Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Complete Guide for Cashion Community & Wichita County Families

The Nightmare Scenario That Hits Too Close to Home

Imagine this: Your child, a student at a Texas university, excitedly joins what they believe is a prestigious organization. Weeks later, you receive a call in the middle of the night. Your child is in the emergency room, their urine is brown, and they cannot stand without help. Medical tests confirm rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. They tell you through tears about being forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to sprint immediately after. About being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” during late-night workouts. About carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys as part of their daily requirements.

This is not hypothetical. This exact scenario unfolded at the University of Houston in November 2025, when Leonel Bermudez—a Pi Kappa Phi pledge—suffered catastrophic injuries during his pledge period. His story, detailed in exclusive Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage, represents the brutal reality facing Texas families today. And for parents in Cashion Community and throughout Wichita County, this case serves as a critical warning: what happens at major Texas universities directly impacts families in our community.

Whether your child attends Midwestern State University right here in Wichita Falls, or has ventured to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or other Texas campuses, the risks are real and the legal landscape is complex. This comprehensive guide exists for one reason: to give Cashion Community families the knowledge, resources, and legal understanding necessary to protect their children and hold institutions accountable when hazing crosses the line from tradition to trauma.

If This Just Happened: Immediate Crisis Response for Cashion Community Families

Medical Emergency Right Now?

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

First 48-Hour Action Plan:

Get Medical Attention: Even if your child insists they’re “fine,” emergency evaluation is critical for rhabdomyolysis, concussion, alcohol poisoning, or internal injuries
Preserve Evidence BEFORE Deletion:
- Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord)
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles with a reference object for scale
- Save physical evidence (clothing, receipts, paddles, alcohol containers)
Document Everything:
- Write down names, dates, times, locations, witnesses
- Record what your child tells you while memory is fresh
DO NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- Sign anything from the university or insurance companies
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Critical Time Window: Evidence disappears within days—deleted group chats, coached witnesses, destroyed paddles. Universities begin internal containment immediately. Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance.

Hazing in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

What Actually Constitutes Hazing Under Texas Law?

For Cashion Community parents who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life dynamics, understanding what qualifies as hazing is the first step toward protection. Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership. Crucially, “consent” is not a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the power imbalance and peer pressure inherent in pledge situations make true consent impossible.

The Evolution from Paddles to Digital Control

Today’s hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical paddling. While physical abuse remains prevalent, the most dangerous forms of hazing in 2025 involve:

Alcohol & Substance Hazing

Forced consumption games (“Bible study,” “family tree,” lineup drinking)
Big/Little nights with handles of hard liquor
Coerced use of unknown substances or dangerous mixtures

Physical Endurance Hazing

Extreme calisthenics (100+ push-ups, 500+ squats until collapse)
“Smokings” or punitive workouts at odd hours
Sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls for “mandatory” activities
Cold exposure (stripped to underwear in freezing weather)

Digital & Psychological Control

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Social media humiliation challenges and forced posts
Geo-tracking requirements (Find My Friends, Life360)
Isolation from non-member friends and family

Sexualized & Humiliating Rituals

Forced nudity or simulated sexual acts
Degrading “roasted pig” positions and costumes
Racist, homophobic, or sexist role-playing

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Modern Blueprint
The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case exemplifies these evolving tactics. Bermudez endured:

The “pledge fanny pack” humiliation rule
Forced overconsumption leading to vomiting, followed by immediate sprints
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
100+ push-ups and 500 squats under expulsion threats
Late-night workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park

This combination of physical, psychological, and digital control represents the modern hazing playbook that Cashion Community families must recognize.

Texas Hazing Law: What Cashion Community Families Need to Know

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37

Texas takes hazing seriously, with specific statutes in the Education Code that apply whether incidents occur on-campus or off-campus, including at remote retreats or private residences. The jurisdictional reach means that incidents affecting Cashion Community students at Texas universities fall under these laws:

Criminal Classifications:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic 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 Criminal Exposure:

Failure to report known hazing by members/officers
Retaliation against those who report hazing
Furnishing alcohol to minors (separate charges)

Critical Protections:

Good-faith reporter immunity: Those who report hazing or call 911 in emergencies receive protection from liability
No “consent” defense: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent doesn’t excuse hazing

Civil Liability: Holding Multiple Parties Accountable

While criminal cases punish individuals, civil lawsuits provide compensation for victims and families while forcing institutional change. In Texas hazing cases, multiple entities can face liability:

Individual Members & Officers

Those who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
Chapter presidents, pledge educators, risk managers

Local Chapters

The campus organization as an entity
Chapter housing corporations

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Organizations that collect dues, provide charters, and maintain oversight
Liability based on prior knowledge, pattern recognition, and failure to supervise

Universities & Governing Boards

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) with potential sovereign immunity limitations
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) with fewer immunity protections
Liability for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations

Third Parties

Property owners of off-campus houses
Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
Security companies or event organizers

Federal Law Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act & Title IX

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

Maintain public hazing incident databases (phased implementation by 2026)
Strengthen prevention education and transparent reporting
Provide clearer disciplinary outcome information

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

Investigation requirements
Support service mandates
Potential federal liability

Clery Act Reporting
Hazing incidents involving crimes must appear in annual campus security reports, creating public records that can support civil cases.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Precedents That Protect Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadly Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid acceptance night, Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol, suffered multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras, and members delayed calling 911 for hours. The resulting criminal charges against 18 members and multi-million-dollar civil settlements established critical precedents about:

Duty to seek medical assistance
Organizational liability for member conduct
Security camera evidence as crucial documentation

Andrew Coffey – Florida State Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
A “Big Brother Night” tradition involving handles of liquor led to Coffey’s death from acute alcohol poisoning. The case demonstrated how:

Formulaic drinking traditions predictably cause harm
National organizations face liability for failing to eradicate known dangerous practices
Universities may temporarily suspend entire Greek systems in response

Max Gruver – LSU Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers mandated drinking resulted in Gruver’s death with a 0.495% BAC. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing penalties and showed:

How “games” disguise coercive drinking
The importance of toxicology evidence
How state legislation follows tragic cases

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a pledge event, Foltz died from alcohol poisoning. The $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from BGSU) established:

Significant financial exposure for national organizations
University liability despite sovereign immunity arguments
Individual officer liability (chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5M)

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. The delayed 911 call proved fatal. This case established that:

Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability
National organizations face criminal conviction (Pi Delta Psi found guilty of aggravated assault)
Bans from entire states can result (10-year Pennsylvania ban)

Danny Santulli – Missouri Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
A “pledge dad reveal” night with forced excessive drinking left Santulli with severe, permanent brain damage—unable to walk, talk, or see, requiring 24/7 lifetime care. Settlements with 22 defendants demonstrated:

Catastrophic non-fatal injuries warrant multi-million-dollar recoveries
Multiple insurance policies can be tapped for lifetime care needs
The importance of life care planning in injury cases

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within the football program led to:

Multiple lawsuits against the university and coaching staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and subsequent confidential settlement
Demonstrated that hazing permeates big-money athletic programs

Western Kentucky University Swim Team (2012-2015)
Verbal and physical abuse spanning years resulted in:

Five-year program suspension
Coaching staff termination
$75,000 settlement with a former team member

What These National Cases Mean for Cashion Community Families

These precedents matter because:

Pattern Evidence: When Texas chapters repeat conduct that caused deaths elsewhere, courts recognize the foreseeability
Settlement Benchmarks: Multi-million-dollar outcomes establish realistic recovery expectations
Legal Strategies: Successful arguments from other jurisdictions apply in Texas courts
Institutional Accountability: Universities and nationals cannot claim “we didn’t know” when patterns are nationally documented

Texas University Focus: Where Cashion Community Students Face Risk

Midwestern State University: Our Local Campus

Campus & Greek Life Snapshot
For Cashion Community families, Midwestern State University represents the most immediate campus environment. Located right in Wichita Falls, MSU hosts active Greek life with both fraternities and sororities that draw from our local community. The proximity means Cashion Community parents may be more directly involved when incidents occur, and jurisdictional issues involve local Wichita Falls authorities rather than distant campus police.

Documented Hazing Incidents
While smaller than flagship campuses, MSU has faced hazing issues including:

Disciplinary actions against Greek organizations for alcohol-related violations
Investigations into physical endurance hazing during pledge periods
Ongoing tension between tradition and safety in campus organizations

Reporting & Response Protocols
MSU utilizes standard Texas university reporting channels:

Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
Campus police (MSU Police Department)
Anonymous reporting systems
Required hazing prevention education for Greek organizations

How Cases Proceed Locally
For Cashion Community families dealing with MSU hazing incidents:

Jurisdiction: Wichita County courts and MSU disciplinary systems
Evidence Collection: Local digital forensics and medical documentation
Legal Venues: Wichita Falls civil courts for lawsuits
Practical Considerations: Proximity allows for more hands-on family involvement

