The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Liability for Port Lavaca Families: Protecting Your Child at Texas Universities

A Message to Port Lavaca Parents About Campus Safety

If you are a parent in Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, watching your child leave for college should be filled with pride, not pervaded by fear. Yet right now, across Texas, families just like yours are discovering that the organizations their children trusted—fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic teams—have subjected them to dangerous, degrading, and sometimes life-threatening hazing.

We see it firsthand. As we write this guide, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history: the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, and 13 fraternity leaders. This case, filed in late 2025, involves allegations of extreme physical abuse that left Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, hospitalized for four days, and facing ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The hazing included forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, “waterboarding” with a hose, 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion, and the degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring condoms and sex toys.

This isn’t happening in some distant state. It happened at the University of Houston, just hours from Port Lavaca. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter met at their house near UH, at a Culmore Drive residence, and at Yellowstone Boulevard Park for brutal workouts. By November 2025, the chapter was suspended and then shut down after members voted to surrender their charter. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” Yet this pattern repeats across Texas—at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and campuses throughout our state.

This guide exists because Port Lavaca families deserve to know the truth: what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (or fails) your child, what major universities are doing behind the scenes, and what legal options exist when institutions fail in their duty to keep students safe. Whether your child attends the University of Houston-Victoria nearby, commutes to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, or ventures farther to Texas A&M in College Station or UT Austin, the risks are real, and the institutional responses often inadequate.

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 Port Lavaca Families Need to Recognize

For families in Port Lavaca and across the Texas Gulf Coast, understanding modern hazing means looking beyond stereotypes of “pranks” or “rough initiation.” Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and designed to evade detection while asserting control through psychological and physical means.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
These behaviors establish power imbalance and normalize control. They include enforced “pledge duties” like 24/7 on-call driving for members, mandatory cleaning of houses or rooms, required attendance at late-night meetings that interfere with sleep and academics, social isolation from non-members, and carrying degrading “pledge packs” with humiliating items. Digitally, this includes constant GroupMe monitoring, required location sharing via Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends, and social media policing. For Port Lavaca students at Texas A&M, UT, or UH, this often starts quietly in the first weeks of pledging.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)
This crosses into clear abuse: sleep deprivation through 3 AM wake-up calls, forced food or water restriction, “smokings” with extreme calisthenics, public humiliation in front of other members, forced consumption of unpleasant substances (hot sauce, excessive milk, raw eggs), and verbal abuse sessions called “grillings” or “interviews.” The digital evolution includes forced embarrassing TikTok posts, livestreamed humiliation, and meme-based harassment in group chats.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)
This is where hospitalization and death occur. It includes forced alcohol consumption in “lineup” drinking games or “Big/Little” nights, coerced drug use, physical beatings with paddles or fists, dangerous “tests” like blindfolded tackles (“glass ceiling” rituals), sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts, kidnapping to remote locations (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death), and exposure to extreme environments. The Port Lavaca area has seen the aftermath when students return home with rhabdomyolysis from extreme workouts (like in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case), alcohol poisoning, or traumatic injuries.

Where Hazing Happens Across Texas Campuses

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, Port Lavaca families should know hazing permeates multiple organizations:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural): The most common setting, with national patterns repeating at Texas chapters.
Corps of Cadets & ROTC Programs: Military-style traditions at Texas A&M and other schools can escalate into abusive hazing.
Athletic Teams: From football to baseball to spirit groups, team “initiations” often cross into hazing.
Marching Bands & Performance Groups: Uniformed organizations have documented hazing histories.
Spirit & Tradition Organizations: Groups like Texas Cowboys or similar campus organizations.
Academic & Cultural Clubs: Even service organizations can harbor abusive traditions.

The common thread isn’t the type of organization but the dynamics: power imbalance, tradition justification, secrecy demands, and institutional reluctance to intervene until tragedy strikes.

Texas Hazing Law: What Port Lavaca Families Can Actually Rely On

Texas has specific hazing statutes, but their effectiveness depends on enforcement. For families in Calhoun County considering legal action, understanding this framework is essential.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Criminal Framework

§37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership that endangers mental or physical health or safety. This applies on or off campus. Critically, “consent” is not a defense (§37.155).

