The Definitive Guide to Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Families in City of Abbott and Across the State

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: When Camaraderie Crosses into Abuse

Imagine a young man from a close-knit community like City of Abbott, full of promise and excitement, starting his first year at a Texas university. He joins a fraternity seeking brotherhood and connection. What begins as camaraderie slowly escalates—late-night “study sessions” that are actually grueling workouts, mandatory chauffeur duties for older members, constant monitoring through group chats. Then comes the night he’s forced to consume impossible quantities of food and drink until he’s violently ill, only to be immediately forced into sprints. Days later, he’s crawling up stairs, his urine dark brown, his body in catastrophic failure. This isn’t hypothetical. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025—and our firm represents him in a $10 million lawsuit against the university, the national fraternity, and 13 individual members.

For parents in City of Abbott, Waco, Hillsboro, and throughout Hill County, this isn’t just a news story from Houston. It’s a warning that the child you sent off to Texas A&M, Baylor, UT Austin, or any Texas campus could be facing similar dangers in the name of “tradition” and “brotherhood.” Your child, who grew up in our tight-knit Central Texas communities, deserves safety and respect—not abuse masked as initiation.

This comprehensive guide exists for you—the families of City of Abbott and surrounding communities in Hill County and Central Texas. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) students, what’s happening on campuses where your children study, and what legal options exist when institutions violate their duty to protect.

If This Just Happened: Immediate Crisis Response

YOUR CHILD IS IN DANGER RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for any medical emergency
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate legal guidance—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

IN THE FIRST 48 HOURS:

Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
Preserve evidence before it disappears:
- Screenshot all group chats, texts, and DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles with good lighting
- Save physical evidence (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
Write down everything while memory is fresh: names, dates, locations, what was said
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly
- Sign anything from the university or their insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let anyone delete messages or “clean up” evidence

CONTACT EXPERIENCED HAZING COUNSEL WITHIN 24–48 HOURS:
Evidence disappears with terrifying speed—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. Universities often move quickly to control narratives. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights from the outset. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in City of Abbott remember hazing as “harmless pranks” or “boys being boys.” That outdated understanding puts children at risk. Modern hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and deliberately hidden from adults and authorities.

A Modern Definition for Texas Families

Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for purposes of joining, maintaining membership in, or holding office in any organization. The crucial understanding for Hill County families is this: “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does NOT make it legal or safe when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form. It’s not “just drinking.” It’s:

Forced consumption during “lineups” or “family tree” drinking games
“Big/Little” nights where pledges receive handles of liquor with expectation to finish them
Games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean forced drinks
Pressure to consume unknown mixtures or dangerous quantities
In the Bermudez case at UH, forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting was just one part of the abuse.

2. Physical Hazing and “Conditioning”
Disguised as “fitness” or “team building,” this includes:

Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) far beyond normal workouts (Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in one session)
Paddling, beatings, or physical strikes
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Exposure to extreme temperatures (Bermudez was forced into cold weather in just underwear)
Dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles or “glass ceiling” rituals

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This devastating category includes:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
“Roasted pig” binds or other restraint-based humiliation
Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones
In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

4. Psychological Hazing and Coercion
The invisible wounds often last longest:

Verbal abuse, screaming, and degradation
Isolation from non-members and family
Threats of expulsion for non-compliance
Forced confessions or compromising disclosures
Creation of dependence and fear

5. Digital Hazing and Social Media Coercion
The 2025 evolution that many parents don’t see:

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or Life360
Social media humiliation through forced posts or “challenges”
Recording of degrading acts shared in private groups
Cyberstalking if pledges try to退出

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just “Fraternities”

While Greek organizations account for significant hazing, your child could face danger in:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and tradition groups (like Texas Cowboys or similar organizations)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic clubs and honor societies
Military-style organizations and drill teams

For families in City of Abbott with children at Baylor (just 30 minutes away), Texas A&M (about two hours), UT Austin, or any Texas campus, understanding this breadth is crucial. The common thread isn’t the organization type—it’s the abuse of power in the name of tradition.

