The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability for Bartlett, Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hzed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone

Imagine receiving that phone call every parent dreads. Your child, who left Bartlett for college just months ago, is in the emergency room with a condition you’ve never heard of: rhabdomyolysis. Their urine is brown. They can’t stand without help. And as the story comes out in terrified fragments, you learn it wasn’t from a sports injury or accident—it was from what their fraternity called “pledge education.” They were forced through hundreds of squats and push-ups under threat of expulsion, sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding,” made to consume impossible amounts of food until vomiting, then forced to sprint immediately after. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston transfer student in fall 2025, whose story we know intimately because our firm, Attorney911, represents him in his $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

If you’re a parent in Bartlett, Georgetown, Taylor, or anywhere in Williamson County, this nightmare scenario is closer than you think. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, and what you can do right now if your family has been affected by campus abuse. We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, and the national patterns we see in hazing cases—the forced drinking, dangerous physical tests, institutional cover-ups—are happening right here in our state at universities where Williamson County families send their children.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
– Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
– Universities move quickly to control the narrative
– We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
– Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in Bartlett and throughout Central Texas, understanding modern hazing requires moving beyond outdated stereotypes of harmless pranks. Hazing in 2025 is systematic, psychologically sophisticated, and often digitally documented. It’s not just about “boys being boys”—it’s about power, control, and tradition that endangers lives.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
This category includes behaviors that create power imbalances but are often dismissed as “harmless tradition.” For Bartlett students at Texas universities, this might look like:

24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response requirements
Mandatory chauffeuring duties at all hours
“Pledge fanny packs” containing humiliating items that must be carried constantly
Required attendance at events that interfere with academic performance
Social isolation from non-members and family
Geographic tracking via apps like Find My Friends

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)
These behaviors cause measurable physical and psychological harm:

Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food and water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
“Smokings” – extreme physical exercise beyond safe limits
Public humiliation rituals
Verbal abuse and degradation sessions
Forced exposure to filthy or uncomfortable conditions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)
These activities have high potential for permanent injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption (the #1 cause of hazing deaths)
Physical beatings and paddling
Dangerous physical “tests” like blindfolded tackle rituals
Sexualized hazing and assault
Exposure to extreme environments (locked in freezing rooms)
Chemical hazing (as seen in the Texas A&M SAE case where industrial cleaner caused chemical burns)
Kidnapping and physical restraint

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Texas-Specific Blueprint

Right now in Harris County, we’re litigating a case that exemplifies all three tiers. Leonel Bermudez’s experience with Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston shows how hazing escalates:

The Subtle Control: From his September 2025 bid acceptance, Bermudez was subject to enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties. The “pledge fanny pack” rule required constant carrying of condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items.

The Harassment Escalation: Activities included sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills, cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”

The Violent Climax: The November 3, 2025, workout forced Bermudez through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This case, covered extensively by Click2Houston and ABC13, represents exactly what Bartlett families need to understand: hazing isn’t theoretical. It’s happening at Texas universities right now, causing permanent damage, and experienced Texas counsel is fighting back.

Texas Hazing Law: What Williamson County Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s most comprehensive hazing statutes, but understanding how they apply to your child’s situation requires legal expertise. Here’s what every Bartlett parent should know about the legal framework protecting Texas students.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, 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.

Key Implications for Bartlett Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or retreats is still illegal
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just be reckless about risk
Mental health counts: Psychological trauma qualifies alongside physical injury

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a Defense
This is perhaps the most important provision for Bartlett families to understand. Texas law explicitly states that a student’s “consent” to hazing activities does not make those activities legal or defensible. The power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion that characterize pledging make true voluntary consent impossible.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data (phasing in through 2026).

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting requirements and potential liability.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes and maintenance of safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, and drug crimes that must be reported.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re working alongside criminal investigations

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Both can proceed simultaneously; criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up.

Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority itself if incorporated, plus officers and “pledge educators.”

National Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters can be liable for what they knew or should have known.

Universities: Schools may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories, especially with prior warnings or deliberate indifference.

Third Parties: Landlords, property owners, bars (under dram shop laws), security companies.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Where Bartlett Families Send Their Children

Understanding the scope of Greek life in Texas is critical for Williamson County parents. Our firm maintains what we call the “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine”—a comprehensive database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, built from IRS filings, university rosters, and public records.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities & Sororities Serving Texas Students

If you’re a parent in Bartlett, you deserve to know who stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are examples from our investigative directory—these are public records we track so families never start from zero.

