The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Parents in City of Jefferson, Texas

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

If you’re a parent in City of Jefferson, the phone call you never want to receive may start with, “Mom, Dad, something happened at the fraternity house.” Your child’s voice might be weak from exhaustion, shaky with fear, or slurred from substances they were forced to consume. The story that unfolds could involve humiliating rituals, dangerous drinking games, or brutal physical workouts disguised as “tradition.” Your immediate thoughts turn to their safety, their health, and the overwhelming question: What do we do now?

Right now, in Harris County, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring what Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members called “pledge education.” His urine turned brown. He couldn’t stand without help. This $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders shows that catastrophic hazing is not something that happens elsewhere—it happens right here in Texas, at schools where City of Jefferson families send their children.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents in City of Jefferson and across Marion County who need to understand:

• What modern hazing really looks like (beyond the stereotypes)
• Texas hazing laws and how they protect your child
• What we’ve learned from national hazing deaths and injuries
• The reality of Greek life and hazing at University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor
• Your family’s legal options for accountability and recovery

Whether your child attends school in Houston, College Station, Austin, or beyond, Texas law and experienced Texas counsel can help. This article provides general educational information—not specific legal advice. For a confidential evaluation of your unique situation, contact us directly.

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 your child insists they’re “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 Texas

Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”: A Modern Definition

For City of Jefferson families, understanding hazing begins with recognizing that it’s not about “pranks” or “harmless tradition.” Under Texas law, 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 in any organization.

The critical elements City of Jefferson parents should know:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb, private residence, or remote retreat is still hazing
• “Consent” doesn’t matter: Texas law explicitly states that a victim’s “agreement” to participate is not a defense
• Injury level varies: From psychological trauma to permanent disability or death
• The organizations involved: Fraternities, sororities, Corps of Cadets, athletic teams, spirit groups, marching bands, and other campus organizations

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “beer mile”)
• Big/Little nights where pledges are given handles of liquor
• “Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean drinking
• Pressure to consume unknown mixtures or dangerous substances
• This remains the most common cause of hazing deaths nationwide

2. Physical Hazing

• Paddling, beatings, or “wallings” with objects
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) until collapse—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that sent Leonel Bermudez to the hospital
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting substances
• Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial undressing
• Simulated sexual acts (“roasted pig,” “elephant walk”)
• Degrading costumes or “pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents
• Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones
• Public shaming in meetings or on social media

4. Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, screaming, threats of expulsion from the group
• Social isolation from non-members
• “Grilling” sessions with personal attacks
• Forced confessions or compromising revelations
• Manipulation through fear and loyalty

5. Digital Hazing

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Social media dares or humiliation challenges
• Forced sharing of compromising photos/videos
• Location tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Cyberbullying or threats if pledges consider quitting

Where Hazing Happens: Not Just “Fraternity Row”

While Greek organizations account for many hazing incidents, City of Jefferson parents should be aware that hazing occurs across campus:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC units (especially at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit and Tradition Organizations (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread across all groups: power imbalance, tradition, and secrecy. Students are told “this is what it takes to belong,” “everyone before you did it,” and “don’t ruin it for the brotherhood/sisterhood.”

Texas Hazing Law: What City of Jefferson Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code: Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. Here’s what City of Jefferson parents need to understand:

§ 37.151 Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• For purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Plain English Translation: If your child was forced, pressured, or coerced into dangerous, harmful, or degrading activities to join or stay in a group, that’s hazing under Texas law.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause 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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be:

• Fined up to $10,000 per violation
• Have university recognition revoked
• Face criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
Students who report hazing or call 911 in good faith receive immunity from civil/criminal liability that might otherwise result.

§ 37.155 Consent NOT a Defense
This is critical: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that is NOT a defense to hazing charges. Texas law recognizes that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t true voluntary consent.

