The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Forney Families Seeking Justice

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: When Campus “Tradition” Turns to Trauma

Imagine your child, a college student from Forney, is at an off-campus fraternity house near their university. It’s “initiation night,” and what started as excitement about joining a community has spiraled into something dark. They’re being pressured to drink far beyond safe limits, enduring physical abuse disguised as “conditioning,” or performing degrading acts while others film on their phones. Someone gets hurt—a fall, vomiting, collapse—but nobody calls 911 because they’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down.” Your child feels trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety.

This isn’t hypothetical. Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his Pi Kappa Phi pledge period. The allegations are graphic: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; extreme workouts leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure that hospitalized him for four days. His urine was brown. This happened at the UH Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park—all in Houston. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm to Leonel is ongoing.

If you’re a parent in Forney, Texas, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at universities where Forney families send their kids, and what legal options you have when the unthinkable happens. Even if your child attends school hours away from Forney in Kaufman County, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help. We serve families throughout Texas, including Forney and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area.

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

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

For Forney families unfamiliar with modern Greek life and campus organizations, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys.” Today’s hazing is often systematic, digitally coordinated, and psychologically sophisticated.

A Clear, Modern Definition

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, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law recognizes that consent given under duress isn’t valid consent.

The Five Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking during “lineups,” “family tree” games, or Big/Little nights
Chugging challenges with hard liquor handles
Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
Example from our UH case: Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint

2. Physical Hazing

Paddling, beatings, or “smokings” (extreme calisthenics)
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting substances
Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments
Example from our UH case: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, and lying in vomit-soaked grass

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
Example from our UH case: The “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items

4. Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Manipulation, forced confessions, public shaming
Creating fear through threats of expulsion or social exclusion

5. Digital/Online Hazing

Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
24/7 monitoring through location-sharing apps
Critical for Forney families: Screenshots of these digital interactions are often the most powerful evidence

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities. Forney students may face hazing in:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets/ROTC/military-style groups (particularly relevant for Texas A&M families)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Marching bands and performance groups
Spirit squads and tradition clubs
Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common threads across all groups: social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

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

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Forney residents—hazing is treated seriously with both criminal penalties and civil liability. Understanding this framework is crucial for making informed decisions.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Anti-Hazing Statute

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code. Hazing is broadly defined as intentional, knowing, or reckless acts, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation that:

Endanger the physical health or safety (e.g., beating, forced exercise, forced consumption)
OR substantially affect the mental health or safety (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation)

Key provisions for Forney families:

§37.151: Broad definition covering both physical and mental harm
§37.152: Criminal penalties ranging from Class B misdemeanor to state jail felony for serious injury or death
§37.155: Consent is NOT a defense – even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
§37.154: Immunity for good-faith reporting of hazing emergencies
§37.153: Organizational liability with fines up to $10,000 per violation

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the Max Gruver case at LSU, fraternity members faced negligent homicide charges

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Critical point: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case

Both types can proceed simultaneously, and many families pursue civil cases even when criminal charges aren’t filed or result in acquittal.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Maintains public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)
Impact for Forney families: More transparency about what’s happening at your child’s school

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Forney application: If hazing includes sexual elements, Title IX provides additional protections and reporting requirements

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if a legal entity)
Officers or “pledge educators” acting in official capacity

3. National Fraternity/Sorority:

Headquarters 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 sued under negligence or civil-rights theories
Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
For public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT): Sovereign immunity applies but has exceptions

5. Third Parties:

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

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

National Hazing Case Patterns: Precedents That Protect Forney Families

These national cases set precedents that Forney families can rely on in Texas courts. They show patterns that repeat across campuses and organizations.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

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

20-year-old forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Forney takeaway: Formulaic drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game – wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
$6.1 million verdict against individual fraternity members
Forney takeaway: Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life statewide
Forney takeaway: The same Pi Kappa Phi national involved in our UH case

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted down with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
Fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Forney takeaway: Off-campus retreats can be as dangerous as parties

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Forney takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Forney Families

Common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Your family doesn’t need to wait for tragedy—understanding these patterns helps you recognize danger early.

Texas University Focus: Where Forney Families Send Their Kids

Forney families commonly send children to universities throughout Texas, particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and to major state schools. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at key Texas universities.

University of Houston: Our Current Battlefield

Forney Connection: Many Forney students attend UH, located about 4 hours away but a common choice for Texas families seeking urban education opportunities.

