Protecting Angelina County Students: The Truth About Hazing and Your Legal Rights

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – And Neither Do We

Angelina County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They believe Greek organizations will provide positive experiences. But far too often, that trust is broken.

Hazing is happening at colleges and universities near Angelina County. The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements nationwide operate right here in East Texas. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client at the University of Houston exist at institutions across the region. And the same negligence that allowed a student to be waterboarded and forced to do 500 squats until his kidneys failed is present at schools your children may attend.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis right now. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we’re ready to fight for Angelina County families with the same determination we’re bringing to our current case.

What Angelina County Families Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing Isn’t “Tradition” – It’s Abuse

The fraternities and sororities near Angelina County want you to believe hazing is just “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” They’ll tell you it’s “harmless fun” or “part of the experience.”

They’re lying.

Hazing is:

• Physical abuse – beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
• Psychological torture – humiliation, degradation, threats
• Medical emergencies – alcohol poisoning, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure
• Sometimes death – at least one hazing death every year since 2000

In our current case, a University of Houston student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Beaten with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to keep running
• Hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This isn’t tradition. This is torture. And it’s happening at colleges and universities near Angelina County.

The Same Fraternities That Hazed in Houston Have Chapters Near Angelina County

The fraternity we’re suing – Pi Kappa Phi – has 150+ chapters across America, including at universities near Angelina County. The same national organization that failed to prevent our client’s hospitalization has chapters where your children might be pledging right now.

Other fraternities with documented hazing histories near Angelina County include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – $10 million settlement in Stone Foltz case
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple hazing deaths and injuries
• Beta Theta Pi – $110+ million settlement in Timothy Piazza case
• Phi Delta Theta – $6.1 million jury verdict in Maxwell Gruver case
• Sigma Chi – Recent lawsuit at University of Texas

These aren’t isolated incidents. This is a pattern. And it’s happening at schools near Angelina County.

Universities Near Angelina County Are Complicit

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter at any time. They chose not to act.

The same institutional failures exist at universities near Angelina County:

• They know hazing happens
• They have the power to stop it
• They choose not to – until someone gets hospitalized or dies
• Then they “suspend” the chapter and claim they’re “shocked”

Angelina County families deserve better. Your children deserve to be safe.

Texas Hazing Laws: What Angelina County Families Need to Know

Hazing Is Illegal in Texas

Texas has strong anti-hazing laws. The law is clear: consent is not a defense.

Texas Education Code § 37.154 states:

“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This means fraternities can’t argue:

• “He agreed to participate”
• “He knew what he was getting into”
• “He could have left at any time”

The law says: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal.

Hazing Is a Crime in Texas

Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure qualify as “serious bodily injury.” The individuals who hazed our client face up to 1 year in jail under Texas law.

Organizations Can Be Held Accountable Too

Texas law allows organizations to be penalized for hazing, including:

• Fines up to $10,000
• Denial of permission to operate
• Forfeiture of property

This means:

• The local chapter can be held liable
• The national organization can be held liable
• The university can be held liable

Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens Near Angelina County?

When hazing occurs, everyone who participated or allowed it can be held accountable. In our current case, we’re pursuing:

The same liability applies to hazing near Angelina County. Distance doesn’t matter – we can pursue these defendants no matter where they’re located.

The Pattern Is Undeniable: Fraternities Keep Hazing Until Someone Gets Hurt

Pi Kappa Phi’s Deadly History

Same fraternity. Same negligence. 8 years apart.

Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died. They did nothing. Now Leonel Bermudez has paid the price.

How many more students will be hurt before they change?

University of Houston’s Failure

Same university. Same failure. 8 years apart.

The University of Houston knew hazing was dangerous. A student was hospitalized in 2017. They did nothing to prevent it from happening again.

How many more students will be hurt before they act?

Hazing Cases Win – And Win Big

Hazing victims and their families can and do win in court. The settlements and verdicts prove it:

These aren’t just numbers. They’re messages. Messages that say:

• Hazing will cost you millions
• Universities can’t ignore their responsibility
• Families will fight back
• This has to stop

Angelina County families can send the same message.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed Near Angelina County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Hazing injuries can be life-threatening. Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.

