The Complete Texas Hazing Litigation Guide for Families in Panorama Village, Texas

If Your Child Was Hazed at Any Texas University, You Are Not Alone

Imagine this: Your child, a student from Panorama Village, excitedly calls home after accepting a bid to join a prominent fraternity or sorority at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another Texas campus. The first weeks seem normal—new friends, campus events. Then, slowly, things change. They’re exhausted, withdrawing from family calls, making excuses for bruises or strange injuries. Their grades slip. When you ask direct questions, they shut down or give rehearsed answers. You find bottles of hot sauce or unexplained medical supplies in their dorm. Then comes the late-night call from a hospital: your child is in renal failure from extreme physical hazing, or has been hospitalized with alcohol poisoning after a forced drinking game.

This is not a hypothetical nightmare. For families in Panorama Village and across Montgomery County, this exact scenario is unfolding right now in Texas courts. We know because we’re fighting one of the most serious current cases: representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, and 13 individual members after he suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from brutal pledge activities.

This comprehensive guide exists for one reason: to give Panorama Village families facing this crisis the information, context, and legal understanding you need right now.

What This Guide Covers for Panorama Village Families

We created this definitive resource specifically for parents and students in Panorama Village, Conroe, The Woodlands, and across Montgomery County who need to understand:

1. What modern hazing actually looks like at Texas universities—beyond the stereotypes.
2. How Texas hazing law works and who can be held legally accountable.
3. The reality of fraternity and sorority national histories—and how patterns from other states apply right here in Texas.
4. What’s happening at specific Texas campuses where Panorama Village students attend: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and others.
5. Your legal options and how to protect your child’s rights when institutions try to minimize or cover up what happened.
6. Why our Texas-based firm brings unique advantages to hazing cases affecting Montgomery County families.

For parents in Panorama Village, this isn’t abstract legal theory. Your child might attend Sam Houston State University just up the road in Huntsville, commute to the University of Houston’s main campus, or be part of the massive Greek life systems at Texas A&M or UT Austin. Wherever they are, Texas law protects them—and experienced Texas counsel can help.

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:

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
2. 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)
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
4. 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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For Panorama Village parents who didn’t grow up in modern Greek life systems, today’s hazing can be difficult to recognize. It’s evolved far beyond “pranks” or “initiation rituals” into systematic abuse that leaves permanent physical and psychological damage.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

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

1. Endangers physical or mental health
2. Involves humiliation or degradation
3. Creates an environment of fear and compliance

Critical understanding for parents: “I agreed to it” does not make it legal or safe. Texas law (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 social exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It includes:

• “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor
• Drinking games with forced consumption for wrong answers
• “Lineup” competitions where pledges race to finish drinks
• Being pressured to consume unknown substances or dangerous mixtures

2. Physical Hazing
What we’re seeing in current Texas cases like Leonel Bermudez’s:

• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”)—100+ push-ups, 500+ squats until collapse
• “Workouts” at odd hours in parks (like Yellowstone Boulevard Park in Houston)
• Paddling, beatings, or physical punishment
• Sleep deprivation over multiple days
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (lying in vomit-soaked grass in cold weather)

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts or positions
• Degrading costumes or “fanny packs” with humiliating contents
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
• Public shaming rituals in front of other members

4. Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, screaming, threats of expulsion from the group
• Isolation from non-member friends and family
• Forced confessions or sharing of embarrassing information
• “Roasts” where members verbally attack pledges
• Systematic breaking down of self-esteem

5. Digital/Online Hazing
This is the newest frontier that Panorama Village parents need to understand:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
• Social media dares or challenges posted publicly
• Forced creation of compromising TikTok or Instagram content
• Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or Life360
• Digital humiliation in private Discord servers or GroupMe chats

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities get most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

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

The common thread across all these groups: social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Panorama Village Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s most comprehensive hazing statutes, but understanding how they work in practice is essential for Montgomery County families.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

The foundation of Texas hazing law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Key points for Panorama Village families:

• Location doesn’t matter—on or off campus conduct is covered
• Mental or physical harm both qualify
• Intent: Doesn’t require malicious intent—”reckless” is enough
• Consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code §37.155)

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

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

Additional criminal exposure:

• Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer who knew about it
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing
• Individual officers can face charges separate from the organization

Organizational Liability in Texas

Texas law allows organizations to be criminally prosecuted if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing
• An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations:

• Fine up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban the org from campus

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting

A critical protection for students: Texas law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for anyone who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement.

