Hazing in Texas: A Complete Legal Guide for Panhandle Families

The Panhandle Parent’s Nightmare: When Campus “Tradition” Becomes Abuse

It’s 2 AM, and your phone buzzes with a call from your son’s college roommate. Your child, a freshman at a Texas university just hours from your Panhandle home, isn’t answering his phone. He was supposed to be at a “new member event” at his fraternity house, but now he’s at the emergency room. The roommate says something about forced drinking, extreme workouts, and brown urine. As you speed toward the hospital, you realize the college experience you imagined for your child has turned into every parent’s worst fear.

For families in Panhandle, Carson County, and throughout the Texas Panhandle region, this scenario isn’t hypothetical—it’s happening right now at universities across our state. Just miles from where many Panhandle students enroll, at the University of Houston, we’re currently fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and he faces permanent kidney damage—all because fraternity members forced him through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, forced eating rituals, and hose spraying “similar to waterboarding.”

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Panhandle families—parents in our close-knit community who may have children at Texas A&M, Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, or other universities throughout our state. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what we’ve learned from national cases, and what legal options exist when universities and fraternities fail to protect students. More importantly, we’ll provide practical steps you can take right now if you suspect your child is being hazed.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

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

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Methods

For Panhandle families who may be unfamiliar with contemporary Greek life, hazing has evolved far beyond simple initiation pranks. Today’s hazing involves sophisticated methods designed to avoid detection while maintaining control over new members. What many parents might dismiss as “boys being boys” or “tradition” often meets Texas’s legal definition of hazing: any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for purposes of initiation or affiliation.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing remains the most common—and most deadly—form of abuse. This isn’t just underage drinking at parties. We’re talking about forced consumption rituals: “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking games where wrong answers mean forced shots, and “lineup” challenges where new members must consume dangerous amounts in short periods. In our University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint.

Physical Hazing has become more extreme and medically dangerous. What fraternities often call “workouts” or “conditioning” are actually punitive exercises designed to cause pain and exhaustion. These include:

“Smokings”: Hundreds of push-ups, squats, or bear crawls until collapse
Cold exposure: Being forced outside in underwear during winter months
Sleep deprivation: Mandatory 3 AM “meetings” or all-night “study sessions”
Dangerous rituals: Blindfolded tackles, “glass ceiling” ceremonies, or hog-tying

Digital Hazing represents the newest frontier of abuse. Panhandle parents might notice their college student constantly checking their phone, responding instantly to messages at all hours, or showing anxiety when notifications appear. This often indicates 24/7 digital control through:

Group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond immediately to messages
Location tracking: Forced use of Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media humiliation: Required embarrassing posts or TikTok challenges
Evidence collection: Members filming hazing “for internal use only”

Psychological and Sexualized Hazing causes deep, lasting trauma. This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, racial or homophobic degradation, and systematic humiliation designed to break down identity and resistance.

The “It’s Optional” Deception

One of the most common tactics we see, especially at Texas universities where Panhandle students enroll, is the “voluntary but mandatory” framing. Chapters announce activities as “optional” to create legal cover, but in reality, non-participation means social exclusion, denial of “big brother/sister” assignments, or being labeled “not committed.” Texas law recognizes that consent under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

Texas Hazing Law: What Panhandle Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protection

For Panhandle families navigating a hazing crisis, understanding Texas law is crucial. Our state has specific statutes that govern hazing cases involving Texas students, whether the incidents occur at universities near Panhandle like West Texas A&M or hours away at UT Austin or Texas A&M.

Texas Education Code §37.151 defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Occurs for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership
Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)

Critical Protection: §37.155 – Consent Is Not a Defense
Texas law explicitly states that a victim’s “consent” to hazing activities is not a legal defense. This recognizes the power imbalance, peer pressure, and coercive environments that characterize hazing situations. Even if your child “went along with it,” the perpetrators can still face criminal charges and civil liability.

Criminal Penalties: Beyond University Discipline

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing offenses (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing bodily injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Individual officers or members who fail to report hazing they knew about can also face misdemeanor charges. Retaliation against reporters is similarly criminalized.

Organizational Liability: Holding Groups Accountable

Texas law allows prosecution of organizations themselves if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew about it and failed to report. Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can permanently revoke recognition.