Texas Law and Your Child’s Rights: What Hill County Families Must Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that apply whether your child is at a university in Houston or in a dorm at Baylor. Here’s what matters for City of Abbott families:

The Legal Definition (Simplified):
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers a student’s physical or mental health for purposes of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any organization.

Key Provisions Every Parent Should Know:

Location Doesn’t Matter: On-campus or off-campus, at a house in Waco or a retreat in Hill Country—if it’s hazing, it’s illegal.
“Consent is NOT a Defense”: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” doesn’t matter. This directly counters the “they wanted to do it” defense organizations often use.
Criminal Penalties That Actually Matter:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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
- Additional Crimes: Failure to report hazing or retaliation against reporters
Organizations Can Be Prosecuted Too: Fraternities, sororities, clubs—the organizations themselves can face fines up to $10,000 per violation and loss of university recognition.
Good-Faith Reporter Protection: Students who report hazing or call 911 in good faith receive immunity from certain liabilities. This is crucial—your child won’t get in trouble for saving a life.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (The State’s Responsibility):

Prosecuted by district attorneys or county attorneys
Focus on punishment: jail time, fines, probation
Typical charges: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Path to Justice):

Filed by victims or surviving families
Focus on compensation and accountability
Typical claims: negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, negligent supervision
Burden of proof: “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
Can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed

The Crucial Understanding: These cases can run simultaneously. A lack of criminal charges doesn’t mean you can’t pursue civil accountability. In fact, the civil discovery process often uncovers evidence that criminal investigators missed.

Federal Laws Overlay: Additional Protections

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Mandates public hazing data (phased in through 2026)
Strengthens prevention education requirements
This means universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT must soon provide clearer public data

Title IX Protections:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Triggers specific investigatory obligations for universities
Can provide additional avenues for accountability

Clery Act Requirements:

Mandates reporting of certain crimes on campus
Hazing often overlaps with reportable offenses like assault

Who Can Be Held Liable: Following the Chain of Responsibility

When hazing happens, multiple parties may share responsibility:

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned or executed the hazing
Members who supplied alcohol or participated
Students who helped cover up the incident

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity, sorority, or club as an entity
Officers who knew or should have known
“Pledge educators” or risk managers who failed their duties

3. National Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies and collect dues
Nationals that knew of prior incidents or patterns
Insurance carriers for these national organizations

4. Universities and Their Governing Boards:

Schools that failed to enforce their own policies
Administrators who showed “deliberate indifference”
Universities that knew of patterns but didn’t intervene

5. Third Parties:

Property owners who allowed dangerous activities
Alcohol providers who furnished to minors
Security companies that failed in their duties

For families in City of Abbott, this comprehensive approach is crucial. We don’t just go after the obvious offenders—we follow the chain of responsibility to ensure all accountable parties are identified.

National Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn from Tragedy

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Lessons from Lives Lost

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A 20-year-old pledge died after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The result: multiple criminal convictions, a chapter closure, and a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU). For Texas families, this case shows that national fraternities with known patterns can and should pay significant amounts when those patterns repeat.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
The “Bible study” drinking game turned fatal when 19-year-old Max Gruver died with a 0.495% BAC. The aftermath: criminal convictions, chapter closure, and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing penalties. For Central Texas families, this demonstrates how one tragedy can drive legislative change—a pattern we’re seeing in Texas now.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Perhaps the most documented hazing death in history, with security camera footage showing hours of delay before calling 911. The result: 18 members charged with over 1,000 counts, the chapter permanently banned, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. For parents, this case screams the importance of immediate medical intervention.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Another “Big Brother Night” tragedy where a pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning. The response: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life, leading to nationwide policy reforms. This is the same national fraternity involved in the UH case we’re litigating—showing how patterns persist until forcefully challenged.

Physical Hazing Patterns: When “Traditions” Turn Violent

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
A blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual turned fatal when Michael Deng suffered fatal head injuries. The unprecedented result: national fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This proves organizations themselves can face criminal consequences.

