The Complete Guide to Haizing Laws & Litigation for Floresville, Texas Families: Protecting Your College Student

If your child has left our close-knit Floresville community—perhaps heading to San Antonio, College Station, Austin, or Houston for college—you’ve entrusted them to a new world of independence. But what happens when that world turns dangerous? When tradition crosses into abuse, and the very organizations promising brotherhood or sisterhood become sources of trauma?

Right now, in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student at the University of Houston, nearly lost his life this past fall while pledging Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. According to the $10 million lawsuit we filed in late 2025, Bermudez was subjected to months of degradation and violence: carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” 24/7, forced overnight chauffeuring, enduring hours-long “study” blocks, and violent physical hazing at the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park.

The abuse culminated on November 3, 2025, when Bermudez was forced through over 100 push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Days later, he collapsed. His urine was brown—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle breakdown. He was hospitalized for four days with acute kidney failure, facing a real risk of permanent organ damage. Other pledges weren’t spared: one was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour. The chapter was suspended on November 6 and voted to surrender its charter on November 14. The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This is not an isolated story. It’s the reality facing Texas students today. As parents in Floresville and across Wilson County, you deserve to know the truth about what can happen on campus, who is responsible, and how the law can protect your child.

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 This Guide Covers for Floresville Families

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Floresville, Wilson County, and throughout South Texas who need to understand:

1. What hazing really looks like in 2025—beyond the old stereotypes
2. How Texas and federal law protect your child and hold abusers accountable
3. What we’ve learned from major national cases and how they apply right here in Texas
4. What’s happening at Texas universities where Floresville students often attend
5. Your legal options when hazing injures your child

Whether your student is at Texas A&M-San Antonio just 30 miles north, Texas A&M University in College Station, UT Austin, University of Houston, or any other Texas campus, the principles of accountability remain the same. This article provides general educational information—not specific legal advice. Every case is unique, and we at The Manginello Law Firm are here to evaluate individual situations based on their specific facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including right here in Floresville and Wilson County.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like at Texas Universities

The days of thinking about hazing as “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” are over. What’s happening on Texas campuses today is systematic, often digitally coordinated, and frequently crosses into criminal conduct.

A Modern Definition for Floresville Parents to Understand

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group where the behavior:

• Endangers physical or mental health
• Humiliates, degrades, or exploits
• Occurs within a power imbalance where refusal carries social or physical consequences

Critically, “I agreed to it” or “they wanted to fit in” does not make it legal or safe when there’s peer pressure and institutional power at play.

The Five Main Categories of Hazing Today

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing (The Most Deadly)

• Forced or coerced rapid drinking (“chugging,” “keg stands,” “funneling”)
• Drinking games with punishment for wrong answers
• “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor
• Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
• Why it matters for Floresville families: This is how most hazing deaths occur. The body can only process about one standard drink per hour. Forced rapid consumption leads to alcohol poisoning, which can kill in hours.

2. Physical Hazing and “Conditioning”

• Paddling, beatings, or physical strikes
• Extreme calisthenics far beyond normal fitness (“smokings,” hundreds of push-ups/squats)
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “meetings” or tasks
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting substances
• Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments
• Local context: In the Bermudez case at UH, physical hazing caused rhabdomyolysis—a medical emergency where muscle breakdown floods the kidneys with toxins.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts or positions
• Degrading costumes or roles with racial/sexist overtones
• “Roasts” or public shaming sessions
• The digital layer: Now often recorded and shared in group chats

4. Psychological Hazing and Coercion

• Verbal abuse, threats, intimidation
• Social isolation from non-members
• Forced confessions or manipulation
• Creating dependence through cycles of punishment and “reward”
• Why psychology matters: This creates the power imbalance that makes “consent” meaningless under the law.

5. Digital/Online Hazing (The New Frontier)

• Group chat dares and “challenges” with 24/7 monitoring
• Public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
• Geo-tracking demands via Find My Friends or Life360
• Critical evidence source: These digital trails are often how we prove patterns and intent.

