University of Texas Hazing Lawsuits & Litigation: A Guide for Lampasas Families

When Campus Tradition Turns to Tragedy: What Lampasas Parents Need to Know About Hazing

We know the quiet worry that settles in the homes of Lampasas families—the concern for your child’s safety as they head off to college. You’ve taught them well, trusted their judgment, and supported their dreams of joining campus organizations that promise friendship, leadership, and belonging. But what happens when those organizations betray that trust? When “tradition” becomes torture, when “initiation” becomes injury, and when the very institutions meant to protect students become complicit in their harm?

Right now, here in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. Our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are severe: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, simulated waterboarding with a hose, and humiliating requirements like carrying a “pledge fanny pack” with degrading items. This culminated in Bermudez developing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage remains.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Lampasas and throughout Central Texas who need to understand the reality of modern hazing. Whether your child attends Texas State University in San Marcos, Baylor University in Waco, the University of Texas at Austin, or any other Texas campus, this information could be critical to protecting them from harm and understanding your legal rights if the worst happens.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN LAMPASAS:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
-\tThen call our 24/7 emergency line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
-\tWe provide immediate legal intervention—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately at Central Texas Regional Hospital or the nearest emergency facility
-\tPreserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
-\tScreenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
-\tPhotograph injuries from multiple angles
-\tSave physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
-\tConfront the fraternity/sorority directly
-\tSign anything from the university or insurance company
-\tPost details on public social media
-\tLet your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast in Central Texas—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 from our Houston office
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation—we serve Lampasas families throughout Texas

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like at Texas Colleges

For parents in Lampasas who may have last encountered Greek life decades ago or not at all, today’s hazing has evolved far beyond stereotypical “pranks.” Modern hazing is systematic, psychologically sophisticated, and often digitally coordinated. Understanding these patterns is crucial for recognizing danger signs when your child calls home from college.

Clear, 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. Under Texas law, “consent” is not a defense—the power imbalance between established members and new pledges creates an environment where true voluntary consent is legally impossible.

Four Main Categories of Hazing at Texas Universities

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing (The Most Common and Deadly)

This pattern claims more lives than any other form of hazing. At Texas schools like UT Austin and Texas A&M, we’ve seen:

Chugging challenges and “lineups” where pledges are forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol in timed competitions
“Big/Little” or “Bid Acceptance” nights where new members receive handles of liquor with expectations of finishing them
Pressured consumption of unknown substances or dangerous combinations
“Bible study” drinking games where wrong answers equal forced drinking

The medical consequences can be catastrophic: alcohol poisoning leading to death, permanent brain damage from oxygen deprivation, or—as in the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case—rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme physical exertion combined with dehydration.

2. Physical Hazing Beyond “Team Building”

What organizations label as “conditioning” or “team building” often crosses into illegal hazing:

Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) that push beyond safe limits: hundreds of push-ups, hours of wall sits, sprints until collapse
Paddling and beatings with wooden paddles, belts, or other objects
Sleep deprivation rituals with 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events without rest
Temperature exposure in underwear during cold weather or locked in hot spaces

These activities aren’t about fitness—they’re about asserting power through pain and exhaustion.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Some of the most psychologically damaging hazing involves sexual humiliation:

Forced nudity or partial nudity during rituals or “inspections”
Simulated sexual acts like the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions
Degrading costumes and public performances designed to shame
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones that target identity

These practices create lasting trauma that often requires years of psychological treatment.

