The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Lake Worth, Tarrant County Families: Protecting Your Student at Texas Universities

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: When Tradition Turns to Trauma

Imagine your child, a bright student from Lake Worth you sent to a Texas university with hopes of friendship and growth. It’s late at night, and they’re at an off-campus fraternity house. Older members are shouting, phones are recording, and your child is being forced through punishing physical drills they call “conditioning.” They’re exhausted, humiliated, and afraid to quit—afraid of being labeled “not committed,” afraid of social exclusion, afraid they’ve come too far to turn back. Then someone gets hurt. Maybe it’s your child. Maybe they collapse. And in that terrifying moment, the people they wanted to call brothers or sisters are more concerned with avoiding trouble than getting help.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student at the University of Houston, suffered catastrophic injuries during his fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to media reports including Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez was subjected to extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, forced consumption of food until vomiting, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”

The result? Rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels and now faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The chapter has been shut down, but the damage is done. And our firm, Attorney911, represents Bermudez in his fight for justice and accountability.

If you’re a parent in Lake Worth, Tarrant County, or anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this case matters to you. The same national fraternities that operate at UH have chapters at universities where your children study. The same dangerous traditions, the same institutional cover-ups, the same life-altering injuries can and do happen here in Texas.

What This Guide Offers Lake Worth Families

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Lake Worth, Tarrant County, and across North Texas who need to understand:

What modern hazing really looks like—beyond the stereotypes of harmless pranks
How Texas law protects your child and what legal options you have
National hazing patterns and how they connect to Texas universities
What’s happening at Texas campuses where Lake Worth families send students, including TCU right here in Tarrant County, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and others
Practical steps to take immediately if you suspect your child is being hazed
Why choosing the right legal team matters when facing powerful institutions

Whether your child attends Texas Christian University just miles from Lake Worth, or ventures further to UT Austin, Texas A&M, or other Texas schools, the risks are real. This guide will arm you with knowledge, clarify your legal rights, and show you how experienced Texas hazing attorneys investigate, build cases, and fight for families like yours.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Beyond the Stereotypes: A Modern Definition

For Lake Worth families unfamiliar with contemporary Greek life or campus organizations, hazing has evolved far beyond the “harmless pranks” of movies. Today, 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 degrades
Exploits power imbalances
Is hidden from university officials and outsiders

Critically, “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does NOT make it legal or safe. Texas law and courts recognize that true consent cannot exist when there’s peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and significant power imbalance between pledges and established members.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

The most common—and most deadly—form involves forced consumption. This includes:

“Big/Little” or “bid acceptance” nights with handles of hard liquor
Drinking games like “power hours,” “century club,” or “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking
Being pressured to consume unknown mixtures or dangerous amounts
The result we see repeatedly: alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, death

2. Physical Hazing

Not just paddling—though that still occurs—but systematic physical abuse:

“Smokings” or extreme calisthenics: hundreds of push-ups, squats, wall sits until collapse
Sleep deprivation: mandatory 3 AM wake-ups, all-night “study sessions”
Food/water restriction: being denied meals or forced to eat until vomiting
Exposure elements: left outside in cold/heat, locked in confined spaces
The Leonel Bermudez case exemplifies this: forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats leading to rhabdomyolysis

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Some of the most psychologically damaging acts:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions)
Degrading costumes or roles with racial/sexist overtones
Being covered in food, condiments, or other substances

4. Psychological Hazing

The invisible wounds that last longest:

Verbal abuse, screaming, threats
Social isolation from non-members
“Grilling” sessions about personal failures
Forced confessions or betrayals of friends

5. Digital/Online Hazing

The newest frontier with permanent consequences:

Group chat dares and challenges (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord)
Forced embarrassing social media posts (TikTok, Instagram Stories)
24/7 availability demands with instant response requirements
Location tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Critical evidence source: these digital trails often win cases