§ 37.156 University Reporting Requirements
Texas colleges must:

• Provide hazing prevention education
• Publish hazing policies
• Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the State of Texas (district attorney)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in deaths
• Example: Fraternity members charged with felony hazing after a pledge death

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Legal theories: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Example: The Bermudez family’s $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi

Key Point: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many civil hazing cases proceed even when criminal charges aren’t filed.

Federal Law Overlay: New Protections for Students

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention programs
• Mandates public hazing data reporting (phased in by 2026)

Title IX

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
• Universities have federal obligations to investigate and respond
• Can provide additional legal avenues for victims

Clery Act

• Requires reporting of certain campus crimes
• Hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, or drug offenses

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
• Chapter officers with supervisory responsibility

2. Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority chapter as a legal entity
• Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. University or Governing Board

• Texas public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity but can be sued for gross negligence
• Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections
• Key question: Did the university have prior knowledge and fail to act?

5. Third Parties

• Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurred
• Alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop laws)
• Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific. An experienced hazing attorney investigates all potential avenues of liability.

National Hazing Deaths: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Multiple Warnings Ignored

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

• Bid acceptance night with dangerous drinking games
• Piazza suffered multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
• Hours delayed before calling for help
• 18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
• Result: Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game: wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died with BAC of 0.495%
• Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

• Big/Little night with handle of liquor
• Died from acute alcohol poisoning
• Result: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life

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

• Pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pike national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

• “Glass ceiling” ritual: blindfolded, weighted down, repeatedly tackled
• Fatal traumatic brain injury; help delayed
• National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

• “Pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking
• Suffered permanent, severe brain damage
• Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
• Settlements with 22 defendants

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit
• Demonstrates: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for City of Jefferson Families

Common Threads in Fatal Hazing:

1. Forced/coerced alcohol consumption (the #1 killer)
2. Delayed medical care due to fear of consequences
3. Cover-up culture and destruction of evidence
4. Prior warnings ignored by organizations and universities
5. Powerful institutions with deep pockets fighting accountability

Financial Recoveries in Major Cases:

• $10+ million settlements/verdicts increasingly common
• Individual officers held personally liable (like Stone Foltz’s $6.5M judgment)
• Universities paying significant portions (BGSU’s $3M)

Legislative Impact:

• Major cases drive new state laws
• Texas has strong laws but less branding than “Piazza Law” or “Max Gruver Act”
• The UH Pi Kappa Phi case could become Texas’s landmark hazing legislation moment

Texas University Focus: Where City of Jefferson Students Attend

Understanding the Local Landscape for Marion County Families

City of Jefferson parents often have children attending schools across Texas. While East Texas has excellent local options, many students head to major universities with significant Greek life. Here’s what you need to know about the campuses where your child might be—and where hazing incidents have occurred.

University of Houston: The Flagship Case in Our Backyard

For City of Jefferson Families: UH is approximately 200 miles from Marion County, but many East Texas students choose Houston for its urban opportunities and strong programs. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case shows what can happen when hazing escalates.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Large urban commuter/residential mix
• Active Greek life with 50+ fraternities/sororities
• Multiple governing councils: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC
• Recent focus on hazing prevention after high-profile incidents

The Bermudez Case: What Happened at UH
Our client Leonel Bermudez’s experience illustrates modern hazing’s severity:

September-October 2025:

• Forced “pledge fanny pack” with condoms, sex toys, humiliating items
• Mandatory dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, weekly interviews
• Physical abuse: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races
• Another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth for over an hour

November 3, 2025:

• 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Left unable to stand without help

November 6-9, 2025:

• Condition deteriorates; passes brown urine
• Hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Critically high creatine kinase levels confirming muscle breakdown

Institutional Response:

• Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter November 6
• Chapter votes to surrender charter November 14
• UH calls conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary action

UH’s Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Reporting through Dean of Students, UHPD, online forms
• Publishes some disciplinary information

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (Houston)
• Potential defendants: Individuals, chapter, national, university, property owners
• Evidence collection critical: Group chats, medical records, witness testimony

What UH Students & City of Jefferson Parents Should Do:

1. Report immediately to UH Dean of Students: (713) 743-5470
2. Preserve all digital evidence (GroupMe, texts, social media)
3. Seek medical attention even for seemingly minor injuries
4. Contact experienced Houston hazing attorneys who know UH’s systems

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For City of Jefferson Families: At approximately 160 miles away, Texas A&M draws many East Texas students. Its unique Corps of Cadets culture and strong Greek system require specific understanding.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• 1,000+ Corps of Cadets members
• 60+ fraternities and sororities
• Strong tradition culture that can mask hazing as “character building”
• Public university with sovereign immunity considerations

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
• Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Fraternity suspended; $1 million lawsuit filed

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)

• Cadet allegedly bound between beds in humiliating position
• Simulated sexual acts, degradation
• Over $1 million lawsuit filed

Texas A&M’s Hazing Response:

• Student Conduct office investigates
• Corps has separate disciplinary system
• Public records requests can uncover prior incidents

Unique A&M Considerations for City of Jefferson Families:

• Corps cases involve military-style chain of command issues
• Greek life deeply integrated with campus traditions
• University may assert sovereign immunity as state institution

What A&M Students & Parents Should Do:

1. Understand both Student Conduct AND Corps reporting systems
2. Document everything—traditions often have written “standard operating procedures”
3. Recognize that “character building” rhetoric may excuse abuse
4. Consult attorneys experienced with A&M’s unique culture

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

For City of Jefferson Families: UT Austin is about 220 miles from Marion County. Its public hazing violations database provides unique transparency—and reveals concerning patterns.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• 60+ fraternities and sororities
• Public hazing violations database at hazing.utexas.edu
• Strong Greek life with historical ties to campus power structures
• Major athletic programs with their own hazing risks

Documented Violations (From Public Database):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

• New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Found to be hazing
• Sanction: Probation and mandatory hazing prevention education

Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization)

• Multiple hazing violations over years
• Forced workouts, alcohol-related activities
• Repeated sanctions showing pattern

UT’s Hazing Transparency Advantage:

• Public database shows organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions
• Reveals which groups have repeated violations
• Provides evidence for “prior notice” in civil cases

How This Helps City of Jefferson Families:

1. Check database before your child joins an organization
2. Repeat violations strengthen negligence claims against universities
3. Patterns show which national fraternities have chronic issues

What UT Students & Parents Should Do:

1. Check hazing.utexas.edu for organization histories
2. Report to UT’s Student Conduct office: (512) 471-2841
3. Use public records in advocacy and litigation
4. Recognize that transparency doesn’t equal prevention

Southern Methodist University: Private School Challenges

For City of Jefferson Families: SMU in Dallas is approximately 175 miles from Marion County. As a private university, its processes and transparency differ from public schools.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Affluent student body with strong Greek participation
• Private university status affects records access
• Smaller campus can mean closer oversight—or tighter secrecy

Documented Incident:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017)

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
• Chapter suspended for years
• Restrictions on recruiting until 2021

SMU’s Hazing Response:

• Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
• Private disciplinary processes
• Less public transparency than state schools

Considerations for City of Jefferson Families:

• Private universities have fewer immunity protections
• Discovery in lawsuits can uncover internal reports
• Social pressures may be particularly strong in affluent environments

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do:

1. Use anonymous reporting if fearing retaliation
2. Understand that “internal resolution” may protect the university
3. Consult attorneys who can compel discovery of private records
4. Document all communications with administrators

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

For City of Jefferson Families: Baylor in Waco is approximately 130 miles from Marion County. Its religious identity and prior scandals create unique context.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Christian identity with stated moral commitments
• History of football sexual assault scandal affects institutional credibility
• Strong Greek life within religious framework

Documented Incident:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Suspensions staggered across season
• Team culture issues identified

Baylor’s Unique Context:

• Religious branding creates expectations of moral leadership
• Prior scandals show institutional failure patterns
• “Zero tolerance” rhetoric vs. actual enforcement

What Baylor Students & City of Jefferson Parents Should Consider:

1. Religious identity doesn’t prevent hazing—may actually increase shame in reporting
2. Prior institutional failures relevant to negligence claims
3. Documentation even more critical when dealing with moral messaging

Action Steps for Baylor Families:

1. Report through Baylor’s conduct system
2. Document any dissonance between stated values and actual response
3. Consider how religious context affects victim shame and reporting

Fraternities and Sororities: National Patterns Hit Texas Campuses

Why National Histories Matter to City of Jefferson Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local club—they’re connecting to a national organization with decades of history, including hazing incidents across the country. These national patterns matter because:

1. Foreseeability: If a national organization has seen deaths from Big/Little drinking games at other chapters, they can’t claim “we couldn’t have known” when the same thing happens in Texas.

2. Negligence: National HQs that collect dues, set policies, and supervise chapters have legal duties. Repeated patterns show whether they fulfilled those duties.

3. Punitive Damages: When organizations ignore clear warnings from prior tragedies, courts may award punitive damages to punish recklessness.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. For City of Jefferson families, this means we start investigations with knowledge, not guesswork.

IRS B83 Backbone Data:

The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations. In Texas, there are 125+ registered entities including:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta | EIN: 824398421 | 1305 FM 359 Rd, Richmond, TX 77406
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity | EIN: 746064445 | 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627

Cause IQ Metro Analysis:

Across Texas metros, we track organizational density:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 Greek organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 organizations
• Austin-Round Rock: 154 organizations
• College Station-Bryan: 42 organizations

What This Means for Your Case:
We don’t start from scratch. We know the legal entities, their addresses, their tax status, and how they connect across campuses. When we demand records from a national fraternity, we know exactly which corporate entities to subpoena.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, alcohol poisoning death, $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, alcohol poisoning death, $14 million verdict
• Pattern: Big/Little nights with forced drinking

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• Multiple chapters nationwide with hazing-related deaths
• University of Alabama: Traumatic brain injury lawsuit (2023)
• Texas A&M: Chemical burns case requiring skin grafts (2021)
• UT Austin: Assault case with fractures and dislocations (2024)

Pi Kappa Phi

• Andrew Coffey: Florida State University, alcohol poisoning death
• Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (our current case)
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing combined with alcohol

Phi Delta Theta

• Max Gruver: LSU, “Bible study” drinking game death
• Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act named after victim
• Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)

• Danny Santulli: University of Missouri, permanent brain damage
• Settlements with 22 defendants
• Pattern: Pledge reveal nights with extreme drinking

Connecting National Patterns to Texas Campuses

Example: Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Texas Trail

• National SAE has multiple hazing deaths in its history
• Texas A&M chapter allegedly caused chemical burns requiring skin grafts
• UT Austin chapter faced assault allegations
• Legal implication: National SAE knew or should have known about hazing risks but allegedly failed to implement effective prevention

Example: Pi Kappa Alpha’s Repeated Warnings

• National Pike settled Stone Foltz case for millions
• Multiple other chapters with alcohol hazing deaths
• Legal implication: When similar forced drinking occurs at a Texas Pike chapter, national can’t claim “unforeseeable”

How We Use This Intelligence for City of Jefferson Families

In Investigations:

• We subpoena national headquarters for prior incident reports
• We trace insurance coverage across corporate entities
• We identify all potentially liable parties from the start

In Negotiations:

• We demonstrate patterns that increase case value
• We counter insurance company arguments about “isolated incidents”
• We show national organizations their Texas exposure

In Litigation:

• We present evidence of foreseeability and recklessness
• We seek punitive damages when patterns show willful disregard
• We hold entire systems accountable, not just individual members

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Group Chats and Messaging Apps

• GroupMe: The most common fraternity/sorority communication platform
• WhatsApp/Signal/Telegram: Encrypted apps increasingly used
• iMessage/SMS: Text chains planning events or discussing incidents
• Discord/Slack: Organization-wide communication platforms
• Fraternity-specific apps: Custom apps for member communication

