The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Anson Families and Parents Across The State

If This Just Happened: Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies in Anson and Throughout Texas

For parents in Anson, Hamlin, Stamford, and across Jones County, discovering your child has been hazed is a terrifying moment. The confusion, the fear of retaliation, the uncertainty about what to do next—it can feel overwhelming. We want you to know: you are not alone, and there are clear steps you can take right now to protect your child and begin seeking accountability.

IF YOUR CHILD IS IN DANGER OR INJURED RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for any medical emergency
Then call Attorney911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781

We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason—we provide immediate, aggressive help when families face legal crises, including hazing injuries that need urgent attention.

IN THE FIRST 48 HOURS – CRITICAL ACTION STEPS:

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), internal trauma, or psychological harm may not be immediately apparent. Go to the emergency room or urgent care. Tell medical providers exactly what happened: “My child was hazed at [fraternity/sorority] and forced to [describe acts].” This creates a vital medical record.
PRESERVE EVIDENCE BEFORE IT’S DELETED:
- SCREENSHOT EVERYTHING: Group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), text messages, social media posts (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok stories). Capture full threads with timestamps and sender names visible.
- PHOTOGRAPH INJURIES: Take clear photos from multiple angles. Place a coin or ruler next to injuries for scale. Document how injuries change over several days.
- SAVE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: Do not wash clothing with stains (vomit, blood, chemicals). Save any objects used in hazing (paddles, props, bottles). Keep receipts for forced purchases.
DOCUMENT WHAT HAPPENED: While memories are fresh, write down everything your child tells you: dates, times, locations, names of participants, specific acts, what was said. This contemporaneous record is powerful evidence.
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED HAZING ATTORNEY WITHIN 24–48 HOURS: Evidence disappears frighteningly fast in hazing cases. Group chats are deleted, witnesses are coached, and universities often move quickly to control the narrative. Our team at Attorney911 can help you navigate this critical period, preserve evidence through proper legal channels, and begin building your case from a position of strength.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

DO NOT confront the fraternity, sorority, or university directly. This triggers evidence destruction and defense preparation.
DO NOT sign anything from the university, insurance companies, or the organization without legal review.
DO NOT post details on public social media. Defense attorneys monitor everything.
DO NOT let your child delete messages or “clean up” their phone.
DO NOT assume the university’s “internal investigation” will provide real accountability or adequate compensation.

Understanding Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Families

For parents in Anson and across West Texas, the word “hazing” might conjure images of outdated stereotypes—harmless pranks or rough initiations. The reality in 2025 is far more dangerous, systematized, and psychologically complex. Hazing today is not accidents or “boys being boys”; it is calculated, often criminal behavior that prioritizes tradition over student safety.

The Modern Definition: Beyond “Just Tradition”

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—whether on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any organization. Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), it specifically includes acts that endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student.

What’s critical for Anson families to understand: “Consent” is not a defense in Texas. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion mean true voluntary consent rarely exists in hazing contexts. The law recognizes this reality.

The Three-Tiered Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – The Gateway
These behaviors establish power imbalance and often precede more serious abuse. They include:

24/7 “on call” status for pledges
Mandatory chauffeuring of members at all hours
Enforced dress codes or carrying humiliating items (like the “pledge fanny packs” in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case containing condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices)
Social isolation from non-members
Deception requirements (“Don’t tell your parents/the university”)

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – The Systematic Abuse
This is where physical and psychological harm becomes routine:

Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or early-morning summons
Forced consumption of unpalatable substances (milk, hot sauce, raw eggs, peppercorns)
Extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning” but actually punitive
Verbal abuse, “grilling” sessions, public humiliation
Exposure to disgusting conditions (lying in vomit-soaked grass as occurred at UH)

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – Where Students Get Seriously Hurt or Die
This tier includes the most dangerous conduct that makes national headlines:

Forced alcohol consumption games (“lineups,” “Big/Little nights,” “Bible study” drinking)
Physical beatings and paddling
Dangerous physical tests (“glass ceiling” tackles, blindfolded challenges)
Sexualized hazing (forced nudity, simulated acts)
Exposure to extreme elements (cold weather in underwear, heat exhaustion)