University of Houston: The Bermudez Case Ground Zero

Current Active Litigation
Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi. This ongoing $10 million lawsuit involves:

Catastrophic rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure injuries
13 individual fraternity member defendants plus national organizations
University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents as defendants
Chapter suspension (Nov 6, 2025) and charter surrender (Nov 14, 2025)

Why This Case Matters to Cashion Community Families
Even if your child doesn’t attend UH, this case establishes critical Texas precedents about:

University liability for off-campus hazing at fraternity houses
National fraternity responsibility despite “anti-hazing policies”
Medical evidence standards for rhabdomyolysis cases
Institutional response expectations after serious incidents

UH’s Greek Ecosystem
With one of Texas’s largest and most diverse Greek communities, UH hosts:

17+ Interfraternity Council fraternities
6+ Panhellenic sororities
Active National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) chapters
Multicultural Greek Council organizations

Prior Incidents & Institutional Knowledge
UH’s disciplinary history includes:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during physical hazing
Multiple alcohol-related suspensions and probations
Ongoing pattern of policy violations despite “zero tolerance” rhetoric

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

Unique Corps of Cadets Environment
Texas A&M’s distinctive Corps culture creates specific hazing risks that Cashion Community families should understand:

Military-style discipline traditions that can cross into abuse
“Upperclassmen” power dynamics magnified in residential settings
Historical resistance to external oversight

Documented Cases with Lasting Impact
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Lawsuit (2021)
Two pledges alleged being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and other substances during hazing, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The $1 million lawsuit revealed:

Extreme physical hazing disguised as “team building”
Delayed medical treatment exacerbating injuries
Chapter suspension but limited individual accountability

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a simulated sexual position with an apple in his mouth. The over $1 million lawsuit highlighted:

Tradition-based abuse within military-style programs
Institutional knowledge of problematic practices
Difficulty changing deeply embedded cultures

Greek Life at Scale
As one of America’s largest Greek systems, Texas A&M hosts:

19+ IFC fraternities
14+ Panhellenic sororities
Active NPHC and multicultural chapters
Significant off-campus housing and event infrastructure

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Repeated Violations

Public Hazing Violations Database
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu, which Cashion Community families can use to research organizations. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

Violation: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Sanction: Probation + mandatory hazing prevention education
Pattern: Repeated violations despite prior disciplinary history

Texas Wranglers & Spirit Organizations
Multiple sanctions for:

Forced workouts beyond safe limits
Alcohol-related hazing activities
Psychological pressure and humiliation

What Transparency Reveals
UT’s public database demonstrates:

Repeated violations by the same organizations
Limited effectiveness of probationary sanctions
Gap between policy and actual prevention
Value of public records in civil litigation

Greek Life Scale & Complexity
UT hosts approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters including:

14+ Panhellenic sororities
16+ IFC fraternities
Active Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council
NPHC and multicultural organizations

Southern Methodist University: Private Institution Dynamics

Affluent Greek Culture
SMU’s reputation as a private, affluent campus creates specific dynamics:

Significant alumni donor influence on institutional responses
Premium housing and social facilities
Heightened concerns about reputation protection

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reported:

Paddling and physical beatings
Forced alcohol consumption
Sleep deprivation rituals
Result: Chapter suspension until 2021, but limited public accountability

Private University Challenges
For Cashion Community families considering SMU:

Less transparent disciplinary processes than public universities
Potential for confidential settlements to bury incidents
Donor pressure influencing institutional responses
Still subject to Texas hazing laws and federal requirements

Greek Presence
SMU maintains active though smaller Greek communities:

8 Panhellenic sororities
6 IFC fraternities
NPHC and multicultural representation

Baylor University: Religious Identity & Accountability Challenges

Historical Context Matters
Baylor’s recent history with athletic program scandals creates specific considerations:

Institutional credibility challenges following prior cover-ups
Religious identity used both sincerely and strategically
Balancing repentance rhetoric with actual accountability

Baseball Hazing Incident (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation revealed:

Physical endurance hazing traditions
Alcohol-related violations
Pattern: Staggered suspensions minimized competitive impact

Religious Branding Considerations
For Cashion Community families evaluating Baylor:

“Faith-based” messaging doesn’t eliminate hazing risks
Potential for spiritual manipulation alongside physical hazing
Unique cultural dynamics in religious-affiliated Greek organizations

Greek Life Within Faith Framework
Baylor hosts traditional Greek organizations operating within religious context:

9 Panhellenic sororities
5 IFC fraternities
NPHC representation

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Liability

Why National Histories Matter for Cashion Community Families

When your child joins a campus chapter, they’re connecting to a national organization with decades of history—including hazing incidents. These national patterns matter because:

Foreseeability in Law
If a national organization has seen the same dangerous behavior cause deaths or injuries at other chapters, they cannot claim “we couldn’t have predicted this” when it happens again at a Texas chapter.