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

Lake Worth parents should understand hazing extends beyond fraternity stereotypes:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading
Spirit & Tradition Groups like Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread? Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Lake Worth Families Need to Know

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

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code that apply to every campus where your child might enroll. Here’s what Lake Worth parents should understand:

§ 37.151: The Definition That Matters

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 pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key points for families:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus, at retreats, in private homes
“Reckless” is enough—they don’t have to intend harm
Mental health harm counts—humiliation, trauma, psychological abuse
§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed”

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties

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

Also criminal:

Failing to report known hazing (for members/officers)
Retaliating against someone who reports

§ 37.153: Organizational Liability

Fraternities, sororities, clubs—the organizations themselves can be:

Criminally prosecuted
Fined up to $10,000 per violation
Banned from campus by the university

§ 37.154: Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting

A person who in good faith reports hazing or calls 911 in a medical emergency is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result.

Why this matters for Lake Worth students: Many hesitate to call for help because they fear underage drinking charges or getting in trouble. Texas law protects those who do the right thing.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals)

Who brings it: District Attorney or County Attorney
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Result if convicted: Criminal record, possible incarceration

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties)

Who brings it: Victims or surviving families (like the Bermudez case)
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Result if successful: Financial compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, future care

Critical point: These can run simultaneously. You don’t need to wait for criminal charges to pursue civil accountability. In fact, waiting can mean lost evidence and missed deadlines.

Federal Laws That Apply in Texas

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Strengthens prevention education
Phased in by 2026—increasing transparency coming

Title IX Implications

When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX requires universities to:

Investigate promptly
Protect the victim from retaliation
Take corrective action

Clery Act Requirements

Universities must report certain crimes in annual security reports—many hazing incidents overlap with assault, alcohol, or drug crimes that trigger Clery reporting.

Who Can Be Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

For Lake Worth families considering legal action, understanding potential defendants is crucial:

Individual Students
- Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
- Chapter officers (president, risk manager, pledge educator)
The Local Chapter
- As a legal entity (many have housing corporations or alumni associations)
- Often has insurance coverage
National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
- Sets policies, collects dues, supervises chapters
- Can be liable for what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
The University
- Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have some sovereign immunity but exceptions exist
- Private universities (TCU, SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections
- Liability based on knowledge, response, and duty to protect students
Third Parties
- Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
- Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop laws)
- Security companies or event organizers

The Leonel Bermudez case shows this comprehensive approach: Suing UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, the housing corporation, UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual members.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: The Repeating Tragedy

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

Bid-acceptance night with forced drinking
Fell multiple times on chapter security cameras
18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts total
Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law resulted
Takeaway for Texas: Delayed medical help dramatically wors outcomes and liability

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

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
Takeaway for Texas: Individual officers face massive personal liability

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers meant drinking
Died with BAC of 0.495%
Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act created felony hazing statute
Takeaway for Texas: State legislatures respond to public outrage with stronger laws

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

“Glass ceiling” ritual: blindfolded, weighted down, repeatedly tackled
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity criminally convicted
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway for Texas: Off-campus retreats are particularly dangerous hunting grounds

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

“Pledge dad reveal” night with extreme drinking
Severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar total
Takeaway for Texas: Non-fatal injuries can cause lifelong disability and enormous damages

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then confidentially settled wrongful-termination suit
Takeaway for Texas: Big-money athletic programs have systemic abuse issues too

What These Cases Mean for Lake Worth Families

These national tragedies establish clear patterns:

Forced drinking is the #1 killer
Delayed medical care compounds liability
Cover-ups and secrecy make everything worse
National organizations have seen this before—their inaction is negligence
Multi-million dollar settlements are becoming common
Individual members face personal financial ruin

When your child faces hazing at a Texas university, you’re not navigating uncharted territory. These precedents provide roadmaps for accountability.

