Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Mertzon Families

A West Texas Parent’s Worst Fear

Imagine getting a call in the middle of the night. Your son, a freshman at a Texas university, is in the emergency room. His friends mutter something about a “fraternity workout” gone wrong. He’s vomiting, confused, complaining of muscle pain so severe he can’t stand. The doctors run tests and deliver a terrifying diagnosis: rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. They tell you his urine is brown, a classic sign of this life-threatening condition. As you sit by his hospital bed in San Angelo or Odessa, you learn the truth: this wasn’t an accident or normal exercise. It was hazing. Your child was forced through hundreds of push-ups and squats, deprived of sleep, subjected to humiliating rituals, all for the “privilege” of joining a fraternity.

This exact scenario isn’t hypothetical. Right now, in Texas, we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in the country—the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. A young man just like yours suffered exactly this medical catastrophe during his fall 2025 pledge period. This is happening here in our state, to Texas families no different from those living right here in Mertzon and throughout Irion County.

For parents in Mertzon, Sterling City, Barnhart, and across West Texas, the college experience often means sending children hours away to larger universities. Whether they attend Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or universities in Austin, College Station, or Houston, our children enter campus environments with complex Greek systems where hazing persists despite laws prohibiting it.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Texas families, particularly those of us in Mertzon and surrounding communities who need to understand the harsh reality of modern hazing, Texas law, and what to do if your child becomes a victim. We’ll cover everything from recognizing hazing’s subtle signs to navigating legal action, with particular focus on Texas universities where our children study.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

For Mertzon families unfamiliar with modern Greek life, hazing has evolved far beyond the “animal house” stereotypes. Today’s hazing combines physical abuse with sophisticated psychological coercion and digital control. It’s not just about drinking games—it’s about power, control, and breaking down individuals to create group loyalty.

Hazing in 2025 means any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical understanding for Texas parents is this: “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking, often framed as “tradition” or “games”
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
Big/Little nights where pledges are given handles of liquor

2. Physical Hazing

Paddling and beatings, often with wooden paddles
Extreme calisthenics or “workouts” beyond safe limits
“Smokings” – forced exercise until collapse
Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings”
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions
Degrading costumes or public humiliation
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones

4. Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Manipulation or forced confessions
Public shaming in meetings or group settings
Creating fear of social exclusion

5. Digital/Online Hazing

Group chat dares and “challenges” through GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
24/7 availability demands via text
Location tracking through apps like Find My Friends

Where Hazing Happens Across Texas Campuses

Hazing isn’t limited to fraternity basements. Across Texas universities, we see it in:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

For Mertzon families, understanding this breadth is crucial because your child might join any of these groups seeking community at their Texas university.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Mertzon Families Need to Know

Texas Hazing Law: Education Code Chapter 37

Under Texas law—which governs cases affecting students from Mertzon to McAllen—hazing is specifically addressed in the Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that:

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

Critical Texas Provisions:

§37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense – Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
§37.152: Criminal Penalties – Ranges from Class B misdemeanor to state jail felony for serious injury or death
§37.154: Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting – Protection for those who report or call for help
§37.153: Organizational Liability – Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can be prosecuted

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (DA or prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

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

Both can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required for a civil case, and the civil standard of proof (“preponderance of evidence”) is lower than criminal (“beyond reasonable doubt”).

