The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Families in the City of Lake Bridgeport Need to Know

If your child is a student at a Texas university, you sent them to college to learn, grow, and build a future. The last thing you expected was that they might be systematically abused by an organization promising “brotherhood,” “sisterhood,” or “tradition.” Right now, across our state—from the University of Houston to Texas A&M, from UT Austin to Baylor—students are being subjected to dangerous, degrading, and illegal hazing rituals.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including right here in Wise County and the City of Lake Bridgeport. We are currently leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity over hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. We write this guide because families in our community deserve to know the truth about hazing: what it really looks like, what the law says, and what options exist when things go terribly wrong.

If This Just Happened: 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

For families in the City of Lake Bridgeport who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life and campus traditions, it’s crucial to understand that hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. Today’s hazing is systematic, often digitally coordinated, and can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical legal point that every City of Lake Bridgeport parent should understand is this: “I agreed to it” does NOT automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Main Categories of Hazing Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, drinking games like “Bible study” or “family tree” where wrong answers mean chugging alcohol, and being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances. The recent University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.

Physical Hazing
This includes paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions), extreme calisthenics or “workouts” far beyond normal conditioning (like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in the UH case), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme cold/heat. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, pledges were sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” and threatened with actual waterboarding.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. In the UH case, pledges carried a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items. Another pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

Psychological Hazing
This involves verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming. The psychological pressure to conform, combined with fear of social exclusion, creates coercive environments that courts recognize as invalidating “consent.”

Digital/Online Hazing
This is the fastest-growing area of hazing. It includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, etc. Pledges are often required to share their location 24/7 via Find My Friends or similar apps, respond instantly to messages at all hours, and create compromising content. Our video on using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains how to preserve this critical digital evidence.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs in many organizations where Texas students from the City of Lake Bridgeport might participate:

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

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

Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Law

For families in the City of Lake Bridgeport, understanding the legal framework is crucial for knowing your rights and what accountability looks like. Texas has specific anti-hazing laws, and federal regulations provide additional protections.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas law defines hazing broadly as 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 City of Lake Bridgeport families:

Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
Can be mental or physical harm
Intent: Doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough (knew the risk and did it anyway)
“Consent is not a defense”: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that even if the victim agreed, it’s still hazing if it meets the definition

Criminal penalties in Texas:

Class B Misdemeanor (default): Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury that requires medical treatment
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Also criminal:

Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member or officer and you knew about it): misdemeanor
Retaliating against someone who reports hazing: misdemeanor

Organizational liability:
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition and ban the org from campus.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: What City of Lake Bridgeport Families Should Understand

Criminal cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical hazing-related criminal charges can include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on negligence and gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, and emotional distress

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In our University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re pursuing civil accountability while criminal investigations may proceed separately.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges that receive federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX / Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations can be triggered. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with those categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Individual students:
The ones who planned, supplied the alcohol, carried out the acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we named 13 individual fraternity leaders/members including the chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, and risk manager.

Local chapter / organization:
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity). In the UH case, we sued both the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter and its housing corporation.

National fraternity/sorority:
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Liability can hinge on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. We sued Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters based on their knowledge and control.

University or governing board:
The school or regents may be sued under certain negligence or civil-rights theories. Key questions involve prior warnings, policy enforcement, and deliberate indifference. We sued both the University of Houston and the UH System Board of Regents.

Third parties:
Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces, bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), and security companies or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. Our experience handling complex multi-defendant cases (like our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation) prepares us to untangle these complex liability webs.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

The tragic cases that have made national headlines aren’t just distant news—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly affect what happens in Texas courtrooms. For families in the City of Lake Bridgeport, understanding these cases helps explain why certain legal arguments work and what kind of accountability is possible.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking, Piazza suffered severe falls captured on chapter cameras. Fraternity members delayed calling for help for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, civil litigation, and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. Takeaway for Texas families: Extreme intoxication combined with delayed medical care and a culture of silence creates devastating legal liability.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
During a “Big Brother Night” event, Coffey was given a handle of liquor and drank to dangerous levels, dying from acute alcohol poisoning. Criminal hazing charges were filed against members, and FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life. Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster across different fraternities and campuses.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
During a “Bible study” drinking game, Gruver was forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly, dying from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). The case led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act. Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing patterns.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
During a pledge night, Foltz was forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey and died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions followed, with BGSU agreeing to nearly $3 million in settlements with the family, and additional settlements with the fraternity and individuals. Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a fraternity retreat, Deng was subjected to a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual, suffering fatal head injuries while help was delayed. Multiple members were convicted, and the fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties, and national organizations can face serious sanctions including criminal conviction of the organization itself.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits were filed against the university and staff, head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially. Takeaway: Hazing is not limited to Greek life; big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse with institutional knowledge.

