The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Abuse in Texas: A Crucial Guide for Colleyville, Texas Families

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

It starts with a text message at 2 a.m. Your child, a freshman at Texas A&M or TCU, sends a vague message about a “mandatory new member event” that runs all night. The next day, they’re exhausted, bruised, and defensive when you ask what happened. Or perhaps the call comes from a hospital in Denton or Fort Worth—your University of North Texas student has been admitted with alcohol poisoning after a fraternity “bid acceptance” party. For parents in Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake, and across Tarrant County, this nightmare scenario is unfolding right now at universities throughout Texas.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), a Texas personal injury and complex litigation firm with deep expertise in hazing cases. Right now, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history: the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This case demonstrates exactly what hidden abuse looks like in modern Greek life and why experienced legal representation matters.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Colleyville, Tarrant County, and across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex who need to understand:

What hazing really looks like in 2025—far beyond the stereotypes
How Texas law and federal statutes protect (or fail to protect) your child
The documented patterns of abuse at universities where Colleyville families send their children: TCU, UT Arlington, UNT, SMU, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and others
Why national fraternity histories matter when local chapters repeat dangerous traditions
What legal options exist for holding individuals and institutions accountable
How to preserve evidence and navigate the complex aftermath of hazing

Whether your child attends school just minutes from home at TCU in Fort Worth or hours away at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help you seek answers and accountability.

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 for Texas Students

Hazing is no longer just about “harmless pranks” or “tough initiation.” In 2025, it involves sophisticated digital coercion, psychological manipulation, and physical abuse that can cause permanent injury or death. For Colleyville families with children at Texas universities, understanding these modern tactics is crucial for recognition and prevention.

A 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. Critically, “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadly form. At TCU, UT Arlington, and Texas A&M, we’ve seen:

Forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, or “family tree” events
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” and drinking games that require rapid consumption
Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
The Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes:

Extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts” or “conditioning”—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats Bermudez endured under threat of expulsion
Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or mandatory early-morning events
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Exposure to extreme environments (cold weather in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass)
Chemical exposures, like the Texas A&M SAE case where pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner

Psychological and Digital Hazing
The 24/7 nature of smartphones has created new dangers:

Group chat monitoring with demands for immediate responses at all hours
Social media humiliation through forced TikTok challenges or Instagram story dares
Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Public shaming in group messages or “roasting” sessions
The “pledge fanny pack” rule in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case required constant carrying of humiliating items

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. At Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, a lawsuit alleged cadets were bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in their mouth.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Hazing extends far beyond traditional fraternities. Colleyville families should be aware that their children might face hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M and other military-style groups
Spirit squads and tradition groups
Athletic teams at all levels
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

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

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

Understanding the legal landscape is essential for families navigating a hazing incident. Texas has specific statutes, but real-world application depends on evidence, jurisdiction, and skilled legal representation.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Anti-Hazing Statute

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, 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 provisions for Colleyville families:

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

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

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face:

Criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing
Fines up to $10,000 per violation
University revocation of recognition

Consent is Not a Defense (Section 37.155):
Texas law explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” does not excuse hazing. This is crucial because organizations often argue “they wanted to participate.”

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154):
Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. Many Texas universities extend this to alcohol-related emergencies—encouraging students to call 911 without fear of minor-in-possession charges.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Harris County prosecutors could file charges against the 13 named individuals

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Example: The Bermudez family’s $10 million lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages

These cases can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil justice. In fact, many hazing cases settle civilly even when criminal charges aren’t filed.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, and Clery Act

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
Texas universities must comply, meaning more public data will be available to Colleyville families researching organizations.

Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, 13 individuals are named, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and risk manager.

Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity/sorority itself if it’s a legal entity. Many chapters incorporate as housing corporations or alumni associations.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:
Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization is named in the Bermudez lawsuit because they:

Set policies and receive dues
Supervise chapters through advisors
Had knowledge of prior incidents or patterns
Our investigation into national organizations shows repeated dangerous traditions across chapters.