4. Digital/Online Hazing (The New Frontier)

Smartphones have transformed hazing, making it both more visible and more destructive:

Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord that pressure 24/7 compliance
Social media humiliation via Instagram stories, TikTok videos, or Snapchat streaks
Location tracking demands using Find My Friends or other apps to monitor pledges’ movements
Pressure to create or share compromising content that can follow students for years

This digital layer means evidence often exists—if it’s preserved before deletion.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most media attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs with military-style traditions
Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading to swimming
Spirit Organizations like Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, and other tradition groups
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations that use initiation rituals

For Lampasas families with children interested in any campus organization, understanding that hazing risk exists beyond Greek life is crucial.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Lampasas Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, but understanding how they work in practice requires looking beyond the statute books. As attorneys who handle hazing cases throughout Central Texas, we help Lampasas families navigate both the legal theory and the practical reality of holding organizations accountable.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of initiation or affiliation that endangers mental or physical health or safety. Key provisions include:

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing bodily injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face university expulsion if they authorize or encourage hazing, or if officers knew about hazing and failed to report it.

Critical Protections (Section 37.154):
Good-faith reporters receive immunity from civil or criminal liability. In medical emergencies, this “Good Samaritan” protection encourages calling 911 even when underage drinking is involved.

The Most Important Provision (Section 37.155):
Consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible in hazing situations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Lampasas families facing hazing situations often struggle to understand the difference between these legal paths:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (District Attorney’s office)
Focus on punishment: jail time, fines, probation
Common charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Requirement: proof “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Focus on compensation and accountability through financial damages
Legal theories: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Standard: “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)

These cases can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil justice. In fact, many families find civil litigation provides more complete accountability, as it can reach organizations and institutions that criminal prosecution might miss.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs
Maintain public hazing data (phasing in by 2026)
For Lampasas families, this means better access to information about which organizations have prior violations.

Title IX and Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting and investigation requirements. The Clery Act mandates crime statistics reporting that often captures hazing-related assaults and alcohol crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Our experience handling cases from Houston to Central Texas shows that multiple parties often share responsibility:

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Chapter officers who knew or should have known
Members who supplied alcohol or participated

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
Housing corporations that own chapter houses
Alumni boards that supervise or fund activities

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
Entities that had prior knowledge of hazing patterns at other chapters
Insurance policies that may provide coverage

4. Universities and Governing Boards:

Schools that failed to enforce their own policies
Institutions that knew about prior incidents but didn’t intervene
Public universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M (with some sovereign immunity limitations)
Private universities like Baylor and SMU

5. Third Parties:

Property owners who allowed hazing on their premises
Bars or alcohol providers under dram shop laws
Security companies that failed to protect students

For Lampasas families, understanding this web of potential liability is crucial—your child’s harm may have multiple responsible parties, each with different insurance coverage and legal defenses.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Mean for Lampasas Families

The tragic cases that make national headlines aren’t abstract stories—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly affect how Texas courts view hazing claims. As attorneys who study these cases to build stronger arguments for our clients, we want Lampasas families to understand what these patterns reveal.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: The Repeating Tragedy

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid-acceptance event, Piazza consumed life-threatening amounts of alcohol, suffered multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras, and received delayed medical attention. The aftermath included dozens of criminal charges, massive civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.” For Texas families, this case established crucial patterns: the danger of security camera evidence showing delayed response, and how “tradition” drinking events become scripts for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game turned fatal when Gruver’s wrong answers led to forced drinking, resulting in a 0.495% BAC and death. The Louisiana legislature responded with the Max Gruver Act, creating felony hazing statutes. This case shows how seemingly “educational” activities mask dangerous coercion, and how state legislatures often respond to tragedy with stronger laws.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Foltz died after being forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. The $10 million settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3 million from BGSU) demonstrates the substantial financial exposure organizations face. For Lampasas families, this case proves that national fraternities and universities both face serious consequences when hazing turns fatal.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a fraternity retreat, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual, suffering fatal head injuries while members delayed calling 911. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability. This case establishes that off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability, and that national organizations can face criminal charges.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Santulli suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage after a “pledge dad reveal” night involving forced drinking. Now unable to walk, talk, or see, requiring 24/7 care for life, his case resulted in settlements with 22 defendants. For families in Lampasas, this case demonstrates that non-fatal injuries can be just as devastating as deaths, with lifetime care costs reaching millions.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football Program (2023–2025)
Former players alleged systemic sexualized and racist hazing within the football program, resulting in multiple lawsuits, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, and confidential settlements. This case proves that hazing transcends Greek life, existing in big-money athletic programs with institutional protection.