Pattern Evidence
Courts allow evidence of prior incidents at other chapters to show:

The organization knew these practices were occurring
Their prevention efforts were inadequate
Punishments failed to deter future violations

Insurance Coverage Implications
Nationals often try to deny coverage by claiming hazing was “rogue” behavior. Pattern evidence proves the behavior was predictable and preventable.

Major National Organizations with Documented Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
National Pattern: Big/Little alcohol hazing leading to deaths

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State (2021) – $10M settlement
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois (2012) – $14M settlement
Texas Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Implication for Cashion Community Families: When Pike chapters use alcohol hazing in Texas, nationals cannot claim surprise

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths and catastrophic injuries

Timothy Piazza-era reforms eliminating traditional pledging
Texas A&M Chemical Burns: 2021 lawsuit showing physical abuse
UT Austin Assault Case: 2024 lawsuit over serious injuries
Texas Presence: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Key Insight: Despite national reforms, dangerous practices persist at Texas chapters

Pi Kappa Phi
National Pattern: Alcohol-related pledge deaths

Andrew Coffey: Florida State (2017) – Big Brother night death
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston (2025) – ongoing $10M lawsuit
Texas Presence: UH, Texas A&M, UT
Current Relevance: The active Bermudez case shows nationals still failing to prevent known dangers

Phi Delta Theta
National Pattern: Drinking game fatalities

Max Gruver: LSU (2017) – “Bible study” death leading to Louisiana felony law
Texas Presence: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Precedent Value: Shows how “games” disguise coercive drinking

Kappa Alpha Order
National Pattern: Physical hazing and alcohol violations

SMU Chapter Suspension: 2017-2021 for paddling and forced drinking
Texas Presence: Texas A&M, UT, SMU
Traditional Culture: Military-style traditions crossing into abuse

How This History Builds Stronger Cases for Cashion Community Families

When we represent hazing victims, we use national history evidence to:

Establish Notice
Prove nationals knew or should have known about dangerous practices

Demonstrate Inadequate Prevention
Show that policies existed but weren’t meaningfully enforced

Support Punitive Damages
Argue that reckless disregard for known risks warrants punishment beyond compensation

Overcome Insurance Defenses
Counter claims that incidents were “unforeseeable” or “rogue”

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Realistic Expectations

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

In 2025, hazing evidence lives on smartphones and servers. For Cashion Community families, immediate preservation is critical:

Group Chat Documentation

Platforms: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
What to Capture: Screenshots showing timestamps, sender names, full conversation context
Critical Content: Event planning, instructions from officers, threats or coercion, discussions of injuries, cover-up planning

Social Media Evidence

Instagram/Snapchat/TikTok: Stories showing events, location tags, participant identification
Facebook/Twitter: Posts, comments, event pages
Preservation Method: Screenshots before deletion; professional digital forensics for recovery

Medical Documentation

Immediate Care: ER reports, ambulance records, initial diagnoses
Ongoing Treatment: Specialist visits, therapy records, medication logs
Psychological Impact: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses and treatment plans
Critical for Rhabdomyolysis Cases: Creatine kinase levels, kidney function tests, hospitalization records

University & Organizational Records

Prior Discipline: Previous hazing violations, probation records, warning letters
Policy Documents: Risk management manuals, pledge education materials
Communication Records: Emails between chapter and nationals, advisor correspondence

Physical Evidence

Injuries: Photographs with scale reference, progression documentation
Objects: Paddles, alcohol containers, “pledge” items
Locations: Photos of houses, rooms, event venues

Damages Recovery: What Families Can Realistically Seek

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment, rehabilitation, lifelong care for catastrophic injuries
Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Interrupted education, delayed career entry, reduced lifetime earnings
Educational Costs: Lost tuition, forfeited scholarships, transfer expenses

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Harm)

Physical Pain & Suffering: Documented through medical records and testimony
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses with treatment history
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships
Humiliation & Reputational Harm: Social stigma, public exposure

