The Definitive Hazing Guide for Devers, Texas & Liberty County Families: Know Your Rights, Seek Accountability

An Urgent Message for Parents in Devers, Dayton, Ames, and All of Liberty County

It begins with a phone call. Your child, who you sent off to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another Texas campus with pride and hope, sounds different. They’re exhausted beyond normal college stress. They’re vague about their new fraternity or sorority activities. They mention “mandatory” events at odd hours. Then maybe you notice unexplained bruises, or they come home on break withdrawn and anxious. When you ask what’s happening, they shut down: “It’s just part of pledging.” “Everyone does it.” “I can’t talk about it.”

This is the reality facing families right here in Devers, Liberty County, and across Texas in 2025. Hazing isn’t just a distant news story—it’s a present danger affecting our community’s students at campuses throughout the state. Recently, a case has emerged that embodies every parent’s nightmare, happening just hours from our community at the University of Houston.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911. We are Texas-based legal emergency lawyers with deep expertise in complex hazing litigation. Right now, we are actively representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This case, filed in Harris County in late 2025, represents exactly the type of severe institutional hazing that Texas families must understand.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide Devers and Liberty County families with the critical information needed to recognize hazing, understand Texas law, and know your rights when the unthinkable happens to your child at any Texas university.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

The Modern Reality of Campus Hazing

For parents in Devers, Dayton, and across Liberty County, understanding contemporary hazing requires moving beyond outdated stereotypes of harmless pranks. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and dangerously normalized within certain campus cultures.

Hazing is legally defined in Texas as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

The Bermudez Case at UH: A Case Study in Modern Hazing

The allegations in Leonel Bermudez’s lawsuit against the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter provide a disturbing but educational window into what hazing can entail:

Humiliation as Control:

• The “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring 24/7 carrying of condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items
• Enforced dress codes and strict interview schedules
• Mandatory overnight chauffeuring of members

Physical and Psychological Abuse:

• Extreme physical workouts including sprints, bear crawls, and wheelbarrow races
• Cold-weather exposure in underwear
• Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints
• The November 3 “workout”: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

Medical Catastrophe:

1. Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis – severe skeletal muscle breakdown
2. This led to acute kidney failure
3. He passed brown urine and could not stand without help
4. Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels
5. Faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

This case, unfolding just an hour from our Liberty County community, shows how quickly hazing can escalate from humiliation to life-threatening medical crisis.

Categories of Hazing Every Devers Parent Should Recognize

Alcohol and Substance Hazing:

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “Bible study,” “family tree”)
• Big/Little nights with handles of hard liquor
• Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous amounts

Physical Hazing:

• Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
• Extreme calisthenics or “workouts” beyond normal conditioning
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or tasks
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpalatable substances

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
• Racial, sexist, or homophobic role-playing or language

Digital/Online Hazing (The New Frontier):

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
• Social media humiliation through forced posts or challenges
• Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or similar apps
• Coerced creation or sharing of compromising images

Psychological Hazing:

• Systematic verbal abuse and degradation
• Social isolation from non-members
• Threat of expulsion for non-compliance
• Manipulation through “tradition” and “brotherhood/sisterhood” rhetoric

Where Hazing Occurs Beyond Greek Life

While fraternities and sororities receive significant attention, Devers families should know hazing occurs in multiple campus organizations:

• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit squads and tradition organizations
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic clubs and honors societies
• Service organizations and cultural groups

The common thread is any group using power imbalance, tradition, or secrecy to enforce harmful behavior as a condition of membership.

Texas Hazing Law: What Liberty County Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Legal Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that govern cases involving students at our state universities. For families in Devers and Liberty County, understanding these laws is crucial when your child attends any Texas campus.

