The Complete Guide to Hazing Laws & Liability for Families in and Around Colmesneil, Texas

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

Imagine your child—a bright student from Tyler County who worked hard to get into a Texas university. They wanted the full college experience: friends, belonging, and maybe joining a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or athletic team. Then the calls home change. They sound exhausted, secretive, anxious. You notice unexplained bruises in photos. They mention “mandatory” late-night events that interfere with classes. When you ask direct questions, they shut down: “It’s just tradition,” or “I can’t talk about it.”

For families in Colmesneil, Woodville, Chester, and throughout Tyler County, this nightmare became a devastating reality for one Texas family just miles from here. Right now, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country right here in our state. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries while pledging the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter.

According to detailed media coverage from Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez was subjected to months of abuse including forced “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, extreme physical workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and forced consumption of milk, hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting. The culmination was a November 3 workout involving 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that left him with rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he couldn’t stand without help, and he required four days of hospitalization with critically elevated creatine kinase levels confirming permanent kidney injury risk.

This isn’t an isolated incident from some distant state. This happened right here in Texas, at our state’s largest urban university, and it represents exactly what families in Colmesneil need to understand about the modern reality of hazing. Whether your child attends Stephen F. Austin State University in nearby Nacogdoches, Lamar University in Beaumont, or any of Texas’s major flagship campuses, the same dangerous patterns exist.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Colmesneil, Tyler County, and throughout East Texas who need clear answers about hazing: what it really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (or fails to protect) students, what’s happening at Texas universities, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to keep students safe.

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in Colmesneil who may not be familiar with modern Greek life or campus organizations, hazing has evolved far beyond the “Animal House” stereotypes. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and designed to avoid detection while maximizing control and humiliation.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

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

24/7 Digital Control: Pledges required to respond instantly to GroupMe messages at all hours, share live location via Find My Friends, and maintain constant availability
Servitude Requirements: Acting as designated drivers at 3 AM, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands, being “on call” for any demand
Social Isolation: Being told to cut contact with non-members, family, or romantic partners outside the organization
Psychological Manipulation: “You’re not committed enough,” “Everyone before you did this,” “This is what brotherhood/sisterhood requires”

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Clear Abuse but Not Immediately Life-Threatening)

Sleep Deprivation: Mandatory 3 AM wake-up calls for “meetings,” overnight “study sessions” that are actually interrogation sessions
Forced Consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of water, milk, or other substances; eating disgusting combinations until vomiting
Public Humiliation: Being forced to wear degrading costumes in public, perform embarrassing acts, or be “roasted” in front of the chapter
Extreme Physical Demands: “Smokings” involving hundreds of push-ups, wall-sits until collapse, bear crawls across campus

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

Forced Alcohol Consumption: The #1 cause of hazing deaths – “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking games, funneling, lineups
Physical Beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking – still prevalent despite national “bans”
Sexualized Abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions), sexual assault
Dangerous Environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, dangerous driving while sleep-deprived

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

What makes 2025 hazing particularly dangerous for students from Colmesneil is its digital sophistication:

Group Chat Tyranny: Organizations use GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, and encrypted apps to coordinate hazing, then delete evidence
Social Media Humiliation: Pledges forced to post embarrassing content on Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat as “initiation challenges”
Geo-Tracking Control: Required location-sharing via Find My Friends or Life360 so members can monitor compliance
Evidence Destruction: Coaching on how to use disappearing messages, screenshot detection, and encrypted apps to avoid leaving trails

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH demonstrates this evolution perfectly. According to the ABC13 coverage, Bermudez was subjected to a meticulously organized system: forced dress codes, scheduled “interview” sessions, overnight chauffeuring duties, and the degrading “pledge fanny pack” requirement – all coordinated through digital channels and traditional power structures.

