The Definitive Guide to Hazing Laws, Cases, & Accountability for Families in City of New Berlin, Guadalupe County

If You’re a Parent in City of New Berlin and Your Child Is Being Hazed, This Guide Is for You

Imagine this scenario, familiar to families throughout Guadalupe County: Your child, a freshman at a Texas university, excitedly accepts a bid to join what seems like a prestigious fraternity, sorority, or campus organization. The first few weeks involve what appears to be harmless bonding. Then, the reality sets in. Your child starts coming home to City of New Berlin exhausted, with unexplained bruises. They’re receiving texts at 3 AM demanding immediate responses. They’re missing family dinners in Schertz or Cibolo because of “mandatory” events. When you ask what’s happening, they shut down or give vague answers about “tradition” and “earning their place.”

This isn’t just college antics. This is hazing—a dangerous, illegal practice that has hospitalized and killed students across Texas. Right now, as families in City of New Berlin send their children to Texas State University in San Marcos, UT Austin, Texas A&M in College Station, and other campuses, these same patterns are repeating. And when hazing causes injury, families in Guadalupe County need to know their rights and how to fight back.

We’re The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We’re Texas-based hazing litigation specialists with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we serve families throughout Texas—including right here in City of New Berlin and across Guadalupe County. We’re currently leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history, and we’ve built a comprehensive data intelligence system tracking every fraternity, sorority, and Greek organization in Texas. This guide exists to give City of New Berlin families the information you need to protect your children.

What This Guide Covers for City of New Berlin Families

This comprehensive guide to hazing and Texas law is written specifically for parents and students in City of New柏林, Schertz, Cibolo, Marion, and throughout Guadalupe County who need to understand:

What modern hazing really looks like—beyond the stereotypes, including digital coercion and psychological abuse
How Texas law protects your child—and where the legal gaps remain
Major national hazing cases and how they apply to Texas families
What’s happening at Texas universities where City of New Berlin students attend, including Texas State University, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and others
The real organizational structures behind fraternities and sororities at these schools
Your legal options when hazing causes injury or death
Immediate, practical steps to take if you suspect hazing

This article provides general educational information, not specific legal advice. Every hazing situation is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence. If your family is facing a hazing crisis, we encourage you to contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation about your specific situation.

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours:

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

The Case That Changed Everything: What’s Happening Right Now at University of Houston

Before we discuss the broader landscape, City of New Berlin families need to understand the case that’s reshaping hazing accountability in Texas right now. This isn’t a historical example—it’s active litigation we’re handling as you read this.

In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who pledged the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. What happened to him illustrates exactly what City of New Berlin parents need to watch for.

The Hazing Details That Should Alarm Every Texas Parent

The hazing occurred at multiple locations: the UH Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence owned by a former member, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park for early-morning workouts. The methods were systematic and brutal:

The “pledge fanny pack” rule: Pledges were forced to carry a fanny pack 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items. Failure to comply meant punishment or expulsion.
Enforced servitude: Mandatory dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties.
Physical torture: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills, cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding.
Forced consumption rituals: Made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints afterward.
The November 3 workout: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion.
Other violent acts: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. A different pledge lost consciousness during early-morning workouts at Yellowstone Park.

The Medical Catastrophe: From College Student to Hospital Patient

The November 3 workout left Bermudez unable to stand without help. His condition deteriorated over days until he passed brown urine—a classic sign of muscle breakdown. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with:

Rhabdomyolysis: Severe skeletal muscle breakdown
Acute kidney failure: His kidneys stopped functioning properly
Critically high creatine kinase levels: Lab confirmation of massive muscle damage

He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm. This is what hazing does—it turns healthy college students into hospital patients with lifelong medical consequences.

Who’s Being Held Accountable

Our lawsuit names a comprehensive list of defendants because hazing liability extends beyond the individuals who directly participated:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members including the chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, and others

The Institutional Response

The systems responded, but only after irreversible harm:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter; the chapter was shut down
UH labeled the conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and pledged cooperation with law enforcement

This case matters to City of New Berlin families because it proves several critical points:

Severe hazing is happening at Texas universities RIGHT NOW
Universities and national fraternities can be held accountable
The injuries are real, serious, and potentially permanent
Experienced Texas hazing attorneys are already fighting these battles

As reported in the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit, this case represents exactly what City of New柏林 parents should recognize and act upon immediately.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for City of New Berlin Students

City of New Berlin parents who attended college in the 80s or 90s might remember hazing as paddling or drinking games. Today’s hazing has evolved into more sophisticated, digitally-enabled, and psychologically complex abuse. Understanding these modern forms is crucial for Guadalupe County families.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior:

Endangers physical or mental health
Involves humiliation or degradation
Creates psychological trauma
Is kept secret from authorities

Critical understanding for City of New Berlin families: “Consent” is not a defense in Texas. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion mean this isn’t true voluntary consent under Texas law.