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Strengthens prevention education
Phased implementation through 2026
Will create public hazing databases

Title IX & Clery Act:

Title IX applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery requires reporting certain crimes; hazing often overlaps with assault/alcohol crimes
Both create additional obligations for universities

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up

2. Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
Officers and “pledge educators”

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Can be liable based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
Often have insurance policies and deep pockets

4. University or Governing Board

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations but can still be sued under certain exceptions
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections
Liability hinges on prior knowledge, policy enforcement, and response

5. Third Parties

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Case Patterns: Precedents That Protect Texas Families

The national cases that have shaped anti-hazing laws provide powerful precedents for Texas families in Mertzon and beyond. These tragedies show patterns that repeat across campuses, including here in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid-acceptance event, Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol, fell multiple times (captured on chapter security cameras), and died from traumatic brain injuries after fraternity brothers delayed calling for help for 12 hours. This case led to the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania and resulted in dozens of criminal charges.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Foltz was forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night, died from alcohol poisoning, and his family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). The chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
During a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking, Gruver died with a 0.495% BAC. His death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony, and his family received a $6.1 million judgment.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” where pledges were given handles of liquor. The tragedy led to FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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. He suffered fatal head injuries, and fraternity members delayed calling 911. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, and the national fraternity was criminally convicted.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Santulli was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal,” suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see), and requires 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants for confidential multi-million-dollar amounts.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits followed, head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired, and the university reached confidential settlements. This case proved hazing extends far beyond Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for Mertzon Families:
These national precedents establish patterns that Texas courts recognize: forced drinking, humiliation, delayed medical care, and cover-up culture. When similar patterns occur at Texas universities, these cases provide legal roadmaps for holding organizations accountable.

Texas Focus: Universities Serving Mertzon Families

For families in Mertzon and Irion County, college often means students attending institutions across Texas. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at universities where our West Texas students commonly enroll.

Angelo State University (Nearest Campus with Greek Life)

For Mertzon Families:
Angelo State University in San Angelo is the nearest university with active Greek life to Mertzon (approximately 45 miles). Many Irion County students choose ASU for its proximity and strong academic programs.

Campus Greek Landscape:
ASU hosts multiple fraternities and sororities through their Office of Student Affairs. While smaller than major state universities, Greek organizations still face hazing risks common to all campuses.

Recent History & Response:
While major publicized incidents have been less frequent than at larger universities, ASU maintains anti-hazing policies aligned with Texas law. The university investigates allegations through student conduct procedures.

What Mertzon Parents Should Know:

ASU’s smaller size doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
Off-campus houses in San Angelo can still host dangerous events
University police and San Angelo PD share jurisdiction
ASU follows Texas hazing reporting requirements

Texas Tech University (Major West Texas Destination)

For Mertzon Families:
Texas Tech in Lubbock attracts many West Texas students, including those from Mertzon seeking a larger university experience while remaining in the region.

Documented Incidents:
Texas Tech has faced multiple hazing allegations across various organizations. The university maintains a conduct process and works with Lubbock police on criminal matters.

Key Concerns:

Large Greek system with historical hazing issues
Off-campus housing in Lubbock where much hazing occurs
University’s scale can make oversight challenging

Major Texas Universities (Common Destinations)

Many Mertzon students attend universities beyond West Texas. Here are the realities at major Texas institutions.

University of Houston (UH)

Leonel Bermudez Case – Active Litigation We’re Handling:
Right now, we’re leading one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. Bermudez, a transfer student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure during fall 2025 pledging. The hazing included:

“Pledge fanny pack” with humiliating contents required 24/7
Extreme physical workouts (100+ push-ups, 500 squats)
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
Being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Cold-weather exposure in underwear
Hospitalization for four days with brown urine indicating kidney failure

The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter November 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This case shows exactly what Texas families face.

UH’s Greek System:
UH hosts approximately 50 Greek organizations across four councils with thousands of members. Major fraternities include Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others with national hazing histories.

Prior UH Incidents:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table
Multiple alcohol-related hazing violations across organizations
Ongoing pattern of physical and psychological hazing

Texas A&M University

Corps of Cadets Culture:
The Corps represents a particular hazing risk with military-style traditions that can cross into abuse. A 2023 lawsuit alleged cadets were bound between beds in “roasted pig” positions with apples in their mouths.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged SAE members poured industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million.

University Response:
Texas A&M utilizes student conduct processes and works closely with College Station police. The university has faced criticism for handling of Corps hazing allegations.