Universities and Governing Boards:
The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the Bermudez case based on allegations they:

Owned/controlled the chapter house
Knew or should have known about hazing
Failed to take adequate preventive measures

Third Parties:
Landlords of off-campus houses, bars that overserved alcohol, security companies that failed to intervene.

Every case is fact-specific. During our free consultations, we analyze which parties have potential liability based on your child’s specific situation.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Colleyville Families

Major national cases have shaped the legal landscape and provide powerful precedents for Texas families. These aren’t abstract news stories—they’re roadmaps for accountability.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Multiple Texas Connections

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

What happened: 20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning
Legal outcome: Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other Texas schools. The national pattern of “Big/Little” drinking nights creates foreseeability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

What happened: Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Legal outcome: Multiple criminal charges; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Texas relevance: Phi Delta Theta operates at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other campuses. Drinking games with academic pretexts are common.

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

What happened: Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Legal outcome: Criminal charges; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Phi is the same fraternity in the current UH lawsuit. National patterns matter.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Extreme Danger

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

What happened: Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual; died from traumatic brain injury
Legal outcome: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Texas relevance: Shows national organizations can face criminal liability, not just civil

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

What happened: Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Legal outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination suit
Texas relevance: Major athletic programs at Texas universities face similar risks. Hazing isn’t limited to Greek organizations.

What These Cases Mean for Colleyville Families

These national cases establish crucial precedents:

Pattern evidence matters: When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused injury elsewhere, that shows foreseeability
National organizations face liability: Headquarters can’t claim “rogue chapter” when patterns exist
Universities can be held accountable: Schools that ignore warnings or fail to enforce policies face consequences
Civil suits drive change: Multi-million dollar settlements force institutional reform

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH follows these same patterns: forced consumption, extreme physical abuse, delayed medical care, and institutional knowledge of risks.

Texas University Focus: Where Colleyville Families Send Their Children

Colleyville families have educational options close to home and throughout Texas. Understanding the hazing landscape at each campus is essential for prevention and response.

Texas Christian University (TCU) – Fort Worth, Tarrant County

For Colleyville Families: Just 20 minutes from home, TCU is a frequent choice for local students. Its Greek life culture requires particular attention.

Campus Culture & Greek Life:
TCU hosts active fraternity and sorority communities with traditional Southern Greek culture. Approximately 40% of undergraduates participate in Greek life through:

Panhellenic Council sororities
Interfraternity Council fraternities
National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) organizations
Multicultural Greek Council

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Kappa Sigma (2018): Member arrested for alleged hazing of pledges
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Multiple disciplinary actions over years for alcohol violations and hazing concerns
TCU maintains relative privacy in disciplinary records compared to public universities

How a TCU Hazing Case Might Proceed:

Jurisdiction: Tarrant County courts and TCU’s private disciplinary system
Local counsel advantage: We understand Fort Worth courts and TCU’s administration
Evidence collection: Group chats, social media, and witness statements are crucial

What TCU Students & Colleyville Parents Should Do:

Report to TCU’s Office of Student Conduct immediately
Document all communications with TCU administrators
Preserve digital evidence before TCU’s investigation begins
Consult with counsel experienced in private university cases

University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) – Tarrant County

For Colleyville Families: UTA’s commuter campus hosts growing Greek life despite its non-traditional student body.

Greek Life Landscape:
UTA’s Greek community includes IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, and multicultural organizations serving diverse student populations.

Hazing Concerns:
As Greek life expands, traditional hazing risks increase. UTA’s Office of Student Conduct handles allegations, but public records are limited compared to UT Austin’s transparency.

University of North Texas (UNT) – Denton, Denton County

For Colleyville Families: Many Colleyville students choose UNT for its strong programs and proximity.

Documented Issues:

Sigma Chi (2020): Pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning from hazing
Ongoing concerns about alcohol-related incidents in Greek community
UNT’s size (44,000+ students) creates challenges for oversight

Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Dallas, Dallas County

For Colleyville Families: SMU’s prestige and proximity attract Colleyville students despite higher costs.

