The Definitive Guide to Hazing Law & Fraternity Accountability for Forsan, Texas Families

A Forsan Parent’s Worst Nightmare: Understanding Hazing in 2025

Your child left Forsan for college full of excitement, ready to join the community and traditions of Texas university life. Then the calls change. They’re exhausted, secretive, and you notice unexplained bruises. They mention “mandatory” late-night sessions and seem afraid to say no to older members. When you finally piece it together—your child has been subjected to violent, degrading hazing—you feel helpless, angry, and unsure where to turn.

Right now, just hours from Forsan in Houston, we’re fighting exactly this battle. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. What began as joining a fraternity ended with him hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through extreme workouts, humiliating rituals, and coerced consumption that caused him to pass brown urine. This $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and 13 fraternity leaders shows what Texas families are up against—and why experienced legal help matters immediately.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Forsan, Howard County, and across West Texas who need to understand the reality of modern hazing, Texas law, and your legal options. Whether your child attends Howard College right here in Big Spring, commutes to Texas Tech in Lubbock, or studies at any Texas campus, the patterns we see in Houston echo statewide.

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)
0- 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 for Forsan Families

For families in Forsan and across West Texas, understanding hazing means looking beyond stereotypes of “boys will be boys” or “harmless traditions.” What we see in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s involves systematic abuse that endangers lives.

A Modern, Texas-Relevant Definition of Hazing

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. Under Texas law—which governs cases affecting Forsan families—”consent” isn’t a defense when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

Main Categories of Hazing We See in Texas Cases

Alcohol and Substance Hazing:
This remains the most common fatal hazing pattern. Like in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case where pledges were forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint, alcohol and substance hazing involves:

Forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances

Physical Hazing:
The Bermudez case included extreme physical abuse that caused rhabdomyolysis:

Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning
Sleep deprivation, food/water deprivation
Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments (like being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding”)

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes
Acts with racial or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-play
The “pledge fanny pack” requirement at UH containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items

Psychological Hazing:

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation
Manipulation or forced confessions
Public shaming on social media or in meetings
Constant monitoring and control through group chats

Digital/Online Hazing:

Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
24/7 availability demands with punishment for delayed responses

Where Hazing Actually Happens: Beyond Fraternity Stereotypes

Forsan families should understand that hazing occurs across multiple organization types:

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

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Forsan Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that protect students from Forsan to Houston. Hazing is broadly defined as intentional, knowing, or reckless acts, on or off campus, directed at a student for initiation/affiliation purposes that:

Endanger physical health or safety (beating, forced exercise, forced consumption)
Substantially affect mental health or safety (extreme humiliation, intimidation)

Key provisions Forsan parents should understand:

Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death—exactly what happened in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case with Bermudez’s kidney failure.
Reporter Protections: Texas provides limited immunity for those who report hazing or call for help in good faith, even if they were involved.
Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face university bans.
Consent Is Not a Defense: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that victim “consent” doesn’t make hazing legal—critical when organizations claim “they agreed to it.”

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were promised by the university

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Critical: A criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue a civil case

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently and strengthen prevention—phased in by 2026.

Title IX/Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Clery requires reporting certain crimes that often overlap with hazing incidents.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

In cases affecting Forsan families, multiple parties may face liability:

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority itself if it’s a legal entity
National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters—like Pi Kappa Phi national in the Bermudez case
University or Governing Board: Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories
Third Parties: Landlords/owners of houses, bars/alcohol providers under dram shop theories

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking, severe falls captured on chapter cameras, hours delayed before medical help. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Result: Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during pledge night; died from alcohol poisoning. Result: $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat; fatal head injuries; help delayed. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements.

What These Cases Mean for Forsan Families

These national cases establish patterns that repeat in Texas: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and cover-ups. Multi-million-dollar settlements and new laws follow tragedy and litigation. Forsan families facing hazing at Texas schools aren’t alone—they’re operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons.

Texas University Focus: Where Forsan Students Attend

Forsan families typically send students to a mix of local institutions and major Texas universities. Understanding the hazing landscape at each is crucial.

Howard College & Local West Texas Options

For Forsan families considering nearby education:

Howard College (Big Spring):
As a community college with fewer residential Greek organizations, hazing risks differ from major universities but still exist in clubs, teams, and unofficial groups.

Midland College:
Similar community college profile with organization-based risks.

What Forsan parents should know:
Even without traditional fraternity systems, hazing can occur in athletic teams, performance groups, and clubs. Texas hazing law applies equally regardless of institution size.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock)

Distance from Forsan: Approximately 110 miles—a common destination for Forsan students.

Greek Life Snapshot:
Major Greek community with active Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, and NPHC chapters. Texas Tech’s size and traditional campus life create both community benefits and hazing risks.

