The Definitive Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Abernathy Parents and Families Need to Know Now

For families in Abernathy, Hale County, and across the Texas South Plains, the college dreams we hold for our children are built on hard work, community values, and the promise of a bright future. We imagine them finding their place on a vibrant campus, making lifelong friends, and building a network that will support them for years to come. But for some families in our community, that dream can turn into a nightmare overnight.

Picture this: An Abernathy student, maybe the first in their family to attend college at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, joins a fraternity seeking brotherhood. What begins as exciting “pledge activities” quickly devolves into forced, late-night workouts at a local park, humiliating dress codes, and relentless pressure. The student returns home to Abernathy on a weekend, exhausted and withdrawn, making excuses for bruises and a sudden decline in their academic performance. The parent’s instinct says something is terribly wrong, but their child, caught between fear and loyalty, insists everything is fine.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter—where a student suffered rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization after extreme hazing. This is happening in our state, to Texas families not unlike yours in Abernathy.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents, students, and community members in Abernathy, Hale County, Lubbock, Plainview, and throughout the Texas South Plains. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, outline your legal rights under Texas law, detail the realities at universities where Abernathy students enroll, and provide a clear path to accountability and healing. If your family is facing this crisis right now, immediate help is available by calling 1-888-ATTY-911.

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 evidence, 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 in Texas

For parents in Abernathy who may be unfamiliar with modern campus culture, understanding hazing requires moving beyond outdated stereotypes of harmless pranks. Hazing in 2025 is a systematic pattern of coercion, abuse, and secrecy that endangers students physically and psychologically.

A Clear, Modern Definition

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. Critically, a student’s “consent” does not make it legal or acceptable when given under peer pressure, fear of exclusion, or power imbalance.

Main Categories of Hazing Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking games like “lineups,” “century club,” or “Big/Little” nights
• Being pressured to consume unknown mixtures or dangerous amounts
• The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting

Physical Hazing

• Paddling, beatings, and “smokings” (extreme calisthenics)
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or early morning summons
• Exposure to extreme elements (cold weather in underwear, lying in vomit)
• In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, pledges faced 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and bear crawls until collapse

Psychological and Digital Hazing

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Social media humiliation through forced posts or challenges
• Verbal abuse, isolation from non-members, and degradation rituals
• “Pledge fanny packs” containing humiliating items carried at all times

Sexualized Hazing

• Forced nudity or simulated sexual acts
• Degrading positions like “roasted pig” (documented in Texas A&M Corps cases)
• Coerced viewing of pornography or sexual harassment

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Stereotypes

While fraternities and sororities receive significant attention, Abernathy parents should know hazing occurs in:

• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Athletic teams (football, baseball, basketball, cheer)
• Spirit and tradition organizations (like Texas Cowboys)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common threads are tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance—dynamics that persist even when organizations publicly condemn hazing.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Abernathy Families Must Understand

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for Abernathy families considering their options. Our state’s legal framework provides both criminal penalties and civil recourse for victims.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Hazing Statutes

§ 37.151 Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

1. Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
2. Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization.

Plain English Translation: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group—whether they meant to cause harm or were reckless about the risk—that’s hazing under Texas law. Location doesn’t matter (on or off campus), and mental harm counts as much as physical harm.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a Defense
Texas law explicitly states that a victim’s “consent” to hazing activities is not a defense to prosecution. This recognizes the reality of peer pressure, power imbalance, and coercion that students face.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Paths

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (county or district attorney)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common hazing-related charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: In the Max Gruver case at LSU, fraternity members faced negligent homicide charges

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and institutional accountability
• Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Critical fact: A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
• Mandates public hazing data and prevention programs by 2026
• Increases accountability for universities nationwide

Title IX & Clery Act

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
• Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes; hazing often overlaps with assault or alcohol violations

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
• Chapter officers with supervisory responsibility

Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
• Housing corporations that own chapter properties

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

Universities & Governing Boards

• Schools may be sued for negligence or deliberate indifference
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, investigation adequacy
• Example: In the Stone Foltz case, Bowling Green State University paid $3 million in settlement

Third Parties

• Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
• Alcohol providers (under dram shop liability)
• Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