Medical emergency amnesty: Many Texas universities have policies providing protection for students who call 911 in alcohol or medical emergencies, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing themselves.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (district attorney)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Burden: Beyond a reasonable doubt
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Burden: Preponderance of the evidence
• Typical claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress

Crucial understanding: These cases can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case. Many families pursue civil litigation even when prosecutors decline to file criminal charges.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention
• Maintains public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
• Applies to all Texas public universities and most privates

Title IX Implications:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. This creates additional liability pathways against universities.

Clery Act Requirements:
Universities must report certain crimes and maintain safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable categories when they involve assaults or alcohol/drug crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• Chapter officers often face the highest exposure

2. Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
• Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Fraternity/Sorority

• Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. University or Governing Board

• Schools may be sued under negligence or civil rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
• Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections
• Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity defenses

5. Third Parties

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers under Texas dram shop laws
• Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific. Our investigation identifies all potentially liable parties from day one.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

Understanding these landmark cases isn’t academic—it shows the patterns that repeat at Texas schools and establishes legal precedents that protect Panorama Village families.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• Bid-acceptance event with extreme drinking
• Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
• 18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
• Legal impact: Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Texas relevance: Shows how delayed medical care dramatically increases liability

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

• “Big Brother Night” with handle of liquor consumption
• Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning
• Multiple criminal hazing convictions
• Legal impact: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
• Texas relevance: Our current Leonel Bermudez case involves this same national fraternity

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game with forced consumption
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Legal impact: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• Texas relevance: Criminal convictions possible even when victims “participated”

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

• Pledge forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Legal impact: Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million
• Texas relevance: Shows individual officer liability and substantial settlement values

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at off-campus retreat
• Fatal traumatic brain injury; delayed 911 call
• National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Texas relevance: Off-campus location doesn’t eliminate liability

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially
• Texas relevance: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Panorama Village Families

Common threads that repeat in Texas cases:

1. Forced drinking rituals with predictable dangerous outcomes
2. Delayed medical care due to fear of consequences
3. Cover-up attempts and destruction of evidence
4. Systemic failures by organizations that knew or should have known

These national precedents establish that:

• Juries award substantial damages for hazing injuries and deaths
• National organizations face liability for chapter conduct
• Universities can be held accountable for failing to prevent known risks
• Individual participants can face personal financial ruin

Texas University Focus: Where Panorama Village Students Attend

Panorama Village families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at each campus is essential.

Geographic Reality for Panorama Village Families

Panorama Village sits in Montgomery County, placing families within reach of multiple university systems:

Primary University Connections:

• University of Houston (35 miles) – Many Montgomery County students commute
• Sam Houston State University (40 miles) – Directly north in Huntsville
• Texas A&M University (75 miles) – Major destination for local students
• Other Texas Schools – UT Austin, Baylor, Texas State, Texas Tech attract Montgomery County graduates

Legal Jurisdiction Considerations:

• Hazing incidents at Houston-area schools fall under Harris County courts
• Incidents at Texas A&M involve Brazos County jurisdiction
• Our firm handles cases across all Texas jurisdictions from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices

University of Houston: Current Crisis and Historical Pattern

Campus Context for Panorama Village Families:
UH’s urban campus serves thousands of Montgomery County commuters and residents. With over 50 Greek organizations, it represents both opportunity and risk for local students.

Current Emergency – The Leonel Bermudez Case:
We are actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious current hazing cases:

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez, UH transfer student
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
• Allegations: Systematic hazing including forced “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, extreme physical workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, simulated waterboarding with hose spraying, forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting
• Medical Outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization with brown urine and critically elevated creatine kinase levels
• Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
• Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov. 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov. 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case

ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit

UH’s Greek Life Landscape:

• 6 Panhellenic sororities
• 17 Interfraternity Council fraternities
• Multiple NPHC (Divine Nine) and multicultural organizations
• Recent disciplinary history includes multiple hazing violations

What Panorama Village Families Should Know About UH:

• Reporting: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
• Transparency: Limited public hazing violation lists compared to UT
• Legal Venue: Harris County courts handle UH cases
• Our Experience: We’re currently in federal court with the Bermudez case against UH

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Campus Context for Panorama Village Families:
Texas A&M’s massive Greek life system and unique Corps of Cadets tradition create distinct hazing risks for Montgomery County students.