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

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
• Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students

Key Implications for Devers Families:

• Location doesn’t matter – off-campus hazing at apartments, Airbnbs, or retreats is still illegal
• “Reckless” conduct qualifies – intent to harm isn’t required
• Both physical AND mental health dangers are covered
• Applies to any organization with student members

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a Defense
This is perhaps the most important provision for Liberty County parents to understand. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, even if they signed a waiver, even if they initially went along with it – none of that matters under Texas law. The power imbalance, peer pressure, and desire for belonging mean true voluntary consent often doesn’t exist in hazing situations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

When hazing occurs, two parallel legal paths may emerge:

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the State of Texas (prosecutors)
• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Standard: Beyond reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Purpose: Compensation and accountability
• Common claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Standard: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)

These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action, and many families pursue both to achieve comprehensive accountability.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
• Mandates strengthened hazing education and prevention programs
• Phased implementation through 2026 will create more public data

Title IX Implications:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, federal Title IX obligations trigger additional university responsibilities and potential liability.

Clery Act Requirements:
Universities must report certain crimes and maintain safety statistics – hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, or drug crimes requiring disclosure.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Understanding potential defendants is crucial for Devers families seeking accountability:

Individual Participants:

• Those who planned, executed, or facilitated hazing
• Members who supplied alcohol, supervised activities, or engaged in abuse
• Officers with knowledge who failed to intervene

Local Chapter/Organization:

• The fraternity, sorority, or club as an entity
• Housing corporations that own chapter facilities
• Alumni boards that exercise control or provide funding

National Headquarters:

• Organizations like Pi Kappa Phi national that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

Universities and Governing Boards:

• Public institutions like the University of Houston System Board of Regents
• Potential claims for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or premises liability
• Sovereign immunity considerations for public universities require strategic navigation

Third Parties:

• Property owners of off-campus houses or event venues
• Bars or alcohol providers under dram shop theories
• Security companies or event organizers

The Bermudez case against UH demonstrates this comprehensive approach, naming 17 defendants including the university, national fraternity, housing corporation, and 13 individual members.

National Hazing Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: A Repeating Tragedy

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

• Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
• Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
• 12-hour delay in calling for help
• Results: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Liberty County Lesson: Delay in seeking medical help dramatically increases legal exposure and tragically decreases survival chances

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

• Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during pledge event
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Results: Multiple criminal convictions, university settled for nearly $3 million, national fraternity settlements
• Liberty County Lesson: “Big/Little” drinking traditions remain lethally common despite national awareness

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

• “Bible study” drinking game with wrong answers requiring consumption
• Died with 0.495% BAC
• Results: Felony hazing convictions, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act strengthening penalties
• Liberty County Lesson: Even “educational” framing doesn’t eliminate danger or liability

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Cultural Traditions Turned Dangerous

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

• Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at mountain retreat
• Fatal traumatic brain injury from repeated tackling
• Hours delayed before seeking medical help
• Results: National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Liberty County Lesson: Off-campus retreats can be particularly dangerous due to isolation and delayed emergency response

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

• “Pledge dad reveal” night with forced excessive drinking
• Suffered catastrophic, permanent brain damage

• Now requires 24/7 care, cannot walk, talk, or see

• Results: Settlements with 22 defendants, chapter closure, ongoing care costs in millions
• Liberty County Lesson: Non-fatal injuries can create lifetime care needs exceeding wrongful death cases

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

• Systemic sexualized and racist hazing allegations spanning years
• Multiple lawsuits against university and coaches
• Head coach fired, then settled wrongful termination claim confidentially
• Liberty County Lesson: Multi-million dollar athletic programs can harbor abusive cultures with institutional complicity

What These Cases Mean for Devers Families

1. Pattern Recognition Matters: The same dangerous behaviors recur nationally
2. Institutional Knowledge Exists: National fraternities and universities know these risks
3. Legal Precedents Exist: Successful litigation has established liability pathways
4. Timely Action is Critical: Evidence preservation and legal consultation cannot wait

Texas University Focus: Where Liberty County Students Attend

Understanding Our Community’s Educational Pathways

Families in Devers and Liberty County typically send students to a mix of local, regional, and flagship Texas institutions. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is essential for prevention and response.