§37.152 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

§37.153 Organizational Liability: Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report.

§37.154 Good-Faith Reporting Immunity: Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability resulting from the report.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths, Different Goals

Criminal Cases (The State’s Role):
Brought by prosecutors, these aim for punishment: jail time, fines, probation. Charges can include hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and in fatal cases, manslaughter. The Harris County District Attorney would prosecute Houston-area cases, while Travis County handles UT Austin cases, and Brazos County handles Texas A&M cases. For Port Lavaca families, understanding which county has jurisdiction matters.

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Path to Accountability):
Brought by victims or families, these aim for compensation and institutional change. Claims include negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, and emotional distress. Crucially, you don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue a civil case. While the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case may involve criminal referrals, our civil lawsuit proceeds independently to secure compensation for Bermudez’s medical care, ongoing treatment, pain and suffering, and to force institutional accountability.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently and maintain public data by 2026.
Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger, requiring specific investigation and response protocols.
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol crimes that must be disclosed.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing.
Local Chapters: The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity; chapter officers.
National Organizations: Headquarters that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters. Their knowledge of prior incidents creates “foreseeability.”
Universities & Regents: Schools may be liable for negligent supervision, premises liability, or Title IX violations. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity limitations but can still be sued under exceptions.
Third Parties: Property owners of off-campus houses, bars that overserved alcohol (Texas dram shop liability), security companies.

National Hazing Patterns: What Texas Universities Knew or Should Have Known

The hazing that happens at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor follows national scripts that national fraternities and universities have seen before. This “pattern evidence” is crucial for proving negligence and foreseeability.

The Alcohol Poisoning Script: Repeated and Foreseeable

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid acceptance night with forced drinking, fatal falls captured on chapter cameras, delayed medical care. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Blood alcohol content: 0.495%. Result: Criminal convictions, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute).

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): “Big Brother Night” with handles of liquor. Result: FSU suspended all Greek life, criminal hazing charges, wrongful death lawsuit.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during pledge event. Result: Multiple convictions, $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Pattern Evidence: These cases show national fraternities knew forced drinking games during “bid acceptance,” “Big/Little,” or “family tree” events caused deaths. When Texas chapters repeat this script, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: From Paddling to “Glass Ceilings”

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Blindfolded, weighted tackle during “glass ceiling” ritual at remote retreat. Fatal head trauma, delayed help. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal.” Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see). Result: Settlements with 22 defendants, chapter closed.

Pattern Evidence: National organizations know certain rituals are dangerous. When they fail to eliminate them or adequately supervise chapters, they become liable.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life into billion-dollar athletic programs.

Takeaway for Port Lavaca Families: These national cases established legal precedents, settlement ranges ($1M-$14M for deaths), and proof that certain hazing methods are known dangers. When the same organizations operate at Texas schools with the same “traditions,” they had notice. This “foreseeability” strengthens negligence claims when Texas students are harmed.

Texas University Hazing Realities: Where Port Lavaca Students Actually Attend

Port Lavaca families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding each campus’s specific hazing landscape, reporting systems, and historical incidents is crucial for prevention and accountability.

University of Houston: The Active Litigation Example

For Port Lavaca Families: UH is approximately 2 hours from Port Lavaca, with many Calhoun County students attending. The University of Houston-Victoria is even closer, sharing the UH System’s policies and oversight structures.

Official Hazing Policy: UH prohibits hazing on or off campus, defining it broadly to include forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, and UHPD.

Documented Incident – Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025): Our firm’s active case demonstrates UH’s hazing reality. Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, endured:

“Pledge fanny pack” with condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices
Forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, weekly interviews
Physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threat
Medical Outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization, critically high creatine kinase levels, ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter November 6, 2025; members voted to surrender charter November 14, 2025. UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement.

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds: Jurisdiction typically involves Harris County courts. Potential defendants include individuals, the local chapter, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, UH, and the UH System Board of Regents. Evidence collection focuses on GroupMe chats, social media, medical records from Houston-area hospitals, and UH’s internal discipline files.