Good-Faith Reporting Protection

§37.154 provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for those who report hazing in good faith. This “amnesty” provision is critical—it means your child won’t face underage drinking charges if they call 911 for a medical emergency during hazing. Most Texas universities have similar amnesty policies.

Civil Liability: The Compensation Pathway

While criminal cases focus on punishment, civil lawsuits allow victims and families to seek compensation for:

Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, ongoing treatment)
Future medical needs (therapy, medications, long-term care)
Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and psychological trauma
Wrongful death damages (funeral costs, loss of companionship)

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Universities

Why National Histories Matter for Panhandle Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local club—they’re becoming part of a national organization with decades of history, including hazing incidents across the country. These national patterns matter because they show foreseeability: national headquarters knew or should have known their chapters were engaging in dangerous behaviors.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Tragedy

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): A bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter security cameras. Members delayed calling 911 for hours. This case resulted in dozens of criminal charges and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A “Big/Little” night where the pledge was forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case settled for approximately $10 million total ($7M from national Pike, ~$3M from university).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495%. Louisiana responded with the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.

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

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): A blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat resulted in fatal head injuries. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to the head coach’s firing and confidential settlements, demonstrating that hazing extends far beyond Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for Panhandle Families

These national cases establish critical precedents that benefit Texas families:

Pattern evidence: Showing that an organization had prior incidents strengthens negligence claims
Foreseeability: National headquarters can’t claim “we had no idea” when similar incidents occurred elsewhere
Settlement ranges: Multi-million dollar outcomes demonstrate what serious cases are worth
Institutional accountability: Universities face consequences for failing to protect students

Texas University Focus: Where Panhandle Students Enroll

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX – 30 minutes from Panhandle)

For Panhandle families, West Texas A&M represents the most immediate university connection. Located just 30 minutes away in Canyon, WTAMU serves many Carson County students and maintains active Greek life that Panhandle parents should understand.

Campus Greek Ecosystem:
West Texas A&M hosts several national fraternities and sororities, including chapters that have faced hazing allegations at other campuses. The university’s Greek life includes traditional social organizations, honor societies, and professional fraternities.

Recent Disciplinary History:
While West Texas A&M maintains lower reported hazing incidents than larger universities, the campus has faced Greek life challenges. The university’s location in the Panhandle means many students come from similar backgrounds to Panhandle families, creating close-knit Greek communities that can sometimes enable harmful traditions.

Practical Considerations for Panhandle Families:

Proximity advantage: You can visit campus easily if concerns arise
Local jurisdiction: Randall County courts and Canyon police have jurisdiction
Community connections: Many WTAMU Greek members have ties to Panhandle families
Reporting channels: WTAMU’s Dean of Students office handles conduct complaints

What Panhandle Parents Should Know:
Hazing at regional universities like WTAMU often follows similar patterns to larger schools but may involve closer social connections. The “everyone knows everyone” environment can make reporting more intimidating for victims but also means patterns may be more visible to observant parents.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX – 90 minutes from Panhandle)

As the major research university serving the South Plains region, Texas Tech enrolls many Panhandle students in its extensive Greek system. With over 50 fraternity and sorority chapters, Texas Tech represents a significant Greek life environment for our region’s students.

Greek Life Scale and History:
Texas Tech’s Greek community includes chapters of nearly every major national fraternity and sorority, including organizations with documented hazing histories. The university has faced periodic hazing incidents requiring disciplinary action.

Recent Incident Patterns:
Texas Tech has dealt with hazing allegations involving forced drinking, physical abuse, and dangerous initiations. Like many large universities, the school balances Greek life oversight with institutional reputation concerns.

Panhandle Family Considerations:

Common destination: Many Panhandle high school graduates choose Texas Tech
Regional familiarity: Lubbock’s culture feels familiar to Panhandle students
Medical resources: UMC Health System treats serious hazing injuries
Legal jurisdiction: Lubbock County courts handle local cases

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

Many Panhandle students pursue Aggie traditions, including participation in the Corps of Cadets and Greek life. Texas A&M’s size and tradition-heavy culture create unique hazing risks that Panhandle parents should understand.

Corps of Cadets Hazing History:
The Texas A&M Corps has faced multiple hazing allegations, including a 2023 lawsuit alleging a cadet was bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. The plaintiff sought over $1 million, claiming the university failed to protect him.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two Texas A&M pledges alleged they were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million, and the chapter received a two-year suspension.