University of Houston: Closest Major Campus to Liberty County

For Devers Families: Located approximately 40 miles west in Harris County, UH represents the closest major public university with comprehensive Greek life. Many Liberty County students commute or reside on campus.

Recent Critical Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:

• Timeline: Fall 2025 pledge period culminating in November hospitalization
• Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter November 6; members voted to surrender charter November 14; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Legal Status: Active $10 million lawsuit in Harris County courts
• Liberty County Relevance: This case demonstrates that severe hazing occurs at campuses our students attend and that comprehensive legal action can pursue multiple defendants

UH’s Greek Ecosystem:
The University of Houston hosts approximately 40 Greek organizations across multiple councils:

• Interfraternity Council (IFC): 17+ fraternities including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
• Houston Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities
• National Pan-Hellenic Council: 9 historically Black organizations
• Multicultural Greek Council: Multiple culturally-based organizations

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Reporting through Dean of Students Office, Campus Police, online forms
• Annual security reports include hazing statistics under Clery Act

What Devers Families Should Know About UH Cases:

• Jurisdiction may involve UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
• Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
• The university’s urban setting means many events occur at off-campus residences
• Digital evidence preservation is particularly critical given student commuting patterns

Texas A&M University: Regional Flagship Destination

For Devers Families: Located approximately 125 miles northwest in Brazos County, Texas A&M represents a popular destination for Liberty County students, particularly those interested in engineering, agriculture, or Corps of Cadets.

Unique Risk Environment:

1. Corps of Cadets Culture: Military-style environment with documented hazing incidents
2. Agriculture/Land-Grant Tradition: Strong organizational cultures that can normalize harmful traditions
3. Massive Greek System: One of nation’s largest with corresponding risk exposure

Documented Incidents at Texas A&M:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• Pledges allegedly subjected to substances including industrial-strength cleaner
• Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• $1 million lawsuit filed against fraternity
• Liberty County Lesson: Hazing methods continue evolving with new dangers

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Allegations (2023):

• Cadet alleged being bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth
• Over $1 million lawsuit filed
• University stated matter handled under internal regulations
• Liberty County Lesson: Military-style programs carry unique hazing risks beyond Greek life

Texas A&M’s Hazing Prevention Approach:

• Public hazing violations reporting through Student Conduct office
• Corps-specific regulations and oversight
• Anonymous reporting systems available
• Regular education for Greek and Corps organizations

University of Texas at Austin: Statewide Attraction

For Devers Families: Located approximately 150 miles west in Travis County, UT Austin represents the state’s flagship institution attracting high-achieving Liberty County students across disciplines.

Notable Transparency:
UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu, providing valuable public data for families.

Documented Violations Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

• New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Sanction: Probation and mandatory hazing prevention education
• Pattern Note: This same national fraternity involved in Stone Foltz’s death at Bowling Green

Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization):

• Multiple violations for alcohol-related hazing and forced physical activities
• Key Insight: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to spirit and service groups

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Allegations (2024):

• Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
• Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Over $1 million lawsuit filed
• Chapter already under suspension for prior violations
• Liberty County Lesson: Prior organizational history significantly impacts liability assessments

Southern Methodist University: Private Institution Option

For Devers Families: Located approximately 250 miles north in Dallas County, SMU represents a private university option for Liberty County students, with distinct legal considerations.

Private University Distinctions:

• No sovereign immunity protections like public institutions
• Different disciplinary processes and transparency expectations
• Often higher tuition correlating with different family expectations

Documented Incident:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017):

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
• Chapter suspended until approximately 2021
• Liberty County Lesson: Even prestigious private institutions struggle with hazing prevention

Baylor University: Faith-Based Alternative

For Devers Families: Located approximately 200 miles northwest in McLennan County, Baylor represents a faith-based option for Liberty County families, with its own historical context around institutional accountability.

