Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Amarillo & Panhandle Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Have Rights. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for Immediate Help.

Right now, a student from a family much like yours is lying in a hospital bed in Houston, facing potential lifelong kidney damage after what was supposed to be a normal fraternity pledge period. His urine turned brown. His muscles broke down so severely that his kidneys began to fail. He was hospitalized for four days. This isn’t a hypothetical horror story—this is the current, active lawsuit we’re litigating at the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter.

If you’re a parent in Amarillo, Canyon, or anywhere across the Texas Panhandle, this nightmare scenario hits close to home. Your child at West Texas A&M University, Texas Tech, or any Texas campus could be just one “tradition” away from similar catastrophic injury. This comprehensive guide exists for one reason: to arm Panhandle families with the knowledge, data, and legal understanding you need if hazing has touched your family.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW: Call 911 for medical emergencies, then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
In the first 48 hours: Get medical attention immediately. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items. Write down everything while memory is fresh.
Do NOT: Confront the fraternity/sorority, sign anything from the university or insurance company, post details on public social media, or let your child delete messages.
Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours: Evidence disappears fast. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Modern Hazing: Digital, Psychological, and Disguised

For families in Amarillo, Hereford, Dumas, and across the Panhandle, the image of hazing might still be paddles and forced drinking. The reality in 2025 is more insidious, more digital, and more psychologically damaging. Hazing today is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining or maintaining membership in a group that endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits.

Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. It’s not “just drinking”—it’s forced consumption under threat of exclusion. At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating, this included pledges being forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to sprint immediately afterward. National patterns show “Big/Little” nights, “family tree” drinking games, and “bid acceptance” parties where pledges are given handles of liquor with expectations to finish them.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond paddling, this now includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts.” In our UH case, Leonel Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Other cases show “smokings,” sleep deprivation spanning days, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme temperatures. The result can be rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown that floods the kidneys with toxins, exactly what hospitalized our client.

3. Psychological and Sexualized Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degradation with racial or sexist overtones, and public humiliation. At UH, pledges carried “pledge fanny packs” 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

4. Digital Hazing
This is where 2025 differs most from past decades. It includes:

24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges must respond instantly at all hours
Geo-tracking demands: Forced location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares
Cyber-coercion: Threats delivered via encrypted apps, evidence deleted automatically

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC (at Texas A&M and other military-style programs)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swim teams)
Spirit Squads & Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, Spurs, etc.)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common thread: social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Panhandle Families Must Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. For families in Potter County, Randall County, and across the Panhandle, understanding this framework is essential.

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

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Plain English Translation: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats, or private properties all count.

§ 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
Additional charges: Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer who knew) and retaliating against reporters are also misdemeanors

§ 37.155 Critical Provision: Consent is NOT a Defense
The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This directly counters the most common defense—”they wanted to do it.”

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by: The state (district attorney’s office)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Result for families: May provide some justice but no financial compensation

Civil Cases

Brought by: Victims or surviving families
Goal: Monetary compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Result for families: Financial recovery for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and institutional reform

Critical Insight: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many hazing cases settle civilly even without criminal charges.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Accountability Layers

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)
For Panhandle families, this means universities like Texas Tech and West Texas A&M must comply with these reporting requirements.

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assaults or alcohol/drug crimes that must be reported in campus crime statistics.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students
The ones who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In our UH case, we named 13 individual fraternity leaders/members including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and risk manager.

2. Local Chapter / Organization
The fraternity/sorority itself if it’s a legal entity. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is a defendant in our lawsuit.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
National organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant. Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents.

4. University or Governing Board
Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in our case. Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference.

5. Third Parties

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop laws)
Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential liability sources.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadliest Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night. He died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members were convicted. The family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case strengthened Ohio’s anti-hazing laws and shows how national organizations face massive liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Pledge forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. He died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Multiple members were charged; one convicted of negligent homicide. Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. The family’s case resulted in significant recovery.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
The 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night with extreme alcohol consumption. Security cameras captured falls and delayed help. Eighteen fraternity members faced over 1,000 criminal counts total. Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case demonstrates how cover-ups and delayed medical care dramatically increase liability.