Recent Significant Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
• Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended two years
• Pattern evidence: SAE has multiple hazing deaths nationwide

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

• Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
• “Roasted pig” position with binding and apple in mouth
• Sought over $1 million in damages
• University response: A&M stated it handled matter under internal rules

Texas A&M’s Dual Risk Environment:

1. Greek Life: 50+ fraternities and sororities with national pattern issues
2. Corps of Cadets: Military-style traditions with documented abuse cases
3. Athletic Teams: Major programs with less public scrutiny

What Panorama Village Families Should Know About Texas A&M:

• Reporting: Student Conduct Office, Corps leadership for cadet issues
• Transparency: Limited public hazing data compared to UT’s public log
• Legal Venue: Brazos County courts
• Our Experience: We’ve handled cases against national fraternities present at A&M

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

Campus Context for Panorama Village Families:
UT Austin’s highly public hazing violation log provides unique visibility—but repeated sanctions show ongoing problems.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log:
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent systems at hazing.utexas.edu, documenting:

Recent Documented Violations:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
• Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Multiple hazing violations including forced activities
• Various fraternities/sororities: Alcohol-related hazing, physical punishment, degrading activities

UT’s Greek Life Scale:

• 14 Panhellenic sororities
• 31 IFC fraternities
• Multiple NPHC and multicultural organizations
• Total: ~60 recognized Greek organizations

What Panorama Village Families Should Know About UT:

• Reporting: Office of the Dean of Students, UTPD
• Transparency: Public violation log provides evidence for civil cases
• Legal Venue: Travis County courts
• Strategic advantage: UT’s own public records help prove pattern knowledge

Southern Methodist University: Private School Challenges

Campus Context for Panorama Village Families:
SMU’s affluent, Greek-dominated campus presents unique challenges for accountability and transparency.

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order Suspension (2017):

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
• Chapter suspended until approximately 2021
• Pattern evidence: KA has national hazing history

SMU’s Greek Life Reality:

• 8 Panhellenic sororities
• 12 IFC fraternities
• High percentage of student participation
• Private university status affects public records access

What Panorama Village Families Should Know About SMU:

• Reporting: Dean of Student Affairs, anonymous reporting systems
• Transparency: Limited public information as private institution
• Legal Venue: Dallas County courts
• Our approach: We use discovery to obtain internal records private schools try to shield

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability Challenges

Campus Context for Panorama Village Families:
Baylor’s religious identity and recent history with institutional accountability create complex dynamics for hazing cases.

Recent Incidents:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Staggered suspensions during season
• Context: Part of broader institutional accountability challenges

Baylor’s Greek Life Environment:

• 9 Panhellenic sororities
• 7 IFC fraternities
• Multiple NPHC organizations
• Religious context affects internal handling

What Panorama Village Families Should Know About Baylor:

• Reporting: Student Conduct Administration, Title IX Office
• Transparency: Limited public hazing data
• Legal Venue: McLennan County courts
• Our experience: We understand how religious branding interacts with legal accountability

Sam Houston State University: The Local Option

Campus Context for Panorama Village Families:
Located just 40 miles north in Huntsville, SHSU represents a common choice for Montgomery County students.

SHSU’s Greek Life:

• Multiple IFC fraternities and Panhellenic sororities
• Active NPHC organizations
• Smaller scale than major universities but similar risks

What Panorama Village Families Should Know About SHSU:

• Reporting: Dean of Students’ Office, University Police Department
• Legal Venue: Walker County courts
• Proximity advantage: Close distance means we can meet families quickly

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Panorama Village Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive tracking of Greek organizations that may affect Montgomery County students. This directory demonstrates the investigative depth we bring to every case.

Why This Directory Matters for Panorama Village Families

If your child is hazed, you deserve to know who stands behind the Greek organizations connected to their campus. These aren’t just student clubs—they’re legal entities with insurance, national affiliations, and financial assets. We track them so families never start from zero.