The Five Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing (Still the Most Deadly)

Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “Big/Little” nights)
Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
Drug-initiations or forced consumption of harmful substances
Why City of New Berlin parents should worry: Alcohol poisoning happens quickly, and students are often afraid to call for help

2. Physical Hazing (Beyond “Workouts”)

Paddling, beating, or physical strikes
Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) designed to cause collapse
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting combinations
Exposure to extreme elements (left outside in cold, locked in hot spaces)
Local connection: Texas universities have seen all these methods

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” degrading positions)
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
Public humiliation with degrading costumes or performances
Digital dimension: Often recorded and shared in private group chats

4. Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, yelling, screaming, degradation
Social isolation from non-members
Manipulation through fear and loyalty tests
Forced confessions or humiliation in front of groups
Particular concern: This causes PTSD, depression, and anxiety that can persist for years

5. Digital/Online Hazing (The New Frontier)

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Social media humiliation challenges
Geo-tracking requirements through apps like Find My Friends
Forced creation of compromising content for social media
City of New Berlin parent action: Learn to recognize these digital patterns

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

City of New Berlin students encounter hazing in multiple organizational contexts:

Fraternities and Sororities:

Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities
Panhellenic sororities
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC – Divine Nine) organizations
Multicultural Greek Council groups

Military and Corps Programs:

Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M and other schools
ROTC programs
Military-style organizations

Athletic Teams:

Varsity sports teams
Club sports
Cheer and spirit squads

Other Organizations:

Marching bands and performance groups
Spirit organizations (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
Academic honor societies
Service organizations

Key Insight for City of New Berlin Families: Hazing isn’t limited to “frat parties.” It occurs wherever there’s initiation, tradition, and power imbalance.

The Cultural Drivers That Keep Hazing Alive

Why does hazing persist when everyone knows it’s illegal and dangerous?

Tradition Defense: “This is how it’s always been done”
Loyalty Testing: “If you can’t handle this, you don’t deserve to be one of us”
Power Dynamics: Older members enjoy exerting control
Secrecy Culture: “What happens here stays here”
Institutional Tolerance: Universities sometimes prioritize reputation over safety

For City of New Berlin parents, understanding these drivers helps you recognize the psychological forces working against your child speaking up.

Texas Hazing Law: What Guadalupe County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but many City of New Berlin families don’t understand how they work or how they apply to their children’s situations. Here’s what you need to know.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas law defines hazing broadly and provides specific protections and penalties:

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

What this means for City of New Berlin families:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus hazing is still illegal
Mental harm counts as much as physical harm
“Reckless” behavior qualifies (they don’t have to intend harm)
The purpose must be related to group membership

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

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 known hazing: misdemeanor
Retaliating against someone who reports: misdemeanor

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation and university recognition revocation.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability resulting from the report. This is crucial—it protects bystanders who call for help.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
Texas law explicitly states that the victim’s consent is not a defense to hazing charges. This directly counters the “they agreed to it” argument.

§ 37.156 Institutional Reporting Requirements:
Texas colleges must provide hazing prevention education, publish policies, and maintain annual reports of violations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

City of New Berlin families often confuse these two legal paths:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney’s office)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges may include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Standard: Proof beyond a reasonable doubt
Important: A criminal case is NOT required to pursue civil remedies

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Claims may include: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Standard: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)
Critical advantage: Civil discovery can uncover evidence criminal investigations miss

Dual Proceedings: Both can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction strengthens a civil case, but a criminal acquittal doesn’t prevent civil liability (different standards of proof).

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Maintains public hazing data (phasing in through 2026)
Impact on City of New Berlin students: More transparency about which organizations have violations

Title IX Applicability:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. This provides additional reporting avenues and potential liability for universities.

Clery Act Requirements:
Colleges must report certain crimes and maintain safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable crimes like assault, alcohol violations, or sexual offenses.

Who Can Be Liable in a Hazing Civil Lawsuit?