Northwestern University Football Program (2023-2025)
A reminder that hazing extends far beyond Greek life. Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, the head coach’s firing, and confidential settlements. For City of Abbott families with athletic children, this is crucial awareness.

What These Cases Mean for Hill County Families

These national patterns create legal precedents that help Texas cases:

Foreseeability Established: When a national fraternity has prior incidents, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
Settlement Benchmarks Set: Multi-million dollar settlements create expectations for similar cases
Legal Strategies Proven: Successful approaches in other states inform Texas litigation
Public Awareness Raised: Media coverage makes juries more receptive to hazing claims

Most importantly, these cases show that families don’t have to accept “it was just an accident” or “boys will be boys.” Institutions can be held accountable, and substantial recovery is possible.

Texas University Focus: Where City of Abbott Families Send Their Children

Geographic Reality for Hill County Families

For parents in City of Abbott, Hillsboro, and surrounding communities, your children likely attend:

Baylor University (Waco, ~30 minutes away)
Texas A&M University (College Station, ~2 hours)
University of Texas at Austin (~2 hours)
University of Houston (~3 hours)
Texas State University (San Marcos, ~2.5 hours)
Tarleton State University (Stephenville, ~1.5 hours)
McLennan Community College (Waco, ~30 minutes)

Each campus has its own hazing landscape, Greek ecosystem, and institutional challenges. Understanding these differences is crucial for protection and response.

University of Houston: Our Current Battlefront

The Leonel Bermudez Case: $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
Right now, we’re leading one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases against UH and Pi Kappa Phi. The details are harrowing:

Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents, forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, extreme workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” forced overeating until vomiting, hog-tying of other pledges
Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, hospitalized for four days, faces risk of permanent kidney damage
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6, 2025; members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
Media Coverage: Click2Houston report, ABC13 coverage, Hoodline summary

UH’s Greek Landscape:
UH hosts multiple Greek councils with chapters including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and numerous others. The university’s public reporting on hazing violations has been limited compared to UT Austin’s transparency.

For City of Abbott Families with Children at UH:

Reporting channels go through Dean of Students and UHPD
Civil cases would typically be filed in Harris County courts
Prior incidents at UH create patterns that strengthen new cases
The active litigation we’re leading shows UH will face serious accountability

Baylor University: The Closest Major Campus for Hill County

Proximity Matters: For many City of Abbott families, Baylor is the most accessible major university. Its Greek life is significant and includes:

Panhellenic sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma, others
IFC fraternities: Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, others
NPHC Divine Nine organizations
Multicultural Greek Council groups

Baylor’s History and Context:
Following prior scandals, Baylor has emphasized reform but Greek hazing remains a concern. The religious context doesn’t immunize organizations from abuse.

Notable Baylor Incident: Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation, highlighting that athletics aren’t exempt. The staggered suspensions suggested systematic issues rather than isolated incidents.

For City of Abbott Baylor Families:

McLennan County courts would likely handle local cases
Baylor’s status as a private university affects certain legal strategies
The close community means patterns may be more visible
Immediate reporting to Baylor’s Student Conduct office is crucial

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

The Corps of Cadets Dynamic:
For many Central Texas families, A&M’s Corps represents tradition and discipline. Unfortunately, it also has a history of hazing incidents:

2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth, sought over $1 million
Institutional Response: A&M stated it handled matters under its rules, highlighting the closed nature of Corps discipline

Greek Life at A&M:
With one of Texas’s largest Greek systems, A&M has seen serious incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly doused with industrial-strength cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts, $1 million lawsuit filed
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol-related hazing and policy violations

For City of Abbott A&M Families:

Brazos County courts handle local cases
The Corps has its own discipline system parallel to university channels
A&M’s size means patterns may be harder to detect but consequences are significant
Early legal intervention is crucial before institutional processes take over

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
Unlike many universities, UT maintains a public log at hazing.utexas.edu showing:

Organization names, violation dates, conduct descriptions, sanctions
This transparency actually strengthens civil cases by establishing patterns

