The Ultimate Guide to Hazing Laws, Cases, and Fraternity Accountability for Town of Lakeside Families

If you’re a parent in Town of Lakeside, you sent your child to college with dreams of their future. Now, your phone rings with their shaky voice describing “mandatory” late-night workouts, forced drinking, or humiliating rituals. They’re exhausted, injured, and afraid—but they’re also afraid to quit, to report, to disappoint their new “brothers” or “sisters.” This nightmare scenario is unfolding right now at Texas universities, including those where Town of Lakeside students enroll.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Town of Lakeside and across Tarrant County who need to understand the harsh reality of modern hazing, Texas law, and your family’s path to accountability. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, break down the legal framework protecting your child, examine major cases from University of Houston to Texas A&M, and show you how experienced Texas hazing attorneys investigate these complex institutional cases.

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 Town of Lakeside families, understanding modern hazing means looking beyond stereotypes of “harmless pranks.” Today’s hazing is sophisticated, digitally documented, and often disguised as “tradition” or “team building.”

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. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Main Categories of Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, or drinking games
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” games requiring rapid consumption
Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
This remains the single most common cause of hazing deaths nationwide

Physical Hazing

Paddling and beatings, often with wooden paddles
Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or mandatory late-night events
Food/water deprivation as punishment or “discipline”
Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes
Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-play
Public shaming rituals intended to break down personal boundaries

Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Manipulation or forced confessions of personal information
“Roasts” or interrogation sessions designed to humiliate
Social media humiliation through coordinated posting

Digital/Online Hazing

Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
24/7 availability demands through messaging apps
Location tracking requirements through apps like Find My Friends

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing isn’t limited to fraternity houses. In Texas, we see it across:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs (Texas Cowboys, cheer teams, etc.)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, swimming)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas & Federal Law

For Town of Lakeside families, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Texas has specific laws protecting students, but navigating them requires experienced guidance.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas law defines hazing broadly as intentional, knowing, or reckless acts, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of initiation or affiliation that:

Endanger the physical health or safety (e.g., beating, forced exercise, forced consumption)
Substantially affect the mental health or safety (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation)

Key Texas Provisions:

Criminal Penalties:
- 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
Organizational Liability:
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
- Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus
Consent is NOT a Defense:
- Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent doesn’t matter
- Courts recognize “consent” under peer pressure isn’t truly voluntary
Good-Faith Reporting Protections:
- Immunity for those who report hazing in good faith
- Medical amnesty protections in many university policies

Criminal vs Civil Cases: What Town of Lakeside Families Need to Know

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Important: A criminal case is NOT required to pursue civil justice

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
Can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed
Often uncover institutional failures that criminal cases miss

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Public hazing data requirements phasing in by 2026
Increases accountability for universities that fail to protect students

Title IX & Clery Act

When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
These federal frameworks provide additional avenues for accountability

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Chapter officers often face heightened scrutiny

Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
Housing corporations that own chapter houses

National Fraternity/Sorority:

Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
Pattern evidence across multiple chapters strengthens cases

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
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

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragic cases below aren’t just news stories—they’re legal precedents that shape how we approach hazing cases for Town of Lakeside families today.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

Bid-acceptance event with forced heavy drinking
Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
19-year delay before calling 911
Dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members
Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Takeaway: Delay in calling 911 and culture of silence can be legally devastating

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Multiple members charged; one convicted of negligent homicide
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Family received $6.1 million verdict
Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof

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
Multiple criminal convictions
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
Takeaway: Both organizations AND individuals face massive liability

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed
Multiple members convicted
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, nationals face serious sanctions

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

Forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage
Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million-dollar total
Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can cause lifelong devastation

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Town of Lakeside Families

These national cases establish crucial patterns:

Forced drinking remains the most lethal form of hazing
Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes and increases liability
Cover-up attempts often lead to additional charges and punitive damages
National organizations face significant exposure when chapters repeat known dangerous practices
Universities can be held accountable for failing to protect students

The settlements and verdicts tell a clear story:

Death cases: $1M–$14M settlements/verdicts
Severe injury cases: $375K–multi-million recoveries
Individual officers: Can face personal liability (president ordered to pay $6.5M)

Texas Focus: Universities Where Town of Lakeside Students Attend

Town of Lakeside families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific landscape at each campus helps you recognize risks and respond effectively.