Understanding potential defendants helps City of New Berlin families understand the scope of accountability:

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
Including officers, pledge educators, and active members
Personal liability: Their personal assets (and family assets if minors) can be targeted

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority chapter as a legal entity
Chapter housing corporations
Insurance coverage: Often the first source of recovery

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

For failing to supervise, train, or intervene
Based on prior knowledge of similar incidents at other chapters
Deep pockets: Nationals often have significant insurance coverage

4. University or Governing Board:

For negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
When they knew or should have known about dangerous practices
Public vs. private: Different standards apply to public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) versus private (SMU, Baylor)

5. Third Parties:

Property owners/landlords of hazing locations
Alcohol providers (under dram shop liability)
Security companies or event organizers
Expanding recovery: Multiple defendants mean multiple insurance policies

6. Alumni Advisors and House Corporations:

Adults who should have exercised supervision
Housing entities that control where hazing occurs

Strategic Insight for City of New Berlin Families: The more defendants identified, the greater the potential recovery and the stronger the leverage for settlement.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Mean for City of New Berlin

Major national hazing cases have established legal precedents, legislative reforms, and settlement patterns that directly affect what City of New Berlin families can expect when pursuing hazing claims. These aren’t just news stories—they’re legal roadmaps.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern Cases

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

What happened: Bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking, Piazza fell multiple times, brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 hours
Legal outcomes: 28 fraternity members charged, some convicted; Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Settlement: Confidential but substantial
City of New Berlin relevance: Established that delayed medical care dramatically increases liability

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

What happened: “Bible study” drinking game, wrong answers = forced drinking, Gruver’s BAC reached 0.495%
Legal outcomes: Felony hazing convictions, Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
Settlement: $6.1 million verdict against individual fraternity member
City of New Berlin relevance: Shows how state laws change after tragedies

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

What happened: “Big/Little” night, forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol, died from alcohol poisoning
Legal outcomes: Multiple criminal convictions, chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
Settlement: $10 million total ($7M from Pike national, ~$3M from BGSU)
City of New Berlin relevance: Demonstrates individual officer liability and university settlement responsibility

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

What happened: “Big Brother Night,” pledges given handles of liquor, Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning
Legal outcomes: Multiple misdemeanor hazing convictions, FSU suspended all Greek life
Settlement: Confidential wrongful death settlement
City of New Berlin relevance: Our current UH case involves this same national organization

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern Cases

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

What happened: “Glass ceiling” ritual at retreat, blindfolded and tackled repeatedly, fatal head injuries, delayed medical care
Legal outcomes: National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, individual jail sentences
Settlement: Confidential settlement with family
City of New Berlin relevance: Shows national organizations can face criminal liability

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

What happened: “Pledge dad reveal” night, forced excessive drinking, suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Legal outcomes: Multiple criminal charges, chapter closed
Settlement: Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar total
City of New Berlin relevance: Catastrophic non-fatal injuries can result in lifetime care costs

Athletic Program Hazing Cases

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

What happened: Widespread sexualized and racist hazing within football program over years
Legal outcomes: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination claim confidentially
Settlement: Confidential settlements with multiple players
City of New Berlin relevance: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

Sorority Hazing Cases

While less publicized, sorority hazing follows similar patterns:

DePauw University (1997): Kappa Kappa Gamma members accused of branding pledges with cigarettes
Multiple campuses: Psychological hazing, sleep deprivation, forced drinking, humiliating rituals
City of New Berlin relevance: Don’t assume sororities are “safer”—the dynamics are similar

What These National Cases Mean for City of New Berlin Families

Legal Precedents Established:

National fraternity liability: Nationals can be held responsible for chapter conduct
University liability: Schools can be sued for negligent supervision
Individual liability: Officers and members face personal financial responsibility
Criminal consequences: Hazing can lead to felony convictions and jail time
Punitive damages: Particularly egregious conduct can result in punishment beyond compensation

Settlement Patterns:

Death cases: $1M–$14M settlements/verdicts
Severe injury cases: $375K–multi-million settlements
Individual officer liability: Personal judgments in the millions
Confidentiality: Most settlements include non-disclosure agreements

Legislative Impact:

Pennsylvania: Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Louisiana: Max Gruver Act (felony hazing)
Ohio: Collin’s Law (felony when drugs/alcohol cause harm)
Florida: Chad Meredith Law (hazing criminalized)
Texas opportunity: Our UH case could drive similar reforms

Practical Takeaway for City of New Berlin Families: These cases create legal pathways, settlement benchmarks, and investigative strategies that experienced hazing attorneys use to build strong cases for Texas families.

Texas Universities Where City of New Berlin Students Are at Risk

City of New Berlin families send students to universities throughout Texas. Each campus has its own Greek ecosystem, hazing history, and institutional response patterns. Understanding these contexts helps Guadalupe County parents recognize risks and know where to turn for help.

Geographic Reality for City of New Berlin Students

Guadalupe County students typically attend:

Local/Regional Options:

Texas Lutheran University (Seguin, Guadalupe County) – Directly in our community
Texas State University (San Marcos, Hays County) – 30 minutes away, popular choice
University of Texas at San Antonio – 45 minutes away
San Antonio College/Alamo Colleges – Commutable options

Major Statewide Destinations:

University of Texas at Austin – 1 hour away, many top students attend
Texas A&M University (College Station) – 2.5 hours away
University of Houston – 3 hours away
Baylor University (Waco) – 2.5 hours away
Southern Methodist University (Dallas) – 4 hours away

Critical Understanding: Hazing risk exists at EVERY institution with Greek life, athletic teams, or tradition-based organizations. The “prestige” of the school doesn’t correlate with safety.

