Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Legal Guide for Del Rio Families

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

The phone rings at 2 a.m. Your child, a freshman at a Texas university hours from home in Del Rio, is on the line. Their voice is slurred, confused, scared. They whisper about being forced to drink, about humiliating tasks, about older fraternity brothers yelling threats. You hear chanting in the background. You tell them to call 911, but they’re terrified: “If I call, they’ll kick me out. I’ll have no friends. Everyone will hate me.” The line goes dead. For parents in Del Rio, Val Verde County, and throughout West Texas, this nightmare scenario is not a hypothetical fear—it is a present, documented reality at campuses across our state.

Right now, in a Harris County courtroom, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly lost his life to fraternity hazing. His story, detailed in recent Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage, exposes the brutal truth about modern hazing: extreme physical abuse, forced degradation, and institutional failures that put students at risk. Mr. Bermudez, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge at UH, was subjected to what one news outlet described as “waterboarding” with a hose, forced to consume milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and put through punishing workouts that led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. The fraternity chapter has been shut down, and we are pursuing a $10 million lawsuit for accountability.

This is not an isolated incident. It is the flagship example of why Texas families need specialized legal help. Whether your child attends school in Houston, College Station, Austin, or beyond, the same dangerous patterns repeat. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Del Rio and across Val Verde County who need to understand what hazing looks like today, how Texas law protects victims, and what legal options exist when universities and fraternities fail in their duty to keep students safe.

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 evidence, 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 Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in Del Rio sending children to universities across Texas, understanding modern hazing requires moving beyond outdated stereotypes of “pranks” or “harmless initiation.” Today’s hazing is systematic, often digitally coordinated, and dangerously normalized within organizational cultures. It occurs in fraternities, sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, spirit groups, and even academic clubs.

A Modern Definition: Coercion, Not Consent

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of joining, maintaining membership in, or gaining status within an organization, where that act endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student. The critical element that Del Rio parents must understand is that “I agreed to it” is not a defense under Texas law. When there exists a power imbalance, social pressure, and fear of exclusion, true voluntary consent is impossible.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadliest form. It includes forced “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” trivia where wrong answers mean shots, and coerced consumption of unknown substances. The recent UH Pi Kappa Phi case involved forced milk and hot dog consumption until vomiting—a classic substance hazing tactic.

2. Physical Hazing and Endurance Tests
Beyond traditional paddling, this now includes extreme calisthenics (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups), sleep deprivation marathons, exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous physical tests. Leonel Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session, directly causing his medical crisis.

3. Sexualized and Degrading Hazing
This involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walks”), humiliating costumes, and role-playing with racial or sexist overtones. It creates profound psychological trauma that often outlasts physical injuries.

4. Psychological Hazing and Coercion
Verbal abuse, isolation from non-members, threats of expulsion from the group, forced confessions, and public shaming in group meetings. This breaks down a student’s sense of self and increases compliance with escalating demands.

5. Digital Hazing and Social Media Coercion
A particularly insidious modern evolution: 24/7 group chat monitoring (GroupMe, WhatsApp), forced social media challenges, geo-tracking via apps, and public humiliation on TikTok or Instagram. Digital evidence is often the key to proving these cases, as we discuss in our video on using your phone to document evidence.

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond “Frat Parties”

While fraternities receive significant attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC programs with military-style traditions
Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading
Spirit and Tradition Groups like Texas Cowboys or Aggie Bonfire legacy groups
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Honor Societies

For Del Rio families, this means your child could be at risk in multiple campus contexts, not just Greek life.

Texas Hazing Law: What Val Verde County Families Need to Know

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

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

§37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student

Key Provisions for Del Rio Families:

Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing “on or off campus” is covered
Mental Health Included: Psychological harm qualifies
Recklessness is Enough: They don’t need to have intended harm
Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

§37.152 Criminal Penalties:

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

Additionally, failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters are separate misdemeanors.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (DA’s office)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges can include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Lawsuits:

Brought by victims/families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Claims include: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Requires proof “by preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not)
No criminal conviction needed to pursue civil case

Most hazing cases involve both tracks. Our firm, with Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), uniquely understands how to navigate this dual exposure.

Federal Law Overlay: Title IX, Clery Act, and New Requirements

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs by 2026. This increases transparency that families in Del Rio can use when evaluating school safety.

Title IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX requires specific university responses and provides additional legal pathways.