Preservation Protocol for City of Jefferson Parents:

1. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING – even embarrassing content
2. Screenshot immediately with timestamps and participant names visible
3. Scroll to capture full context – not just the incriminating message
4. Back up to cloud storage or email to yourself
5. Note auto-delete settings (Snapchat, Instagram vanish mode)

Social Media Evidence

• Instagram Stories: 24-hour disappearing content – screenshot immediately
• Snapchat: Stories and chats – preserve before they vanish
• TikTok: Challenge videos or humiliating content
• Facebook/Threads: Event pages, group discussions, messenger
• Location tags and hashtags that place events geographically

Physical and Medical Evidence

• Injury photographs: Multiple angles, with scale reference (coin/ruler)
• Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results
• Toxicology reports: Blood alcohol content, drug panels
• Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Objects used in hazing: Paddles, bottles, props, costumes

Institutional Records

• University conduct files: Prior violations involving same organization
• Campus police reports: Incident documentation
• National fraternity records: Risk management files, prior incident reports
• Insurance policies: Coverage information for all potential defendants

Damages: What Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)
purchase

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment
• Lost income/earning capacity: Impact on education and career
• Therapy and counseling: Long-term mental health treatment
• Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries (brain damage, permanent disability)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm)

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and isolation

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Parental grief and suffering
• Lost future earnings and contributions

Punitive Damages (When Available)

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-ups attempted, extreme cruelty
• Texas caps: Generally limited but can be substantial in extreme cases

Settlement vs. Trial: Realistic Expectations

Most Cases Settle

• Confidential terms often
• Avoids public trial and appeals process
• Provides certainty and closure

When Cases Go to Trial

• Juries increasingly award substantial verdicts
• Public accountability and precedent setting
• Higher risk but potentially higher reward

Recent Settlement/Verdict Ranges:

• Hazing deaths: $1M–$14M (Foltz $10M, Bogenberger $14M)
• Severe injuries: $375K–multi-million (Santulli settlements, SAE chemical burns)
• Individual officer liability: $6.5M personal judgment (Foltz case president)

Insurance Coverage Battles: Why Experience Matters

Common Insurance Company Tactics:

• “Hazing is intentional act, not covered”
• “Policy excludes criminal acts”
• “That defendant isn’t covered under this policy”
• Lowball early settlement offers

Our Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows:

• How insurers value (and undervalue) claims
• Reserve-setting formulas and negotiation tactics
• How to counter coverage denial arguments
• When to pursue bad faith claims against insurers

Multi-Policy Investigation:

• Chapter insurance policies
• National organization policies
• University liability coverage
• Individual homeowner’s policies
• Umbrella and excess coverage

Practical Guides for City of Jefferson Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss/gain from food restriction or stress eating
• Injuries to hands/back from paddling or exercise
• Chemical burns or skin damage

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the group
• Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Behavior:

• Constant phone monitoring of group chats
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Deleting messages obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours
• Social media posts showing concerning activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontational):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

For Students: Safety Planning and Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 – Good-faith reporter protections apply
• Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
• Text a trusted friend your location and situation

Safe Exit Strategy:

1. Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
2. Send written notice: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
3. Do NOT attend “one last meeting” – that’s when pressure intensifies
4. If fearing retaliation, report to campus police and Dean of Students

Evidence Collection for Students:

1. Screenshot everything – full conversations with timestamps
2. Photos of injuries – immediately and over several days
3. Voice memos – Texas is one-party consent for recordings
4. Medical documentation – tell providers you were hazed
5. Witness information – names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

• What happens: “I’m embarrassed, I want this to go away”
• Why it’s fatal: Looks like cover-up; obstruction of justice; case becomes “he said/she said”
• Better approach: Preserve everything – embarrassing content proves coercion

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• What happens: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Why it’s fatal: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Better approach: Document everything, then call a lawyer

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What happens: University pressures quick “internal resolution”
• Why it’s fatal: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often lowball
• Better approach: “I need my attorney to review this first”