Digital Hazing: The 24/7 Surveillance Reality

For today’s students, hazing doesn’t stop when they leave the chapter house. Digital control includes:

Group Chat Tyranny: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
Location Tracking: Forced sharing of real-time location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social Media Humiliation: Required posting of embarrassing content or participation in degrading “challenges”
Evidence Creation: Members filming hazing to share privately, creating a digital record that can both document abuse and enable blackmail

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets & ROTC Programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit & Tradition Organizations (like Texas Cowboys, Absolute Texxas at UT)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic & Service Organizations

For Anson families whose children attend Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M, or other regional schools, understanding that hazing extends beyond Greek life is crucial. The patterns of power, secrecy, and tradition exist across many groups.

Texas Hazing Law: What Anson Families Need to Know About Legal Rights and Recourse

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. Understanding this framework is essential for families in Jones County seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 – The Core Hazing Law

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any organization that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student

Key Elements for Anson Families:

Location Doesn’t Matter: On-campus, off-campus, at retreats—all are covered
Mental OR Physical Harm: Psychological trauma qualifies just as physical injury does
“Reckless” is Enough: They don’t need to have intended harm; being reckless about known risks satisfies the law

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes bodily injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death

Additionally, failure to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer who knew) and retaliation against reporters are separate misdemeanors.

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a Defense
This is perhaps the most important provision for families to understand: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Pathways

CRIMINAL CASES:

Brought by the State (DA’s office)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Important: A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue civil liability

CIVIL LAWSUITS:

Brought by victims/families
Goal: Compensation for damages and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, intentional infliction of emotional distress
Critical Advantage: Lower burden of proof than criminal cases (“preponderance of evidence” vs “beyond reasonable doubt”)

The Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates enhanced prevention programs
Phased implementation through 2026
Creates national database of hazing incidents

Title IX Implications:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. This can provide additional avenues for accountability against universities that fail to respond appropriately.

Clery Act Requirements:
Campus security must report certain crime statistics, including assaults and alcohol/drug offenses that often accompany hazing incidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, participated, supplied alcohol, or helped cover up the hazing.

2. Chapter Leadership: Presidents, risk managers, pledge educators, and other officers who knew or should have known.

3. Local Chapters: As legal entities (many have housing corporations with EINs and insurance).

4. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Often the deepest pockets and most responsible for patterns of behavior across chapters.

5. Universities: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to known risks, or failure to enforce policies.

6. Third Parties: Property owners, landlords of off-campus houses, alcohol providers under dram shop laws.

For families in Anson, understanding this multi-defendant landscape is crucial. Successful hazing litigation often requires pursuing ALL potentially liable entities to ensure adequate compensation and meaningful accountability.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Schools

The tragedies that have made national headlines are not isolated incidents—they represent predictable patterns that recur because organizations fail to change their cultures. For Anson families, these cases show what’s at stake and what successful accountability looks like.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Deadly “Traditions”

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

What happened: 20-year-old pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Medical outcome: Died from alcohol poisoning
Legal outcome: Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Texas connection: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, Texas Tech

Max Gruver – LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017)

What happened: Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking
Medical outcome: Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Legal outcome: $6.1 million verdict; Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony
Texas connection: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at all five major Texas universities

Andrew Coffey – Florida State (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017)

What happened: Pledge given handle of liquor during “Big Brother Night”
Medical outcome: Died from acute alcohol poisoning
Legal outcome: Chapter closed; multiple criminal prosecutions; confidential settlement
Texas connection: Pi Kappa Phi is the fraternity currently sued in the Leonel Bermudez UH case

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Brutal Traditions

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

What happened: Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at Pennsylvania retreat
Medical outcome: Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed for hours
Legal outcome: National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Significance: Shows national organizations can face criminal liability, not just civil

Texas-Specific Physical Hazing Example:
In the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case we’re currently litigating:

What happened: Pledge forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, lying in vomit, being sprayed with hose “similar to waterboarding”
Medical outcome: Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, hospitalized for four days, faces permanent kidney damage risk
Legal outcome: $10 million lawsuit filed November 2025; chapter suspended then closed
Anson relevance: Shows serious hazing litigation is happening RIGHT NOW in Texas