University of Houston: A Current Case Study

Right now, we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas at UH—representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi.

The Bermudez Case: What Happened

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, pledged Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025
Hazing included: “pledge fanny pack” humiliation (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices), enforced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring duties
Physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
Extreme incidents: Sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding,” threatened with actual waterboarding, forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting
Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
Medical catastrophe: Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, hospitalized four days
Institutional response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter Nov 6, 2025; chapter voted to surrender charter Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

Why This Matters for Town of Lakeside Families
This case demonstrates that:

Severe hazing is happening right now at Texas universities
Injuries can be catastrophic (kidney failure, lifelong damage)
Multiple entities can be held liable (university, national fraternity, housing corporation, individual members)
Evidence preservation is critical (we recovered group chats, photos, medical records)

UH’s Greek Landscape
UH hosts active Greek life with multiple councils:

Interfraternity Council (Alpha Epsilon Pi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, etc.)
Panhellenic Council (Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, etc.)
National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine organizations)
Multicultural Greek Council

What Town of Lakeside Families Should Know About UH

UHPD and Houston Police Department may both have jurisdiction depending on location
Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
UH maintains disciplinary records that can show pattern evidence
Action step: If your UH student experiences hazing, document everything immediately and contact an attorney before the university’s internal process limits your options

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Town of Lakeside families with students at A&M, understanding both Greek life and Corps culture is essential.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Issues

2023 lawsuit alleged cadet subjected to degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose
Tradition-heavy environment can normalize abusive practices
University stated it handled matter under its rules
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to military-style organizations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
Chapter suspended for two years
Takeaway: Hazing methods evolve and can cause permanent physical damage

Texas A&M’s Approach

Student Conduct office handles hazing investigations
Corps has separate chain of command and discipline system
Public transparency varies—some incidents become public through lawsuits rather than university reports

For Town of Lakeside A&M Families

Document any injuries immediately with photos
Understand that “tradition” is not a legal defense
Both Greek organizations and Corps units can be held accountable
Geographic consideration: College Station is reachable from Town of Lakeside for consultations

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

UT Austin stands out for its public hazing violations page—a resource that attorneys use to build pattern evidence.

Public Hazing Violations (Examples)

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers: Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple organizations show repeat violations over years

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: Some chapters continue dangerous behavior despite prior sanctions

UT’s Greek Ecosystem

Approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters
University Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council, NPHC
UTPD and Austin PD jurisdictional considerations

For Town of Lakeside UT Families

Check UT’s public hazing violations page for prior incidents involving your child’s organization
Understand that off-campus location doesn’t eliminate university liability
Austin’s legal landscape differs from Houston—experienced Texas counsel understands these nuances
Evidence tip: UT students often use GroupMe for chapter communication—preserve these messages immediately

Southern Methodist University: Private University Considerations

SMU’s private status affects how hazing cases unfold, but doesn’t eliminate liability.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until about 2021
Pattern: Physical hazing traditions persist despite national policies

SMU’s Greek Culture

Strong Panhellenic and IFC presence
Affluent student body can mean higher insurance coverage
Private university status means different public records access

Legal Considerations for SMU Cases

Fewer sovereign immunity concerns than public universities
Discovery process can compel internal documents not publicly available
Dallas County courts handle most litigation

For Town of Lakeside SMU Families

Private settlements are common but may include non-disclosure agreements
SMU’s internal processes may move quickly—legal consultation early is crucial
Dallas-based counsel may be geographically convenient for Town of Lakeside families

Baylor University: Religious Context and Athletic Hazing

Baylor’s religious identity and athletic prominence create unique hazing dynamics.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Context: Followed broader Baylor sexual assault scandal, highlighting institutional oversight issues

Baylor’s Greek Life

Active Panhellenic and IFC groups
Religious context sometimes affects how victims come forward
Waco location means McLennan County courts typically involved

For Town of Lakeside Baylor Families

Baylor’s “zero tolerance” policies exist alongside recurring incidents
Religious affiliation may create additional pressure on victims
Early legal intervention can protect your child’s rights regardless of institutional pressures