Historical Context Matters:

• Baylor’s recent history with athletic scandal and Title IX issues
• Institutional responses to prior crises inform current approach
• Religious identity adds complexity to accountability discussions

Documented Incident:

Baseball Team Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Staggered suspensions during early season
• Liberty County Lesson: Athletic programs at all universities carry hazing risks

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Understanding Organizational Networks

Why Organizational Intelligence Matters for Liberty County Families

When hazing affects your child, understanding the complete organizational landscape behind the Greek letters is crucial. National fraternities and sororities exist within complex networks of legal entities, insurance policies, and historical patterns that significantly impact liability and recovery.

Public Records Directory: Greek Organizations Serving Texas Families

Our firm maintains comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations through public records analysis. For Devers and Liberty County families, this means we don’t start from zero when investigating hazing incidents.

Sample Texas Greek Entities from Public Records:

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta Chapter
EIN: 475370943 | Houston, TX 77204
IRS B83 Filing: Undergraduate fraternity chapter

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter
EIN: 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627
IRS B83 Filing: National fraternity alumni association

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035
IRS B83 Filing: Chapter housing corporation

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Houston Chapter
EIN: 900293167 | Victoria, TX 77901
IRS B83 Filing: Academic honor society

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter
EIN: 232452759 | Grand Prairie, TX 75054
IRS B83 Filing: Graduate/alumni chapter

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Epsilon Chapter
EIN: 364091267 | Waco, TX 76710
IRS B83 Filing: Undergraduate sorority chapter

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
EIN: 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147
IRS B83 Filing: Fraternity educational foundation

Chi Omega Fraternity – House Corporation
EIN: 740555581 | Austin, TX 78705
IRS B83 Filing: Sorority housing corporation

Metropolitan Greek Ecosystems: Understanding Scale

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro Area:

• 188+ Greek organizations identified through public records
• Includes undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, honor societies
• Serves University of Houston, Rice, Texas Southern, Houston Christian, and other institutions

College Station-Bryan Metro Area:

• 42+ Greek organizations serving Texas A&M University
• Significant housing corporation presence supporting massive Greek community
• Corps-affiliated organizations with distinct risk profiles

Austin-Round Rock Metro Area:

• 154+ Greek organizations serving UT Austin and surrounding institutions
• Includes significant honors and professional society presence
• High density of housing corporations for large chapter facilities

National Brand Overlaps: Tracking Organizations Across Texas

Certain national organizations appear repeatedly across Texas through multiple entity types:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority:

• Undergraduate chapters in Waco, Commerce, and Houston
• Alumnae chapters in Beaumont and statewide
• Multiple EINs indicating active Texas operations

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity:

• Alumni chapters in Arlington-Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, Frisco
• Undergraduate chapters at Prairie View A&M
• Foundation entities supporting educational activities

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity:

• National fraternity entity in Nederland, TX
• Alumni associations statewide
• History of serious hazing incidents nationally

Why This Data Matters for Devers Families

1. Identifying All Potential Defendants: Housing corporations, alumni associations, and educational foundations may carry insurance or assets
2. Establishing National Patterns: Multiple chapters of same national indicate organizational knowledge
3. Tracing Responsibility: Complex entity structures often designed to limit liability
4. Discovering Prior Incidents: Understanding full organizational history informs case strategy

The Bermudez case exemplifies this approach, naming not just the UH chapter but the national fraternity, housing corporation, and individual officers.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Immediate Evidence Preservation: The Critical First Steps

For Liberty County families, what happens in the first 48 hours often determines case outcomes. Here’s what matters most:

Digital Evidence (Most Critical Category):

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord screenshots with timestamps and participants visible
• Social Media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Facebook posts showing events or injuries
• Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts establishing whereabouts
• Deleted Content: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages

Medical Documentation:

• Immediate Care: ER records, ambulance reports, initial diagnoses
• Specialist Follow-up: Referrals to nephrologists (kidney), neurologists (brain), psychiatrists (trauma)
• Ongoing Treatment: Physical therapy, counseling, medication records
• Key Terminology: Ensure “rhabdomyolysis,” “acute kidney injury,” “PTSD” appear in records