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Economic Losses: Funeral costs, lost financial support
Non-Economic Losses: Loss of companionship, parental grief, sibling trauma
Punitive Elements: When conduct was particularly reckless or covered up

Case Value Realities
Based on national precedents, Texas hazing cases can involve:

Death Cases: $1M-$14M settlements/verdicts
Catastrophic Injury: Multi-million dollar recoveries for lifelong care
Serious Injury: Significant compensation for permanent impact
Important Note: Every case depends on specific facts, jurisdiction, evidence, and defendant resources

Insurance Strategy: Navigating Coverage Battles

National fraternities and universities carry insurance, but insurers often fight hazing claims using:

Intentional Act Exclusions

Insurer Argument: Hazing is intentional, not accidental
Our Counter: Negligent supervision claims are covered even if underlying acts were intentional

Criminal Act Exclusions

Insurer Argument: Hazing is criminal, so excluded
Our Counter: Separate negligence theories remain covered

Multiple Policy Identification
We identify all potential coverage sources:

National fraternity liability policies
Chapter/house corporation policies
University umbrella coverage
Individual member homeowner’s policies

Bad Faith Claims
When insurers wrongfully deny coverage, we pursue:

Coverage enforcement through litigation
Bad faith damages for wrongful denial
Personal liability against individual officers when insurance fails

Practical Guides & FAQs for Cashion Community Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Warning Signs

Physical Red Flags

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation patterns (late calls, early demands)

Behavioral Changes

New secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Constant phone monitoring for group messages

Academic Impacts

Sudden grade drops
Missed classes or assignments
Lost scholarships or academic standing

Digital Patterns

24/7 group chat anxiety
Geo-tracking app requirements
Social media policing by members
Deleted message history

Conversation Starters (Non-Confrontational)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are they respectful of your time?”
“What kinds of activities do new members participate in?”
“Has anything made you uncomfortable or worried?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”
“Are you being asked to keep secrets from us or the university?”

For Students: Safety Planning & Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment

Am I being pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Are older members making us do things they don’t do themselves?
Am I being told to lie or hide activities?
If yes to any, it’s likely hazing

Immediate Danger Protocol

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
Contact parents or trusted adult immediately
You won’t get in trouble for seeking help in emergencies

Safe Exit Planning

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation to chapter leadership (email/text for documentation)
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation may occur
Document any threats or harassment
Report retaliation to campus authorities immediately

Evidence Preservation While Still Involved

Screenshot messages as you receive them
Use Texas’ one-party consent to record conversations you’re part of
Photograph injuries immediately
Save everything digital—don’t delete, even if embarrassed

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

MISTAKE #1: Letting Evidence Disappear

What Happens: Messages deleted, photos lost, witnesses coached
Our Fix: Immediate screenshotting, cloud backup, professional forensics

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization Directly

Consequence: Immediate lawyer-up, evidence destruction, witness preparation
Better Approach: Document everything, then let attorneys handle communication

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolutions”

Risk: Waiving legal rights for minimal concessions
Protection: Never sign without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Social Media Posting

Problem: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Solution: Private documentation only; let lawyers control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University Investigations

Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Action: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters

Trap: Recorded statements used against you; lowball settlements
Response: “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE #7: Letting Shame Prevent Action

Truth: Victims are never at fault; institutions count on silence
Empowerment: Accountability prevents future harm

Frequently Asked Questions from Cashion Community Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee liability. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. The ongoing Bermudez case against UH demonstrates university liability is actively litigated in Texas.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code classifies hazing as:

Class B misdemeanor (default)
Class A misdemeanor if injury requires medical treatment
State jail felony if serious bodily injury or death occurs
Individual officers also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Consent is not a defense in Texas hazing cases. Education Code §37.155 explicitly states this, recognizing that power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible. Courts consistently reject “they wanted to do it” arguments.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the discovery rule may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cover-up situations, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to preserve your rights.

“What if it happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi retreat case and Sigma Pi unofficial house death both resulted in liability despite off-campus locations.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. While some media attention may occur initially, we prioritize your family’s privacy throughout the process.

