The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Fraternity Accountability for Pantego, Texas Families

When Your Worst Fears Become Reality: A Message for Pantego Parents

Imagine this: Your son, a bright student you helped move into his University of Texas dorm just months ago, calls you late on a Thursday night. His voice is slurred, confused. Between sobs, he confesses that his fraternity “big brother” forced him to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “family reveal” at an off-campus house. He’s vomiting, can’t stand up straight, and is terrified to call for help because the fraternity president warned that “snitches get expelled.” You’re three hours away in Pantego, feeling utterly helpless as your child faces a medical emergency surrounded by people more concerned about their chapter’s reputation than his life.

This nightmare scenario isn’t fiction—it’s happening right now at Texas universities. For families in Pantego, Texas, nestled in the heart of Tarrant County within the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro, the reality of campus hazing hits particularly close to home. Your children may attend the University of Texas at Arlington just minutes away, or venture further to Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, or Southern Methodist University. Wherever they study, they’re entering ecosystems where dangerous traditions persist despite laws, policies, and tragic headlines.

Right now, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent 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. The lawsuit details forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack” 24/7. He was hospitalized for four days with brown urine signaling muscle breakdown. This $10 million case against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and 13 individual members shows exactly what Texas families are up against.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Pantego parents and families across North Texas. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, break down Texas and federal law, examine patterns at your child’s likely universities, and show you how experienced hazing attorneys build cases that force accountability. If you’re reading this because you suspect something has happened to your child, know this: You’re not alone, and there are clear paths forward.

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 Beyond the Stereotypes

The Modern Definition: More Than “Just Hazing”

For Pantego families who may remember college as a different era, today’s hazing requires updated understanding. Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

Texas law (Education Code §37.151) defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership. This broad definition covers everything from forced drinking to psychological abuse.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. It’s not just “college drinking”—it’s systematic coercion:

• “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish
• “Lineup” drinking games where wrong answers mean rapid consumption
• “Family tree” or “Bible study” rituals with alcohol penalties
• Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
  In the Bermudez case at UH, forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting was followed by immediate sprints—a classic food/alcohol hazing hybrid.

2. Physical Hazing
This has evolved from simple paddling to sophisticated brutality:

• “Smokings” or extreme calisthenics designed to cause injury (100+ push-ups, 500 squats like in the UH case)
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water restriction or forced overconsumption
• Exposure to extreme cold/heat (Bermudez was forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass)
• Paddling, beatings, or “gladiator” fights

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
The most psychologically damaging forms often involve:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
• Degrading costumes or props (the “pledge fanny pack” with condoms and sex toys at UH)
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones

4. Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, and public shaming
• Social isolation from non-members
• “Roasts” or interrogation sessions
• Forced confessions or compromising revelations

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier that Pantego parents might not recognize:

• Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
• Social media humiliation via Instagram stories, TikTok videos
• Geo-tracking demands (sharing location 24/7 via Find My Friends)
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
• Cyberbullying if pledges don’t comply instantly

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While Greek organizations dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
• Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Groups like Texas Cowboys
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common thread? Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law & Federal Framework: What Pantego Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your State’s Legal Backbone

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that govern cases involving Pantego students, whether they’re at UTA down the road or universities across the state.

§37.151 Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

Plain English for Pantego Parents: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreats all count. Mental or physical harm both qualify.

§37.152 Criminal Penalties

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

Also Criminal:

• Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer who knew about it
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing

§37.153 Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting officially knew about hazing and failed to report

Penalties for organizations: Fines up to $10,000 per violation, plus university can revoke recognition.

§37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability. Many universities also provide “amnesty” for those who call 911 in medical emergencies, even if underage drinking was involved.

§37.155 Consent Is NOT a Defense
This is crucial for Pantego families to understand: It is not a defense that the person being hazed consented to the activity. Texas law recognizes that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t true voluntary consent.

§37.156 University Reporting Requirements
Texas colleges must provide hazing prevention education, publish policies, and maintain annual reports of violations. UT Austin’s public hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) shows this in action—other schools are following.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (Harris County, Tarrant County, Travis County prosecutors)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals are expected alongside our civil lawsuit

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families like yours
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Can proceed even without criminal charges
• We currently handle both tracks simultaneously in serious cases

Federal Overlay: The Evolving National Framework

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data by 2026. This will make patterns more visible to Pantego families.

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Clery requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

For Pantego families considering legal action, understanding potential defendants is crucial:

1. Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up. In the UH case, we named 13 individual members including the chapter president and pledgemaster.

2. Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority itself if it’s a legal entity. Officers acting in official capacity carry particular responsibility.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. Pi Kappa Phi national is a defendant in our UH case.

4. University or Governing Board
Schools may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories. Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants.

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, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Mean for Pantego Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: The Deadliest Script

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking, severe falls captured on chapter cameras, hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law resulted. Takeaway for Pantego families: Extreme intoxication combined with delayed 911 calls creates devastating liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Died with 0.495% BAC. Multiple members charged, one convicted of negligent homicide. Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Takeaway: Legislative change follows public outrage and clear proof.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions, $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Former chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million. Takeaway for Pantego parents: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
“Big Brother Night” where pledge given handle of liquor, died from acute alcohol poisoning. Multiple prosecutions, FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life. Takeaway: Formulaic drinking “traditions” are repeating scripts for disaster.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat. Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed. Multiple convictions; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years; national organization criminally convicted. Takeaway: Off-campus retreats can be as dangerous as parties, and national organizations face serious sanctions.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
18-year-old forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal,” suffered severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care). Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar. Takeaway: Non-fatal cases can still be catastrophic with lifelong consequences.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program over years. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Takeaway for Pantego families: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs with systemic abuse.

Western Kentucky University Swim Team (2012-2015)
Investigation revealed hazing dating back years including verbal/physical abuse. Entire program suspended for five years, coaching staff terminated, $75,000 settlement. Takeaway: Universities will sacrifice entire programs when liability becomes clear.

What These National Cases Mean for Pantego Families

Common threads that should alarm every Pantego parent:

1. Forced drinking protocols that chapters repeat despite national warnings
2. Delayed medical care because members fear consequences more than saving lives
3. Systematic cover-ups including destroyed evidence and coached witnesses
4. Institutional knowledge where universities and nationals had prior warnings
5. Multi-million dollar accountability through settlements and verdicts

These national precedents shape how Texas courts view cases involving your children. When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down elsewhere, that shows foreseeability—a key legal concept that strengthens negligence claims.

Texas University Focus: Where Pantego Students Most Often Attend

Pantego’s location in Tarrant County places families at the heart of Texas higher education. Your children likely attend or consider universities across the state, each with distinct hazing landscapes. Here’s what you need to know about the schools that matter most to North Texas families.

University of Texas at Arlington: Your Local Campus

For Pantego families: UTA is literally in your backyard—part of the same county and metro. When hazing happens here, it involves your local police, courts, and community.

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UTA serves over 40,000 students with growing Greek life despite its commuter reputation. Fraternities and sororities operate both on-campus and in nearby Arlington neighborhoods.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
UTA prohibits hazing under University Code of Conduct and Texas law. Reports go to Student Conduct, Office of Community Standards, or UTA Police. Like all Texas public universities, UTA must comply with Chapter 37 reporting requirements.

Documented Incidents & Response
While less publicized than larger schools, UTA has faced hazing incidents:

• Sigma Chi (2020): Pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning from hazing. Lawsuit alleged negligent supervision; settled August 2021.
• Various other IFC and NPHC organizations have faced disciplinary action for alcohol violations and hazing-adjacent conduct.

How a UTA Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Tarrant County courts handle civil cases; Arlington PD or UTA Police investigate criminal aspects
• Potential defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national organization, potentially UTA depending on knowledge and response
• Local advantage: We know Tarrant County courts and procedures intimately

What Pantego Students & Parents Should Do

1. Reporting: Use UTA’s online conduct reporting system or call UTA PD at (817) 272-3381
2. Documentation: Arlington incidents mean evidence may be in local hands—act quickly
3. Medical care: Texas Health Arlington Memorial is nearest Level II trauma center
4. Legal consultation: Local attorneys understand Tarrant County’s specific legal landscape

Texas A&M University: The Flagship Destination

For Pantego families: Many Tarrant County students choose Aggieland. The 3-hour drive means you’re relying on others to protect your child.

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and massive Greek system create unique hazing risks. With over 70,000 students, oversight challenges are significant.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
A&M prohibits hazing through Student Rules and Corps regulations. Reporting channels include Student Conduct Office, Corps headquarters, and University Police. A&M’s size means cases can get lost in bureaucracy.

Documented Incidents & Response
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)
Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter under its rules.

Sigma Chi Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023, ongoing)
Allegations of extreme physical hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis—the same muscle breakdown condition Bermudez suffered at UH. Ongoing litigation shows pattern of dangerous workouts.