Texas Hazing Law: What Colmesneil Families Need to Know

When hazing affects your family, you’re navigating a complex legal landscape. Texas has specific statutes, but they operate alongside federal laws and institutional policies. Understanding this framework is crucial for making informed decisions.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

§ 37.151 Definition: What Actually Qualifies as Hazing
Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act (on or off campus) directed against a student that:

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

Critical implications for Colmesneil families:

Location doesn’t matter – off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreats all count
Mental harm counts equally with physical harm
“Reckless” is enough – they don’t need to have intended harm
§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a defense – even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties: What Perpetrators Face

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 (like Bermudez’s kidney failure)
Additional crimes: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability: Holding Groups Accountable

Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations
This enables civil suits against both individuals AND the organization

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Protecting Those Who Speak Up

Students who report hazing in good faith receive immunity from civil/criminal liability
Medical emergency amnesty often applies – calling 911 shouldn’t get your child in trouble

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Dual Pathways

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Perpetrators)

Brought by prosecutors (Harris County DA, local county attorneys)
Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
Real Talk for Colmesneil Families: Criminal cases move slowly, require “beyond reasonable doubt” proof, and focus on punishment, not compensation for your family

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties)

Brought by victims/families with attorneys like ours
Purpose: Compensation, accountability, institutional change
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability
Key Advantage: Civil cases can proceed even without criminal charges, with a lower burden of proof (“preponderance of evidence”)

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Mandates public hazing data by approximately 2026
Strengthens prevention education requirements
Impact for Colmesneil Families: More transparency coming, but slowly

Title IX & Clery Act Applications

When hazing involves sexual harassment/assault, Title IX requires university investigation
Clery Act mandates reporting of certain crimes – hazing often overlaps
Important Distinction: These are administrative/compliance frameworks, not substitutes for civil litigation

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Civil Case?

Based on our work on the Bermudez case and others, we typically identify multiple liable parties:

1. Individual Students (The Direct Actors)

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Chapter officers with supervisory roles
In the Bermudez case: 13 individual defendants including chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager

2. Local Chapter / Organization

The chapter as an entity (if incorporated)
Housing corporations that own/control venues
Example: The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is a defendant in the UH case

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Organizations that set policies, collect dues, supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew/should have known from prior incidents
In Bermudez: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters is a defendant

4. University & Governing Boards

UH and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the Bermudez case
Liability theories: Negligent supervision, premises liability, Title IX violations
Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations but exceptions exist

5. Third Parties

Landlords of off-campus houses (if they knew/know of hazing)
Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

The Bermudez case at UH didn’t happen in a vacuum. It follows patterns seen nationwide – patterns that show how predictable and preventable these tragedies are.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: The Repeating Script

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

20-year-old pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Lesson for Texas: The same “Big/Little” dynamic exists here

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game – wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
$6.1 million verdict against fraternity members
Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
Lesson for Texas: Drinking games disguised as “education” are deadly

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

“Big Brother Night” – pledge given handle of liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
Lesson for Texas: Pi Kappa Phi has prior fatal pattern – relevant to Bermudez case

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

“Glass ceiling” ritual: blindfolded, weighted down, repeatedly tackled
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity criminally convicted
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Lesson for Texas: Off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability

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

Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Severe, permanent brain damage (can’t walk, talk, or see)
Settlements with 22 defendants (multi-million dollar total)
Lesson for Texas: Non-fatal injuries can be catastrophic and lifelong

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Lesson for Texas: Hazing exists in athletic programs with same dynamics

What These National Cases Mean for Colmesneil Families

Patterns Repeat: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, extreme workouts) recur across states and organizations
Cover-Ups Are Standard: Delayed medical care, destroyed evidence, witness intimidation happen consistently
Institutions Have Prior Notice: National fraternities and universities know these risks from prior incidents
Civil Litigation Drives Change: Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts force accountability where criminal cases often fail

Texas University Focus: Where Colmesneil Families Send Their Students

Families in Colmesneil and Tyler County typically have students at a mix of regional universities and Texas flagship campuses. Understanding the hazing landscape at each is crucial.

Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches) – Your Local Campus

For Colmesneil families: Located just 40 miles west in Nacogdoches, SFA is where many Tyler County students begin their college journeys. With active Greek life and tradition-heavy organizations, it presents the same hazing risks as larger campuses.