Common hazing injuries that may not be immediately apparent:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) – can lead to kidney failure
• Alcohol poisoning – can be fatal
• Traumatic brain injury – from beatings or falls
• Internal injuries – from physical abuse
• Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression

Our client was in the hospital for four days with kidney failure. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Evidence disappears fast. If your child has been hazed, preserve:

✅ Medical records – hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Photos/videos – injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
✅ Communications – texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails about hazing
✅ Witness information – names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
✅ Documents – pledge manuals, schedules, any written rules or threats
✅ Financial records – medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments

DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Contact an Attorney Immediately

Time is critical. In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

At Attorney 911, we:

• Offer free consultations for hazing victims
• Work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
• Have 25+ years of litigation experience
• Are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
• Will travel to Angelina County for depositions and meetings
• Offer video consultations for Angelina County families

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Step 4: Report to Authorities

Consider filing:

• A police report – hazing is a crime in Texas
• A Title IX complaint – if the university failed to protect your child
• A report to the university’s Greek life office – but don’t do this without legal counsel

Warning: Universities will try to protect themselves, not your child. Always consult an attorney before speaking to university officials.

Why Angelina County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. We’re currently pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we’re ready to bring that same fight to Angelina County.

We Have Insider Knowledge

Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies think. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims.

And now we use that knowledge against them.

We Have the Resources to Win

Hazing cases are complex. They involve:

• Multiple defendants (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities)
• Medical experts to explain injuries
• Psychological experts to explain trauma
• Financial experts to calculate damages
• Investigators to uncover evidence

We have the resources to handle it all.

We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Upfront

We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Our fee: A percentage of the recovery, only if we win.

This means:

• No upfront costs for Angelina County families
• No hourly billing
• No financial risk to you
• We only get paid if you get paid

We Serve Angelina County Families

While we’re based in Houston, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Angelina County. We can:

• Offer video consultations for Angelina County families
• Travel to Angelina County for depositions and meetings
• Handle all communications with defendants and insurance companies
• Pursue your case in federal court (we’re admitted to U.S. District Court)

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

We Care About Our Clients

We’ve seen what hazing does to kids. We’ve seen the physical injuries. We’ve seen the psychological trauma. We’ve seen families devastated.

We see your child as a person – not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for Angelina County families, because we truly care.

The Warning Signs of Hazing Near Angelina County

Hazing often starts with subtle signs that escalate. Angelina County parents should watch for:

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Sudden changes in sleep patterns
• Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
• Fear of talking about Greek life

Physical Signs

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Signs of alcohol or drug use
• Weight loss or changes in appetite

Academic Impact

• Sudden drop in grades
• Missing classes or assignments
• Difficulty concentrating
• Withdrawing from academic activities

Social Signs

• Sudden new group of friends (pledge class)
• Avoiding old friends
• Wearing unusual clothing or accessories (pledge pins, matching outfits)
• Carrying strange items (fanny packs, paddles, other objects)

Financial Signs

• Unexplained expenses (pledge fees, “events”)
• Requests for money without explanation
• Missing cash or valuables

If you notice these signs, ask questions. If your child is evasive or defensive, consider that hazing may be occurring.

Common Hazing Activities at Colleges Near Angelina County

Hazing takes many forms. Some of the most common hazing activities include:

Physical Abuse

• Beatings with paddles, belts, or other objects
• Forced exercise to exhaustion (500 squats, 100+ pushups, etc.)
• Branding or burning
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to extreme heat or cold

Forced Consumption

• Forced drinking (alcohol poisoning is a leading cause of hazing deaths)
• Forced eating (food, non-food items, or substances)
• Forced drug use
• Forced consumption of large amounts of liquid

Psychological Abuse

• Humiliation (forced to wear embarrassing clothing, carry sexual objects)
• Verbal abuse and threats
• Isolation from friends and family
• Sleep deprivation causing psychological distress
• Forced to complete degrading tasks

Dangerous Activities

• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Being struck with objects
• Forced to run long distances in dangerous conditions
• Confinement in small spaces
• Being dropped off in unfamiliar locations

Servitude

• Forced to clean fraternity/sorority houses
• Forced to run errands for members
• Forced to drive members at all hours
• Forced to perform personal tasks for members

None of these are “tradition.” All of them are abuse.

What Angelina County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

If your child has been hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses – hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, future treatment
• Lost wages – time missed from work due to injuries
• Future earning capacity – if injuries affect career prospects
• Educational expenses – tuition, fees, lost scholarships
• Property damage – personal items damaged during hazing

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering – the pain of injuries and treatment
• Mental anguish – trauma from the hazing experience
• Emotional distress – anxiety, depression, PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life – inability to participate in normal activities
• Disfigurement – permanent scars or injuries

Punitive Damages

• Punishment for egregious conduct – when hazing is particularly outrageous
• Deterrence for others – to prevent future hazing
• Available when conduct is intentional or grossly negligent

Texas has no cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases. This means juries can award whatever amount they believe is fair to compensate for pain and suffering.

