The Complete Guide to Hazing Accountability for Overton, Texas Families: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice

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

Imagine this scenario, one that feels all too real for families right here in Overton and across Rusk County: Your child, excited about their first semester at a Texas university, joins what seems like a prestigious fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or athletic team. The initial weeks are filled with camaraderie and promise. Then, the texts start coming at all hours. They’re exhausted, missing classes, and making vague excuses about “mandatory events.” You notice unexplained bruises or a radical shift in their personality—anxiety, withdrawal, fear. When you finally get them to open up, you hear stories of forced drinking, extreme physical exertion, humiliation, and threats. Your child has been hazed, and now they’re injured, traumatized, and afraid.

If this nightmare is your reality, you need to know three things immediately: You are not alone. What happened is illegal. And your family has legal rights to accountability and compensation. Right now, in Houston, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas—the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu chapter) lawsuit—a $10 million case that shows exactly how devastating and systematic hazing can be at Texas institutions.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Overton, Gladewater, Kilgore, and across East Texas who need to understand the realities of modern hazing, Texas law, and what legal options exist when universities and Greek organizations fail to protect students. Whether your child attends Stephen F. Austin State University in nearby Nacogdoches, has ventured to Texas A&M in College Station, the University of Texas at Austin, or any other Texas campus, the patterns of abuse, institutional cover-ups, and legal pathways we detail here apply directly to your situation.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN OVERTON:

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 for Overton Students

Many Overton parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals,” but today’s hazing is more systematic, dangerous, and digitally coordinated than ever before. For students from our community attending Texas universities, understanding what constitutes hazing—and what doesn’t—is the first step toward protection.

Clear, 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. Crucially, under Texas law, “I agreed to it” does not make it legal or acceptable when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance at play.

The active case we’re handling at the University of Houston demonstrates this power imbalance perfectly. Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, was subjected to systematic abuse as a Pi Kappa Phi pledge in Fall 2025. According to the lawsuit and media reports, Bermudez was forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items. He endured extreme physical hazing—sprints, bear crawls, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, and a November 3 workout of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. The result? He developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. This wasn’t “horseplay” or “tradition”—it was criminal abuse that nearly killed him.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. For Overton students at universities across Texas, this includes:

Forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, or “family tree” games
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” or drinking games that require rapid consumption
Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
Pattern evidence: The same forced drinking that killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State (Pi Kappa Alpha), Max Gruver at LSU (Phi Delta Theta), and Andrew Coffey at Florida State (Pi Kappa Phi) happens at Texas campuses

Physical Hazing
Beyond the stereotypical paddling, modern physical hazing includes:

Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning (“100+ push-ups, 500 squats” like in the UH case)
Sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night meetings or tasks
Food/water deprivation or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments
Texas-specific issue: The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets has faced multiple hazing allegations involving physical abuse and dangerous “traditions”

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This category causes deep psychological trauma:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, or humiliating positions
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
Public shaming on social media or in group settings
UH Case Example: The “pledge fanny pack” with condoms and sex toys was specifically designed to humiliate

Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, and isolation
Manipulation or forced confessions
Cutting off contact with family and non-member friends
Creating constant anxiety about “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”

Digital/Online Hazing
For the smartphone generation, hazing has gone digital:

Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
24/7 availability demands with instant response expectations
Geo-tracking through apps like Find My Friends or Life360
Critical evidence source: These digital trails often provide the strongest proof of hazing

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most media attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities – Across all councils: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC (Divine Nine), multicultural
Corps of Cadets / ROTC – Particularly at Texas A&M with its military tradition
Athletic Teams – Football, basketball, baseball, cheer, and other sports
Spirit Squads & Tradition Clubs – Groups like Texas Cowboys at UT
Marching Bands & Performance Groups – Nationally, bands have faced serious hazing allegations
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

For Overton families, the key understanding is this: Any group that uses initiation, tradition, or “earning your place” as justification for dangerous or humiliating behavior may be engaging in hazing. The common threads are power imbalance, secrecy, and exploitation of the desire to belong.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Overton Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that govern cases involving students from Overton and throughout the state. Understanding this legal framework is essential for families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing)

§ 37.151 Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Points for Overton Families:

Location doesn’t matter – hazing can happen on or off campus
Harm can be mental or physical
“Reckless” is enough – they don’t need to have intended harm, just been reckless about the risk
“Consent is not a defense” – Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

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

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense
This provision is crucial: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This directly counters the common defense of “they wanted to do it.”