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Greek Letters

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, Floresville parents should know hazing occurs in:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy—elements that exist across campus organizations.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Floresville Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for protecting your child.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Floresville families—hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

1. Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
2. Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key provisions for Floresville parents:

• §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

• §37.153 Organizational Liability:

  • Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
  • Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus

• §37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:

  • Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability
  • Many universities extend this to alcohol amnesty in medical emergencies

• §37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense:

  • Even if the victim “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
  • Courts recognize power imbalances make true consent impossible

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Justice

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals)

• Brought by: Prosecutors (DA’s office)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Process: Investigation → charges → plea or trial → sentencing
• Floresville jurisdiction: Depending on where the hazing occurred, cases might be handled by campus police, San Antonio PD, Bexar County, Harris County, or other local authorities

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties)

• Brought by: Victims or surviving families
• Goal: Monetary compensation and institutional accountability
• Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Process: Investigation → demand → lawsuit → discovery → settlement or trial
• Critical distinction: No criminal conviction is required to pursue a civil case

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention
• Maintains public hazing data (phasing in through 2026)
• Why Floresville families should care: More transparency means better prevention and clearer patterns of institutional failure

Title IX & Clery Act Implications:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
• Clery requires reporting certain crimes that often overlap with hazing (assault, alcohol crimes)
• Universities can face federal scrutiny and funding consequences for violations

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• Chapter officers often face personal liability

2. Local Chapter / Organization

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
• Housing corporations that own properties where hazing occurs

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

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

4. University or Governing Board

• Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
• Public vs. private distinction: UT, Texas A&M, UH have some sovereign immunity; SMU, Baylor have fewer protections

5. Third Parties

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop laws)
• Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but skilled hazing attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Teaches Us

The tragedies that have unfolded on campuses nationwide aren’t just statistics—they’re patterns that repeat until institutions are forced to change. Understanding these patterns helps Floresville families recognize risks and hold organizations accountable.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Deadly “Traditions”

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

• What happened: Bid-acceptance night with catastrophic drinking; Piazza fell multiple times on security cameras; brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 hours
• Legal outcome: 18 members charged with over 1,000 counts; Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law; $multi-million confidential settlements
• Lesson for Texas: Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes and increases liability

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

• What happened: “Big/Little” night where Foltz was forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey; died from alcohol poisoning
• Legal outcome: Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU); former chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million
• Lesson for Texas: National organizations bear responsibility for recurring ritual patterns

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• What happened: “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking; Gruver’s BAC reached 0.495% (six times legal limit)
• Legal outcome: $6.1 million civil verdict; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
• Lesson for Texas: “Games” and rituals are predictable scripts for disaster

Physical & Ritualized Violence Pattern

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

• What happened: Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at Pennsylvania retreat; died from traumatic brain injury
• Legal outcome: First national fraternity criminally convicted (aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter); Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Lesson for Texas: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability; nationals face organizational criminal charges

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

• What happened: “Pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking; Santulli suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
• Legal outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants; criminal charges against members
• Lesson for Texas: Non-fatal injuries can still mean lifetime disability and multi-million-dollar claims

Athletic Program Hazing & Systemic Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• What happened: Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over years
• Legal outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired and later reached confidential settlement
• Lesson for Texas: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into athletic departments with massive budgets

What These National Cases Mean for Floresville Families

1. Patterns repeat: The same script—forced drinking nights, physical “conditioning,” delayed medical care—appears across states and organizations
2. Reform follows tragedy: Major legal changes (Piazza Law, Max Gruver Act) only happen after litigation exposes systemic failures
3. Accountability is possible: Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts show juries hold organizations responsible
4. Your case matters: Every lawsuit contributes to prevention by changing calculus for universities and nationals

Texas University Focus: Where Floresville Students Attend

Floresville families often send students to universities throughout Texas. Understanding each campus’s specific context, history, and response patterns is crucial.

