The Definitive Guide to Hazing, Fraternity & Sorority Lawsuits for Groesbeck Parents & Families

If Your Child Was Hurt by a Fraternity, Sorority, or Campus Group: What Every Groesbeck Family Needs to Know

Imagine this: Your child, a promising freshman at a Texas university, joins a fraternity or sorority hoping for friendship and community. Then things change. They start receiving group chat messages at 3 AM demanding immediate responses. They come home exhausted, with unexplained bruises, telling you they’re “just tired from workouts.” They seem anxious, withdrawn, and defensive when you ask about their new friends. You notice charges on their bank statement for large quantities of alcohol or strange purchases. Then comes the call no parent wants: your child is in the emergency room with alcohol poisoning, or has been hospitalized with severe muscle breakdown called rhabdomyolysis, or worse. You’re facing a university administration that seems more concerned with protecting its reputation than your child, and a fraternity organization with deep-pocketed insurance and experienced lawyers.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario for Texas families—it’s happening right now. In November 2025, The Manginello Law Firm filed a $10 million hazing lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the lawsuit and extensive media coverage, Bermudez was forced through extreme physical abuse including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, subjected to simulated waterboarding with a hose, forced to consume milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and required to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack” 24/7. He was hospitalized for four days with brown urine indicating severe muscle breakdown.

For families right here in Groesbeck, in Limestone County, this case represents more than just a Houston tragedy—it’s proof that hazing can and does happen to Texas students, including those from our community who attend universities across the state. Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, understanding hazing laws, institutional accountability, and your legal options is critical.

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

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Groesbeck, Limestone County, and throughout Central Texas who need to understand what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, what we’ve learned from national cases, and what legal options exist when universities and fraternities fail to protect students. We’ll cover what’s happening at major Texas universities, how national fraternity histories create predictable patterns of abuse, and why experienced legal representation matters when facing powerful institutional defendants.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

Many Groesbeck parents remember hazing from their college days as “harmless pranks” or “tradition.” Today’s hazing is different—more extreme, more secretive, and more digitally-enabled. Understanding these modern realities is the first step in recognizing when your child might be in danger.

The Modern Definition: Coercion Disguised as Community

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of joining, maintaining membership in, or holding office in any organization whose members include students. This broad Texas legal definition covers everything from subtle psychological pressure to violent physical abuse, whether on-campus or off-campus.

What Groesbeck families should understand: The key element isn’t whether your child “agreed” to participate—it’s whether there was coercion, power imbalance, or peer pressure that made true consent impossible. When an 18-year-old freshman faces social exclusion, threats of expulsion from the group, or public humiliation for refusing, their “yes” isn’t legally meaningful consent.

The Four Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form of hazing. It’s not just “college drinking”—it’s calculated coercion:

• Forced consumption games: “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking, “family tree” drinking rituals, keg stands as initiation requirements
• Quantity coercion: Being told to finish an entire bottle of liquor (as in the Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green), handle challenges
• Drug-enabled hazing: Being pressured to consume unknown substances, marijuana, or pills as part of initiation
• Modern twist: Pre-gaming with energy drinks to extend drinking capacity, mixing dangerous combinations

2. Physical Hazing Beyond “Workouts”
What fraternities call “conditioning” is often calculated abuse:

• Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls for extended distances (as documented in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
• Environmental exposure: Being left outside in cold weather in minimal clothing, locked in freezing rooms
• Assault disguised as tradition: Paddling, beating, “glass ceiling” tackling rituals
• Chemical abuse: As seen in the Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon case where pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial cleaner

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
These acts cause deep psychological trauma:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity during initiations
• Simulated sexual acts: “Elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions (as alleged in Texas A&M Corps cases)
• Degrading costumes and public humiliation: Wearing diapers, dog collars, or degrading signs in public
• Racist, sexist, or homophobic hazing: Role-playing stereotypes, using slurs, targeting minority members

4. Digital Hazing and Psychological Control
This is where hazing has evolved most dramatically:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring: Being required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, with punishments for delayed responses
• Social media humiliation: Being forced to post embarrassing content on Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat
• Location tracking: Required sharing of live location via Find My Friends or Life360
• Digital “tasks” and challenges: Being dared to perform dangerous or humiliating acts on video
• Psychological manipulation: Gaslighting, isolation from non-members, sleep deprivation via constant digital demands

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Fraternity Houses

Groesbeck families should know hazing extends far beyond traditional Greek life:

• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (especially at Texas A&M)
• Athletic teams from football to cheerleading
• Spirit and tradition organizations like Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic honor societies and professional clubs
• Cultural and service organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of group—it’s power imbalance, secrecy, and tradition used as justification for abuse.

