The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Families in Winters, Texas

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

It’s a scenario no parent in Winters wants to imagine.

Your son or daughter leaves for college, excited to join the traditions of a Texas university. They choose an organization—a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or Corps of Cadets program—hoping to find friendship and belonging. Then the calls change. They’re exhausted, secretive, and carrying unexplained injuries. They mention “mandatory” late-night events, humiliating tasks, and fear of disappointing their new “brothers” or “sisters.” When you ask questions, they shut down: “It’s just tradition, everyone does it.”

What you’re witnessing may be hazing—a dangerous, illegal practice that continues to injure and kill Texas students despite decades of supposed reforms.

For families in Winters and across Runnels County, the reality is that your children often attend universities far from home at institutions like Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, or the University of Houston. When hazing happens hours away from Winters, you need a legal team that understands Texas law, university systems, and how to hold powerful organizations accountable from a distance.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, what has happened at major Texas universities, and how Winters families can pursue justice when institutions fail to protect their students.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses). Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Today

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Definitions

Hazing is no longer just about “boys will be boys” pranks or harmless traditions. Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization

For Winters families, the critical understanding is this: If your child is being forced, coerced, or strongly pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal to join or stay in a group—and there’s a power imbalance where refusal means social exclusion—that’s hazing. “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
The most common and deadliest form, responsible for nearly every hazing death in the last decade:

Forced or coerced drinking games (“Big/Little” nights, “lineups,” “family tree” drinking)
Mandatory consumption of unknown or mixed substances
Chugging challenges with hard liquor, often tied to “bid acceptance” ceremonies
Why it matters for Winters families: These rituals follow predictable scripts that national fraternities have known about for years, creating clear liability when chapters repeat dangerous patterns.

2. Physical Hazing
From “tradition” to trauma:

Paddling, beatings, and physical assaults
Extreme calisthenics (“smokings,” hundreds of push-ups/squats until collapse)
Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction
Exposure to extreme environments (left outside in cold, locked in hot rooms)
Recent Texas example: In the ongoing University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case, pledge Leonel Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after forced workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, followed by hospitalization with brown urine indicating severe muscle breakdown.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Degradation disguised as bonding:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
Degrading costumes, racial or sexist role-playing
Public shaming rituals
Texas A&M Corps case: A cadet alleged being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth during hazing rituals.

4. Psychological Hazing
The invisible injuries:

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Forced confessions, manipulation, gaslighting
Constant fear of expulsion from the group
Digital dimension: 24/7 group chat monitoring, instant response demands, social media policing

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The 21st-century evolution:

Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, Discord, WhatsApp
Public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
Forced creation/sharing of compromising images/videos
Geo-tracking demands via Find My Friends or Life360
Critical evidence: These digital trails often provide the strongest proof of planning, participation, and cover-up attempts.

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternity Row

Winters families should understand that hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets/ROTC/military-style programs
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common threads: social status, tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance.

Texas Hazing Law: What Winters Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Here’s what Winters parents should understand:

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Key points:

Can happen on or off campus—location doesn’t matter
Can be mental or physical harm
“Reckless” is enough—they knew the risk and did it anyway
“Consent is not a defense” (Section 37.155)—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal Penalties (Section 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
Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be:

Fined up to $10,000 per violation
Face university recognition revocation
Held criminally liable if they authorized hazing or officers knew and failed to report

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Section 37.154):
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. Many Texas universities also offer amnesty for underage drinking when seeking medical help.

How Texas Law Compares

Texas has strong hazing laws but isn’t the strongest nationally:

Louisiana (Max Gruver Act): Felony hazing with serious prison time
Ohio (Collin’s Law): Hazing becomes felony when drugs/alcohol cause physical harm
Pennsylvania (Piazza Law): Enhanced penalties and reporting requirements
Florida (Chad Meredith Law): Criminalized hazing after drowning death

For Winters families: Texas law provides solid foundation for criminal prosecution and civil suits, especially with the clear “consent is not a defense” provision.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (DA’s office)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in deaths
For Winters families: Criminal cases establish wrongdoing but don’t provide compensation for your child’s injuries.