What This Means for Panhandle Families: The forced drinking scripts at UH, Texas A&M, or Texas Tech are identical to those that killed students elsewhere. National fraternities know these patterns repeat—their liability comes from failing to prevent predictable harm.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Brutal Traditions

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. He died from traumatic brain injury; fraternity members delayed calling 911. Multiple members were convicted; the national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
The 18-year-old pledge was forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. He suffered severe, permanent brain damage—cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care. Multiple members were charged. The family settled with 22 defendants, including the fraternity, for reportedly multi-million-dollar amounts.

What This Means for Panhandle Families: Off-campus retreats and “unofficial” events are particularly dangerous. National organizations can face criminal conviction, not just civil liability.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits were filed against the university and staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially. This demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs.

What This Means for Panhandle Families: If your child is in athletics at West Texas A&M, Texas Tech, or any Texas university, hazing risks exist in those programs too. Universities face liability for failing to supervise coaches and athletic staff.

Financial Realities: What These Cases Cost Defendants

Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10 million total settlement
David Bogenberger (Pi Kappa Alpha): $14 million settlement
Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements
Chad Meredith (Kappa Sigma): $12.6 million jury verdict
Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10+ million settlement
Danny Santulli (Phi Gamma Delta): Multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants

Individual Officer Liability: In the Foltz case, former Pi Kappa Alpha president Daylen Dunson was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million to the family. Chapter officers face massive personal exposure.

Texas University Focus: Where Panhandle Students Attend

West Texas A&M University: Your Local Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot
West Texas A&M University in Canyon serves as the primary university for many Panhandle families. With its location just south of Amarillo in Randall County, WTAMU has active Greek life that includes fraternities and sororities operating under both national and local charters. The university’s relatively smaller size compared to state flagship schools doesn’t eliminate hazing risks—in some cases, tighter-knit communities can enable abusive traditions to continue with less oversight.

Documented Greek Organizations at WTAMU
Based on public records and IRS filings, Greek organizations serving WTAMU include:

Frank Heflin Foundation (EIN: 203507402) – Canyon, TX 79015 – Phi Delta Theta alumni fund
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter – Canyon, TX – West Texas A&M chapter
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association (EIN: 752290669) – Amarillo, TX 79118
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – Texas Theta Chapter – Canyon, TX – West Texas A&M chapter
Alpha Tau Omega – Zeta Kappa Chapter – Canyon, TX – West Texas A&M chapter
Lambda Chi Alpha – Iota Xi Zeta Chapter – Amarillo, TX – West Texas A&M chapter

How a WTAMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: Potter County or Randall County courts
Investigating agencies: WTAMU Campus Police, Canyon PD, Amarillo PD depending on location
Potential defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national organization (if applicable), WTAMU (through Texas A&M System)
Key evidence sources: Group chats, social media, medical records from Northwest Texas Hospital or Baptist St. Anthony’s

What WTAMU Students & Parents Should Do

Report internally: Contact WTAMU Dean of Students at (806) 651-2020 or Office of Student Conduct
Preserve digital evidence: Screenshot all relevant communications immediately
Seek medical care: Visit Northwest Texas Hospital ER for serious injuries; document everything
Consult experienced counsel: Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to university investigators or signing any documents

Texas Tech University: Major Destination for Panhandle Students

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas Tech University in Lubbock represents one of the primary destinations for Panhandle students seeking larger university experiences. With over 40,000 students and active Greek life spanning dozens of chapters, Texas Tech has seen its share of hazing incidents. The Cause IQ database shows 59 Greek organizations in the Lubbock metro area, indicating a substantial Greek ecosystem.

Documented Greek Organizations at Texas Tech
From IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ data:

Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation (EIN: 237359384) – Lubbock, TX 79401
Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter (EIN: 473967233) – Lubbock, TX 79416
Farm House Fraternity Inc – Texas Tech University Chapter (EIN: 751565336) – Lubbock, TX 79416
Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi) – Lubbock, TX
Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing – Lubbock, TX

Recent Texas Tech Hazing Context
While specific recent public cases may be limited, national patterns show organizations present at Texas Tech have faced serious allegations elsewhere. For instance, Kappa Sigma (present at Texas Tech) has faced multi-million dollar verdicts in other states for hazing deaths.