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

What happened: Systemic sexualized, racist hazing within football program spanning years
Legal outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired; confidential settlements
Significance: Hazing exists in multi-million dollar athletic programs with institutional knowledge

What These National Cases Mean for Anson Families:

Patterns are Predictable: The same behaviors (forced drinking, physical abuse, cover-ups) repeat because organizations don’t fundamentally change
Settlement Values are Substantial: Multi-million dollar recoveries are possible in serious injury and death cases
Legislative Change Follows Tragedy: States often only strengthen laws after public outcry over cases
Texas is Part of This National Pattern: The same national organizations operating at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor have the same histories elsewhere

Texas University Focus: Where Anson Families Send Their Children

For parents in Anson, Hamlin, and across Jones County, your children likely attend universities across Texas. Understanding the specific landscapes, policies, and incident histories at these schools is crucial for prevention and response.

Texas Tech University: The Closest Major University to Anson

For Anson families, Texas Tech University in Lubbock represents the most accessible major Texas university, just 90 miles northwest. Its Greek life and organizational landscape directly impacts Jones County families.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Location: Lubbock, Texas (Lubbock County)
Enrollment: Over 40,000 students
Greek Life: Active Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council
Anson Connection: Many Jones County students choose Texas Tech for its proximity, strong engineering and agricultural programs, and scholarship opportunities

Documented Hazing Incidents & Responses

Texas Tech has faced multiple hazing incidents in recent years, including:

Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023):

Allegations: Pledges subjected to extreme physical hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis
Medical Outcome: Severe muscle breakdown requiring hospitalization
University Response: Chapter investigation and disciplinary action
Significance: Similar physical hazing patterns to the UH Pi Kappa Phi case we’re currently litigating

Prior Texas Tech Hazing Incidents:

Multiple fraternities have faced suspensions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and policy violations
The university maintains conduct records that can be crucial in civil litigation

How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Proceeds

Jurisdiction: Lubbock County courts (164th District Court, others)
Law Enforcement: Texas Tech Police Department and Lubbock PD
Common Defendants: Local chapter, national headquarters, individual members, potentially Texas Tech University System
Travel Consideration for Anson Families: Our Houston-based team regularly litigates in West Texas courts and has established relationships with local co-counsel when beneficial

What Texas Tech Students & Parents Should Do

Report Immediately: Contact Texas Tech’s Office of Student Conduct (806-742-2011) and Texas Tech Police (806-742-3931)
Document Everything: Texas Tech’s Greek life extensively uses GroupMe and other apps—screenshot immediately
Medical Attention: Use University Medical Center or Covenant Health systems in Lubbock for thorough documentation
Legal Consultation: Contact us even if you’re in Anson—we serve families statewide and understand Texas Tech’s specific landscape

University of Houston: Current Site of Major Hazing Litigation

Our firm is currently leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas at UH, giving us unparalleled insight into how these cases unfold.

The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case: A Living Example

What Happened: Fall 2025 pledge period involving forced “pledge fanny packs,” extreme physical hazing, simulated waterboarding, forced consumption leading to vomiting
Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, hospitalized four days, faces permanent kidney damage risk
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual members
Chapter Outcome: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter suspended November 6, 2025, then voted to surrender charter November 14, 2025
UH Statement: Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement

UH’s Greek Landscape

Size: 50+ fraternity and sorority chapters
Governance: Interfraternity Council, Houston Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council
Recent History: Multiple chapter suspensions for hazing and alcohol violations

For Anson Families with Students at UH

Heightened Awareness: The Bermudez case shows severe hazing is happening NOW at UH
Reporting Channels: Dean of Students Office, UH Police Department, online reporting forms
Evidence Preservation: Critical given our current litigation experience with UH’s specific systems

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life Intersection

Unique Risk Factors

Corps of Cadets: Military-style environment with documented hazing incidents
Greek Life: 60+ fraternities and sororities with historical hazing problems