Recent UT Entries Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, found to be hazing, chapter probation
Texas Wranglers and other spirit groups sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol hazing
Multiple fraternities with repeat violations showing systemic issues

Sigma Alpha Epsilon at UT (2024):
Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose, sued for over $1 million

For City of Abbott UT Families:

Travis County courts handle Austin cases
The public violations database is a powerful investigative tool
UT’s size means multiple organizations may have similar patterns
Early evidence preservation is even more crucial given organizational sophistication

Southern Methodist University: Private Institution Challenges

SMU’s Greek Landscape:
As a private university with affluent demographics, SMU’s Greek life is prominent with chapters including Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, and multiple Panhellenic sororities.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep, leading to chapter suspension until 2021. This demonstrates that even “elite” organizations engage in hazardous hazing.

SMU’s Reporting Systems:
Private university status means less public transparency, but internal reporting through Dean of Students and anonymous systems like Real Response exist.

For City of Abbott SMU Families:

Dallas County courts handle SMU cases
Private university status affects certain legal strategies
SMU’s resources mean they mount vigorous defenses
Early experienced counsel is crucial against well-funded opponents

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations Across Our State

Our Investigative Advantage for Texas Families

While many law firms approach hazing cases as isolated incidents, we maintain a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations—because patterns matter, and institutions that operate across our state should be accountable everywhere they cause harm.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving City of Abbott Families

If you’re a parent in City of Abbott, Hillsboro, or anywhere in Hill County, you deserve to know who stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. These are not just social clubs—they are legal entities with insurance, assets, and responsibilities.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records):
The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations in Texas. These 125+ entities include house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies. For example:

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trail, Frisco, TX 75035 – IRS B83 filing
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) – 3007 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station, TX 77845 – IRS B83 filing
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc (EIN 201237505) – 4251 FM 2181 Suite 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210 – Beta Chapter, IRS B83 filing
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 475370943) – 5019 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204 – Theta Delta chapter, IRS B83 filing
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (EIN 900927378) – 13211 Lost Lake Drive, San Antonio, TX 78249 – Texas Xi chapter, IRS B83 filing

Metro Area Concentrations (Cause IQ Data):
Greek organizations cluster around university metros:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ Greek-related organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86+ organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42+ organizations
Waco Metro: 27+ organizations (directly relevant to Baylor and Hill County families)

Cross-Validated National Brands:
When organizations appear in both IRS and metro data, it confirms their operational presence:

Beta Upsilon Chi appears in IRS records (EIN 742911848, Fort Worth) and Cause IQ Dallas-Fort Worth data
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears in multiple IRS filings and metro records across Texas
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity appears in IRS records and multiple metro listings

Why This Data Matters for Your Case

Identifies All Potentially Liable Entities: Not just the active chapter, but house corporations, alumni associations, and national organizations that may share liability.
Establishes Patterns: Multiple chapters of the same national across Texas metros show organizational patterns rather than isolated “rogue chapters.”
Locates Assets and Insurance: Legal entities have addresses, assets, and insurance—critical for recovery.
Proves Institutional Knowledge: When nationals have multiple Texas chapters with incidents, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen here.”

For a family in City of Abbott dealing with a hazing incident at Baylor, this means we can immediately identify not just the local chapter, but the housing corporation, alumni support network, and national infrastructure behind it. We start investigations with data, not guesswork.

National Fraternity Patterns: What History Shows

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021) – $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger death (NIU 2012) – $14 million settlement
Multiple Texas chapters with violations
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing and physical abuse

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Carson Starkey death (Cal Poly 2008) – confidential settlement
Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021) – $1 million lawsuit
UT Austin assault case (2024) – over $1 million lawsuit
Pattern: Alcohol hazing, physical violence, chemical abuse

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey death (FSU 2017) – confidential settlement
Leonel Bermudez injury (UH 2025) – $10 million lawsuit we’re litigating
Pattern: Alcohol hazing, extreme physical abuse

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver death (LSU 2017) – drove Louisiana felony hazing law
Multiple Texas chapters
Pattern: Drinking games and alcohol poisoning risk

For Hill County families, these national patterns matter because the same organizations operating at Baylor, Texas A&M, or UT have the same dangerous traditions nationally. When harm occurs, we can show it wasn’t an “isolated incident” but a predictable pattern the national should have prevented.