How an A&M Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts; College Station PD or University Police
• Complexity: Corps cases involve military-style chain of command issues
• National attention: A&M cases draw media scrutiny given university’s prominence

What Pantego Students & Parents Should Do

1. Corps-specific understanding: Military traditions don’t excuse illegal hazing
2. Medical care: St. Joseph Health is primary hospital; serious cases go to Bryan
3. Document everything: A&M’s size means your evidence must be impeccable
4. Act quickly: The “Aggie code” can create silence—break it early with legal help

University of Texas at Austin: The Academic Powerhouse

For Pantego families: UT draws Tarrant County’s top students. The 3.5-hour distance creates challenge when emergencies arise.

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT’s ~60 Greek chapters and prestigious spirit organizations create pressure-cooker environments. The university’s transparency sets it apart.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
UT’s public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—unprecedented transparency. Reports go to Office of the Dean of Students, UTPD, or online forms.

Documented Incidents & Response
Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)
New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required prevention education.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024)
Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at party resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Sued for over $1 million; chapter already under suspension for prior violations.

Texas Wranglers & Other Spirit Groups
Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices. Shows hazing extends beyond Greek letters.

How a UT Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Travis County courts; Austin PD or UTPD
• Transparency advantage: Public violation records strengthen pattern evidence
• Media scrutiny: Austin media covers campus incidents aggressively

What Pantego Students & Parents Should Do

1. Check the database: Before your child joins any group, review UT’s hazing violations page
2. Use transparency: Public records requests can uncover prior incidents
3. Medical care: Dell Seton Medical Center is Level I trauma center
4. Legal strategy: UT’s own records become evidence in your case

Southern Methodist University: The Private Elite

For Pantego families: SMU’s proximity (35 minutes) makes it accessible but its private status changes the legal landscape.

Campus & Culture Snapshot
SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek presence (about 35% participation) create high-pressure environments. Private university status affects transparency.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
SMU prohibits hazing through Student Code of Conduct. Reporting through Dean of Students, SMU PD, or anonymous Real Response system. Less public disclosure than public universities.

Documented Incidents & Response
Kappa Alpha Order (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until around 2021.

Various IFC and Panhellenic organizations have faced probation and suspensions for alcohol violations and hazing-adjacent conduct, often with minimal public detail.

How an SMU Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Dallas County courts; University Park PD or SMU PD
• Private university challenges: Less public records, more resistance to disclosure
• Wealth factor: Defendants may have greater resources for defense

What Pantego Students & Parents Should Do

1. Understand privacy limitations: SMU isn’t subject to Texas Public Information Act
2. Use internal channels: Real Response allows anonymous reporting
3. Medical care: Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas is nearest major hospital
4. Legal approach: May need aggressive discovery requests to obtain records

Baylor University: The Religious Institution

For Pantego families: Baylor’s Waco location (2 hours) places it within reasonable distance for Central Texas families.

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor’s religious identity and history of Title IX scrutiny create complex environment. Greek life is strong despite Baptist affiliation.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
Baylor prohibits hazing through Student Policies. Reporting through Student Conduct, Baylor PD, or online forms. History of handling misconduct internally creates concerns.

Documented Incidents & Response
Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions over early season. Limited public details due to athletic department control.

Various Greek organizations have faced disciplinary action with minimal transparency, consistent with Baylor’s handling of prior scandals.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts; Waco PD or Baylor PD
• Religious institution considerations: First Amendment arguments may arise
• History factor: Baylor’s past scandals affect how courts view current claims

What Pantego Students & Parents Should Do

1. Document meticulously: Baylor’s history shows institutional resistance
2. Medical care: Baylor Scott & White is primary hospital system
3. Legal strategy: May need to overcome religious liberty arguments
4. Act decisively: Baylor’s internal processes may not serve victim interests

Other Universities Pantego Families Consider

Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)
Literally in Pantego’s backyard. TCU’s Greek life is central to campus culture. Hazing incidents have included Kappa Sigma arrests (2018) and various alcohol-related cases. Fort Worth jurisdiction means familiar courts and procedures.

University of North Texas (Denton)
30-minute drive from Pantego. UNT’s growing Greek life and music/arts programs present diverse hazing risks. Denton County jurisdiction.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
5-hour drive. Tech’s remote location can isolate victims. Serious incidents including rhabdomyolysis cases show patterns mirroring other Texas schools.