Texas Hazing Law: What Groesbeck Families Need to Know About Rights and Accountability

Texas has some of the nation’s most comprehensive hazing laws, but understanding how they work in practice is crucial for Groesbeck families considering legal action.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F), hazing is specifically defined and criminalized. The key provisions every Groesbeck parent should know:

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

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Occurs for purposes of initiation, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization

Critical Points for Groesbeck Families:

1. Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing at off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or retreat centers is still illegal
2. Mental Harm Counts: Psychological trauma, humiliation, and emotional distress qualify
3. “Reckless” Is Enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just be reckless about known risks
4. Consent Is NOT a Defense: § 37.155 explicitly states victim “consent” doesn’t legalize hazing

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Two Paths

When hazing occurs, Groesbeck families typically face two parallel legal tracks:

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the State of Texas (DA’s office)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Important: You don’t control criminal cases—prosecutors do

Civil Lawsuits:

• Brought by victims and families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Legal theories: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Critical advantage: You control the case timeline and settlement decisions

Why Groesbeck Families Need Both:

• Criminal convictions strengthen civil cases
• Civil discovery can uncover evidence prosecutors miss
• Civil cases can target entities (universities, national fraternities) that criminal cases might not reach
• Compensation addresses medical bills, therapy, lost education, and future needs

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

• Publicly report hazing incidents by 2026
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs
• Maintain transparent hazing data
  For Groesbeck families, this means more accountability but gradual implementation.

Title IX Implications:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility:

• Universities have independent investigation duties
• Different procedures and timelines apply
• Specialized legal strategies are needed

Clery Act Requirements:

• Universities must report certain campus crimes
• Hazing incidents involving assault or alcohol crimes may trigger reporting
• Creates paper trail for future cases

Who Can Be Held Liable? The Complete Accountability Picture

One of the most important realizations for Groesbeck families is that multiple parties can share responsibility:

1. Individual Students:

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
• Officers who knew and failed to report
• Social media evidence often identifies key participants

2. Local Chapters:

• The fraternity/sorority as an organization
• Housing corporations that own properties where hazing occurs
• Alumni boards that exercise control

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

• Critical for insurance coverage and deep pockets
• Liability based on: prior knowledge, pattern of incidents, inadequate supervision
• The Leonel Bermudez case names Pi Kappa Phi national as a defendant

4. Universities and Governing Boards:

• Duty to protect students, enforce policies, respond to known risks
• Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity
• Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections

5. Third Parties:

• Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
• Bars and alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
• Security companies hired for events

For Groesbeck families, identifying ALL potentially liable parties is crucial for ensuring adequate compensation and meaningful accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Universities Learned (Or Should Have)

The tragic cases below aren’t just history—they’re playbooks for how hazing kills and injures students, and they establish legal precedents that protect Groesbeck families today.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: The Deadliest Script

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

• What happened: 20-year-old pledge forced to drink entire bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
• Outcome: Died from alcohol poisoning; family reached $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Texas relevance: Same “Big/Little” drinking script used in multiple Texas cases

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• What happened: Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game; died with 0.495% BAC
• Outcome: $6.1 million verdict for family; Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act (felony hazing)
• Texas relevance: Drinking games are common in Texas fraternity initiations

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

• What happened: Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
• Outcome: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life; confidential settlement
• Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Phi is the same fraternity in the UH Bermudez case

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

• What happened: Bid acceptance night with forced drinking; fell multiple times; help delayed for hours
• Outcome: 18 members charged; Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Texas relevance: Security camera footage, delayed medical response patterns

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

• What happened: Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
• Outcome: Fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years; national convicted of aggravated assault
• Texas relevance: Shows off-campus retreat liability; organizational criminal conviction precedent

Collin Wiant – Ohio University, Sigma Pi (2018)

• What happened: Pledge died after nitrous oxide misuse at unofficial fraternity house
• Outcome: Parents’ lawsuit led to “Collin’s Law: The Anti-Hazing Act” in Ohio
• Texas relevance: Drug-related hazing emerging trend

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• What happened: Players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program
• Outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired; confidential settlements
• Texas relevance: Major athletic programs at Texas schools face similar risks

