The Hazing Crisis in Goliad County: Protecting Students and Holding Institutions Accountable

Understanding the Hazing Epidemic in Texas and Beyond

Goliad County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to grow, and to have positive experiences. Unfortunately, for many students involved in Greek life, sports teams, and other organizations, the reality is far darker. Hazing has become an epidemic on college campuses across Texas, including near Goliad County, and the consequences can be devastating—even deadly.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting this battle in court. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to extreme hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. This wasn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition”—it was systematic abuse that included waterboarding, forced consumption of food until vomiting, and extreme physical punishment. This same type of hazing happens at universities near Goliad County, and we’re committed to protecting students in our community.

What Goliad County Families Need to Know About Hazing

The Reality of Hazing Near Goliad County

Hazing isn’t limited to large universities in major cities. It happens at institutions throughout Texas, including those near Goliad County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have chapters at major Texas universities also have chapters at schools closer to our community. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other organizations with documented hazing histories operate chapters at universities that serve Goliad County students.

The recent case we’re handling at the University of Houston demonstrates just how dangerous hazing can be. Our client was subjected to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups under threat of expulsion
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Forced to continue running while in physical distress after vomiting
• Sleep deprivation through late-night activities
• Psychological humiliation and threats

This resulted in severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization. This type of abuse isn’t unique to Houston—it happens at universities near Goliad County too.

The Medical Dangers of Hazing

Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. In our current case, the victim suffered:

• Rhabdomyolysis: A dangerous condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing proteins that can damage the kidneys
• Acute kidney failure: A life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical treatment
• Severe muscle pain and inability to walk: Symptoms of extensive muscle damage
• Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression from the abuse

Other common hazing-related injuries include:

• Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injuries from physical abuse
• Heat stroke or hypothermia from exposure
• Internal injuries from beatings
• Sexual assault injuries
• Wrongful death

The Legal Definition of Hazing in Texas

Texas law is clear about what constitutes hazing. Under the Texas Education Code § 37.151, hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that:

1. Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
2. Is done for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization
3. Includes physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of substances, or any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm

Importantly, Texas law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held legally responsible.

Who Is Liable When Hazing Occurs Near Goliad County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current case, we’re pursuing claims against:

1. The local chapter: Directly organized and conducted the hazing activities
2. The national organization: Failed to supervise and prevent hazing despite knowing about prior incidents
3. The university: Owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred and failed to prevent it despite prior incidents
4. Individual members: Participated in or facilitated the hazing
5. Former members and their families: Allowed hazing to occur at their residence

This same liability framework applies to hazing incidents near Goliad County. If your child is hazed at a university in our region, we can pursue claims against all responsible parties.

The Pattern of Institutional Failure

One of the most disturbing aspects of our current case is the pattern of institutional failure. Both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National had prior knowledge that hazing was dangerous and could cause serious harm.

• In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event at Florida State University from forced alcohol consumption
• In 2017, a student at the University of Houston was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity
• Despite these incidents, neither institution implemented effective safeguards
• Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing at the same university

This same pattern of institutional failure exists at universities near Goliad County. Many institutions have hazing incidents in their history but fail to implement meaningful change until forced to by legal action.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed Near Goliad County

If you suspect or know that your child has been hazed at a university near Goliad County, take these steps immediately:

1. Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms immediately
2. Document everything: Take photos of injuries, save text messages and social media posts, keep medical records
3. Preserve evidence: Don’t delete anything—communications, photos, videos can all be crucial
4. Report the incident: File reports with the university, local law enforcement, and appropriate oversight bodies
5. Contact an attorney: Before speaking to the organization, university, or their insurance companies

Do NOT:

• Let your child confront the organization alone
• Sign any documents from the organization or university
• Post about the incident on social media
• Assume it was “just a prank” or “harmless tradition”

Why Goliad County Families Choose Attorney 911

When your child is hazed, you need attorneys who understand the complexity of these cases and are willing to fight aggressively against powerful institutions. At Attorney 911, we offer Goliad County families:

1. Proven Experience in Hazing Litigation

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us—we’re in the fight right now, and we know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to minimize payouts. We use this insider knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, which allows us to pursue hazing cases nationwide, including those involving out-of-state defendants like national fraternities.