Campus & Greek Life Snapshot:

Large urban campus with active Greek life
17 IFC fraternities, 6 Panhellenic sororities, plus NPHC and multicultural groups
Greek housing both on and off campus

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:

UH prohibits hazing on or off campus
Reporting through Dean of Students, Student Conduct, UHPD
Recent transparency: UH called Pi Kappa Phi conduct “deeply disturbing” and cooperated with investigation

Documented Incidents & Responses:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during multi-day event; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
2025 Pi Kappa Phi case (our case): Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure; chapter suspended Nov. 6, charter surrendered Nov. 14
Pattern: UH has suspended multiple chapters for hazing violations

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (where Houston is located)
Involved agencies: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
Potential defendants: Individuals, chapter, Pi Kappa Phi national, UH, property owners
For Forney families: Cases may be filed in Houston but can be managed remotely with local counsel

What UH Students & Forney Parents Should Do:

Report to UH Dean of Students: (713) 743-5478
Document prior complaints through Public Records Act requests
Contact an attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases – we know Houston courts and procedures

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Forney Connection: Located about 3.5 hours from Forney, a top choice for many Texas families, particularly for engineering and agriculture.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

Strong Greek life with 19 IFC fraternities, 14 Panhellenic sororities
Corps of Cadets with 2,500+ members and military-style traditions
History of hazing incidents in both Greek and Corps contexts

Documented Incidents & Responses:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; fraternity suspended; $1 million lawsuit
Corps of Cadets lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” pose; sought over $1 million
Kappa Sigma ongoing litigation (2023): Allegations of hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis

Texas A&M’s Approach:

Student Conduct office handles Greek life violations
Corps has separate disciplinary system
Transparency concern: Less public reporting than UT Austin

What Texas A&M Families Should Know:

Both Greek life and Corps traditions carry hazing risks
Civil cases may focus on negligent supervision by university and nationals
For Forney families: Cases may be filed in Brazos County but can involve defendants nationwide

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Tradition

Forney Connection: About 3 hours from Forney, UT Austin attracts Forney students seeking flagship university experience.

Campus & Transparency Snapshot:

60+ fraternity/sorority chapters
Public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) – lists organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions
Relatively high transparency compared to other Texas schools

Documented Violations (from public log):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Ongoing lawsuit over assault of Australian exchange student

UT’s System:

University Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council self-govern

Student Conduct and Title IX office handle violations

Strength: Public log provides evidence for pattern arguments

What UT Families Should Do:

Check hazing.utexas.edu for organization’s history
Report to UT Dean of Students: (512) 471-2841
Use public violation records in civil claims to show prior notice

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

Forney Connection: Located in Dallas, just 45 minutes from Forney, making it a common choice for local families.

Campus Snapshot:

Private, affluent campus with strong Greek presence
6 IFC fraternities, 8 Panhellenic sororities
Less public transparency than state schools

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until 2021
SMU uses Real Response anonymous reporting system
Challenge: Private university status affects public records access

What SMU Families Should Know:

Civil discovery can compel internal records even when not publicly posted
Dallas jurisdiction: Cases filed in Dallas County courts
For Forney families: Proximity makes in-person meetings and court appearances more convenient

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Scrutiny

Forney Connection: About 2 hours from Forney, popular for students seeking faith-based education.

Campus Context:

Religious identity with history of Title IX scrutiny
5 IFC fraternities, 9 Panhellenic sororities
2020 Baseball Hazing: 14 players suspended following investigation

Baylor’s Environment:

“Zero tolerance” policies but recurring misconduct issues
Religious branding may affect institutional response
Forney consideration: Faith communities may pressure families to handle matters internally

What Baylor Families Should Do:

Document all communications with university
Recognize that religious affiliation doesn’t eliminate legal liability
Seek counsel experienced in institutional cover-up patterns

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter for Forney Families

The fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses aren’t independent—they’re chapters of national organizations with decades of hazing history. This national history matters legally because it shows foreseeability: these organizations knew or should have known the risks.

Why National Histories Matter in Court

When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down in Ohio or Louisiana, that shows:

Pattern of conduct across the organization
Prior notice to national headquarters
Failure to implement effective prevention
Gross negligence in supervision

This can support punitive damages and overcome “rogue chapter” defenses.

Organization Mapping: National Patterns at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – “Pike”

National history: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), multiple other alcohol deaths
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights with forced consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – “SAE”

National history: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated pledge program in 2014 due to pattern
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
Texas incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M; assault lawsuit at UT Austin

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National history: Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017)
Texas presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu – now closed), Texas A&M
Our case: Leonel Bermudez at UH shows same national patterns repeating

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National history: Max Gruver death (LSU, $6.1M verdict)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

National history: Multiple paddling and alcohol incidents
Texas presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, SMU
Texas incident: SMU chapter suspended 2017-2021 for paddling and forced drinking

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Tracking Organizational Liability

Our firm maintains a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations—1,423 entities across 25 metros—to quickly identify all potentially liable parties. For Forney families, this means we don’t start from scratch when investigating your case.