Physical Evidence:

• Clothing: Unwashed items showing stains, tears, or substances
• Objects: Paddles, props, alcohol containers, “pledge packets”
• Photographs: Injuries from multiple angles with scale reference (coin, ruler)
• Locations: Addresses, photos of houses/rooms where incidents occurred

Institutional Records:

• University Files: Prior disciplinary actions against same organization
• Police Reports: Campus and local department incident reports
• National Fraternity Records: Prior incident reports, risk management files (obtained via discovery)

The Damages Framework: Understanding Potential Recovery

When hazing causes harm, Texas law recognizes multiple damage categories:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifetime needs for catastrophic injuries
• Lost Earnings: Current income loss and diminished future earning capacity
• Educational Impact: Lost tuition, delayed graduation, forfeited scholarships
• Property Damage: Destroyed personal items during hazing

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and medical treatments
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital footprint consequences

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 demonstrates particular recklessness or indifference

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

• Purpose: Punish and deter egregious conduct
• Available when defendants act with malice, fraud, or gross negligence
• Texas caps apply in many cases but exceptions exist for intentional conduct

Case Strategy: Navigating Complex Institutional Litigation

The Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates key strategic elements:

Multi-Defendant Approach:

• Individual members who planned/executed hazing
• Chapter officers with supervisory responsibility
• Housing corporation controlling premises
• National fraternity setting policies and receiving dues
• University owning facilities and sponsoring organizations

Insurance Coverage Analysis:

• Multiple potential insurance policies: chapter, national, university, individual homeowners
• Coverage disputes common (intentional acts exclusions)
• Strategic negotiation required when multiple insurers involved

Pattern Evidence Development:

• Prior incidents at same chapter establishing knowledge
• Similar incidents at other chapters of same national
• Organizational failure to implement meaningful prevention

Settlement vs. Trial Considerations:

• Most cases settle confidentially before trial
• Trial readiness essential for leverage
• Public trial may serve accountability goals but reduces privacy

Practical Guidance for Devers and Liberty County Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response Strategies

Early Warning Signs of Hazing:

• Unexplained injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal academic stress
• Sudden personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, irritability
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
• Financial requests for unexplained “dues” or purchases
• Academic performance deterioration
• Secretive behavior about organizational activities

How to Talk with Your Child:

1. Choose Calm Setting: Private, uninterrupted time without siblings
2. Use Open Questions: “How are things with your new fraternity/sorority?” not “Are they hazing you?”
3. Listen Without Judgment: Avoid immediate anger toward organization
4. Emphasize Safety: “Your health matters more than any membership”
5. Document Conversations: Note dates, times, and what they share

University Engagement Strategy:

• Document all communications (emails, calls, meetings)
• Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the organization
• Request written copies of all policies and procedures
• Note promises made vs. actions taken
• Consult attorney before signing any agreements or releases

For Students: Safety and Rights Protection

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment Questions:

• Would I do this if I truly had a free choice?
• Would my parents approve if they knew details?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t do themselves?

Safe Exit Strategies:

1. Immediate Danger: Call 911, then trusted friend/family
2. Planned Departure: Email written resignation to president/new member educator
3. Witness Protection: Report to university before exiting if safety permits
4. Document Everything: Screenshot all communications before announcing departure

Evidence Preservation for Students:

1. Digital: Screenshot chats, save emails, record calls (Texas is one-party consent)
2. Medical: Seek care immediately, mention “hazing” specifically for documentation
3. Physical: Photograph injuries daily showing progression
4. Witnesses: Record names and contact information for others present

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Digital Evidence: “Cleaning up” looks like obstruction of justice
2. Confronting the Organization Directly: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms: Often contain liability waivers or confidentiality clauses
4. Social Media Posts: Defense attorneys monitor and use inconsistencies against you
5. Delaying Medical Care: Gaps in treatment undermine damages claims
6. Speaking with Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements used to minimize claims
7. Waiting for “Internal Investigation”: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Liberty County Families

When hazing affects your family, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions defend these cases – and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Our attorney 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”
• Deploy independent medical exams to minimize injuries
  Translation: We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against a billion-dollar corporate defendant. This experience translates directly to taking on national fraternities and university systems with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by powerful institutions – we’ve beaten them before.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We have recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs and lost earning capacity. Hazing cases involving rhabdomyolysis (like Bermudez), traumatic brain injury, or death require this sophisticated damages analysis.