Documented Cases Affecting Texas Families

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

What Happened: Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns
Medical Outcome: Required skin graft surgeries
Legal Action: Pledges sued for $1 million; chapter suspended

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):

What Happened: Cadet alleged being bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth
Legal Action: Sought over $1 million; A&M stated handled internally

For Anson Families Considering Texas A&M

Both Greek & Corps Risks: Understand hazing occurs in both systems
Reporting Complexity: Navigate both Student Conduct Office and Corps chain of command
Historical Patterns: SAE’s national history of incidents repeats at Texas A&M

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Repeated Violations

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database

UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing records at hazing.utexas.edu, showing:

Recent Examples:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol hazing and physical misconduct
Spirit Groups: Absolute Texxas disciplined for blindfolding, kidnapping, degrading new members

Significance for Litigation

Pattern Evidence: Public records show repeated violations by same organizations
University Knowledge: Establishes what UT knew about specific chapters’ behaviors
Discovery Advantage: These public records become powerful evidence in civil suits

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University: Private School Considerations

SMU’s Affluent Greek Culture

Recent Incident: Kappa Alpha Order suspension (2017) for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Private University Dynamics: Less public transparency than state schools
Legal Strategy: Requires aggressive discovery to obtain internal documents

Baylor’s Complex History

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Institutional Context: Occurs within broader scrutiny of Baylor’s handling of misconduct
Religious Identity Consideration: How faith-based branding interacts with accountability

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

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of fraternity, sorority, and Greek organization entities across Texas. For parents in Anson, this means when you come to us with a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already understand the organizational landscape behind the letters.

Why This Directory Matters for Anson Families

If your child is hazed at Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, or any Texas university, multiple entities may share liability:

The Local Chapter (often an unincorporated association)
The Chapter’s Housing Corporation (a legal entity with EIN, insurance, assets)
Alumni & Graduate Chapters (may control funds or property)
National Headquarters (sets policies, collects dues, provides insurance)
University Entities (housing departments, student activity oversight)

Our directory helps identify ALL potentially liable parties to ensure full accountability and adequate compensation.

West Texas & Statewide Greek Organization Entities

Based on IRS B83 Filings & Cause IQ Metro Data:

This is a sampling of the 1,423 Greek organizations we track across 25 Texas metros:

West Texas Region Entities:
– Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN: 273662583) | Lufkin, TX 75904 | IRS B83 filing
– Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter (EIN: 300517788) | Nacogdoches, TX 75965 | IRS B83 filing
– Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Zeta Chapter (EIN: 752609909) | Commerce, TX 75428 | IRS B83 filing
– Frank Heflin Foundation (EIN: 203507402) | Canyon, TX 79015 | Phi Delta Theta alumni fund – IRS B83
– Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association (EIN: 752290669) | Amarillo, TX 79118 | IRS B83 filing

Texas Tech & Lubbock Area Entities:
– Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation (EIN: 237359384) | Lubbock, TX 79401 | IRS B83 filing
– Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter (EIN: 473967233) | Lubbock, TX 79416 | IRS B83 filing
– TKE OP Housing (EIN: 475033161) | Lubbock, TX 79423 | IRS B83 filing
– Gamma Phi House Corporation of Kappa Alpha Theta (EIN: 751283953) | Lubbock, TX 79423 | IRS B83 filing
– Farm House Fraternity Inc – Texas Tech Chapter (EIN: 751565336) | Lubbock, TX 79416 | IRS B83 filing

Major Statewide Fraternity Entities:
– Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 741380362) | Fort Worth, TX 76147 | Cause IQ metro listing
– Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (EIN: 742911848) | Fort Worth, TX 76244 | IRS-Cause IQ overlap
– Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter (EIN: 746064445) | Nederland, TX 77627 | IRS B83 filing
– Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (multiple EINs across Texas) | Waco, Houston, Commerce, Austin | IRS B83 filings

Honor Society Entities (Often Overlooked):
– Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech Health Sciences (EIN: 820644459) | Lubbock, TX 79430 | IRS B83 filing
– Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University (EIN: 900293166) | College Station, TX 77843 | IRS B83 filing
– Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Texas at Tyler (EIN: 352335400) | Tyler, TX 75799 | IRS B83 filing