Greek Life Profile:
Approximately 35% of undergraduates participate in Greek life. SMU’s affluent student body and traditional Greek culture create particular dynamics.

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Chapter suspended after reports of paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Multiple organizations: Periodic disciplinary actions for alcohol violations and hazing concerns
SMU’s private status limits public transparency

SMU-Specific Considerations:

Civil cases may involve Dallas County courts
Private university insurance and defense strategies differ from public institutions
Social and family connections within Dallas-Fort Worth Greek communities can complicate reporting

Texas A&M University – College Station, Brazos County

For Colleyville Families: Many Colleyville students pursue Texas A&M’s renowned programs and traditions.

Dual Risk Environments:
Texas A&M presents unique risks through both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.

Documented Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Multiple fraternities face periodic suspensions for alcohol violations and hazing concerns

Corps of Cadets Hazing:

2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Tradition-heavy environment creates particular risks
Special military-style disciplinary systems complicate reporting

Texas A&M’s Response Systems:

Student Conduct Office handles Greek life cases
Corps of Cadets has separate disciplinary procedures
Public university status provides some transparency through public records requests

University of Texas at Austin – Travis County

For Colleyville Families: UT Austin attracts top Colleyville students despite the distance.

National Leadership in Transparency:
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions—a model other Texas schools should follow.

Documented Violations (Recent Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple fraternities and sororities listed for alcohol violations, physical abuse, and psychological hazing

How UT Austin Cases Differ:

Travis County courts may hear cases
Public records availability aids investigations
Prior violations on UT’s public log strengthen pattern evidence in lawsuits

Baylor University – Waco, McLennan County

For Colleyville Families: Baylor’s religious identity attracts some Colleyville families despite past scandals.

Post-Scandal Environment:
Following Baylor’s sexual assault scandal, the university faces heightened scrutiny of all misconduct, including hazing.

Documented Incidents:

Baylor Baseball (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Ongoing concerns about alcohol abuse in Greek community despite Baptist affiliation

Baylor-Specific Considerations:

Religious branding affects internal handling of misconduct
Past scandals create both vulnerability and defensive posturing
McLennan County courts may hear cases

University of Houston – Harris County

For Colleyville Families: UH attracts Colleyville students for specific programs and Houston opportunities.

Current Crisis: The Bermudez Case
The ongoing $10 million lawsuit provides a case study in modern hazing:

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:

September 2025: Accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
September-October: Forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties, mandatory “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating contents
October 13: Witnesses another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
November 3: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
November 6-9: Develops rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure; hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels

Hazing Methods Documented:

Physical abuse: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills, cold-weather exposure
Psychological abuse: humiliation, threats, constant monitoring
“Waterboarding” simulation: sprayed in face with hose
Forced consumption leading to vomiting

Institutional Response:

November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends chapter
November 14: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
UH calls conduct “deeply disturbing” and promises cooperation with law enforcement

Why This Case Matters for Colleyville Families:

Shows hazing happens at major Texas universities
Demonstrates severe medical consequences (kidney damage can be permanent)
Illustrates institutional responses (chapter closure doesn’t eliminate liability)
Provides current example of active Texas litigation

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories & Texas Connections

National organizations’ histories matter because they show patterns, foreseeability, and institutional knowledge. When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused injury elsewhere, that strengthens negligence claims.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Lawsuits

Texas courts consider whether defendants knew or should have known about risks. National fraternities with histories of hazing deaths cannot credibly claim “we had no idea” when local chapters repeat the same behaviors.