4. Dual-State Licenses

We’re licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when pursuing national organizations headquartered in different states.

5. Comprehensive Approach

We don’t just sue the local chapter—we pursue all responsible parties, including national organizations, universities, and individual members. This comprehensive approach maximizes both accountability and compensation.

6. Contingency Fee Representation

We understand that Goliad County families may be concerned about legal costs. We take hazing cases on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

7. Bilingual Services

We offer services in both English and Spanish, ensuring that language barriers don’t prevent Goliad County families from seeking justice.

8. Willingness to Travel

While we’re based in Houston, we serve clients throughout Texas and nationwide. We’ll travel to Goliad County for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed.

The Legal Process for Goliad County Hazing Victims

When you contact Attorney 911 about a hazing incident near Goliad County, here’s what you can expect:

1. Free Initial Consultation: We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options
2. Immediate Evidence Preservation: We’ll send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
3. Comprehensive Investigation: We’ll gather medical records, witness statements, and other evidence
4. Expert Consultation: We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and others to build your case
5. Demand Letters: We’ll send demand letters to all responsible parties
6. Negotiation: We’ll negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
7. Litigation: If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit and take your case to trial
8. Resolution: We’ll fight for the maximum compensation for your child’s injuries

Common Hazing Myths Debunked

Myth 1: “It’s just harmless tradition”

Reality: Hazing is abuse, not tradition. Waterboarding, forced consumption until vomiting, and extreme physical punishment are not harmless—they’re dangerous and often illegal.

Myth 2: “He consented to participate”

Reality: Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The power dynamics in these situations make true consent impossible.

Myth 3: “It only happens at big universities”

Reality: Hazing occurs at universities of all sizes, including those near Goliad County. Wherever there are Greek organizations, sports teams, or other groups with initiation rituals, hazing can occur.

Myth 4: “The university isn’t responsible”

Reality: Universities can be held liable, especially if they own the property where hazing occurs or if they’ve had prior incidents they failed to address.

Myth 5: “It’s not worth pursuing legally”

Reality: Hazing cases can result in significant compensation. Our current case seeks $10 million, and other hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.

Recent Hazing Cases and Their Outcomes

To understand what’s possible for Goliad County families, consider these recent hazing cases:

1. Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): $10.1 million total settlement after a student died from forced alcohol consumption
2. Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): $6.1 million jury verdict after a student died from forced drinking during a “Bible study” pledge event
3. Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): $110+ million settlement after a student died from traumatic brain injury following forced drinking and multiple falls
4. Adam Oakes (VCU, Delta Chi, 2021): $4+ million settlement after a student died from alcohol poisoning

These cases show that juries and institutions take hazing seriously when it’s exposed in court. The same results are possible for Goliad County victims.

Protecting Goliad County Students from Hazing

Prevention is always better than litigation. Here’s what Goliad County families can do to protect their children:

1. Educate your child about hazing: Make sure they understand what hazing looks like and that it’s never acceptable
2. Encourage reporting: Create an environment where your child feels safe reporting hazing without fear of retaliation
3. Monitor their experiences: Ask about their activities and watch for signs of distress
4. Research organizations: Before your child joins any group, research its history and reputation
5. Know the signs: Be alert for changes in behavior, physical injuries, or signs of psychological distress

Contact Attorney 911 for Goliad County Hazing Cases

If your child has been hazed at a university near Goliad County, don’t wait to seek legal help. The statute of limitations in Texas is typically two years, and evidence disappears quickly.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight aggressively to hold all responsible parties accountable. Remember:

• We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win
• We’ll travel to Goliad County for your case
• We speak both English and Spanish
• We have federal court authority to pursue national organizations
• We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case and know how to win

Goliad County families deserve justice. Let us fight for you.