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (DA or prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Important: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and institutional accountability
Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
For Overton families: Civil cases can provide compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost educational opportunities, and pain/suffering

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
Maintains public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)
Applies to all Texas public universities and most private ones

Title IX & Clery Act

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations apply
Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
For Overton students: These federal laws provide additional avenues for accountability when schools fail to respond appropriately

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, 13 individual fraternity leaders/members are named as defendants

Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity)
Chapter officers and “pledge educators”

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters is a defendant in the UH case
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

University or Governing Board

The school or regents may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories
University of Houston and the UH System Board of Regents are defendants
Key questions: Prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories)
Security companies or event organizers

For Overton families: Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties to maximize accountability and available compensation.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Overton Families

The tragedies that have made national headlines aren’t isolated incidents—they’re patterns that repeat across campuses, including Texas universities where Overton students enroll. Understanding these patterns helps families recognize the seriousness of what their children may be facing.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking
Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help
Dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members
Takeaway for Texas families: The delay in calling 911 and culture of silence is legally devastating and tragically common

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing

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

Pledge forced to consume nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Takeaway for Overton families: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

Big/little event; pledge given handle of liquor; drank to dangerous levels; died
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Takeaway: The same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) involved in the UH case has a fatal hazing history

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national orgs face serious sanctions

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired; settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway: Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life; big-money athletic programs harbor systemic abuse

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

18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Family settled with 22 defendants; reportedly multi-million-dollar settlements
Takeaway: Non-fatal hazing can cause lifelong catastrophic injuries requiring lifetime care

What These Cases Mean for Overton Families

Common Threads: Forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups
Accountability Follows Tragedy: Multi-million-dollar settlements and reforms often come only after litigation
Pattern Evidence Matters: When Texas chapters repeat scripts that caused deaths elsewhere, it shows foreseeability
You’re Not Alone: Texas families facing hazing operate in a landscape shaped by these national lessons

Texas Focus: Universities Where Overton Students Attend

Overton families send students to universities across Texas. While some attend nearby Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches or the University of Texas at Tyler, many venture to larger universities with active Greek life and tradition-heavy programs. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at major Texas institutions.

University of Houston: The Active Litigation Example

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UH is a large urban campus with active Greek life spanning multiple councils. With over 40 fraternity and sorority chapters, the potential for hazing exists across the Greek system. The current Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates how quickly hazing can escalate from “tradition” to life-threatening abuse.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting
UH prohibits hazing on or off campus and provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students and campus police. However, as the Bermudez case shows, policies alone don’t prevent abuse when enforcement is lacking.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Detailed Look
This active litigation represents exactly what Overton families need to understand about modern hazing:

Timeline of Abuse:

Sept 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
Sept–Oct: Forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring, fanny-pack humiliation rule
Oct 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
Nov 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Nov 6: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
Nov 6–9: Bermudez’s condition deteriorates; he passes brown urine; hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

Medical Catastrophe:

Diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure requiring hospitalization
Critically high creatine kinase (CK) levels
Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
UH labels conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion
Defendants include: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders

What UH Students & Overton Parents Should Do:

Report to UH Dean of Students Office immediately
Document everything before evidence disappears
Understand that UH’s response in the Pi Kappa Phi case sets precedent for how they might handle your case
Consult an attorney who understands UH’s internal processes and prior incident history

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets culture and strong Greek life create multiple environments where hazing can occur. The university’s tradition-heavy atmosphere sometimes enables abusive behaviors disguised as “building character.”

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth; sought over $1 million.
Texas A&M University-Commerce: As a campus where some East Texas students attend, it’s included in our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking.

What A&M Students & Overton Parents Should Do:

Recognize that both Greek life and Corps traditions can involve hazing
Report to Student Conduct Office and Corps leadership if applicable
Document any injuries immediately—chemical burns and physical trauma require photographic evidence
Understand that A&M’s institutional pride can sometimes complicate transparent investigations

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Ongoing Issues

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin boasts one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems among Texas universities, maintaining a public hazing violations page. However, repeated violations show ongoing issues.

Documented Incidents from UT’s Public Log:

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.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million.
“Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022): Disciplined for hazing violations including alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and degrading new members.

What UT Students & Overton Parents Should Do:

Check UT’s public hazing violations page to see if your child’s organization has prior incidents
Report through Dean of Students’ hazing reporting portal
Use UT’s relative transparency to your advantage in building a case
Document everything—prior violations on UT’s log can strongly support civil suits by showing patterns

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

SMU Snapshot: Private university with strong Greek presence. Past incidents include Kappa Alpha Order (2017) where new members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep.

Baylor Snapshot: Religious identity with Greek life and athletic programs. Baseball hazing incident (2020) resulted in 14 players suspended.