Organization-Specific Patterns Relevant to Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Multiple Texas Chapters

National history: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012)
Texas connections: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UH, others
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption
Legal significance: National organization paid $7M in Foltz settlement, showing resources and liability

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Widespread Texas Presence

National history: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated pledge program in 2014 due to pattern
Texas incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M, assault case at UT Austin
Pattern: Physical abuse, alcohol hazing, chemical exposures
Legal significance: National has paid multiple settlements, showing recurring issues

Pi Kappa Phi – Currently in UH Lawsuit

National history: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017)
Current Texas case: Bermudez lawsuit alleging extreme physical and psychological abuse
Pattern: Forced consumption, physical exhaustion, humiliation
Legal significance: Active litigation shows ongoing problems

Phi Delta Theta – Texas Chapters

National history: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) leading to Louisiana felony hazing law
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “study” sessions
Legal significance: Legislative response shows severity

Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Presence

National history: Multiple suspensions including SMU chapter (2017)
Pattern: Paddling, forced drinking, Southern tradition emphasis
Legal significance: Private school chapters still face serious consequences

How We Use National Patterns in Texas Cases

In the Bermudez lawsuit and other cases, we demonstrate:

Foreseeability: The national knew these activities caused harm elsewhere
Inadequate prevention: Policies existed but weren’t effectively enforced
Pattern evidence: Same behaviors recur across chapters
Punitive damages potential: Repeated ignoring of known risks may warrant punishment

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

Successful hazing litigation requires sophisticated evidence collection, damages calculation, and strategic decision-making. Here’s what Colleyville families should understand about the process.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok direct messages
Recovered data: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
Example: In the UH case, group chats likely showed planning and coordination

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
Security camera footage from houses and venues
Injury documentation over time
Preservation tip: Screenshot immediately before deletion

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Emails between officers about activities
National policies and training materials
Our approach: We subpoena these during discovery

University Records:

Prior conduct files on the same organization
Incident reports to campus police
Clery Act reports and other disclosures
Public records: We use Texas Public Information Act requests

Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Long-term tracking: We document ongoing treatment needs

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges, members, roommates
Former members who quit or were expelled
Medical professionals, bystanders
Early interviews: We speak with witnesses before memories fade or coaching occurs

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: ER care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
Future medical needs: Therapy, medications, potential surgeries
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect career prospects

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma and privacy invasion

Wrongful Death Damages (for Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

To punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants showed conscious indifference to known risks
Example: When organizations ignore prior warnings about dangerous traditions

Insurance Coverage & Defendant Strategies

Common Defense Tactics We Anticipate:

“Consent” defense: Claiming the victim agreed to participate
“Rogue chapter” defense: Nationals claiming they didn’t know
Insurance exclusions: Insurers arguing hazing is intentional and excluded
Sovereign immunity: Public universities claiming governmental protection
Statute of limitations: Arguing the case was filed too late

How We Counter These Defenses:

Mr. Lupe Peña’s insurance insider knowledge: As a former insurance defense attorney, he knows how insurers fight claims
Pattern evidence: Showing nationals knew about risks from prior incidents
Texas law: Consent is not a defense to hazing under Education Code §37.155
Exceptions to immunity: Gross negligence, Title IX violations, individual capacity suits
Discovery rule: Statutes may be tolled if harm wasn’t immediately known

Practical Guides & FAQs for Colleyville Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Response Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:
addressing physical, behavioral, academic, financial, and digital red flags specific to university life near Colleyville.

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:
Open-ended questions and non-judgmental approaches that encourage disclosure.

If Your Child Is Injured:
Immediate medical care, evidence preservation, and legal consultation steps.

Dealing with the University:
Documentation strategies and questions to ask about prior incidents.

When to Consult an Attorney:
Specific thresholds indicating the need for legal representation.

For Students: Safety & Reporting Guidance

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?
A decision framework for identifying coercive behaviors.

Exiting Safely:
Strategies for leaving dangerous situations while minimizing retaliation risks.

Reporting Options:
University channels, law enforcement, and anonymous hotlines available to Texas students.

Good-Faith Protections:
Texas laws protecting those who report emergencies or seek help.

For Witnesses & Former Members

Cooperation Considerations:
Balancing legal exposure with ethical responsibility to prevent future harm.

Legal Protection Options:
How counsel can navigate potential criminal and civil exposure.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting Evidence Be Destroyed
The catastrophic consequences of deleted messages and lost documentation.

Direct Confrontation Dangers
Why approaching organizations directly undermines legal positions.

University Pressure Tactics
How institutions use resolution processes to limit liability.