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims/families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability
Critical advantage: Lower burden of proof than criminal cases

Important: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil suit, and civil discovery can sometimes uncover evidence that strengthens criminal cases.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Strengthens prevention education
Phased implementation through 2026
For Winters families: Means universities must maintain better records that can be used in litigation

Title IX & Clery Act:

Title IX applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Important: These federal requirements can create additional liability when universities fail to comply

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

For Winters families considering legal action, potential defendants include:

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Often have personal insurance (homeowner’s policies) that may provide coverage

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
Chapter officers acting in official capacity

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Critical defendant with deeper pockets
Liability based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
Pattern evidence: If the same national has had similar hazing at other chapters, that shows foreseeability

4. University or Governing Board:

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity but exceptions exist
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections
Liability based on prior knowledge, inadequate supervision, deliberate indifference

5. Third Parties:

Property owners/landlords of hazing locations
Bars/alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
Security companies, event organizers

For Winters families: Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial for ensuring adequate compensation, especially when dealing with students who may have limited personal assets.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadliest Pattern

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

Bid-acceptance night with forced drinking
Suffered multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Takeaway for Winters families: Delayed medical care and cover-up attempts dramatically increase liability. Chapter cameras and smartphones create evidence that can’t be denied.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died with BAC of 0.495% (over 6 times legal limit)
Multiple members convicted; one of negligent homicide
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Takeaway: “Games” with alcohol are still forced consumption. National patterns matter—Phi Delta Theta had prior alcohol hazing incidents.

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

Forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Former chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million
Takeaway: Universities and nationals both face massive liability. Individual officers can bear personal financial responsibility.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Fatal traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway for Winters families: Off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability. National organizations can face criminal convictions.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage
Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Family settled with 22 defendants
Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can still be catastrophic. Multiple defendants often share liability.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing spanning years
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs with institutional protection.

What These Cases Mean for Winters Families

These national cases establish crucial precedents:

Forced drinking patterns are foreseeable and preventable
Delayed medical care increases liability exponentially
National organizations can’t claim ignorance when patterns repeat
Universities face liability for inadequate supervision
Individual participants can face personal financial ruin

For families in Winters dealing with hazing at Texas universities, these cases provide roadmaps for holding powerful institutions accountable.

Texas Universities: What Winters Families Need to Know

Winters students often attend universities across Texas. Here’s what you should know about hazing at institutions where your children may be enrolled.

Texas A&M University – A Special Focus for Central Texas Families

For Winters families: Located just under 3 hours from Winters, Texas A&M is a common destination for Runnels County students. Its unique Corps of Cadets program and strong Greek life present specific hazing risks.

Campus Culture & Hazing Risks:

Corps of Cadets: Military-style tradition with reported discipline issues
Strong Greek presence: Approximately 60 fraternities and sororities
History: Both Corps and Greek organizations have faced serious hazing allegations

Documented Incidents & Responses:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
Suffered severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
Chapter suspended for two years
Takeaway: Physical hazing evolves beyond traditional paddling to dangerous substances

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

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
Texas A&M stated it handled matter under its rules
Takeaway: The Corps faces similar hazing issues as Greek organizations

Texas A&M Hazing Policy & Reporting:

Prohibits hazing on and off campus
Reporting through Student Conduct Office, Corps leadership for cadets
Challenge for Winters families: Distance can make monitoring university response difficult

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed:

Involves Brazos County courts and jurisdiction
Potential defendants: individuals, chapter, national, university
Special consideration: Corps cases may involve military discipline parallel to civil litigation

What Texas A&M Students & Winters Parents Should Do:

Document everything immediately—Texas A&M investigations move quickly
Report to both Student Conduct and relevant organization leadership (Corps or Greek)
Understand that university “internal resolution” may not provide adequate accountability
Consult with attorneys experienced in both Corps and Greek hazing cases

University of Texas at Austin

For Winters families: While farther from Winters, UT Austin attracts Texas students with its academic reputation and extensive Greek system.