Public Records Intelligence: The Greek Organizations Operating in City of New Berlin’s Region

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every fraternity, sorority, and Greek organization registered in Texas. This isn’t theoretical; it’s concrete public records data that shows exactly which organizations operate in your child’s environment.

The San Antonio Metro Greek Ecosystem

City of New Berlin sits within the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area, which according to our Cause IQ data contains 86 Greek-related organizations. These aren’t just social groups—they’re legal entities with IRS employer identification numbers (EINs), registered addresses, and organizational structures that can be held liable.

Examples from IRS Public Filings (B83 Organizations):

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – 1 Camino Santa Maria St, San Antonio, TX 78228-5433 (EIN: 815229133) – Iota Beta chapter housing corporation
UTSA Sigma Chi – 18026 Shady Knl, San Antonio, TX 78258-3410 (EIN: 842643090) – Chapter housing entity
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – 13211 Lost Lake Dr, San Antonio, TX 78249-3625 (EIN: 900927378) – Texas Xi chapter alumni association
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210-4202 (EIN: 833053639) – Alpha Tau chapter national office
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249-0000 (EIN: 521850764) – Texas Lambda chapter at UTSA

Local Guadalupe County Presence:

Texas Lutheran University hosts several Greek organizations, though many maintain regional rather than county-specific registrations
Alumni chapters throughout San Antonio metro serve graduates from all area universities

Major University Greek Hubs for City of New Berlin Students

When your child attends these universities, they’re entering established Greek ecosystems with complex organizational structures:

Texas State University (San Marcos) – Where Many City of New柏林 Students Attend:

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666-4684 (EIN: 475381060) – Theta Iota chapter
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated – 2104 Old Ranch Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666-0000 (EIN: 882755427) – Texas Sigma chapter housing
Multiple additional chapters serving 38,000+ students

University of Texas at Austin:

Chi Omega Fraternity – 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705-4018 (EIN: 740555581) – Chi Omega house corporation
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – 2620 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705-4017 (EIN: 746047117) – Delta chapter property
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – 1908 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705-5318 (EIN: 741130606) – Alpha Mu chapter
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – 2307 Vanderbilt Cir, Austin, TX 78723-1542 (EIN: 463831593) – Texas State University chapter

Texas A&M University:

Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S Ste 100, College Station, TX 77845-6681 (EIN: 880537463) – Tradition organization
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – 3989 N Graham Rd, College Station, TX 77845-6803 (EIN: 812525354) – Theta Rho chapter
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority – 404 University Dr E Ste D, College Station, TX 77840-1743 (EIN: 742930349) – Chapter housing
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-0001 (EIN: 900293166) – Texas A&M chapter

Why This Data Matters for City of New Berlin Families:

Accountability Tracking: Every EIN represents a potentially liable entity with insurance coverage
Organizational Complexity: Shows how national brands operate through local chapters, housing corporations, and alumni associations
Investigation Starting Point: When hazing occurs, we immediately identify all related entities
Pattern Recognition: Organizations with multiple Texas registrations often have consistent risk profiles

Cross-Validated Brand Evidence:

Our data shows how the same national organizations appear across multiple Texas metros and campuses:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears in IRS records in Waco (EIN: 364091267), Commerce (EIN: 752609909), and Austin (EIN: 746084912), with Cause IQ listings in Houston and Beaumont metros
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has Texas chapters at Texas Woman’s University (EIN: 263170920), UT Tyler (EIN: 352335400), UT El Paso (EIN: 383742830), Texas State (EIN: 463831593), Texas Tech Health Sciences (EIN: 820644459), Texas A&M (EIN: 900293166), and UH Victoria (EIN: 900293167)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity appears in Nederland, TX (EIN: 746064445) with Cause IQ connections to Houston and Beaumont metros

The Attorney911 Advantage: While other firms start from zero when investigating hazing cases, we begin with complete organizational intelligence. We already know the legal names, EINs, addresses, and structures of the entities that may bear responsibility. This allows us to immediately identify all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage.