Clery Act:
Requires reporting of certain crimes on campus; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol offenses that must be disclosed.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Tell Us

The tragic stories from other states form the legal foundation for Texas cases. They establish patterns, foreseeability, and the duty of organizations to prevent known dangers.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern: The Deadly “Tradition”

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
A bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking led to fatal falls caught on chapter security cameras. The hours-long delay in calling 911 resulted in one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.”

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

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

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Another “Big Brother” night with a handle of liquor. His death prompted FSU to temporarily suspend all Greek life.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat. The delayed 911 call proved fatal. National Pi Delta Psi was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal” left him with severe, permanent brain damage. Settlements with 22 defendants show the multi-party liability in catastrophic injury cases.

What These Cases Mean for Del Rio Families

Patterns are Predictable: The same “traditions” (Big/Little nights, drinking games, endurance tests) recur nationwide
Delay Kills: Organizations consistently prioritize secrecy over safety
Nationals Have Notice: These incidents give national headquarters clear warning about dangerous practices
Substantial Recovery is Possible: Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts demonstrate what serious cases are worth
Your Case Matters: Every lawsuit adds to the pattern evidence that forces institutional change

Texas Universities: Where Del Rio Families Send Their Kids

Families in Del Rio and Val Verde County typically have children attending universities across Texas. While no major four-year university is in immediate proximity to Del Rio, students often attend regional schools like Sul Ross State University in Alpine or travel to major hubs like UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Houston, Texas Tech, and others. Understanding the hazing landscape at these institutions is critical.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Del Rio Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed data on Greek organizations across Texas. This public records directory illustrates the extensive network of potentially liable entities. If your child was hazed, we already know how to find the organizations behind the letters.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Sample):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845 | IRS B83 Fraternity Housing
GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 161675890 | THE WOODLANDS, TX 77382 | ZETA RHO House Corporation
ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 262025321 | DENTON, TX 76201 | MU GAMMA CHAPTER
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 371768785 | MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | FRISCO, TX 75035 | (Entity type: House Corporation)
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 475370943 | HOUSTON, TX 77204 | THETA DELTA CHAPTER
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 746084905 | HOUSTON, TX 77204
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 741380362 | FORT WORTH, TX 76147
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 740555581 | AUSTIN, TX 78705 | CHI OMEGA HOUSE CORPORATION
SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 364091267 | WACO, TX 76710 | XI CHI CHAPTER

Cause IQ Metro Organizations (Dallas-Fort Worth Sample):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity | Fort Worth, TX 76244 | National Christian Fraternity
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation | Fort Worth, TX | Housing Foundation
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Texas Rho Corp. | Austin, TX | UT Chapter House Corporation
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity – Gamma Iota Chapter | Austin, TX | UT Chapter House

Brand Overlap Examples (IRS + Cause IQ):

Beta Upsilon Chi appears in IRS data (EIN: 742911848, Fort Worth) AND Cause IQ (Fort Worth location)
!- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears in IRS data (multiple EINs) AND Cause IQ (Houston and Beaumont chapters)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity appears in IRS data (EIN: 746064445, Nederland) AND Cause IQ (Houston District)

This data matters because when hazing occurs, we can immediately identify:

The local chapter entity (often a housing corporation)
The alumni associations that may control property
The national organization’s Texas-registered entities
Insurance policies and assets that can provide compensation

University of Houston: The Leonel Bermudez Case Campus

Campus Context:
UH is Texas’s third-largest university with active Greek life through Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council. The urban, commuter-heavy campus presents unique challenges for oversight.

The Bermudez Case: A Blueprint for Liability:
In Fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez endured systematic hazing as a Pi Kappa Phi pledge that nearly killed him. The specifics, detailed in the Hoodline coverage, provide a textbook example of modern hazing:

Systematic Humiliation: The “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring degrading items 24/7
Physical Torture: Sprints, bear crawls, cold exposure, hose spraying “like waterboarding”
Forced Consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate exercise
Extreme Endurance: The Nov. 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Medical Catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov. 6, charter surrendered Nov. 14, UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

Liability Universe in UH Cases:

Individual members (13 named in Bermudez suit)
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
Beta Nu Housing Corporation (EIN: 462267515, Frisco, TX)
University of Houston System
UH Board of Regents
Property owners (Culmore Drive residence, etc.)

