The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Kermit, Texas Families: Protecting Your Student at Texas Universities

If Your Child is in a Hazing Emergency Right Now, Call 911, Then Call Us at 1-888-ATTY-911

Picture this: A student from Winkler County, home on break from a Texas university, seems different. They’re exhausted in a way that goes beyond normal college stress. They’re secretive about their phone, jumping to check group chats at all hours. They have unexplained bruises they brush off as “just workouts.” When you ask about their fraternity or sorority, they change the subject or say, “You wouldn’t understand—it’s tradition.” Then comes the late-night call: your child is in the ER in Lubbock, Odessa, or even Houston, suffering from severe dehydration, kidney failure from extreme exercise, or alcohol poisoning. The university says they’ll “look into it.” The fraternity brothers claim it was “just a party.” And you’re left in Kermit, feeling powerless, angry, and desperate for someone to tell you the truth and hold the right people accountable.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. Right now, we are actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the Click2Houston report, Bermudez, a UH student, was subjected to horrific hazing in fall 2025 that included forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack.” The result? He developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days with permanent kidney damage risk. The ABC13 coverage details how the chapter was suspended and then voted to surrender its charter after these allegations surfaced.

If you’re a parent in Kermit, Monahans, Wink, or anywhere in Winkler County, this isn’t just a Houston story. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at UH also have chapters at Texas Tech in Lubbock, UT Permian Basin in Odessa, and other universities where West Texas students enroll. The same dangerous patterns repeat wherever these organizations exist. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Kermit families and parents throughout the Permian Basin region who need to understand hazing in 2025, Texas law, and what to do if your child has been hurt. We serve families across Texas, including right here in Winkler County and throughout West Texas.

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 West Texas Families

For parents in Kermit and surrounding communities like Pyote and Imperial, hazing might seem like distant “frat boy” behavior at big universities. But the reality is that hazing has evolved into sophisticated, dangerous practices that occur in many organizations, and students from our region are vulnerable when they join campus life anywhere in Texas.

A Modern Definition That Every Kermit Parent Should Know

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” or “everyone does it” does not make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. The Texas law, which governs cases involving Kermit families, recognizes this reality.

The Five Main Categories of Hazing Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
- Forced or coerced drinking games like “lineups” or “century clubs”
- “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish
- Being pressured to consume unknown mixtures or drugs
- This remains the most common fatal hazing method nationwide
Physical Hazing Beyond “Workouts”
- Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national bans)
- Extreme calisthenics called “smokings” – hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse
- Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
- Food/water deprivation or forced consumption of disgusting amounts of food
- Exposure to extreme cold/heat without proper protection
Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
- Forced nudity or partial nudity for “inspections”
- Simulated sexual acts like “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions
- Degrading costumes or forced public embarrassment
- Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
Psychological Hazing
- Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation
- Social isolation from non-members
- Forced confessions or manipulation
- Public shaming in meetings or on social media
Digital/Online Hazing (The New Frontier)
- Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
- Public humiliation via Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat streaks
- 24/7 availability demands with immediate response requirements
- Geo-tracking through apps like Find My Friends
- Forced creation or sharing of compromising images

Where Hazing Happens Beyond the Stereotypes

While fraternities and sororities get most attention, Kermit parents should know hazing occurs in:

Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (especially at Texas A&M and Texas Tech)
Athletic teams from football to basketball to cheer squads
Spirit and tradition organizations like Texas Cowboys at UT
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic clubs and honor societies
Service organizations and cultural groups

The common thread is social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive even when everyone knows they’re illegal. For families in our close-knit West Texas communities, understanding this breadth is crucial when your child joins any campus organization.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Kermit Families Must Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that give Kermit families powerful legal tools. The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of initiation or affiliation that:

Endangers physical health or safety (beating, forced drinking, dangerous exercise)
OR substantially affects mental health or safety (extreme humiliation, intimidation, coercion)

Key provisions Winkler County parents should understand:

Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also face charges for failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters.
Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” doesn’t matter. Courts recognize that power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible.
Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and lose university recognition.
Good-Faith Reporting Protection: Those who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith have immunity from certain liabilities.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Two Paths to Justice

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Process: Investigation → charges → plea or trial → sentencing

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families (like the Bermudez lawsuit we’re handling)
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional failures
Process: Investigation → demand → negotiation → lawsuit if needed → settlement or trial