University-Specific Hazing Environments

Texas State University (The Most Common Destination for City of New Berlin Students)

Campus Context:

38,000+ students, rapidly growing
Active Greek life with approximately 40 fraternities and sororities
Located just 30 minutes from City of New Berlin, making it highly accessible
Mix of commuter and residential students

Documented Hazing Incidents:

2023 Sigma Chi investigation: University investigation into alleged hazing violations
Multiple organizational sanctions through Student Conduct process
Pattern concerns: Large Greek system with high turnover creates consistent hazing risk

University Response System:

Office of Student Involvement oversees Greek life
Hazing reporting through Dean of Students office
Public hazing policy with prohibition of specific activities
Critical gap: Less public transparency than UT Austin’s violation database

What City of New Berlin Parents Should Know:

Proximity means students may come home showing hazing effects
Large Greek system means your child has many organization options—and risks
Texas State’s growth has strained oversight capacity
Immediate reporting to both university AND experienced counsel is crucial

University of Texas at Austin

Campus Context:

50,000+ students, flagship university
Approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters
Highly transparent hazing violation database published online
Tradition-heavy culture with organizations like Texas Cowboys

Public Hazing Violations (Recent Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and hazing-prevention education required
Texas Wranglers (multiple years): Sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Multiple organizations: Probation, restrictions, or suspensions for various hazing violations

UT’s Transparency Advantage:

Public hazing violations database at hazing.utexas.edu
Detailed descriptions of conduct and sanctions
Creates discoverable pattern evidence for civil cases
Attorney911 utilization: We use these public records to show prior notice and patterns

What City of New Berlin Parents Should Know:

UT’s transparency is unusual—use it to research organizations
Public violations create legal advantages in civil cases
Tradition organizations carry significant hazing risks
Austin’s off-campus housing market creates supervision challenges

Texas A&M University

Campus Context:

70,000+ students, second-largest U.S. campus
Corps of Cadets with approximately 2,500 members
Strong Greek life alongside Corps tradition
Unique combination of military and civilian hazing risks

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Corps of Cadets lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position; sought over $1 million
Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe burns requiring skin grafts; $1 million lawsuit
Multiple Greek organization sanctions through Student Conduct

Corps-Specific Concerns:

Military tradition creates different hazing rationalizations
Hierarchical structure can enable abuse
“Don’t complain” culture in some units
University balancing tradition with safety

What City of New Berlin Parents Should Know:

Corps hazing follows different patterns than Greek hazing
Chemical burns case shows evolving dangerous methods
A&M’s size creates oversight challenges
Both Greek and Corps organizations require vigilance

University of Houston

Campus Context:

46,000+ students, diverse urban campus
Approximately 50 Greek organizations across multiple councils
Our active litigation demonstrates current serious hazing

Our Active Case Details (Repeated for Context):

Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi: $10 million lawsuit for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Hazing methods: Fanny-pack humiliation, forced consumption, waterboarding simulation, extreme workouts
Organizational response: Chapter suspension then closure, UH termed conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal significance: Active demonstration of severe hazing at Texas public university

UH’s Greek Ecosystem:

Four governing councils: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural
Off-campus housing predominates, creating supervision gaps
Urban location means hazing occurs throughout Houston metro
Investigation complexity: Multiple jurisdictions (UHPD, HPD, Harris County)

What City of New Berlin Parents Should Know:

Current litigation proves severe hazing is happening NOW
Urban campuses present unique investigation challenges
Multiple defendant strategy is essential (university, nationals, individuals)
Medical consequences can be permanent (kidney damage in our case)

Southern Methodist University

Campus Context:

12,000 students, private affluent institution
Strong Greek presence with approximately 30% participation
Dallas location, different legal environment as private university
Higher tuition = higher potential damages

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended
Multiple organizational sanctions through SMU conduct process
Transparency challenge: Private university, less public reporting

SMU-Specific Factors:

Wealthier student body = deeper pocket defendants
Private university status affects legal strategies
Greek life central to social scene, increasing pressure to join
Alumni networks powerful, can influence outcomes

What City of New Berlin Parents Should Know:

Private university = different legal standards
Higher economic damages possible
Social pressure particularly strong at SMU
Immediate counsel even more critical against well-resourced opponents

Baylor University

Campus Context:

20,000 students, private Christian institution
Recent history of institutional scandal (football sexual assault cases)
Greek life alongside religious identity creates unique dynamics
Waco location, different legal venue

Documented Incidents:

Baseball team hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Greek organization sanctions through Student Conduct
Institutional context: Baylor’s recent scandals affect how it handles misconduct

Baylor-Specific Considerations:

Christian branding affects internal investigations
Recent lawsuits have forced transparency improvements
Waco jurisdiction versus larger metro areas
Religious context may affect victim reporting

What City of New Berlin Parents Should Know:

Institutional history matters in investigation strategies
Religious context creates unique reporting barriers
Athletic hazing occurs alongside Greek hazing
Private university with recent reform commitments

How Hazing Cases Proceed at Different Universities

Jurisdictional Realities for City of New Berlin Families:

Texas State University Cases: Hays County courts, San Marcos police, Texas State University Police Department
UT Austin Cases: Travis County courts, UTPD, Austin Police Department
Texas A&M Cases: Brazos County courts, Texas A&M University Police Department, College Station PD
UH Cases: Harris County courts, UHPD, Houston Police Department
SMU Cases: Dallas County courts, SMU Police Department, Dallas PD
Baylor Cases: McLennan County courts, Baylor University Police Department, Waco PD

Investigation Complexity: Urban campuses (UH, UT) involve multiple police agencies. Rural campuses (Texas A&M) may have closer university-police relationships. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have different evidence access rules.