Greek Life at Scale:
With one of Texas’s largest Greek systems, Texas A&M sees periodic hazing incidents across multiple organizations. The university’s “traditions” culture can sometimes enable abusive behaviors disguised as initiation rituals.

For Panhandle Aggie Families:

Corps considerations: Military-style groups have distinct hazing patterns
University response: Texas A&M generally investigates but may prioritize institutional reputation
Geographic distance: College Station is 7+ hours from Panhandle, complicating parental response
Legal complexity: Multiple jurisdictions (university, local police, student conduct)

University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin represents a common destination for high-achieving Panhandle students, many of whom participate in Greek life or campus organizations. UT’s relative transparency about hazing violations provides valuable insight for parents.

Public Hazing Violations Database:
Unlike many universities, UT Austin maintains a public online log of hazing violations—a resource Panhandle parents can check if concerned about specific organizations. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Chapter placed on probation with required hazing prevention education.

Texas Wranglers (multiple incidents): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The student sued for over $1 million.

Transparency Advantage:
UT’s public reporting allows Panhandle parents to:

Research organizations before their child joins
Identify patterns of repeated violations
Understand typical university sanctions
Support legal claims with documented history

Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County)

As part of the Texas A&M system, Commerce serves East Texas students and maintains Greek life that may attract some Panhandle residents. The university’s smaller size doesn’t eliminate hazing risks.

University of Houston (Our Current Case Location)

Though geographically distant from Panhandle, UH’s Pi Kappa Phi case directly demonstrates the serious legal approach Panhandle families need when facing hazing crises.

Leonel Bermudez Case Details:
Our firm currently represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The hazing included:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices)
Extreme physical abuse (sprints, bear crawls, “save-your-brother” drills)
Cold-weather exposure in underwear
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
The Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Hog-tying another pledge face-down with an object in his mouth

Medical Consequences:
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Response:

Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
Nov 14, 2025: Chapter votes to surrender charter
UH calls conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures and cooperation with law enforcement

Why This Matters to Panhandle Families:
This active litigation demonstrates:

The severity of injuries hazing can cause
The comprehensive defendant approach needed (university, national, local, individuals)
The medical complexity of proving damages
The institutional resistance families can expect

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Panhandle Families

Understanding the Greek Organizational Landscape

If you’re a Panhandle parent facing a hazing crisis, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. National fraternities and sororities operate through complex networks of legal entities: housing corporations, alumni chapters, educational foundations, and local chapters, each with separate legal identities, insurance coverage, and liability.

At Attorney911, we maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking over 1,400 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This data comes from IRS public filings (Form 990 exemptions), university registries, and business records. When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero—we already know how to identify every potentially liable entity.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records)

The IRS maintains public records of tax-exempt organizations classified as “B83 – Student Sororities, Fraternities.” These include house corporations, alumni associations, and educational foundations. Here are examples relevant to universities where Panhandle students enroll:

West Texas A&M / Panhandle Region Entities:

Frank Heflin Foundation, EIN 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015 (Phi Delta Theta alumni fund)
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association, EIN 752290669, Amarillo, TX 79118
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – Texas Theta Chapter, West Texas A&M University
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter, West Texas A&M University
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Zeta Chapter, Canyon, TX

Texas Tech University Entities:

Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation, EIN 237359384, Lubbock, TX 79401
Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter, EIN 473967233, Lubbock, TX 79416
TKE OP Housing, EIN 475033161, Lubbock, TX 79423
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech University Health Sciences, EIN 820644459, Lubbock, TX 79430

Texas A&M University Entities:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity – Theta Rho Chapter, EIN 812525354, College Station, TX 77845
Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, EIN 814123811, College Station, TX 77840
Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition, EIN 880537463, College Station, TX 77845
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University, EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843

University of Texas at Austin Entities:

Chi Omega Fraternity – Chi Omega House Corporation, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, EIN 746047117, Austin, TX 78705
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity – Alpha Mu Chapter, EIN 741130606, Austin, TX 78705
Sigma Alpha Omega Christian Sorority – Beta Mu Chapter, EIN 851262394, Austin, TX 78703

University of Houston Entities:

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (UH chapter housing entity)

Statewide Honor/Professional Organizations:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (multiple campus chapters across Texas)
Sigma Phi Lambda (multiple chapters statewide)
Delta Kappa Gamma Society (educators’ sorority chapters throughout Texas)