Western Kentucky University Swim Team (2012-2015)

• What happened: Systemic hacing including verbal/physical abuse
• Outcome: Program suspended for 5 years; $75,000 settlement with former member
• Texas relevance: All team sports require hazing vigilance

What These Cases Mean for Groesbeck Families

These national cases establish critical legal principles that protect Texas families:

1. Foreseeability Doctrine: When a national fraternity has prior incidents, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
2. Pattern Evidence: Similar hazing methods across chapters show systemic problems, not “rogue individuals”
3. Institutional Accountability: Universities and nationals can’t hide behind “we have policies” if they don’t enforce them
4. Punitive Damages Possibility: Particularly egregious conduct can justify punishment beyond compensation
5. Legislative Momentum: Each tragedy has spurred stronger laws—Texas families benefit from this national movement

The most important lesson for Groesbeck parents: What happened to students in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Florida can and does happen to Texas students. The same fraternities, the same rituals, the same institutional failures exist here.

Texas University Focus: Where Groesbeck Students Attend and What Parents Must Know

Groesbeck families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding each campus’s specific hazing landscape, policies, and history is critical for prevention and response.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Campus Organizations

Before discussing specific universities, Groesbeck families should understand the investigative framework we use. Our firm maintains what we call the “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine”—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas built from:

IRS B83 Public Filings:
125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations including:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515), Frisco, TX 75035
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN 746064445), Nederland, TX 77627
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362), Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (EIN 237279532), Prairie View, TX 77446
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 364091267), Waco, TX 76710

Texas Universities Database:
96 campuses with Greek life presence including all major universities where Groesbeck students attend.

Metro Organization Mapping:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
• College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations
• Waco Metro: 27 Greek organizations

Why This Matters for Groesbeck Families:
When hazing occurs, we don’t start from scratch. We already know the legal entities, EINs, addresses, and organizational structures behind campus chapters. This allows us to immediately identify all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis and Historical Pattern

For Groesbeck Families:
UH is approximately 150 miles from Groesbeck, a common destination for Central Texas students seeking urban university experience. Many Groesbeck families have children at UH, making its hazing landscape directly relevant.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Large commuter/residential mix
• Active Greek life with IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils
• Recent growth in Greek participation
• Urban setting with off-campus housing challenges

The Leonel Bermudez Case: Current Active Litigation
Right now, our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against:

• University of Houston
• UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders

Documented Hazing Acts in the Case:

1. “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation: Required to carry condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices 24/7
2. Extreme physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
3. Environmental torture: Cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
4. Simulated waterboarding: Sprayed in face with hose, threatened with actual waterboarding
5. Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints
6. The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats

Medical Catastrophe:
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Response:

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• November 14, 2025: Chapter votes to surrender charter; chapter shut down
• UH labels conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures and law enforcement cooperation

Prior UH Hazing Incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during multi-day hazing event
• Multiple other fraternities suspended for alcohol hazing, physical abuse
• Pattern of moving hazing to off-campus locations to avoid detection

What Groesbeck UH Families Should Do:

1. Screen organizations using UH’s hazing violation history
2. Understand UHPD vs. Houston PD jurisdiction distinctions
3. Preserve digital evidence immediately (GroupMe is primary platform)
4. Contact experienced Houston hazing attorneys who know local courts

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersection

For Groesbeck Families:
Texas A&M is approximately 100 miles from Groesbeck, a major destination for Central Texas students. The Corps of Cadets adds unique hazing risks that Groesbeck parents must understand.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Strong Corps of Cadets tradition with military-style discipline
• Large Greek system with historical ties to Corps
• “Texas A&M way” culture that can normalize extreme tradition
• Recent high-profile hazing lawsuits

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• What happened: Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Lawsuit: Pledges sued for $1 million
• Outcome: Chapter suspended for two years; settlement confidential
• Groesbeck relevance: Shows extreme physical hazing beyond alcohol

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

• What happened: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts, being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
• Lawsuit: Sought over $1 million in damages
• University response: A&M stated it handled matter under its rules
• Groesbeck relevance: Military-style programs have unique hazing risks

Additional A&M Incidents:

• Multiple fraternity suspensions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse
• Pattern of off-campus “ranch” hazing events
• Athletic team hazing investigations

Texas A&M’s Hazing Response Framework:

• Student Conduct office investigations
• Corps-specific regulations and Chain of Command reporting
• Public suspension announcements but limited detail
• Trend toward stronger policies after high-profile cases

What Groesbeck A&M Families Should Do:

1. Understand Corps vs. Greek life reporting channels
2. Document everything—A&M’s tradition culture can normalize abuse
3. Act quickly before witnesses graduate or are transferred
4. Consider both university discipline and legal action for serious cases

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

For Groesbeck Families:
UT Austin is approximately 120 miles from Groesbeck, attracting many Central Texas students. UT’s public hazing violation database provides unique transparency but reveals concerning patterns.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Large, prestigious Greek system
• Public hazing violations database (unusual transparency)
• Repeated violations by same organizations
• Urban setting with extensive off-campus Greek housing

UT’s Hazing Violations Database:
UT maintains a public list at hazing.utexas.edu showing:

• Organization names
• Violation dates
• Description of conduct
• Sanctions imposed

Example Violations from UT Database:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; probation and education required
• Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Multiple hazing violations including forced workouts, alcohol abuse
• Various fraternities: Alcohol hazing, physical abuse, humiliation rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

• What happened: Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at SAE party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Lawsuit: Student sued for over $1 million
• Context: Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

UT’s Response Framework:

• Public transparency through violations database
• Student Conduct investigations
• UTPD and Austin PD jurisdiction issues
• Pattern of probation rather than expulsion for first offenses

What Groesbeck UT Families Should Do:

1. Check UT’s hazing database before allowing organization participation
2. Understand that multiple violations show systemic problems
3. Preserve evidence—UT’s transparency helps but doesn’t replace legal action
4. Consider both campus discipline and civil lawsuits for adequate compensation

Southern Methodist University: Private School Challenges

For Groesbeck Families:
SMU in Dallas is approximately 100 miles from Groesbeck, attracting students seeking private university experience. Private school status affects transparency and accountability.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Affluent student body with strong Greek participation
• Private university with less public transparency
• Recent high-profile hazing incidents
• Dallas location with extensive Greek housing

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

• What happened: New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
• Outcome: Chapter suspended; recruiting restrictions until 2021
• Groesbeck relevance: Paddling remains a hazing method despite national bans

SMU’s Hazing Response:

• Private investigation processes
• Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
• Limited public disclosure of outcomes
• Trend toward stronger enforcement after incidents

Challenges for Groesbeck SMU Families:

1. Less public information than public universities
2. Need for aggressive discovery in lawsuits to uncover internal reports
3. Wealthy defendants with experienced counsel
4. Importance of acting before evidence is destroyed

What Groesbeck SMU Families Should Do:

1. Assume less transparency than public schools
2. Preserve all evidence immediately
3. Consider that private schools may prioritize reputation protection
4. Engage counsel experienced with private university litigation

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Historical Challenges

For Groesbeck Families:
Baylor in Waco is approximately 40 miles from Groesbeck—the closest major university to our community. Baylor’s religious identity and past scandals create unique context.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Religious affiliation with strict conduct codes
• History of sexual assault scandal and scrutiny
• Greek life integrated with religious activities
• Recent athletic program hazing incidents

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

• What happened: 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Outcome: Staggered suspensions during season
• Groesbeck relevance: Athletic team hazing occurs even at religious schools

Baylor’s Response Framework:

• Conduct office investigations
• Religious counseling components
• Less public transparency than secular schools
• Pattern of internal handling rather than public disclosure

Unique Challenges for Groesbeck Baylor Families:

1. Religious context may affect reporting and response
2. Past institutional credibility issues
3. Need for sensitive approach to religious components
4. Importance of independent investigation beyond university processes

What Groesbeck Baylor Families Should Do:

1. Document everything despite religious context
2. Understand Baylor’s specific reporting channels
3. Consider independent medical and psychological evaluation
4. Engage counsel experienced with religious institution litigation

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Predict Texas Outcomes

For Groesbeck families, understanding that campus chapters don’t operate in isolation is crucial. National organizations have histories, patterns, and liabilities that directly affect Texas students.