Texas Greek Organization Backbone: IRS-Registered Entities

The IRS maintains records of 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations (house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies). These entities have Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), legal names, and official addresses. Examples relevant to Panorama Village families include:

University of Houston Area Entities:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – Houston, TX 77254 (IRS B83 filing)

Texas A&M Area Entities:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
• Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority – EIN 742930349 – College Station, TX 77840 (IRS B83 filing)
• Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition – EIN 880537463 – College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)

UT Austin Area Entities:

• Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581 – Austin, TX 78705 (Chi Omega House Corporation – IRS B83 filing)
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – EIN 746047117 – Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing)
• Texas Rho Chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity – EIN 741942292 – Waco, TX 76706 (IRS B83 filing)

Metro-Level Greek Presence: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Area

Our Cause IQ data shows 188 Greek-related organizations in the Houston metro area, including:

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (Alumni/house corp.)
• Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni – Houston, TX
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega – Houston, TX (Grad chapter)

Cross-Validated National Brands in Texas

These organizations appear in both IRS data and metro tracking, showing how national brands maintain multiple Texas entities:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS EIN 742911848 + Cause IQ listing)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Multiple Texas chapters (IRS EINs 364091267, 752609909 + Houston/Beaumont metro listings)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – 8+ Texas university chapters (Multiple IRS EINs + campus listings)

Statewide Scope: 1,423 Greek Organizations Across 25 Texas Metros

Our comprehensive tracking covers the entire Texas Greek ecosystem:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 organizations
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 organizations
• San Antonio Metro: 86 organizations
• College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 organizations
• Beaumont-Port Arthur Metro: 22 organizations

Why This Tracking Matters for Your Case:
When we take a hazing case, we already know:

• The legal names and EINs of organizations involved
• Their national affiliation and insurance structure
• Prior incidents within the same national brand
• Which entities have assets and insurance coverage

This isn’t theoretical research—it’s the investigative foundation that wins cases.

National Fraternity & Sorority Histories: Pattern Evidence That Wins Texas Cases

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries elsewhere, that pattern evidence becomes powerful legal leverage. Here’s what Panorama Village families need to know about organizations present at Texas schools.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

Texas law recognizes that organizations can be liable for foreseeable harm. When a national fraternity or sorority has seen the same hazing methods cause injuries or deaths at other chapters, and fails to prevent it at Texas chapters, that shows:

1. Prior notice of the exact risks
2. Failure to implement effective prevention
3. Potential gross negligence for punitive damages

Organizations with Documented National Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Alcohol poisoning death; $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14M settlement
• Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights with predictable fatal outcomes
• Texas relevance: Multiple Texas chapters, same national risk management failures

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU

• Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021): Industrial cleaner injuries; $1M lawsuit
• University of Alabama TBI case (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
• Multiple alcohol-related deaths nationwide pre-2014
• Pattern: Physical hazing and dangerous substances
• Texas relevance: Active litigation against Texas chapters shows ongoing issues

Pi Kappa Phi – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Alcohol poisoning death
• Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025): Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure (our current case)
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing and forced consumption
• Texas relevance: Currently defending against our $10M lawsuit

Phi Delta Theta – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor

• Max Gruver – LSU (2017): Alcohol poisoning death; $6.1M verdict
• Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education”
• Texas relevance: Louisiana felony law named for victim applies pressure in Texas cases

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) – Present at Texas A&M, Baylor

• Danny Santulli – Missouri (2021): Severe permanent brain damage
• Settlements with 22 defendants (multi-million dollar total)
• Pattern: Extreme alcohol hazing at “pledge dad reveal” events
• Texas relevance: Shows catastrophic non-fatal injury outcomes

Kappa Sigma – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor

• Chad Meredith – Miami (2001): Drowning death; $12.6M jury verdict
• Pattern: Dangerous activities while intoxicated
• Texas relevance: Established precedent for substantial jury awards

How We Use Pattern Evidence in Texas Cases

1. Discovery demands for national headquarters’ incident reports
2. Expert testimony on organizational behavior and risk management
3. Jury presentations showing repeat patterns despite “anti-hazing policies”
4. Settlement leverage demonstrating national liability exposure

This isn’t about vilifying Greek life—it’s about holding organizations accountable when they fail to prevent known, predictable harms.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery Framework

For Panorama Village families considering legal action, understanding how cases are built and what recovery looks like is essential.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
• Recovered data: Digital forensics can retrieve deleted messages
• Our video on evidence preservation: Our video on using your phone to document evidence