4. Social Media Posts About the Incident

• What happens: “People should know what they did”
• Why it’s fatal: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Better approach: Let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Attend “One Last Meeting”

• What happens: “We just want to talk this through”
• Why it’s fatal: Pressure, intimidation, extracted statements used against you
• Better approach: All communication goes through your attorney

6. Waiting for University Investigation

• What happens: “The university is handling it”
• Why it’s fatal: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Better approach: Preserve evidence NOW; university process ≠ real accountability

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Unrepresented

• What happens: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
• Why it’s fatal: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
• Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for City of Jefferson Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee actions. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case requires specific analysis—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states: Consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent, and fraudulent concealment by defendants may toll (pause) the statute. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar outcomes.

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

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Why Attorney911 for City of Jefferson Hazing Cases

Our Texas Roots and National Experience

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

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe 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 to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Negotiate settlements from a position of institutional power

As Mr. Peña says: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same experience applies when facing national fraternities and university defense teams.

Federal Court Capability

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience with Title IX and civil rights claims
• Not intimidated by institutional defendants

Multi-Million Dollar Results

• Wrongful death and catastrophic injury settlements
• Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense capability
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence through aggressive discovery
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with organizational data

Spanish Language Services

• Hablamos Español – Mr. Peña provides consultation in Spanish
• Critical for serving Texas Hispanic families affected by hazing

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

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

For Your Child:

• Medical care coordination
• Psychological support referrals
• Academic continuity planning
• Protection from retaliation

For Your Case:

• Immediate evidence preservation
• Comprehensive defendant identification
• Insurance coverage mapping
• Expert retention and case development

For Accountability:

• Uncovering prior incidents and patterns
• Holding all responsible parties liable
• Pursuing policy changes to prevent future harm
• Financial recovery that acknowledges full impact

The Attorney911 Difference for City of Jefferson Families

Local Texas Knowledge with National Reach
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Jefferson and Marion County. We understand:

• Texas hazing laws and local court procedures
• University-specific policies and cultures
• How to navigate both public and private university systems

Contingency Fee Structure

• No upfront costs
• No fee unless we recover compensation for you
• Allows families to pursue justice regardless of financial means

Immediate Response Commitment

• 24/7 availability for emergencies
• Rapid evidence preservation protocols
• Immediate communication with universities and insurers when appropriate

Proven Case Results
From our BP Texas City experience to multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements, we have the track record that shows we can face powerful opponents and prevail.

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Call Attorney911 First: 1-888-ATTY-911

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We Listen: Your story, without judgment or interruption
2. Evidence Review: We’ll discuss what documentation you have
3. Legal Options: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Realistic Assessment: Timelines, challenges, potential outcomes
5. Q&A: All your questions answered honestly
6. No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Information to Gather Before Calling:

• Your child’s account (written if possible)
• Screenshots of messages or social media
• Photos of injuries or locations
• Medical records if treatment was sought
• Names of involved individuals and organizations
• University communications about the incident

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781

Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello)
Email: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña – Spanish services available)

Website: https://attorney911.com

Practice Area Information:

• Wrongful Death Claims: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Educational Videos:

• Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Statute of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
• Using Your Phone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

A Final Word to City of Jefferson Parents

Whether you’re in City of Jefferson, Jefferson, Marion County, or anywhere across East Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved—fraternities, sororities, universities—have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters ready to protect their interests. You need equivalent firepower on your side.

We’ve seen what happens when families wait too long, trust the wrong people, or accept quick settlements that don’t acknowledge the true harm. We’ve also seen what happens when experienced hazing attorneys investigate thoroughly, build strong cases, and hold every responsible party accountable.

Your child’ safety and recovery come first. Accountability and prevention come next. Financial recovery helps make both possible.

Call us today. Let’s discuss what happened, what your rights are, and how we can help your family move forward.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi 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 coverage with detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary of $10M lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Documenting evidence 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

Attorney911 Main Website:

• Homepage and contact: https://attorney911.com
• Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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