Complete Guide to Hazing and University Accountability for Town of Hackberry, Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

As a parent in Town of Hackberry, Texas, you send your child to college hoping for growth, friendship, and opportunity. You don’t imagine receiving a call from a hospital because your son was forced through extreme workouts until his muscles broke down, his urine turned brown, and he faced kidney failure. You don’t picture your daughter being humiliated with degrading rituals, sleep deprivation, or coerced drinking.

Yet right now, just hours from Town of Hackberry in Denton County, this exact nightmare is unfolding for Texas families. In Houston, we are actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in recent Texas history: Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. Our client, a transfer student, accepted a bid in September 2025. What followed was months of systematic abuse that nearly destroyed his health.

The alleged hazing included:

A “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring him to carry condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and humiliating items 24/7
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints
Extreme physical workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Cold-weather exposure in underwear and lying in vomit-soaked grass
Overnight chauffeuring duties and strict dress codes enforced with punishment threats

On November 3, 2025, after another brutal workout, Bermudez could barely stand. Days later, he passed brown urine—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis, severe skeletal muscle breakdown. He was rushed to the hospital and spent four days fighting acute kidney failure, with critically high creatine kinase levels confirming both conditions. He now faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t an isolated incident from decades past. This lawsuit was filed in late 2025. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025. The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action up to expulsion. Major media outlets including Click2Houston and ABC13 covered the case extensively.

If you’re a parent in Town of Hackberry, in Denton County, or anywhere in Texas, this case proves three critical truths:

Severe hazing is happening right now at Texas universities
Universities and national fraternities can be held accountable
Experienced Texas hazing attorneys are already fighting these battles

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything Town of Hackberry families need to know about hazing in 2025: what it really looks like, Texas law, major cases at universities your children attend, and how to protect your family’s rights when institutions fail.

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 evidence, 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 Town of Hackberry Families Need to Recognize

Modern Hazing Goes Far Beyond “Pranks”

For parents in Town of Hackberry who may not have experienced Greek life themselves, understanding contemporary hazing requires moving beyond stereotypes. Today’s hazing combines digital control, psychological manipulation, and physical danger in ways that can be difficult to recognize until it’s too late.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing – The Most Deadly Pattern

Forced consumption games: “Lineups,” “Bible study,” or trivia where wrong answers mean drinking
Big/Little nights: Handles of liquor given to pledges with pressure to consume
Coerced drug use: Pressure to use marijuana, pills, or unknown substances

Physical Hazing – Beyond “Conditioning”

Extreme workouts: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, squats, or wall sits until collapse
Paddling and beatings: Still prevalent despite national prohibitions
Environmental exposure: Left outside in extreme cold/heat, sleep deprivation for days
Rhabdomyolysis risk: The muscle breakdown Bermudez suffered happens when physical hazing pushes bodies beyond limits

Psychological and Digital Hazing – The 24/7 Control

Group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly at all hours
Social media humiliation: Forced to post embarrassing content or participate in “challenges”
Location tracking: Required to share live location via apps
Isolation tactics: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for social activities

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts: “Roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes
Racist/sexist overtones: Role-playing stereotypes, use of slurs

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Contrary to popular belief, hazing isn’t limited to fraternity basements:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit and tradition groups (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the power imbalance between new and existing members, combined with tradition and secrecy that keeps dangerous practices alive.

Texas Hazing Law: What Town of Hackberry Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has some of the nation’s clearest anti-hazing statutes. Understanding these laws is crucial for Town of Hackberry families considering legal action.

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

Endangers mental or physical health or safety AND
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key implications for Town of Hackberry families:

Location doesn’t matter – off-campus houses, retreats, and remote locations all count
Mental harm counts equally with physical harm
“Reckless” is enough – they don’t need to have intended injury
This is the definition we’re using in the Bermudez case against UH

§ 37.155: Consent Is NOT a Defense
This is perhaps the most important protection for your child. The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to the hazing activity.”