These can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction helps a civil case but isn’t required. Many families pursue civil cases even when prosecutors don’t file charges, as civil cases have different standards of proof.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
- Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
- Strengthens prevention programs
- Creates public hazing databases (phased in by 2026)
- Applies to all Texas public universities
Title IX
- Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
- Requires universities to investigate and take appropriate action
- Can provide additional legal avenues beyond state law
Clery Act
- Requires reporting of certain crimes including assaults
- Hazing incidents often overlap with Clery reportable crimes
- Failure to report can lead to federal sanctions against universities

Who Can Be Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

For Kermit families considering legal action, multiple parties may share responsibility:

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing
Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority itself if incorporated
National Headquarters: For setting policies, collecting dues, and supervising chapters
Universities: For negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurs
Alcohol Providers: Bars or individuals who furnished alcohol to minors

In our Bermudez case, we’ve sued 13 individual members, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Kermit Families

The cases below aren’t just news stories—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly impact cases involving West Texas students. Each shows how specific behaviors lead to catastrophic outcomes and substantial liability.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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)
Takeaway for Kermit parents: Formulaic drinking nights are predictable, preventable, and create massive liability

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Pledge forced into “Bible study” drinking game (wrong answers = drinking)
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Takeaway: “Games” involving forced drinking are particularly dangerous and legally indefensible

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

“Big Brother Night” event with handles of hard liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Takeaway: National organizations know these events are dangerous yet chapters continue them

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Takeaway: “Cultural” rituals don’t excuse violence; off-campus retreats offer no protection from liability

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway for Kermit families: Hazing isn’t just Greek life; athletic programs harbor systemic abuse too

What These Cases Mean for Winkler County Families

These national precedents matter because:

Pattern Evidence: Shows what’s foreseeable to national organizations
Settlement Values: Sets benchmarks for serious injury and death cases
Legal Strategies: Proven approaches to holding institutions accountable
Deterrence: Public cases pressure organizations to reform

When your child from Kermit is hazed at a Texas university, these cases provide the legal foundation for seeking justice.

Texas University Focus: Where Kermit Students Attend & What Parents Must Know

Winkler County families send students primarily to West Texas universities, but also to major institutions across the state. Understanding each campus’s hazing landscape is crucial.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – The Primary Destination for Many Kermit Students

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Winkler County Families:

Just 135 miles from Kermit, Texas Tech is the most accessible major university for our community
Active Greek life with approximately 40 fraternities and sororities
Strong Corps of Cadets program (the largest outside of Texas A&M)
Major athletic programs with associated risks
For Kermit parents: This is where many local students experience campus life for the first time

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

Prohibits hazing on and off campus
Reporting through Dean of Students, Student Conduct, or Texas Tech PD
Amnesty policy for those seeking medical help
Critical for Kermit families: Document everything before contacting university officials

Documented Incidents & Patterns:

Kappa Sigma allegations (2023): Severe physical hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis (the same kidney-threatening condition in the Bermudez case)
Corps of Cadets investigations: Regular scrutiny of military-style discipline crossing into hazing
Athletic program oversight: Ongoing monitoring of team initiation practices

How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Proceeds:

May involve Texas Tech PD and/or Lubbock PD
Civil suits typically filed in Lubbock County courts
We frequently work with families from West Texas on Tech cases
For Kermit families: Proximity can be both advantage (easier visits) and challenge (small community dynamics)

What Texas Tech Students & Parents from Kermit Should Do:

Immediate reporting: Tech’s Student Conduct office (806-742-1234)
Medical care: University Medical Center in Lubbock documents college-related injuries regularly
Evidence preservation: West Texas juries respond to clear documentation
Legal consultation: Contact us before discussing with insurance or university lawyers

University of Texas Permian Basin (Odessa) – The Local University

For Kermit Families:

Just 45 minutes from Kermit in Odessa
Growing Greek life presence
Commuter-heavy but developing residential culture
Important: Hazing risks exist even at regional universities

Recent Concerns:

New Greek organizations establishing traditions
Limited public reporting compared to larger schools
Close-knit community can complicate reporting

Action Steps for UTPB Families:

Document through UTPB’s Student Life office
Odessa Regional Medical Center for treatment
Consider both university discipline and civil action

Other Major Texas Universities Kermit Students Attend

University of Houston

Current Active Case: We represent Leonel Bermudez in the $10M Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit
Hazing Reality: Urban campus with significant Greek life
For Kermit families: Students seeking big-city experience often choose UH
Key incident: The Bermudez case shows even “suspended” chapters continue dangerous practices

Texas A&M University

Corps of Cadets scrutiny: Regular investigations into military-style hazing
Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit: Chemical burns from industrial cleaner poured on pledges
Greek life scale: One of nation’s largest Greek systems
For Winkler County families: Aggie traditions sometimes mask dangerous behaviors