Texas University Focus: Where Lake Worth Families Send Their Students

Geographic Reality for Lake Worth Families

Located in Tarrant County within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, Lake Worth families have educational connections across Texas:

Local/Regional: Texas Christian University (Fort Worth), University of Texas at Arlington
Statewide Hubs: University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, University of Houston
Private Options: Southern Methodist University (Dallas), Baylor University (Waco)

The same national fraternities and sororities operate across these campuses. The same dangerous traditions travel with them. And the same legal principles apply regardless of which school your child attends.

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

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive data on Greek organizations statewide. For Lake Worth families, here are examples of the organizations operating in your area:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (510+ Greek Organizations):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Cause IQ metro listing)

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362, PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 (IRS B83 filing)

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter – EIN 232452759, PO Box 542901, Grand Prairie, TX 75054-2901 (IRS B83 filing)

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Psi Zeta Chapter – EIN 521345182, PO Box 51168, Fort Worth, TX 76105-8168 (IRS B83 filing)

Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905, 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-3067 (IRS B83 filing with DFW connections)

Delta Tau Delta Fraternity – Gamma Iota Chapter – Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing for DFW area)

Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Denton, TX (Cause IQ metro listing at Texas Woman’s University)

Organizations Behind TCU (Fort Worth Campus):

Chi Omega Educational Corporation – Fort Worth, TX (Cause IQ metro listing for TCU)

Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter – Fort Worth, TX (Cause IQ listing for TCU)

Sigma Nu Fraternity – Lambda Epsilon Chapter – Fort Worth, TX (Cause IQ listing for TCU)

Texas Christian University Panhellenic Council – Official campus sorority governing body

Texas-Wide Infrastructure (1,423 Organizations Across 25 Metros):

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters – Named defendant in Bermudez case, chapters statewide

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX (Cause IQ listing, present at UT Austin)

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Texas District – Houston, TX (Cause IQ listing, chapters statewide)

Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp. – College Station, TX (Cause IQ listing for Texas A&M)

This directory represents just a fraction of the 1,423 Greek organizations we track across Texas. When hazing occurs, we already know the legal names, EINs, addresses, and insurance carriers of the organizations that may bear responsibility.

Texas Christian University (TCU): Your Local Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Lake Worth Families

Distance from Lake Worth: Approximately 15 miles east in Fort Worth
Campus Culture: Private university with strong Greek life presence (~40% undergraduate participation)
Greek System: 13 fraternities, 12 sororities with significant campus influence
Local Connection: Many Lake Worth high school graduates attend TCU; families visit frequently

TCU’s Hazing Policy & Reporting

Official Stance: Zero tolerance for hazing in any student organization
Reporting Channels: Office of Student Affairs, TCU Police, anonymous online reporting
Transparency: Limited public hazing violation records compared to public universities

Documented Incidents & Responses

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Chapter suspended after reports of paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation. Restrictions on recruiting until 2021.
Ongoing Monitoring: TCU places organizations on probation for alcohol violations that often accompany hazing

How a TCU Hazing Case Proceeds

Jurisdiction: Tarrant County courts, Fort Worth Police Department may be involved alongside TCU Police
Potential Defendants: Individual students, TCU chapter, national headquarters, TCU itself (private university with less sovereign immunity)
Legal Venue: Potentially federal court if Title IX or civil rights claims apply

What TCU Students & Lake Worth Parents Should Do

Immediate Reporting: Contact TCU Office of Student Affairs at (817) 257-7926
Local Police: Fort Worth PD has jurisdiction over off-campus houses
Evidence Preservation: TCU students often use GroupMe and Instagram—screenshot everything
Medical Care: John Peter Smith Hospital or Texas Health Harris Methodist serve TCU area
Legal Consultation: Contact Texas hazing attorneys familiar with Tarrant County courts

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Distance from Lake Worth: ~200 miles south, but common destination for Lake Worth graduates
Greek Life Scale: ~60 fraternity/sorority chapters with significant campus presence
Transparency Leader: UT publishes hazing violations publicly at hazing.utexas.edu

UT’s Public Hazing Violations (Recent Examples)

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.
Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Multiple violations for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Ongoing scrutiny with recent lawsuits alleging severe injuries.

