Hazing in Texas: A Complete Legal Guide for Katy Families Seeking Justice

Our Legal Emergency for Katy Parents: When Campus “Traditions” Turn Dangerous

As parents in Katy, we send our children to Texas universities with hope and pride—watching them head to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, or SMU with dreams of education, friendship, and growth. But what happens when those dreams are shattered by dangerous rituals masquerading as tradition? When a late-night phone call reveals your child is in the hospital, not from an accident or illness, but from “initiation”? When you learn that the fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or Corps program they trusted has crossed the line from camaraderie to coercion, from bonding to brutality?

Right now, just miles from Katy in Houston, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring what the University itself called “deeply disturbing” hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, Bermudez was forced through extreme workouts, humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements, and physical abuse that left him hospitalized for four days. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm continues.

This is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern affecting families in Katy, across Fort Bend County, and throughout Texas. Whether your child attends school locally at the University of Houston or hours away at Texas A&M, the risks are real, the institutional responses are often inadequate, and the legal landscape can feel overwhelming.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Katy families by The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911). We’re Texas hazing litigation specialists based in Houston, and we serve families throughout our state, including right here in Katy, Cinco Ranch, and across Fort Bend County. We’ve created this resource to help you understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening on Texas campuses, and what legal options exist when prevention fails and accountability becomes necessary.

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 your child insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted using techniques shown in our video on using your phone to document evidence
Photograph injuries from multiple angles
Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)

Do NOT:

Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly
Sign anything from the university or insurance company
Post details on public social media
Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours: Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses). Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What Katy Families Need to Recognize

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Realities

Many Katy parents remember college hazing as “pranks” or “rough traditions,” but today’s hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often hidden, and increasingly dangerous practices. The power dynamics haven’t changed—older members controlling new members—but the methods have adapted to digital surveillance, off-campus locations, and psychological manipulation that can be harder to recognize until it’s too late.

Hazing in 2025 isn’t just about fraternity parties. It occurs in sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, spirit organizations, marching bands, and even academic clubs. For Katy families whose children might be involved in multiple campus activities, understanding this broad scope is crucial.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)

Constant digital control: 24/7 GroupMe monitoring, required instant responses, location sharing via Find My Friends
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ spaces, running personal errands
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for social activities
“Voluntary” mandatory events: Late-night meetings during exam weeks, weekend “retreats” that interfere with academics

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creating Hostile Environments)

Sleep deprivation: 3 AM wake-up calls for “mandatory” activities, multi-day events with minimal rest
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive bland foods
Public humiliation: Embarrassing costumes in public, forced social media posts, “roasting” sessions
Extreme physical exertion: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, punishment workouts

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, chugging competitions
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or marks
Dangerous rituals: Blindfolded “glass ceiling” tackles, forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
Chemical exposure: Texas A&M SAE case where industrial cleaner caused chemical burns requiring skin grafts

Digital Hazing: The 24/7 Pressure Cooker

For Katy students living away from home for the first time, the constant digital pressure can be particularly overwhelming. Today’s hazing often happens through:

Group chats that never stop buzzing, with threats of punishment for delayed responses
Social media challenges requiring embarrassing posts or videos
Location tracking via apps, creating constant surveillance
Deleted evidence on Snapchat or Instagram, making proof collection urgent

What makes modern hazing particularly insidious is how organizations disguise it. What’s labeled as “team building,” “wellness challenges,” or “tradition” often crosses legal lines. As ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit revealed, even simulated waterboarding and forced overeating until vomiting can be framed as “character building” within these closed systems.

Texas Hazing Law: What Katy Families Need to Know About Rights & Responsibilities

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protections

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws designed to protect students like yours at universities throughout our state. For Katy families, understanding these protections is the first step toward accountability.

