The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Resource for Kennard Families

If you are a parent in Kennard, Texas, your worst nightmare may be unfolding right now. Your child, whom you sent off to Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M, or the University of Houston with pride and hope, is calling you from a fraternity house, a Corps dorm, or a spirit squad retreat. Their voice sounds different—strained, scared, or strangely detached. They mention “mandatory” events that keep them out until 3 AM, mysterious injuries they brush off as “just workouts,” or a sudden obsession with responding to group chat messages at all hours. When you ask questions, you’re met with evasion: “It’s just tradition,” “Everyone does it,” or “I can’t talk about it.”

What you’re hearing are the warning signs of hazing—a dangerous, illegal, and often hidden practice that persists on Texas campuses despite decades of “zero tolerance” policies. For families in our tight-knit Houston County community, where values of respect, safety, and accountability run deep, discovering your child has been subjected to humiliation, forced drinking, physical abuse, or psychological torment is both shocking and infuriating.

Right now, just hours from Kennard in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. We represent 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 a Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, Bermudez was forced through extreme workouts, made to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack,” sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. He was hospitalized for four days with brown urine indicating severe muscle breakdown. The chapter has since been shut down, but Bermudez faces ongoing health risks—and we’re pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against the university, the national fraternity, and individual members.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern that affects families from Kennard to College Station, from Huntsville to Houston. Whether your child attends nearby Sam Houston State University, commutes to Angelina College, or has ventured further to Texas A&M, UT Austin, or Baylor, they may encounter Greek organizations, athletic teams, or tradition groups that still practice dangerous initiation rituals.

This guide exists for you, the Kennard parent, grandparent, or family member who needs answers, not platitudes. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law applies, what national cases tell us about accountability, and what practical steps you can take if your child has been harmed. Most importantly, we’ll show you how experienced legal counsel can help secure justice, compensation, and—just as crucially—prevent this from happening to another family in our community.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For Kennard families who may remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals,” the reality in 2025 is more dangerous, more psychologically manipulative, and better hidden than ever. Modern hazing isn’t just about paddling or silly costumes—it’s a systematic process of control, humiliation, and boundary-testing that can leave permanent physical and psychological scars.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. At Texas schools from College Station to Huntsville, we’ve seen:

“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor to consume
“Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean forced drinking
Lineups where pledges must chug beer, wine, or hard alcohol in rapid succession
Coerced consumption of unknown substances or dangerous mixtures

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes:

Rhabdomyolysis-inducing workouts (like Leonel Bermudez’s case at UH): Hundreds of push-ups, squats, or extreme calisthenics until muscles break down
“Smokings” or “hell weeks” with sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to elements
Chemical burns from substances poured on skin (as allegedly occurred in a Texas A&M SAE case)
Binding, restraint, or dangerous physical “tests” like blindfolded tackles

3. Psychological and Sexualized Hazing
The most damaging forms often leave no physical marks:

Forced nudity or simulated sexual acts (“elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions)
Humiliating costumes, degrading nicknames, public shaming rituals
Racial, homophobic, or sexist slurs and role-playing
Social isolation from non-members, control over relationships

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

24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges must respond instantly to messages at all hours
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, compromising photos
Location tracking: Required use of Find My Friends, Life360, or Snapchat Maps
Digital “tasks”: Online scavenger hunts, harassing messages to others, creating embarrassing content

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Kennard families should understand hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (especially at Texas A&M and in military-style groups)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheer, baseball to basketball)
Spirit and Tradition Organizations (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 combination of tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance that allows hazing to persist even when everyone “knows” it’s illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Kennard Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for Kennard families considering legal action. These laws apply whether the hazing occurred at Sam Houston State University in nearby Huntsville, Texas A&M in College Station, or any other Texas campus.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Anti-Hazing Statute

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Points for Kennard Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house, Airbnb, or retreat is still illegal
Mental health counts: Psychological harm qualifies as hazing
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to have intended harm—just disregarded obvious risks
“Tradition” is no defense: “We’ve always done it this way” doesn’t make it legal

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152)

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
Additional charges: Individuals can also face assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter charges

Most Importantly (Section 37.155):
CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153)

The fraternity, sorority, or organization itself can face:

Criminal charges if they authorized or encouraged hazing
Fines up to $10,000 per violation
Civil lawsuits for damages

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154)

Students who report hazing or call 911 in good faith are protected from disciplinary action related to their own involvement (underage drinking, etc.). This “amnesty” provision is critical—it saves lives by removing the fear of getting in trouble.