The University of Houston: A Case Study in Current Crisis

For Floresville families: UH is approximately 160 miles northeast of Floresville—a manageable drive for many families. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates exactly what can go wrong and how institutions respond.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Large urban research university with ~47,000 students
• Active Greek life with 50+ chapters across four councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC)
• Mix of commuter and residential population
• Recent transformation: Major investments in campus life and student experience

Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

• Policy: UH prohibits hazing on or off campus, including forced consumption, physical mistreatment, sleep deprivation, and mental distress
• Reporting: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
• Transparency: Less public than UT’s violation log, but internal disciplinary systems exist

The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case: What We’re Fighting Right Now

Our ongoing litigation reveals a pattern familiar from national cases:

1. Systematic degradation: “Pledge fanny packs” with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
2. Forced servitude: Overnight driving duties, mandatory interview blocks, constant errands
3. Physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure, lying in vomit
4. Extreme violence: Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption until vomiting followed by immediate sprints, 100+ push-ups/500 squat workouts
5. Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney damage risk
6. Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, charter surrendered Nov 14, UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts, potentially federal court for constitutional claims
• Investigating agencies: UHPD, Houston Police Department
• Potential defendants: Individual members, chapter, Pi Kappa Phi national, UH, UH System Board of Regents, housing corporation, property owners
• Our approach: Leverage our Houston base and federal court experience to pursue all responsible parties

Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps, and Accountability

For Floresville families: Texas A&M in College Station is about 150 miles northeast. Many South Texas students attend, drawn by tradition, engineering programs, and the Corps of Cadets.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Flagship land-grant university with strong tradition and institutional loyalty
• Corps of Cadets: Approximately 2,300 members with military-style structure
• Greek life: 60+ chapters with significant campus presence
• Cultural note: Deep reverence for tradition can sometimes enable abusive practices to persist

Documented Incidents & Institutional Response

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• What happened: Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Legal outcome: Pledges sued for $1 million; chapter suspended for two years
• Pattern significance: SAE has national pattern of severe hazing; Texas A&M chapter repeated known dangerous practices

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)

• What happened: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
• Legal outcome: $1+ million lawsuit; Texas A&M stated it handled matter internally
• Broader context: Military-style organizations worldwide struggle with initiation abuses

Texas A&M’s Approach to Hazing

• Student Rules: Prohibits hazing broadly with specific examples
• Corps regulations: Additional military-style discipline system
• Transparency: Less public than UT but maintains internal conduct records
• Challenge: Balancing tradition with safety, especially in Corps context

What Floresville A&M Families Should Know

1. Document everything: Corps and Greek life both have documented hazing issues
2. Use multiple reporting channels: Student Conduct, Corps leadership, Texas A&M PD
3. Understand the culture: Tradition arguments often surface in defense of abusive practices
4. Act quickly: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, institutional memory fades

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency vs. Persistent Problems

For Floresville families: UT Austin is approximately 85 miles north—one of the closest major universities. Its public hazing violation log offers unique transparency.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Flagship university with ~52,000 students
• Greek life: 60+ chapters with significant campus influence
• Spirit organizations: Texas Cowboys, Texas Spirits, and others with hazing histories
• Transparency advantage: Public hazing violation log since 2018

UT’s Public Hazing Violations: What the Data Shows

Recent Examples from UT’s Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

• Conduct: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Sanction: Probation, hazing prevention education
• Pattern: PKA has national history of alcohol and physical hazing deaths

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (Multiple Entries)

• 2024 assault case: Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Lawsuit: Student suing for over $1 million; chapter already under suspension for prior violations
• National pattern: SAE has multiple hazing deaths nationally, eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 but problems persist

Texas Wranglers & Spirit Groups

• Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
• Significance: Hazing extends beyond Greek letters to tradition organizations