For Del Rio Families with UH Students:

Hazing reports go to UH Dean of Students and UHPD
Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
Evidence preservation is urgent—Houston defense firms move quickly
Our Houston office provides immediate local response

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Campus Context:
Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets tradition and robust Greek life create multiple potential hazing environments. The university’s size and traditions can sometimes shield problematic behaviors.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly doused with industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The $1 million lawsuit highlighted dangerous physical hazing beyond alcohol.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): A cadet alleged being bound between beds in a degrading position with an apple in his mouth during hazing. The over $1 million lawsuit exposed traditions within the Corps.
Recent Rhabdomyolysis Cases: We are currently investigating multiple incidents where extreme physical hazing led to this potentially fatal muscle breakdown condition.

Unique A&M Considerations:

Corps hazing may involve military-style traditions
Off-campus “retreats” to rural properties are common
University sometimes asserts traditions defense
Brazos County courts handle local cases

For Del Rio Families with Aggies:

Reporting channels: Student Conduct Office, Corps leadership
Medical care at Baylor Scott & White is often where injuries present
Evidence includes Corps manuals, tradition documents, off-campus property records
Our experience with institutional defendants prepares us for A&M’s defense strategies

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Patterns

Campus Context:
UT Austin maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems, publicly listing violations. This transparency actually helps build cases by establishing patterns.

Public Hazing Violations (Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.
Texas Wranglers (Multiple Years): Spirit group violations including forced drinking and humiliation.
Various Fraternities: Repeated sanctions show ongoing issues despite “zero tolerance” policies.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Incident (2024):
An Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at an SAE party suffered dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The $1+ million lawsuit noted the chapter was already suspended for prior violations—demonstrating pattern evidence.

UT-Specific Strategies:

Public violation logs provide prior notice evidence
Austin/Travis County courts are familiar with hazing cases
University often argues sovereign immunity as a state entity
Our response: demonstrate gross negligence exceptions

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University: Private School Considerations

SMU’s Greek-Intensive Culture:
As a private university with affluent student population and strong Greek presence, SMU faces unique hazing challenges. The 2017 Kappa Alpha Order incident involving paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation resulted in multi-year suspension.

Baylor’s Evolving Accountability:
Following major Title IX scandals, Baylor has strengthened oversight but still faces hazing issues, particularly in athletic programs like the 2020 baseball hacing incident that suspended 14 players.

Private vs. Public University Differences:

Less Sovereign Immunity: Easier to sue private universities directly
Different Reporting Requirements: Often less transparent than public schools
Insurance Structures: Typically different coverage approaches
Discovery Advantages: Fewer public records hurdles

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas Courts

When a chapter at a Texas university repeats hazing methods that have caused deaths or injuries elsewhere, that pattern evidence becomes powerful legal ammunition. National organizations cannot claim “we didn’t know this was dangerous” when their own history proves otherwise.

Organizations with Documented National Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, 2021 – alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois, 2012 – alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
Multiple Texas Chapters: Documented violations at UT, A&M, other campuses
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, extreme physical tests

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

Traumatic Brain Injury Case: University of Alabama, ongoing
Chemical Burns Case: Texas A&M, 2021 – $1M lawsuit
Assault Case: UT Austin, 2024 – $1M+ lawsuit
Carson Starkey: Cal Poly, 2008 – alcohol death, national policy changes
Pattern: Physical violence, dangerous substances, repeated violations

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Andrew Coffey: Florida State, 2017 – alcohol death
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, 2025 – rhabdomyysis, kidney failure, $10M lawsuit
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing disguised as “workouts”

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver: LSU, 2017 – alcohol death, Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act”
Pattern: Drinking games, “Bible study” formats

Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ):

Chad Meredith: University of Miami, 2001 – drowning, $12.6M verdict
Texas A&M Investigations: Ongoing rhabdomyolysis cases
Pattern: Alcohol hazing, dangerous physical challenges

Why National Histories Matter Legally

Foreseeability: Nationals knew or should have known the risks
Inadequate Prevention: Previous incidents show policies weren’t working
Pattern and Practice: Evidence of organizational culture permitting hazing
Punitive Damages: Reckless disregard for known dangers
Insurance Coverage: Patterns affect coverage arguments

In the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi’s national history with the Andrew Coffey death directly informs our arguments about what the national organization should have prevented at UH.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When Del Rio families come to us after a hazing incident, we implement a systematic approach developed through years of complex litigation against powerful institutions.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Immediate Preservation (First 48 Hours):

Group Chats: Screenshot entire threads (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage)
Social Media: Archive stories, posts, DMs (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok)
Location Data: Save geo-tags, Find My Friends history
Photos/Videos: Secure all media from events
Medical Records: Obtain ER reports, lab results, doctor notes

Digital Forensics Recovery:
Even deleted messages can often be recovered through:

Cloud backups (iCloud, Google)
Phone forensic tools
Server data from app companies
Alternative devices that received messages

We discuss evidence preservation in our video Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?