For Pantego families, geographic proximity matters when emergencies strike. Knowing which police department has jurisdiction, which hospital will treat your child, and which courts will hear your case starts with understanding where your child attends school.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Predict Local Danger

Why National Histories Matter to Pantego Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local club—they’re connecting to a national organization with decades of history, including hazing patterns that repeat across campuses. These histories matter because they show foreseeability—the legal concept that organizations should have known risks based on past incidents.

We maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, tracking over 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This includes public records on 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities with EINs, addresses, and organizational structures. For Pantego families, this means we don’t start from zero—we already know the landscape.

National Organizations With Documented Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

• National Pattern: Multiple alcohol poisoning deaths including Stone Foltz (BGSU, $10M settlement) and David Bogenberger (NIU, $14M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, many others
• Pantego Relevance: These national patterns make PIKE chapters foreseeable risks at any Texas school your child might attend

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”)

• National Pattern: Multiple deaths and severe injuries nationwide; eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 due to pattern
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M ($1M lawsuit), assault case at UT Austin ($1M+ lawsuit), traumatic brain injury case at Alabama
• Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities
• Pantego Relevance: SAE’s national history strengthens negligence claims against local chapters

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• National Pattern: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
• Current Texas Case: We’re actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez $10M case against UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, other campuses
• Pantego Relevance: Our current litigation shows we’re fighting this national organization right now in Texas courts

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• National Pattern: Max Gruver death at LSU leading to Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas Presence: Chapters at multiple Texas universities
• Pantego Relevance: National awareness of alcohol hazing risks creates duty to supervise

Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / “FIJI”)

• National Pattern: Danny Santulli catastrophic brain injury at Missouri (multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, other schools
• Pantego Relevance: Non-fatal but life-altering injuries show hazing isn’t just about deaths

How We Use National Patterns in Texas Cases

When we represent Pantego families, national histories become evidence:

1. Foreseeability Arguments: “National HQ knew this could happen because it happened at 10 other chapters”
2. Negligent Supervision Claims: “National had duty to prevent known risks but failed”
3. Punitive Damage Grounds: “Reckless disregard for known dangers”
4. Insurance Coverage Fights: “Prior incidents put insurers on notice”

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine includes IRS records showing Texas-registered Greek organizations. For example:

• EIN 462267515: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, 10601 Big Horn Trail, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
• EIN 742911848: Beta Upsilon Chi, 12650 N Beach St Ste 114 PMB 305, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS B83 filing)
• EIN 521345182: Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, PO Box 51168, Fort Worth, TX 76105

These public records help us trace organizational structures and insurance coverage—critical for Pantego families seeking accountability.

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Greek Ecosystem

Pantego sits within the DFW metro, which Cause IQ data shows contains approximately 510 Greek organizations. This dense network means:

1. Alumni Influence: DFW-based alumni chapters and housing corporations exert influence over undergraduate chapters
2. Insurance Connections: Many national organizations maintain Texas insurance policies through DFW entities
3. Legal Venues: Lawsuits may be filed in Tarrant, Dallas, or Collin County courts depending on organizational connections
4. Pattern Visibility: Metro-level data shows repeating issues across nearby campuses

For example, our data shows Beta Upsilon Chi (EIN 742911848) based in Fort Worth—this national Christian fraternity has chapters at UT Austin and other Texas schools. When incidents occur, DFW connections matter for jurisdiction and discovery.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Pantego Families

The Evidence That Wins Cases

Modern hazing cases are won or lost on evidence preservation. For Pantego families, acting quickly is everything.

Digital Communications (Most Critical)

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps and sender names visible
• Social media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Fraternity-specific apps: Many nationals have custom communication platforms
• Recovered messages: Digital forensics can retrieve deleted content; don’t reset phones!

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chats revealed planning of hazing events, assignments of “pledge duties,” and communications about covering up injuries. This digital trail is irreplaceable.

Photos & Videos

• Injury documentation: Photograph from multiple angles immediately and over several days
• Event footage: Parties, “workouts,” initiation rituals often recorded by participants
• Security camera footage: Chapter houses, neighboring properties, doorbell cameras
• Social media posts: Even deleted posts may be recovered through subpoenas

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals and “tradition” documents
• Chapter meeting minutes and officer communications
• National policies, risk management guides, training materials
• Alumni communications about “how we did it”

University Records

• Prior conduct files: Disciplinary history of same organization
• Incident reports: Campus police and conduct office records
• Clery Act reports: Annual crime statistics
• Internal emails: Administration discussions about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency room records: Crucial for documenting immediate harm
• Hospitalization records: Treatment details prove severity
• Toxicology reports: Blood alcohol content, drug screens
• Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Specialist reports: Nephrologist for kidney damage, neurologist for head injuries

In Bermudez’s case, hospital records showed creatine kinase levels over 26,000 U/L (normal is 22-198), confirming rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. This objective medical evidence is devastating to defense arguments.