Why National Histories Matter for Groesbeck Families

When your child is hazed by a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH, you’re not just dealing with local students—you’re facing a national organization that:

• Has seen identical hazing methods cause death at other campuses
• Collects dues and exercises control over local chapters
• Maintains insurance policies that may cover claims
• Has legal responsibility for supervising chapters

The Foreseeability Principle:
Courts recognize that when a national organization has prior incidents, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen.” This is crucial for Groesbeck families because:

1. It strengthens negligence claims
2. It supports punitive damage arguments
3. It prevents nationals from blaming “rogue individuals”
4. It ensures adequate insurance coverage

Major National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”) – Pattern of Alcohol Deaths

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): $10 million settlement after forced drinking death
• David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): $14 million settlement after alcohol poisoning death
• Texas chapters: Multiple suspensions at UT, Texas A&M, other schools
• Groesbeck relevance: Same “Big/Little” drinking script used across chapters

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”) – Nationwide Pattern

• Traumatic Brain Injury Case (Alabama, 2023): Pledge suffered TBI during hazing
• Chemical Burns Case (Texas A&M, 2021): $1 million lawsuit for cleaner burns
• Assault Case (UT Austin, 2024): $1M+ lawsuit for exchange student injuries
• Groesbeck relevance: Active at multiple Texas universities Groesbeck students attend

Pi Kappa Phi – Current UH Litigation

• Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Alcohol poisoning death during “Big Brother Night”
• Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our firm’s current $10M rhabdomyolysis lawsuit
• National pattern: Similar physical hazing methods across chapters
• Groesbeck relevance: Directly involved in current Texas case

Phi Delta Theta – Legislative Impact

• Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): $6.1 million verdict after “Bible study” drinking death
• Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• Texas presence: Active at Texas A&M, UT, other campuses
• Groesbeck relevance: Drinking game hazing method common in Texas

Beta Theta Pi – Delayed Response Pattern

• Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017): Death after bid night drinking; help delayed for hours
• Criminal outcome: 18 members charged with 1,000+ counts
• Legislative impact: Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Groesbeck relevance: Delayed medical response pattern occurs in Texas cases

How National Patterns Affect Groesbeck Legal Strategies

Evidence Collection Advantage:
When we know a national organization’s pattern (e.g., Pi Kappa Alpha’s “Big/Little” drinking nights), we know exactly what evidence to look for:

• Pre-event planning messages
• Alcohol purchase records
• “Tradition” documentation
• Prior incident reports

Insurance Coverage Mapping:
National organizations typically have:

• General liability policies
• Directors and officers coverage
• Umbrella policies
• Housing corporation insurance
  Our experience lets us identify and access all available coverage for Groesbeck families.

Settlement Leverage:
Nationals facing pattern evidence have stronger incentive to settle because:

• Multiple pending cases increase risk
• Media attention compounds reputational damage
• Insurance carriers pressure resolution
• Board members fear personal liability

For Groesbeck families, choosing counsel who understands these national patterns isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for achieving full accountability and compensation.

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

When hazing occurs, the quality of your legal representation determines everything—from evidence preservation to settlement value. Here’s what Groesbeck families should expect from experienced hazing litigation.

Critical Evidence Categories That Win Cases

1. Digital Communications – The Modern Smoking Gun

• GroupMe/WhatsApp: Primary platform for hazing coordination
• iMessage/SMS: Direct threats and instructions
• Instagram/Snapchat: Humiliation evidence, event photos
• Discord/Slack: Chapter planning communications
• Fraternity-specific apps: Organization tools with incriminating data
• Our approach: Immediate preservation demands, digital forensics for deleted content, cloud backup recovery

2. Photo & Video Evidence

• Event footage: Members recording hazing “for fun”
• Injury documentation: Timestamped photos showing progression
• Location evidence: House exteriors, room layouts, alcohol displays
• Social media posts: Public humiliation, event promotion
• Our expertise: Working with digital forensic experts to authenticate and enhance

3. Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals: Official and “unofficial” initiation instructions
• Meeting minutes: Planning discussions
• Financial records: Alcohol purchases, fine systems
• National communications: Risk management reports, prior incident notices
• Our strategy: Aggressive discovery motions to obtain national files

4. University Records

• Prior conduct files: Previous hazing violations
• Campus police reports: Incident documentation
• Clery Act reports: Crime statistics
• Administrative emails: Knowledge and response evidence
• Our method: Public records requests, preservation letters, subpoenas

5. Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency care: ER reports, toxicology results
• Hospitalization records: Treatment details, physician notes
• Specialist evaluations: Long-term damage assessments
• Psychological reports: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Our network: Relationships with medical experts who understand hazing trauma

6. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges: Often afraid but willing to cooperate with protection
• Former members: Those who quit over hazing concerns
• Roommates/friends: Observed behavioral changes
• Medical providers: Treatment observations
• Our approach: Witness interviews, cooperation agreements, protection from retaliation