Photo & Video Evidence:

• Injuries documented immediately and over time
• Event locations and participants
• Objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)

Medical Documentation:

• ER records explicitly stating “hazing” as cause
• Lab results (blood alcohol, kidney function, toxicology)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
• Future care plans for permanent injuries

Organizational Records:

• National fraternity risk management files
• University conduct records
• Prior incident reports and disciplinary actions
• Insurance policies and coverage information

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges with similar experiences
• Former members willing to testify
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders who observed changes
• Medical professionals documenting injuries

Damages: What Families Can Recover in Texas Hazing Cases

Medical Expenses:

• Past medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery)
• Future medical needs (ongoing therapy, medications, surgeries)
• Life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Lost Income & Earning Capacity:

• Lost wages for victim or caregiving parent
• Diminished future earning capacity
• Educational delays and costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to relationships and social functioning

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional suffering of family members
• Loss of financial contribution

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Punishment for reckless or intentional conduct
• Deterrence of future similar conduct
• Available when defendants acted with gross negligence

Settlement Values in Recent Hazing Cases

While every case is unique, recent verdicts and settlements establish benchmarks:

• Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10 million total settlement
• David Bogenberger (Pi Kappa Alpha): $14 million settlement
• Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1 million verdict
• Chad Meredith (Kappa Sigma): $12.6 million jury verdict
• Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10+ million settlement
• Danny Santulli (Phi Gamma Delta): Multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants

Factors affecting case value:

• Severity of injuries (permanent disability increases value)
• Strength of evidence (digital evidence is crucial)
• Defendant’s conduct (cover-ups increase value)
• Insurance policy limits
• Venue and jurisdiction

Insurance Coverage Battles: Why Insider Knowledge Matters

Fraternity and university insurers frequently argue:

• Hazing is “intentional conduct” excluded from coverage
• Only certain defendants are insured
• Policy limits are inadequate

Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how these companies fight claims, set reserves, and use delay tactics. We counter with:

• Multiple policy identification (national, local, homeowner’s)
• Arguments that negligent supervision is covered even if hazing was intentional
• Bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Learn about Lupe Peña’s insurance defense experience

Statute of Limitations: Why Time Is Critical

Texas generally imposes a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death for hazing lawsuits. However:

• The “discovery rule” may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately known
• Tolling may apply for minors or in cases of fraudulent concealment
• Wrongful death has its own specific timelines

Our urgent advice: Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade, and organizations destroy records.

Our video on Texas statutes of limitations

Practical Guides & FAQs for Panorama Village Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Action

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
• Constant phone anxiety (checking group chats constantly)
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Academic decline or missing classes for “mandatory” events
• Financial strain from unexplained purchases or “fines”

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

1. Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]?”
2. Notice changes: “You seem exhausted lately—is everything okay?”
3. Express concern, not accusation: “I’m worried because I care about you.”
4. Emphasize safety: “Nothing is worth risking your health or life.”
5. Offer unconditional support: “You can always come home, no questions asked.”

If Your Child Is Injured:

1. Get medical attention immediately
2. Document everything (photos, screenshots, notes)
3. Save physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
4. Write down names and details while fresh
5. Contact a lawyer before talking to the university

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Quick Check:

• Are you being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is the activity hidden from outsiders?
• Are older members exempt from the same requirements?
• Does it make you feel humiliated, degraded, or afraid?

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

How to Exit Safely:

1. In immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
2. Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
3. Send written resignation (email/text to chapter president)
4. Do NOT go to “one last meeting”—this is often for pressure/intimidation
5. Report retaliation to campus authorities and police

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency
• Consent is NOT a defense against hazing charges
• You can request no-contact orders if harassed
• Good-faith reporters have legal protections

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed

• Mistake: Deleting messages to “protect” your child
• Result: Looks like cover-up; case becomes nearly impossible
• Solution: Preserve everything immediately—even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• Mistake: Yelling at chapter members or advisors
• Result: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Solution: Document quietly, then call a lawyer first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• Mistake: Accepting quick settlement from university
• Result: May waive right to sue; settlements are often lowball
• Solution: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

• Mistake: Venting details online
• Result: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; hurts credibility
• Solution: Document privately; let your lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting for University “Investigation”

• Mistake: Trusting internal process will bring accountability
• Result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Solution: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Our video on mistakes that can ruin your injury case

Frequently Asked Questions for Panorama Village Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities 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 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.