When your child says “I agreed to it,” that doesn’t end the legal discussion. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State)

Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Possible charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Penalties escalate with injury: Class B misdemeanor → Class A misdemeanor if medical treatment needed → State jail felony if serious bodily injury or death

Civil Cases (Brought by Families)

Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability
Can proceed even without criminal charges
What we’re pursuing in the Bermudez case: Compensation for medical bills, ongoing care, pain and suffering, and institutional accountability

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Mandates public hazing data by approximately 2026
Strengthens prevention education requirements

Title IX and Clery Act

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Both create additional avenues for accountability when universities fail to respond appropriately

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

Our approach in the Bermudez case demonstrates the comprehensive liability analysis:

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
In the UH case: 13 individual fraternity leaders/members including chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager

2. Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity/sorority itself as a legal entity
Chapter officers acting in official capacity

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters is a defendant in the Bermudez case
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. University or Governing Board

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants
Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

5. Housing Corporations and Alumni Organizations

Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is named
These entities often hold insurance and property

6. Third Parties

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

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Town of Hackberry Families Are Actually Facing

Where Town of Hackberry Families Send Their Kids

Parents in Town of Hackberry, located in Denton County, typically have children attending universities across several categories:

Local/Regional Campuses (Within Commuting Distance)

University of North Texas (Denton) – Just minutes from Hackberry
Texas Woman’s University (Denton) – Another nearby option
North Central Texas College – Gainesville and Corinth campuses
Collin College – Nearby Plano and McKinney campuses

Major Texas Universities (Common Destinations)

University of Texas at Austin – Many top students’ choice
Texas A&M University – Strong Corps and Greek presence
University of Houston – Where the Bermudez case is unfolding
Texas Tech University – Popular for West Texas families
Baylor University – Private option with active Greek life
Southern Methodist University – Dallas-area private university

Specialized and Commuter Options

University of North Texas at Dallas
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Various UT system schools

The Reality of Greek Life at These Campuses

Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros—we maintain detailed records of the organizations operating where your children might be involved.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (which includes Denton County and Hackberry), Cause IQ data shows 510 Greek-related organizations. This includes everything from traditional social fraternities to academic honor societies, alumni chapters, and housing corporations.

Sample organizations recorded in public filings that serve Town of Hackberry families:

From IRS B83 Texas Organizations Backbone (Public Records):

Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN 273662583 – Lufkin, TX 75904
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 263170920 – Denton, TX 76204 (Texas Woman’s University chapter)
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity – Mu Gamma Chapter – EIN 262025321 – Denton, TX 76201
Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Denton, TX (Texas Woman’s University chapter, per Cause IQ data)
Phi Chi Theta – Gamma Iota Chapter – Carrollton, TX (business fraternity chapter)

From Cause IQ Named Metro Organizations (Dallas-Fort Worth Metro):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX 76244
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth, TX
Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) – Arlington/Dallas area headquarters
Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter – Fort Worth, TX (TCU chapter)

IRS–Cause IQ Brand Overlap (Validated Organizations):

Beta Upsilon Chi appears in both IRS filings (EIN 742911848, Fort Worth 76244) and Cause IQ metro data
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation appears in both IRS (EIN 741380362, Fort Worth) and Cause IQ
These overlaps validate that we’re tracking real, active organizations

The Organizations Behind the Letters

When your child joins “Sigma Chi” or “Alpha Delta Pi,” they’re not just joining a local group. They’re connecting to a network of legal entities that may include:

Undergraduate Chapter – The campus group your child interacts with
House Corporation – Owns/manages the physical house (often a separate legal entity)
Alumni Chapter – Graduates who maintain connection and sometimes oversight
National Headquarters – Sets policies, collects dues, provides insurance
Educational Foundation – May handle scholarships and training
Honor Society Chapter – Academic recognition organizations

In serious hazing cases like Bermudez’s, we investigate all these entities because:

Insurance coverage may be held at different levels
Knowledge and responsibility may extend up the chain
Assets for recovery may be distributed across entities