Building Your Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Recovery

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Communications (The Most Critical Evidence):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups, Discord servers
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok communications
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Snapchat maps
Planning evidence: Messages showing organization and intent

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chats were crucial for establishing the systematic nature of hazing. We have a video explaining evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photographic and Video Evidence:

Injuries photographed immediately and over several days
Event photos/videos shared in groups or on social media
Security camera or doorbell footage from houses
Location photos showing where incidents occurred

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents, initiation scripts
Chapter meeting minutes or notes
Communication with national headquarters
Risk management plans and policy acknowledgments

University Records:

Prior conduct violations for the same organization
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and annual security disclosures
Internal emails about the organization or incident

Medical Documentation:

Emergency room records (crucial for timing and severity)
Hospitalization records and specialist consultations
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Toxicology reports and lab results
Ongoing treatment records

Witness Information:

Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
Members who witnessed but didn’t participate
Roommates, friends, or significant others who observed changes
Former members who quit due to similar concerns

Understanding Damages: What Recovery Actually Means

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost income and diminished earning capacity
Therapy and counseling costs
Life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

Pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, PTSD, depression, anxiety
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life and educational experience
Damage to relationships and social functioning

Wrongful Death Damages (When the Unthinkable Happens):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support and inheritance
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Grief and emotional suffering of family members
Punitive damages in egregious cases

Settlement Realities for Texas Families:

Death cases: Typically $1-14 million depending on facts
Severe injury cases: $375,000 to multi-million depending on permanence
Confidential settlements: Common to protect victim privacy
Structural reforms: Sometimes included in settlements (policy changes, oversight)

We explain damages in more detail in our wrongful death practice area: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

The Insurance Battle: Where Recovery Actually Comes From

Multiple Insurance Layers:

Individual member homeowners policies (may cover some liability)
Chapter liability insurance (if the chapter is insured)
National fraternity insurance (often the primary target)
University insurance (for institutional negligence claims)
Umbrella and excess policies (additional coverage layers)

Common Insurance Defense Tactics We Know How to Counter:
previously defended insurance companies, so we know their playbook:

“Intentional act” exclusions: Arguing hazing is intentional so not covered
“Rogue chapter” arguments: Claiming national didn’t know or approve
Lowball early settlements: Trying to resolve before full damages are known
Delay tactics: Dragging out cases until families need money
Coverage disputes: Arguing multiple policies and who should pay

Our insider knowledge means we anticipate these moves and build cases that overcome them from the start.

Practical Guidance: Step-by-Step for City of Abbott Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
Constant phone use monitoring group chats
Financial changes: unexpected expenses, requests for money
Academic decline: dropping grades, missed classes

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose the right time: Private, calm, no distractions
Use open questions: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t react with anger at them
Emphasize safety: “My only concern is your health and safety”
Offer unconditional support: “Nothing you tell me will change my love for you”

If You Suspect Hazing Is Happening:

Document everything your child tells you (dates, times, details)
Preserve any evidence they show you (screenshot, don’t just look)
Encourage medical attention for any injuries
Contact an experienced attorney BEFORE confronting the organization
Understand university reporting options but know their limitations

For Students: Safety, Evidence, and Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? A Quick Self-Assessment:

Am I being 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’s happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing. Texas law says your “consent” doesn’t make it legal.