How UT Handles Hazing Cases

• Public reporting: hazing.utexas.edu lists organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions
• Investigation: Student Conduct and Academic Integrity office
• Law enforcement: UTPD for on-campus; Austin PD for off-campus
• Legal advantage: Public violation log provides ready evidence of patterns and institutional knowledge

Advice for Floresville UT Families

1. Check the violation log: See if your child’s organization has prior incidents
2. Report strategically: Use multiple channels (Student Conduct, UTPD, Title IX if applicable)
3. Preserve digital evidence: Group chats often show planning and coordination
4. Move quickly: UT’s processes can be slow; legal pressure often accelerates accountability

Southern Methodist University: Private Institution Challenges

For Floresville families: SMU in Dallas is approximately 275 miles north—a longer drive but within reach for many Texas families seeking private education.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Private university with ~12,000 students
• Reputation: Affluent student body, strong Greek life influence
• Greek participation: Approximately 35% of undergraduates
• Transparency challenge: Private institutions have fewer public reporting requirements

Documented Incidents & SMU’s Response

Kappa Alpha Order (2017)

• What happened: New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
• SMU response: Chapter suspended, restrictions on recruiting until 2021
• National context: KA has hazing incidents at multiple campuses

SMU’s Prevention Efforts

• Real Response system: Anonymous reporting app
• Greek life oversight: Office of Student Affairs monitoring
• Challenge: Balancing student privacy with accountability

Legal Considerations for Private Universities

• Fewer immunity protections: SMU doesn’t have sovereign immunity like public schools
• Contract law implications: Student handbooks create contractual obligations
• Discovery advantages: Private documents may be more accessible in litigation
• Our experience: We’ve successfully litigated against private institutions and their insurers

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Institutional Scandal History

For Floresville families: Baylor in Waco is approximately 145 miles north—within driving distance for weekend visits.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Private Christian university with ~20,000 students
• Recent history: Major sexual assault scandal (2015-2017) leading to leadership changes
• Greek life: 30+ chapters with significant influence
• Cultural tension: Religious mission sometimes conflicts with institutional accountability

Documented Hazing Incidents

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

• What happened: 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Response: Staggered suspensions over season, internal discipline
• Pattern significance: Athletic program hazing often receives different treatment than Greek hazing

Baylor’s Evolving Approach

• Post-scandal reforms: Enhanced Title IX office, conduct processes
• Ongoing challenges: Balancing religious identity with legal compliance
• Transparency improvements: Still less than public institutions

Considerations for Baylor Families

1. Religious context matters: May affect reporting decisions and institutional response
2. Title IX applies: Despite religious exemptions for some issues, hazing with sexual elements triggers federal requirements
3. Document carefully: Private institutions control narratives tightly
4. Legal options exist: Religious affiliation doesn’t eliminate negligence liability

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding the connection between local chapters at Texas universities and their national organizations’ histories is crucial for building strong cases. National patterns of hazing create “foreseeability”—the legal concept that organizations should have predicted and prevented harm based on prior knowledge.

Why National Histories Matter for Floresville Families

When your child is hazed by a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH, that incident doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters knows about:

• Andrew Coffey’s death at Florida State (2017) from Big/Little night drinking
• Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide for alcohol hazing
• The specific risks of “traditions” they’ve documented in incident reports

This prior knowledge creates legal responsibility. When nationals know certain rituals are dangerous but fail to meaningfully intervene, they can be liable for “negligent supervision.”