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Responsibility

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their corporate structures, and their histories. This isn’t theoretical; it’s practical intelligence we use to build cases for families like yours.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Town of Lakeside Families

If you’re a parent in Town of Lakeside, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are just 20 examples from the 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations we track through IRS B83 filings:

Tarrant County & DFW Metro Organizations:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 521278573, Dallas, TX 75241 (IRS B83 filing)
Fort Worth Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 752755600, Fort Worth, TX 76101 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Texas Gamma Chapter, EIN 911981478, Fort Worth, TX 76109 (IRS B83 filing)

Major University Housing Corporations:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459 (IRS B83 filing)
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, EIN 746047117, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing)
Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 (Chi Omega House Corporation)

Honor Societies & Educational Foundations:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M University chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 383742830, El Paso, TX 79968 (UT El Paso chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 263170920, Denton, TX 76204 (Texas Woman’s University chapter)

Multicultural & NPHC Organizations:

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter, EIN 392352450, Houston, TX 77254
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (Xi Chi chapter)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega, Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)

Educational & Alumni Foundations:

Frank Heflin Foundation, EIN 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015 (Phi Delta Theta alumni fund)
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Beta Upsilon Chi Foundation, Fort Worth, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)

What This Directory Means for Your Case

These aren’t just names—they’re legal entities that may hold insurance, own property, and bear responsibility. When we take a hazing case:

We identify every potentially liable entity (not just the active members)
We trace insurance coverage through national organizations, housing corporations, and alumni groups
We uncover pattern evidence by connecting local chapters to national histories
We build institutional knowledge cases showing what organizations knew and when

For example, in the Bermudez case against Pi Kappa Phi, we’re pursuing not just the active members but:

Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX)
University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
13 individual fraternity leaders

This comprehensive approach maximizes recovery and accountability.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

When Town of Lakeside families come to us after a hazing incident, we follow a proven investigative framework honed through years of complex litigation against powerful institutions.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important Today)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Show planning, coordination, admissions
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappeared” content
Social media posts/stories: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok evidence of events
Location data: GPS information from phones and apps
Email chains: Between members, officers, nationals

Photographic & Video Evidence

Injury photos (immediate and progression over days)
Event footage from members’ phones
Security camera/doorbell footage from houses
Social media videos posted during or after events

Medical Documentation

ER records detailing cause of injury (“forced to drink,” “beaten during initiation”)
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels, drug screens)
Specialist evaluations (orthopedic, renal, psychological)
Future care assessments for permanent injuries

Organizational Records

Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents
National fraternity risk management policies
University conduct files showing prior incidents
Insurance policies covering chapters and nationals

Witness Testimony

Other pledges experiencing same treatment
Former members who quit over similar issues
Roommates, friends, RAs who noticed changes
Medical personnel who treated injuries

Our Investigative Process

Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Secure digital evidence before deletion
- Photograph injuries and locations
- Document witness contact information
Institutional Investigation
- Public records requests to university
- Discovery requests to national fraternity
- Subpoenas for deleted digital communications
Expert Collaboration
- Medical experts to document injuries and future needs
- Digital forensics specialists to recover evidence
- Economists to calculate lifetime costs
- Greek life culture experts to explain dynamics
Strategic Litigation
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Navigate insurance coverage disputes
- Build pattern evidence from national histories
- Prepare for trial while pursuing settlement

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
-BFuture care costs (therapy, medications, assistive devices)

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, PTSD, depression
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (for families)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (when appropriate)

Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Deter future hazing
Available when defendants show conscious indifference

The Insurance Battle: What Town of Lakeside Families Should Know

Fraternity and university insurers often fight hazing claims using predictable tactics:

“Intentional Acts” Exclusion Arguments
- Insurers claim hazing is “intentional” and therefore not covered
- We counter: Negligent supervision by nationals/universities is covered
- Our insider knowledge (Lupe Peña’s defense background) helps anticipate these arguments
Multiple Policy Strategies
- Chapter insurance policies
- National fraternity umbrella policies
- University liability coverage
- Individual members’ homeowners policies
- We identify all potential coverage sources
Bad Faith Claims
- When insurers wrongfully deny coverage
- Can lead to additional damages
- Requires experienced insurance litigation knowledge

Practical Guides for Town of Lakeside 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 beyond normal college stress
Weight loss/gain from food restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM “mandatory” events)
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if they don’t normally drink)

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring

Academic Red Flags:

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

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 from me or the university?”

