A Comprehensive Guide to Hazing Litigation and Rights for Families in City of Leonard, Fannin County, Texas

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone—And Texas Law Is On Your Side

For parents in City of Leonard, Bonham, and across Fannin County, the college dreams you have for your children are built on trust—trust in the university, trust in student organizations, and trust that your child will be safe. That trust is shattered when hazing enters the picture. Right now, in our own state, a case unfolding at the University of Houston demonstrates exactly how quickly tradition can turn into trauma, and how institutional failure can compound student suffering.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We represent hazing victims and their families throughout Texas, including right here in North Texas. We are currently leading one of the most serious hazing lawsuits in the country—the case of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. This isn’t a historical example; this is active, high-stakes litigation we’re handling right now, and it shows the level of commitment and expertise we bring to every family we serve, whether from Houston, Dallas, or right here in City of Leonard.

This guide is written specifically for you—parents and families in City of Leonard, Bonham, Ladonia, and throughout Fannin County. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at universities where Fannin County students attend, and what legal options you have when that trust is broken.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies in North Texas

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 in North Texas cases just like everywhere else
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights from our Houston office, serving families statewide
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Students

Beyond the Stereotypes: A Modern Definition

For families in City of Leonard and across Texas, understanding hazing starts with recognizing it’s not just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” 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.

Critical insight for Fannin County parents: “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

The Five Main Categories of Hazing in Modern Greek Life

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and most dangerous form. It includes forced or coerced drinking, chugging challenges, “lineups,” and games that require rapid consumption. At Texas A&M-Commerce, just an hour from City of Leonard, and other regional schools, these practices often follow national patterns we’ve seen in fatal cases.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond the stereotypical paddling, this now includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts,” sleep deprivation, food/water deprivation, and exposure to extreme conditions. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints—a dangerous practice that can cause serious medical complications.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. For families in City of Leonard sending students to schools across Texas, understanding that hazing isn’t just physical violence is crucial—psychological harm can be equally devastating.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, and public shaming—often amplified through social media and group chats that create 24/7 pressure.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The modern evolution includes group chat dares, “challenges” on Instagram and TikTok, and pressure to create or share compromising content. This digital trail often becomes critical evidence in building a case.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Contrary to popular belief, hazing extends far beyond fraternity houses:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC at schools like Texas A&M
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs
• Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Some Academic and Service Organizations

For City of Leonard families with students at nearby Texas A&M University-Commerce or other regional schools, this broad understanding is essential. The organizations your child joins for community and connection can sometimes harbor dangerous traditions.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Fannin County Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing laws that apply whether your child attends school in Commerce, Denton, or anywhere in the state. Under Texas Education Code § 37.151, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Key Points for North Texas Families:

• Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats, or remote locations are still covered
• Mental OR physical harm qualifies
• “Reckless” conduct is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm
• Consent is NOT a defense (§ 37.155)

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

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

Additional criminal provisions:

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

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)

This is crucial for families seeking accountability. Organizations can be criminally prosecuted if:

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

Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation and university revocation of recognition.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154)

A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability. This protection is critical for encouraging bystanders and victims to come forward without fear of repercussions.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (DA’s office)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress

Critical Insight: These cases can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families in Texas pursue civil actions even when criminal charges aren’t filed or don’t result in convictions.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026).

Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Clery requires reporting certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up.

Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated).

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:
Often the deepest pockets and most important targets. Their liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents nationwide.

University or Governing Board:
Public universities (like UT, A&M, UH) have some sovereign immunity protections but can still be liable for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private schools (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections.

Third Parties:
Landlords of event spaces, bars/alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties—a skill we’ve honed through cases like the ongoing UH Pi Kappa Phi litigation.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Tell Us

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Lessons from Fatal Cases

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
A bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to severe falls captured on chapter cameras. Help was delayed for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway for Texas families: Extreme intoxication combined with delayed medical care and a culture of silence creates devastating legal consequences.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
A “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking led to a fatal BAC of 0.495%. The case produced the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana. Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

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

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: The Danger of “Traditions”

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
A blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat caused fatal head injuries, with help deliberately delayed. Multiple members were convicted, and the fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway for North Texas families: Off-campus retreats can be particularly dangerous, and national organizations face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Multiple lawsuits led to the head coach’s firing and confidential settlements. Takeaway: Hazing exists in big-money athletic programs with the same institutional cover-up patterns seen in Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for City of Leonard Families

These national patterns—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups—repeat across the country, including Texas. The reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements that follow tragedy show that accountability is possible. When Fannin County families face hazing at Texas universities, they’re operating in a legal landscape shaped by these precedents.