Organization Mapping: National Patterns at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

• Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• National history:
  • Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021) – $10 million settlement
  • David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012) – $14 million settlement
  • Multiple alcohol hazing deaths and injuries nationwide
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol nights, forced consumption rituals
• Legal significance: Nationals had clear notice of deadly patterns

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”)

• Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• National history:
  • Multiple hazing deaths leading to 2014 elimination of traditional pledge process
  • Traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama, 2023)
  • Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021)
  • Assault lawsuit (UT Austin, 2024)
• Pattern: Physical violence, dangerous substances, alcohol hazing
• Legal significance: Despite “reforms,” dangerous patterns persist

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Texas presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu – now closed), others statewide
• National history:
  • Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017)
  • Multiple chapter suspensions for hazing
• Current case: We’re actively litigating Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, alcohol coercion
• Legal significance: Active litigation demonstrates ongoing risk

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
• National history:
  • Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) – $6.1 million verdict
  • Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced consumption
• Legal significance: Well-documented ritual with predictable dangers

Other Organizations with Documented Patterns

• Kappa Alpha Order: Physical hazing, paddling incidents
• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): Danny Santulli catastrophic brain injury case
• Sigma Chi: $10+ million settlement (College of Charleston, 2024)
• NPHC organizations: Documented physical hazing patterns despite national prohibitions

The Legal Strategy: Connecting National Patterns to Local Harm

When we build a hazing case for Floresville families, we investigate:

1. National’s prior knowledge: What incidents did they know about before your child was hurt?
2. Policy vs. practice: Did they have anti-hazing policies but fail to enforce them?
3. Chapter monitoring: How closely did they supervise this specific chapter?
4. Prior incidents: Had this exact chapter been warned or sanctioned before?
5. Insurance coverage: What policies exist and how do exclusions apply?

This investigation often reveals that:

• Nationals receive regular incident reports but take minimal action
• “Risk management” training focuses on avoiding liability rather than preventing harm
• Chapters repeat identical rituals that have caused injuries elsewhere
• Insurance companies initially deny coverage based on “intentional act” exclusions

Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys (Mr. Peña) gives us unique insight into how these coverage fights unfold and how to secure compensation for families.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When hazing injures your child, building a strong case requires systematic investigation, strategic legal analysis, and compassionate client guidance. Here’s how we approach these cases for Floresville families.

Critical Evidence Categories in Modern Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (The 21st Century Paper Trail)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Fraternity/sorority apps: Organization-specific communication platforms
• Recovered data: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
• Pattern evidence: Planning discussions, coordination, boasting, cover-up attempts

2. Photos & Videos

• Event footage: Content filmed by participants during hazing
• Injury documentation: Photos of bruises, burns, swelling over time
• Location evidence: House interiors, specific rooms, outdoor areas
• Security cameras: Ring doorbells, building cameras, party footage
• Social media posts: “Fun” videos that actually show coercion or degradation

3. Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals: “Traditions” lists, requirements, rules
• Meeting minutes: Discussions of activities, plans, warnings
• National communications: Emails between chapter and headquarters
• Financial records: Purchases of alcohol, supplies, props
• Risk management materials: Training documents showing what nationals knew

4. University Records

• Prior conduct files: Previous violations by same organization
• Incident reports: Campus police, student conduct, residence life
• Clery reports: Required crime statistics that may include hazing-adjacent incidents
• Internal emails: Administrators discussing concerns or incidents
• Title IX files: If hazing had sexual elements

5. Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency care: ER reports, ambulance records, hospitalization notes
• Specialist treatment: Orthopedic, renal, psychological care
• Lab results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function (creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis)
• Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs showing injuries
• Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Future care plans: Lifelong treatment needs for catastrophic injuries

6. Witness Testimony

• Other participants: Pledges, members, alumni
• Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, friends
• University personnel: RAs, coaches, advisors, professors
• Experts: Medical, psychological, Greek life culture, digital forensics
• Former members: Those who quit or were expelled often provide crucial insider perspectives

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
• Lost earnings: Time off work for recovery
• Educational impact: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Future care costs: Lifelong support for permanent disabilities
• Other expenses: Counseling, tutoring, relocation costs

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Subjective Harm)

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and treatment
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and privacy invasion
• Loss of educational experience: What college was supposed to be

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families Who Lose a Child)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support: Future contributions the child would have made
• Loss of companionship and guidance: The unique relationship between parent and child
• Emotional suffering: Grief, trauma, lifelong impact on family
• Punitive damages: When conduct is particularly egregious

Important note: We describe damage categories generally. Specific case values depend on unique facts, evidence, jurisdiction, and many other factors.