The tragedies that have unfolded on campuses nationwide provide both warning and precedent for Texas families. These cases show predictable patterns that repeat across states and organizations.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• Bid-acceptance night with forced drinking
• Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras; 12-hour delay before calling 911
• 18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
• Result: Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game: wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Result: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

• “Big/Little” night: forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Fatal traumatic brain injury; delayed medical care
• Result: National fraternity criminally convicted; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

• Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
• Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
• Result: Settlements with 22 defendants; chapter closed

Athletic Program Hazing Scandals

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program
• Multiple lawsuits against university; head coach fired
• Result: Confidential settlements; program cultural overhaul

What These Cases Mean for Abernathy Families

The patterns are alarmingly consistent: forced drinking, humiliation, delayed medical care, and cover-ups. These national cases establish legal precedents that Texas courts follow and demonstrate that institutions can be held accountable through determined legal action.

Texas University Focus: Where Abernathy Students Attend

Abernathy families send their children to universities across Texas, with many choosing institutions in our region and throughout the state. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is crucial.

Local and Regional Campuses for Abernathy Students

Based on proximity and enrollment patterns, Abernathy students commonly attend:

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)

• Major research university 50 miles from Abernathy
• Active Greek life with approximately 40 fraternities and sororities
• Recent hazing concerns in both Greek and athletic programs
• Key Fact: Texas Tech is part of the Lubbock metro area, which has 59 Greek organizations according to our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine data

Wayland Baptist University (Plainview, TX)

• Private Baptist university in Hale County
• Smaller Greek presence but subject to same Texas hazing laws

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX)

• Part of Texas A&M University System
• Approximately 75 miles from Abernathy
• Active Greek community with national organization chapters

Other Regional Choices: Abilene Christian University, University of Texas Permian Basin (Odessa), Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls)

Major Texas University Hubs

Many Abernathy students also attend flagship universities across Texas, where Greek life is particularly prominent:

University of Houston

• Current Major Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu
• Incident Details: Fall 2025 pledge period involving “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption leading to vomiting, extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization
• Response: Chapter suspended November 6, 2025; charter surrendered November 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Legal Status: $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney911 (we represent Bermudez)
• Media Coverage: Click2Houston report, ABC13 coverage

Texas A&M University

• Corps of Cadets Culture: Tradition-heavy environment with documented hazing incidents
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
• Corps Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged “roasted pig” binding with apple in mouth, simulated sexual acts
• Transparency: Public hazing violation reports available through student conduct office

University of Texas at Austin

• Public Hazing Violations Page: Lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions
• Example: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) sanctioned for forcing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• University Response: Probation, mandatory hazing prevention education
• Legal Advantage: Public records help establish pattern evidence in civil cases

Southern Methodist University

• Private University Status: Fewer public records but subject to same Texas laws
• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended
• Prevention Efforts: Anonymous reporting systems, mandatory Greek life education

Baylor University

• Religious Identity: Christian environment with stated “zero tolerance” policies
• Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
• Context: Part of broader institutional scrutiny following Title IX controversies

How Hazing Cases Proceed at These Universities

For Abernathy families, understanding the process is crucial:

1. Immediate Reporting: Campus police, Dean of Students, Title IX office (if sexualized)
2. University Investigation: Internal conduct process, which may run parallel to criminal investigation
3. Potential Outcomes: Chapter suspension, individual expulsion, probation
4. Civil Action Timeline: Often begins after university process, but evidence preservation must start immediately

Critical Insight: University disciplinary processes are not substitutes for civil legal action. They have different standards, goals, and outcomes. Families deserve both campus accountability and civil compensation for medical expenses, trauma, and life disruption.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Public Records Directory for Abernathy Families

As part of our commitment to transparency and thorough investigation, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations and their legal entities across Texas. For Abernathy parents, this means we don’t start from zero when investigating hazing incidents affecting your child.

Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Abernathy Families

The following organizations are recorded in public IRS and state filings as operating in Texas. This partial listing demonstrates the complex network of entities that may share liability in hazing cases.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records)

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 161675890 | 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382
• ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 262025321 | 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 740555581 | 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 741380362 | PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 746084905 | 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 900293166 | 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843

Lubbock Metro Area Greek Entities (Cause IQ Data)

• Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing | Lubbock, TX
• Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi) | Lubbock, TX
• Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Lubbock | Lubbock, TX
• Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter | Lubbock, TX

Why This Directory Matters for Abernathy Families

When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability:

1. Undergraduate Chapters: The student members and officers
2. Alumni Corporations: Entities that own houses and provide oversight
3. National Headquarters: Organizations that set policies and collect dues
4. Educational Foundations: Tax-exempt entities that fund Greek activities
5. Housing Corporations: Property owners where hazing occurs

Our ability to immediately identify these entities gives Abernathy families a significant advantage in pursuing accountability and compensation.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Matter in Texas Cases

The national organizations behind campus chapters have histories that directly impact liability in Texas hazing cases. When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that has caused injury or death elsewhere, that pattern evidence becomes crucial in civil litigation.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)

• Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University (2021) – $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University (2012) – $14 million settlement
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events with forced consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

• Traumatic Brain Injury Case: University of Alabama (2023) – lawsuit pending
• Chemical Burns Case: Texas A&M University (2021) – $1 million lawsuit
• Assault Case: University of Texas at Austin (2024) – over $1 million lawsuit
• Pattern: Physical abuse, chemical exposure, alcohol coercion

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Max Gruver: Louisiana State University (2017) – $6.1 million verdict
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced consumption rituals

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Andrew Coffey: Florida State University (2017) – confidential settlement
• Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston (2025) – $10 million lawsuit (our active case)
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption, sleep deprivation

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

• SMU Chapter Incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Pattern: Traditional physical hazing methods

How National Histories Impact Texas Cases

Foreseeability Argument
When a national organization has documented hazing incidents at other chapters, they cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen.” This establishes foreseeability—a key element in negligence claims.

Pattern Evidence
Courts allow evidence of similar incidents at other chapters to show:

• The organization knew or should have known about the risks
• Their prevention measures were inadequate
• The conduct was part of a pattern, not an isolated incident

Punitive Damages Potential
When organizations ignore clear warning signs from prior incidents, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish reckless behavior and deter future harm.

Insurance Coverage Implications
National organizations’ liability insurance may try to deny coverage for “intentional acts.” Pattern evidence showing systematic failure to prevent known risks can help overcome these exclusions by framing the negligence as failures in supervision and policy enforcement.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and What to Expect

For Abernathy families facing a hazing crisis, understanding the legal process can reduce anxiety and empower informed decisions. Here’s what experienced hazing litigation involves.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important)

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
• Deleted Content: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
• In the UH Case: Group chats documented “pledge fanny pack” rules and workout demands

Photos & Videos

• Event footage filmed by participants
• Security/doorbell camera footage from houses
• Injury documentation with timestamps
• Preservation Tip: Screenshot immediately; content disappears quickly

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
• Chapter meeting minutes
• Risk management policies from nationals
• Email correspondence between members and advisors

University Records

• Prior conduct violations for the same organization
• Campus police incident reports
• Clery Act crime logs
• Texas Advantage: UT Austin’s public hazing violations page provides valuable pattern evidence

Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency room reports documenting injuries
• Toxicology results (blood alcohol levels)
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Long-term treatment plans for permanent injuries

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges experiencing same hazing
• Former members who quit over concerns
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

The Investigation Process

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (Days 1-7)

• Secure digital evidence before deletion
• Document injuries and obtain medical records
• Identify and contact key witnesses
• Our Role: We often issue preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction

Phase 2: Comprehensive Discovery (Weeks 2-12)

• Subpoena university records of prior incidents
• Obtain national fraternity risk management files
• Retain experts: medical, toxicology, Greek life culture
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We map all potentially liable entities

Phase 3: Litigation Strategy Development

• Evaluate all potential defendants
• Analyze insurance coverage issues
• Develop settlement vs. trial strategy
• Consideration: Balancing public accountability with victim privacy needs

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Lost earning capacity (for permanent disabilities)
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable)

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

Punitive Damages

• Available in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct
• Designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm
• Example: In Louisiana, the Max Gruver case resulted in significant punitive awards

The Reality of Hazing Litigation Timelines

Short-Term (0-6 Months)