Texas University Focus: Where Fannin County Students Attend

Understanding the Local Educational Landscape

Families in City of Leonard, Bonham, and throughout Fannin County typically send students to several key educational pathways:

Regional Campuses Close to Home:

• Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County, ~1 hour from City of Leonard)
• Grayson College (Denison, ~45 minutes)
• Paris Junior College (~1 hour)
• North Central Texas College (Gainesville, ~1 hour)

Major Texas Universities Fannin County Students Attend:

• University of North Texas (Denton, ~1.5 hours)
• Texas A&M University (College Station, ~4 hours)
• University of Texas at Austin (~4 hours)
• University of Houston (~5 hours)
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, ~5 hours)

Each of these campuses has its own Greek life ecosystem, hazing history, and institutional response patterns. Understanding these contexts helps Fannin County families know what to look for and what to expect.

Texas A&M University-Commerce: The Closest Four-Year Option

Campus & Culture Snapshot

As the nearest public university to City of Leonard, Texas A&M-Commerce serves many Fannin County families. With growing Greek life and student organizations, the campus reflects both the opportunities and risks present at regional Texas universities.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

The university prohibits hazing under Texas Education Code Chapter 37 and provides reporting through the Dean of Students Office, University Police Department, and online reporting systems. Like all Texas public universities, A&M-Commerce must comply with state hazing reporting requirements.

Documented Greek Life Presence

Public records show Greek organizations operating in the Commerce area, including entities recorded in IRS filings:

• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, EIN 752609909, Commerce, TX 75429 (IRS B83 filing)
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY ZETA ETA, EIN 756060974, Commerce, TX 75429 (IRS B83 filing)

These organizations, like all Greek entities in Texas, operate within a legal framework that holds them accountable for member safety.

How a Hazing Case at A&M-Commerce Might Proceed

• Jurisdiction: Hunt County courts, with potential connections to Fannin County for involved students
• Investigating Agencies: University Police Department, Commerce PD, possibly Texas Rangers for serious cases
• Legal Venues: Eastern District of Texas federal court or Hunt County district courts for civil cases

What A&M-Commerce Students & Parents Should Do

• Document all incidents immediately with timestamps
• Report to both university authorities AND local law enforcement
• Preserve digital evidence from GroupMe, Instagram, and text messages
• Contact legal counsel familiar with East Texas jurisdiction

University of North Texas: A Major Regional Destination

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UNT in Denton attracts many North Texas students with its large Greek community and diverse student organizations. As part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex Greek ecosystem, UNT chapters interact with organizations across one of the nation’s largest Greek landscapes.

The DFW Metro Greek Ecosystem

According to our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area contains approximately 510 Greek-related organizations. This dense network means practices and problems often transfer between campuses. Examples from public records include:

• BETA UPSILON CHI FRATERNITY, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS B83 filing)
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, EIN 521278573, Dallas, TX 75241 (IRS B83 filing)

Hazing Policy & Reporting

UNT maintains comprehensive anti-hazing policies aligned with Texas law. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and UNT Police Department.

What UNT Students & Fannin County Parents Should Know

• The DFW Greek network means issues at one campus often appear at others
• Digital evidence preservation is critical in this tech-savvy student population
• Early legal consultation can help navigate multiple jurisdictional issues (Denton County, university, national organizations)

Texas A&M University: The Flagship Experience

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Many Fannin County students dream of attending Texas A&M in College Station, drawn by its tradition, network, and Corps of Cadets. This rich tradition comes with specific hazing risks in both Greek life and military-style organizations.

Corps of Cadets Hazing History

The Corps has faced multiple hazing allegations, including a 2023 lawsuit alleging cadets were bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in their mouth. Such cases demonstrate that hazing extends beyond Greek letters.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case

Around 2021, Texas A&M SAE pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended, and lawsuits sought over $1 million in damages.

Greek Life at Scale

The College Station-Bryan metro area contains approximately 42 Greek organizations according to our data. Examples include:

• GENTLEMEN OF AGGIE TRADITION, EIN 880537463, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing—note connection to Pi Kappa Phi, involved in UH case)

What A&M Families from Fannin County Should Do

• Be particularly vigilant about Corps traditions crossing into hazing
• Understand that Greek life at large schools often has more established “traditions” that can be dangerous
• Document everything, as A&M’s size can make institutional response challenging

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Tradition

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin’s public hazing violations page provides unusual transparency among Texas universities. This transparency helps families but also reveals ongoing patterns.

Public Hazing Violations Page

UT maintains a searchable database of hazing violations—a resource families should check when concerned about specific organizations. Recent examples include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Various spirit organizations: Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)

An Australian exchange student alleged assault by SAE members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, highlighting ongoing issues even with “top-tier” fraternities.