Transparency Advantage: UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing disclosure systems at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Found to be hazing
Chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education

Texas Wranglers & Spirit Organizations:

Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Pattern: Even with transparency, violations continue

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

Australian exchange student alleged assault at fraternity party
Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations
Takeaway: Prior incidents establish pattern knowledge

What UT Austin Transparency Means for Winters Families:

Public records can support civil cases by showing prior violations
Pattern evidence strengthens negligence claims against university and organizations
Strategic advantage: Discoverable internal records beyond public log

University of Houston – The Flagship Case

The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case (2025):
Right now, we’re representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 fraternity leaders. This case demonstrates exactly what Winters families might face:

Hazing Conduct:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule with degrading contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
“Similar to waterboarding” hose spraying in face
Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats

Medical Catastrophe:
, – Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure

Passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help
Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels
Faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter Nov 6, 2025
Members voted to surrender charter Nov 14, 2025
UH called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary/criminal action

Why This Matters for Winters Families:

Shows hazing happens at major Texas universities right now
Demonstrates serious medical consequences beyond “initiation pranks”
Illustrates multiple defendant strategy (university + national + individuals)
Proves experienced hazing litigation is happening in Texas courts

Southern Methodist University

Private University Considerations:

Less transparency than public institutions
Strong Greek tradition among affluent student body
Different legal strategies may apply

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended for approximately four years
Pattern: National organization with multiple hazing incidents nationwide

SMU’s Approach:

Hazing prevention through “Greek Life” office
Anonymous reporting via systems like Real Response
Challenge for families: Less public information available

Baylor University

Context of Broader Institutional Challenges:

History of Title IX and sexual assault scandals
Religious identity influences disciplinary approach
Football program under particular scrutiny

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Pattern: Athletic team hazing often handled internally

What Winters Families Should Know About Baylor:

“Zero tolerance” policies exist but enforcement varies
Religious branding may influence internal handling
Civil suits may need to navigate both hazing and broader institutional pattern arguments

Fraternities & Sororities: National Patterns, Texas Chapters

Why National Histories Matter for Winters Families

When your child is hazed by a chapter at a Texas university, you’re often dealing with:

A local chapter following rituals established nationally
A national headquarters that has seen identical incidents at other campuses
Insurance coverage structured at the national level
Legal liability that flows upward from local actions to national knowledge

Critical Legal Concept: Foreseeability
If a national fraternity has had alcohol poisoning deaths at other chapters, they can’t claim they didn’t know forced drinking was dangerous. This establishes negligence.

Major National Organizations with Texas Chapters

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Pattern of Alcohol Deaths

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): $14 million settlement
Texas Chapters: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
For Winters families: National pattern establishes foreseeability for Texas incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple Hazing Modalities

Traumatic brain injury case (Alabama, 2023): Ongoing litigation
Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021): $1 million lawsuit
Assault case (UT Austin, 2024): Over $1 million demand
National response: Eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 after pattern of deaths
Legal significance: National knew dangers, took some action, but incidents continue

Pi Kappa Phi – Current Texas Litigation

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit
Pattern: Big/little drinking events with predictable dangers

Phi Delta Theta – Legislative Impact

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Drinking game death, Louisiana felony hazing law
National significance: Case drove state legislation

How National Patterns Support Texas Cases

For Winters families pursuing claims, national histories provide:

Prior notice evidence: Showing nationals knew or should have known about dangers
Punitive damages arguments: Demonstrating reckless disregard
Insurance coverage pressure: Nationals often have deeper insurance pockets
Settlement leverage: Nationals want to avoid another public case

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Evidence Collection: What Winters Families Must Preserve

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group chats: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages: Capture before disappearance
Discord servers, Slack workspaces, fraternity apps: Export if possible
Strategy: Digital trails show planning, participation, and cover-up attempts

Photos & Videos:

Injuries: Photograph immediately from multiple angles with scale reference
Locations: Houses, rooms, venues where hazing occurred
Events: Videos of hazing in progress (if safely obtained)
Medical documentation: ER reports, hospital records showing hazing causation

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials (obtained through discovery)

University Records:

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
Campus police incident reports
Clery Act reports and safety statistics
For Winters families: Public records requests can uncover patterns

Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports, lab results (like creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
Critical: Tell medical providers hazing caused injuries for proper documentation

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Past and future care
Lost income/earning capacity: Missed work, reduced future earnings
Educational impact: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
Example: In rhabdomyolysis cases like UH Pi Kappa Phi, future kidney treatment costs must be calculated

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral/burial costs

Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, society
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Purpose: Punish especially reckless conduct
Available when defendants show conscious disregard for safety
Example: Nationals with prior similar incidents ignoring dangers

Case Strategy: Navigating Complex Litigation

Defense Strategies We Anticipate (And Overcome):