How Texas Law Compares

Texas has strong hazing laws, but other states have enacted even stronger measures after high-profile deaths:

Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act: Felony hazing statute
Ohio’s Collin’s Law: Felony when drugs/alcohol cause physical harm
Pennsylvania’s Timothy Piazza Law: Enhanced penalties and transparency

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH could similarly inspire Texas legislative reforms—a reminder that individual cases shape laws that protect future students.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Kennard Families

When we advise Kennard families about hazing cases, we draw on national precedents. These aren’t just news stories—they’re legal roadmaps showing what’s possible in terms of accountability, compensation, and reform.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Tragedy

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021)

Pi Kappa Alpha pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from national fraternity, ~$3M from university)
Lesson for Kennard families: Universities can be held financially accountable alongside fraternities

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017)

Phi Delta Theta pledge forced into “Bible study” drinking game
Died with BAC of 0.495%
Criminal convictions, $6.1 million verdict for family
Lesson: “Games” involving forced drinking are criminal, not “tradition”

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (2017)

Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Fell multiple times, delayed medical care captured on chapter cameras
18 members charged, new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law
Lesson: Security footage and digital evidence can prove cover-up attempts

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021)

Phi Gamma Delta pledge forced to drink during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar total
Lesson for Kennard families: Non-fatal hazing can cause catastrophic, lifelong injuries requiring lifetime care

Texas A&M SAE Chemical Burns Case (2021)

Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
$1 million lawsuit, chapter suspension
Lesson: Even “elite” fraternities at Texas schools engage in dangerous hazing

What These Cases Mean for Your Family in Kennard

Patterns repeat: The same fraternities (Pi Kappa Alpha, SAE, Phi Delta Theta) have similar incidents nationwide
Universities pay: Public and private schools have paid millions in settlements
Cover-ups fail: Deleted messages, security footage, and witness testimony often expose the truth
Legacy matters: Many families use settlements to create foundations preventing future hazing

These national cases aren’t abstract—they’re the legal foundation we use when representing Kennard families against the same national organizations operating at Texas schools.

Texas Universities: Where Kennard Families Send Their Kids

Kennard families have deep educational connections across Texas. Whether your child attends nearby Sam Houston State University (just 30 minutes away in Huntsville), commutes to Angelina College, or ventures further to Texas A&M, UT Austin, or other major schools, understanding each campus’s hazing landscape is crucial.

Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, TX)

For Kennard Families: Just a short drive from home, SHSU is where many Houston County students begin their higher education journey. Its growing Greek life and tradition organizations require careful attention.

Campus Snapshot:

Public university with approximately 21,000 students
Active Greek community with fraternities and sororities across IFC, Panhellenic, and NPHC councils
Strong emphasis on tradition and school spirit

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

SHSU prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law
Reports can be made to Dean of Students, University Police Department, or anonymously online
Policy applies to all student organizations, athletic teams, and living groups

Recent History & Concerns:
While SHSU hasn’t had national headline-making cases like larger schools, our firm’s experience indicates:

Alcohol-related hazing incidents in Greek organizations
Physical endurance “challenges” during pledging
Social media and group chat hazing pressures
The university’s disciplinary records show periodic sanctions against organizations for hazing-related violations

What Kennard Parents Should Know:

Proximity matters: Being close to home doesn’t guarantee safety
Smaller doesn’t mean safer: Hazing occurs at schools of all sizes
Document everything: If your SHSU student reports concerns, follow the evidence preservation steps outlined earlier
University response: SHSU generally takes hazing seriously, but like all institutions, may prioritize protecting the university’s reputation in initial responses

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

For Kennard Families: Many East Texas students choose Texas A&M for its academic reputation, Corps of Cadets, and strong tradition. But these very traditions can sometimes mask dangerous behaviors.

