The Nacogdoches County Parent’s Guide to Hazing, Fraternity Lawsuits & Campus Accountability in Texas

A Crisis in Our Own Backyard: When “Tradition” Becomes Trauma

For families right here in Nacogdoches, Jacksonville, Lufkin, and across East Texas, sending a child to college is filled with pride and hope. Perhaps your student is a Lumberjack at Stephen F. Austin State University, just minutes from home. Maybe they’ve headed to Texas A&M in College Station, UT Austin, the University of Houston, or another Texas campus. You trust the university to keep them safe. Then the phone call comes. Your child is in the hospital. Or they’ve withdrawn, anxious and changed. The story that emerges—of forced drinking, brutal workouts, humiliation, and cover-ups—sounds like something from a different era. Yet this is happening right now at campuses throughout Texas, and experienced Texas hazing attorneys like us at Attorney911 (The Manginello Law Firm) are fighting these cases every day.

The reality that many Nacogdoches County families are learning is that hazing isn’t just about “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. It’s a calculated system of abuse that can lead to permanent injury, psychological trauma, and even death. And when it happens, universities and national fraternal organizations often prioritize their reputations over student safety, leaving families to fight for answers alone.

Consider this real Texas case currently unfolding:
Right now, we represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This isn’t history—this is active litigation that Attorney911 attorneys Ralph Manginello and Mr. Lupe Peña are leading as we speak.

In fall 2025, Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at UH. What followed was months of systematic abuse: mandatory 24/7 carrying of a “pledge fanny pack” filled with condoms, a sex toy, and humiliating items; enforced dress codes and overnight chauffeuring duties; and extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, and cold-weather exposure in underwear. The abuse escalated to forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and a November 3rd workout of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.

The result? Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter November 14. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action. We detailed this case in media coverage with Click2Houston and ABC13.

Why does this matter for Nacogdoches County families? Because the same national organizations that operate at UH—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others—also have chapters at Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and campuses throughout Texas. The same dangerous patterns, the same institutional cover-ups, and the same legal battles for accountability are happening across our state. If your child is being hazed, you’re not alone, and you have legal options.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call our hazing emergency line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate legal 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 Texas hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas Universities

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes. For Nacogdoches County parents whose children might be at SFA, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, understanding modern hazing is critical to recognizing danger signs.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)

Servitude requirements: Pledges acting as 24/7 designated drivers, cleaning members’ rooms, running errands at all hours
Social control: Being “on call” via GroupMe or text, required to respond immediately at any hour
Deception mandates: Being told to lie to parents, RAs, or university officials about activities
Identity stripping: Being assigned derogatory nicknames, not allowed to speak unless spoken to

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Clear Abuse)

Sleep deprivation: Mandatory 3 AM wake-up calls for “meetings,” all-night events before exams
Food/water manipulation: Being forced to eat excessive amounts of bland food (milk, bread, hot dogs) or being denied meals
Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, sprints in extreme weather
Public humiliation: Forced embarrassing performances, wearing degrading costumes on campus

Tier 3: Violent/Dangerous Hazing (Criminal Acts)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mean drinking
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “gladiator” fights between pledges
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, dangerous driving tasks
Chemical exposure: As happened at Texas A&M where pledges had industrial-strength cleaner poured on them causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts

The Digital Dimension: Hazing Goes Online

Modern hazing extends into digital spaces that Nacogdoches County parents might not see:

24/7 Group Chat Control: Pledges required to monitor GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord constantly, with punishment for slow responses
Social Media Humiliation: Forced to post embarrassing TikTok videos, Instagram stories, or participate in public “challenges”
Location Tracking: Required to share live location via Find My Friends or Life360
Digital Evidence Destruction: Members coaching pledges on how to use disappearing messages, delete evidence, and what to say if questioned

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Fraternities

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs in:

Sororities (though often more psychological than physical)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys, SFA Cheer
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic clubs and honor societies

Texas Hazing Law: What Nacogdoches County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for families seeking accountability. The cases we handle in Nacogdoches County courts operate under this legal framework.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or affiliation with any organization that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Includes brutal treatment, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to elements, forced consumption of food/liquor/drugs, or other forced activity that adversely affects mental/physical health

Key Provisions for Nacogdoches County Families:

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Also criminal: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be prosecuted if:

The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer or member acting officially knew about hazing and failed to report
Penalties: Fines up to $10,000 per violation, plus university can revoke recognition

Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155):
Texas law explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” is not a defense to hazing charges. Courts recognize that power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible.