University of Texas at Austin

Public Transparency Leader:
UT maintains a public “Hazing Violations” page listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions—one of Texas’s most transparent systems.

Documented Cases:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Multiple hazing violations involving alcohol and physical abuse
Various fraternities sanctioned for forced drinking, sleep deprivation, humiliation

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. He sued for over $1 million.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Private University Challenges:
SMU’s private status means less public transparency but doesn’t eliminate liability.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended with recruiting restrictions until approximately 2021.

Greek Life Culture:
SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek presence create particular hazing risks tied to social status and tradition.

Baylor University

Historic Scrutiny Context:
Baylor’s recent history with football and Title IX issues affects how the university handles all misconduct allegations.

Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions across the season.

Religious Identity Complexities:
Baylor’s Christian mission creates tensions when hazing allegations emerge within faith-affiliated organizations.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: The Organizations Behind the Letters

For Mertzon families, understanding that fraternities and sororities aren’t just local clubs is crucial. They’re part of national networks with documented histories, insurance policies, and legal structures. Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database tracking Greek organizations across Texas.

Why National Histories Matter for Texas Families

When a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UH hazes pledges, that same national organization faced the Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green. When Sigma Alpha Epsilon hazes at Texas A&M, that same national has multiple alcohol-related deaths nationwide. This pattern evidence establishes foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known the risks.

Texas Greek Organization Network: Public Records Reality

Based on IRS filings and public records, there are over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. For West Texas families, here are concrete examples of the organizational network:

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Organizations (Examples):

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 133048786, 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc, EIN 161675890, 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc, EIN 201237505, 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210-4202
Frank Heflin Foundation, EIN 203507402, 9000 W Country Club Rd, Canyon, TX 79015-5815 (Phi Delta Theta alumni fund)
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, EIN 262025321, 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201-5816

West Texas & Statewide Organizations:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710-4154
Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705-4018
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627-8843

Metro Concentration Data:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86 organizations
Lubbock Metro: 59 organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 organizations

National Patterns by Organization

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement)
David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois ($14M settlement)
Multiple chapters suspended nationally for hazing

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

Carson Starkey death at Cal Poly (2008)
Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama (2023)
Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021)
Assault case at UT Austin (2024)

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver death at LSU ($6.1M verdict)
Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston (our active litigation)

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

SMU chapter suspension (2017)
Multiple hazing violations nationally

What This Means for Legal Strategy

When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

Which national organizations have prior incidents
What their insurance coverage typically looks like
How they’ve defended similar cases
What their internal policies require

This intelligence immediately changes settlement dynamics. Universities and nationals know we understand their organizational structure, which creates leverage for Texas families.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Texas Families

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing cases are won or lost on digital evidence. Here’s what matters:

Group Communications (Most Critical Evidence):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups
Discord servers, Slack workspaces
Fraternity-specific apps
Screenshot everything immediately—messages disappear

Social Media Evidence:

Instagram stories/posts showing events
Snapchat snaps (screenshot before they disappear)
TikTok videos of hazing “challenges”
Facebook posts and Messenger conversations

Photos & Videos:

Injuries photographed immediately and over several days
Location photos (houses, rooms, venues)
Event videos recorded by participants

Medical Documentation:

ER records specifically mentioning hazing
Lab results (blood alcohol, kidney function, toxicology)
Imaging (X-rays, CT scans for injuries)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression diagnoses)

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
Chapter emails about events
National policies and training materials

University Records (Obtained via Discovery):

Prior conduct files on the same organization
Incident reports to campus police
Clery Act reports
Internal emails among administrators

Damages: What Texas Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost wages/income
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Educational costs (missed semesters, transferred schools)

Non-Economic Damages:

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

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and society
Grief and emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
Deter future hazing
Available when defendants show callous indifference

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Fraternity and university insurance fights are complex. Insurers often argue:

Hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
The policy doesn’t cover certain defendants
Claims exceed policy limits

Our approach, informed by Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney:

Identify ALL potential policies (national, local, university, homeowner’s)
Navigate exclusion arguments with case law
Prepare bad-faith claims against insurers
Create settlement pressure through policy limits

Practical Guides & FAQs for Mertzon Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts)
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (calls at 3 AM, all-night “meetings”)
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
Personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial strain (unexplained expenses, requests for money)

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

48-Hour Action Checklist:

Immediate (Hours 1-6):
- Get medical attention if injured/intoxicated
- Preserve digital evidence (screenshots)
- Photograph injuries
- Write down everything they tell you
- Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911
Evidence Preservation (Hours 6-24):
- Help child preserve ALL group chats/DMs
- Secure physical evidence (clothing, objects)
- Request medical records
- Document witness names/contact info
Strategic Decisions (Hours 24-48):
- Consult with experienced hazing attorney
- Decide on reporting (campus/local police)
- Refer university communications to attorney
- Back up all evidence to cloud storage

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send email/text to chapter president: “I am resigning effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation might occur
If threatened, report to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshot group chats with timestamps visible
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
Photograph injuries immediately and over days
Save everything digital—don’t delete even if embarrassed
Tell medical providers you were hazed for documentation

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting Evidence Be Destroyed
- Deleted group chats, cleaned phones
- Washed clothing with chemical residues
- Returned paddles/props to organization
Confronting the Organization Directly
- Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
- Creates defense preparation time
- Can lead to retaliation against your child
Signing University “Resolution” Forms
- Often include liability waivers
- Settlements are typically far below case value
- May preclude future legal action
Posting on Social Media
- Defense attorneys screenshot everything
- Inconsistencies hurt credibility
- Can waive certain legal privileges
Waiting for University “Investigation”
- Evidence disappears during delays
- Witnesses graduate or become uncooperative
- Statute of limitations continues running
Talking to Insurance Adjusters
- Recorded statements are used against you
- Early settlement offers are lowball
- Adjusters work for the insurer, not you

Texas Hazing FAQ

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

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

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

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

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Texas offices, we serve families throughout the state, including those in Mertzon, Irion County, and all West Texas communities.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—one of the few Texas firms handling those cases—proves our capability against billion-dollar defendants. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. We’ve taken on massive corporations and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Results:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists to value lifetime care needs, future earnings loss, and full damages—we don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery:
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand Texas courts, procedures, and the unique aspects of hazing at Texas universities. We know which judges hear these cases, which insurers write these policies, and how Texas law applies.

Investigative Depth:
Our network includes medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, psychologists, and Greek life culture experts. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Accountability

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to:

Get you answers about what really happened
Hold the right people and institutions accountable
Secure compensation for medical care, therapy, and future needs
Help prevent this from happening to another family

This isn’t about bravado or quick settlements. It’s about thorough investigation, strategic litigation, and real accountability. We’ve seen the damage hazing causes—not just physical injuries, but the psychological trauma that can last a lifetime.

Call to Action for Mertzon Families

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas campus—whether Angelo State, Texas Tech, UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in Mertzon, Sterling City, and throughout Irion County have the right to answers and accountability.

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

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We 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 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

Spanish-Language Services:

Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Final Note for Mertzon Families

Whether your child attends college minutes from home in San Angelo or hours away in Houston, Austin, or College Station, hazing risks exist across Texas campuses. The programs may have different names, the traditions different details, but the patterns of coercion, abuse, and institutional failure repeat.

You sent your child to college for an education and a bright future—not to be broken physically and psychologically for someone else’s amusement or “tradition.” Texas law provides protections, but those protections only matter if families exercise them.

Don’t let embarrassment, fear, or institutional pressure silence you. What happens to your child matters. Their safety matters. Their future matters.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, accountability, and justice.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency Fees: 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