The Legal Definition (Texas Education Code § 37.151)
Hazing 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 purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key Points for Katy Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Off-campus houses, Katy-area rentals, remote retreats—all covered
Consent is NOT a defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing (§ 37.155)
Mental harm counts: Psychological abuse, humiliation, and trauma are covered
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just disregard the risk

Criminal Penalties: When Hazing Becomes a Crime

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing violations (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

Additional Crimes:

Failure to report hazing by members/officers: misdemeanor
Retaliation against reporters: misdemeanor
Organizational liability: Fraternities/sororities can face fines up to $10,000 per violation

Civil Lawsuits: Seeking Justice and Compensation

While criminal cases are brought by the state, civil lawsuits allow your family to seek justice directly. These cases can proceed even without criminal charges and often provide the accountability universities fail to deliver.

Potential Defendants in Katy-Area Cases:

Individual students who planned or participated
Chapter officers who authorized or failed to stop hazing
Local chapters as legal entities
National organizations with documented pattern knowledge
Universities for negligent supervision (with complex immunity issues)
Property owners of off-campus houses
Alcohol providers under Texas dram shop laws

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires universities receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Mandates public hazing data by 2026
Strengthens prevention education requirements

Title IX & Clery Act

Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment or assault
Requires specific reporting and response protocols
Can waive some university immunity protections

For Katy families, the interplay between Texas state law and federal requirements creates multiple avenues for accountability. Understanding these frameworks helps ensure no responsible party avoids consequences.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Preventable Tragedy

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The result? $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU). Multiple members convicted. This case matters to Katy families because the same “Big/Little” script plays out at Texas schools, including those your children attend.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Forced participation in a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking. Died with a 0.495% BAC. Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony, chapter closure, and confidential settlements. The takeaway for Katy? Drinking games framed as “tradition” are lethally predictable.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking, fatal falls caught on chapter cameras, delayed medical care. Dozens of criminal charges, Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, and national reckoning. For Katy parents: security cameras in chapter houses can be evidence, not just security.

Physical & Ritualized Violence

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Blindfolded, weighted with backpacks, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. Died from traumatic brain injury. Members delayed calling 911. Result: National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, individual jail sentences. Katy families note: off-campus retreats are common in Texas Greek life and Corps programs.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol during “pledge dad reveal.” Suffered permanent, severe brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care). Settlements with 22 defendants, multi-million dollar outcomes. For Katy: non-fatal injuries can be as devastating as deaths.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Important for Katy families with athletes: haizing isn’t just fraternities.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Cases
Multiple documented cases including alleged “roasted pig” binding, simulated sexual acts, and physical abuse. Confidential settlements, internal discipline. Katy’s close proximity to College Station makes this particularly relevant.

What These Cases Mean for Katy Families

Patterns repeat: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, physical “tests”) appear nationwide, including Texas
Cover-ups are predictable: Delayed medical care, destroyed evidence, witness coaching
Accountability is possible: Multi-million dollar settlements, criminal convictions, organizational bans
Legislation follows tragedy: States strengthen laws after high-profile cases
Your case matters: Every lawsuit contributes to prevention and institutional change

Texas University Focus: Where Katy Students Face Risk

University of Houston: Katy’s Closest Major Campus

For many Katy families, UH represents the most accessible major university, whether through direct enrollment or through its multi-campus system. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates serious ongoing risks.

UH Hazing Policy & Reality

Policy: Prohibits hazing on and off campus, requires reporting, outlines disciplinary procedures
Reality: As the Bermudez case shows, policies alone don’t prevent abuse
Reporting channels: Dean of Students, UHPD, online forms
Transparency challenges: Limited public disciplinary records compared to UT Austin

Documented UH Incidents

Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025): Leonel Bermudez case with rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure
Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledge suffered lacerated spleen from physical hazing
Multiple organizations: Suspensions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, policy violations

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds for Katy Families

Jurisdiction mix: UHPD for on-campus, HPD for off-campus (like Katy-area rentals)
Court venue: Harris County courts typically handle civil claims
Defendant universe: Individuals, chapters, nationals, UH System
Evidence sources: Group chats, medical records, prior disciplinary files
Strategic considerations: Sovereign immunity challenges for public university

What UH Students & Katy Parents Should Know

UH has mandatory reporting requirements for employees
Anonymous reporting options exist but limit follow-up
Medical amnesty policies protect those seeking help in emergencies
Time is critical: Evidence disappears within days

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

Many Katy students choose Texas A&M for its academic programs and tradition-rich environment. The Corps of Cadets and active Greek life create unique risks.