Institutional Records Discovery:

University conduct files (prior violations)
National fraternity incident reports
Insurance policies and coverage documents
Property ownership records for hazing locations
Security camera footage (Ring, Nest, security systems)

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (tuition, delayed graduation)
Lost earnings and diminished earning capacity
Therapy and counseling costs
Life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages:
When defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct, additional damages may punish the behavior and deter future conduct.

Strategic Considerations for Texas Cases

Sovereign Immunity Challenges:
Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) may assert immunity defenses. We overcome these by:

Demonstrating gross negligence exceptions
Suing individuals in personal capacity
Using Title IX and federal law claims
As seen in the BGSU $3M settlement despite immunity arguments

Insurance Coverage Battles:
Fraternity and university insurers often deny coverage claiming “intentional acts” exclusions. Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s former insurance defense career helps us:

Identify all potential policies
Fight coverage denials
Pursue bad faith claims when appropriate

Statute of Limitations:
Texas generally allows 2 years from injury or death, but exceptions exist. We discuss this in our statute of limitations video. Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Del Rio Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial irregularities (unexplained expenses)
Academic decline or missed classes

If You Suspect Hazing:

Talk Openly: “I’m concerned about you, not angry”
Listen Without Judgment: Let them share what they’re ready to share
Prioritize Safety: If they’re in danger, call 911 first
Document Everything: Write down what they tell you with dates
Preserve Evidence: Help them screenshot messages, photos
Seek Medical Care: Even if they resist, health comes first
Consult an Attorney: Before talking to university or organization

For Students: Is This Hazing? What Are My Rights?

Self-Assessment Questions:

Am I being pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good-faith immunity)
“Consent” is not a defense to hazing charges
You can file a civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges are filed
You have the right to leave the organization at any time
You can request no-contact orders if harassed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

We’ve detailed common errors in our Client Mistakes video, but several bear repeating:

Deleting Evidence: Messages may be embarrassing but are crucial
Confronting the Organization: Lets them destroy evidence and prepare defenses
Signing University Agreements: May waive your right to sue
Posting on Social Media: Creates inconsistencies defense attorneys exploit
Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, statutes run, witnesses scatter

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have some immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. The $3M BGSU settlement shows public universities do settle substantial claims.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a misdemeanor, but hazing causing serious bodily injury or death is a state jail felony. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
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 many others succeeded despite off-campus locations.

“How long do we have to sue?”
Generally 2 years from injury/death, but the discovery rule may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Del Rio Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Del Rio, Val Verde County, and all of West Texas.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Before joining our firm, Mr. Peña worked 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”
Set reserves and negotiation strategies

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ Years Practice: Since 1998, with own firm since 2001

“We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or universities.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

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

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership means we understand criminal hazing charges
We can advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure
Know how criminal and civil cases interact

Investigative Depth and Expert Network:

Digital forensics for deleted message recovery
Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, kidney specialists)
Greek life culture and institutional policy experts
Economists and life-care planners
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Spanish-speaking families throughout Texas. Se habla Español.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

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

Compassionate Listening: We hear your story without judgment
Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned
Strategic Aggression: We fight hard but smart
Client Education: We explain every step so you’re never in the dark
Accountability Focus: We aim for change, not just checks

As Ralph says in our firm background video, we started Attorney911 to ensure “people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust.”

Call to Action: Del Rio Families Deserve Answers and Accountability

If your child has been hazed at any Texas university—whether they attend school in Houston, College Station, Austin, San Antonio, Lubbock, or anywhere else—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers and insurance teams. You need equal firepower.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak directly with our team. We’ll:

Listen to Your Story: Without judgment, without interruption
Review Your Evidence: Photos, messages, medical records you have
Explain Your Options: Criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss Realistic Timelines: What to expect week by week, month by month
Answer Cost Questions: Contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win
No Pressure: Take time to decide if we’re right for you

Everything you tell us is confidential and protected.

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 (Ralph Manginello) or lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services: Hablamos Español—contact Mr. Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

For more information about our wrongful death practice, visit https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

For information about our criminal defense capability, visit https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Whether you’re in Del Rio, Val Verde County, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, call us today. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent this from happening to another family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

UH Pi Kappa Phi Case Coverage:

Click2Houston report: 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: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline 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: 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

Attorney911 Main Website:

Homepage and contact: 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