What These Cases Mean for City of Lake Bridgeport Families

Common threads in all these cases: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed or denied medical care, and cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing at universities where City of Lake Bridgeport students attend are not alone and are operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons. The legal strategies that succeeded in these cases inform how we approach hazing litigation for Texas families.

Texas Focus: Where City of Lake Bridgeport Families Send Their Children

Families in the City of Lake Bridgeport and throughout Wise County send their children to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific dynamics, policies, and histories at these schools is crucial for recognizing risks and knowing where to turn for help.

University of Houston: The Closest Major University to Lake Bridgeport

Campus & Culture Snapshot
The University of Houston, located just over three hours from Lake Bridgeport in Harris County, is a large urban campus with a mix of commuter and residential students. It has active Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities across all councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural). UH’s proximity to Houston’s extensive medical center means serious injuries from hazing often receive treatment at world-class facilities—as happened in the Pi Kappa Phi case where the victim was hospitalized for four days.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
UH prohibits hazing whether on-campus or off-campus, specifically banning forced consumption of alcohol/food/drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress as initiation. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, Office of Student Conduct, and UHPD. Following the Pi Kappa Phi case, UH labeled the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement.

Documented Incident: The Active Pi Kappa Phi Case
Right now, we are actively litigating Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu), a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit. The case involves:

Specific hazing conduct: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, enforced dress codes, overnight driving duties, extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, cold-weather exposure, lying in vomit-soaked grass, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, and the “Nov 3 workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats
Medical catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage
Defendant universe: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders/members
Institutional response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the Beta Nu chapter on Nov 6, 2025; chapter members voted to surrender their charter on Nov 14, 2025; the chapter is shut down

Media coverage includes the 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/) and ABC13 coverage (https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/).

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed for Lake Bridgeport Families
Involved agencies may include UHPD and/or Houston Police Department, depending on location. Civil suits would be filed in Harris County courts. The university’s response in the Pi Kappa Phi case—quickly condemning the conduct and cooperating with the fraternity’s national headquarters—shows how institutions often attempt to control narratives early.

What UH Students & Parents from Lake Bridgeport Should Do

Document everything immediately: screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries, medical records
Report through multiple channels: Dean of Students, UHPD, and consider local police if crimes occurred
Understand that UH has shown willingness to suspend chapters (Pi Kappa Phi was suspended and closed)
Contact experienced hazing counsel quickly: evidence disappears within days as groups coordinate stories

Texas A&M University: A Premier Destination for Wise County Students

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M in College Station, approximately four hours from Lake Bridgeport, is known for its strong Corps of Cadets tradition and extensive Greek life. The university’s culture emphasizes tradition and loyalty, which can sometimes enable hazing under the guise of “building character” or “earning your place.”

Corps of Cadets Hazing Issues
The Corps has faced multiple hazing allegations, including a 2023 lawsuit where a cadet alleged degrading hazing such as simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The plaintiff sought over $1 million, and A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules. For Lake Bridgeport families with children in the Corps, understanding that hazing occurs in military-style organizations is crucial.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the fraternity was suspended for two years by the university. This case shows how hazing methods have evolved to include chemical components causing permanent injury.

How Texas A&M Handles Hazing
The university handles hazing through Student Conduct procedures and Corps-specific regulations. Their approach often emphasizes internal resolution, which is why having independent legal counsel is critical for families seeking full accountability.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Ongoing Issues

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin, about four hours from Lake Bridgeport, maintains one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems among Texas universities. Their public Hazing Violations page lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—a resource Lake Bridgeport families should check if concerned about specific groups.

Documented Violations

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education
Texas Wranglers and other spirit organizations: Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024)
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, suffering injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The student sued the SAE chapter for over $1 million, noting the chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations. This demonstrates how chapters with prior violations continue dangerous behavior.

Transparency vs. Effectiveness
While UT’s transparency is commendable, repeated violations show that probation and education mandates alone don’t always stop hazing. Civil litigation often becomes necessary to force real change.