For Overton Families at Private Universities:

Understand that private schools have different reporting obligations and transparency standards
Don’t assume religious affiliation prevents hazing
Legal strategies may differ for private vs. public institutions

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Public Records Every Overton Family Should Know

Our firm maintains a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations—a tool we use to investigate hazing cases and hold all responsible parties accountable. For Overton families, understanding this ecosystem is crucial.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving East Texas Families

Based on IRS B83 filings, Cause IQ metro data, and university records, here’s a snapshot of the Greek landscape affecting Overton students:

Stephen F. Austin State University (Nearby Campus for Overton Students)

Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation – Nacogdoches, TX (EIN: 300517788)
Chi Omega Fraternity – Nacogdoches, TX (EIN: 756041410)
Epsilon Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity – Nacogdoches, TX (EIN: 756053083)
Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter – Nacogdoches, TX (EIN: 452729519)

University of Texas at Tyler (Regional Option)

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Tyler, TX (EIN: 352335400)

Texas A&M University (Common Destination)

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – College Station, TX (EIN: 133048786)
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp. – College Station, TX
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter – College Station, TX
: Over 42 Greek organizations in the College Station–Bryan metro area

University of Houston (Major Urban Campus)

Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – Houston, TX (EIN: 746084905)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Houston, TX (EIN: 475370943)
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX
: 188 Greek-related organizations in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro

Statewide Snapshot:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
125+ Texas-registered entities in IRS B83 filings
Organizations include: undergraduate chapters, alumni chapters, housing corporations, honor societies, educational foundations

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case

When your child is hazed, multiple organizations may share liability:

Undergraduate Chapter – The local group carrying out hazing
Housing Corporation – Owns the property where hazing occurred
Alumni Chapter/Association – May fund or oversee activities
National Headquarters – Sets policies and collects dues
Educational Foundation – May hold assets for legal judgments

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine helps us identify every entity behind the Greek letters. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, this means pursuing not just the undergraduate members but also:

Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation (EIN: 462267515, Frisco, TX)
Individual alumni and advisors who may have enabled or ignored abuse

National Fraternity Histories: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, 2021 – alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, 2012 – alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, Texas State

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

Traumatic Brain Injury Case: University of Alabama, 2023 – lawsuit alleging TBI during hazing
Chemical Burns Case: Texas A&M, 2021 – $1M lawsuit, chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Assault Case: UT Austin, 2024 – exchange student with multiple fractures, >$1M lawsuit

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

Andrew Coffey: Florida State, 2017 – alcohol poisoning death
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, 2025 – rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, $10M lawsuit
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking events repeatedly cause deaths and severe injuries

Why National Histories Matter for Overton Cases:
When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that caused deaths elsewhere, it shows:

Foreseeability: Nationals knew the risks but didn’t prevent them
Pattern Evidence: This wasn’t an isolated “rogue” incident
Negligent Supervision: Nationals failed to enforce their own policies
Punitive Damage Potential: Repeated warnings ignored

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Overton Families

When hazing injures your child, building a strong case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding what damages your family can recover.

Critical Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (MOST IMPORTANT)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps and sender names visible
Social Media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
Fraternity-specific apps: Many chapters use custom apps for communication
Recovery Tip: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages—don’t assume they’re gone forever

Photos & Videos

Injuries: Photograph immediately and daily to show progression
Locations: Where hazing occurred (houses, parks, retreat centers)
Events: Videos of hazing in progress (if safely obtained)
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, costumes used in hazing

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
Incident reports to campus police or student conduct
Clery Act reports and safety statistics
For Overton families: Public records requests can obtain these documents

Medical & Psychological Records

ER/hospital records (crucial for proving severity)
Surgery and rehabilitation notes
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
UH Case Example: Bermudez’s medical records showing critically high CK levels proved rhabdomyolysis

Witness Testimony

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate later)
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Emergency responders and medical personnel

Damages: What Overton Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including:
- Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery
- Physical therapy, medications, medical equipment
- Future care costs for permanent injuries (brain damage, organ damage)
Lost Income & Earning Capacity:
- Parents’ lost wages if they took time off to care for injured child
- Student’s lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
- Diminished future earning capacity if injuries cause permanent disability
Other Economic Losses:
- Property damage
- Relocation costs (transferring to different school)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harms)

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and recovery
Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm:
- PTSD, depression, anxiety
- Humiliation, shame, loss of dignity
- Fear, nightmares, flashbacks
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can no longer participate in activities they loved
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and difficulty transferring or finding jobs

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and society
Grief and emotional suffering of family members
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Available)
vPurpose: Punish especially reckless, willful, or malicious conduct; deter future hazing
vWhen awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts, callous indifference to known risks
vTexas note: Statutory caps exist but may not apply to intentional conduct cases

The Role of Insurance in Hazing Cases

Common Insurance Defense Tactics:

Claiming hazing is “intentional conduct” excluded from coverage
Arguing policies don’t cover certain defendants
Delaying to pressure families into low settlements

How We Counter These Tactics:

Identify all potential policies:
- National fraternity/sorority insurance
- University liability coverage
- Chapter or housing corporation policies
- Homeowners’ policies of individual members
Argue negligent supervision: Even if hazing was intentional, the organization’s failure to supervise was negligent
Pursue bad faith claims: If insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Our Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies value claims, use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurers.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Overton Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM)
Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or forced exercise
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-member activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
Talking about “just having to get through this”

Academic Red Flags:

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

Digital/Social Behavior:

Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes or pings
Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
Social media posts showing humiliating or concerning activities

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 or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

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, no fear of being “cut”)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents 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/earning membership, or is it 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.

How to Exit Safely:

If in immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
To quit/de-pledge: Tell someone outside the org first, then send written resignation
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate
If fearing retaliation: Report that fear to Dean of Students and campus police
Texas law: Harassment and stalking are crimes; protective orders are available

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps and participant names
Recordings: Texas is a one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos/Videos: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in the record
Witness information: Names and contact info for others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; destroys strongest evidence
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

MISTAKE #6: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #7: Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you”

Short FAQ for Overton 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. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us 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, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—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 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.

“How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford representation against wealthy fraternities and universities.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Our Unique Qualifications for Overton Families

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Texas offices, we serve families throughout the state, including Overton and all of East Texas.

Our Competitive Advantages in Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background)

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

One of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs for brain injury and permanent disability
Collaboration with economists, life care planners, vocational specialists
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Navigates simultaneous criminal and civil proceedings

Investigative Depth & Expert Network

Digital forensics for recovering deleted messages
Medical experts for rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD, kidney injury
Greek life culture and institutional policy experts
Economists for lifetime earning loss calculations
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Proprietary database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 records, university reports, Cause IQ metro data integrated
Identifies all potentially liable entities quickly
Used in active litigation like the UH Pi Kappa Phi case

The Active UH Pi Kappa Phi Case: Proof of Our Capability

Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi litigation—a $10 million lawsuit that demonstrates exactly how we handle serious hazing cases:

What We’re Fighting For:

Accountability: Against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individuals
Compensation: For Bermudez’s medical bills, ongoing care, pain/suffering, educational disruption
Prevention: To force institutional changes that protect future students
Transparency: To expose how systemic hazing persists despite “zero tolerance” policies

How This Case Helps Overton Families:

Creates legal precedents that strengthen future Texas hazing cases
Demonstrates our willingness to take on powerful institutions
Shows our investigative depth in uncovering systematic abuse
Proves our commitment to cases that require long-term, complex litigation

Our Empathetic Approach to Hazing Cases

We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal strategy—they’re deeply personal tragedies. Our approach balances:

Thorough Investigation + Compassionate Support
Legal Aggressiveness + Client Privacy Protection
Institutional Accountability + Individual Healing
Financial Recovery + Prevention of Future Harm

For Overton families, this means working with attorneys who:

Listen without judgment to your family’s story
Explain legal options in plain English, not legalese
Protect your child’s privacy throughout the process
Keep you informed at every stage (we commit to updates every 2-3 weeks)
Fight for accountability beyond just monetary settlements

Call to Action: Confidential Consultation for Overton Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, or any other institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Overton, Gladewater, Kilgore, Longview, and throughout East Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information

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

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Take Action Now: Why Timing Matters

Evidence Disappears Fast:

Group chats get deleted within days
Witnesses graduate or get “coached” on what to say
Universities begin internal processes that may compromise evidence
Physical evidence (paddles, clothing) gets destroyed

Statutes of Limitations Are Ticking:

Generally 2 years from injury in Texas
But consult us immediately—exceptions may apply
Early action preserves all legal options

Your Child’s Recovery Matters:

Early legal intervention can reduce retaliation fears
Compensation can fund necessary medical and psychological care
Accountability can be part of the healing process

Final Message to Overton Families

Whether your child attends college nearby in Nacogdoches or hours away in Austin, College Station, or Houston, hazing creates trauma that echoes through families and communities. The case we’re fighting right now at the University of Houston proves that even in 2025, with all the awareness and policies, students are still being seriously injured and nearly killed in the name of “tradition.”

You don’t have to navigate this alone. You don’t have to accept university statements about “internal investigations.” You don’t have to worry about how to pay for medical care or therapy. And you certainly don’t have to let powerful institutions minimize what happened to your child.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and secure the resources your family needs to heal. We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason—when hazing creates a crisis, we provide immediate, aggressive, professional help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Ralph Manginello background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña background: 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