How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: Lubbock County courts
Investigating agencies: Texas Tech Police, Lubbock PD
Medical facilities: University Medical Center, Covenant Health
Special considerations: Texas Tech’s size means investigations require attorneys experienced in managing complex, multi-defendant cases against well-resourced opponents

University of Houston: Current Epicenter of Texas Hazing Litigation

Campus & Culture Snapshot
While geographically distant from the Panhandle, UH matters to Amarillo families because it’s where we’re currently litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. The University of Houston hosts approximately 60 Greek organizations across four councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council.

The Active Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
We represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Key Case Details Every Texas Parent Should Know:

Hazing Methods Used:
- “Pledge fanny pack” rule with degrading contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
- Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
- Cold-weather exposure in underwear
- Lying in vomit-soaked grass
- Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then repeated sprints
- The Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Medical Catastrophe:
- Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown)
- Acute kidney failure
- Passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help
- Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels
- Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage
Institutional Response:
- Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
- Nov 14, 2025: Chapter votes to surrender charter; chapter shut down
- UH labels conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion

Media Coverage Proof:
This case has been covered extensively by Houston media, including Click2Houston’s report “Urine was brown”: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity” and ABC13’s “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.”

Why This Case Matters to Panhandle Families:
The same national fraternities operating at UH also have chapters at Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, and other universities your children might attend. The hazing methods, cover-up tactics, and institutional responses are remarkably similar nationwide. This case shows what serious hazing litigation looks like in Texas right now.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets culture creates additional hazing risks alongside traditional Greek life. The university has faced multiple high-profile hazing cases in recent years.

Documented Texas A&M Greek Organizations
From IRS and Cause IQ data:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 133048786) – College Station, TX 77845
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority (EIN: 742930349) – College Station, TX 77840
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Rho Chapter (EIN: 812525354) – College Station, TX 77845
Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (EIN: 814123811) – College Station, TX 77840
Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition (EIN: 880537463) – College Station, TX 77845

Notable Texas A&M Hazing Cases

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued for $1 million; the fraternity was suspended for two years.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million; Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules but the case highlighted Corps hazing risks.

What Texas A&M Parents Should Know
The combination of Greek life and Corps culture creates overlapping hazing risks. Texas A&M’s size and tradition-heavy environment require attorneys experienced in navigating both university bureaucracy and the unique dynamics of College Station.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin operates one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu, which publicly lists organizations, conduct, and sanctions. This transparency benefits families but also reveals ongoing issues.

Documented UT Austin Greek Organizations
From public records:

Chi Omega Fraternity – Chi Omega House Corporation (EIN: 740555581) – Austin, TX 78705
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN: 746047117) – Austin, TX 78705
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – Alpha Mu Chapter (EIN: 741130606) – Austin, TX 78705
Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma – Austin, TX – UT chapter house corporation
Texas Rho Housing Corporation (Sigma Alpha Epsilon) – Austin, TX

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page Examples

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Various fraternities and sororities with probation for “activities likely to cause mental or physical discomfort”

Why UT’s Transparency Matters
Public violation records become powerful evidence in civil cases, showing patterns and institutional knowledge. When a chapter has prior violations, it becomes harder for the university and national organization to claim they couldn’t have foreseen further hazing.

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

SMU’s Greek-Centered Culture
As a private university with affluent demographics and strong Greek presence, SMU has faced hazing issues including a 2017 Kappa Alpha Order incident involving paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation resulting in chapter suspension.

Baylor’s Dual Challenges
Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over football/Title IX issues create complex dynamics. The 2020 Baylor baseball hazing incident involving 14 player suspensions demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life even at religious-affiliated institutions.

For Panhandle Families Considering These Schools
Private university status affects transparency—fewer public records requirements mean families may need to rely more heavily on discovery in litigation to uncover prior incidents and institutional knowledge.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Liability

Why National Histories Matter in Your Case

When your child is hazed at West Texas A&M, Texas Tech, or any Texas campus, the national organization’s history becomes critical evidence. Courts consider whether national headquarters knew or should have known their chapters were engaging in dangerous conduct based on patterns at other universities.