Documented Greek Life Presence at SFA:

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 300517788) – Nacogdoches-based housing corporation
Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter (EIN 452729519) – SFA Station operations
Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta chapter (EIN 756041410)
Epsilon Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity (EIN 756053083)

SFA’s Hazing Reality:
While specific recent public incidents may not make statewide news, the structural conditions exist:

Traditional Greek system with national affiliations
Close-knit campus culture where social status matters
Same national organizations with hazing histories (see Section 6)

What Colmesneil Parents Should Know About SFA:

Reporting channels through Dean of Students Office
Location in Nacogdoches means Nacogdoches Police Department may have jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
Civil cases would typically be filed in Nacogdoches County courts
Critical: Don’t assume “smaller school = safer” – the same dynamics exist

University of Houston: The Bermudez Case Ground Zero

For Colmesneil families: Many East Texas students attend UH, drawn by its urban opportunities and academic programs. The Bermudez case shows exactly what can happen there.

Active Greek Organizations at UH (From Official Rosters):
Essences

The Bermudez Case: A Template for Understanding Institutional Failure
Our lawsuit alleges that UH and Pi Kappa Phi failed at multiple levels:

Prior Knowledge: Systemic hazing was known or should have been known
Inadequate Supervision: Lack of meaningful monitoring of pledge activities
Failed Intervention: Multiple red flags ignored
Culture Tolerance: Environment where hazing could flourish

UH’s Response Pattern:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
UH statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” cooperation with law enforcement promised
Our Assessment: Reactive, not preventive – classic institutional response

Jurisdiction for Colmesneil Families:

Incidents likely involve Houston Police Department or UHPD
Civil suits filed in Harris County courts
Multiple defendant layers (individuals, chapter, national, university)

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life Intersection

For Colmesneil families: Texas A&M draws many East Texas students, particularly those interested in agricultural programs, engineering, or Corps tradition.

Documented Greek Organizations at A&M from Public Records:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) – College Station
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Rho chapter (EIN 812525354)
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp (Cause IQ listing – College Station)
Numerous other IRS-registered entities in Brazos County

Corps of Cadets Hazing History:

2023 lawsuit: Cadet alleged “roasted pig” bondage, simulated sexual acts, seeking over $1M
A&M’s response: Handled internally under Corps regulations
Pattern: Military-style tradition often excuses abuse as “discipline”

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed against chapter
Fraternity suspended for two years

What Colmesneil Families Should Know About A&M:

Unique dual risk environment: Greek life + Corps culture
Brazos County jurisdiction for legal matters
University has deep tradition that can resist reform
Evidence Preservation Critical: The SAE case succeeded because medical records documented chemical burns

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Limits

For Colmesneil families: UT Austin represents the academic pinnacle for many Texas students, with corresponding social pressures.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page (Unusual Transparency):

Publishes organization names, dates, conduct, sanctions
Example: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) – new members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → probation + hazing prevention education required
Value for Civil Cases: This public record establishes pattern evidence

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Over $1 million lawsuit filed
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations
Pattern: Organizations with prior violations often re-offend

UT-Specific Fraternity Public Records Examples:

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta chapter (EIN 475370943) – Houston-based but UT-connected
Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta (EIN 824398421) – Richmond, TX but UT affiliation
Chi Omega Fraternity house corporation (EIN 740555581) – Austin-based

What Colmesneil Families Should Know About UT:

Travis County jurisdiction for legal matters
More public data available than other Texas schools
But transparency doesn’t equal prevention – violations continue
Strategic Insight: UT’s public records can help prove “prior notice” in civil cases

Baylor University & Southern Methodist University: Private School Dynamics

For Colmesneil families: Some East Texas students attend these private institutions, which operate under different rules than public universities.

Baylor’s History & Context:

Religious identity creates unique dynamics around accountability
2020 baseball hazing: 14 players suspended after investigation
Prior sexual assault scandal shows institutional protection patterns
Liability Reality: Private status means less sovereign immunity protection

SMU’s Affluent Greek Culture:

2017 Kappa Alpha Order incident: paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Chapter suspended until approximately 2021
Pattern: Private universities often handle things “internally” with limited transparency

Common Private University Challenges:

Less public reporting required
“Confidential” internal investigations
Strong alumni networks that protect traditions
Legal Advantage: Fewer immunity protections in civil suits

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizational Liability

Most families don’t realize that fraternities and sororities exist as complex networks of legal entities. Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain a comprehensive directory of these organizations to establish liability patterns.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Colmesneil Families

Why This Matters for Colmesneil Families:
When hazing occurs, multiple organizations may share liability. Our directory helps identify all potentially responsible parties.

