most Important Today)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage screenshots
• Social media: Instagram Stories, Snapchat, TikTok posts showing hazing
• Location data: Find My Friends logs, Snapchat Maps history
• Deleted messages: Digital forensics can recover what they tried to hide
• Planning communications: Emails, texts organizing hazing events

2. Medical Documentation

• Emergency room records: Initial treatment documentation
• Hospital records: Inpatient care notes
• Specialist reports: Follow-up care documentation
• Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Lab results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function tests

3. Physical Evidence

• Injury photographs: Multiple angles, with scale reference
• Damaged clothing: Torn, stained, or burned items
• Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props
• Receipts: For forced purchases or alcohol

4. Witness Information

• Other pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
• Former members: Those who quit may be willing to testify
• Roommates/neighbors: Heard or saw concerning activities
• Medical personnel: ER doctors, nurses who documented injuries
• University staff: RAs, advisors who noticed problems

5. Institutional Records

• University conduct files: Prior violations, probation records
• National fraternity records: Incident reports, training materials
• Police reports: Campus or local police documentation
• Insurance policies: Coverage information for various entities

Damages Appleby Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
• Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect future work ability
• Therapy costs: Psychological treatment for trauma
• Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries during and after hazing
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life or activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma from publicized hazing

Wrongful Death Damages (If Tragedy Occurs):

• Funeral/burial expenses
• Loss of financial support your child would have provided
• Loss of love, companionship, guidance
• Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• When awarded: Defendants knew risks, ignored warnings, tried to cover up
• Texas caps: Generally limited but can be substantial in gross negligence cases

Strategic Considerations for Appleby Families

Timeline Awareness:

• Statute of limitations: Generally 2 years from injury in Texas
• Discovery rule: May extend if harm wasn’t immediately known
• Evidence preservation: Digital evidence disappears within days
• Witness availability: Students graduate and move away

Defendant Identification:

• Cast a wide net: Individuals, chapters, nationals, universities, property owners
• Insurance coverage: Multiple policies may provide coverage
• Jurisdiction shopping: Sometimes multiple courts have jurisdiction

Settlement vs Trial:

• Most cases settle: Confidential terms, faster resolution
• Trial benefits: Public accountability, potentially higher awards
• Our approach: Prepare every case for trial to maximize settlement leverage

8. Practical Guides & FAQs for Appleby Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Appleby Parents: Recognizing & Responding

Warning Signs Your Appleby Student May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Constant phone anxiety, responding to messages at all hours
• Personality changes: withdrawal, anxiety, depression
• Missing classes or grades dropping suddenly
• Large unexplained expenses (forced purchases, “fines”)
• Secretive about fraternity/sorority activities

How to Talk to Your Child:

1. Choose the right time: Private, calm, no distractions
2. Use open questions: “How are things really going with your fraternity?”
3. Listen without judgment: They may be ashamed or afraid
4. Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
5. Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you through this no matter what”

If Your Child Opens Up:

1. Get medical care immediately if there are any injuries
2. Document everything they tell you (write it down)
3. Preserve evidence before it disappears
4. Contact an attorney before talking to the university or fraternity
5. Prioritize their mental health with counseling support

For Appleby Students: Self-Protection Guide

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

• Are you being pressured or coerced?
• Would you do this if you had a real choice without consequences?
• Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would your parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are you being told to keep secrets or lie about it?

If You’re Being Hazed:

1. Your safety comes first: Leave dangerous situations immediately
2. Call 911 for medical emergencies: Texas law protects good-faith reporters
3. Document secretly if safe: Screenshot messages, photo injuries
4. Tell someone you trust: Parent, RA, counselor, professor
5. Know your rights: You can quit anytime, “consent” isn’t a legal defense

Safe Exit Strategies:

• Text/email resignation: “I resign effective immediately”
• Don’t go to “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
• If threatened, report to campus police and Dean of Students
• Seek a no-contact order if harassment continues

For Witnesses & Former Members

If You Witnessed Hazing:

• Your testimony could prevent future injuries or deaths
• You may have legal protection as a whistleblower
• Consider speaking with an attorney about your rights and risks
• Anonymous reporting options exist through campus hotlines or 1-888-NOT-HAZE

If You Participated and Regret It:

• Many former members feel guilt after realizing the harm
• Cooperating with investigations can be part of making amends
• Consult an attorney about your potential liability and options
• Your insider knowledge could save future victims

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

• What families think: “We don’t want this embarrassing stuff saved”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys crucial evidence
• Better approach: Preserve everything, let attorneys determine relevance

2. Confronting the Fraternity Directly

• What families want: To yell at those who hurt their child
• Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Better approach: Document everything, let your attorney handle communication

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What universities do: Pressure quick settlements with confidentiality clauses
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive rights for minimal compensation
• Better approach: “I need to consult with an attorney before signing anything”

4. Posting on Social Media

• What families feel: “Everyone should know what happened”
• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Better approach: Private documentation only; let your attorney control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigations

• What universities promise: “We’re handling this internally”
• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Better approach: Parallel investigation with preservation demands

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process…”
• Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
• Better approach: “Please communicate with my attorney”

Frequently Asked Questions from Appleby Families

Q: Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees individually. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific.