Williamson County & Central Texas Area Entities:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 463831593, Austin, TX 78723 (IRS B83 filing – Texas State University chapter)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp., Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing – University of Texas house corporation)
Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing – UT Austin chapter house corporation)
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta), Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing – UT Austin chapter property)
Texas Rho Housing Corporation (ΣAE), Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Texas Alpha Phi House Corporation, Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing – Alpha Phi UT chapter house corporation)

Major Texas University Hub Entities (Where Bartlett Students Attend):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing – Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 237279532, Prairie View, TX 77446 (IRS B83 filing)
Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing – Chi Omega House Corporation)

Texas-Wide Organizational Snapshot:

Frank Heflin Foundation, EIN 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015 (IRS B83 filing – Phi Delta Theta alumni)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing – Theta Delta)
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc, EIN 201237505, Corinth, TX 76210 (IRS B83 filing – Beta Chapter)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter, EIN 392352450, Houston, TX 77254 (IRS B83 filing)
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc, EIN 741130606, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing – Alpha Mu)

This directory represents just a fraction of the 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS B83 filings and the 1,423 organizations we track statewide. When your child is hazed, we already know how to identify every potentially liable entity—from the local chapter to the national housing corporation.

Where Bartlett Families Send Their Children: The University Landscape

Local & Regional Campuses:

Southwestern University (Georgetown, Williamson County) – Liberal arts college with Greek life
Texas State University (San Marcos, Hays County) – Major regional university with active Greek system
Austin Community College (Multiple campuses) – While less Greek-focused, some students transition to university Greek life

Major Statewide Hubs (Where Bartlett Students Commonly Attend):

University of Texas at Austin – Flagship campus with 60+ Greek chapters
Texas A&M University (College Station) – Major Greek life and Corps of Cadets programs
University of Houston – Urban campus with diverse Greek system
Baylor University (Waco) – Private university with traditional Greek life
Southern Methodist University (Dallas) – Private university with strong Greek presence

The Williamson County Connection:
Families in Bartlett, Georgetown, Taylor, and throughout Williamson County have deep connections to these campuses. Whether it’s children attending UT Austin, Texas State, or other Texas universities, the geographic proximity means Bartlett parents are directly affected by hazing incidents at these schools. The legal jurisdiction for cases involving Bartlett residents can span multiple counties, but our firm’s experience in Texas courts means we navigate these complexities daily.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

The tragedies that have unfolded on campuses nationwide provide critical lessons for Bartlett families. These cases establish legal precedents, demonstrate institutional patterns, and show what accountability looks like.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning. $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case strengthened Ohio’s anti-hazing laws and permanently removed the chapter.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid-acceptance event with extreme drinking; severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges; civil litigation; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law enacted.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): “Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering incorrectly; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). $6.1 million verdict for family; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act felony hazing statute.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): “Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor; died from acute alcohol poisoning. Criminal prosecutions; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Deaths

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual; died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed. National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Severe Injury Cases (Non-Fatal)

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”; suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care). Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas A&M University (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. $1 million lawsuit filed; fraternity suspended for two years.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program. Multiple lawsuits against university; head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially in August 2025. Demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for Bartlett Families

Patterns Repeat: The same organizations involved in national tragedies (Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta) have chapters at Texas universities where Bartlett students attend.
Institutional Knowledge Matters: When national organizations have prior incidents, they have “notice” that makes them more liable for subsequent occurrences.
Settlement Values Established: Cases like Foltz ($10M), Gruver ($6.1M), and others set benchmarks for what serious hazing cases are worth.
Legal Precedents Created: Each case establishes arguments and strategies we can apply in Texas courts.

Texas University Focus: Where Bartlett Students Face Risk

University of Texas at Austin: Flagship Campus Risks

Campus Snapshot for Bartlett Families: UT Austin, just an hour from Bartlett, hosts approximately 60 Greek chapters serving over 6,000 students. The university maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing violation logs at hazing.utexas.edu.

Documented Incidents & UT’s Response:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (January 2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million; chapter already under suspension for prior violations.
Texas Wranglers & Spirit Groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices.

How a UT Hazing Case Proceeds:
Cases typically involve UTPD and/or Austin PD investigations. Civil suits may be filed in Travis County courts. The university’s public hazing log provides powerful pattern evidence showing prior knowledge of organizational risks.