Social Media Pitfalls
The evidentiary risks of public posting during ongoing cases.

Insurance Adjuster Traps
Why early settlement offers typically undervalue claims.

Delay Dangers
How waiting allows evidence disappearance and witness preparation.

Hazing Lawsuit FAQs for Colleyville Families

Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?
Analysis of sovereign immunity, exceptions, and practical litigation considerations.

Is hazing a felony in Texas?
The graduated penalty structure under Texas Education Code Chapter 37.

What if our child “agreed” to participate?
Why Texas law explicitly rejects consent as a defense.

How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Texas statutes of limitations and tolling provisions for hazing cases.

Will this be public or confidential?
How settlement structures and protective orders can maintain privacy.

What if hazing happened off-campus?
Why location doesn’t eliminate institutional liability.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Texas Families Choose Us for Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Texas offices, we serve Colleyville families and students throughout the state.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña

Background: Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Advantage: Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims, use delay tactics, and fight coverage
Why it matters: We anticipate their strategies because we used to run them

Complex Institutional Litigation: Ralph Manginello

Credential: One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Experience: Federal court practice (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Why it matters: Universities and national fraternities have unlimited legal budgets. We’ve taken on billion-dollar defendants before.

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases

Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Current high-stakes case: Leading the $10M Bermudez lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability

Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense expertise
Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with potential exposure

Investigative Depth & Resources

Network of experts: medical specialists, digital forensics, psychologists, economists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery and public records requests
Current example: Our investigation into the UH case uncovered systematic abuse and institutional failures

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery

Understanding of different university systems (public vs. private, large vs. small)
Knowledge of local courts throughout Texas
Colleyville connection: Familiarity with Tarrant County courts and North Texas universities

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

For the Family:

Compassionate guidance through trauma
Regular communication (we update clients every 2-3 weeks)
Privacy protection and discretion
Spanish-language services available (Se habla Español)

For the Case:

Thorough investigation leaving no stone unturned
Aggressive pursuit of all liable parties
Trial readiness that forces reasonable settlements
Focus on prevention and accountability, not just compensation

The Attorney911 Difference: Why “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” Matters

Hazing crises require immediate action. Evidence disappears within days. Witnesses are coached. Universities control narratives. That’s why our 24/7 availability matters:

Immediate Response Capability:

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime—we answer emergencies
Evidence preservation guidance within hours
Early intervention with universities and organizations
Protection against retaliation and evidence destruction

Contingency Fee Structure:

No upfront costs
No fee unless we recover compensation
- Allows families to pursue justice regardless of financial situation
- Aligns our interests with yours

Call to Action: Next Steps for Colleyville Families

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas campus—whether TCU just minutes away or a university across the state—you don’t have to face this alone.

What to Do Right Now

Prioritize Safety & Health:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries
- Ensure your child is in a safe environment
- Address immediate mental health needs
Preserve Evidence Immediately:
- Screenshot group chats and social media
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical evidence (clothing, objects)
- Write down everything while memory is fresh
Contact Us for a Free Consultation:
- Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
- Direct: (713) 528-9070
- Cell: (713) 443-4781
- Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
- Website: https://attorney911.com

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Will:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer all your questions about costs and process
Provide immediate guidance on next steps

No Pressure:

Take time to decide if you want to hire us
Everything you tell us is confidential
The consultation is completely free

Services for Spanish-Speaking Families

Hablamos Español:

Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Consultations available in Spanish
Cultural understanding of Texas Hispanic communities
Contact Lupe directly at lupe@atty911.com

Serving Colleyville & All of Texas

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

Tarrant County: Colleyville, Southlake, Grapevine, Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex: All surrounding communities
Statewide: From the Rio Grande Valley to the Panhandle

Distance doesn’t matter in the digital age. We can handle cases throughout Texas through:

Electronic evidence collection and review
Remote consultations and meetings
Local co-counsel arrangements when helpful
Travel to your location when necessary

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
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/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational 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 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
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
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 | lupe@atty911.com (Se habla Español)