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

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

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury in Texas, but the discovery rule may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears fast.

Q: What if it happened off-campus at a private house?
A: 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.

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

Q: How much does it cost to hire your firm?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation for you. We advance case expenses and get reimbursed from the recovery.

Q: Do you handle cases outside Texas?
A: We’re Texas-based but can serve as co-counsel with local attorneys in other states or handle cases with Texas connections (Texas-based defendants, insurance, etc.). Call us to discuss your specific situation.

9. Why Attorney911 for Appleby Hazing Cases

Our Current Texas Hazing Litigation

Right now, we’re actively fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical—it’s current, high-stakes litigation involving:

• $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County
• Catastrophic injuries: rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, permanent kidney risk
• Multiple defendants: UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, 13 individual members
• Extreme hazing allegations: forced consumption until vomiting, waterboarding-like tactics, hog-tying, physical torture

We’re not just talking about hazing law—we’re practicing it right now in Texas courts.

Unique Qualifications for Appleby Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña):

• Former insurance defense attorney at national defense firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers fight claims
• Understands their valuation methods, delay tactics, coverage arguments
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience—one of few Texas firms involved
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities with unlimited legal budgets
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Economist collaboration for lifetime care planning
• Experience with catastrophic injuries (brain damage, permanent disability)
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:

• Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense expertise
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• “We see the whole legal picture, not just one piece.”

Investigative Depth & Resources:

• Digital forensics experts: Recover deleted messages, social media evidence
• Medical experts: Document rhabdomyolysis, PTSD, traumatic injuries
• Greek life experts: Understand organizational structures and cultures
• Economists: Value lifetime care needs and earning capacity loss
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Our proprietary database tracks Greek organizations across Texas:

From IRS B83 Public Filings (125+ Texas Organizations):

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) – College Station
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta (EIN 475370943) – Houston
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785) – Missouri City
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – Frisco

From Texas University Rosters:

• UH: Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, 50+ others
• Texas A&M: SAE, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, 60+ others
• UT Austin: Documented violations for multiple organizations
• Plus SMU, Baylor, Texas Tech, Texas State, and others

What This Means for Appleby Families:

• We already know the organizational structures behind the Greek letters
• We understand insurance coverage patterns and potential defendants
• We can move quickly while other attorneys are still researching basics
• “We don’t start from zero. We start from informed.”

Serving Appleby & East Texas Families

Local Understanding:

• We know Stephen F. Austin State University’s campus and Greek life
• We understand Nacogdoches County courts and procedures
• We’ve worked with local medical providers in East Texas
• We serve Appleby families directly from our Texas offices

Spanish Language Services:

• Hablamos Español – Mr. Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish
• Critical for serving Texas Hispanic families affected by hazing
• Cultural understanding of family dynamics and concerns

Statewide Reach:

• Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
• Serve families throughout Texas, including Appleby and East Texas
• Experience with courts in Harris, Travis, Nacogdoches, and other counties

Call to Action for Appleby Families

If your child has been hazed at any Texas campus—whether Stephen F. Austin here in Nacogdoches County, University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or anywhere in Texas—we want to help.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We Listen Without Judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
2. Case Assessment: We’ll explain your legal options based on your specific facts
3. Evidence Review: We’ll help you preserve and organize crucial evidence
4. Strategy Discussion: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or other options
5. Cost Explanation: Contingency fee basis—no recovery, no fee
6. No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Immediate Next Steps for Appleby Families:

1. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7) or (713) 528-9070
2. Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com (Spanish available)
3. Visit: https://attorney911.com for more information
4. Preserve Evidence: Don’t delete anything—screenshots, photos, messages

Why Time is Critical:

• Digital evidence disappears in days (deleted group chats, Snapchats)
• Witnesses graduate and become harder to locate
• Universities control narratives quickly through internal processes
• Statute of limitations is generally just 2 years in Texas
• Early legal intervention maximizes evidence preservation and case value

Final Message to Appleby Parents:

Your child went to college to build a future, not to suffer permanent injuries or trauma. What happened to them wasn’t “tradition” or “team building”—it was illegal hazing that has harmed students across Texas and nationwide.

You have rights. The organizations responsible have insurance and assets. The legal system provides pathways to compensation for medical care, therapy, educational losses, and the unimaginable pain your family has endured.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. We’re parents too. Our job is to handle the legal fight so you can focus on your child’s healing and recovery.

Whether you’re in Appleby, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, or anywhere in East Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call us today: 1-888-ATTY-911

We’ll listen, we’ll explain, and we’ll help you decide the best path forward for your 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 | lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services available)