Insurance Coverage Strategies in Hazing Litigation

Fraternity and university insurance fights are complex battles where experience matters. Common issues include:

1. Multiple policy layers: Chapter policies, national policies, university policies, individual homeowner’s policies
2. Exclusion arguments: Insurers claim hazing is “intentional” and therefore excluded
3. Duty to defend vs. indemnify: Whether insurer must provide attorneys vs. pay judgments
4. Bad faith claims: When insurers improperly deny coverage

Our insider knowledge from Mr. Peña’s years as an insurance defense attorney means we:

• Understand how insurers value claims and set reserves
• Anticipate coverage arguments and counter them effectively
• Know when to pursue bad faith claims for improper denials
• Identify all potential coverage sources across multiple policies

Practical Guides & FAQs for Floresville Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, injuries; extreme exhaustion; weight changes; sleep deprivation patterns
• Behavioral changes: Sudden secrecy about activities; withdrawal from family/friends; personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability); defensive about organization
• Academic red flags: Grades dropping; missing classes; skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Digital behavior: Constant phone monitoring; anxiety about messages; deleting conversations; location-sharing demands
• Financial patterns: Unexpained expenses; requests for money; buying excessive alcohol or items

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

1. Start open-ended: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. Ask about respect: “Are they respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. Inquire specifically: “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. Create safety: “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. Offer unconditional support: “You can always come home. Your safety matters more than any organization.”

If You Suspect Hazing

1. Prioritize safety: If in immediate danger, call 911
2. Document everything: Write down what your child says with dates/times; screenshot messages; photograph injuries
3. Seek medical care: Even if injuries seem minor, get professional evaluation
4. Preserve evidence: Don’t let your child delete messages or “clean up”
5. Consult an attorney early: Before reporting or confronting the organization

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

Self-Assessment Questions

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

Your Legal Rights in Texas

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in an emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
• Consent is not a defense to hazing charges
• You can file a civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges are filed
• You can request no-contact orders if you’re harassed after reporting
• Statute of limitations: Generally 2 years from injury, but exceptions exist

How to Exit Safely

1. If in immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
2. To quit/de-pledge: Tell someone outside the group first; send formal resignation (email/text); avoid “one last meeting”
3. Document retaliation: Save threats, harassment evidence
4. Report concerns: Dean of Students, campus police, national organization

For Witnesses/Former Members: Navigating Guilt and Responsibility

If you participated in or witnessed hazing and now regret it:

1. Your feelings are valid: Guilt means you recognize harm was done
2. You can make things right: Testimony and evidence can prevent future harm
3. Legal protection exists: Witness cooperation agreements can protect you
4. Get your own attorney: Before speaking to investigators or prosecutors
5. Consider the bigger picture: Accountability helps change toxic cultures

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Deleting Evidence or “Cleaning Up”

• What happens: Messages get deleted, photos disappear, physical evidence is discarded
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible to prove
• Better approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Screenshot, photograph, save.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• What happens: Fraternity/sorority immediately lawyers up, destroys evidence, coaches witnesses
• Why it’s wrong: Gives them time to build defenses and control narrative
• Better approach: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What happens: Universities pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
• Better approach: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media Before Legal Advice

• What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Why it’s wrong: Can waive attorney-client privilege; creates discoverable evidence
• Better approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”

• What happens: Organization pressures, intimidates, or extracts damaging statements
• Why it’s wrong: They’re building their defense case against you
• Better approach: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”

• What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
• Why it’s wrong: University process ≠ real accountability; internal investigations protect institution
• Better approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; run parallel processes

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Counsel

• What happens: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball offers
• Why it’s wrong: Adjusters work for insurance companies, not for you
• Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Floresville Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”

Answer: Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”

Answer: It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as 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 charges for failing to report hazing.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”

Answer: Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”

Answer: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”

Answer: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”

Answer: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much will this cost? We’re not wealthy.”