48-Hour Action Checklist
Hour 1–6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Get medical attention if injured/intoxicated
✅ Remove from dangerous situation
✅ Screenshot any messages shown
✅ Photograph visible injuries
✅ Write down everything they tell you
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Hour 6–24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (DO NOT DELETE)
✅ Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Request medical records
✅ Document witness names/contact info
✅ Note university communications (don’t respond yet)

Hour 24–48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Consult experienced hazing attorney
✅ Decide on reporting (with lawyer’s guidance)
✅ Refer university to your attorney
✅ Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters
✅ Backup all evidence to cloud storage

For Students: Safety Planning & Evidence Collection

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

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

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

How to Exit Safely
If in immediate danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
You won’t get in trouble for calling for help in medical emergency

If you want to quit:

Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure you
If fearing retaliation, report to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection While It’s Happening

Screenshots of group chats (with timestamps, participant names)
Voice memos/recordings (Texas is one-party consent state)
Photos/videos of injuries, locations, objects used
Save everything digital (don’t delete, back up to cloud)
Medical documentation (tell providers you were hazed)
Witness information (names/contacts of others who saw)

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Letting Your Child Delete Messages
Why wrong: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction, makes case nearly impossible
Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content
Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
Why wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document everything, call lawyer before any confrontation
Signing University “Release” Forms
Why wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements often far below value
Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review
Posting on Social Media Before Talking to Lawyer
Why wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Instead: Document privately; let lawyer control public messaging
Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”
Why wrong: They pressure, intimidate, extract statements that hurt case
Instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer
Waiting “To See How University Handles It”
Why wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately
Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Lawyer
Why wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
Instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Town of Lakeside 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.

“How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?”
We work on contingency fee—you pay nothing unless we win. Initial consultations are free. We advance all case costs and only get paid from recovery. This makes justice accessible to all families, regardless of means.

“What if my child was drinking underage during the hazing?”
Texas law and most university policies provide good-faith reporter protections for those who call for help in medical emergencies. Your child’s underage drinking doesn’t eliminate the organization’s liability for hazing. In fact, providing alcohol to minors is often an additional claim against the organization.

Why Attorney911 for Town of Lakeside Hazing Cases

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

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña)

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

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

One of 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. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for valuing lifetime care needs
Experience with catastrophic injuries (brain damage, permanent disability)
“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

Investigative Depth & Resources

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

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

Compassionate Support: We listen without judgment, guide you through trauma, prioritize your child’s recovery
Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned—digital forensics, institutional records, pattern evidence
Strategic Litigation: We identify all liable parties, navigate insurance battles, build trial-ready cases
Accountability Focus: We aim for settlements that compensate fairly AND force institutional change

Proven Results in Complex Cases

While every case is unique, our experience includes:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Against billion-dollar corporate defendants
Multi-Million Dollar Settlements: In wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
Complex Insurance Coverage Battles: Navigating exclusions and bad faith claims
Digital Evidence Recovery: Obtaining deleted messages and hidden communications
Institutional Pattern Cases: Showing what organizations knew and when

Call to Action for Town of Lakeside Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at UT Arlington just minutes from Town of Lakeside, or at universities across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Town of Lakeside, Fort Worth, Arlington, and throughout Tarrant County have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen: You tell your story without judgment or interruption
We Review: We examine any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
We Explain: We outline your legal options clearly and honestly
We Plan: We discuss realistic timelines and next steps
You Decide: No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to think

Clear 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

Spanish-Language Services:

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

Take the First Step Today

Whether you’re in Town of Lakeside or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family:

Preserve evidence right now (screenshots, photos, medical records)
Write down everything you remember (dates, times, names, what happened)
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
Let us help you navigate this crisis and pursue accountability

You don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to minimize their liability. You deserve the same level of representation fighting for your family.

Call Attorney911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911

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