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges: Often the most important witnesses
• Former members: Those who quit or were expelled
• Roommates and friends: Observed changes and heard admissions
• RA’s and university staff: May have reported concerns
• Medical providers: Treatment observations

Damages: What Pantego Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

• Medical expenses: Past and future care including ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications
• Lost income/earning capacity: Missed work, delayed graduation, reduced lifetime earnings
• Educational costs: Lost tuition, forfeited scholarships, transfer expenses
• Other expenses: Counseling, travel for treatment, medical equipment

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and treatment
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and digital footprint

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support from deceased
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages
Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct. In Texas, caps may apply but can be substantial in gross negligence cases.

The Strategic Process for Pantego Families

Phase 1: Immediate Response (First 48 Hours)

1. Medical stabilization: ER evaluation even if injuries seem minor
2. Evidence preservation: Screenshot everything before deletion
3. Witness identification: Who else saw what happened?
4. Initial legal consultation: Understanding rights and next steps

Phase 2: Investigation (Weeks 1-4)

1. Digital forensics: Recovering deleted messages and photos
2. Medical record collection: Documenting all treatment
3. University engagement: Understanding school’s response
4. Witness interviews: Securing statements before memory fades
5. Organizational research: National history, prior incidents, insurance

Phase 3: Case Development (Months 1-6)

1. Expert retention: Medical, psychological, economic experts
2. Demand package: Presenting evidence to defendants
3. Negotiation: Seeking settlement before litigation
4. Filing decision: Whether to sue and where

Phase 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

1. Discovery: Obtaining internal documents through subpoenas
2. Depositions: Questioning defendants under oath
3. Expert reports: Quantifying damages and liability
4. Mediation/Settlement: Most cases resolve here
5. Trial: When settlement fails, presenting to jury

Insurance Coverage Complexities

Fraternity and university insurance fights require specific expertise:

• Multiple policies: Chapter insurance, national insurance, university insurance, individual homeowner’s policies
• Coverage disputes: Insurers often argue hazing is “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• Bad faith claims: When insurers wrongfully deny coverage
• Policy limits: Determining available coverage early

Our attorney Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, set reserves, and fight coverage—this insider knowledge is invaluable for Pantego families facing well-funded opposition.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Pantego Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Pantego Student May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss/gain from food restriction or stress eating
• Sleep deprivation (calls at 3 AM, all-night “mandatory” events)
• Injuries to hands/back from paddling or “workouts”
• Chemical burns or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning even if your child doesn’t normally drink

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

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

Academic Red Flags:

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

Digital/Social Behavior:

• Constant phone use monitoring group chats
• Anxiety when phone buzzes (demands for immediate response)
• Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
• Social media posts showing concerning activities
• Location-sharing apps demanded by the organization

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

1. Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. Focus on safety: “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. Gather details: “What do they ask new members to do?”
4. Create safe space: “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. Direct concern: “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. Assess freedom: “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
7. Identify secrecy: “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

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

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate Safety:

• If your child is in physical danger (intoxicated, injured, threatened), call 911
• Get medical attention immediately

Documentation:

• Write down dates, times, and what your child told you
• Screenshot texts, group chats, photos immediately
• Photograph visible injuries from multiple angles
• Save physical evidence (clothing, receipts, objects)

Reporting:

• Campus authorities: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, campus police
• Local police: If crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minor)
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous, 24/7)
• University hotlines: Many have anonymous reporting

Legal Consultation:

• Contact experienced hazing attorneys early
• We can help preserve evidence before destruction
• Navigate university processes that may be adversarial
• Advise on criminal vs. civil options
• Protect against retaliation

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t confront the organization directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
• Don’t sign anything from university or insurance without legal advice
• Don’t post details on social media before consulting a lawyer
• Don’t let university convince you “this is being handled internally”

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Is this “tradition” really about initiation or just fun for older members?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

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

How to Exit Safely

If in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 or campus police
• Get to safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
• You won’t get in trouble for calling for help in medical emergency (good-faith protections)

If You Want to Quit/De-pledge:

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

Protecting Against Retaliation:

• Document threats or harassment (screenshots, recordings if legal)
• File formal complaint with university if stalked, harassed, or threatened
• In Texas, harassment and stalking are crimes; seek protective order if needed