What These Cases Mean for Lampasas Families

These national patterns establish crucial legal principles that benefit Texas families:

Foreseeability: When organizations repeat known dangerous practices, courts recognize they “should have known” the risks
Delayed Medical Care: Waiting to call 911 dramatically increases liability
Organizational Knowledge: Prior incidents at other chapters create notice for national headquarters
Cover-Up Culture: Destroying evidence or intimidating witnesses can lead to additional claims
Substantial Financial Exposure: Settlements and verdicts regularly reach seven and eight figures

For families in Lampasas, these precedents mean that when hazing occurs at Texas schools, powerful legal arguments already exist to hold responsible parties accountable.

Texas University Hazing Landscape: Where Lampasas Students Attend

Understanding the specific environments where Lampasas students typically enroll helps families recognize risks and know where to turn for help. Many Lampasas County students attend nearby institutions or major Texas universities where Greek life and organizational traditions carry hazing risks.

Local Campuses Serving Lampasas Families

Central Texas College (Killeen)
Located just 45 minutes from Lampasas, CTC serves many local students. While primarily a community college, student organizations still carry hazing risks, particularly in:

Athletic teams and spirit groups
Special interest clubs with initiation traditions
Organizations transitioning students to four-year schools

Texas State University (San Marcos)
As the closest major university to Lampasas (approximately 90 minutes), Texas State attracts many Lampasas County students. With over 400 student organizations, hazing risks exist across:

Fraternity and Sorority Life: 38 Greek organizations with documented hazing violations
Athletic Programs: Club sports and intramural teams with less oversight
Spirit Organizations: Groups carrying forward campus traditions

Texas State maintains a public hazing violations list showing recent sanctions against organizations for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and psychological harassment. The university’s size and Greek life presence mean Lampasas families should be particularly vigilant about hazing risks here.

University of Texas at Austin
Many high-achieving Lampasas students pursue admission to UT Austin, drawn by academic reputation and vibrant campus life. UT’s Greek system includes approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters with documented hazing patterns:

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page reveals recurring issues:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics beyond safe limits
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Spirit Organizations: Tradition groups with punishment-based initiation practices

UT’s relatively transparent violation reporting helps families research organizations, but repeated sanctions show ongoing compliance challenges. For Lampasas students attending UT, understanding that even prestigious organizations face hazing allegations is crucial.

Baylor University (Waco)
Located about 90 minutes from Lampasas, Baylor’s religious identity doesn’t immunize it from hazing risks. Recent incidents include:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
Fourteen players suspended following hazing investigation involving:

Humiliation rituals for new team members
Coerced participation in degrading activities
Institutional response highlighting tension between “tradition” and safety

Baylor’s history with institutional accountability issues (particularly around Title IX and football) creates concerns about consistent enforcement of anti-hazing policies.

Other Regional Campuses
Lampasas students also attend:

Tarleton State University (Stephenville) – Growing Greek life with hazing oversight challenges
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton) – Smaller campus but organizational risks persist
Texas A&M University (College Station) – Significant Greek life and Corps of Cadets hazing history

How Hazing Cases Proceed at Texas Universities

When hazing occurs, Lampasas families face a complex web of institutional responses:

Public Universities (UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas State):

Initial reporting to campus police (UTPD, Texas State University Police)
Parallel investigation by Office of Student Conduct
Potential criminal charges through county District Attorney
Civil litigation in county courts where injury occurred
Sovereign immunity considerations that require experienced legal navigation

Private Universities (Baylor, SMU):

Internal investigations through student affairs offices
Less transparency than public institutions
Fewer sovereign immunity barriers in civil litigation
Often quicker to settle confidentially to avoid publicity

Common Institutional Responses We See:

Initial Denial: Organizations minimize conduct as “tradition” or “voluntary”
Internal Investigation: Universities conduct limited inquiries that may protect institutional interests
Limited Sanctions: Probation, temporary suspensions that don’t prevent recurring behavior
Cover-Up Pressure: Subtle or overt pressure on victims to avoid “hurting the organization”

For Lampasas families, understanding this institutional landscape is crucial. Universities often prioritize protecting their reputation and Greek life systems over individual student safety.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter for Texas Families

The fraternities and sororities present at Texas universities aren’t local clubs—they’re chapters of national organizations with decades-long histories of hazing incidents across the country. These national patterns create legal leverage for Texas families when local chapters repeat dangerous behaviors.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused injuries or deaths at other chapters, courts recognize foreseeability—the national organization “should have known” the risks because they’d seen them before. This strengthens negligence claims and can support punitive damages.

Major National Organizations at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”)

National History: Multiple fatalities including Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021) and David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas State, Baylor
Legal Significance: Pattern of “Big/Little” alcohol hazing creates clear foreseeability for Texas incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”)

National History: Called “the deadliest fraternity” by some publications with multiple alcohol-related deaths
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor
Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021), assault lawsuit at UT Austin (2024)
Legal Significance: Long history of risk management failures strengthens negligence arguments

Phi Delta Theta

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) leading to Louisiana’s felony hazing law
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas State
Legal Significance: “Bible study” drinking game pattern establishes dangerous tradition

Pi Kappa Phi

National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017) during “Big Brother Night”
Texas Presence: University of Houston chapter involved in current $10M lawsuit we’re handling
Legal Significance: Current litigation establishes active Texas precedent for serious injury claims

Kappa Alpha Order

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including recent incidents at SMU
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU
Legal Significance: Pattern of physical hazing and alcohol abuse across chapters

How National Patterns Strengthen Texas Cases

When we represent Lampasas families against these organizations, we use national histories to show:

Prior Notice: National headquarters knew about dangerous practices from other chapters
Inadequate Response: Previous sanctions (probation, temporary suspensions) failed to prevent recurrence
Systemic Issues: Training and policy failures across the organization, not just “rogue” chapters
Insurance Coverage: National policies that may provide additional recovery sources

This national perspective is crucial—local chapters often claim “this was an isolated incident,” while their national history shows repeating patterns.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery for Lampasas Families

When hazing injures a Lampasas student, building a strong case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding the full scope of recoverable damages. As attorneys who handle these cases throughout Central Texas, we’ve developed proven methods for securing accountability.

Critical Evidence That Makes or Breaks Cases

Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Show planning, participation, and cover-up attempts
Social media posts and stories: Document events in real-time
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” content
Location data and timestamps: Prove who was where and when

In the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case we’re handling, group chat evidence provided crucial documentation of the hazing timeline and participants’ knowledge.

Photos and Videos

Injury documentation: Multiple angles, progression photos, scale references
Event footage: Often captured by participants on smartphones
Security camera footage: Chapter houses, surrounding businesses, doorbell cameras
Social media content: Posted by participants bragging about or documenting events

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals and “tradition” documents: Often contain coded hazing instructions
Member communications: Emails, texts about “what we do to pledges”
National policies and training materials: Show what organizations claimed to prohibit
Risk management reports: Document prior incidents and inadequate responses

University Records

Prior conduct files: Show repeating patterns the university knew about
Campus police reports: Document official responses (or lack thereof)
Clery Act reports: May contain related crime statistics
Internal emails: Reveal institutional knowledge and decision-making

Medical and Psychological Records

Emergency treatment documentation: Immediate aftermath evidence
Specialist evaluations: Long-term injury assessments
Psychological trauma diagnoses: PTSD, depression, anxiety documentation
Treatment plans and costs: Future care needs and expenses

Recoverable Damages in Hazing Cases

Lampasas families facing hazing injuries should understand the full scope of potential recovery:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing treatment
Future medical needs: Lifetime care for permanent injuries like brain damage
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings from permanent disabilities
Therapy and counseling: Psychological trauma treatment costs