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154):
Individuals who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. This encourages bystanders to call for help.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the State of Texas (Nacogdoches County DA, Travis County DA, etc.)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were made to law enforcement

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families (like our Bermudez lawsuit)
Aim: Compensation and accountability through monetary damages
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, premises liability
Critical point: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil justice

Federal Law Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Maintains public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
Impact: More transparency for Texas families evaluating campus safety

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger, requiring university investigation and response.

Clery Act: Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with Clery reportable crimes.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

The tragedies at other universities provide painful lessons about patterns that repeat at Texas campuses. These cases show why holding institutions accountable matters.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Lesson for Texas: The same “Big/Little” drinking tradition exists here

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Lesson for Texas: “Trivia” drinking games are common in Texas chapters too

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking, falls captured on chapter cameras
Hours delayed before calling 911
Dozens of criminal charges; Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Lesson for Texas: Delayed medical response dramatically increases liability

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Lesson for Texas: Off-campus “retreats” are common hazing venues here too

Severe Injury Patterns

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

18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Santulli family settled with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar amounts
Lesson for Texas: Catastrophic non-fatal injuries create lifelong care needs

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021):

Pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit poured on them
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million; chapter suspended
Lesson: Even “elite” chapters at Texas schools engage in dangerous hazing

Texas University Focus: Where Nacogdoches County Students Attend

Nacogdoches County families send students to universities throughout Texas. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at each campus helps parents recognize risks.

Stephen F. Austin State University (Local to Nacogdoches County)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
SFA, right here in Nacogdoches, hosts active Greek life with fraternities and sororities that Nacogdoches County families see daily. The university’s Office of Student Affairs oversees Greek organizations, and like all Texas public universities, SFA falls under Texas Education Code Chapter 37 anti-hazing requirements.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
SFA prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, University Police Department, and online reporting forms. The university maintains disciplinary records that can be critical evidence in hazing cases.

Greek Life at SFA:
Based on IRS B83 public filings and campus records, Greek organizations with Texas-registered entities connected to SFA and East Texas include:

Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter – EIN 300517788 – 316 E Lakewood St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (IRS B83 filing, house corporation)
Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter – EIN 452729519 – 1936 N St SFA Station Box 6159, Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (IRS B83 filing)
Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta – EIN 756041410 – 402 N Steen Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (IRS B83 filing)
Epsilon Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity – EIN 756053083 – 321 Old Tyler Rd, Nacogdoches, TX 75961 (IRS B83 filing)

How a Hazing Case at SFA Might Proceed:

Local jurisdiction: Nacogdoches County courts, Nacogdoches Police Department, or SFA University Police
Potential defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national fraternity/sorority, SFA Board of Regents
Evidence sources: SFA disciplinary records, Nacogdoches medical providers, local venue records

What SFA Students & Nacogdoches County Parents Should Do:

Report to SFA Dean of Students AND Nacogdoches Police if crimes occurred
Seek medical care at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital or other local providers
Document everything immediately before digital evidence disappears
Contact a Texas hazing attorney familiar with East Texas courts and SFA procedures

Texas A&M University (Common Destination for Nacogdoches County Students)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Many Nacogdoches County students head to College Station, drawn by A&M’s academic programs and tradition-rich culture. The Corps of Cadets and extensive Greek life create multiple environments where hazing can occur. Texas A&M has faced significant hazing cases involving both fraternities and Corps programs.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. Chapter suspended; lawsuits filed.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter internally.
Public disciplinary records show multiple fraternity suspensions for hazing violations

How a Hazing Case at Texas A&M Might Proceed:

Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts, College Station PD, Texas A&M University PD
Unique factors: Corps of Cadets military-style structure, large Greek system with national connections
Evidence challenges: Strong tradition of silence and loyalty can complicate witness cooperation

University of Texas at Austin (Major Statewide Destination)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page provides unusual transparency, listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. This public record can be powerful evidence for families.

Documented Incidents from UT’s Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; student sued for over $1 million
Multiple spirit organizations sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing

How UT’s Transparency Helps Families:
The public violation log shows patterns—when the same organization has repeated violations, it demonstrates institutional knowledge that can support negligence claims against the university and national organizations.

University of Houston (Site of Our Active Pi Kappa Phi Litigation)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As detailed in our Leonel Bermudez case, UH has faced severe hazing incidents. The urban campus environment means hazing often occurs at off-campus houses and venues, complicating jurisdiction but not eliminating university liability.

UH’s Response to Our Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion
Confirmed cooperation with law enforcement
Credited Pi Kappa Phi national for decisive action in chapter closure

Lesson for All Texas Families: Even when universities issue strong statements, experienced legal representation is needed to ensure real accountability and compensation for victims.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

SMU: As a private university with affluent student population and strong Greek presence, SMU has faced paddling and alcohol hazing incidents. Private university status affects transparency but not liability.