TTU Hazing Policy & Reporting:

Prohibits hazing on and off campus
Reporting through Dean of Students, Student Conduct, campus police
Good-faith reporter protections emphasized

Relevant for Forsan Families:
Texas Tech students from Forsan may join organizations with national hazing histories. The distance means parents might not see warning signs until visits home or emergency calls.

University of Texas at Austin

Distance from Forsan: Approximately 300 miles—a reach but possible for Forsan’s academically competitive students.

UT’s Transparent Approach:
UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—more transparent than many schools.

Example Incidents from UT’s Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter probation and required hazing-prevention education
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple other groups with violations for punishment-based practices

For Forsan Families with UT Students:
UT’s transparency is valuable—you can check if your child’s organization has prior violations. However, repeated violations show ongoing issues despite policies.

Texas A&M University

Distance from Forsan: Approximately 350 miles—another major destination for Forsan students.

Unique Culture Considerations:
The Corps of Cadets represents both tradition and significant hazing risk. Texas A&M’s combination of strong Greek life and Corps creates multiple potential hazing environments.

Documented Texas A&M Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; fraternity suspended; lawsuit filed
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position; sought over $1 million

For Forsan Families:
Texas A&M’s dual Greek/Corps environment means understanding both systems. The university handles hazing via Student Conduct and Corps regulations—each with different processes.

Other Texas Universities Forsan Students Attend

West Texas A&M University (Canyon):
Closer option with Greek life; hazing policies similar to larger schools.

University of Texas Permian Basin (Odessa):
Commuter-focused but with student organizations where hazing could occur.

Angelo State University (San Angelo):
Growing Greek community with associated risks.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations

For Forsan families, understanding that hazing isn’t random but follows predictable patterns is crucial. We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—thousands of data points on Greek organizations across Texas that help us build cases and identify liable parties.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations: The IRS Backbone

IRS B83 records show 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations—house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies—each with EINs, legal names, and mailing addresses. This isn’t speculation; this is public record data that helps us identify every entity behind a chapter.

Examples from Texas Public Records:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 133048786) | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc (EIN: 161675890) | 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515) | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN: 746084905) | 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 741380362) | PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147

Why This Matters for Forsan Families:
When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability: the undergraduate chapter, the housing corporation that owns the property, the alumni association that funds it, and the national headquarters. Our data helps identify all potentially responsible parties.

Campus-Specific Greek Rosters at Major Texas Schools

University of Houston (where the Bermudez case occurred):

Interfraternity Council Fraternities: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, and others
Panhellenic Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha
NPHC (Divine Nine): All nine historically Black organizations present

Texas A&M University:

Interfraternity Council: Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
Panhellenic: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi

University of Texas at Austin:

Interfraternity Council: Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu
Panhellenic: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma

National Hazing Histories: Patterns That Repeat

Why National Histories Matter for Forsan Families:
When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries in other states, that shows foreseeability—the national organization should have known this could happen and taken preventive action.

Major National Organizations with Hazing Histories:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): $14M settlement
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide
Texas A&M chemical burns case (~2021)
UT Austin assault case (2024)
Pattern: Physical abuse combined with substances

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Louisiana felony hazing law
Pattern: Drinking games as “education”

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Pledge death during “Big Brother Night”
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): $10M lawsuit we’re litigating
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with forced consumption

Sigma Chi:

College of Charleston (2024): $10M+ settlement for physical beatings and forced drug/alcohol consumption
Pattern: Physical violence and substance coercion

The Midland-Odessa Metro Connection: Greek Organizations Near Forsan

Although Forsan itself is a small community, it’s part of the Midland-Odessa metropolitan statistical area. Our Cause IQ data shows Greek organizations operating in this region:

Midland-Odessa Metro Area: Multiple Delta Kappa Gamma Society chapters (educators’ sorority)
Professional and Honor Societies: Various academic and professional Greek organizations serving the Permian Basin region
Alumni Chapters: Graduates of Texas universities maintaining Greek affiliations in West Texas

For Forsan Families:
Your child might join organizations with local alumni support. These connections can be positive for networking but may also create pressure to maintain “traditions” that include hazing.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & What Forsan Families Can Expect

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important Category):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
Recovery capability: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
Example from UH case: The “pledge fanny pack” rules and hazing instructions were communicated through group chats

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed by members during events
Footage shared in group chats or posted socially
Security/doorbell camera footage at houses and venues
Preservation tip: Screenshot immediately—Snapchats disappear, stories expire

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists
Emails/texts from officers about pledge activities
National policies and training materials (often obtained through discovery)

University Records:

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and similar disclosures
Forsan-specific: These records help show patterns universities should have addressed

Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency room and hospitalization records (like Bermudez’s 4-day stay)
Surgery and rehabilitation notes
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol, drug panels)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs
Former members who quit or were expelled
Bystanders, venue staff, emergency responders