A&M’s Dual Hazing Environments

Corps of Cadets: Military-style discipline with documented abuse cases
Greek Life: Active fraternity/sorority system with national patterns
Athletic programs: Team hazing incidents across sports

Documented A&M Cases

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Chemical burns from industrial cleaner requiring skin grafts
Corps of Cadets (2023): “Roasted pig” binding with apple in mouth, simulated sexual acts
Multiple fraternities: Suspensions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse

Brazos County Legal Landscape for Katy Families

Local jurisdiction: College Station PD, Brazos County courts
University cooperation: Mixed history of transparency vs. protection
Witness community: Large alumni network can help or hinder cases
Media attention: High-profile cases attract regional coverage

Katy-to-College Station Considerations
#includeDistance: ~100 miles affects family support during cases

Local counsel value: Understanding Brazos County courts and A&M culture
Evidence transport: Digital evidence manageable, physical evidence challenging
Student isolation: Distance can increase vulnerability during hazing

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

UT Austin’s public hazing violation database provides unprecedented transparency, revealing patterns that affect Katy students at our state’s flagship university.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database

Online accessibility: hazing.utexas.edu lists organizations, violations, sanctions
Documented patterns: Repeated violations by same organizations
Sanction range: Probation to permanent removal
Evidence for litigation: Public records strengthen civil cases

Documented UT Cases

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Forced milk consumption, extreme calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Multiple hazing violations over years
Spirit groups: Tradition organizations with repeated sanctions
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Ongoing investigations and lawsuits

Travis County Legal Process for Katy Families

Court venue: Travis County District Courts
Local rules: Unique procedures for university-related cases
Media market: Austin media closely covers UT controversies
Political factors: State politics influence university responses

UT-Specific Guidance for Katy Parents

Check the database: Before your child joins any organization
Document everything: UT’s transparency helps prove patterns
Understand sanctions: Probation often precedes more serious violations
Act quickly: UT investigates rapidly but settlements favor the university

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

SMU’s private status and affluent student body create different dynamics for Katy families considering this Dallas-area university.

SMU’s Greek Life Dominance

High participation rates: Greek life central to social experience
National patterns: Same organizations with nationwide hazing histories
Private university dynamics: Less transparency, different legal standards

Documented SMU Cases

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Multiple organizations: Probation and suspensions for hazing violations
NPHC groups: Divine Nine organizations with documented incidents

Dallas County Legal Considerations

Civil procedure: Different standards for private institutions
Insurance dynamics: Often better coverage than public universities
Media relations: Dallas-Fort Worth media market attention
Alumni influence: Powerful alumni networks affect outcomes

SMU-Specific Advice for Katy Families

Request records: Private doesn’t mean undiscoverable
Understand insurance: SMU and nationals often have substantial coverage
Consider venue: Dallas County vs. federal court strategic decisions
Media strategy: Private university reputation concerns create leverage

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

Baylor’s religious affiliation and recent history with institutional accountability create unique considerations for Katy families.