• Evidence preservation and initial investigation
• University disciplinary process (often completes within semester)
• Initial settlement discussions (if defendants are cooperative)

Medium-Term (6-18 Months)

• Formal discovery and depositions
• Expert witness preparation
• Mediation attempts
• Most cases settle during this period

Long-Term (18+ Months)

• Trial preparation
• Court proceedings
• Appeals process
• Fewer than 5% of cases go to trial

Practical Guides for Abernathy Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food/water restriction
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, early wake-ups)

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensiveness when asked about the group
• Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Behavior:

• Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
• Social media posts showing concerning activities

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

1. Prioritize Safety: If your child is in immediate danger, call 911
2. Listen Without Judgment: Create space for your child to share
3. Document Everything: Write down dates, times, and details
4. Preserve Evidence: Help screenshot messages, photograph injuries
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor
6. Consult an Attorney Early: Before talking to university or organization
7. Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t confront the organization, don’t sign university waivers, don’t post on social media

Questions to Ask Your Child (Non-Confrontationally)

• “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
• “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
• “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
• “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
• “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

For Students: Safety Planning & Self-Advocacy

Is This Hazing? A Self-Assessment

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents or the university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

How to Exit Safely

• If in immediate danger: Call 911
• To resign membership: Send written notice, keep a copy
• Safety planning: Tell someone outside the organization first
• Document threats: Save any retaliation evidence
• University resources: Dean of Students, counseling center, campus police

Your Legal Rights in Texas

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good-faith immunity)
• Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
• You can request no-contact orders through the university
• Civil lawsuits can proceed even without criminal charges

For Witnesses & Former Members: Doing the Right Thing

If you witnessed hazing or participated and now regret it:

• Your testimony can prevent future harm
• Cooperating with investigations can be part of accountability
• You may need your own legal advice about potential exposure
• Many witnesses find that speaking truth helps their own healing

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Based on our experience handling hazing cases across Texas, certain mistakes can significantly harm your family’s ability to obtain justice and compensation.

Mistake #1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages
What happens: Digital evidence disappears; looks like cover-up
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

Mistake #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document everything, call an attorney first

Mistake #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: You may waive legal rights; settlements are often inadequate
Better approach: Have an attorney review EVERY document before signing

Mistake #4: Posting on Social Media
What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Keep discussions private; let your attorney control messaging

Mistake #5: Waiting for University Investigation
What happens: Evidence disappears, statute of limitations runs, control shifts to institution
Better approach: Preserve evidence now; consult attorney immediately

Mistake #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
What happens: Recorded statements used against you; early lowball settlements
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

Mistake #7: Letting Your Child Attend “One Last Meeting”
What happens: Pressure, intimidation, coached statements
Better approach: Once legal action is considered, all communication goes through counsel

Frequently Asked Questions for Abernathy Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (like Texas Tech, UT, Texas A&M) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) 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 law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The “discovery rule” may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, unofficial house incidents) occurred off-campus with successful outcomes.

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

“How much does this cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases—no fee unless we win. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911), we bring unique qualifications to hazing litigation.

Our Distinct Advantages for Abernathy Families

Insurance Insider Knowledge
Our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value hazing claims, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Managing attorney Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas lawyers involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal resources. That same experience applies to national fraternities and universities. We’re not intimidated by powerful defendants; we’ve faced them before and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime losses, future care needs, and family impact. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise on criminal exposure while pursuing civil accountability—a rare combination in hazing litigation.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
Our proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations means we don’t start from scratch. We already know the entities, their insurance, and their histories. For Abernathy families, this means faster investigation and better case positioning.

Spanish Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families throughout Texas with cultural understanding and clear communication.

Our Commitment to Abernathy Families

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas—including Abernathy, Hale County, and throughout the South Plains region. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects our entire community, and we’re committed to pursuing justice that honors your family’s experience while preventing future harm.

Call to Action: Your Next Step Toward Accountability

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Abernathy, Hale County, Plainview, Lubbock, and across West Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

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

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Spanish Services: Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options clearly and honestly
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• Answer questions about costs (contingency fee basis)
• No pressure to hire us—take time to decide
• Everything you tell us is confidential

Whether you’re in Abernathy or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 Eyewitness News coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

• Using your cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas statutes of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

• 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 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