Campus Snapshot:

Flagship public university with over 70,000 students
One of the nation’s largest Greek systems
Historic Corps of Cadets with military-style discipline
Deeply ingrained traditions and organizational culture

Documented Incidents:

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)

Cadet alleged being bound between beds in humiliating position with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts, degradation, and physical hardship
$1+ million lawsuit filed; A&M stated it handled matter internally
For Kennard families: Even prestigious, disciplined programs aren’t immune

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021)

Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Chapter suspended; $1 million lawsuit filed
Lesson: “Elite” fraternity status doesn’t prevent dangerous hazing

University Response Patterns:

Generally cooperates with law enforcement in serious cases
Has suspended multiple chapters for hazing violations
Corps maintains separate disciplinary system with military-style justice
Public transparency varies by case severity

Special Considerations for Aggie Families:

Corps vs. Greek life: Both have hazing risks but different oversight structures
Tradition defense: “We’ve always done this” carries weight at A&M but isn’t legally valid
Multiple jurisdictions: Cases may involve College Station PD, campus police, and Corps authorities
Alumni pressure: Powerful former students sometimes influence institutional responses

University of Houston (Houston, TX)

For Kennard Families: Many Houston County students choose UH for its urban opportunities, diverse programs, and proximity to home. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates serious hazing risks exist even at commuter-heavy schools.

Flagship Case – Leonel Bermudez (2025):
Our firm currently represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against:

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

Hazing Allegations (per ABC13 coverage):
Figures include: “pledge fanny pack” with degrading items, forced consumption until vomiting, 100+ push-ups/500 squats workouts, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” cold-weather exposure, and psychological torment.

Medical Consequences:

Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure
Four-day hospitalization
Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

University Response:

Called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Cooperated with Pi Kappa Phi national investigation
Chapter suspended (Nov 6, 2025) then closed (Nov 14, 2025)

What This Means for UH Families:

Urban campus risks: Hazing occurs in city settings too
Medical documentation: Bermudez’s hospital records proved the severity
Multiple defendants: Lawsuits can target individuals, chapters, nationals, and universities
Media attention: Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline coverage shows public expects accountability

University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)

For Kennard Families: UT Austin attracts top students from across Texas, including Houston County. Its size and prestige don’t eliminate hazing risks.

Transparency Advantage:
UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) listing:

Organization names
Violation dates and descriptions
Sanctions imposed

Recent Examples from UT’s Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and hazing prevention education required
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple fraternities and sororities with probation for various hazing violations

What Kennard Families Should Know:

Check the database: Before your child joins an organization, review UT’s hazing violations page
Pattern evidence: Multiple violations against same organization strengthen negligence claims
University cooperation: UT generally complies with discovery requests in lawsuits
Austin jurisdiction: Cases may involve UTPD, Austin PD, and Travis County courts

Baylor University (Waco, TX)

For Kennard Families: Baylor’s religious identity and recent history with institutional scandal create a complex environment for hazing accountability.

Institutional Context:

Private Christian university
Recent football sexual assault scandal affected administrative approach to misconduct
Strong Greek life despite religious affiliation

Documented Issues:

Baseball team hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Periodic fraternity suspensions for alcohol-related hazing
Less public transparency than public universities

Special Considerations:

Private school dynamics: Different legal standards than public universities
Religious framing: May affect how misconduct is perceived internally
Waco jurisdiction: McLennan County courts and Baylor’s internal processes
Pattern of institutional protection: History suggests aggressive defense of university reputation

Other Texas Schools Kennard Families Attend

Angelina College (Lufkin, TX):
While smaller, community colleges aren’t immune to hazing in athletic teams or clubs

Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, TX):
Similar profile to SHSU with Greek life and tradition organizations

Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, TX):
Historically Black university with strong NPHC Greek life

Key Takeaway for All Schools:
No Texas campus is hazing-free. The question isn’t whether hazing occurs, but how seriously the institution responds when it’s exposed.