East Texas Regional Greek Organizations (From IRS B83 Filings):

Stephen F. Austin State University Area (Nacogdoches):

Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter
EIN: 300517788 | 316 E Lakewood St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
IRS B83 filing – local housing corporation
Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter
EIN: 452729519 | 1936 N St SFA Station Box 6159, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
IRS B83 filing – active chapter entity
Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta Chapter
EIN: 756041410 | 402 N Steen Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-1776
IRS B83 filing – local chapter operations
Epsilon Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity
EIN: 756053083 | 321 Old Tyler Rd, Nacogdoches, TX 75961-4880
IRS B83 filing – chapter alumni/housing entity

Tyler Area Universities (UT Tyler, Texas College):

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Texas at Tyler Chapter
EIN: 352335400 | 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75799-6600
IRS B83 filing – academic honor society
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Zeta Chapter
EIN: 752609909 | 1205 Monroe St, Commerce, TX 75428-2561
IRS B83 filing – regional sorority chapter (serves multiple East Texas campuses)

Major Texas University Greek Hubs (Where Colmesneil Students Often Attend):

University of Houston Area:

Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter
EIN: 746084905 | 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-3067
IRS B83 filing – UH chapter entity
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter
Cause IQ listing: Houston, TX | Undergraduate chapter at UH
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation
EIN: 371768785 | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820
IRS B83 filing – housing corporation (related to Pi Kappa Phi system)

Texas A&M University Area:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc
EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681
IRS B83 filing – Texas A&M chapter
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp
Cause IQ listing: College Station, TX | Texas A&M housing corporation
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter
Cause IQ listing: College Station, TX | Texas A&M chapter

University of Texas at Austin Area:

Chi Omega Fraternity House Corporation
EIN: 740555581 | 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705-4018
IRS B83 filing – UT chapter housing entity
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi
EIN: 746047117 | 2620 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705-4017
IRS B83 filing – UT sorority housing
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp
Cause IQ listing: Austin, TX | UT chapter house corporation

Texas-Wide Snapshot: The Scale of Greek Organization Networks
Our intelligence engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, including:

510 in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro
188 in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro
154 in Austin-Round Rock metro
22 in Beaumont-Port Arthur metro (including Lamar University)

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case:

Identifies All Potentially Liable Entities: Beyond the obvious chapter, there may be housing corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations
Establishes National Patterns: Same organizations appear across multiple Texas campuses
Supports “Prior Notice” Arguments: Shows national organizations operate comprehensive networks they should supervise
Reveals Insurance Coverage: Different entities may have different insurance policies

National Fraternity & Sorority Histories: Pattern Evidence Matters

In civil hazing litigation, establishing that an organization had “prior notice” of hazing risks is crucial. National histories provide exactly this evidence.

High-Risk Organizations with Documented Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”) – Multiple Fatalities Pattern

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): $10M settlement, chapter closure
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): $14M settlement
Texas Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Pattern Evidence: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing is documented, foreseeable risk

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE) – Chemical & Physical Abuse Pattern

University of Alabama (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns requiring skin grafts, $1M lawsuit
UT Austin (2024): Assault causing multiple fractures, $1M+ lawsuit
Pattern Evidence: Multiple Texas incidents show organizational failure

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Bermudez Case Context

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Big Brother Night alcohol death
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, $10M lawsuit
Pattern Evidence: National has prior fatal alcohol hazing case

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – Drinking Game Pattern

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death, $6.1M verdict
Louisiana Response: Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
Pattern Evidence: Organized drinking games with academic pretext

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

Foreseeability: If same conduct caused injuries/deaths elsewhere, organization should have anticipated Texas risk
Negligent Supervision: National’s failure to implement effective prevention after prior incidents
Punitive Damages: Repeated violations despite knowledge can justify punishment beyond compensation
Insurance Coverage: Pattern evidence can defeat “unforeseeable accident” defenses

Real Application in Bermudez Case:
Our allegations against Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters include that they knew or should have known:

Their chapters had prior alcohol hazing incidents (Coffey case)
Extreme physical hazing causes rhabdomyolysis (documented in other cases)
Their risk management policies were inadequate to prevent repeat incidents

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

When Colmesneil families come to us after a hazing incident, we follow a meticulous process to build the strongest possible case.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (THE Most Important Evidence Today)

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, coordination, admissions
Social Media: Instagram stories showing events, Snapchat videos, TikTok challenges
Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” content
In the Bermudez Case: Organized communication about “pledge fanny packs,” workout schedules, threat messages

2. Photo & Video Evidence

Injury Documentation: Multiple angles, progression over days, scale references
Event Documentation: Locations, participants, alcohol/drug presence
Social Media Posts: Members boasting about or documenting hazing
Our Video Guide: Using your cellphone to document a legal case

3. Medical Records

Immediate Care: ER reports, ambulance records, toxicology results
Specialist Documentation: Renal specialists for rhabdomyolysis, psychiatrists for PTSD
Ongoing Treatment: Physical therapy, mental health counseling, medication records
Bermudez Example: Creatine kinase levels documenting rhabdomyolysis, kidney function tests

4. Organizational Documents

Chapter Records: Pledge manuals, meeting minutes, financial records showing alcohol purchases
National Policies: Risk management manuals, anti-hazing “education” materials
University Files: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, internal investigations

5. Witness Testimony

Other Pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate once litigation begins
Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled often have valuable information
Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, venue staff
Expert Witnesses: Medical experts, Greek life culture experts, economists

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past and future – Bermudez faces potential lifelong kidney issues
Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Missed semesters, delayed career entry, reduced lifetime earnings
Educational Costs: Lost scholarships, transfer expenses, tutoring

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm)

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries, medical procedures, ongoing pain
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation – requires psychological evaluation
Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they once loved
Bermudez Example: Physical pain from rhabdomyolysis, emotional trauma from humiliation, ongoing kidney disease fear

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families Who Lose a Child)

Funeral/Burial Costs
Loss of Companionship: Parents’ and siblings’ grief
Lost Financial Support: If deceased would have contributed to family
Emotional Suffering: Family members’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Reckless)

Designed to punish and deter
Available when defendants show “conscious indifference” or gross negligence
Often require pattern evidence of prior incidents

Strategic Considerations for Colmesneil Families

Timing & Statutes of Limitations

Texas generally allows 2 years from injury/death to file suit
Discovery Rule Exception: If harm wasn’t immediately apparent (PTSD onset later)
Fraudulent Concealment: If organization covered up evidence, statute may be extended
Our Video Explanation: Texas statutes of limitations

Insurance Coverage Battles

Fraternity/University insurers often deny coverage claiming “intentional acts exclusion”
Our strategy: Argue negligent supervision (covered) vs. intentional hazing (may be excluded)
Identify ALL potential policies: Chapter, national, university, individual members’ homeowners

Settlement vs. Trial Dynamics

Most cases settle confidentially before trial
Settlement amounts influenced by:
- Strength of evidence
- Public relations pressure on institution
- Insurance policy limits
- Risk of punitive damages at trial
Trial Readiness Matters: Defendants settle more fairly when they know we’ll try the case

Practical Guides for Colmesneil Families, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Colmesneil Student May Be Being Hazed:

Physical: Unexplained bruises/burns, extreme exhaustion, weight changes, sleep deprivation
Behavioral: Sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family/friends, personality changes (anxiety/depression)
Academic: Grades dropping, missing classes, losing scholarships
Digital: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about messages, deleting communication history
Financial: Unexplained large expenses, maxed credit cards, requests for money

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

Immediate Safety First: If in danger, call 911 then us at 1-888-ATTY-911
Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages before they’re deleted, photograph injuries
Medical Attention: Even if they resist – rhabdomyolysis and other conditions worsen over days
Consult an Attorney BEFORE Reporting: We can help navigate the reporting process strategically

Questions to Ask Your Child (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

For Students: Is This Hazing? How to Stay Safe

Self-Assessment Questions:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If You’re Being Hazed:

Immediate Danger: Call 911, get to safety, then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911
Exit Strategies: You have the legal right to quit anytime. Send written resignation, don’t go to “one last meeting”
Evidence Collection: Screenshot EVERYTHING before it’s deleted. Photos of injuries. Voice memos (Texas is one-party consent)