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Town of Hackberry

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern – Repeated Tragedy

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

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)
Takeaway for Town of Hackberry families: National fraternities have paid enormous settlements for forced drinking traditions

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game – wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
$6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements
Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony
Takeaway: Legislative change follows tragedy and litigation

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Fell multiple times captured on chapter cameras; help delayed for hours
18 members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts
Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Takeaway: Delayed medical care dramatically increases liability

Physical and Ritualized Hazing – Beyond Alcohol

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: National organizations face criminal liability, not just civil

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

Forced to drink excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Severe, permanent brain damage – cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar total
Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can be catastrophic and expensive

Athletic Program Hazing – Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway: Hazing extends to major athletic programs with deep pockets

Western Kentucky University Swim Team (2012–2015)

Investigation revealed verbal/physical abuse dating back years
Entire swim program placed on five-year suspension
University settled federal lawsuit for $75,000
Takeaway: Universities will suspend entire programs when hazing is systemic

What These Cases Mean for Town of Hackberry Families

Patterns are predictable: Forced drinking, physical abuse, delayed medical care, cover-ups
Settlements are substantial: $1M–$14M for deaths, multi-million for severe injuries
Legislation follows litigation: States pass laws after high-profile cases
Institutions pay: Universities and nationals settle despite potential immunity defenses
Your case matters: Every lawsuit adds to the pattern evidence that forces change

Texas University Spotlight: Where Town of Hackberry Students Actually Attend

University of North Texas (Denton) – The Local Reality

For Town of Hackberry families, UNT isn’t just a nearby university—it’s where your neighbors’ children attend, where local graduates work, and where hazing incidents would directly impact our community.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

44,000+ students with growing Greek life
Active fraternity/sorority community with IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils
Proximity to Town of Hackberry: Minutes away, making it a primary concern for local families

Documented Greek Organizations at UNT (from public records):

Alpha Epsilon Pi – Mu Gamma Chapter (IRS EIN 262025321, Denton 76201)
Kappa Delta – Gamma Beta Chapter (Cause IQ listing, Denton)
Other chapters of national organizations present at most Texas universities

Hazing Risks at UNT:

Same national organizations present at UNT have hazing histories elsewhere
Digital hazing particular risk: Group chats, social media pressures
Off-campus housing: Many fraternity houses in Denton proper, not university-owned

What Town of Hackberry Families Should Know:

UNT’s Student Conduct Office handles hazing reports
Denton Police Department has jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
Evidence preservation is critical – screenshot group chats immediately
We serve UNT families: Our Houston base doesn’t limit our ability to help Denton County residents

University of Texas at Austin – The Flagship Destination

Many top students from Town of Hackberry and Denton County choose UT Austin, drawn by academic reputation and vibrant campus life.

Transparency Advantage:
UT maintains a public hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) showing:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → probation + hazing prevention education
Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple organizations repeatedly appearing on violation lists

Legal Environment:

UTPD and Austin PD share jurisdiction
Travis County courts handle civil cases
Prior violations on UT’s public log become powerful evidence in civil suits

For Town of Hackberry Students at UT:

Distance from home doesn’t diminish legal rights
Texas law applies equally in Austin
Evidence collection via phone works the same
We can handle Austin cases: Our firm has Austin office presence

Texas A&M University – Corps and Greek Life Intersection

Unique Risk Factors:

Corps of Cadets culture: Military-style environment with reported discipline issues
Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Corps of Cadets lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position → sought over $1 million

Town of Hackberry Connection:

Many Denton County students choose A&M for engineering, agriculture, or Corps
Brazos County jurisdiction but Texas law applies statewide
Pattern evidence matters: What happens at A&M informs cases elsewhere

Southern Methodist University – Private School Dynamics

SMU’s Greek Profile:

Affluent private campus with strong Greek presence
Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived → chapter suspended until ~2021
Private university status affects transparency but not liability

For Town of Hackberry Families Considering SMU:

Higher tuition doesn’t guarantee better oversight
Dallas County courts handle SMU cases
Internal reports may be shielded but discoverable in litigation

Baylor University – Religious Identity and Scrutiny

Context Matters:

Religious identity intersects with hazing accountability
Baylor baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
History of Title IX scrutiny creates institutional sensitivity

Waco vs. Town of Hackberry Dynamics:

McLennan County jurisdiction
Baylor’s “zero tolerance” statements vs. actual enforcement
Distance from home doesn’t prevent legal action

University of Houston – Where Our Active Case Unfolds

Current Case Context:

Leonel Bermudez lawsuit actively being litigated as of late 2025
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025 → charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025
UH calling conduct “deeply disturbing” while facing lawsuit

Houston Legal Environment:

Harris County courts handling our case
UHPD and Houston PD jurisdiction issues
Medical evidence critical: Hospital records proving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

What the UH Case Means for Town of Hackberry:

Proof hazing is current, not historical
Demonstrates our active litigation against Texas university and national fraternity
Shows medical catastrophic outcomes from physical hazing
Establishes pattern that applies to other Texas schools

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Why They Matter to Town of Hackberry

The National Pattern Problem

When a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston allegedly hazes a student into kidney failure, that’s not an isolated incident. It’s part of a national pattern:

Pi Kappa Phi National History:

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Died from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Multiple chapters suspended or closed for hazing violations
National has anti-hazing policies precisely because they’ve seen deaths before

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”) Pattern:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): $14 million settlement
Repeating “Big/Little” drinking night script across campuses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) History:

Traumatic brain injury case – University of Alabama (2023): Lawsuit alleging fraud, negligence, assault
Chemical burns case – Texas A&M (2021): Industrial cleaner causing burns requiring skin grafts
Assault case – UT Austin (2024): Australian exchange student with dislocated leg, broken nose

How National Histories Build Your Case

Foreseeability Evidence:
When we show a national fraternity had:

Prior deaths from similar hazing methods
Multiple chapter suspensions for same conduct
Knowledge of dangerous traditions
We prove they knew or should have known the risks.

Negligent Supervision Claims:
Nationals with thick policy manuals but poor enforcement create liability through:

Inadequate training that’s more about checking boxes than changing behavior
Minimal consequences for prior violations (probation vs. chapter closure)
Continued collection of dues despite known hazing patterns

Insurance Coverage Implications:
Nationals often argue:

“This was rogue individuals violating our policies”
“We didn’t know”
“Insurance doesn’t cover intentional acts”

We counter with:

Pattern evidence showing nationals knew the risks
Policy vs. enforcement gap showing negligence, not just individual wrongdoing
Multiple insurance policies across entities (chapter, house corp, national)

Organizations Present at Texas Universities with National Histories

Based on our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking 1,423 organizations:

Fraternities with Documented Hazing Histories at Texas Schools:

Pi Kappa Alpha: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT
Pi Kappa Phi: Present at UH, Texas A&M (defendant in our active case)
Phi Delta Theta: Present at multiple Texas campuses
Kappa Sigma: Multiple Texas chapters including documented incidents

Sororities with Hazing Concerns:
While less publicly documented, sorority hazing includes:

Psychological manipulation and isolation
Forced consumption challenges
Sleep deprivation and extreme time demands
Digital harassment via group chats

Multicultural and NPHC Organizations:

Different traditions but similar power imbalances
Physical hazing sometimes part of underground traditions
Secrecy and loyalty pressures can be intense

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and What Town of Hackberry Families Can Expect

Evidence Collection – The Digital Crime Scene

Most Critical Evidence for Town of Hackberry Families:

Group Chats and Digital Communications
- GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: Screenshot EVERYTHING immediately
- Preservation method: Capture full threads with timestamps, participant names
- If messages disappear: Use screen recording; note dates/times/content
- Our video on evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Social Media Evidence
- Instagram Stories, Snapchats, TikTok: Disappearing content needs immediate capture
- Location tags showing where events happened
- Hashtags and captions referencing pledging or traditions
Medical Documentation
- ER reports must mention “hazing” specifically
- Lab results proving alcohol levels, rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase levels)
- Specialist evaluations for ongoing conditions
- Psychological assessments for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Physical Evidence
- Injury photographs with scale reference (coin, ruler)
- Clothing with stains or damage
- Objects used in hazing (paddles, bottles, props)
Institutional Records
- University conduct files on the organization
- Prior incident reports obtained via discovery
- National fraternity risk management files

The Investigation Process – What We Actually Do

Phase 1: Immediate Preservation (First 48 Hours)

Guide families through evidence collection without alerting opponents
Identify and contact potential witnesses before they’re coached
Secure digital evidence before deletion

Phase 2: Institutional Discovery

Public records requests to university for prior incidents
Preservation letters to fraternity/national requiring evidence retention
Identify all potential defendants: individuals, chapter, house corp, national, university

Phase 3: Expert Coordination

Medical experts to document injuries and future care needs
Digital forensics to recover deleted messages if needed
Economic experts for lifetime cost calculations in severe cases
Greek life culture experts to explain power dynamics and coercion

Phase 4: Legal Strategy Development

Criminal vs. civil coordination if charges are pending
Insurance coverage analysis across multiple policies
Settlement vs. trial evaluation based on evidence strength

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifetime needs
Lost educational costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Earning capacity loss: If injuries affect career trajectory
Therapy and counseling: Often needed for years

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial but Real):

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life as planned
Reputational harm: Social stigma from publicized hazing

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering
Economic support the deceased would have provided

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

Purpose: Punish and deter particularly reckless behavior
When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-ups attempted, extreme cruelty
Texas caps: Generally limited but exceptions for certain intentional conduct

Timeline and Realistic Expectations

Typical Hazing Case Timeline:

Months 1-3: Evidence collection, investigation, defendant identification
Months 4-9: Discovery phase – obtaining university/fraternity records
Months 10-18: Expert reports, settlement negotiations
Months 19-24+: Trial preparation if settlement fails

What Town of Hackberry Families Should Understand:

Universities and nationals delay – they have resources to drag out cases
Settlements often come on eve of trial or after key rulings
Confidentiality is common – most cases settle with non-disclosure terms
Your child’s privacy can be protected through sealed records requests

Practical Guides for Town of Hackberry Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Town of Hackberry Student May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Coming home with injuries to hands, back, or legs
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the group
Constant phone checking for group chat messages
Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”

Academic Red Flags:

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

Digital Behavior:

24/7 group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
Geo-tracking apps suddenly installed and required

How to Talk to Your Child (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 new members to do?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets?”

If You Suspect Hazing – Immediate Steps:

Prioritize safety: If in danger, call 911 then us at 1-888-ATTY-911
Document everything: Write down what your child says with dates/times
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Medical attention: Even if they resist, get professional evaluation
Legal consultation: Call us before confronting organization or university

For Students: Self-Protection and Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment Questions:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Is this activity dangerous, illegal, or something I’d hide from parents?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide activities?

If It’s Hazing – Your Texas Rights:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency (good-faith immunity)
Consent is not a defense under Texas law – even if you “agreed”
You can leave anytime – no matter what they’ve told you about commitment
Retaliation is illegal – harassment or threats can be criminal

Safe Exit Strategy:

Tell someone outside first: Parent, RA, trusted friend – create a record
Send written resignation: Email/text to president: “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting”: That’s where pressure/retaliation happens
Document any retaliation: Screenshot threats, report to university and police
Seek support: Counseling centers, trusted professors, legal advice

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshot group chats with timestamps visible
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
Save everything digital – don’t delete even if embarrassed
Medical documentation: Tell providers “I was hazed” for record

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward Responsibly

If You Participated and Now Regret It:

Your testimony can prevent future harm
Legal protection may be available through cooperation agreements
Guilt is understandable but action is what matters now
Consult an attorney about your specific exposure and options

If You Witnessed and Want to Help:

Anonymous reporting options: Campus hotlines, national hazing hotline
Protected whistleblower status in some circumstances
Your evidence could be crucial to stopping dangerous practices
We can help navigate how to come forward safely

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

What happens: Messages disappear, case becomes “he said/she said”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; obstruction of justice concerns
Right approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Why it’s wrong: Loses element of surprise, strengthens their defense
Right approach: Document quietly, call attorney first

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What happens: You may waive right to sue; settle for far below value
Why it’s wrong: Universities protect themselves first
Right approach: “I need to have my attorney review this before signing”

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media

What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Why it’s wrong: Can waive attorney-client privilege; creates public record
Right approach: Document privately; let attorney control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University Investigation

What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Why it’s wrong: University process ≠ real accountability
Right approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters

What happens: Recorded statements used against you; lowball settlements
Why it’s wrong: Adjusters work for insurance company, not you
Right approach: “My attorney will contact you”

Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Town of Hackberry Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
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 immunity protections. The Bermudez case against UH demonstrates active litigation against a public university.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Default is Class B misdemeanor, but becomes state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case involves allegations that could support felony charges given the kidney failure and hospitalization.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to it?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states: “Consent is not a defense.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary. This is crucial for Town of Hackberry families to understand.

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

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. The Bermudez case involves both on-campus (UH house) and off-campus (Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Park) locations.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency fee – no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. See our video explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“Do you handle cases outside Houston?”
Yes. We serve families throughout Texas, including Town of Hackberry and Denton County. Our Austin and Beaumont offices handle cases statewide.

Why Attorney911 for Town of Hackberry Hazing Cases

Texas-Based Hazing Specialists with Active Litigation Experience

When your Town of Hackberry 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 back—and how to win anyway.

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging systematic hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This isn’t historical knowledge; it’s current, active experience taking on a major Texas university and national fraternity.

Unique Advantages for Town of Hackberry Families

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background)

Mr. Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm
He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:
- Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
- Use delay tactics to pressure families
- Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
- Set reserves and negotiate settlements
His insider perspective: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello’s BP Experience)

One of 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 with unlimited legal budgets
Our perspective: “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. Universities don’t scare us.”

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability

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
Critical for: Coordinating with prosecutors, protecting your child if they face pressure

Investigative Depth and Expert Network

Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
Medical specialists for rhabdomyolysis, kidney injury, PTSD evaluation
Greek life culture experts to explain power dynamics and coercion
Economic experts for lifetime care cost calculations
Our approach: “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 records of 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities with EINs and addresses
University chapter rosters for UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Metro-level tracking including 510 organizations in DFW area (including Denton County)
Not starting from zero: We already know the organizations behind the letters

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

Proven results in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for valuing young lives
Life care planning for catastrophic injuries
Our record: We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.

Spanish-Language Services for Texas Families

Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Complete consultation and representation available in Spanish
Cultural understanding of Texas Hispanic communities
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Our Commitment to Town of Hackberry Families

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to:

Get you answers about what really happened
Hold the right people accountable – not just individuals but institutions
Secure resources for your child’s recovery and future
Help prevent this from happening to another family

This isn’t about bravado or quick settlements. It’s about thorough investigation, strategic litigation, and real accountability that changes institutional behavior.

Call to Action for Town of Hackberry Families

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UNT right here in Denton County, UT Austin, Texas A&M, or any other university—we want to hear from you. The Leonel Bermudez case proves that severe hazing is happening right now at Texas universities, and experienced counsel can hold institutions accountable.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen without judgment – we’ve heard these stories before
Review your evidence – photos, texts, medical records (if you have them)
Explain your legal options – criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines – what to expect week by week, month by month
Answer your questions about costs, privacy, and process
No pressure to hire – take time to decide what’s right for your family
Complete confidentiality – everything you tell us is protected

Contact Attorney911 Today:

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 (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services Available:

Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com
Consulta gratuita disponible en español

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

Homepage and contact: https://attorney911.com

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