Evidence Collection for Students

1. Screenshots of group chats: Capture full conversations with timestamps and names visible
2. Recordings: Texas is one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
3. Photos/videos: Injuries (multiple angles), locations, objects used in hazing
4. Save everything digital: Don’t delete anything even if embarrassed
5. Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
6. Witness information: Names and contacts for others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
   Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
   INSTEAD: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly
   They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, prepare defenses
   INSTEAD: Document everything, call lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms
   Universities pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
   INSTEAD: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review first

4. Posting details on social media before talking to lawyer
   Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
   INSTEAD: Document privately; let lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”
   They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
   INSTEAD: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”
   Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
   INSTEAD: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer
   Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
   INSTEAD: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Pantego Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes 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, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

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

“What if the 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 occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

Why Attorney911 for Pantego Hazing Cases: Our Texas-Based Expertise

When Your Family Faces a Hazing Crisis in Pantego

When hazing impacts your Pantego family, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful Texas institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. As the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring specific advantages that matter in hazing litigation.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña’s Defense Background
Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics and coverage exclusion arguments
• Set reserves and negotiate settlements
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Ralph Manginello’s Experience
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations and winning. This experience directly translates to hazing cases where we face:

• National fraternities with unlimited legal budgets
• University systems with entrenched defense teams
• Insurance carriers with teams of adjusters and lawyers
• “We’re not intimidated by powerful defendants. We’ve faced worse.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience
We have a proven track record in complex cases involving:

• Economist collaboration for lifetime earning loss calculations
• Life care planning for permanent disability cases
• Valuing non-economic damages like PTSD and trauma
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we:

• Understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• Navigate parallel proceedings efficiently
• This dual capability is rare and valuable for Pantego families

Investigative Depth: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
We maintain proprietary data on Texas Greek organizations including:

• 1,423 fraternities/sororities across 25 Texas metros
• 125+ Texas-registered entities with EINs and addresses
• Metro-level organization tracking (510 in DFW, 188 in Houston, etc.)
• National pattern analysis across campuses
• “We don’t start from zero. We already know the landscape your child entered.”

Current High-Stakes Litigation Experience
Right now, we’re actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez $10 million hazing case against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This means:

• We’re in federal court fighting these battles today
• We understand current defense tactics and judicial attitudes
• We’re building precedent that helps future Pantego families
• “We’re not talking about what we’d do—we’re showing what we’re doing.”

Serving Pantego Families Throughout Texas

While based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas including Pantego and all of Tarrant County. We understand:

• North Texas courts and procedures
• DFW metro Greek ecosystems
• Tarrant County law enforcement and medical systems
• The specific challenges of Pantego families with children at multiple Texas universities

Our Promise to Pantego Families

1. Immediate Response: We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason—we answer calls 24/7
2. Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned in evidence collection
3. Clear Communication: You’ll understand every step and decision
4. Empathetic Advocacy: We know this is traumatic; we handle your case with care
5. Accountability Focus: We aim for outcomes that prevent future harm

Your Next Step: Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Pantego Consultation

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Pantego Family

Whether your child attends UTA just minutes away or universities across Texas, if hazing has caused harm, you have rights and options. The path forward starts with a confidential conversation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll:

1. Speak directly with an attorney—not a paralegal or intake specialist
2. Tell your story without judgment in complete confidence
3. Get honest assessment of your legal options and realistic expectations
4. Receive immediate guidance on evidence preservation and next steps
5. Learn about our contingency fee structure—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win
6. Feel no pressure to hire us—take time to decide what’s best for your family
7. Get answers to urgent questions about statute of limitations, university processes, and protection from retaliation

We Serve Pantego Families in English and Spanish

Hablamos Español—Attorney Lupe Peña provides full consultation services in Spanish. Contact him directly at lupe@atty911.com for Spanish-language assistance.

Clear Contact Information for Pantego Families

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

A Final Message to Pantego Parents

You moved to Pantego for its strong community, excellent schools, and family-friendly environment. You worked hard to give your children opportunities, including college education. When hazing threatens that investment and, more importantly, your child’s wellbeing, you need advocates who understand both the legal landscape and the human cost.

We’ve helped Texas families navigate these waters for over 25 years. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations, national fraternities, and university systems. We’re currently fighting one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases right now. We’re ready to help your Pantego family too.

Whether you’re in Pantego’s quiet neighborhoods or anywhere across North Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help.

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