Your Rights Under Texas Law:

Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
Good-faith reporters have immunity protection
You can request no-contact orders through university if harassed after reporting
Civil lawsuits can proceed even without criminal charges

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Letting Evidence Be Destroyed
- Mistake: “I’ll delete these embarrassing messages”
- Result: Case becomes unwinnable – digital evidence is everything
- Solution: Screenshot and backup immediately
Confronting the Organization Directly
- Mistake: “I’m going to tell them what I think”
- Result: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
- Solution: Document quietly, consult attorney first
Signing University “Resolution” Forms
- Mistake: “The Dean said just sign this and we’ll handle it internally”
- Result: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often minimal
- Solution: Never sign without attorney review
Posting on Social Media
- Mistake: “I want everyone to know what happened”
- Result: Defense attorneys use inconsistencies against you; waives privacy
- Solution: Let your attorney control public messaging
Waiting “To See How University Handles It”
- Mistake: “Let’s give them a chance to investigate”
- Result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
- Solution: Preserve evidence now, consult lawyer immediately

Watch Our Video: Client mistakes that can ruin your injury case

Frequently Asked Questions from Colmesneil Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual capacity suits. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case requires specific analysis – call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a:

Class B misdemeanor (default)
Class A misdemeanor if injury requires medical treatment
State jail felony if serious bodily injury or death occurs
The Bermudez case (kidney failure) would likely qualify for felony charges.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states: “Consent is not a defense.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury/death in Texas. The “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent (like PTSD developing later). In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical – call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (fatal retreat) and Sigma Pi case (unofficial house) both involved off-campus hazing with major judgments.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Colmesneil 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 Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity/university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”
Learn about Mr. Peña’s background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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.”
Learn about Ralph’s background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Active Hazing Case Leadership

Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case
$10 million lawsuit alleging catastrophic injuries
Fighting University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, 13 individuals
This isn’t theory – this is what we do every day

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Experience with brain injury, permanent disability cases
We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.
Our wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense capability
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure
Our criminal defense capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Investigative Depth & Expert Network

Digital forensics for deleted message recovery
Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD specialists)
Greek life culture experts, economists, life-care planners
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because it does”

Spanish-Language Services for East Texas Families

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles
Critical for serving Tyler County’s diverse community

How We’re Different in Hazing Cases

We Understand the Culture & Psychology

How “brotherhood”/”sisterhood” rhetoric enables abuse
Why witnesses remain silent (fear, loyalty, guilt)
How institutions protect traditions over students
This isn’t just law – it’s understanding human behavior

We Follow the Money & the Paper Trail

Identify ALL potentially liable entities (not just obvious ones)
Trace insurance coverage through multiple layers
Uncover prior incidents national organizations tried to hide
Build “pattern and practice” evidence

We Balance Aggression with Empathy

Aggressive in discovery, litigation, and negotiation
Empathetic with your family’s trauma and privacy needs
We fight hard but remember there’s a human at the center

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation for Colmesneil Families

If hazing has impacted your family – whether your child attends SFA in Nacogdoches, UH in Houston, Texas A&M in College Station, or any Texas campus – we want to help.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Listen First

Tell us what happened without judgment
We understand this is painful and sensitive
Everything you say is confidential

Evidence Review

Bring any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
We’ll explain what else we need and how to preserve it
If you have nothing yet, we’ll tell you how to collect it

Legal Options Explained

Criminal reporting considerations
Civil lawsuit possibilities
University disciplinary processes
Realistic timelines and expectations

No Pressure Decision

Take time to decide if you want to proceed
We’ll answer all your questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
If we take your case, we’ll explain exactly how we’ll proceed

Contact Attorney911 Today

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 or lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Services Available:
Hablamos Español – Contacte a Lupe Peña en lupe@atty911.com para una consulta en español

Serving Colmesneil & All of Texas

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Colmesneil, Tyler County, and all East Texas communities. Whether your child was hazed at a local university or a campus hours away, Texas law and experienced Texas counsel can help.

Watch our video explaining contingency fees: How contingency fees work

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Documenting Evidence with Phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Firm Resources:

Main Website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/