What UT Austin Families Should Know

• Use UT’s transparency to research organizations’ histories
• Understand that even with public reporting, dangerous practices continue
• Legal action often needs to go beyond university discipline to achieve accountability

University of Houston: The Active Litigation Example

The Leonel Bermudez Case—Our Current Representation

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This case demonstrates exactly what serious hazing litigation looks like in Texas right now.

Case Details Every Texas Family Should Know:

• Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption rituals, extreme workouts, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
• Medical Harm: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring four-day hospitalization
• Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025; members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Legal Significance: This active case shows how experienced hazing attorneys build cases against multiple defendants including universities, nationals, housing corporations, and individuals

Media coverage includes the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit.

Houston Metro Greek Landscape

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro contains approximately 188 Greek organizations. Examples from public records:

• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing)
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY – BETA SIGMA CHAPTER, Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)

What the UH Case Means for All Texas Families

This active litigation demonstrates that:

1. Serious hazing cases are happening in Texas right now
2. Multiple entities can be held accountable
3. Medical consequences can be severe and lifelong
4. Experienced Texas attorneys are essential for navigating these complex cases

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: The Data Behind Accountability

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas built from public records. This isn’t theoretical; it’s the actual investigative tool we use to build cases for families.

The Data Includes:

• 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations from IRS B83 filings
• 96 Texas university campuses with their locations and characteristics
• 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
• Metro-specific counts like 510 in DFW, 188 in Houston, 154 in Austin

Why This Matters for Fannin County Families:
When your child is hazed, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

• The legal names and EINs of organizations
• Their registered addresses and corporate structures
• How they’re connected to national headquarters
• What insurance entities might be involved
• Prior incidents and disciplinary histories

This investigative headstart is why families choose experienced hazing attorneys over general practitioners.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Patterns Meet Texas Chapters

Why National Histories Matter for Local Cases

When a Fannin County student is hazed at a Texas university, the local chapter isn’t acting in isolation. National headquarters in Indianapolis, Charlotte, or elsewhere set policies, collect dues, and maintain oversight. Their national histories create legal “foreseeability”—if the same dangerous practice caused injury at another chapter, they should have prevented it here.

Organization Patterns We Track

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

• National Pattern: Stone Foltz fatal alcohol hazing (BGSU, $10M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, UT, A&M, many Texas schools
• Legal Significance: National knew about Big/Little drinking risks but failed to prevent repeats

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

• National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated pledge system in 2014 due to pattern
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at A&M; assault case at UT
• Legal Significance: National’s knowledge of dangerous practices creates liability for Texas chapters

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• National Pattern: Andrew Coffey fatal alcohol hazing (FSU)
• Current Texas Case: Our representation of Leonel Bermudez against UH chapter
• Legal Significance: Active litigation demonstrating national liability patterns

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• National Pattern: Max Gruver fatal hazing (LSU, $6.1M verdict)
• Texas Presence: Chapters across Texas universities
• Legal Significance: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act shows how states respond to tragedy

The Texas Public Records Directory: What We Actually See

From our ongoing analysis of Texas Greek organizations, here are examples of the entities we track—these aren’t accusations, but factual records that form the backdrop of any hazing investigation:

North Texas Area Entities:

• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI, EIN 263170920, Denton, TX 76204 (IRS B83 filing)
• ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY, EIN 262025321, Denton, TX 76201 (IRS B853 filing – Mu Gamma Chapter)

Statewide Housing Corporations:

• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
• PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459

Honor Societies & Educational Foundations:

• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI, EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M University chapter)

These entities, when connected to hazing incidents, become part of the liability picture. Housing corporations often carry insurance. Alumni associations control property. Educational foundations hold assets. Knowing this network is how we maximize recovery for families.

How National Patterns Create Legal Liability

When we represent a family, we look for:

1. Prior Incidents: Has this national had similar hazing at other chapters?
2. Policy vs. Practice: Did they have paper policies but fail to enforce them?
3. Knowledge: What did nationals know about this chapter’s practices?
4. Control: How involved were they in chapter operations?
5. Benefit: Were they collecting dues from a chapter they failed to supervise?