How UT Cases Differ

Public University Status: UT System has sovereign immunity considerations
Transparency Advantage: Public violation records help establish pattern knowledge
Austin Jurisdiction: Travis County courts, Austin Police Department involvement

For Lake Worth Families with UT Students

Review UT’s Public Database: Check if your child’s organization has prior violations
Understand Sovereign Immunity: Different standards apply to public vs. private universities
Consider Venue: Cases may be filed in Austin or defendant’s home jurisdiction

Texas A&M University

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Corps of Cadets Culture: Unique military-style program with documented hazing issues
Greek Life: Strong fraternity/sorority presence alongside Corps
College Station Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts, local police

Documented Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. Chapter suspended.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose. Sought over $1 million.
Ongoing Issues: Multiple fraternity suspensions for hazing/alcohol violations

Special Considerations for A&M Cases

Corps vs. Greek Life: Different traditions, same dangerous dynamics
University Response: A&M often handles internally through Corps or Student Conduct
Sovereign Immunity: Public university status affects litigation strategy

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Distance from Lake Worth: ~35 miles east in Dallas
Private University Status: Fewer sovereign immunity barriers
Affluent Demographics: Can affect jury perceptions and damage calculations

SMU’s Approach to Hazing

Anonymous Reporting: Real Response system for tips
Limited Transparency: Private university, less public disclosure than UT
Greek Life Influence: Significant on campus culture

Legal Considerations for SMU Cases

Dallas County Jurisdiction: Different court procedures than Tarrant County
Private University Status: Easier to sue SMU directly than public universities
Insurance Coverage: SMU and national fraternities typically have substantial coverage

Baylor University

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Religious Identity: Baptist affiliation affects campus culture and risk management
History of Scandal: Football sexual assault scandal informs current approach
Greek Life: Growing presence with associated risks

Documented Issues

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Ongoing Challenges: Balancing religious mission with Greek life risks

Special Considerations

McLennan County Jurisdiction: Waco courts and procedures
Religious Identity: Can affect jury selection and perceptions
Post-Scandal Environment: Heightened sensitivity to institutional misconduct

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter to Lake Worth Families

Why National Patterns Matter in Your Case

When a Texas chapter engages in hazing, their national headquarters cannot claim ignorance. Consider these patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, 2021—alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois, 2012—alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
Texas Chapters: Multiple violations at UT, Texas A&M, other campuses
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights are predictable, preventable, and repeatedly deadly

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

Traumatic Brain Injury Case: University of Alabama, 2023 lawsuit
Chemical Burns Case: Texas A&M, 2021—industrial cleaner caused burns requiring skin grafts
Assault Case: UT Austin, 2024—exchange student suffered multiple fractures
Pattern: Physical violence alongside alcohol hazing

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

Andrew Coffey: Florida State, 2017—alcohol poisoning death
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, 2025—rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (our active case)
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with alcohol coercion

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

Max Gruver: LSU, 2017—“Bible study” drinking game death, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act resulted
Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

SMU Chapter: 2017 suspension for paddling, forced drinking
Multiple Texas Chapters: History of tradition-based hazing
Pattern: Physical punishment disguised as “discipline”

How National Histories Build Your Case

In litigation, we use these national patterns to prove:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
Inadequate Prevention: Their policies weren’t meaningfully enforced
Pattern and Practice: This wasn’t an isolated “rogue chapter”
Punitive Damages Basis: Repeated warnings ignored

For Lake Worth families, this means: when your child is hazed by a chapter of a national organization with this history, we can hold both the local members AND the national headquarters accountable.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Communications (The Most Critical Evidence)