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

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

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We cover all case expenses upfront and only get paid from the recovery. This makes justice accessible to all families.

Our video explaining how contingency fees work

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: The Panorama Village Advantage

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how Texas universities and national fraternities fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Current Texas Hazing Litigation: Proof of Capability

Right now, we’re actively litigating Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi—a $10 million hazing case involving rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and systematic abuse. This isn’t theoretical expertise; it’s current, high-stakes litigation demonstrating:

• Active case management against major Texas institutions
• Medical complexity handling (kidney failure, permanent injury risk)
• Multi-defendant strategy (university, national fraternity, housing corp, individuals)
• Media coordination with Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline coverage
• Institutional pressure that forced chapter closure within days of filing

Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

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

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

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

Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Experience:

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
• Experience with brain injury, permanent disability, life care planning
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:

• Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense expertise
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• “We see the whole legal battlefield, not just one piece.”

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

• 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
• IRS B83 data, university rosters, metro mapping, brand overlaps
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services:

• Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Full service available for Hispanic families
• Cultural understanding of Texas demographics
• “Hablamos Español. Su familia es nuestra prioridad.”

Our Investigative Process for Panorama Village Families

When you hire us, here’s what happens:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation:

   • Digital forensics for deleted messages
   • Witness interviews before memories fade
   • Medical record collection and analysis

2. Defendant Identification:

   • All potentially liable parties (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities)
   • Insurance policy discovery
   • Asset investigation

3. Pattern Evidence Development:

   • National fraternity incident history
   • University prior knowledge documentation
   • Similar case precedent research

4. Expert Coordination:

   • Medical specialists for injury evaluation
   • Economists for damage calculation
   • Greek life culture experts
   • Digital forensic specialists

5. Strategic Litigation Planning:

   • Criminal vs. civil coordination
   • Media strategy (if appropriate)
   • Settlement vs. trial analysis

Learn more about Ralph Manginello’s background

Why Local Texas Knowledge Matters for Panorama Village Families

Hazing cases aren’t generic personal injury claims. They require understanding:

• Texas law nuances (sovereign immunity, dram shop, comparative fault)
• University cultures (UT’s transparency vs. SMU’s privacy, A&M’s Corps traditions)
• Local jurisdictions (Harris, Brazos, Travis, Dallas, McLennan counties)
• Texas legal community (knowing defense attorneys and their tactics)

As a Texas-based firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we bring this local knowledge to every case.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation for Panorama Village Families

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers and public relations experts. You deserve the same level of representation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak directly with our legal team. We’ll:

1. Listen to your story without judgment or interruption

2. Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)

3. Explain your legal options clearly and honestly:

   • Criminal reporting possibilities
   • Civil lawsuit strategy
   • University disciplinary process navigation
   • Insurance claim pathways

4. Discuss realistic expectations:

   • Potential case timelines
   • What recovery might look like
   • Challenges you may face
   • How we overcome those challenges

5. Answer all your questions about:

   • Costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
   • Privacy protection
   • Family emotional support resources
   • What happens next

6. Give you time to decide—no pressure to hire us immediately

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Immediate Assistance:

• 24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello)
• Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Office Locations Serving Panorama Village:

• Houston Office: Primary location for Harris County cases
• Austin Office: Serving Travis County and Central Texas
• Beaumont Office: Serving Jefferson County and East Texas

Website: https://attorney911.com

Practice Areas Relevant to Hazing Cases:

• Wrongful Death Claims: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• Complex Personal Injury: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/

A Final Word to Panorama Village Families

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. The betrayal of trust, the medical trauma, the institutional resistance—it feels overwhelming. But we’ve been here before with Texas families, and we know the path forward.

Your child’s safety and recovery come first. Accountability comes next. Prevention for other families comes through the work we do together.

Whether you’re in Panorama Village, Conroe, The Woodlands, or anywhere in Montgomery County, if hazing has touched your family, reach out today. Let us help you navigate this crisis with experience, compassion, and relentless commitment to justice.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We’re here to help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Current Texas Hazing Case:

• Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary of the $10M UH hazing lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Using cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

• Main website: https://attorney911.com
• Contact page: https://attorney911.com/contact/
• Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Practice Area Pages:

• Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

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