This pattern evidence is what turns a “local incident” into a case against deep-pocketed national organizations.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

In 2025, hazing evidence lives on phones and servers. Our approach includes:

Digital Communications:

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: The primary planning and coordination channels
• Recovered Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappeared” content
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat memories, TikTok videos showing events
• Metadata: Timestamps, location data, participant lists

Physical Evidence:

• Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, toxicology results
• Photographic Evidence: Injuries, locations, participants
• Physical Objects: Paddles, costumes, alcohol containers
• Wardrobe: Clothing worn during incidents

Institutional Records:

• University Files: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, investigation reports
• National Fraternity Records: Risk management files, incident reports, training materials
• Insurance Policies: Coverage documents for chapters and housing corporations

We cover evidence preservation in our video Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
• Lost Earnings: Missed work, diminished earning capacity if injuries are permanent
• Educational Impact: Lost tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and recovery
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life

Wrongful Death Damages:

• Funeral & Burial Costs
• Loss of Companionship & Support
• Emotional Harm to Family

Punitive Damages:
In cases of particularly reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may punish defendants and deter future conduct.

Insurance Coverage Battles: Where Experience Matters

Fraternity and university insurance companies often argue:

• Hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• They didn’t have proper notice of the claim
• Certain defendants aren’t covered under policies

Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows their playbook because he used to run it. We understand how they value claims, use independent medical exams to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics.

The Statute of Limitations Clock

Texas generally allows 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent, and fraudulent concealment by defendants can toll the statute. We explain this in detail in our video Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?.

Critical: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade. Early legal consultation preserves options.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Fannin County Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Sudden personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Secretive behavior about organization activities
• Constant phone monitoring of group chats
• Financial strain from unexplained expenses
• Academic decline from missed classes or exhaustion

How to Talk to Your Child:

• Ask open questions: “How are things with your organization?”
• Express concern without judgment: “I’m worried about your safety”
• Emphasize: “You can always come home, no questions asked”
• Document what they share with dates and details

If Your Child Is Hurt:

1. Medical First: Emergency care if needed
2. Document Everything: Photos, screenshots, notes
3. Secure Evidence: Don’t let them delete messages
4. Contact Counsel: Before talking to university or insurance

For Students: Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I had a real choice?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?
• Are only new members doing this?

How to Exit Safely:

• Tell someone outside the organization first
• Send a written resignation, not just verbal
• Don’t go to “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
• If threatened, report to campus police and seek protective orders

Your Texas Rights:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good-faith immunity)
• Consent is not a defense to hazing
• You can pursue civil claims even if no criminal charges are filed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
“What parents think”: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction; makes case nearly impossible
Better approach: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
“What parents think”: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document first, let your attorney handle communication

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
“What universities do”: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often lowball
Better approach: “I need to have my attorney review this first”

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
Better approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

We cover common mistakes in Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case.

FAQs for Texas Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. By default it’s a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death.

“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 “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death, but exceptions exist. Time is critical—evidence disappears.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed records and confidential settlements.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your Fannin County 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 at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants”

Active Hazing Case Experience:

• Currently representing Leonel Bermudez in $10M UH Pi Kappa Phi case
• Handling one of most serious hazing lawsuits in country right now
• Demonstrated ability to take on university, national fraternity, housing corporation, and individuals simultaneously

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

• Proven track record in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Experience with economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability”

Criminal + Civil Expertise:

• Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense capability
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth:

• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across Texas
• Network of experts: digital forensics, medical, psychological, economic
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence from universities and nationals
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does”

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español – Mr. Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish at lupe@atty911.com. We serve Hispanic families throughout Texas with cultural and linguistic understanding.

How We Work with Families

Initial Consultation:
62We listen to your story without judgment

• Review evidence you’ve preserved
• Explain legal options clearly
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
• No pressure to hire on the spot

Investigation Phase:
/7- Preserve disappearing evidence (deleted messages, social media)

• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Obtain records through requests and discovery
• Consult necessary experts
• Build comprehensive damages model

Resolution Phase:

• Negotiate from strength with full evidence package
• Prepare for trial while seeking fair settlement
• Protect your family’s privacy throughout process
• Ensure recovery addresses both economic and non-economic harm

Call to Action for City of Leonard and Fannin County Families

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether Texas A&M-Commerce just down the road, UNT in Denton, A&M in College Station, or any school across our state—we want to hear from you.

Families in City of Leonard, Bonham, Ladonia, Ravenna, and throughout Fannin County have the right to answers and accountability. The traditions that make Texas universities special should never include endangerment, humiliation, or abuse.

Contact Us for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to expect when you call:

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

Contact Information

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

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

Final Word to Fannin County Families

Whether you’re in City of Leonard or anywhere across North Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this crisis alone. The organizations responsible for your child’s safety—universities, fraternities, sororities, athletic departments—have legal duties they must uphold. When they fail, Texas law provides paths to accountability.

Our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country right now. We know what these cases involve, we know how institutions respond, and we know how to build cases that get results. Let us put that experience to work for your family.

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

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 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: 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