The Complete Guide to Hazing Law for Beverly Hills, Texas Families: Holding Fraternities, Sororities & Universities Accountable

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You Are Not Alone

In a quiet Beverly Hills neighborhood in McLennan County, a parent’s phone buzzes late at night. Their child, a freshman at nearby Baylor University, finally responds to their worried texts. The message is vague: “Everything’s fine. Just a long frat event. Really tired.” What that parent doesn’t know—what no parent in Beverly Hills, Waco, or anywhere in Central Texas wants to imagine—is that their child might be lying on vomit-soaked grass, being sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding,” or being forced through hundreds of squats until their muscles literally begin to break down, releasing toxins that shut down their kidneys.

This is not hypothetical. Right now, we at Attorney911 are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. As reported by Click2Houston, Bermudez was forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, subjected to forced eating of hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, and made to perform extreme physical workouts that led to brown urine and four days of hospitalization. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm continues.

For families in Beverly Hills, McLennan County, and throughout Central Texas, this case serves as a stark warning: hazing is not ancient history or “boys being boys.” It is a present danger happening at campuses where your children study, with lifelong consequences. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Beverly Hills parents and families who need to understand what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your children, what’s happening at Texas universities (especially Baylor University, just minutes from Beverly Hills), and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect students.

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.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Central Texas

For Beverly Hills families whose children attend Baylor University, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, understanding modern hazing is critical. The old stereotypes of harmless pranks have been replaced by systematic abuse that leaves permanent physical and psychological damage.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)

24/7 Digital Control: GroupMe messages demanding immediate responses at 3 AM, location tracking through Snapchat Maps, social media policing
Servitude Requirements: Acting as designated drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
Social Isolation: Being cut off from non-member friends, requiring permission to attend family events
“Voluntary” Mandatory Events: Late-night “study sessions” that interfere with exams, weekend retreats framed as “optional” but socially mandatory

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creating Hostile Environments)

Sleep Deprivation: Being awakened for “meetings” at 2 AM, then required to attend 8 AM classes
Food/Water Manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled milk, excessive hot sauce, or gallons of water
Extreme Physical “Conditioning”: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls across campus
Public Humiliation: Wearing degrading costumes in public, being “roasted” in front of the entire chapter

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

Forced Alcohol Consumption: “Big/Little” nights with entire bottles of liquor, “family tree” drinking games where wrong answers mean chugging
Physical Beatings: Paddling with wooden boards (still occurring despite national prohibitions), boxing matches between pledges
Sexualized Abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts like the “elephant walk,” coercion to watch pornography
Dangerous Environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, forced swimming while intoxicated

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

Contrary to popular belief, hazing extends far beyond fraternity houses:

Fraternities and Sororities: All councils—IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC (Divine Nine), Multicultural Greek Council
Corps of Cadets & ROTC: Military-style groups with tradition-heavy cultures
Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading—even at elite programs
Spirit & Tradition Organizations: Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, and similar groups
Marching Bands & Performance Groups: Known for rigorous initiation rituals
Academic & Honor Societies: Some require excessive service hours or degrading tasks

For Beverly Hills families, the proximity to Baylor University means particular attention should be paid to Greek life, athletic programs, and tradition organizations that have faced prior scrutiny.

Texas Hazing Law: What Beverly Hills Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing statutes, but understanding how they work is crucial for McLennan County families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership maintenance.

For Beverly Hills parents, this means:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, Airbnbs, remote retreats are all covered
Mental harm counts alongside physical injury
“Reckless” conduct is sufficient—they don’t need to have intended harm

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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

Critical Protections:

Consent is NOT a defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still illegal
Good-Faith Reporter Immunity (§37.154): Those who report hazing or call 911 are protected from liability
Organizational Liability (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can be fined up to $10,000 per violation

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State):

Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical Charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Jurisdiction: McLennan County District Attorney for Baylor cases, county of incident for others
Limitation: Criminal conviction doesn’t automatically mean financial recovery for your family

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families):

Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Potential Defendants: Individuals, local chapters, national organizations, universities, property owners
Advantage: Can proceed even without criminal charges

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires universities receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs by 2026.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, additional federal obligations trigger.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

For Beverly Hills families with students at Baylor (private) versus UT/A&M (public), different federal and state immunities may apply, making experienced legal guidance essential.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

The tragedies that have unfolded at campuses nationwide follow predictable patterns that repeat at Texas universities. Understanding these patterns helps Beverly Hills families recognize warning signs and legal strategies.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: The Deadliest Script

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning. $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Subjected to “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking; died with 0.495% BAC. Led to Louisiana’ Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Consumed dangerous amounts during bid acceptance; fell multiple times captured on chapter cameras; help delayed for hours. 18 members charged with over 1,000 counts total.