Sample from our Texas Public Records Directory:

Forney-Area Greek Organizations (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Lambda Lambda Chapter, EIN 521278573, Dallas, TX 75241 (IRS B83 filing)
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter, Dallas, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter, Denton, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)

Major University House Corporations:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (UH chapter house corp)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing)
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, EIN 746047117, Austin, TX 78705 (UT chapter house corp)

Why this directory matters for your case:

Identifies legal entities behind the Greek letters
Reveals insurance coverage sources
Shows organizational relationships between locals and nationals
Provides EINs and addresses for immediate legal action

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Forney Families

When hazing occurs, building a strong case requires immediate action, strategic thinking, and understanding what damages are recoverable.

Evidence: The Digital Crime Scene

1. Digital Communications (Most Critical)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments
Recovery: Digital forensics can retrieve deleted messages
Forney tip: Have your child back up phone to cloud BEFORE deleting anything

2. Photos & Videos

Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses
Our UH case example: No public video yet, but digital evidence was critical

3. Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists
Emails/texts from officers about pledge activities
National policies and training materials

4. University Records

Prior conduct files obtained through public records requests
Incident reports to campus police
Clery reports and annual security reports

5. Medical & Psychological Records

ER/hospitalization records (critical for injury documentation)
Toxicology reports showing alcohol/drug levels
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety

6. Witness Testimony

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages:

Medical bills: ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
Future care: Therapy, medications, life care plans for catastrophic injuries
Lost earnings: Missed semesters, delayed graduation, reduced earning capacity
Educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can no longer participate in activities

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship, love, and support
Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (when available):

Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Deter future hazing
Texas caps: Generally limited except in certain intentional tort cases

Insurance Coverage Battles

Fraternities, sororities, and universities have insurance policies that often become battlegrounds:

Common Insurance Defenses:

“Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
“This was criminal conduct, excluded from policy”
“Individual members aren’t insured parties”

How We Overcome These Defenses:

Argue negligent supervision by nationals/universities is covered
Identify multiple policies (chapter, national, university, umbrella)
Pursue bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage
Our advantage: Lupe Peña’s former insurance defense experience means we know their playbook

Practical Guides & FAQs for Forney Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response

Warning Signs Your Forney Student May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses

How to Talk to Your Child:

Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t criticize their choices
Emphasize safety: “Your health is more important than any group”
Document: Write down what they tell you with dates

If Your Child Is Hurt:

Medical care first: Even if they resist, insist on evaluation
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Do NOT confront the organization directly
Contact an attorney before talking to university or insurance

For Students: Is This Hazing? What to Do

Self-Assessment Questions:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Am I being told to keep secrets from parents or university?
Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 – you won’t get in trouble for seeking help in an emergency
Texas law provides good-faith reporter immunity
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)

Safe Exit Strategies:

Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” – that’s when pressure and retaliation happen
If threatened, report to campus police and seek protective order

For Witnesses/Former Members: Coming Forward

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

Your Legal Position:

You may have criminal exposure but also valuable testimony
Cooperation can lead to immunity or reduced charges
Your evidence can prevent future harm

How to Cooperate Safely:

Get your own attorney (we can refer you to criminal defense counsel)
Document everything you remember
Don’t talk to organization leadership about your decision
Understand that coming forward is morally right and legally strategic

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

Mistake: Letting your child “clean up” embarrassing messages
Reality: Looks like cover-up; obstruction of justice; makes case impossible
Solution: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Organization

Mistake: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Solution: Document quietly, then call an attorney

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Mistake: Trusting university to handle it fairly
Reality: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often minimal
Solution: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

Mistake: “I want people to know what happened”
Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Solution: Document privately; let your lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting “to See How University Handles It”

Mistake: Trusting internal process
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Solution: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

FAQ: Answers for Forney Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have 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.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
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?”
Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical – call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”
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.

Why Attorney911 for Forney Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

One of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
Collaboration with economists for accurate damage calculations
“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

Investigative Depth:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Current Hazing Litigation: The UH Pi Kappa Phi Case

Right now, we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases:

Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi:

Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization
Hazing acts: Forced consumption until vomiting, hose spray “like waterboarding,” extreme workouts
Defendants: UH, UH Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, 13 individual members
Status: Filed late 2025; chapter closed Nov. 14, 2025
Media coverage: Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline

This isn’t theoretical for us—we’re in the fight right now against a major university and national fraternity.

Call to Action: Forney Families, You Have Rights

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in Forney, Kaufman County, and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911:

We listen without judgment to your story
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us – take time to decide
Everything is confidential

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Spanish Services Available:
Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Additional Resources for Forney Families

Educational Videos:

National Resources (not affiliated with us):
(Note: While we provide these for information, families seeking legal accountability should contact an experienced hazing attorney.)

National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous reporting)
StopHazing.org: Research and prevention resources

Whether you’re in Forney or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions may be powerful, but the law is on your side. Call us today.

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