Major National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, others

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

Traumatic Brain Injury Case (Alabama, 2023): Pledge suffered TBI during ritual
Chemical Burns Case (Texas A&M, 2021): Industrial cleaner burns requiring skin grafts
Assault Case (UT Austin, 2024): Exchange student with dislocated leg, broken nose
Pattern: Physical brutality combined with alcohol hazing
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin (Texas Rho), Texas A&M, others

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Alcohol poisoning death during “Big Brother Night”
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (our active case)
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with forced consumption
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), other Texas campuses

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death, Louisiana felony hazing law
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education”
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, West Texas A&M

Kappa Sigma

Chad Meredith (Miami, 2001): Drowning after persuaded to swim across lake while intoxicated, $12.6M verdict
Pattern: Alcohol-related dare/initiation rituals
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, others

How We Use National Histories in Litigation

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re demonstrating that:

National Pi Kappa Phi knew about alcohol hazing risks from the Andrew Coffey death
National Pi Kappa Phi knew about extreme physical hazing risks from other chapters
Their policies and training failed to prevent identical conduct at UH
This shows negligence and supports claims for punitive damages

For Panhandle families, this means if your child is hazed by a national organization with prior incidents, those prior incidents strengthen your case significantly.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

Critical Evidence Categories in Modern Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
Recovered deleted messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” content
What it shows: Planning, instructions, threats, admissions, cover-up attempts

2. Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events
Security camera/doorbell footage at houses and venues
Social media posts/stories showing hazing activities
Medical documentation of injuries

3. Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials
Risk management files

4. University Records

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports
Internal emails among administrators

5. Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Surgery and rehabilitation notes
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol, drug tests)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

6. Witness Testimony

Other pledges who experienced same/similar hazing
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Medical personnel who treated injuries

The Attorney911 Evidence Collection Process

Based on our experience in the UH case and other complex litigation:

Immediate Preservation (First 24 Hours)

Guide families through proper screenshot techniques
Secure cloud backups before phones are “wiped”
Document chain of custody for physical evidence
Identify and contact key witnesses before they’re coached

Comprehensive Investigation (First 30 Days)

Subpoena university records through proper channels
Engage digital forensics experts for deleted message recovery
Obtain national fraternity records through discovery demands
Consult medical experts to document long-term injury impacts

Strategic Evidence Use

Use prior violations to show pattern and foreseeability
Contrast national policies with actual chapter conduct
Document institutional knowledge and deliberate indifference
Calculate comprehensive damages with economist collaboration

Realistic Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills: ER visits, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
Future medical care: Physical therapy, psychological counseling, medications
Lost educational opportunities: Withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Diminished earning capacity: Permanent injuries affecting career prospects

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Compensable)

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries endured
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in college activities
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

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

Punitive Damages (When Available)

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants show deliberate indifference or cover-up attempts
In Texas, subject to statutory caps except in certain intentional tort cases

Insurance Coverage Realities

Common Insurance Defense Tactics

“Intentional acts” exclusion: Arguing hazing is intentional, not negligent
“Criminal acts” exclusion: Claiming hazing crimes aren’t covered
“Rogue chapter” defense: Claiming national didn’t know or authorize
“Assumption of risk” defense: Claiming victim consented

How We Counter These Tactics

Argue negligent supervision claims are covered even if hazing was intentional
Use bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage
Identify multiple insurance policies (national, local, university, individual homeowners)
Leverage Mr. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense insider knowledge

Practical Guides for Panhandle Families

For Parents: Immediate Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM “mandatory” activities)
Sudden secrecy about organizational activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are they respectful of your time?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t immediately threaten to “shut it down”
Focus on safety: Emphasize “Your health matters more than any organization”
Document everything: Write down what they tell you with dates and details

If Your Child is Injured

Get medical attention immediately: Even if they insist they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries from multiple angles
Write contemporaneous notes: Document who, what, when, where while memory is fresh
Contact an attorney BEFORE talking to university or organization representatives

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

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 university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send a clear email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If you fear retaliation, document threats and report to campus police

Evidence Collection for Students

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps and names
Voice memos: Texas is a one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in medical records
Witness information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages
What seems like protecting privacy looks like obstruction of justice. Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
This triggers immediate evidence destruction and witness coaching. Let your attorney handle all communications.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements that limit future claims. Do NOT sign anything without attorney review.