Baylor’s Complex History

Title IX scandal: Football program sexual assault cover-ups
Religious identity: Affects institutional responses
Greek life integration: Baylor-specific traditions and risks

Documented Baylor Cases

Baseball team (2020): 14 players suspended for hazing
Multiple fraternities: Alcohol hazing incidents
Internal discipline: Limited public transparency

McLennan County Legal Environment

Local courts: Waco’s legal community familiarity with Baylor
Religious considerations: Can affect jury dynamics
Media coverage: Waco vs. national media attention differences
Settlement patterns: Confidential settlements common

Baylor-Focused Guidance for Katy Parents

Internal reporting first: Baylor requires exhausting internal processes
Document religious aspects: How faith is weaponized in hazing
Understand confidentiality: Baylor’s settlement preferences
Consider co-counsel: Local Waco counsel combined with our expertise

Fraternities & Sororities: National Patterns at Katy Students’ Schools

Why National Histories Matter to Katy Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local club—they’re affiliating with a national organization with decades of documented hazing incidents. These national histories create legal liability that can help your family seek justice.

High-Risk Organizations with Documented Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National pattern: Multiple alcohol poisoning deaths including Stone Foltz
Texas presence: Active chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Legal significance: National has been sued repeatedly for same “Big/Little” script
Katy family relevance: Your child’s chapter follows national rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National pattern: Multiple deaths, traumatic brain injuries, chemical burns
Texas cases: A&M chemical burns lawsuit, UT assault case
Organizational response: Eliminated pledge process nationally in 2014
Katy relevance: Same national organization, same risk patterns

Pi Kappa Phi

National pattern: Andrew Coffey alcohol death at FSU
Current Texas case: Our Leonel Bermudez UH lawsuit
Organizational liability: Nationals knew risks from prior incidents
Katy connection: Active at multiple Texas schools Katy students attend

Phi Delta Theta

National pattern: Max Gruver death at LSU
Legislative impact: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
Texas presence: Chapters throughout state university system
Preventable tragedy: Known drinking game risks ignored

National Sorority Hazing: Often Overlooked

Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Kappa Alpha Theta, etc.

Physical hazing: Less common but occurs
Psychological abuse: More prevalent—social isolation, humiliation
Alcohol pressure: Forced drinking in some chapters
Digital hazing: Social media humiliation, group chat coercion

NPHC Organizations (Divine Nine)
349Historical context: Different traditions and rituals

Physical hazing: Paddling traditions despite national prohibitions
Legal actions: Successful lawsuits establishing organizational liability
Texas presence: Active at all major universities

How National Patterns Strengthen Your Case

Foreseeability Argument
National organizations knew or should have known specific rituals were dangerous based on:

Prior incidents at other chapters
Industry knowledge of hazing risks
Their own training materials acknowledging dangers

Negligent Supervision Claims
Nationals failed to:

Adequately monitor chapter activities
Enforce their own anti-hazing policies
Remove dangerous traditions from practice
Respond appropriately to prior complaints

Punitive Damage Potential
When nationals show:

Reckless disregard for known risks
Pattern of ignoring warnings
Inadequate responses to prior incidents
Profit motive over safety

For Katy families, proving these national patterns requires experienced attorneys who know how to subpoena national headquarters records, analyze decades of incident reports, and connect your child’s suffering to organizational failures.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations for Katy Families

Critical Evidence Collection: The 72-Hour Window

Digital Evidence (Most Important)

Group chats: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps visible
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat captures
Location data: Google Maps history, Find My Friends logs
Deleted recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” content
Email threads: Chapter communications, national correspondence

Physical Evidence

Injury documentation: Photograph from multiple angles daily
Medical records: ER reports, lab results (critical for rhabdomyolysis cases)
Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, props
Clothing: Unwashed items with stains or damage
Receipts: For alcohol purchases, costume rentals, etc.