Baylor: Following previous athletic and Title IX scandals, Baylor has faced baseball team hazing incidents and maintains “zero tolerance” policies. Religious branding interacts uniquely with hazing accountability claims.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Nacogdoches County Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive data on Greek organizations throughout Texas. This public records information helps families understand the complex network of entities that may share liability in hazing cases.

Nacogdoches County & East Texas Greek Entities

From IRS B83 public filings and Cause IQ metro data, here are examples of Greek organizations registered in Texas that serve East Texas and Nacogdoches County families:

Stephen F. Austin State University & Local Area:

Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter – EIN 300517788 – 316 E Lakewood St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (IRS B83 filing, house corporation)
Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter – EIN 452729519 – 1936 N St SFA Station Box 6159, Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (IRS B83 filing)
Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta – EIN 756041410 – 402 N Steen Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN 273662583 – 1416 Sleepy Hollow Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904 (IRS B83 filing, serving Angelina County)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254 (IRS B83 filing, Houston metro connection)

East Texas Region (Supporting Multiple Campuses):

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (IRS B83 filing, Waco metro)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 237279532 – PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446 (IRS B83 filing, Prairie View A&M connection)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing, Houston metro)

Major Texas University Greek Hubs Where Nacogdoches County Students Attend

University of Houston Area (188 Greek organizations in Houston metro):

Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 371768785 – 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459 (IRS B83 filing)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)

Texas A&M University Area (42 Greek organizations in College Station-Bryan metro):

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority – EIN 742930349 – 404 University Dr E Ste D, College Station, TX 77840 (IRS B83 filing)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 812525354 – 3989 N Graham Rd, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)

University of Texas at Austin Area (154 Greek organizations in Austin-Round Rock metro):

Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581 – 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing, Chi Omega House Corporation)
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – EIN 746047117 – 2620 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 463831593 – 2307 Vanderbilt Cir, Austin, TX 78723 (IRS B83 filing, Texas State University chapter)

Texas-Wide Greek Organization Snapshot

Our data engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, including:

510 organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro
188 organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro
154 organizations in Austin-Round Rock metro
86 organizations in San Antonio metro
42 organizations in College Station-Bryan metro

This network includes undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, honor societies, and educational foundations—all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage in hazing cases.

National Fraternity & Sorority Histories: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Understanding national organizations’ histories helps Nacogdoches County families recognize patterns and build stronger cases.

Organizations with Documented National Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Multiple Fatalities:

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): $14 million settlement
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SFA, and most Texas campuses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Widespread Issues:

Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): $1 million lawsuit
UT Austin Assault Case (2024): Over $1 million lawsuit
University of Alabama TBI Case (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
Pattern: Physical violence, forced drinking, chemical exposure
Texas Presence: Nearly every major Texas campus

Pi Kappa Phi – Our Active UH Case:

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Hazing death during “Big Brother Night”
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our active $10 million lawsuit for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas chapters including UH Beta Nu (now closed)

Phi Delta Theta – Drinking Game Death:

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death, $6.1 million verdict
Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games
Texas Presence: Chapters throughout Texas

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Cases

When we represent Nacogdoches County families, we use national pattern evidence to show:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known about these dangerous traditions
Inadequate Response: Prior incidents elsewhere should have triggered better supervision and policy enforcement
Negligent Supervision: Nationals failed to adequately monitor and control local chapters
Punitive Damages Basis: Repeated warnings ignored justify punishment beyond compensation

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery for Nacogdoches County Families

When hazing occurs, building a strong case requires immediate action and strategic thinking. Here’s what we do for Texas families.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts
Recovered messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” content
Location data: GPS tags, Find My Friends history, venue check-ins

Medical Documentation:

Emergency room records (critical for timing and severity)
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels, drug screens)
Specialist evaluations (nephrology for kidney damage, psychiatry for PTSD)
Long-term care plans for permanent injuries

University & Organizational Records:

Prior disciplinary files (obtained through discovery or public records requests)
Risk management reports from national headquarters
Chapter meeting minutes, pledge education materials
Insurance policies and coverage documents

Physical Evidence:

Clothing with stains or damage
Paddles, props, or objects used in hazing
Receipts for alcohol or materials purchased for hazing
Photographs of injuries (take immediately and over several days)

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate with protection)
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, significant others, bystanders
Medical personnel, first responders

Damages: What Texas Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Lost income/earning capacity: Missed work, reduced future earnings due to disability
Educational costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries (like Danny Santulli’s brain damage)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available):

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants had prior warnings and ignored them
Texas has statutory caps with exceptions for gross negligence/intentional acts

Strategic Considerations for Texas Cases

Insurance Coverage Battles:
Fraternity and university insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our insider knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney) helps navigate these fights to maximize recovery.