4. Posting Details on Social Media
Defense attorneys screenshot everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility. Let your lawyer control public messaging.

5. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run. University process rarely delivers real accountability.

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer
Recorded statements are used against you. Early settlement offers are typically lowball amounts. Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you.”

Frequently Asked Questions for Panhandle Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (Texas Tech, West Texas A&M through Texas A&M System) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as 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.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. 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 hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause 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 the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
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.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation: Proof of Capability

Right now, we’re litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical—it’s current, active, and demonstrates exactly how we handle complex institutional hazing cases:

We named all responsible parties: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, housing corporation, and 13 individual members
We uncovered brutal details: “Pledge fanny packs,” forced overeating until vomiting, waterboarding-like hose spraying, 100+ push-up/500 squat workouts
We documented medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, four-day hospitalization
We achieved immediate impact: Chapter suspended Nov 6, charter surrendered Nov 14, UH calling conduct “deeply disturbing”

This case shows Panhandle families what serious hazing litigation looks like in Texas right now.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background
Mr. 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”
Settle cases for fractions of true value

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience: Ralph Manginello’s BP Credential
Our firm was one of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. This proves our capability against:

Billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets
Complex document discovery and expert testimony
Institutional cover-ups and safety failure cases
Federal court litigation experience

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Results
We have recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We understand how to:

Work with economists to value young lives
Calculate lifetime care needs for permanent injuries
Negotiate from strength, not desperation

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand:

How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
How to advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure
Defense strategies used in hazing prosecutions

Investigative Depth & Expert Network
For hazing cases, we deploy:

Digital forensics experts for deleted message recovery
Medical experts (rhabdomyysis, TBI, PTSD specialists)
Greek life culture and institutional policy experts
Economists and life-care planners
Psychologists for trauma documentation

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data-Driven Strategy

Unlike firms that start from zero, we maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from:

Public Records Database: 1,423 Greek Organizations Across Texas
We track every Texas-registered Greek organization through:

IRS B83 filings: 125+ Texas-registered entities with EINs, legal names, addresses
Texas Universities database: 96 campuses with city/county locations
Cause IQ metro analysis: 129 organizations across 15 Texas metros
Brand overlap tracking: 36 cross-validated national brands

For Panhandle Families, This Means We Know:

Which organizations operate at West Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other schools your children attend
The legal entities behind those organizations (housing corporations, alumni chapters)
National headquarters locations and insurance information
Prior incident patterns across Texas and nationally

Sample Public Records for Panhandle Area:

Frank Heflin Foundation (EIN: 203507402) – Canyon, TX 79015 – Phi Delta Theta alumni fund (IRS B83 filing)
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association (EIN: 752290669) – Amarillo, TX 79118 – Chapter housing entity (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter – Canyon, TX – West Texas A&M chapter (Cause IQ metro listing)
Amarillo Metro Greek Organizations: 18 total organizations tracked in our database

This investigative depth means we don’t start from scratch with your case—we already understand the organizational landscape behind the Greek letters.

How We Approach Your Case

Initial Consultation (Free & Confidential)
We listen to your story without judgment, review any evidence you’ve preserved, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward. No pressure to hire us immediately.

Evidence Preservation Phase
We guide you through proper evidence collection, engage digital forensics if needed, and send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction.

Comprehensive Investigation
We subpoena university records, obtain national fraternity files, consult medical experts, and build a damages model with economist collaboration.

Strategic Litigation
We pursue all liable parties—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities—and navigate insurance coverage disputes using Mr. Peña’s insider knowledge.

Your Privacy Protection
We pursue confidential settlements when possible, request sealed court records, and control public messaging to protect your family’s privacy.

Contact Attorney911 Today for a Free Consultation

Serving Panhandle Families from Our Texas Offices

If hazing has impacted your family at West Texas A&M, Texas Tech, or any Texas university, you don’t have to face this alone. The same national fraternities, the same institutional cover-up tactics, and the same insurance company strategies exist whether your child is in Amarillo, Houston, or College Station.

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-Language Services Available:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Our Active UH Case:

Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case: 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 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using your phone 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: 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