What This Means for Beverly Hills: The “Big/Little” night, bid acceptance parties, and drinking games are repeated scripts. When your Baylor student mentions these events, ask specific questions about alcohol pressure.

Physical Hazing Pattern: From Paddling to Permanent Injury

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). Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar.

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Chapter suspended for two years; $1 million lawsuit filed.

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

What This Means for Beverly Hills: Physical hazing continues despite national policies. The presence of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Baylor and other Texas schools means these patterns could repeat locally.

Institutional Accountability Pattern: Universities Pay

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Widespread sexualized, racist hazing allegations; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired then reached confidential settlement in wrongful-termination suit.

Florida A&M Marching Band (2011): Drum major Robert Champion died after brutal hazing ritual; university held fully liable, paid $1 million settlement.

Western Kentucky Swim Team (2012-2015): Program suspended for five years after hacing investigation; university settled federal lawsuit for $75,000.

What This Means for Beverly Hills: Universities increasingly face direct liability. Baylor’s history with institutional response to misconduct makes understanding these patterns particularly relevant for McLennan County families.

Texas University Focus: Starting with Baylor & Expanding Statewide

For Beverly Hills families, Baylor University represents both proximity and particular concern given its history with institutional response to misconduct. However, students from McLennan County attend universities across Texas, each with unique hazing landscapes.

Baylor University: In Our Own Backyard

Campus & Culture Snapshot: As Beverly Hills’ closest major university, Baylor’s Greek life, athletic programs, and religious identity create a complex environment. With approximately 30% of undergraduates in Greek organizations and high-profile athletic programs, the potential for hazing exists across multiple domains.

Official Hazing Policy: Baylor prohibits hazing “on or off campus” and requires reporting through the Student Conduct Administration. Their policy explicitly notes that “consent of the victim is not a defense.”

Documented Incidents:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions affected early season play
Multiple Greek Life Sanctions: While Baylor doesn’t publish as transparent a list as UT Austin, internal records show periodic disciplinary actions for alcohol-related hazing and inappropriate initiation activities

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds: McLennan County jurisdiction applies for incidents occurring locally. Cases might involve:

Waco Police Department for off-campus incidents
Baylor Department of Public Safety for on-campus matters
McLennan County District Courts for civil litigation
Baylor’s internal conduct process running parallel to legal proceedings

What Beverly Hills Baylor Parents Should Do:

Document Everything: Time-stamped notes of what your child shares
Medical Attention First: Baylor’s Health Center or Waco hospitals for immediate care
Parallel Reporting: File with both Baylor Student Conduct AND local police if crimes occurred
Preserve Digital Evidence: Baylor students commonly use GroupMe, iMessage, Instagram—screenshot before deletion
Consult Before Speaking: University administrators may seek quick “internal resolution” that limits legal options

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life

Corps of Cadets Hazing (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth; sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter internally.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): As mentioned above, severe burns from cleaner mixture; chapter suspended.

Pattern Issues: The intersection of Corps traditions and Greek life creates unique hazing risks that College Station families—and by extension, Beverly Hills families with Aggie students—should monitor.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Recurrence

Public Hazing Violations List: UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu.

Example Sanctions:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing and forced physical activities
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia; over $1 million lawsuit filed

For Beverly Hills UT Parents: UT’s public database provides powerful evidence of pattern and knowledge if your child is hazed by an organization with prior violations.

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Greek Life

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep-deprived; chapter suspended until approximately 2021.

Private University Dynamics: SMU’s status means less public transparency but potentially greater liability due to fewer sovereign immunity protections.