Categories of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical bills: ER, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing treatment
Future care costs: Physical therapy, medications, long-term care for permanent injuries
Lost earnings/educational impact: Missed semesters, delayed workforce entry, reduced earning capacity
Example: Bermudez faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage requiring lifelong monitoring

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma and privacy invasion

Wrongful Death Damages (for Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to parents and siblings
Loss of guidance for younger siblings

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts, callous indifference
Texas consideration: Statutory caps exist but may not apply to intentional conduct

How Hazing Cases Typically Progress

Phase 1: Immediate Crisis & Evidence Preservation (0–48 Hours)

Medical attention, evidence collection, initial reporting
Attorney engagement to preserve rights and evidence

Phase 2: Investigation & Demand (Weeks 1–12)

Comprehensive evidence gathering
Identifying all potentially liable parties
Medical treatment and documentation
Pre-litigation demand package to insurance carriers

Phase 3: Litigation If Necessary (Months 3–24+)

Filing lawsuit if fair settlement isn’t offered
Discovery process: depositions, document requests, expert consultations
Mediation attempts throughout
Trial preparation if case doesn’t settle

Phase 4: Resolution

Most cases settle confidentially before trial
Settlement funds used for: medical bills, ongoing care, educational continuity, sometimes establishing foundations in victim’s name
Accountability beyond money: Policy changes, chapter closures, public awareness

Practical Guides & FAQs for Forsan Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Forsan Student May Be Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially if excuses don’t add up)
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at odd hours)
Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or exercise

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-group activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting people down”

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events

Digital/Social Behavior:

Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”

If You Suspect Hazing: Immediate Actions for Forsan Parents

Prioritize safety: If in danger, call 911 or campus police
Document everything: Write down dates, times, what your child said
Preserve evidence: Screenshot texts/chats, photograph injuries
Get medical attention: Even if they insist they’re “fine”
Consult an attorney early: Before talking to university or insurance

For Students: Is This Hazing? How to Respond

Self-Assessment Questions:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
You won’t get in trouble for calling for help in a medical emergency (Texas has good-faith reporter protections)

How to Exit Safely:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
Send email/text to chapter president: “I am resigning effective immediately”
Do not go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
Voice memos/recordings: Texas is a one-party consent state for recordings you’re part of
Photos/videos: Injuries, locations, objects used
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
Witness information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence
What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
Instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”
What organizations say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract damaging statements
Instead: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

6. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”
What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer
What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
Instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Forsan Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (Texas Tech, UT, Texas A&M) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities have fewer 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—like the kidney failure in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.

“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 hazing lawsuit?”
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 with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears fast.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“Will this be confidential, or 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.

“What does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover money for you. This makes legal representation accessible to Forsan families regardless of financial situation.

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911: Why We’re Different for Forsan Hazing Cases

When your Forsan 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 Forsan, Howard County, and across West Texas.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (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, 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):
Ralph is one of the few Texas lawyers involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations and winning. He has federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and isn’t intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. “We’ve faced the biggest defendants Texas has. We know how to fight powerful institutions.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration. We know how to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and catastrophic harm. “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure and navigate the intersection of criminal and civil proceedings.

Investigative Depth Unmatched in Texas:

Digital forensics: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence
Expert network: Medical specialists, psychologists, economists, Greek life culture experts
Public records mastery: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with thousands of data points
Institutional investigation: Obtaining hidden university and national fraternity files
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services Available:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families throughout Texas, including Forsan’s diverse community.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We know hazing cases are among the hardest things a family can face. Your child trusted an organization that betrayed them. The university may be more concerned with reputation than accountability. You’re dealing with medical crises, emotional trauma, and financial stress simultaneously.

Our approach balances:

Complete empathy for what you’re experiencing
Thorough investigation to uncover the full truth
Strategic aggression in holding all responsible parties accountable
Privacy protection for your family throughout the process
Prevention focus so other families don’t suffer similarly

This isn’t about quick settlements or publicity. It’s about getting you answers, securing the resources for recovery, and creating consequences that might prevent future harm.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation for Forsan Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—from Howard College to Texas Tech to UT Austin—we want to hear from you. Families in Forsan, Big Spring, Howard County, and across West Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
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 your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide with your family
Everything you tell us is confidential

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

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

Whether you’re in Forsan, Big Spring, or anywhere across West Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The patterns we see in Houston with the UH Pi Kappa Phi case repeat across Texas campuses. We have the experience, resources, and determination to help your family find justice and prevent others from suffering similarly.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Immediate help is why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

Full website: https://attorney911.com
Contact page: https://attorney911.com/contact/
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Attorney Profiles:

Ralph Manginello: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Educational YouTube Videos:

Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Statute of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

UH Pi Kappa Phi Case News Coverage:

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