Damage Categories: What Groesbeck Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future care, including therapy
• Lost income: Wages during recovery, diminished earning capacity
• Educational costs: Tuition for missed semesters, transfer expenses
• Property damage: Destroyed items during hazing

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Humiliation and loss of dignity: Public shame component
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in college experience

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support: Future contributions
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

• Purpose: Punish egregious conduct, deter future hazing
• Requirements: Gross negligence, malice, cover-up attempts
• Texas caps: Limited by statute but available in appropriate cases

The Manginello Law Firm’s Strategic Advantages for Groesbeck Families

1. Insurance Insider Knowledge (Lupe Peña’s Experience)
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

• Value and reserve hazing claims
• Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
• Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
• Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
  This insider perspective is invaluable for Groesbeck families facing well-funded institutional defendants.

2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello’s Background)
Ralph Manginello’s experience includes:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation: Taking on billion-dollar defendants
• Federal court practice: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Multi-defendant cases: Coordinating complex liability arguments
• HCCLA membership: Criminal defense expertise for dual-track cases
  For Groesbeck families, this means facing national fraternities and universities doesn’t intimidate us—we’ve fought bigger opponents.

3. Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery
Our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont give us:

• Local court knowledge: Familiarity with judges, procedures, venues
• Investigative networks: Relationships with experts across Texas
• University insight: Understanding of each campus’s unique culture
• Community connections: Ability to investigate discreetly

4. Comprehensive Expert Network
We maintain relationships with:

• Medical experts: Rhabdomyolysis specialists, trauma psychologists
• Digital forensics: Recovering deleted messages, authenticating evidence
• Greek life experts: Understanding organizational dynamics
• Economists: Calculating lifetime damages
• Life care planners: Projecting future needs for catastrophic injuries

5. Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, allowing us to serve Hispanic Groesbeck families in their preferred language—critical for accurate communication during stressful times.

The Litigation Process: What Groesbeck Families Can Expect

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-30 Days)

• Evidence preservation demands
• Medical attention coordination
• University reporting guidance
• Witness interviews
• Insurance notification

Phase 2: Investigation (1-6 Months)

• Digital forensics completion
• Records collection
• Expert consultations
• Demand package preparation
• Settlement negotiations

Phase 3: Litigation (6-24 Months if Necessary)

• Complaint filing
• Discovery process
• Deposition preparation
• Mediation attempts
• Trial preparation

Phase 4: Resolution

• Settlement or trial
• Distribution coordination
• Ongoing medical management
• Prevention advocacy

For Groesbeck families, understanding this process reduces anxiety and allows informed participation in their child’s recovery and case.

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

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Groesbeck Student May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme exhaustion: Beyond normal college stress, sleep deprivation
• Behavioral changes: Withdrawal, anxiety, defensiveness about organization
• Financial irregularities: Large alcohol purchases, unexplained expenses
• Digital patterns: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about messages
• Academic decline: Missed classes, dropping grades
• Physical symptoms: Weight changes, recurring illnesses

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

1. Choose the right time: Private, calm setting without distractions
2. Use open questions: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority?” not “Are they hazing you?”
3. Listen without judgment: They may feel shame or loyalty conflict
4. Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
5. Offer support: “We’ll help you through this, no matter what”

If Your Child Is Injured: Immediate Steps

1. Medical care first: ER if necessary, documentation of all injuries
2. Evidence preservation: Screenshot messages BEFORE discussion
3. Document everything: Write down what they tell you with dates/times
4. Contact counsel: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before confronting anyone
5. Avoid mistakes: No social media posts, no university agreements without review

For Students: Safety, Rights, and Reporting

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I feel safe saying “no” without consequences?
• Would I do this if my parents were watching?
• Is this activity hidden from university officials?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t do?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?
• Does this feel more like punishment than bonding?