How to Exit Safely:

In immediate danger: Call 911, then get to a safe location
Inform someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
Send written notice: Email/text chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Document any retaliation and report to university and police

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshot all group chats with timestamps and participant names visible
Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
Save all communications even if embarrassing—don’t delete anything
Record conversations if safe (Texas is one-party consent state)
Get medical documentation and tell providers you were hazed
Identify witnesses and get their contact information

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence “To Protect Someone”

What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Reality: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, makes case nearly impossible
Better approach: Preserve everything, let attorneys determine relevance

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document everything, consult attorney, let them handle communications

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What universities do: Pressure quick settlements with waiver of future claims
Reality: Settlements are often far below case value, waive important rights
Better approach: “I need to consult with an attorney before signing anything”

4. Posting on Social Media

What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Document privately, let your attorney control public messaging

5. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Better approach: Preserve evidence now, consult attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Counsel

What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process”
Reality: Recorded statements are used against you, early settlements are lowball
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

We cover these mistakes in detail in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hill County Families

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.

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

As Mr. Peña says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when navigating the complex insurance layers behind national fraternities and universities.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That same capability applies directly to hazing cases against:

National fraternities with deep pockets
University systems with institutional defenses
Insurance carriers fighting coverage

Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we’re not intimidated by sophisticated defense teams.

Proven Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Results:
We’ve recovered millions for families in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value losses and life care planners to project future needs. This experience is directly applicable to hazing deaths and severe injuries like:

Rhabdomyolysis and kidney damage (as in the UH case)
Traumatic brain injuries from alcohol poisoning
Permanent disability from physical abuse
Severe psychological trauma including PTSD

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. This is crucial when:

Criminal charges are pending alongside civil claims
Witnesses or former members need advice about cooperation
Navigating the interplay between criminal and civil proceedings

Investigative Depth and Expert Networks:
We deploy the same rigorous investigation used in complex trucking and maritime cases to hazing:

Digital forensics to recover deleted messages
Expert networks: medical professionals, psychologists, economists, Greek life experts
Public records research through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
Experience obtaining hidden university and fraternity files

Spanish-Language Services for Texas Families:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can conduct consultations in Spanish—critical for serving Texas’s diverse communities with cultural sensitivity and understanding.

Our Geographic Commitment to Texas

While based in Houston with offices in Austin and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Abbott, Hill County, and all Central Texas communities. We understand that:

Cases might be filed in local counties (McLennan for Baylor, Brazos for A&M, Travis for UT)
Each university community has its own dynamics and challenges
Texas laws apply consistently but local legal cultures vary
Transportation and accessibility matter for Texas families

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Free, Confidential Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment or interruption
We review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
We explain your legal options clearly and honestly
We discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
We answer all your questions about process and costs
No pressure to hire us immediately—take time to decide

Our Contingency Fee Structure:

No upfront costs for our representation
We don’t get paid unless you recover
Fees are a percentage of recovery, clearly explained upfront
Costs advanced by the firm, reimbursed only if successful

We explain contingency fees in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Our Communication Commitment:

Regular updates (at least every 2-3 weeks)
Direct access to your attorneys, not just staff
Clear explanations of legal developments
Respect for your family’s privacy and emotional needs

Call to Action: Your Next Step as a City of Abbott Family

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Baylor just down the road, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus—we want to hear from you. The journey from trauma to accountability begins with one confidential conversation.

What We Can Help You With:

Understanding your legal rights under Texas law
Preserving critical evidence before it disappears
Navigating university processes while protecting your interests
Identifying all potentially liable parties (not just the obvious ones)
Building a case that forces genuine accountability
Pursuing compensation that acknowledges real harm

Contact Us 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: Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Statute of Limitations Warning:
Texas generally gives you 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit, but exceptions and complexities exist. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records. Time is not your ally. Call today to protect your rights.

We explain statutes of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

A Final Word to Hill County Families

From our work on the UH Pi Kappa Phi case and other Texas hazing matters, we’ve seen firsthand how institutions prioritize reputation over safety, how traditions persist despite known dangers, and how families suffer when systems fail. We’ve also seen how determined legal advocacy can force change, secure accountability, and provide resources for healing.

Your child’s safety and dignity matter. The institutions that failed them must answer for that failure. Start that process today with a confidential conversation.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving City of Abbott, Hill County, and all Texas communities
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Evidence preservation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com

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 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