How We Use This Directory in Hazing Cases

When we take a case like the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, this directory helps us:

Identify All Insured Entities: Each EIN typically corresponds to an insurance policy
Trace Organizational Relationships: Show how nationals control local chapters
Establish Pattern Evidence: Demonstrate same organizations have issues across Texas
Secure Assets for Judgments: Identify which entities actually hold property and funds

For an Anson family with a child hazed at Texas Tech, we would immediately examine:

The local chapter’s housing corporation (if one exists)
Any alumni entities supporting the chapter
The national organization’s Texas-registered entities
University-affiliated oversight entities

This comprehensive approach is why national fraternities and universities take our involvement seriously. We don’t just sue the obvious parties—we identify every entity that shares responsibility.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations for Anson Families

When your family faces a hazing crisis, understanding how cases are built can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights. Here’s what serious hazing litigation actually involves.

Critical Evidence Categories in Modern Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence Today)

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage groups (screenshot immediately as messages are often deleted)
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat stories, TikTok videos, Facebook messages
Chapter Apps: Many fraternities/sororities use custom apps for communication
Recovery Potential: Digital forensics experts can often recover deleted messages

2. Photographic & Video Evidence

Injuries: Document progression over days (bruises often worsen before healing)
Locations: Photos of houses, rooms, off-campus venues where hazing occurred
Events: Videos taken by participants (often shared in group chats before being deleted)

3. Medical Documentation

Emergency Records: ER reports, ambulance records, hospital admission notes
Lab Results: Blood alcohol levels, toxicology screens, kidney function tests (critical in rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez)
Specialist Evaluations: Follow-up care documenting ongoing issues
Psychological Records: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from mental health professionals

4. Institutional Records

University Files: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, probation records
National Fraternity Records: Incident reports, risk management files, communications with chapters
Insurance Policies: Identifying all potentially liable entities and their coverage

5. Witness Testimony

Other Pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with proper legal protections
Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled often have valuable information
Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, other students who observed behavior changes or incidents

The Damages Recovery Framework

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifetime medical needs
Lost Educational Opportunity: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Diminished Earning Capacity: For permanent injuries affecting career prospects
Other Costs: Therapy, medications, medical equipment

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Harm):

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and medical treatments
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can no longer participate in activities they loved
Reputational Harm: Especially important for college students

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral & Burial Costs
Loss of Companionship & Support
Emotional Suffering of Family Members
Lost Financial Contributions the deceased would have made

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
To deter future similar behavior
Available under certain circumstances in Texas

Realistic Settlement Values: What National Cases Show

Based on publicly disclosed hazing settlements and verdicts:

Fatal Cases: $1M–$14M (Stone Foltz: $10M, David Bogenberger: $14M)
Severe Injury Cases: $375K–multi-million (Danny Santulli brain damage: settlements with 22 defendants)
Texas-Specific: The Leonel Bermudez UH case seeks $10M for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

Important Note: Every case is unique. These figures illustrate possibilities, not guarantees. Settlement values depend on injury severity, evidence strength, defendant resources, jurisdiction, and many other factors.

Navigating Insurance Coverage Complexities

One of Mr. Lupe Peña’s unique advantages is his background as a former insurance defense attorney. He understands how fraternity and university insurers fight claims:

Common Insurance Defense Tactics We Counter:

“Intentional Acts” Exclusion Arguments: Claiming hazing is intentional and thus excluded
“Rogue Chapter” Defense: Arguing nationals didn’t know and thus aren’t covered
Reserve Lowballing: Setting artificially low settlement reserves
Delay Strategies: Dragging out cases to pressure financially strained families

Our Insurance Litigation Approach:

Identify ALL potential policies (chapter, national, university, individual homeowners)
Build negligence theories that trigger coverage even if hazing was intentional
Use bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage
Leverage our insider knowledge of how claims are actually valued

The Timeline: What to Expect

Phase 1: Immediate Response (Days 1-30)

Evidence preservation and investigation
Medical treatment and documentation
Initial demand letters and preservation notices

Phase 2: Formal Litigation (Months 2-18)