Institutional Records

University files: Prior disciplinary actions against same organization
National records: Incident reports from other chapters
Insurance policies: Coverage details for chapters and nationals
Property records: Who owns the house where hazing occurred

Witness Information

Other pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
Former members: Those who quit may be willing to testify
Roommates/RAs: Observable behavior changes
Medical providers: Documentation of injuries and explanations

Damages: What Katy Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future care
Lost earnings: Missed work, reduced earning capacity
Educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Therapy costs: Psychological treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Harm)

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, humiliation, trauma
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college experience
Reputational harm: Social stigma and embarrassment

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral expenses: Burial and related costs
Loss of support: Financial contribution deceased would have made
Loss of companionship: Family’s emotional loss
Pain and suffering: Deceased’s pre-death suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

Purpose: Punish and deter especially bad conduct
Requirements: Gross negligence, malice, or fraud
Texas caps: Generally limited but exceptions exist
Strategic value: Creates settlement leverage

Strategic Considerations for Katy-Area Cases

Jurisdiction Selection

State vs. federal court: Different procedures, different judges
County considerations: Harris (Houston), Travis (Austin), Brazos (College Station), Dallas, McLennan (Waco)
Venue rules: Where events occurred vs. where defendants are located

Defendant Selection
07Individual members: Often limited resources but personal accountability

Chapter officers: Greater responsibility, sometimes insurance
Local chapters: May have assets and insurance
National organizations: Deep pockets, pattern evidence
Universities: Complex immunity issues but often settle
Property owners: Additional insurance coverage

Insurance Coverage Battles

Multiple policies: Chapter, national, university, homeowner’s
Coverage disputes: Insurers often deny hazing claims
Bad faith claims: When insurers wrongfully deny coverage
Settlement funding: Identifying all potential sources

Timing and Statute of Limitations
Texas generally has a 2-year statute of limitations from date of injury, but:

Discovery rule: Clock may start when harm is discovered
Tolling agreements: Can extend deadlines by agreement
Minority tolling: Different rules if victim was under 18
Fraudulent concealment: If defendants hid evidence

Practical Guides: Immediate Steps for Katy Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Katy Parents: Recognizing and Responding

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, weight changes
Behavioral: Sudden secrecy, personality changes, withdrawal
Academic: Grades dropping, missing classes, losing scholarships
Digital: Constant phone anxiety, deleting messages, strange social media
Financial: Unexplained expenses, requests for money

How to Talk to Your Child

Choose timing: Private, calm, uninterrupted
Ask open questions: “How are things with [organization]?”
Listen without judgment: Fear of disappointing you keeps kids silent
Offer unconditional support: “Your safety matters most”
Document what they share: Write down details immediately

If Your Child is Hurt

Medical care first: Emergency room if needed
Preserve evidence: Photos, screenshots, physical items
Document everything: Who, what, when, where
Contact attorney: Before talking to university or organization
Follow medical advice: Complete all treatment

Dealing with the University

Document all communications: Emails, calls, meetings
Ask specific questions: About prior incidents, policies, procedures
Don’t sign anything: Without attorney review
Request records: Disciplinary files, incident reports
Understand limitations: University interests differ from yours

For Katy Students: Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Questions to Ask Yourself

Am I being pressured to do something dangerous or humiliating?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity hidden from university officials or parents?
Are only new members required to do this?
Do I feel like I can’t say no without being ostracized?

How to Exit Safely

Tell someone: Parent, trusted adult, counselor
Send written notice: Email to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Document threats: Save any retaliation evidence
Report if needed: University, police if threats are serious
Seek support: Counseling center, victim advocates

Evidence Preservation for Students

Screenshots: Entire chat threads with timestamps
Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used
Medical care: Tell providers you were hazed for documentation
Witnesses: Names and contact information
Journal: Write down details while fresh

Your Legal Rights in Texas

Good-faith reporting: Protected if you seek help in emergency
No retaliation: Illegal for organization to retaliate
Civil claims: You can sue even if no criminal charges
Confidentiality: Can request sealed records in lawsuits
Statute of limitations: Generally 2 years but consult attorney

For Witnesses and Former Members: Doing the Right Thing

If You Participated and Regret It

Legal advice first: Understand your potential exposure
Tell the truth: To investigators and in legal proceedings
Make amends: Your testimony can prevent future harm
Protect yourself: Don’t incriminate yourself unnecessarily