Practical Advice for City of New Berlin Families: Wherever your child attends school, evidence preservation and immediate legal consultation are universal needs. Geographic distance from City of New Berlin doesn’t prevent us from effectively representing your family—we practice throughout Texas and understand each university’s unique ecosystem.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Why Patterns Matter for City of New Berlin Cases

When hazing occurs at a Texas university, it’s rarely an isolated incident. National organizations have histories and patterns that create legal liability. For City of New Berlin families, understanding these patterns is crucial for building strong cases.

The National Organization Liability Framework

National fraternities and sororities aren’t just letterhead organizations. They are complex entities with:

Legal structures: Incorporated nonprofits with boards, officers, and insurance
Financial systems: Dues collection, chapter funding, national budgets
Governance systems: Constitutions, bylaws, risk management policies
Supervision mechanisms: Chapter advisors, regional consultants, headquarters staff
Knowledge systems: Incident reporting, disciplinary records, pattern awareness

When a local chapter hazes, the national organization’s liability depends on:

What they knew or should have known about that chapter
How they supervised and trained the chapter
What policies they had and how they enforced them
Their knowledge of similar incidents at other chapters

High-Risk National Organizations with Texas Presence

Based on our national hazing incident database and Texas chapter presence:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Extensive Trouble History

Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021): Alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU 2012): Alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
Texas presence: Multiple chapters at Texas universities
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights repeatedly cause deaths

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple Texas Incidents

University of Alabama (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns, skin grafts, $1M lawsuit
UT Austin (2024): Exchange student assault, broken bones, $1M+ lawsuit
Texas presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities
Pattern: Physical violence alongside alcohol hazing

Pi Kappa Phi – Our Current UH Case

Andrew Coffey (FSU 2017): Alcohol poisoning death
Leonel Bermudez (UH 2025): Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, our active case
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with forced consumption

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver (LSU 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death, $6.1M verdict
Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games

Beta Theta Pi

Timothy Piazza (Penn State 2017): Delayed medical care death, comprehensive criminal charges
Pattern: Camera-captured incidents showing cover-up culture

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)

Danny Santulli (Missouri 2021): Permanent brain damage, multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants
Pattern: Catastrophic non-fatal injuries requiring lifetime care

How National Histories Create Legal Liability

1. Foreseeability Doctrine:
If a national organization has seen Chapter A use Method X resulting in Injury Y, and Chapter B uses the same Method X resulting in similar Injury Y, the national should have foreseen the risk. This creates negligence liability.

2. Pattern and Practice Evidence:
Multiple similar incidents across chapters show the national knew or should have known about dangerous practices but failed to intervene adequately.

3. Inadequate Supervision Claims:
Nationals collect dues, provide materials, and exercise control. If they don’t adequately supervise to prevent known dangers, they can be liable.

4. Punitive Damages Potential:
When nationals repeatedly ignore known dangers, courts may award punitive damages to punish recklessness and deter future conduct.

Discovery Strategy: In litigation, we subpoena nationals for:

Prior incident reports from all chapters
Risk management files
Communications about hazing at specific chapters
Training materials and policy enforcement records

City of New Berlin Application: When your child is hazed, we immediately research the national organization’s history. If they’ve had similar incidents elsewhere, that history strengthens your case significantly.

The Insurance Coverage Battle

National organizations carry insurance, but insurers often fight coverage using arguments like:

“Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
“The policy excludes criminal acts”
“This chapter wasn’t following national policies”

Our insurance insider advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney) means we know exactly how insurers will fight and how to counter their arguments. We identify all potential policies:

National organization policies
Chapter-specific policies
University policies
Individual homeowner’s policies
Alumni association policies

Multi-Policy Strategy: The more policies we identify, the greater the potential recovery for City of New Berlin families.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for City of New Berlin Families

When hazing causes injury, building a strong case requires systematic evidence collection, comprehensive damages assessment, and strategic legal planning. Here’s what City of New Berlin families need to know about this process.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Evidence (The Most Important Category)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat groups
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Facebook posts showing events
Text messages/DMs: Direct communications about hazing
Deleted content recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends sharing, location history

City of New Berlin Parent Action: If your child shows you concerning messages, screenshot immediately before they can be deleted. Our video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs shows proper documentation techniques.