The Defendants Will Try to Blame Your Child – We Won’t Let Them

When hazing cases go to court, defendants often try to argue:

❌ “He consented to participate”
❌ “He knew what he was getting into”
❌ “He could have left at any time”
❌ “It’s just tradition”
❌ “Everyone goes through it”

Texas law says: NONE OF THESE ARE DEFENSES.

Texas Education Code § 37.154 is clear:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

We will fight these arguments with:

• Evidence of coercion and peer pressure
• Evidence that victims rarely know what they’re consenting to
• Evidence that fear of retaliation prevents victims from leaving
• Evidence that “tradition” doesn’t justify illegal activity

How We Build a Winning Hazing Case for Angelina County Families

Step 1: Immediate Response

• Secure medical treatment
• Preserve all evidence
• Send preservation letters to defendants
• Begin investigation immediately

Step 2: Comprehensive Investigation

• Interview witnesses
• Collect medical records
• Obtain communications (texts, social media, emails)
• Consult medical and psychological experts
• Research prior incidents at the chapter/university

Step 3: Identify All Liable Parties

• Local chapter
• National organization
• University
• Individual members
• Housing corporations
• Insurance companies

Step 4: Calculate Full Damages

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

Step 5: Aggressive Negotiation or Litigation

• Demand fair settlement
• File lawsuit if necessary
• Take case to trial if defendants won’t settle fairly

Step 6: Pursue All Available Remedies

• Civil lawsuit for damages
• Criminal referral to district attorney
• Title IX complaint against university
• Public pressure campaign
• Legislative advocacy

Angelina County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing victims often feel isolated. They’re ashamed. They’re afraid of retaliation. They don’t know where to turn.

You are not alone. At Attorney 911, we:

• Believe you
• Support you
• Fight for you
• Protect you

We’ve seen what hazing does to kids. We’ve seen the physical injuries. We’ve seen the psychological trauma. We’ve seen families devastated.

We will not let them get away with it.

What’s Next for Angelina County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Angelina County:

1. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
2. We’ll schedule a free, confidential consultation
3. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your options
4. If we take your case, we’ll fight aggressively for justice
5. You pay nothing unless we win

The clock is ticking. In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

Don’t wait. Call us now.

A Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Angelina County

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Angelina County:

We are watching. We are building cases. We are coming for every chapter that thinks it can haze our children and walk away.

Pi Kappa Phi has paid for their negligence. Pi Kappa Alpha has paid. Beta Theta Pi has paid. Phi Delta Theta has paid. Sigma Chi has paid.

Your chapter could be next.

If you haze students near Angelina County, know this:

• We will find every liable entity
• We will pursue every available insurance policy
• We will name every individual who participated
• We will take your case to trial if you won’t settle fairly
• We will fight for punitive damages to send a message

The choice is yours:

1. Clean up your chapters now
2. Implement real oversight
3. Stop the hazing
4. Or face the consequences in court

The time for change is now. The lawsuits are coming. The million-dollar verdicts are coming. The criminal charges are coming.

Enough is enough.

A Message to Universities Near Angelina County

To the administrators at colleges and universities near Angelina County:

You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down chapters at any time.

You are responsible.

The University of Houston knew about hazing in 2017. A student was hospitalized. They did nothing. Now another student has been hospitalized. They’re being sued for $10 million.

Your university could be next.

If you fail to protect students near Angelina County, know this:

• We will hold you accountable
• We will pursue your insurance policies
• We will name your board of regents
• We will expose your institutional failures
• We will fight for punitive damages to force change

The choice is yours:

1. Implement real oversight of Greek life
2. Inspect fraternity/sorority houses regularly
3. Suspend chapters that haze
4. Or face the consequences in court

Students near Angelina County deserve to be safe. It’s time to act.

Angelina County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing doesn’t have to be part of the college experience. It doesn’t have to be “tradition.” It doesn’t have to be accepted.

But it won’t stop unless we make it stop.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle every day. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we’re ready to bring that same fight to Angelina County.

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Angelina County, call us now.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We’re Attorney 911. We’re fighting for Angelina County families. And we won’t stop until justice is served.