“The Pledge Consented”: Texas law says consent is not a defense
“National Didn’t Know”: Pattern evidence from other chapters establishes foreseeability
“It Happened Off-Campus”: Location doesn’t eliminate duty or liability
“We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”: Paper policies without enforcement are insufficient
“Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”: Negligent supervision claims may still trigger coverage

Multi-Defendant Approach:

Sue individuals, chapter, national, university simultaneously
Creates settlement pressure from multiple insurance policies
For Winters families: Ensures adequate compensation even if some defendants have limited assets

Timeline & Process:

Immediate evidence preservation (first 48 hours)
Complaint filing (within statute of limitations—generally 2 years in Texas)
Discovery phase (obtaining internal documents, depositions)
Mediation/settlement negotiations (most cases resolve here)
Trial (if fair settlement not reached)

Practical Guides & FAQs for Winters Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or exercise
Chemical burns, rashes, skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-group activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “letting the chapter down”
Obsession with pleasing older members
“Just have to get through this” mentality

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes, falling asleep in class
Risk: Skipping exams for “mandatory” events
Educational: Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital/Social Behavior:

Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages/clearing history obsessively
All-hours calls/texts demanding immediate response
Social media posts showing concerning activities
Geo-tracking apps demanded by organization

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets?”

For Students: Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Is this “tradition” really about initiation or just fun for older members?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

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

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms

What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements often below case value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer

What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”

What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, extract damaging statements
What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

6. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer

What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Winters Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

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

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
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.

About The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Winters Hazing Case

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

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Winters and surrounding Runnels County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Winters who may be hours from the incident location. Distance doesn’t prevent accountability.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña):
Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
For Winters families: This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating against experienced defense teams.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar corporations. This experience translates directly to hazing cases because:

We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
We understand how institutions cover up knowledge of dangers
We know how to trace failures to training, policy, and institutional knowledge
For Winters families: We’ve faced the toughest defendants and won.

Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Wrongful death settlements in complex cases
Catastrophic injury experience with lifetime care planning
Economist collaboration for accurate damage valuation
For Winters families: We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides:

Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Relationships with criminal defense bar when cases have both components

Investigative Depth:

Digital forensics expertise: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence
Expert network: Medical specialists, psychologists, economists, Greek life experts
Record access: Experience obtaining hidden university and national fraternity files
For Winters families: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

The Attorney911 Approach to Hazing Cases

We Start by Listening:
Your first consultation is about understanding what happened, not selling services. We’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Answer all your questions about process and expectations

We Fight for Full Accountability:
Our goal isn’t just a quick settlement—it’s:

Compensation for all damages (medical, psychological, economic)
Accountability for everyone responsible (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities)
Prevention through institutional change
Privacy for your family throughout the process

We Handle the Complexity So You Can Focus on Healing:
Hazing litigation involves:

Multiple defendants with different lawyers and insurers
Complex insurance coverage disputes
University disciplinary processes parallel to litigation
Criminal investigations that may overlap
Our role: Manage all legal complexity so you can focus on your family’s recovery.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Free, Confidential Consultation:

We listen to what happened
We review evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
We explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We discuss realistic timelines and expectations
We answer all your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us immediately

If You Decide to Proceed:

Immediate evidence preservation (digital forensics, witness interviews)
Comprehensive investigation (university records, national fraternity files)
Strategic planning (which defendants to sue, which claims to pursue)
Regular updates (you’ll never wonder what’s happening with your case)
Settlement or trial (we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which maximizes settlement value)

Call to Action for Winters Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—including Texas A&M, UT Austin, University of Houston, Texas Tech, or any other institution—we want to hear from you.

Families in Winters and throughout Runnels County have the right to answers and accountability. You don’t have to navigate this alone against powerful universities and national organizations.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish services: Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com (Hablamos Español)

Time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases. Messages are deleted, witnesses are coached, and universities move to control narratives. The sooner you contact us, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.

You are not alone. We’ve helped Texas families through these exact situations. We understand the fear, anger, and confusion you’re feeling. Let us put our experience to work 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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:
https://attorney911.com

Wrongful Death Practice Area:
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal Defense Practice Area:
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Ralph Manginello Attorney Profile:
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Lupe Peña Attorney Profile:
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:
Using Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations Explained: 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