2. Medical Documentation

ER/hospital records: Must specifically mention “hazing” as cause
Lab results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney/liver function tests
Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs showing injuries
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Future care plans: Specialist recommendations for ongoing treatment

3. Physical Evidence

Injuries: Photograph from multiple angles with scale reference
Clothing: Unwashed items with stains, tears, or substances
Objects: Paddles, bottles, props used in hazing
Receipts: For forced purchases or event supplies

4. Witness Information

Other pledges: May be reluctant initially but often cooperate
Roommates/friends: Noticed changes or heard details
Emergency responders: EMTs, hospital staff observations
Former members: Those who quit may testify about patterns

5. Institutional Records

University files: Prior violations, disciplinary actions, incident reports
National fraternity records: Obtained through discovery in lawsuits
Police reports: Campus and local law enforcement documents
Public records: IRS filings, property records, organizational documents

Comprehensive Damages Assessment

Hazing causes multiple layers of harm, each compensable under Texas law:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including:
- Emergency treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgery and rehabilitation
- Psychological therapy
- Medications
- Medical equipment
Lost income/earning capacity:
- Current lost wages (student or parent time off)
- Future reduced earning potential from permanent injuries
- Educational setbacks (delayed graduation, lost scholarships)
Other economic losses:
- Property damage
- Relocation expenses
- Tutoring or academic support

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm)

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries during and after hazing
Emotional distress:
- PTSD diagnosis and treatment
- Depression, anxiety, panic attacks
- Humiliation, shame, loss of dignity
- Fear, nightmares, flashbacks
Loss of enjoyment of life:
- Can’t participate in previously enjoyed activities
- Damaged relationships
- Lost college experience
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty with employment or education

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support: Deceased’s potential lifetime earnings
Loss of companionship, love, and society
Grief and emotional suffering of family members
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Especially Reckless)

Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future conduct
When awarded: Particularly egregious conduct, prior warnings ignored, cover-up attempts
Texas caps: Generally limited but can be substantial in intentional tort cases

Damages Evaluation Process: We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to comprehensively value all aspects of harm. This isn’t guesswork—it’s evidence-based calculation.

Legal Strategy Development

1. Defendant Identification

We identify ALL potentially liable parties:

Individual students who participated
Chapter officers and leaders
Local chapter as entity
National fraternity/sorority headquarters
University and administrators
Property owners/landlords
Alumni advisors
Third-party vendors

Why multiple defendants matter: More defendants = more insurance policies = greater potential recovery.

2. Insurance Coverage Analysis

Using Mr. Peña’s insurance defense background, we:

Identify all potentially applicable insurance policies
Analyze coverage terms and exclusions
Develop strategies to overcome coverage denials
Pursue bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage

3. Evidence Preservation Strategy

Within 48 hours, we implement:

Digital evidence preservation orders
Witness interview plans
Medical documentation requests
University record preservation demands

4. Settlement vs. Trial Planning

Most cases settle: Confidential terms common
Settlement advantages: Faster resolution, privacy control, certainty
Trial readiness: Essential for settlement leverage; we prepare every case as if it will go to trial
Decision factors: Strength of evidence, defendant resources, client preferences, timing needs

City of New Berlin Reality: Universities and national fraternities have experienced defense attorneys. You need equally experienced plaintiff counsel. Our BP Texas City explosion litigation experience means we’re not intimidated by institutional defendants.

The Attorney911 Investigative Advantage

What sets our hazing investigation apart:

1. Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We begin with complete organizational data—EINs, addresses, structures, insurance carriers. We don’t start from zero.

2. Digital Forensics Capability:
We work with experts who recover deleted messages, reconstruct timelines, and authenticate digital evidence.

3. Medical Expert Network:
We consult specialists in rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and other hazing-related conditions to fully document harm.

4. Economic Analysis Team:
Economists calculate lifetime earning loss, future medical costs, and comprehensive damages.

5. Institutional Pattern Research:
We subpoena national fraternity records to show prior incidents and inadequate responses.

6. Local Texas Knowledge:
We understand each university’s unique culture, policies, and response patterns.

Practical Guides & FAQs for City of New Berlin Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries (excuses don’t add up)
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls, exhaustion)
Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or forced exercise
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use (even if child doesn’t normally use)

Behavioral & emotional changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-member activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
Talking about “just having to get through this”

Academic red flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping exams/assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital/social behavior:

Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes or pings
Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
Social media posts showing humiliating or concerning activities
Geo-location tracking apps newly installed

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 or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If your child opens up, listen without judgment. If they shut down, don’t force it—but monitor closely.