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise:

• Victims navigating parallel proceedings
• Witnesses concerned about self-incrimination
• Families managing both criminal and civil timelines

Investigative Depth and Expert Network:
We maintain relationships with:

• Medical experts specializing in rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD
• Digital forensics specialists for recovering deleted messages
• Greek life culture experts explaining organizational dynamics
• Economists for lifetime damage calculations
• Life care planners for catastrophic injury cases

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery:
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand:

• Local court procedures and judges
• Texas-specific sovereign immunity issues for public universities
• The cultural contexts of different Texas campuses
• How to investigate hazing patterns across our state

The Bermudez Case: Active Proof of Our Capability

Right now, as you read this, we are actively litigating Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million hazing case against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical experience – it’s current, hands-on work involving:

• Complex multi-defendant litigation
• Insurance coverage disputes
• Digital evidence preservation and analysis
• Medical expert collaboration for rhabdomyolysis and kidney injury
• Institutional pattern evidence development

This case demonstrates exactly how we approach hazing litigation for Texas families. For detailed coverage of this active case, refer to media reports including the Click2Houston investigation and ABC13 coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions for Devers Families

Can we sue a public university like UH or Texas A&M for hazing?
Yes, but sovereign immunity requires strategic navigation. Exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees individually. The Bermuda case against UH demonstrates this approach in practice.

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

What if our child “agreed” to the activities?
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t truly voluntary.

How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Generally two years from injury or discovery in Texas, but exceptions exist for minors, delayed discovery of harm, or fraudulent concealment. Time is critical – evidence disappears quickly.

Will our child’s name be public?
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed records and confidential settlement terms to protect privacy while pursuing accountability.

What if hazing happened off-campus?
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. The Pi Delta Psi retreat case conviction proves this.

How much does legal representation cost?
We work on contingency – no fee unless we recover. Initial consultations are always free and confidential.

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation

For Devers, Dayton, and Liberty County Families

If hazing has affected your family at any Texas university, we offer confidential, no-obligation consultations to:

1. Listen to Your Story: Without judgment or pressure
2. Review Your Evidence: Photos, messages, medical records
3. Explain Legal Options: Criminal reporting, civil action, or both
4. Discuss Realistic Expectations: Timelines, processes, potential outcomes
5. Answer All Questions: Costs, privacy, family concerns
6. Help You Decide: Take time, consult family, make informed choices

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Spanish Services Available:
Hablamos Español – Contacte a Lupe Peña en lupe@atty911.com

What to Bring to Your Consultation:

• Any photos of injuries or events
• Screenshots of digital communications
• Medical records and bills
• University correspondence
• Names of involved individuals/organizations
• Your questions and concerns

Additional Educational Resources

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Evidence Preservation Guide: Using phones to document hazing evidence
• Statute of Limitations Explained: Texas filing deadlines
• Common Client Mistakes: Avoiding errors that hurt cases
• Contingency Fee Explanation: How legal representation costs work

National Resources:

• Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous reporting)
• StopHazing.org: Research and prevention education
• Clery Center: Campus safety information and rights

About The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC

We are Texas personal injury and complex litigation attorneys operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas including Devers, Liberty County, and all surrounding communities. Our practice includes hazing litigation, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and institutional accountability cases.

Practice Areas Relevant to Hazing Cases:

• Wrongful Death Claims: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Catastrophic Injury Litigation
• Insurance Coverage Disputes
• Institutional Negligence Cases
• Digital Evidence Investigation

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 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