Your Legal Rights as a Texas Student:

• Right to safety: Organizations must not endanger you
• Right to report: Protected from retaliation in many cases
• Right to medical care: Good-faith reporting protections for alcohol emergencies
• Right to leave: You can quit any organization at any time
• Right to legal action: You can sue for injuries regardless of “consent”

Safe Exit Strategies:

1. Tell someone first: Parent, RA, trusted friend for witness
2. Written resignation: Email to chapter president for documentation
3. Avoid “last meetings”: Where pressure or retaliation might occur
4. Document threats: Screenshot any retaliation attempts
5. University report: File complaint if safety concerns exist

Evidence Preservation for Students:

• Screenshots immediately: Before messages disappear
• Photo documentation: Injuries from multiple angles with dated objects
• Medical records: Tell providers “I was hazed” for documentation
• Witness list: Names and contact information
• Physical evidence: Clothing, objects, receipts

For Witnesses and Former Members: Doing the Right Thing

If You Witnessed Hazing:

• Document what you saw: Write detailed notes with dates/times
• Preserve evidence: Screenshots, photos, recordings if safe
• Consider reporting: Anonymously if necessary through campus channels
• Consult counsel: Understand your rights and protections
• Think long-term: Your testimony could prevent future injuries

If You Participated and Regret It:

• Legal consultation: Understand your potential exposure
• Cooperation consideration: Working with victims’ counsel can help
• Personal growth: Acknowledging harm is the first step
• Prevention focus: Your experience can educate others
• Ethical path forward: Making amends through truthful cooperation

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKES GROESBECK FAMILIES MUST AVOID:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages

   • Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys crucial evidence
   • Right approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

   • Why it’s wrong: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching
   • Right approach: Document first, let counsel handle communication

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

   • Why it’s wrong: May waive legal rights, settlements often inadequate
   • Right approach: “I need my attorney to review this first”

4. Posting on Social Media

   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, hurts credibility
   • Right approach: Private documentation only, public messaging through counsel

5. Waiting for University Investigation

   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
   • Right approach: Parallel investigation with preservation demands

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

   • Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you
   • Right approach: “Please contact my attorney”

7. Letting Your Child Return to “One Last Meeting”

   • Why it’s wrong: Pressure, intimidation, statements against interest
   • Right approach: All communication through counsel once case considered

Frequently Asked Questions from Groesbeck Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual capacity suits. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Each case requires specific analysis—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor normally, but upgrades to a state jail felony if serious bodily injury or death occurs. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas law (§37.155) explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion make true consent impossible in hazing contexts.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist for minors, discovery rule delays, and fraudulent concealment. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to preserve your rights.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi house) occurred off-campus with successful judgments.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability, using sealed records and confidential settlement terms when possible.

“How much does legal representation cost?”
We work on contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation. This makes justice accessible to Groesbeck families regardless of financial situation.

Why The Manginello Law Firm for Groesbeck Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

When your Groesbeck family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities and national fraternities fight these cases—and how to win anyway. Here’s why Texas families choose us:

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

• Value and reserve hazing claims (often too low initially)
• Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
• Deploy delay tactics hoping families will accept low settlements
• Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
• Coordinate between multiple insurers to limit exposure

For Groesbeck families, this means we don’t just react to insurance offers—we anticipate their strategies and counter them effectively from day one.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello’s background includes:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation: One of few Texas firms taking on billion-dollar corporate defendants
• Federal court practice: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Multi-defendant expertise: Coordinating cases against universities, nationals, housing corporations, individuals
• HCCLA membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential for criminal defense
• 25+ years practice: Handling high-stakes cases since 1998

For Groesbeck families facing national fraternities with unlimited legal budgets, this experience matters. We’re not intimidated by powerful opponents—we’ve faced bigger.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
Our proprietary database includes:

• IRS B83 records: 125+ Texas Greek organizations with EINs, addresses
• University mappings: 96 Texas campuses with Greek life presence
• Metro organization tracking: 1,423 Greek entities across 25 Texas metros
• National pattern analysis: Histories of organizations active in Texas

When you hire us, we don’t start from scratch. We already know the organizational structures, insurance likely available, and historical patterns affecting your case.

Comprehensive Expert Network:
We maintain relationships with:

• Medical specialists: Rhabdomyolysis experts, kidney failure specialists, trauma psychologists
• Digital forensics: Recovering deleted messages, authenticating social media evidence
• Greek life consultants: Understanding organizational dynamics and traditions
• Economists: Calculating lifetime damages for young victims
• Life care planners: Projecting future needs for catastrophic injuries

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, allowing us to serve Hispanic Groesbeck families in their preferred language during stressful legal proceedings.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal claims—they’re family tragedies involving:

• Betrayal of trust by organizations promising “brotherhood” or “sisterhood”
• Institutional cover-ups that compound the trauma
• Young lives derailed by preventable injuries
• Families struggling with guilt, anger, and fear