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency—no upfront costs, no fees unless we recover compensation. We cover investigation expenses and only get paid from successful outcomes. This makes justice accessible regardless of family resources.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: Our Cashion Community Commitment

Insurance Insider Advantage: Knowing Their Playbook

Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm, representing the exact type of insurance companies that defend fraternities and universities today. This insider knowledge is invaluable because:

We Know Their Valuation Methods

How insurers calculate “reserves” for claims
What factors they use to justify lowball offers
When they’re bluffing vs. when they’re serious

We Understand Their Defense Tactics

Delay strategies to pressure families
Coverage exclusion arguments they’ll try
How they use Independent Medical Exams to undermine injuries

We Speak Their Language

Negotiate from position of strength, not desperation
Anticipate moves before they make them
Counter their strategies with proven counter-strategies

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation
We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants before. Our involvement in the BP Texas City refinery explosion litigation taught us how to:

Investigate systemic institutional failures
Uncover hidden documents and prior knowledge
Fight defendants with unlimited legal budgets
Persist through years of complex litigation

Federal Court Capability
Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, we’re equipped for:

Title IX and civil rights claims
Multi-district litigation coordination
Federal evidence and procedure requirements

Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Track Record

Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for families in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, including:

Workplace fatalities with complex liability issues
Brain injury cases requiring lifetime care planning
Institutional negligence claims against corporations

Economist Collaboration
We work with economists to properly value:

Lost earning capacity over a lifetime
Future medical and care needs
Educational and vocational impacts

Life Care Planning
For severe injuries like those in hazing cases, we coordinate with:

Medical experts to project future needs
Life care planners to cost future care
Vocational experts to assess earning impact

Digital Evidence & Investigation Mastery

Modern Hazing Requires Modern Investigation

Group Chat Recovery: Working with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
Social Media Investigation: Preserving evidence before platforms auto-delete
Metadata Analysis: Verifying authenticity and timing of digital evidence
Witness Location Through Digital Trails: Using digital breadcrumbs to place participants

Expert Network
We maintain relationships with:

Digital forensics specialists
Medical experts in rhabdomyolysis, TBI, and trauma
Greek life culture and policy experts
Psychologists specializing in hazing trauma

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery

Understanding Local Nuances
For Cashion Community families, we understand:

Wichita County court procedures and venues
Midwestern State University policies and politics
Regional attitudes toward Greek life and accountability
Local medical resources and documentation standards

Statewide Reach
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including dedicated service to:

Houston/Gulf Coast region (UH, Rice, Texas Southern)
Central Texas (UT Austin, Texas State)
North Texas (Texas A&M Commerce, UNT)
West Texas (Texas Tech, Midwestern State)

Spanish Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Hispanic families in Texas receive:

Clear communication in their preferred language
Cultural sensitivity in case handling
Full understanding of their rights and options

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation for Cashion Community Families

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 about a potential hazing case, here’s what happens:

Step 1: Immediate Response

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for 24/7 emergency response
We listen first, ask questions second
Immediate guidance on evidence preservation if crisis is ongoing

Step 2: Thorough Case Evaluation

Review of all available evidence
Analysis of potential defendants and liability theories
Assessment of damages and realistic recovery expectations

Step 3: Clear Options Explanation

Criminal reporting considerations
Civil lawsuit potential and process
University disciplinary system navigation
Hybrid approaches when appropriate

Step 4: No-Pressure Decision Making

We explain costs (contingency fee structure)
We outline timelines and what to expect
You take time to decide—no rush, no pressure
Everything discussed is confidential

Why Time is Your Enemy in Hazing Cases

Evidence Disappears Rapidly

Group chats auto-delete or get manually purged
Photos and videos get removed from social media
Physical evidence (paddles, alcohol containers) gets destroyed
Witnesses get coached on what to say

Universities Begin Containment Immediately

Internal investigations prioritize institutional protection
Evidence gets funneled through university attorneys
Victims get isolated from support systems
Pressure increases to accept quick “resolutions”

Statutes of Limitations Are Ticking

Texas generally allows 2 years from injury
But time can be shorter for certain claims
Delay weakens witness memory and availability

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Within 48 Hours if you suspect hazing. Evidence preservation in the first two days often determines case outcomes.

Contact Information & Service Area

Immediate Help

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell/Text: (713) 443-4781

Online Contact

Website: https://attorney911.com
Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Email Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Service Areas

Primary: Houston, Austin, Beaumont offices
Statewide: Serving all Texas families, including Cashion Community and Wichita County
National: Co-counsel arrangements for out-of-state cases

Spanish Services

Hablamos Español: Contact Mr. Lupe Peña directly
Full legal services available in Spanish
Cultural understanding of Texas Hispanic community

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez Case:

Click2Houston investigation: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline case summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation with your phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Main Website & Contact:

Attorney911 homepage: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com