Multiple Defendant Strategy:
We identify ALL potentially liable parties:

Individual members who participated
Chapter officers who authorized or failed to stop hazing
Local chapter as an entity
National fraternity/sorority headquarters
University and its trustees
Property owners/landlords
Alcohol providers (under dram shop laws)

Timing & Statute of Limitations:
Texas generally has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but:

The “discovery rule” may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately known
Fraudulent concealment by defendants may toll (pause) the clock
Time is critical: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade

Watch our video explaining Texas statutes of limitations

Practical Guides for Nacogdoches County Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Constant secret phone use for group chats, anxiety when phone buzzes
Personality changes: increased anxiety, depression, irritability
Academic decline: dropping grades, missing classes, falling asleep in class
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, requests for money without clear explanation

How to Talk to Your Child:

Ask open questions: “How are things going with [fraternity/sorority]? Are you enjoying it?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’ve noticed you seem really tired/stressed lately.”
Ask specifically about safety: “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
Look for coercion clues: “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
Address secrecy directly: “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without interrupting or minimizing
Document everything they say (date, time, details)
Prioritize safety: Remove them from dangerous situations immediately
Get medical attention for any injuries
Contact a Texas hazing attorney before confronting the organization

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

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

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

How to Exit Safely:

If in immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police first
Tell someone outside the organization: Parent, RA, trusted friend (creates a record)
Send clear resignation: Email/text chapter president: “I resign my pledge/membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”: This is where pressure and retaliation often occur
Document threats: Save any retaliatory messages; report to campus police

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshot everything: Group chats, DMs, texts (with timestamps visible)
Photograph injuries: Multiple angles, include coin/ruler for scale, document progression over days
Record conversations: Texas is one-party consent state (you can record conversations you’re part of)
Save physical evidence: Clothing, objects, receipts
Seek medical care: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s documented

Learn how to use your phone to document evidence properly

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

If you participated in hazing and now regret it, or witnessed abuse:

Your testimony can prevent future harm and save lives
Cooperating can be part of taking responsibility
You may want your own legal advice about potential exposure
Witness cooperation agreements can provide certain protections
Silence enables continuing abuse

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

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

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

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

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms

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

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer

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

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”

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

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin injury cases

Why Attorney911 for Nacogdoches County Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Nacogdoches County and all of East Texas.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (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 and won.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases)
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with data on 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas
“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
Serving Hispanic families throughout Texas

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Evidence Preservation: We act within hours to secure digital evidence before it’s deleted
Comprehensive Investigation: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to identify ALL potentially liable parties
Strategic Litigation: Balancing aggressive advocacy with sensitivity to victim trauma
Maximum Recovery: Building cases that justify full compensation for all damages
Accountability Focus: Pursuing institutional change to prevent future harm

Contingency Fee Basis: No Fee Unless We Win

Like all our personal injury cases, we handle hazing litigation on a contingency fee basis:

No upfront costs or hourly fees
We only get paid if we recover money for you
Fee is percentage of recovery, agreed in advance
All case expenses advanced by our firm

Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work

Call to Action: Your Next Steps as a Nacogdoches County Family

If you or your child experienced hazing at Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Nacogdoches, Jacksonville, Lufkin, and throughout East Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

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 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:

24/7 Hazing Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Email Lupe Peña (Spanish services): lupe@atty911.com

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont Offices

Whether you’re in Nacogdoches County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same national organizations, the same dangerous traditions, and the same institutional cover-ups affect students throughout our state. We have the experience, the data, and the determination to help you get answers, secure compensation, and force the changes needed to protect future students.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you turn this crisis into accountability and prevention.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) — “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

Published: November 21, 2025 | Authors: Bryce Newberry & Holly Galvan Posey
URL: 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 Eyewitness News (KTRK) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

Published: November 22, 2025 | Author: Nick Natario
URL: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline — “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”

Published: November 22, 2025 | Author: Alyssa Ford
URL: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

“📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”

Content: How to properly use your smartphone to document evidence after an injury or hazing incident
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

“Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”

Content: Explains Texas statutes of limitations for personal injury cases
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”

Content: Common mistakes that can damage or destroy personal injury claims
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

“📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”

Content: Explains the contingency fee model for personal injury cases
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website

Attorney911 — Main Website & Contact

Content: Full-service Texas personal injury and criminal defense law firm. 24/7 free consultations.
URL: 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