University of Houston: Our Active Case Site

Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025): Our firm’s active $10 million lawsuit details extreme hazing including:

“Pledge fanny pack” with condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices
Forced eating of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
Simulated waterboarding with hose spraying
100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Result: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization

Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; members voted to surrender charter Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing.”

Why This Matters for Beverly Hills: The same fraternities at UH have chapters at Baylor and other Texas schools. National patterns don’t respect campus boundaries.

The Greek Ecosystem: National Histories with Local Impact

For Beverly Hills families, understanding that local Baylor chapters are connected to national organizations with extensive hazing histories is crucial for building liability cases.

National Organizations Present at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Present at Baylor, UT, Texas A&M, others

National History: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois), multiple suspensions
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing recurring despite national policies

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Present at Baylor, UT, Texas A&M, others

National History: Multiple deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
Pattern: Physical hazing and alcohol coercion across chapters

Phi Delta Theta: Present at Baylor, UT, others

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU), felony hazing legislation resulted
Pattern: Drinking game hazing despite national education programs

Pi Kappa Phi: Present at UH (our active case), other Texas schools

National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State)
Pattern: Alcohol-focused initiation events

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Local Greek Organizations

Our firm maintains a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations drawn from public records. For Beverly Hills and McLennan County families, this means we start investigations with detailed knowledge of the entities that may bear liability.

McLennan County & Waco Area Greek Entities (From IRS B83 Records):

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (EIN: 364091267) – IRS B83 filing
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Nu Iota Chapter Baylor University, PO Box 2033, Waco, TX 76703 (EIN: 521346485) – IRS B83 filing
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Texas Rho Chapter, 3217 S 3rd St, Waco, TX 76706 (EIN: 741942292) – IRS B83 filing
Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity – Tau Deuteron Chapter, Waco, TX – From Cause IQ Metro records
Kappa Kappa Gamma – Baylor House Board, Waco, TX – From Cause IQ Metro records
Delta Delta Delta – Baylor Chapter, Waco, TX – From Cause IQ Metro records

Central Texas Regional Greek Infrastructure:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, 12650 N Beach St #30, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (EIN: 742911848) – IRS B83 filing
Chi Omega Fraternity, 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 (EIN: 740555581) – House corporation
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, 2620 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 (EIN: 746047117) – IRS B83 filing

Why This Database Matters for Beverly Hills Families: When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability—the local chapter, the housing corporation, the alumni association, and the national organization. Our pre-existing knowledge of these entities allows for immediate, targeted investigation rather than starting from zero.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

When Beverly Hills families face the aftermath of hazing, understanding how cases are built helps manage expectations and preserve critical evidence.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Group Communications (Most Critical Evidence):

GroupMe: The most common fraternity/sorority communication platform
iMessage/SMS Group Texts: Often contain planning discussions
WhatsApp/Signal/Telegram: Increasingly used for “private” hazing coordination
Discord/Slack: For larger organization communication
Fraternity-Specific Apps: Some nationals provide customized apps

Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Social Media Evidence:

Instagram Stories/Snapchat: “Disappearing” content showing hazing in progress
TikTok/YouTube: Sometimes hazing is recorded as “content”
Facebook Groups: Private groups for chapter communication
Geo-Tags & Timestamps: Prove location and timing

Physical & Medical Evidence:

Photograph Injuries Immediately: With ruler for scale, multiple angles
Medical Records: Must specifically mention “hazing” to be useful
Objects Used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, “pledge manuals”
Clothing: Unwashed items may contain biological evidence

Institutional Records (Obtained via Discovery):

University Conduct Files: Prior violations of the same organization
National Fraternity Records: Risk management reports, prior incident responses
Police Reports: Both campus and local department filings
Insurance Policies: Coverage determinations are often disputed

Damages: What Can Be Recovered in Texas Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing therapy
Future Medical Needs: Lifelong care for catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury
Lost Educational Opportunity: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships
Diminished Earning Capacity: If injuries prevent chosen career path

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries during and after hazing
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can no longer participate in activities they loved
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital footprint

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral & Burial Costs
Loss of Companionship & Support
Parents’ & Siblings’ Emotional Suffering
Loss of Guidance for younger siblings

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

Available when defendants show reckless indifference or intentional misconduct
Texas Caps: Generally limited, but exceptions exist for certain intentional acts
Purpose: Punish and deter similar conduct

Legal Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

Fraternities, nationals, and universities employ consistent defense strategies. We anticipate and counter them:

Defense: “The Student Consented”

Our Response: Texas law §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Power imbalance and peer coercion negate true consent.

Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter”

Our Response: National organizations maintain control through dues collection, policy enforcement, and officer training. Prior incidents at other chapters create foreseeability.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty. Nationals and universities maintain relationships with off-campus chapters and housing corporations.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: Paper policies are meaningless without enforcement. We subpoena records showing prior violations received minimal punishment.

Defense: “University Sovereign Immunity” (for public schools like UT, Texas A&M)

Our Response: Exceptions exist for gross negligence, ministerial acts, and Title IX violations. Individual employees can be sued personally.

Insurance Coverage Fights: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. We know how insurers argue exclusions for “intentional acts” and how to counter those arguments.

Practical Guides for Beverly Hills Families, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Baylor Student May Be Hazed:

Unexplained Injuries: Bruises in specific patterns (paddling), burns, persistent soreness
Extreme Fatigue: Beyond normal college stress—constant exhaustion
Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal, anxiety, defensiveness about organization activities
Financial Anomalies: Unexpected charges for alcohol, “fines,” or group purchases
Digital Patterns: Constant phone checking, anxiety about missing messages, deleted conversations
Academic Decline: Missed classes, dropping grades, lost scholarships
Isolation: Cutting off contact with non-member friends and family

Questions to Ask (Without Confrontation):

“What does a typical week look like for your new member process?”
“Have you had to miss class or sleep for organization events?”
“What happens if someone doesn’t want to participate in an activity?”
“Are there older members who give you rides or make you run errands?”
“Do you ever feel pressured to drink or do things that make you uncomfortable?”

48-Hour Action Plan:

Medical Safety First: ER visit even for “minor” injuries—documentation is critical
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot everything before deletion; photograph injuries
Written Timeline: Write down everything your child shares while memory is fresh
Secure Physical Evidence: Clothing, objects, receipts—don’t wash or discard
Consult Before Acting: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before contacting the organization or university

For Students: Recognizing & Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Are you being pressured or coerced?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Is the activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are you told to keep secrets from university officials or parents?
Do older members make you do things they don’t have to do?

Safe Exit Strategies:

Immediate Danger: Call 911, then call parents, then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911
Planning to Quit: Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Formal Resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Avoid “One Last Meeting”: This is often a pressure tactic
Document Retaliation: Save any threatening messages or harassment

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith (immunity provisions)
Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges against perpetrators
You can request no-contact orders through university and courts
Civil lawsuits can proceed even without criminal charges

For Witnesses & Former Members: Navigating Complex Roles

If you witnessed hazing or participated and now regret it:

Understanding Your Position:

Witnesses: Your testimony may be crucial for preventing future harm
Former Participants: You may have liability but also valuable evidence
Current Members: You may face pressure to remain silent

Legal Protections Available:

Whistleblower Protections: Texas law protects good-faith reporters
Immunity Agreements: Prosecutors may offer immunity for testimony
Separate Counsel: You may need your own attorney if your interests diverge from the organization’s

Moral Considerations: Coming forward can prevent another family from experiencing tragedy. Our firm can help navigate these complex decisions while protecting your rights.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

Why It’s Wrong: Looks like cover-up, may be obstruction of justice, eliminates best evidence
Correct Action: Preserve everything immediately. Use our evidence preservation guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Fraternity Directly

Why It’s Wrong: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching, defense preparation
Correct Action: Document everything first, contact attorney before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

Why It’s Wrong: May waive legal rights, settlements are often minimal, closes investigation
Correct Action: “I need to consult with an attorney before signing anything”

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media

Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
Correct Action: Document privately, let your attorney control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University “Internal Process”

Why It’s Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
Correct Action: Preserve evidence NOW, consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters Unprepared