What Bartlett UT Students & Parents Should Do:

Report immediately to UT’s Dean of Students Office and UTPD
Document using UT’s online reporting systems
Preserve all digital evidence before deletion
Understand that UT’s transparency can work in your favor for establishing patterns

Texas A&M University: Corps and Greek Life Complexities

Campus Snapshot for Bartlett Families: Texas A&M’s unique culture combines traditional Greek life with the Corps of Cadets, creating multiple environments where hazing can occur.

Documented Incidents & A&M’s Response:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth; sought over $1 million. A&M stated it handled matter under its rules.
Rhabdomyolysis Cases (Ongoing): Multiple allegations of extreme physical hazing leading to muscle breakdown injuries similar to the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.

How a Texas A&M Case Proceeds:
Brazos County jurisdiction with potential federal claims. Corps cases involve unique military-style command structures. The university often asserts sovereign immunity as a public institution, requiring skilled navigation of exceptions.

What Bartlett A&M Students & Parents Should Do:

Corps members should document through both military and university chains of command
Understand the dual jurisdiction of university conduct system and Corps discipline
Preserve evidence aggressively – Corps traditions often involve physical evidence
Contact counsel experienced with both Texas public university immunity and military-style organizations

University of Houston: Urban Campus Challenges

Campus Snapshot for Bartlett Families: UH’s diverse, urban campus hosts multiple Greek councils including IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural groups. The campus has faced significant hazing incidents, including our flagship Bermudez case.

Documented Incidents & UH’s Response:

Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025): Our active case involving rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and multiple hospitalization days. Chapter suspended November 6, 2025; members voted to surrender charter November 14, 2025. UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary/criminal referrals.
Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep during multi-day event; one student suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed onto table. Chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension.
Various Chapter Suspensions: Multiple fraternities suspended for conduct “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations.

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:
Harris County jurisdiction with potential claims in Southern District of Texas federal court. UH as a public university asserts sovereign immunity, requiring arguments about gross negligence or ministerial duty exceptions.

What Bartlett UH Students & Parents Should Do:

Report to UHPD and Dean of Students simultaneously
Document through UH’s Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life
Understand Houston’s complex jurisdictional landscape
Act quickly – urban campuses see rapid evidence destruction

Baylor University: Private University Context

Campus Snapshot for Bartlett Families: Baylor’s religious identity and history of Title IX scrutiny create unique dynamics for hazing cases at this Waco campus.

Documented Incidents & Baylor’s Response:

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions over early season.
Greek Life Incidents: While less publicly documented than public universities, Baylor has faced hazing allegations across multiple Greek organizations.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds:
As a private university, Baylor has fewer sovereign immunity protections but often asserts religious freedom arguments. McLennan County jurisdiction with potential Title IX claims.

What Bartlett Baylor Students & Parents Should Do:

Understand Baylor’s unique religious context and how it affects reporting
Document through both university conduct system and Title IX office if applicable
Recognize that private university disciplinary processes differ significantly from public institutions

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Campus Dynamics

Campus Snapshot for Bartlett Families: SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek tradition create environments where hazing persists despite prevention efforts.

Documented Incidents & SMU’s Response:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until approximately 2021.
Various Anonymous Reports: SMU utilizes Real Response system for anonymous reporting, indicating ongoing concerns.

How an SMU Hazing Case Proceeds:
Dallas County jurisdiction with potential claims in Northern District of Texas. Private university status means fewer immunity defenses but often aggressive legal representation.

What Bartlett SMU Students & Parents Should Do:

Utilize SMU’s anonymous reporting systems while also preserving evidence for potential litigation
Understand that private university transparency differs from public institutions
Document financial aspects – SMU’s affluent environment can involve expensive hazing rituals

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Why Patterns Matter for Bartlett Families

When your child is hazed by a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, you’re not just dealing with local students. You’re confronting national organizations with decades of documented hazing problems. This pattern evidence is critical for establishing liability.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, 2021): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012): $14 million settlement
Multiple other alcohol-related deaths nationwide
Pattern: “Big/Little” nights with forced alcohol consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

Traumatic Brain Injury Case (University of Alabama, 2023): Ongoing litigation
Chemical Burns Case (Texas A&M, 2021): $1 million lawsuit, skin grafts required
Assault Case (UT Austin, 2024): Over $1 million lawsuit
Multiple hazing-related deaths historically
Pattern: Physical violence and dangerous substances

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): $6.1 million verdict, Louisiana felony hazing law
Multiple other alcohol-related incidents
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning
Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, 2025): Our active case with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with alcohol

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

SMU Chapter (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Multiple other chapter suspensions nationwide
Pattern: Physical punishment traditions

Why National Histories Matter Legally

Foreseeability: When a national organization has multiple prior incidents, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen.” The risk was foreseeable.