Answer: We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs, no hourly fees. We invest in your case because we believe in it. This model makes justice accessible to all families, not just the wealthy.

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911: Why We’re Different

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 Floresville and all of Wilson County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Mr. 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”
• Set reserves and negotiate settlements

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when navigating complex insurance coverage disputes.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

• BP Texas City explosion litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal court experience: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Not intimidated: We’ve faced the deepest pockets and most experienced defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

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

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• Knows when to cooperate with prosecutors and when to defend

Investigative Depth and Expert Network

• Digital forensics: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence
• Medical experts: Specialists in rhabdomyolysis, TBI, kidney injury, PTSD
• Greek life experts: Understanding organizational culture and patterns
• Economists: Valuing lifetime costs of catastrophic injuries
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Why Choose Us for Your Floresville Family’s Case

We Understand Texas Universities Specifically

• Current active litigation against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi
• Knowledge of specific campus policies, procedures, and personalities
• Experience with Texas sovereign immunity issues
• Understanding of both public (UH, Texas A&M, UT) and private (SMU, Baylor) systems

We Get How Fraternities and Sororities Really Operate

• Not just legal knowledge—cultural understanding
• Know the difference between “official policy” and actual practice
• Understand national-local chapter dynamics
• Experience obtaining national organization records through discovery

We’re Committed to More Than Just Money

• Accountability matters: We want to force institutional change
• Prevention focus: Every case should make campuses safer
• Victim-centered: Your child’s wellbeing comes before any settlement
• Transparency: We explain everything, answer all questions, involve you in decisions

We’re Accessible to Floresville Families

• 24/7 availability: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime
• Spanish services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Virtual consultations: Don’t need to drive to Houston immediately
• Regular updates: We communicate consistently throughout your case

Our Process: What to Expect When You Call

1. Initial Consultation (Free & Confidential)

   • We listen to your story without judgment
   • Review any evidence you’ve preserved
   • Explain your legal options clearly
   • Answer all your questions
   • No pressure to hire us—take time to decide

2. Investigation Phase

   • Preserve disappearing evidence immediately
   • Identify all potential defendants
   • Begin gathering records and witness statements
   • Consult with medical and other experts
   • Develop case strategy

3. Demand & Negotiation

   • Present comprehensive demand to responsible parties
   • Negotiate with insurers and defense counsel
   • Explore mediation or settlement options
   • Keep you informed and involved in decisions

4. Litigation (If Necessary)

   • File lawsuit if fair settlement isn’t reached
   • Conduct discovery: depositions, document requests, expert reports
   • Prepare for trial while exploring settlement
   • Go to trial if that’s what justice requires

5. Resolution & Moving Forward

   • Secure compensation for your family
   • Ensure confidentiality if desired
   • Help access medical and psychological care
   • Support your family’s healing process

Call to Action: Floresville Families, You’re Not Alone

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s Texas A&M-San Antonio just up Highway 181, UT Austin, Texas A&M College Station, University of Houston, or any other school—we want to hear from you.

Families in Floresville, Wilson County, and throughout South Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What you can expect when you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

• We’ll listen to your story without judgment or interruption
• We’ll review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
• We’ll explain your legal options clearly: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
• We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
• We’ll answer all your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
• No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide what’s right for your family
• Everything you tell us is confidential and protected

Contact Information

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Spanish Services Available / Hablamos Español
Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Important Reminder

Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. What we can promise is that an experienced attorney will review your specific facts, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your options.

Whether you’re in Floresville, Wilson County, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

The organizations responsible for harming your child have insurance companies, defense lawyers, and public relations teams. You deserve to have the same level of representation fighting for you.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s start getting answers together.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• 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: https://attorney911.com