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts)

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional distress: PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in normal activities
Reputational harm: Social and professional consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support: Future contributions to family
Loss of companionship and guidance: For parents and siblings
Emotional suffering: Family’s grief and trauma

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Warrants Punishment)

Available for particularly reckless or malicious conduct
Designed to punish defendants and deter future hazing
Subject to Texas statutory caps but significant in appropriate cases

The Role of Insurance in Hazing Cases

Fraternities, universities, and individuals often have insurance policies that come into play, but insurers frequently argue:

Intentional Acts Exclusion: Claims hazing was “intentional” and therefore not covered
Criminal Acts Exclusion: Cites criminal hazing statutes to deny coverage
Policy Limits Issues: Multiple defendants may trigger coverage disputes

Our experience—particularly Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney—gives us unique insight into overcoming these arguments. We know how insurers value claims, set reserves, and negotiate, and we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for Lampasas families.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Lampasas Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Lampasas Student May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation patterns (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Chemical burns or skin damage from substances
Signs of alcohol poisoning even if your child doesn’t typically drink

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family and non-organization friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”
Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic Red Flags:

Sudden grade drops
Missed classes or assignments due to “mandatory” events
Loss of academic standing or scholarships

Digital Patterns:

Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Anxiety about missing messages or calls
Excessive social media posting about organization activities
Location sharing with unknown contacts

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing Concerns

Choose a private, calm setting without distractions
Use open-ended questions: “How are things with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Express concern without accusation: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted lately…”
Emphasize safety over loyalty: “Your health matters more than any organization”
Offer unconditional support: “You can always come home, no questions asked”

If Your Child Reveals Hazing:

Prioritize medical care immediately
Document everything they tell you (dates, names, details)
Preserve evidence before confronting anyone
Contact an attorney before reporting to the university
Avoid social media posts that could compromise the case

For Students: Protecting Yourself and Your Rights

Is This Hazing? A Quick Self-Check

Am I being pressured to do something I wouldn’t do otherwise?
Would I participate if there were no social consequences?
Is the activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are only new members required to do this?
Am I told to keep secrets from outsiders?

If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, trusted friend, RA)
Send a clear written resignation: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Document any threats or harassment that follows
Report retaliation to campus authorities immediately

Your Legal Rights in Texas

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency (Good Samaritan protection)
Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges against those who haze you
You can pursue civil damages even without criminal charges
You have the right to a no-contact order if harassed after reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What families think: “I don’t want this embarrassing stuff saved”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up, destroys crucial proof
Solution: Preserve everything immediately—even embarrassing content helps your case

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Solution: Document quietly, then let your attorney handle communications

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure quick settlements with liability waivers
Why it’s wrong: You may sign away rights for inadequate compensation
Solution: Never sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Solution: Keep details private; let your attorney control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigations
What universities promise: “We’re handling this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
Solution: Preserve evidence immediately; consult an attorney within 48 hours

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements get used against you; early settlements are lowball
Solution: “My attorney will contact you”

7. Letting Your Child Return for “One Last Talk”
What organizations request: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Why it’s wrong: Opportunity for pressure, intimidation, or getting damaging statements
Solution: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your attorney

Frequently Asked Questions from Lampasas Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, Texas State) have sovereign immunity limitations but can be sued for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when individuals are sued in personal capacity. Private universities (Baylor, SMU) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case requires specific legal analysis—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist for minors, delayed discovery of harm, or fraudulent concealment. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases involved off-campus incidents.

“Will this be public? I’m worried about my child’s privacy.”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms to protect your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Initial consultations are free, and we advance case costs, repaying them only from successful outcomes.

“We’re in Lampasas—can you help us even though you’re in Houston?”
Absolutely. We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston office, including regular travel to Central Texas for case work. Technology allows efficient remote collaboration, and we’re admitted to practice statewide.