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):
✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):
✅ Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
✅ University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):
✅ Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to campus/local police, Dean of Students (with lawyer’s guidance)
✅ University response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
✅ Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

WEEK ONE PRIORITIES:
✅ Medical follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; see specialists; get psych evaluation if trauma present
✅ Evidence gathering: Attorney will begin subpoenaing records, obtaining deleted messages
✅ Witness interviews: Attorney will contact other pledges and witnesses
✅ Strategy session: Decide on criminal report, civil suit, both, or internal process
✅ Protection: If retaliation occurs, document and report immediately

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

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 the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Is this “tradition” really about initiation, or is it just fun for older members?
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 you’re in immediate danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
You will not get in trouble for calling for help in a medical emergency

If you want to quit/de-pledge:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) for record
Send email/text to chapter president: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately”
Do not go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate
If you fear retaliation, report to Dean of Students and campus police

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #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; destroys case
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #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, call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “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 below value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #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

MISTAKE #5: Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract damaging statements
What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through your lawyer

MISTAKE #6: 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

MISTAKE #7: Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions for City of New Berlin Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if 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, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion 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 or cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Watch our statute of limitations video for more information.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover money for you. Watch our contingency fee explanation video for details. This makes justice accessible to City of New Berlin families regardless of financial situation.

“Can you help if the hazing happened at a university outside Texas?”
Yes. While we’re Texas-based, we serve families nationwide through co-counsel arrangements with local attorneys in other states. The same national fraternities, insurance companies, and defense tactics operate everywhere. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Why Attorney911 for City of New Berlin 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. Here’s why City of New Berlin families choose The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911).

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background)

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”
Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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”
Ralph’s complete credentials: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Active Hazing Litigation Experience

Currently representing Leonel Bermudez in $10M UH Pi Kappa Phi case
Direct, current experience with hazing investigation and litigation
Understands modern hazing methods and digital evidence challenges
Knows Texas universities’ specific policies and response patterns

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Comprehensive database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 records, university rosters, Cause IQ metro data all integrated
Begin investigations with complete organizational intelligence
Identify all potentially liable entities immediately

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economists calculate lifetime earning loss and future care costs
Understand comprehensive damages in catastrophic injury cases
Learn about our wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

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
Criminal defense experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Investigative Depth and Expert Network

Digital forensics experts recover deleted messages and social media evidence
Medical specialists document rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD, and other hazing injuries
Economists and life care planners calculate comprehensive damages
Institutional experts analyze university and fraternity policies

Our Philosophy: More Than Lawsuits

We approach hazing cases with three commitments:

Thorough Investigation: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. We pursue every lead, subpoena every record, and consult every relevant expert.
Comprehensive Accountability: We identify ALL responsible parties—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities, property owners. More accountability means better prevention.
Client-Centered Advocacy: We listen without judgment, explain without jargon, and empower without pressure. You control the decisions; we provide the expertise.

Serving City of New Berlin and All of Texas

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas—including right here in City of New Berlin, Schertz, Cibolo, and across Guadalupe County. Geographic distance doesn’t prevent effective representation in today’s digital world. We understand:

The specific universities City of New Berlin students attend
The jurisdictional realities of different Texas counties
The travel and logistics needs of Guadalupe County families
How to efficiently manage cases across Texas

Spanish Language Services Available: Hablamos Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Call to Action for City of New Berlin Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether Texas State University, UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Houston, or any other institution—we want to hear from you. Families in City of New Berlin, Schertz, Cibolo, Marion, and throughout Guadalupe County 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 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) or lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services: Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Why Act Now?

Evidence disappears quickly:

Group chats are deleted within days
Witnesses graduate or become uncooperative
Universities control narratives through internal processes
The statute of limitations is always running

Early legal guidance prevents critical mistakes:

Preserving digital evidence properly
Avoiding statements that hurt your case
Navigating university processes strategically
Dealing with insurance companies effectively

Accountability prevents future harm:

Your case could protect other City of New Berlin students
Institutional changes only happen when families demand them
Silence enables repeat offenses

Final Message to City of New Berlin Families

Whether you’re in City of New Berlin proper, Schertz, Cibolo, or anywhere in Guadalupe County, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The isolation and fear that hazing creates shouldn’t extend to the legal process. We’re here to provide the expertise, support, and aggressive advocacy your family needs during this difficult time.

We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We’re currently fighting the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters in a major hazing case. We’re not intimidated by institutional defendants, and we won’t be outworked.

Your child’s safety and future matter. The organizations that endangered them must be held accountable. Let us help you pursue that accountability.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here 24/7 because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Website Pages:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/