Fraternities and Sororities: National Histories Meet Texas Campuses

When we investigate hazing cases for Kennard families, we don’t just look at what happened at Sam Houston State or Texas A&M. We examine national patterns—because the same fraternities and sororities that harmed students in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana have chapters right here in Texas, often repeating the same dangerous behaviors.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

In court, we use national histories to prove:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
Pattern and practice: This wasn’t an isolated incident but part of a recurring problem
Negligent supervision: Nationals failed to adequately monitor or control chapters
Punitive damages justification: Willful disregard for known risks

Major Organizations with Documented Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”)

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): Alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
Texas chapters: Multiple violations at UT Austin, investigations at other Texas schools
Kennard connection: Active at SHSU, Texas A&M, UT, and most major Texas campuses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”)

Traumatic brain injury case (Alabama, 2023): Ongoing lawsuit
Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021): $1M lawsuit, skin grafts required
Assault case (UT Austin, 2024): Exchange student seriously injured
National pattern: Multiple deaths and injuries led to elimination of traditional pledge process (2014)
Kennard connection: Premier fraternity at Texas A&M, UT, and other selective schools

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Drinking game death, $6.1M verdict, Louisiana felony law
Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide
Kennard connection: Established chapters at Texas A&M, UT, Baylor

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Alcohol poisoning death, chapter closed
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our firm’s current case, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Kennard connection: Active at UH, other Texas campuses

Kappa Alpha Order

SMU chapter suspension (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Other chapter sanctions nationally
Southern heritage emphasis: Can involve racially insensitive traditions
Kennard connection: Active at Texas A&M, SMU, other Texas schools

How We Use This Information for Kennard Families

When representing a family from Houston County, we:

Subpoena national records showing prior incidents at other chapters
Demonstrate knowledge: Prove nationals knew about similar hazing elsewhere
Show inadequate response: Highlight how prior punishments failed to prevent recurrence
Establish standard of care: What reasonable national organizations should do to prevent hazing

This national perspective is crucial because fraternity insurance companies often argue “this was a rogue chapter” or “we didn’t know.” National histories prove otherwise.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Kennard Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed directories of Greek organizations operating in Texas. This isn’t theoretical—it’s concrete data we use to identify all potentially liable parties in hazing cases. For Kennard families, understanding this landscape is the first step toward accountability.

Greek Organizations in the Houston-Dallas Corridor

Kennard sits between Houston and Dallas metros, both hosting hundreds of Greek organizations. Here are examples from public records:

From IRS B83 Filings (Tax-Exempt Greek Organizations):

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 900293166 – College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M University chapter)

From Cause IQ Metro Data (Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro – 188 total Greek organizations):

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (alumni/house corp.)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (undergrad chapter)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Theta Chi Chapter – Houston, TX (grad chapter)

From Cause IQ Metro Data (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro – 510 total Greek organizations):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX 76244
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX (house corporation at UT)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth, TX (housing foundation)

What This Data Means for Your Case

Multiple entities: A single fraternity may have separate legal entities for:
- Undergraduate chapter
- Housing corporation
- Alumni association
- Educational foundation
- National headquarters
Insurance coverage: Each entity may have different insurance policies
Jurisdictional advantages: Some entities may be sued in favorable venues
Asset identification: We know where to find financial resources for compensation

When we take a hazing case from a Kennard family, we don’t start from scratch. We already have this organizational mapping—and we know how to trace liability through the complex web of Greek organization structures.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Compensation

For Kennard families navigating a hazing crisis, understanding how cases are built can reduce anxiety and empower better decisions. Here’s what our firm does—and what you should know.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
Recovered data: We use digital forensics to retrieve deleted messages
Metadata: Timestamps, participant lists, edit histories

2. Photos and Videos

Members often film hazing for “entertainment”
Security cameras at houses, dorms, or venues
Ring/doorbell footage showing comings and goings
Social media posts/stories from events

3. Medical Documentation

ER records, hospital admissions, ambulance reports
Lab results (blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney/liver function)
Imaging (X-rays, CT scans for injuries)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

4. Organizational Records

University files: Prior complaints, disciplinary records, Clery reports
National fraternity records: Incident reports, risk management files, training materials
Chapter documents: Pledge manuals, meeting minutes, financial records

5. Witness Testimony

Other pledges (often afraid but potentially cooperative)
Former members who quit over hazing
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Medical personnel, first responders

Our Investigative Process for Kennard Families

When you hire our firm for a hazing case, we immediately:

Evidence preservation: Send legal holds to prevent destruction of evidence
Digital forensics: Engage experts to recover deleted messages and data
Record requests: Submit FOIA/public records requests to universities
Witness interviews: Carefully document statements before memories fade
Expert consultation: Medical experts, toxicologists, Greek life experts, economists
Organizational mapping: Identify all potentially liable entities (as shown in our public records section)

Types of Compensation Available

Every case differs, but generally, hazing victims can recover:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages/earning capacity
Educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transfer expenses)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, humiliation, PTSD
Loss of enjoyment of life
Reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, guidance
Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate)

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
To deter future hazing
Available when defendants show willful disregard for safety

Realistic Settlement Ranges

Based on national cases and our experience:

Serious injury cases: $500,000 to $5+ million
Wrongful death cases: $1 million to $10+ million
Catastrophic injury cases (brain damage, permanent disability): Multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts

The $10 million demand in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case reflects realistic valuation of severe injury with permanent consequences.

Practical Guide for Kennard Parents and Students

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your SHSU, Texas A&M, or UH Student May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial requests for unexplained “fees” or purchases
Grades dropping due to “mandatory” events during exams
Social withdrawal from non-member friends

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do new members typically do in your organization?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment
Prioritize safety: Remove from dangerous situations
Document everything: Write down what they say, screenshot messages
Seek medical care: Even if injuries seem minor
Contact an attorney: Before talking to university or organization

For Students: Safety and Evidence Preservation

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or university approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 first
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
Texas law protects those who call for help in emergencies

Evidence Collection Checklist:

Screenshot all group chats with timestamps visible
Photograph injuries from multiple angles (include ruler for scale)
Save clothing, objects, receipts related to hazing
Write detailed notes while memory is fresh
Get medical records mentioning hazing
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Based on our experience representing Texas families, these errors seriously damage hazing claims:

1. Deleting Evidence

What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Reality: Looks like cover-up, destroys case, can be obstruction of justice
Solution: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Organization

What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Reality: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Solution: Document first, let your attorney handle communications

3. Signing University Agreements

What universities do: Pressure quick “internal resolution” with waiver
Reality: You may sign away legal rights for minimal compensation
Solution: Never sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Solution: Document privately; let attorney control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”

What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Solution: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

What adjusters say: “We just need your statement”
Reality: Recorded statements are used against you; settlements are lowball
Solution: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Kennard Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT, SHSU) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (Baylor, SMU) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case is fact-specific—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes basic hazing a misdemeanor, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case could potentially involve felony charges given the severity of injuries.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary.

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

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

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

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work for details.

“What’s the first step?”
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll listen to your story, review any evidence, explain your options, and help you decide—all confidentially and with no obligation.

Why Kennard Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Kennard and all of Houston County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

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

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello)

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, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Proven track record in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
Economist collaboration for accurate damage calculation
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Dual Criminal-Civil Expertise

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
“We see the whole legal battlefield, not just one front.”

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine™

Proprietary database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
Public records directory with EINs, addresses, and organizational structures
“We don’t start from scratch. We already know the players and their histories.”

Deep Texas Roots

Based in Houston, with offices in Austin and Beaumont
Understand Texas courts, judges, and legal culture
Spanish-language services available (Se habla Español)
“We’re Texas lawyers serving Texas families.”

Our Approach: Thorough, Empathetic, Strategic

When you choose our firm, you get:

Immediate response: We act within hours to preserve evidence
Comprehensive investigation: We leave no stone unturned
Regular communication: We update you every 2-3 weeks
Expert collaboration: We bring in the right specialists for your case
Trial readiness: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
Victim advocacy: We prioritize your child’s recovery and privacy

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

Call to Action: For Kennard Families Seeking Answers and Accountability

If you or your child experienced hazing at Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M, University of Houston, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Kennard, Houston County, and throughout East Texas have the right to answers—and to hold accountable those who endangered their children.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

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

Contact Information:

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

Spanish-language services:
Hablamos Español—Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Additional Educational Resources:

Whether you’re in Kennard or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for your child’s safety failed them. Let us help you demand accountability, secure compensation for their injuries, and—just as importantly—prevent this from happening to another family in our community.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help, and we’re ready to fight for your family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

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 YouTube Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

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