Filing lawsuit if settlement isn’t reached
Discovery process (document requests, depositions, interrogatories)
Expert consultations and reports

Phase 3: Resolution (Months 18-36+)

Mediation and settlement negotiations
Trial preparation if necessary
Possible trial

Most cases settle during mediation, but preparation for trial is essential for settlement leverage. Universities and national fraternities know which lawyers are actually trial-ready.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Anson Families, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing and 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 restriction or stress eating)
Sleep deprivation patterns (constantly tired, up at odd hours)
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use (even if they don’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-group activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Constant phone checking/responding to group chats

Academic & Financial Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or assignments for “mandatory” events
Unexplained large expenses (“fines,” forced purchases, excessive dues)
Requests for money without clear explanation

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

Choose the Right Time: When you’re both calm and have privacy
Use Open-Ended Questions: “How are things going with [organization]?” rather than accusations
Express Concern, Not Judgment: “I’m worried about how tired you’ve been” not “Are they hazing you?”
Emphasize Safety: “Your health and safety are more important than any organization”
Offer Unconditional Support: “No matter what’s happening, I’m here to help you”

If Your Child Reveals Hazing:

Listen Without Interrupting: Let them tell the whole story
Validate Their Experience: “That sounds terrifying. I’m so sorry that happened.”
Prioritize Safety: “Let’s make sure you’re medically okay first.”
Document Together: Help them screenshot evidence while it’s fresh
Consult an Attorney Before Taking Any Action: Do NOT confront the organization or university first

For Students: Is This Hazing? A Self-Assessment Guide

Questions to Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a REAL choice (no social consequences, no fear of being cut)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If You Answered YES to Any: It’s Likely Hazing

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in an emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you are the victim, not the perpetrator
“Consent” is not a defense under Texas law
You can request no-contact orders if you’re being harassed after reporting

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate Danger: Call 911, get to a safe location
Planning to Quit: Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
Official Resignation: Send email/text to chapter leadership: “I resign my membership effective immediately.”
Do NOT Go to “One Last Meeting”: This is often a pressure/intimidation tactic
Document Retaliation: If threatened or harassed, screenshot everything and report to university/police

For Witnesses & Former Members: Navigating Guilt and Responsibility

If you participated in hazing or witnessed it, you may feel:

Guilt over what happened
Fear of legal consequences
Conflict between loyalty and doing what’s right
Uncertainty about how to help

What You Should Know:

Cooperation Can Help: Providing evidence and testimony can prevent future harm
Legal Protections Exist: Witness cooperation agreements can provide certain protections
Moral Responsibility: Preventing future injuries can be part of making amends
Confidential Consultation: You can speak with an attorney about your options without immediately reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

What Happens: Looks like a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
Better Approach: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization Directly

What Happens: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better Approach: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What Happens: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
Better Approach: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media

What Happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better Approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

What Happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
Better Approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions from Anson Families

Q: Can we sue a Texas public university for hazing?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT, Texas Tech) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Every case is fact-specific.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: 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 us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involves off-campus locations (Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park).

Q: Will our names be public or in the news?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including hazing. That means you pay no upfront fees—we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes from the recovery we secure for you.

Q: Can you help if we’re in Anson and the hazing happened elsewhere in Texas?
A: Absolutely. We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. We regularly litigate in courts across the state and have established relationships with local counsel when beneficial. Distance is not a barrier to representation.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: Our Unique Qualifications for Anson Families

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm (Attorney911), we bring specific qualifications that make us uniquely suited for hazing litigation.

Our Competitive Advantages in Hazing Cases

1. Insurance Insider Knowledge: We Know Their Playbook
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions
Set settlement reserves

His insider perspective means we anticipate their every move and counter effectively. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

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

National fraternities with deep pockets
University systems with institutional resources
Defense firms that specialize in protecting organizations

We’re not intimidated by powerful defendants. We’ve faced them before and won.