If You Witnessed Hazing

Document what you saw: Write down details immediately
Preserve evidence: Screenshots, photos, recordings
Report appropriately: To authorities who can protect you
Consider testimony: Your account could be crucial
Get support: Witnessing trauma affects you too

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What happens: “I don’t want this embarrassing stuff saved”
Why it’s fatal: Looks like cover-up, destroys your credibility, eliminates crucial proof
Better approach: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization
What happens: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s fatal: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document silently, let your attorney handle communications

3. Signing University Papers
What happens: “The Dean said just sign this to resolve things”
Why it’s fatal: You may waive legal rights, accept inadequate settlements
Better approach: “I need my attorney to review this first”

4. Social Media Posts
What happens: “People need to know what they did”
Why it’s fatal: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt you
Better approach: Private documentation, let attorney control public messaging

5. Talking to Insurance Adjusters
What happens: “They just want my statement to process the claim”
Why it’s fatal: Recorded statements used against you, early lowball settlements
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

6. Waiting Too Long
What happens: “Let’s see how the university handles it first”
Why it’s fatal: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Better approach: Consult attorney immediately, preserve evidence now

7. Letting Your Child Return
What happens: “They promised it was just one more meeting”
Why it’s fatal: Pressure, intimidation, extracted statements that hurt your case
Better approach: Once considering legal action, all communication through attorney

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Katy Families Choose Us for Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), we bring unique qualifications to hazing cases affecting Katy families.

Insurance Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña’s Defense Background
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm, representing the very insurance companies that now defend fraternities and universities. He knows their playbook because he used to run it. This insider knowledge helps us:

Anticipate coverage denial arguments and counter them
Understand how insurers value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Navigate complex insurance policies and exclusions
Force insurers to honor their coverage obligations
As Mr. Peña explains, “Having been on their side, I know exactly what arguments they’ll make, what evidence they’ll attack, and how to present our case in ways that overcome their standard defenses.”

Complex Institutional Litigation: Ralph Manginello’s Experience
Ralph Manginello’s background includes being one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. This experience translates directly to hazing cases where we face:

National fraternities with decades of legal experience
University systems with sovereign immunity arguments
Teams of defense attorneys from prestigious firms
Sophisticated public relations and legal strategies
“We’ve faced institutional defendants who thought they were untouchable,” says Manginello. “We’re not intimidated by big names or deep pockets. We investigate thoroughly, build compelling cases, and fight relentlessly for our clients.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results Experience
Our track record in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases demonstrates our capability to handle the most serious hazing cases:

Logging accident brain injury: Multi-million dollar settlement
Car accident amputation: Multi-million dollar settlement
Offshore injury cases: Significant six-figure and seven-figure results
Wrongful death claims: Experience with economist collaboration for lifetime valuations

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases:

Advising clients during criminal investigations
Navigating parallel civil and criminal proceedings
Protecting witness rights during cooperation
Understanding how criminal outcomes affect civil cases

Spanish Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Katy’s Hispanic community receives equal access to justice and understanding throughout the legal process.

Our Hazing Case Approach for Katy Families

Immediate Response Protocol
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we initiate our emergency response:

24/7 availability: We answer day or night
Evidence preservation guidance: Immediate steps to save disappearing evidence
Medical care coordination: Ensuring proper documentation of injuries
University communication strategy: Protecting your rights during initial contacts
Witness protection planning: Safeguarding those who want to come forward

Thorough Investigation Process
We don’t just take statements—we investigate like your child’s life depends on it, because it does:

Digital forensics: Recovering deleted messages and social media content
National record subpoenas: Obtaining decades of incident reports
University file requests: Using public records laws to access hidden documents
Expert consultations: Medical, psychological, economic, Greek life culture experts
Witness interviews: Protecting vulnerable sources while gathering crucial testimony

Strategic Case Development
Every hazing case requires customized strategy:

Defendant selection: Identifying all potentially liable parties
Jurisdiction analysis: Choosing the most favorable court venue
Insurance mapping: Locating all available coverage sources
Media strategy: Balancing public accountability with client privacy
Settlement vs. trial evaluation: Realistic assessment of options at each stage

Client-Centered Representation
We remember that behind every case is a family in crisis:

Regular updates: We commit to keeping you informed every 2-3 weeks
Accessible attorneys: You speak with us, not just paralegals
Emotional support referrals: Connecting you with counseling resources
Privacy protection: Fighting for sealed records and confidential settlements
Future prevention focus: Many families find purpose in creating legacy changes

Free Consultation: What Katy Families Can Expect

Your No-Obligation Consultation Includes:

Complete confidentiality: Everything you tell us is protected
Case assessment: Our experienced evaluation of your situation
Options explanation: Criminal, civil, university processes, or combination
Cost transparency: Contingency fee explanation—no fee unless we win
Timeline discussion: Realistic expectations about the process
Evidence review: Assessment of what you have and what we need
Next steps: Clear guidance on immediate actions

Common Questions We Address:

“Can we afford a lawyer?” (Contingency fees—no cost unless we recover)
“Will this be public?” (We fight for confidentiality at every stage)
“How long will it take?” (Realistic timelines based on case complexity)
“What if my child participated?” (Texas law: consent is not a defense)
“Can we sue the university?” (Complex but possible in many cases)

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

Your Path to Justice Starts Here

If you’re reading this guide because hazing has touched your family, we want you to know: You’re not alone, and you have options. Whether your child attends school here in Houston, at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, we can help.

For Katy Families Specifically:
We understand the unique dynamics of our community. Many Katy students attend nearby universities while living at home, creating different patterns of supervision and vulnerability. Others venture farther but maintain close family ties. Wherever your child’s campus, we’re here to help families right here in Katy, Cinco Ranch, and throughout Fort Bend County.

Immediate Next Steps:

Call us: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Preserve evidence: Follow our emergency guidance above
Get medical care: Document all injuries and treatments
Document everything: Write down details while fresh
Avoid common mistakes: Don’t confront, don’t sign, don’t post

Why Choose The Manginello Law Firm?

Texas hazing specialists: This is what we do, not just one area we handle
Insider knowledge: Former insurance defense experience gives us unique advantage
Proven results: Multi-million dollar settlements in complex cases
Local understanding: Based in Houston, serving Katy families directly
Compassionate approach: We remember there’s a family behind every case

Contact Us Today:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
Spanish Services: Hablamos Español – Mr. Peña available for Spanish consultations

Your consultation is:

FREE: No cost to evaluate your case
CONFIDENTIAL: Protected by attorney-client privilege
NO OBLIGATION: You decide if you want to proceed after we talk
COMPREHENSIVE: We’ll review all aspects of your situation

A Final Word to Katy Parents

We send our children to college hoping they’ll find community, build character, and create lifelong memories. When that trust is betrayed by dangerous hazing rituals, the betrayal cuts deep—not just at our children, but at our fundamental belief in institutional responsibility.

At The Manginello Law Firm, we believe every family deserves answers, every victim deserves justice, and every institution that allows hazing to continue deserves accountability. We’ve seen the physical injuries, the psychological trauma, the shattered educations, and the unimaginable grief of families who have lost children entirely.

But we’ve also seen healing, recovery, and meaningful change when families stand up and demand accountability. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH is happening right now because one family said “enough.” The changes at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other campuses often come only after litigation forces transparency.

If hazing has affected your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. You don’t have to accept institutional silence or inadequate responses. You have rights, you have options, and you have advocates who understand what you’re facing.

Call us today. Let us listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you choose the path forward that’s right for your family. Because in Katy and across Texas, we believe that every student deserves safety, every family deserves answers, and every institution that fails in its duty deserves accountability.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Katy, Fort Bend County, and All of Texas
1-888-ATTY-911

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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: 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 reflects our knowledge and experience as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on 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