Why This Organizational Mapping Matters for Panhandle Families

When hazing causes injury, compensation often comes from:

National organization insurance policies
Local chapter/housing corporation assets
University liability coverage
Individual member personal assets/insurance

Our ability to immediately identify all potential sources of recovery means Panhandle families don’t waste critical time while evidence disappears. We know which entities have insurance, what coverage limits likely apply, and how to navigate the complex organizational structures national fraternities use to limit liability.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Predict Texas Behavior

Pattern Recognition: Why National Incidents Matter Locally

When a Panhandle student joins Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Texas Tech or Pi Kappa Alpha at Texas A&M, they’re joining organizations with documented national hazing histories. These patterns matter because they establish foreseeability—national headquarters knew or should have known their rituals were dangerous.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike) National Pattern:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): $10 million settlement after alcohol poisoning death
David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): $14 million settlement
Multiple Texas chapters disciplined for alcohol hazing, forced consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) National Pattern:

University of Alabama (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
Texas A&M University (2021): Chemical burns requiring skin grafts, $1 million lawsuit
UT Austin (2024): Assault causing multiple fractures, $1 million+ lawsuit
Historical pattern: SAE eliminated traditional pledge process nationally in 2014 due to deaths

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) National Pattern:

Max Gruver – LSU (2017): “Bible study” drinking game death, Louisiana Max Gruver Act
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol hazing nationwide

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) National Pattern:

Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Big Brother night alcohol death
Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025): Our current $10 million lawsuit for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ) Texas Pattern:

Southern Methodist University (2017): Chapter suspended for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Multiple Texas chapter disciplinary actions

The Foreseeability Argument: Key to Holding Nationals Accountable

In civil hazing lawsuits, establishing that national organizations knew about risks is crucial. We demonstrate foreseeability through:

Prior incident reports from other chapters
National risk management materials acknowledging dangers
Training documents that reveal known patterns
Internal communications about problem chapters

For Panhandle families, this means when a national fraternity’s Texas chapter repeats behaviors that caused injuries elsewhere, the national organization can’t credibly claim “we had no idea this could happen.”

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing cases are won or lost on digital evidence. For Panhandle families, preserving this evidence within the first 48 hours is critical.

Group Chat Evidence (Most Critical):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps
Discord/Slack servers: Capture channels, direct messages, voice chat logs
Fraternity-specific apps: Many nationals have custom communication platforms
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” content

Social Media Evidence:

Instagram Stories/Snapchat: Screenshot before they disappear (24-hour limit)
TikTok/YouTube: Save videos showing events or injuries
Facebook/Private groups: Capture membership lists, event planning, discussions
Hashtags and geotags: Show event locations and participation

Medical Documentation:

ER records: Must specify “hazing-related” for legal significance
Lab results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney/liver function (critical for alcohol poisoning cases)
Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs showing injuries
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

University Records (Obtained via Discovery):

Prior disciplinary actions against same organization
Incident reports filed with campus police/conduct office
Internal emails about the organization or incident
Clery Act reports showing pattern of incidents

Damage Recovery Framework

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (permanent injuries affecting career)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Compensable):

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Family members’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

For particularly reckless or intentional conduct
To punish defendants and deter future behavior
Subject to Texas statutory caps with exceptions

Insurance Coverage Strategy

Fraternity and university insurance companies use sophisticated tactics to deny or minimize claims. Our insurance insider advantage comes from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers:

Value hazing claims (often attempting to classify them as “intentional acts” excluded from coverage)
Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce injury severity assessments
sendsDelay settlement to pressure financially strained families
Fight coverage under policy exclusions

We navigate these battles by:

Identifying all potential insurance policies (national, local, university, individual)
Preserving coverage arguments through precise pleading
Pursuing bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny valid claims
Leveraging policy limits in settlement negotiations

Practical Guides & FAQs for Panhandle Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Panhandle Student May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Indicators:

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

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”
Constant phone monitoring for group messages

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during instruction
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing academic scholarships or standing

Financial Patterns:

Unexplained large expenses (“fines,” forced purchases, excessive alcohol buying)
Sudden requests for money without clear explanation
Overdrafts or maxed credit cards

How to Talk to Your Child (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 new members typically do? Anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from us or the university?”