University of Texas at Austin

Public transparency: UT posts hazing violations online
Sigma Alpha Epsilon case: Australian exchange student assaulted, suffered broken bones
Frequent violations: Pi Kappa Alpha, Texas Wranglers, others regularly sanctioned
For Kermit parents: UT’s public log can help prove pattern knowledge

Texas A&M University System Considerations for West Texas Families
Many Kermit students attend A&M system schools. Important facts:

System-wide policies but campus-specific enforcement
Corps of Cadets present at multiple campuses
Shared insurance and legal resources across system
Our experience: We navigate these systemic complexities regularly

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter to Kermit Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at any Texas university, they’re joining an organization with a national history that creates legal precedents affecting their safety and your rights.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

National fraternity/sorority headquarters create voluminous anti-hazing policies precisely because they’ve faced deaths, injuries, and lawsuits. When a Texas chapter repeats behaviors that caused tragedy elsewhere, that shows:

Foreseeability: The national knew this could happen
Negligence: Failed to prevent predictable harm
Pattern Evidence: Supports punitive damages arguments

In our Bermudez case against Pi Kappa Phi, the national’s knowledge of similar incidents elsewhere strengthens our negligence claims.

Organization Mapping with West Texas Relevance

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – Present at Texas Tech, UT, A&M

National history: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), multiple other fatalities
Texas incidents: UT sanctions for forced milk consumption and extreme exercise
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights repeatedly turn fatal
For Kermit parents: One of highest-risk nationals statistically

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – At Most Texas Campuses

National history: Called “the deadliest fraternity” by some publications
Texas cases: Chemical burns at A&M, assault at UT, brain injury lawsuit in Alabama
Pattern: Physical violence combined with alcohol
Our experience: We’ve litigated against SAE multiple times

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Currently in Litigation with Our Firm

National history: Andrew Coffey death at FSU
Current case: Our Bermudez lawsuit alleging waterboarding-like abuse, forced eating, kidney failure
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing disguised as “conditioning”
Critical fact: Nationals often suspend chapters AFTER injury occurs (too late)

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National history: Max Gruver death at LSU
Result: Max Gruver Act (Louisiana felony hazing law)
Pattern: “Educational” drinking games with lethal consequences

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

National pattern: Paddling and physical discipline traditions
SMU incident: 2017 suspension for paddling and forced drinking
Texas presence: Multiple campuses including Tech and A&M

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizations

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine – a proprietary database tracking:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations: 125+ IRS-recognized entities with EINs and addresses
Campus Chapter Rosters: Verified presence at specific universities
National Incident Histories: Documented patterns across states
Insurance & Corporate Structures: Who actually has resources to compensate victims

For example, from public IRS records alone, we track organizations like:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 46-2267515) in Frisco, TX
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 74-1380362) in Fort Worth, TX
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 36-4091267) in Waco, TX

This isn’t academic—it’s how we identify every potentially liable entity in cases like Bermudez’s.

How This Applies to Your Case

If your child from Kermit is hazed, we:

Identify all relevant organizations using our database
Research national patterns of similar conduct
Subpoena internal documents showing what nationals knew
Build pattern evidence for settlement leverage or trial

This systematic approach is why we achieve results where others see dead ends.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for West Texas Families

Evidence Collection: What Matters Most

Digital Communications (The #1 Evidence Source)

GroupMe/WhatsApp/iMessage: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat memories
Deleted messages: Digital forensics can often recover them
Location data: GPS from photos, Find My Friends logs
For Kermit families: Do this IMMEDIATELY before deletion

Photos & Videos

Injuries: Multiple angles, include ruler for scale, document progression
Events: Party scenes, “traditions,” initiation activities
Locations: Houses, specific rooms, off-campus venues
Medical documentation: Hospital bracelets, IV sites, medical equipment

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals: “Traditions” lists, rules, requirements
Communication: Emails from officers about events
Financial records: Receipts for alcohol, paddles, props
National materials: Risk management guides showing what should have been prevented

University Records

Prior complaints: Other incidents involving same organization
Disciplinary actions: Probation, suspensions, warnings
Investigation reports: Internal reviews (obtained via discovery)
Clery reports: Crime statistics that might include related incidents

Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency care: ER reports, ambulance records
Hospitalization: Doctor notes, test results (like creatine kinase levels in rhabdo)
Specialist care: Neurologists, nephrologists, psychiatrists
Therapy records: PTSD, depression, anxiety treatment
For permanent injuries: Life care plans estimating future needs