Other Texas Universities Relevant to Lake Bridgeport Families

Texas State University in San Marcos (about 4.5 hours from Lake Bridgeport) has active Greek life and has faced hazing incidents. University of North Texas in Denton (about 2 hours from Lake Bridgeport) serves many North Texas students. Texas Tech University in Lubbock (about 5 hours from Lake Bridgeport) has a significant Greek community. Each has faced hazing challenges, and families should investigate specific chapter histories at these schools.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Lake Bridgeport Families Are Really Dealing With

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS records, university data, and organizational databases—we maintain detailed information on the Greek organizations operating across Texas. This intelligence is crucial for holding the right entities accountable.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Lake Bridgeport Families

If you are a parent in Lake Bridgeport, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. These are not just social clubs—they are legal entities with insurance policies, national headquarters, and complex liability structures. Below are examples from public records of Texas-registered Greek organizations:

IRS B83 Registered Texas Organizations (Partial Listing):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 161675890 | 115 WILD WICK WAY, THE WOODLANDS, TX 77382-1822 | IRS B83 filing | ZETA RHO HCB
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 filing
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 EASTSHORE ST, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459-1820 | IRS B83 filing
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-7005 | IRS B83 filing | THETA DELTA
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 746084905 | 4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-3067 | IRS B83 filing

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Area Organizations (188+ total):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity | Fort Worth, TX – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation | Fort Worth, TX – Kappa Sigma housing foundation
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity – Gamma Iota Chapter | Austin, TX – Chapter house at University of Texas

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro Area Organizations (188 total):

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity | Houston, TX – Alumni/house corporation
Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni | Houston, TX
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae | Houston, TX

Cross-Validated Brands (Appearing in Both IRS and Metro Data):

Beta Upsilon Chi (Fort Worth)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation (Fort Worth)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (multiple Texas locations)

This directory represents just a fraction of the 1,423 Greek-related organizations we track across 25 Texas metros. When hazing occurs, identifying the correct legal entities—not just the chapter name—is crucial for securing insurance coverage and holding organizations accountable.

National Histories Matter: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Many fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories. When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down or sued in another state, that shows foreseeability and supports negligence arguments against national entities.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike) National Pattern:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): Pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning; $10 million settlement ($7M from national, ~$3M from BGSU)
David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during fraternity event; $14 million settlement awarded to family
Texas connection: Pi Kappa Alpha chapters exist at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other Texas schools

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE) National Pattern:

Multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide
University of Alabama – Traumatic brain injury case (2023)
Texas A&M University – Chemical burns case (2021): Industrial-strength cleaner poured on pledges causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
University of Texas at Austin – Assault case (2024): Australian exchange student suffered multiple serious injuries
Texas connection: SAE has chapters at most major Texas universities

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) National Pattern:

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Active Texas case: We are currently litigating the UH Pi Kappa Phi case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

These patterns matter because they show national organizations had prior knowledge of dangerous practices. When they fail to effectively prevent the same behaviors in Texas chapters, that failure becomes part of the liability case.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and What Recovery Looks Like

When hazing causes injury or death, building a strong case requires systematic investigation, understanding of institutional dynamics, and strategic legal planning. For Lake Bridgeport families, knowing what goes into a case helps explain why immediate action is crucial.

Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical Evidence Today)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity apps
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments
Both live and recovered/deleted messages (digital forensics can often recover deleted content)

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
Medical documentation of injuries

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists
Emails/texts from officers about planning
National policies and training materials

University Records

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension records
Incident reports to campus police or student conduct offices
Clery Act reports and similar disclosures

Medical and Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records (like the four-day hospitalization in the UH case)
Surgery and rehab notes
Toxicology reports and lab results (like the critically high creatine kinase levels showing rhabdomyolysis)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Witness Testimony

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled

Our video on using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving this critical evidence immediately.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future medical bills, including ongoing therapy, psychiatric care, future surgeries
Lost income & earning capacity: Time off work, lost educational opportunities, diminished future earning capacity if injuries are permanent
Other economic losses: Property damage, relocation costs if transferring schools

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain & suffering from injuries
Emotional distress & psychological harm: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of trust
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities, withdrawal from college experience
Reputational harm if hazing was publicized

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and society
Grief and emotional suffering of family members
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Available)
Purpose is to punish defendants for especially reckless, willful, or malicious conduct and deter future hazing. Available when defendants had prior warnings and ignored them, hazing was particularly cruel, or defendants tried to cover up or lied under oath.

Navigating Institutional & Organizational Defenses

Fraternities, sororities, and universities have sophisticated defense playbooks. Our experience—particularly Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney—gives us insider knowledge of how these defenses work:

Defense #1: “The Pledge Consented / It Was Voluntary”

How we overcome it: Consent is invalid when given under duress, coercion, or power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. We use group chat messages showing implicit threats and expert testimony on group dynamics.

Defense #2: “This Was a Rogue Chapter / National Didn’t Know”

How we overcome it: We subpoena national records to show prior complaints and incident reports at the same chapter or other chapters. We demonstrate pattern evidence showing nationals had constructive notice.