Negligent Supervision: Nationals that collect dues, provide materials, and maintain oversight have duty to supervise. Failure to prevent known patterns constitutes negligence.

Punitive Damages: Repeated violations despite knowledge can support claims for punitive damages to punish and deter.

Insurance Coverage: National organizations typically have insurance that local chapters don’t. Establishing national liability can access deeper pockets.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

Our firm maintains comprehensive databases tracking:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS B83 filings
1,423 organizations across 25 Texas metros per Cause IQ data
National incident patterns from 2013–2025
University-specific chapter rosters and violation histories

When we take a hazing case for a Bartlett family, we don’t start from scratch. We already know:

Which national organizations have prior incidents
What insurance coverage likely exists
How similar cases have been litigated
Which experts understand the specific organizational culture

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

Critical Evidence Categories for Texas Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important in 2025):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok content
Fraternity-specific apps and communication platforms
Our Approach: We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages and establish timelines.

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed during hazing events (often shared in group chats)
Security camera footage from houses and venues
Injury documentation over time
Critical Insight: Students often film hazing “for fun” or “as memories,” creating powerful evidence.

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
National risk management policies
Chapter meeting minutes and communications
Our Experience: We know how to subpoena these records before they’re destroyed.

University Records:

Prior conduct files and disciplinary history
Clery Act reports and safety statistics
Internal emails about the organization
Texas-Specific: Public universities like UT Austin have public hazing logs; private universities require subpoenas.

Medical Documentation:

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports and lab results
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, trauma)
Specialized Knowledge: We understand medical conditions like rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and traumatic brain injuries common in hazing.

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges and members
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who left the organization
Strategic Consideration: Witness cooperation often requires navigating fear of retaliation and social consequences.

Damages: What Texas Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational opportunities (tuition, scholarships)
Lost income and diminished earning capacity
Property damage

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to parents and siblings
Loss of financial support

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants had prior warnings and ignored them
Texas has statutory caps with exceptions for intentional conduct

Realistic Case Timeline and Process

Phase 1: Immediate Response (Days 1–30)

Evidence preservation and medical care
Initial investigation and witness interviews
Preservation letters to potential defendants
For Bartlett Families: We act within hours, not days

Phase 2: Investigation (Months 1–6)

Comprehensive evidence gathering
Expert consultations (medical, digital forensics, Greek life)
Preliminary liability analysis
Settlement demand preparation

Phase 3: Litigation (Months 6–24+)

Filing lawsuit if settlement not reached
Discovery process (document requests, depositions)
Expert witness preparation
Mediation and settlement negotiations
Trial if necessary

Phase 4: Resolution

Settlement or trial verdict
Funds distribution
Ongoing care coordination if needed
Our Commitment: We stay involved through recovery, not just case resolution

Practical Guide for Bartlett Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Action

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
Sudden personality changes (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
Constant secret phone use for group chats
Financial changes (unexplained expenses, requests for money)
Academic decline or missing classes for “mandatory” events
Physical signs: bruises, burns, weight changes, chemical smells

How to Talk to Your Child:

Do: Ask open questions, listen without judgment, emphasize safety over status
Don’t: Accuse, minimize their experience, or threaten immediate action without planning
Sample Questions:
- “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
- “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
- “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
- “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

Immediate Action Checklist for Parents:

Medical First: Get immediate medical attention for any injuries or intoxication
Evidence Preservation: Help your child screenshot ALL digital communications
Document Everything: Write down what happened while memory is fresh
Secure Physical Evidence: Save clothing, objects, receipts
Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24 hours
Strategic Reporting: With legal guidance, report to appropriate authorities
Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t confront the organization, don’t sign university papers, don’t post on social media

Dealing with the University:

Document every communication
Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the organization
Don’t accept “we’re handling it internally” as sufficient
Understand that universities often prioritize institutional protection over individual justice
Texas-Specific: Public universities (UT, A&M, UH) have different obligations than private (SMU, Baylor)

For Students: Safety, Reporting, and Evidence

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment:

Are you being forced or pressured?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would your parents/university approve if they knew?
Are you being told to keep secrets?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to a safe location
Remember: Good-faith reporter protections exist in Texas

Safe Exit Strategies:

Tell someone outside the organization first
Send written resignation to chapter leadership
Don’t attend “one last meeting” where pressure may occur
Document any retaliation or threats
File for protective orders if necessary