Witness Testimony

Other pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled
Roommates/RA’s: Observed changes or heard details
Medical personnel: Documentation of statements made during treatment

Damages: What Kermit Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)
8. Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including:

Emergency treatment (ER, ambulance)
Hospitalization (ICU stays like Bermudez’s 4-day admission)
Surgeries and rehabilitation
Ongoing therapy (physical, psychological)
Medications and medical equipment
Life care plans for catastrophic injuries (brain damage, permanent disability)

Lost Income & Earning Capacity:
- Parent’s lost wages if caring for injured child
- Student’s lost summer/semester earnings
- Diminished future earning capacity if permanent injury
- Economists calculate lifetime impact
Other Economic Losses:
- Tutoring or academic support after missed classes
- Transfer expenses if changing schools
- Travel costs for medical treatment

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial but Harder to Quantify)
11. Physical Pain & Suffering:
– Actual pain from injuries
– Ongoing discomfort from permanent conditions
– Loss of physical abilities

Emotional Distress:
- PTSD, depression, anxiety (diagnosed by professionals)
- Humiliation and loss of dignity
- Fear, nightmares, flashbacks
- Loss of trust and relationship damage
Loss of Enjoyment of Life:
- Can’t participate in former activities
- Withdrawal from college experience
- Damaged educational journey

Wrongful Death Damages (If the Unthinkable Happens)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support to family
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parental and sibling grief counseling

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Bad)

To punish reckless, willful, or malicious conduct
Available when defendants knew risks and ignored them
Not capped in some intentional tort cases in Texas

The Role of Insurance in Hazing Cases

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance that often becomes central to recovery:

Common Insurance Issues We Navigate:

“Intentional act” exclusions: Insurers argue hazing is intentional
“Criminal act” exclusions: Similar arguments about illegal conduct
Multiple policies: Chapter, national, university, homeowner’s policies may all apply
Bad faith claims: When insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Our Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers:

Value and reserve claims
Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
Delay to pressure struggling families
Fight coverage under exclusions

This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurers.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Kermit Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) with vague explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Financial pressure (unexplained expenses, requests for money)
Academic decline (missing classes, dropping grades)
Physical signs (weight changes, sleep deprivation effects)

How to Talk to Your Child About Concerns:

Choose neutral time: Not when they’re rushing out or exhausted
Use open questions: “How are things with your group?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Express concern, not accusation: “I’m worried because you seem exhausted” not “Your fraternity is abusing you”
Emphasize safety over loyalty: “Your health matters more than any organization”
Have resources ready: Our number (1-888-ATTY-911), counseling services, medical options

If Your Child is Injured: Immediate Steps

Medical care FIRST: Even if they resist, prioritize health
Document everything: Injuries, what they say happened, who was involved
Preserve evidence: Phones, clothing, physical items
Contact us BEFORE talking to university or organization officials
Do NOT sign anything from anyone without legal review

For Students: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Check:

Am I being pressured or coerced?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
Am I told to keep secrets?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to safe location (dorm, public area, friend’s place)
You WON’T get in trouble for seeking medical help in emergencies (Texas good-faith protections)

Exiting Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation (email/text) to chapter leadership
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
Document any retaliation immediately

Evidence Preservation for Students:

Screenshots: Group chats with timestamps visible
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles, include date references
Voice memos: Texas is one-party consent for recording conversations you’re part of
Medical records: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s documented
Witness info: Names and contact for others who saw/heard

For Witnesses & Former Members

If you participated and now regret it or witnessed hazing:

Your Position:

You may feel guilt, fear of consequences, or loyalty conflicts
Your testimony could prevent future harm
You may need your own legal advice about potential exposure

How Cooperating Works:

We can often negotiate protections for cooperative witnesses
Your evidence might be the key to stopping dangerous patterns
Anonymity options sometimes exist in civil cases
Preventing another family’s tragedy can bring meaning to a bad situation

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Deleting Evidence

What happens: Destroying group chats, photos, messages
Why it’s fatal: Looks like cover-up; may be unrecoverable; hurts credibility
Better approach: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What happens: Parents call fraternity president or show up at house
Why it’s fatal: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document silently, contact attorney first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What happens: Universities pressure quick “internal resolution”
Why it’s fatal: Often includes liability waivers; settlements far below value
Better approach: “I need my attorney to review this first”

4. Posting on Social Media

What happens: Venting on Facebook or Instagram
Why it’s fatal: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt case
Better approach: Private documentation only; let lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigation

What happens: “Let’s see what the school does first”
Why it’s fatal: Evidence disappears; witnesses graduate; statute runs
Better approach: Parallel action – preserve evidence while university investigates

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

What happens: Adjuster calls for “just a quick statement”
Why it’s fatal: Recorded statements used against you; early lowball settlements
Better approach: “Please contact my attorney at 1-888-ATTY-911”

7. Letting Child Return for “Closure”

What happens: “Come to one last meeting to talk this out”
Why it’s fatal: Pressure, intimidation, extracted statements
Better approach: All communication through attorney once legal action considered

Hazing Lawsuit FAQs for Winkler County Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (Texas Tech, UTPB, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees individually. Private universities (Baylor, SMU, TCU) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor normally, but a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case involves felony-level allegations given the kidney failure and hospitalization.

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or discovery in Texas, but exceptions exist for minors, delayed discovery of harm, or fraudulent concealment. Time is critical—call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to preserve your rights.

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with substantial judgments.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy through sealed records, confidential settlements, and strategic media management. Your child’s name doesn’t need to be public unless you choose that path.

“What will this cost us?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation. This makes justice accessible to Kermit families regardless of financial situation.

“Can we afford a Houston law firm from West Texas?”
Absolutely. We serve families statewide, and initial consultations are free. Technology allows seamless communication regardless of distance. Many clients prefer working with experienced counsel rather than local attorneys unfamiliar with complex hazing litigation.

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911: Why West Texas Families Choose Us

When your family in Kermit, Wink, or Monahans 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. That’s why families across West Texas choose us.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”
Critical for Kermit families: This knowledge levels the playing field against well-funded opponents

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

BP Texas City explosion litigation – one of few Texas firms involved
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities or university defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”
For Winkler County families: This experience matters when facing institutions with unlimited legal budgets

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime damage calculations
Experience with life care planning for permanent injuries
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”
Current example: The $10M Bermudez lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi

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
For Texas families: This dual capability is rare and valuable

Investigative Depth & Resources

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

Spanish-Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Servicios legales completos disponibles en español
Critical for serving all West Texas families

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Response: Evidence preservation within first 48 hours
Comprehensive Investigation: Identifying ALL potentially liable parties
Strategic Demand: Building leverage through thorough preparation
Negotiation from Strength: Using trial readiness to force fair settlements
Trial when Necessary: Willing to take cases to verdict when justice demands it

The Bermudez Case: Current Proof of Our Capability

Right now, we’re actively litigating Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi, a case that exemplifies our approach:

The Harm: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization, permanent damage risk
The Conduct: Forced eating until vomiting, waterboarding-like abuse, extreme physical hazing
The Defendants: 13 individuals, chapter, national headquarters, housing corporation, university, regents
The Goal: $10M+ in damages and systemic accountability
The Significance: Shows we’re not just talking about hazing—we’re fighting it right now

For Kermit families, this ongoing case demonstrates our serious commitment to hazing litigation, not just marketing claims.

Call to Action for Kermit and West Texas Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at Texas Tech, UTPB, or any Texas university, we want to hear from you. Families in Kermit, Wink, Monahans, Pyote, and throughout the Permian Basin have the right to answers and accountability.

Your Free, Confidential Consultation

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

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – no recovery, no fee)
No pressure to hire us – take time to decide what’s right for your family
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information

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

Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

What to Bring to Your Consultation

Any photos of injuries or events
Screenshots of group chats or messages
Medical records related to the incident
Names of witnesses or others involved
University correspondence about the matter
Your list of questions and concerns

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston Office

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

Winkler County: Kermit, Wink, Monahans area
West Texas: Odessa, Midland, Lubbock, Abilene regions
Permian Basin: All surrounding communities
Statewide: Every Texas county

Technology allows seamless representation regardless of distance. Many clients prefer working with experienced hazing counsel rather than local attorneys who may lack specialization in this complex area.

Final Message to Kermit Families

Hazing shatters lives and families. The physical injuries heal, but the psychological trauma and betrayal of trust often linger longer. Universities and Greek organizations count on families giving up—on the complexity overwhelming you, on the financial pressure breaking you, on the emotional exhaustion defeating you.

We’re here to say: Don’t give up. Your child’s safety matters. Accountability matters. Preventing this from happening to another family matters.

The organizations behind hazing have insurance, lawyers, and public relations teams. Your family deserves equal footing. That’s what we provide.

Whether your child attends Texas Tech down the road in Lubbock or UT Austin hours away, Texas hazing law protects them. And we know how to make that law work for West Texas families.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, what your rights are, and how we can help your family find justice and closure.

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