Defense #3: “It Happened Off-Campus / Not Our Property”

How we overcome it: Location doesn’t eliminate liability if organizations exercised control or benefit. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, knowledge, and foreseeability.

Defense #4: “We Have Strict Anti-Hazing Policies”

How we overcome it: We show policies were ignored, unenforced, or treated as box-checking. Having a policy isn’t enough—organizations have a duty to monitor, enforce, and intervene.

Defense #5: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Hazing / Intentional Acts”

How we overcome it: We argue that even if hazing was intentional, the national or university’s failure to supervise was negligent, which can be covered. We identify all potential policies and navigate exclusion language.

Our experience with complex insurance coverage disputes gives us an advantage in securing compensation even when insurers initially deny claims.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Lake Bridgeport Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries (especially if excuses don’t add up)
Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM, inability to sleep)
Sudden secrecy about fraternity/sorority activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring, anxiety when phone buzzes
Grades dropping suddenly, missing classes or exams for “mandatory” events

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Ask open questions, avoid judgmental language
“How are things going with [fraternity/sorority]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
Emphasize safety over status, and that you will support them no matter what

If Your Child Is Hurt

Get them medical attention immediately (even over their objections)
Document everything: photos of injuries, screenshots of texts, write down what they tell you
Save names, dates, locations, witness information
Do not let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Dealing with the University

Document every communication with administrators
Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
Ask what the school did or didn’t do in response to prior warnings
Remember: university interests and family interests don’t always align

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

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

If you answered YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

You have the legal right to leave at any time, no matter what they told you
Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) so there’s a record
Send an email or text to the chapter president stating: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately”
Do not go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate
If you fear retaliation, report that fear to the Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students

Screenshots of group chats: Capture full conversations with timestamps, participant names visible
Voice memos/recordings: Texas is a one-party consent state—you can legally record conversations you are a party to
Photos/videos of injuries: Take immediately, then again over several days to show progression
Medical documentation: If you go to ER or student health, tell them you were hazed so it’s in the medical record
Witness information: Names and contact info for other pledges, members, or bystanders

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

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

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility; can waive privilege
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs, university controls narrative
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) for more guidance on protecting your rights.

FAQ: Answers for Lake Bridgeport Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears within days. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c).

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much will this cost? We can’t afford a lawyer.”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Learn how contingency fees work in our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc). There are no upfront costs, and we advance all case expenses.

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911: Why Texas Families Trust Us with Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing case, 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 Lake Bridgeport and all of Wise County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in our community and across the region.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. He understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he says about the UH Pi Kappa Phi case: “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)
Our firm was one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. As Ralph stated about the UH case: “We’re almost in 2026. This has to stop.” We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration. We understand how to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries and permanent disabilities. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re seeking over $10 million for medical care, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure. This dual capability is rare and valuable in hazing cases where criminal investigations often parallel civil lawsuits.

Investigative Depth and Expert Network
We maintain a network of experts: medical specialists, digital forensics experts, economists, psychologists, and Greek life culture experts. We have experience obtaining hidden evidence—group chats, chapter records, university files—through sophisticated discovery techniques. As we demonstrated in the UH case, we investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can provide consultations and representation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

What Makes Hazing Cases Different—And Why Experience Matters

Hazing cases involve:

Powerful institutional defendants with experienced defense lawyers and unlimited legal budgets
Complex insurance coverage fights where insurers try to deny claims based on “intentional act” exclusions
Rapid evidence destruction—group chats deleted within hours, witnesses coached, physical evidence destroyed
University stonewalling as institutions protect their reputations
Emotional complexity as victims may feel loyalty to their abusers or fear social consequences

Our active litigation in the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case shows we’re not just talking about hazing—we’re fighting it right now in Texas courts. We understand Greek culture, tradition psychology, and how to prove coercion even when participants initially “agreed.”

Call to Action: If Hazing Has Impacted Your Lake Bridgeport Family

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in Lake Bridgeport and throughout Wise County have the right to answers and accountability.

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. Here’s what to expect:

In your free consultation, we will:

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)

Hablamos Español—Contact Mr. Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case?

We’re not just personal injury lawyers. We’re hazing litigation specialists with:

Active Texas hazing cases (like the UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit)
Insider insurance knowledge from Mr. Peña’s defense background
BP Texas City explosion litigation experience against massive institutional defendants
Digital evidence expertise to recover deleted group chats and messages
Multi-million dollar wrongful death results proving our capability
Spanish-language services for Hispanic families
25+ years of complex litigation experience

Whether you’re in Lake Bridgeport or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have lawyers protecting their interests—you should too.

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

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Using your cellphone 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:

https://attorney911.com