Why Attorney911 for Lampasas Hazing Cases

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury attorney. You need lawyers who understand how powerful institutions defend themselves—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), we bring unique qualifications to hazing cases that benefit Lampasas families throughout Central Texas.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm, defending the very insurance companies that now represent fraternities and universities. He knows:

How insurers value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Their delay tactics and settlement strategies
How to counter arguments about “intentional act” exclusions
The reservation of rights letters and coverage disputes they use
“We know their playbook because we used to run it. That insight is invaluable when negotiating for Lampasas families.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)
Our managing partner has taken on billion-dollar defendants and won:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved, facing massive corporate defendants
Federal Court Experience: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential signaling elite defense capability
“We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams. We’ve faced bigger defendants with deeper pockets.”

Current High-Stakes Hazing Litigation
Right now, we’re leading the $10 million Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This active litigation means:

We’re currently navigating hazing discovery and strategy
We understand recent developments in hazing law
We’re connected to expert networks specific to hazing injuries
We know what arguments are working in current Texas courts

Multi-Million Dollar Results Experience
We’ve recovered millions for clients in complex injury cases:

Logging accident brain injury: Multi-million dollar settlement
Amputation case: Millions recovered
Wrongful death cases: Substantial compensation for families
Maritime and offshore injuries: Complex litigation results

We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability and compensation commensurate with the harm.

How We Investigate Hazing Cases for Lampasas Families

Digital Evidence Recovery
We work with digital forensics experts to:

Recover deleted group chats and messages
Authenticate social media evidence
Preserve location data and timestamps
Document the digital trail of planning and cover-up

Organizational Pattern Evidence
We subpoena national fraternity records to show:

Prior incidents at the same chapter
Similar hazing at other chapters nationwide
Inadequate responses to previous violations
Pattern of ignoring warnings

University Knowledge Documentation
Through public records requests and discovery, we obtain:

Prior complaints about the organization
Internal emails about hazing concerns
Disciplinary history and sanction effectiveness
Evidence of deliberate indifference

Medical and Economic Analysis
We collaborate with experts to document:

Full extent of physical and psychological injuries
Future treatment needs and costs
Lifetime impact on education and earning capacity
Comprehensive damage calculations

Our Commitment to Lampasas Families

We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal claims—they’re about:

Accountability: Holding responsible parties answerable
Prevention: Creating consequences that deter future hazing
Healing: Securing resources for physical and emotional recovery
Justice: Acknowledging the wrong done to your child

As parents ourselves, we approach these cases with compassion for what your family is enduring and determination to secure the best possible outcome.

Contact Attorney911 for Your Confidential Hazing Consultation

If your child has been harmed by hazing at any Texas university, we want to help. Serving families from Lampasas to Houston and throughout Texas, we offer:

Free, Confidential Case Evaluation

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Answer your questions about process and timing
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide what’s right for your family

What to Expect When You Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Immediate connection to our legal team
Emergency guidance if the situation is ongoing
Scheduling of a comprehensive case review
Explanation of the investigation process
Clear information about costs (contingency fee—no recovery, no fee)
Spanish-language services available through Mr. Peña

Contact Information
24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Hablamos Español: Mr. Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish

Service Areas
From our Houston office, we serve hazing victims and families throughout Texas, including:

Lampasas and Lampasas County
Central Texas Region (Killeen, Temple, Belton)
Greater Austin Area
Waco and McLennan County
San Marcos and Hays County
Statewide representation for serious hazing cases

Your Next Step
If you’re reading this because hazing has affected your family, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses become unavailable, and statutes of limitations continue running. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation to understand your rights and options.

To Lampasas families specifically: We understand the unique concerns of Central Texas parents sending children to nearby universities. Whether your student attends Texas State, Baylor, UT Austin, or any other campus, we’re here to help you navigate this difficult situation. Your community’s values of respect and safety deserve protection, even on distant campuses.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Case Coverage:

Attorney911 Educational Resources:

Evidence preservation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Statute of limitations video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client mistakes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Firm Information:

Main website: https://attorney911.com

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

Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-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 | Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com