Evidence Collection for Students:

Digital Evidence:
- Screenshot ALL group chats with timestamps visible
- Save disappearing messages immediately
- Use screen recording for multiple messages
- Back up to cloud storage or email to yourself
Photo/Video Evidence:
- Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
- Include scale (ruler, coin) in injury photos
- Record locations and objects if safe
Medical Documentation:
- Tell medical providers you were hazed
- Request copies of all records
- Follow up with specialists for ongoing issues
Witness Information:
- Record names and contact information
- Note what each person witnessed
- Document dates and times

Reporting Channels for Texas Students:

Campus: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, campus police, Title IX office
Local: City police if crimes occurred
National: Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE)
Legal: Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

For Witnesses & Former Members

If You Witnessed Hazing:

Your testimony can prevent future harm
Document what you saw while memory is fresh
Consider anonymous reporting options
Understand your legal rights and potential protections

If You Participated and Now Regret It:

Acknowledge that guilt is normal
Your cooperation can be part of accountability
Consider seeking your own legal advice
Understand that coming forward can be part of healing

Legal Protections for Witnesses:

Texas offers some immunity for good-faith reporters
Retaliation against reporters is illegal
Confidentiality options may be available
Our Approach: We help witnesses navigate complex decisions about cooperation

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

What Happens: Messages disappear, cases collapse, cover-up appears likely
The Fix: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately, even embarrassing content
Watch Our Video: Using your phone to document evidence

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

What Happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
The Fix: Document quietly, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What Happens: You may waive legal rights for minimal settlements
The Fix: NEVER sign anything without attorney review
Watch Our Video: Client mistakes that can ruin your case

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media

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

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

What Happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
The Fix: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately
Watch Our Video: Texas statutes of limitations

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer

What Happens: Recorded statements used against you; lowball settlements
The Fix: “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE #7: Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”

What Happens: Pressure, intimidation, statements that hurt the case
The Fix: Once considering legal action, all communication through your lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions for Bartlett Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“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 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 fear of exclusion 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 harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled. 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 nationals 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. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

“How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?”
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.

“What if my child was drinking underage during the hazing?”
Texas’ good-faith reporter protections and most university amnesty policies protect students who seek help in emergencies, even if they were drinking underage. This shouldn’t prevent pursuing a case.

“Can we sue individual fraternity members?”
Yes, and we often do. Individual liability can be important when organizational insurance has exclusions or limits.

“What if the fraternity chapter has already been shut down?”
The national organization, university, housing corporation, and individual members may still be liable. Chapter closure doesn’t end accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

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. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve Bartlett families and victims throughout Texas.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
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 and coverage exclusion arguments
Set reserves and negotiate settlements
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Results:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience with economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:

Digital forensics for recovering deleted messages
Medical experts for conditions like rhabdomyolysis, TBI, alcohol poisoning
Greek life culture experts and institutional policy specialists
Economists and life-care planners
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery:

Offices in three key Texas regions
Understanding of different university systems (public vs. private, religious vs. secular)
Experience with Texas sovereign immunity arguments and exceptions
Knowledge of county-specific procedures where Bartlett cases might proceed

Our Approach: Empathy, Investigation, Accountability

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

Empathetic Support: We listen without judgment, move at your pace, and prioritize your family’s emotional wellbeing alongside legal strategy.

Thorough Investigation: We don’t take shortcuts. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine means we start with data, not guesses.

Strategic Accountability: We identify every potentially liable party—from individual members to national headquarters to insurance companies.

Prevention Focus: While pursuing compensation, we never lose sight of the larger goal: preventing this from happening to another family.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Free, Confidential Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us immediately
Everything you tell us is confidential

Our Communication Commitment:

Regular updates (at minimum every 2-3 weeks)
Direct access to your attorneys (not passed to paralegals)
Clear explanations of legal processes
Respect for your family’s pace and privacy

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Call to Action for Bartlett Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Houston, Baylor, SMU, or any other Texas school—we want to hear from you. Families in Bartlett, Georgetown, Taylor, and throughout Williamson County have the right to answers and accountability.

You don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers and insurance companies protecting them. You deserve the same level of representation.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today for a Confidential 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 (Ralph Manginello)
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Serving Bartlett and All of Texas from Our Offices In:

Houston, Texas (Harris County)
Austin, Texas (Travis County)
Beaumont, Texas (Jefferson County)

No Fee Unless We Win: We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: 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