Why It’s Wrong: Recorded statements are used against you, early settlements are lowball
Correct Action: “Please contact my attorney” – then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911

MISTAKE #7: Missing Statute of Limitations

Why It’s Wrong: Case is barred forever, no matter how strong the evidence
Correct Action: Understand Texas’ generally 2-year deadline but consult immediately: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

About Attorney911: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Us

When your Beverly Hills family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña): As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims, argue exclusions, and deploy delay tactics. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello): Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can take on billion-dollar defendants. Federal court experience, HCCLA criminal defense membership, and 25+ years of practice mean we’re not intimidated by national organizations with unlimited legal budgets.

Texas-Specific Greek Life Intelligence: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 metros—means we start with data, not speculation. We know the entities behind Baylor’s Greek letters before we even begin discovery.

Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Experience: From wrongful death to traumatic brain injury, we’ve recovered substantial compensation for families facing lifelong consequences. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build complete damage models.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability: Ralph’s HCCLA membership means we understand criminal hazing charges and how they interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses, former members, and families navigating both systems.

How We Investigate Baylor & Texas Hazing Cases

Immediate Evidence Preservation: Digital forensics for deleted messages, social media archiving, scene documentation
Entity Mapping: Using our database to identify all potentially liable parties—local chapter, housing corporation, alumni association, national HQ, university
Pattern Discovery: Subpoenaing national fraternity records for prior incidents, university conduct files for prior violations
Expert Coordination: Medical experts for injury assessment, Greek life culture experts, economists for damage calculation
Strategic Litigation: Knowing when to negotiate, when to litigate, and how to maximize leverage at each stage

Our Commitment to Beverly Hills & Central Texas Families

We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. For Beverly Hills and McLennan County residents, this means:

Understanding Local Courts: Familiarity with McLennan County procedures and Baylor dynamics
Geographic Accessibility: Willingness to meet locally in Waco area when needed
Community Awareness: Knowledge of Central Texas educational landscape
Spanish Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—se habla Español
Contingency Fee Basis: No fee unless we recover compensation

Frequently Asked Questions for Beverly Hills Families

“Can we sue Baylor University for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Private universities like Baylor have fewer sovereign immunity protections than public schools. Liability depends on what Baylor knew, when they knew it, and how they responded. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if the hazing happened at an off-campus house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals maintain relationships with off-campus chapters. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million dollar judgments.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend deadlines if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, statutes may be tolled. Time is critical—call us immediately.

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

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

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation. Learn how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“What’s the first step?”
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide the best path forward.

Call to Action: Beverly Hills Families Deserve Answers & Accountability

If you’re a parent in Beverly Hills, McLennan County, or anywhere in Central Texas whose child has been hazed at Baylor University or any Texas campus, you don’t have to face this alone.

The trauma of hazing extends far beyond physical injuries. It represents broken trust—in organizations that promised brotherhood/sisterhood, in universities that promised protection, in systems that should have prevented harm. At Attorney911, we believe in restoring that trust through thorough investigation, relentless advocacy, and meaningful accountability.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Free Confidential Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options in clear terms
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee basis)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide

Our Investigation Process:

Immediate Evidence Preservation: Securing digital and physical evidence before disappearance
Entity Identification: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to map all potentially liable parties
Strategic Planning: Criminal reporting considerations, civil litigation pathways, settlement vs. trial analysis
Family-Centered Approach: Keeping you informed, protecting privacy, managing stress

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Hazing Case:

Proven Institutional Litigation: BP Texas City experience against billion-dollar defendants
Insurance Insider Knowledge: Mr. Peña’s defense background counters insurer tactics
Comprehensive Data: Our Greek organization database provides investigation head start
Texas-Specific Expertise: Deep understanding of Texas hazing law and university landscapes
Empathetic Advocacy: We remember there’s a traumatized student and grieving family behind every case

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Whether your child attends Baylor University just minutes from Beverly Hills or any Texas campus, if hazing has impacted your family, we can help. The institutions behind hazing have powerful lawyers and deep pockets. You deserve advocates with equal determination and greater commitment to justice.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for your free, confidential consultation. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent this from happening to another family.

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.

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Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

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