3. Current, Active Hazing Litigation Leadership
Right now, we’re leading one of Texas’ most serious hazing cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical experience—this is current, active litigation against:

A major Texas university system
A national fraternity headquarters
A chapter housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders

We’re in the trenches NOW, fighting the same battles Anson families face.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death and serious injury cases, including:

Multi-million dollar settlements for workplace fatalities
Significant recoveries for traumatic brain injuries
Experience working with economists to value lifetime care needs

This experience is directly applicable to hazing cases involving death, brain injury, organ damage, or permanent disability.

5. Criminal + Civil Dual Capability
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense capability. This matters because hazing cases often involve:

Parallel criminal investigations
Witnesses with dual exposure
Understanding how criminal charges affect civil liability
Advising families navigating both systems

6. Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic Texas families in their preferred language. This is particularly important given Texas’ demographic diversity.

7. Texas-Wide Geographic Mastery
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. For Anson families, this means:

Understanding West Texas courts and jurisdictions
Experience with Texas Tech University systems and policies
Ability to litigate anywhere in Texas
Local co-counsel relationships when beneficial

Our Investigative Approach: Building Unbeatable Cases

When we take a hazing case, we investigate with depth that changes outcomes:

Digital Forensics Capability:

Recovering deleted group chats and messages
Analyzing social media and app data
Working with digital forensic experts

Organizational Pattern Evidence:

Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to identify all liable entities
Obtaining national fraternity incident histories
Documenting prior university knowledge through public records requests

Expert Network:

Medical experts for injury causation and lifetime care needs
Toxicologists for alcohol poisoning cases
Psychologists for PTSD and trauma evaluation
Economists for lost earning capacity calculations
Greek life culture experts for institutional negligence arguments

What Makes Hazing Cases Different (And Why Experience Matters)

Hazing litigation presents unique challenges that general personal injury lawyers often misunderstand:

1. Institutional Cover-Up Culture: Organizations often destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and coordinate stories

2. Multiple Insurance Coverage Fights: Identifying and accessing all available insurance requires specific knowledge

3. Victim Privacy Concerns: Balancing public accountability with protecting vulnerable students

4. Complex Defendant Networks: Suing individuals, chapters, nationals, alumni entities, and universities simultaneously

5. Emotional Complexity: Addressing trauma while building legally sound cases

Our Philosophy: Accountability, Not Just Settlement

While we have secured substantial settlements for clients, our approach prioritizes:

Thorough Investigation: We don’t settle quickly without understanding the full picture
Institutional Accountability: We seek policy changes and reforms, not just money
Prevention Focus: Our cases should make campuses safer for future students
Client-Centered Decisions: You control the strategy, informed by our experience

Call to Action: Next Steps for Anson Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor, or any other school—we want to help.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll receive:

A Compassionate, Judgment-Free Listening Session:
We’ll listen to your story without interruption. We understand how difficult it is to come forward.

Evidence Review & Preservation Guidance:
We’ll help you understand what evidence matters and how to preserve it immediately.

Clear Legal Options Explanation:
We’ll explain your family’s options in plain English:

Criminal reporting considerations
Civil lawsuit possibilities
University disciplinary processes
Realistic timelines and expectations

No Pressure Decision-Making:
We won’t pressure you to hire us on the spot. We’ll provide the information you need to make the best decision for your family.

Our Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911)
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com

Email:
, Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
, Mr. Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

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

Serving Anson & All of Texas:
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Anson, Hamlin, Stamford, and all of Jones County. Distance is not a barrier to representation.

Immediate Next Steps

If you’re reading this and hazing has affected your family:

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
Preserve evidence using the guidelines in Section 1
Get medical attention if there are any injuries or psychological distress
Document everything while memories are fresh

A Final Word to Anson Families

Hazing thrives in silence and fear. By coming forward, you’re not just seeking justice for your child—you’re preventing future injuries and deaths. The organizations that permit hazing count on families staying quiet. They count on victims being too ashamed to speak. They count on the complexity of the legal system discouraging action.

We’re here to change that calculation. With our experience, resources, and determination, we level the playing field against even the most powerful institutions.

Whether your child attends Texas Tech just 90 miles away in Lubbock, or any university across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss your situation, your rights, and how we can help you seek the accountability and compensation your family deserves.

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