Group Messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, participation, cover-up attempts
Social Media: Instagram Stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat snaps of events
Deleted Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages
Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos & Videos

Event Documentation: Members often record hazing “for fun”
Injury Documentation: Progressive photos of bruises, burns, swelling
Location Evidence: House interiors, specific rooms, outdoor areas

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge Manuals: Often contain prohibited traditions
Chapter Communications: Emails, texts between officers about “what we’ll do”
National Policies: Show what headquarters claimed to prohibit

University Records

Prior Violations: Prove the school knew about problems
Disciplinary Files: Show inadequate responses to prior incidents
Clery Reports: May contain related crime statistics

Medical Documentation

ER Records: Immediate aftermath evidence
Specialist Reports: Long-term injury assessments
Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

Witness Testimony

Other Pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled
Roommates/RA’s: Observed changes in behavior or physical condition

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past and future—ER visits, hospitalizations, therapy, medications
Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Missed semesters, delayed career entry, reduced lifelong earnings
Educational Costs: Lost scholarships, transfer expenses, repeated courses

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm)

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital permanence

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral/Burial Costs
Loss of Financial Support
Loss of Companionship & Guidance
Parental/Sibling Grief

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate)

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
When Awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-ups attempted, extreme cruelty
Texas Caps: Generally limited but exceptions exist for gross negligence

Insurance Coverage Battles: Why Experience Matters

Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically have insurance policies that may cover hazing claims—but insurers fight hard to deny coverage. Common insurer arguments:

“Intentional Acts Exclusion”: Claiming hazing is intentional, not negligent
“Criminal Acts Exclusion”: Arguing criminal behavior isn’t covered
“Policy Limits”: Trying to minimize payout amounts

Our advantage? Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurers:

Value (and undervalue) claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under exclusions
We know their playbook because we used to run it

Statute of Limitations: The Clock is Ticking

Generally 2 years from injury or discovery in Texas, but exceptions exist:

Discovery Rule: If injury wasn’t immediately apparent
Tolling for Minors: If victim was under 18
Fraudulent Concealment: If defendants actively hid the hazing

Our video on Texas statutes of limitations explains urgency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Critical: Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses graduate. Memories fade. Organizations destroy records. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Lake Worth Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, sudden weight changes, sleep deprivation
Behavioral Changes: New secrecy, withdrawal from family/friends, personality shifts (anxiety, depression)
Academic Red Flags: Grades dropping, missing classes, losing scholarships
Digital Behavior: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about messages, deleted conversations
Financial Clues: Unexplained expenses, requests for money, maxed credit cards

How to Talk to Your Child (Non-Confrontationally)

Open with concern: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted/stressed lately.”
Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt with anger.
Emphasize safety: “Nothing is more important than your health and safety.”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll figure this out together.”

If You Discover Hazing Is Occurring

Prioritize safety: If immediate danger, call 911.
Preserve evidence: Help them screenshot, photograph, document.
Seek medical care: Even if they insist they’re “fine.”
Document everything: Write down dates, times, details while fresh.
Contact an attorney: Before confronting the organization or university.

For Students: Your Rights & Safety

Is This Hazing? A Simple Test

Ask yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

If yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

In immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police.
To quit/de-pledge: Send a clear message: “I resign effective immediately.”
Avoid “one last meeting”: Where pressure/retaliation might occur.
Document threats: Screenshot any retaliation attempts.
Report retaliation: To Dean of Students and campus police.

Your Legal Rights in Texas

Good-Faith Reporting Immunity: You won’t be punished for calling 911 in an emergency.
Consent Isn’t a Defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still hazing.
Civil Lawsuit Option: You can sue even if no criminal charges are filed.
No-Contact Orders: Available if you’re harassed after reporting.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Deleting Evidence: Messages, photos, videos—preserve everything immediately.
Confronting the Organization: They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence.
Signing University Agreements: Often waive your right to sue for inadequate settlements.
Social Media Posting: Defense attorneys monitor everything—inconsistencies hurt credibility.
Waiting for University Process: Evidence disappears, statutes run, universities control narrative.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you.
Letting Your Child Return: They may be pressured into harmful statements.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lake Worth Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”

Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (TCU, SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. 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 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Leonel Bermudez case (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure) would likely qualify for felony charges.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”

Still illegal. 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 true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”

Generally 2 years from injury or discovery, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if it happened off-campus?”

Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (fatal retreat) and many others prove off-campus location isn’t a defense.

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”

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 does it cost to hire your firm?”

Contingency fee basis—no fee unless we win. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

About Attorney911: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Us

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

When your Lake Worth 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.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Spent years at a national defense firm
Knows Their Playbook: Understands exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims, use delay tactics, fight coverage exclusions
Spanish Language Services: Hablamos Español—serving Hispanic families throughout Texas
Proven Results: Recovered millions for plaintiffs after switching sides

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Experience: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Not Intimidated: We’ve taken on the biggest corporations and won
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability

Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Experience

Wrongful Death Expertise: Proven track record with economist collaboration
Life Care Planning: Experience valuing lifetime needs for brain injury, permanent disability cases
We Don’t Settle Cheap: We build cases that force real accountability

Investigative Depth & Resources

Expert Network: Medical specialists, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Evidence Mastery: Obtaining deleted messages, hidden records, university files
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 metros

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability

Criminal Defense Experience: Understands how hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Witness Advisory: Can advise former members with dual exposure
Comprehensive Strategy: Coordinates criminal and civil tracks when appropriate

Our Approach: Empathy, Investigation, Accountability

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach reflects that understanding:

Listen First: We hear your story without judgment, understanding the trauma involved.
Investigate Thoroughly: We leave no stone unturned—digital evidence, organizational records, witness interviews.
Build Strategically: We identify all liable parties, insurance coverage, and legal theories.
Fight Relentlessly: We negotiate from strength, prepared to try your case if necessary.
Protect Privacy: We minimize public exposure while maximizing accountability.
Prevent Future Harm: We structure settlements to require prevention measures when possible.

Why Location Matters: Serving Lake Worth & All Texas

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Lake Worth, Tarrant County, and across the Dallas-Fort Worth metro. We understand:

Tarrant County Courts: Procedures, judges, and local rules
DFW Metro Dynamics: Greek life patterns across multiple campuses
Texas-Specific Laws: Education Code Chapter 37, sovereign immunity nuances
University Relationships: How Texas schools handle (and sometimes mishandle) hazing cases

Whether your child attends TCU just miles from Lake Worth or a university anywhere in Texas, we have the knowledge and experience to help.

Call to Action: Your Next Step as a Lake Worth Family

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

You don’t have to face this alone. The path forward begins with a confidential conversation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Listen: Tell us what happened without pressure or judgment.
We Review: Examine any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records).
We Explain: Outline your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
We Answer: Address your questions about process, timing, costs, and realistic expectations.
You Decide: No pressure to hire us—take time to consider your options.

Our Commitment to Lake Worth Families

Contingency Fees: No cost unless we recover compensation for you.
Spanish Services: Hablamos Español—consult with Lupe Peña in Spanish.
Immediate Response: We understand urgency in hazing cases.
Texas-Wide Service: We serve families across the state.

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Serving Lake Worth, Tarrant County & All Texas

Whether you’re in Lake Worth proper, nearby Fort Worth, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you have rights. The organizations behind these injuries have insurance, lawyers, and public relations teams. You deserve equal firepower.

The national cases prove accountability is possible. The Texas laws provide the framework. Our experience delivers the results. From the Leonel Bermudez case at UH to matters closer to home in Tarrant County, we’re fighting for Texas families every day.

Call us today. Let’s discuss your situation, protect your child’s rights, and hold the right people accountable.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using 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:

Homepage & contact: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com