Our approach balances:
1. Compassionate Client Care:

• Regular updates every 2-3 weeks
• Available for questions and concerns
• Respect for family privacy and emotional needs
• Collaboration on medical care and recovery

2. Aggressive Investigation:

• Immediate evidence preservation demands
• Digital forensics within days of retention
• Witness interviews before stories align
• Public records requests and discovery

3. Strategic Litigation:

• Identifying all potentially liable parties
• Accessing all available insurance coverage
• Building cases for maximum accountability
• Preparing for trial while seeking fair settlement

4. Prevention Focus:

• Using cases to drive policy change
• Working with families on prevention advocacy
• Supporting legislative improvements
• Educating communities about hazing risks

What Groesbeck Families Can Expect Working With Us

Initial Consultation:

• Listen to your story without judgment
• Review evidence you’ve preserved
• Explain legal options clearly
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• Answer questions about costs and process
• No pressure to hire immediately

If You Retain Us:

• Immediate evidence preservation letters
• Medical care coordination if needed
• Communication with university/insurance
• Regular updates on case progress
• Collaboration on all major decisions
• Preparation for all possible outcomes

Our Track Record:
While every case is unique and we can’t guarantee specific results, our firm has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Successfully litigated against billion-dollar corporate defendants
• Maintained a trial-ready approach that improves settlement outcomes
• Earned client trust through transparent communication and results

Call to Action for Groesbeck Families

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

For families in Groesbeck, Limestone County, and throughout Central Texas, the time to act is now. Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, SMU, or any other Texas campus, you have rights and options.

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

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

What Your Free Consultation Includes:

1. Respectful listening to your family’s experience
2. Evidence review of any documentation you’ve preserved
3. Clear explanation of legal options and processes
4. Realistic assessment of potential outcomes
5. Answers to your questions about costs, timelines, and strategy
6. No pressure to make immediate decisions

Why Choose Us for Your Groesbeck Hazing Case:

• Texas-based hazing specialists with statewide reach
• Insider insurance knowledge from Mr. Peña’s defense background
• Complex litigation experience against institutional defendants
• Comprehensive investigative resources and expert network
• Contingency fee basis – no recovery, no fee
• Spanish-language services available
• Proven track record in serious injury and wrongful death cases

Immediate Steps While You Consider Your Options

If you’re not ready to call but want to protect your rights:

1. Preserve all evidence: Screenshots, photos, medical records
2. Document everything: Write down names, dates, details
3. Avoid mistakes: No social media, no direct confrontations
4. Medical care: Ensure proper treatment and documentation
5. Watch our educational videos: Visit https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm for guidance on evidence preservation, statutes of limitations, and common mistakes

Remember:

• Time matters: Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, statutes run
• Experience matters: Hazing cases involve unique challenges against well-funded opponents
• Local knowledge matters: Texas law and university cultures require specific expertise
• Your child’s recovery matters: Legal action can provide resources for healing and future security

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont Offices

While we’re based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

• Groesbeck and Limestone County
• Central Texas region
• All major university communities
• Rural and urban areas alike

Distance doesn’t prevent us from providing thorough representation. Through technology and our statewide network, we effectively represent Texas families wherever hazing occurs.

Hablamos Español:
Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles para familias hispanas en Groesbeck y en todo Texas.

Final Message to Groesbeck Families

Hazing represents a profound betrayal of trust—the violation of safety promised by universities and the perversion of community offered by organizations. For Groesbeck families watching their children suffer physical injuries, psychological trauma, or educational disruption, the pain is compounded by institutional responses that often prioritize reputation over accountability.

The Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston isn’t an isolated incident—it’s part of a pattern affecting Texas students from Groesbeck to Galveston. The same national fraternities, the same university responses, the same insurance tactics repeat across our state.

But there is hope. Texas law provides real remedies. National precedents establish clear accountability. Experienced counsel can level the playing field against powerful institutions. And courageous families can achieve justice that compensates injury, holds wrongdoers accountable, and prevents future harm.

If hazing has touched your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. You don’t have to accept institutional excuses. You don’t have to watch evidence disappear while universities “investigate.” And you certainly don’t have to face national fraternities and their insurance companies without experienced advocates.

Call The Manginello Law Firm today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you choose the path that best serves your child’s recovery and your family’s future.

Because in Texas, when organizations endanger our students, they need to answer to Texas families. And we know how to make them answer.

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