If You Suspect Hazing – Immediate Action Steps:

Prioritize safety: If in danger, call 911 and campus police
Medical attention: Get professional evaluation even if “fine”
Evidence preservation: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save clothing
Document everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
Legal consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before taking other actions
University reporting: With lawyer’s guidance, report through proper channels
Avoid common mistakes: Don’t confront the organization, don’t sign university offers, don’t post on social media

For Students: Your Rights and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment Questions:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If You Want to Leave/De-Pledge Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
Send written notice to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation might occur
Report any retaliation to Dean of Students and campus police immediately
Consider requesting no-contact orders if threatened or harassed

Evidence Preservation for Students:

Screenshots: Capture full group chats with timestamps and participant names
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with scale reference (coin/ruler)
Medical records: Tell providers “I was hazed” so it’s documented
Witness information: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened
Physical evidence: Save clothing, objects, receipts related to incidents

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in emergencies (good-faith immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you’re the victim, not the perpetrator
You can file civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges are filed
You can request university no-contact orders if harassed after reporting

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; makes case nearly impossible
Better approach: 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
Better approach: Document everything, call lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #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
Better approach: 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
Better approach: 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
Better approach: 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, statutes run
Better approach: 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
Better approach: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Panhandle Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas classifies hazing as 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 consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

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

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with 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. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

“How much does it cost to hire Attorney911 for a hazing case?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. We advance case expenses and are only paid from settlement or verdict proceeds. This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford representation against wealthy institutions.

Why Attorney911 for Panhandle Hazing Cases

Texas-Based Hazing Specialists with National Reach

From our Houston office, we serve Panhandle families and victims throughout Texas, leveraging our deep understanding of Texas law, university systems, and Greek life culture. Our current representation of Leonel Bermudez in the $10 million University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates our active, serious approach to hazing litigation.

Insurance Insider Advantage

Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm gives us unparalleled insight into how fraternity and university insurance companies fight claims. He knows their:

Valuation formulas and reserve-setting practices
Delay and lowball settlement tactics
Coverage exclusion arguments
Independent Medical Exam (IME) strategies

This insider knowledge allows us to counter their playbook effectively, having previously helped run it from the defense side.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Managing Partner Ralph Manginello’s experience includes:

BP Texas City explosion litigation (against billion-dollar defendants)
Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) membership (elite criminal defense credential)
25+ years of complex litigation against powerful institutions

We’re 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 Results

Our proven track record includes:

Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements with economist collaboration
Catastrophic injury cases requiring lifetime care planning
Experience valuing complex damages (lost earning capacity, future medical needs)
“We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s HCCLA membership means we understand:

How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Defense strategies in hazing prosecutions
Witness cooperation and immunity agreements
Dual exposure issues for former members

Investigative Depth & Expert Network

We deploy comprehensive resources for hazing cases:

Digital forensics experts: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence
Medical specialists: Documenting rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD, other injuries
Greek life culture experts: Explaining power dynamics, coercion mechanisms
Economists: Calculating lifetime damages for severe injuries
Psychologists: Diagnosing and documenting emotional trauma

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Our proprietary database tracks:

1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 records of 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities
Campus-specific chapter rosters at all major Texas universities
National hazing incident patterns and settlement histories

When we take your case, we don’t start from zero—we already know the organizational landscape, insurance players, and historical patterns.

Call to Action for Panhandle Families

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends West Texas A&M just minutes away or a university hours from our Panhandle community—you have the right to answers, accountability, and appropriate compensation. The institutions involved have experienced legal teams protecting their interests; you deserve the same advocacy.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll receive:

Immediate attention: We understand the urgency of hazing cases
Confidential discussion: Everything you tell us is protected
Case evaluation: We’ll review evidence, explain legal options
Realistic assessment: We’ll discuss strengths, challenges, potential outcomes
Next steps guidance: Evidence preservation, reporting decisions, medical care
No pressure: Take time to decide; we won’t push immediate retention
Cost transparency: Contingency fee explanation—no fee unless we win

Spanish Language Services Available

Hablamos Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. We serve Texas Hispanic families with cultural understanding and bilingual capability.

Contact Attorney911 Today

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)

Serving Panhandle families from our Texas offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2): 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): https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline: 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

Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website

Homepage & Contact: 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 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 | lupe@atty911.com