What UH Parents Should Do: Report immediately to UH Dean of Students and UHPD. Document everything before UH conducts its internal investigation. Understand that UH’s primary interest is limiting institutional liability. Contact a lawyer before giving statements or signing any UH-offered resolution agreements.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersection

For Port Lavaca Families: Texas A&M in College Station is a common destination for Port Lavaca graduates. The Corps of Cadets and robust Greek life create multiple hazing risk environments.

Official Framework: Separate policies for Greek life (through Student Activities) and Corps of Cadets. Both prohibit hazing but operate in somewhat siloed disciplinary systems.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Result: Chapter suspended for two years, $1 million lawsuit filed by victims.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth. Sought over $1 million. A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations.
Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023, ongoing): Allegations of extreme physical hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis—the same muscle breakdown condition as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.

How a Texas A&M Case Proceeds: Brazos County jurisdiction. The Corps complicates matters because of its military-style chain of command and tradition defenses. Civil cases must navigate both university and Corps accountability structures. Evidence often includes texts between cadets, Corps training materials, and medical records from Bryan-College Station hospitals.

What Texas A&M Parents Should Know: The Corps’ “tradition” defense is legally weak (consent isn’t a defense to hazing). Documenting the specific hierarchy and who gave orders is crucial. Greek life incidents often follow national patterns seen at other SAE or Kappa Sigma chapters.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Persistent Problems

For Port Lavaca Families: UT Austin represents the flagship destination for many high-achieving Texas students. Its public hazing violation log offers more transparency than most schools.

Official Policy & Transparency: UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. This public record becomes powerful evidence in civil cases.

Documented Incidents from UT’s Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation, hazing prevention education.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault at party resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Chapter already under suspension for prior violations.
Texas Wranglers & Spirit Groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices.

How a UT Case Proceeds: Travis County courts. UT’s public violation log helps establish “pattern and practice” evidence—showing the university knew about certain organizations’ repeated violations. This strengthens negligent supervision claims against UT.

What UT Parents Should Do: Check UT’s hazing violation log for your child’s organization. If violations exist, document them—they prove foreseeability. Report to UT’s Office of the Dean of Students and UTPD. Understand that even with transparency, UT’s primary goal is limiting reputational damage.

Southern Methodist University: Private School Dynamics

For Port Lavaca Families: SMU’s private status and affluent reputation create different dynamics. Disciplinary processes are less transparent than public universities.

Documented Incident – Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep. Result: Chapter suspended until approximately 2021.

Private School Considerations: SMU isn’t subject to the same public records laws as UH, Texas A&M, or UT. This makes evidence gathering more dependent on discovery in litigation. However, SMU’s endowment and reputation make them sensitive to lawsuits.

What SMU Parents Should Do: Assume less public transparency. Focus on preserving digital evidence within the organization. Understand that SMU may push for confidential arbitration rather than public litigation.

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Historical Scandals

For Port Lavaca Families: Baylor’s religious identity and prior athletic scandals create a complex environment for hazing accountability.

Documented Incident – Baylor Baseball (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation. Suspensions staggered over early season.

Context: Baylor’s history with football sexual assault scandal and subsequent “100+ recommendations” for institutional reform affects how it handles all misconduct reports, including hazing.

What Baylor Parents Should Consider: Baylor may emphasize “internal reconciliation” over legal accountability. Its religious affiliation doesn’t exempt it from Texas hazing laws. Document carefully, as Baylor may be particularly aggressive about controlling narratives.

The Organizations Behind the Letters: National Histories That Matter for Port Lavaca Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a campus club—they’re affiliating with a national organization with a documented history of hazing incidents across the country. This national pattern evidence is crucial for establishing liability.

How National Histories Create Legal Liability

National fraternity and sorority headquarters maintain risk management policies precisely because they’ve paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous “traditions” that caused tragedies elsewhere, the national organization cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen.” This establishes foreseeability—a key element in negligence lawsuits.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, $14M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events are documented national problem

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National History: Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama (2023)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Texas Incident: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021, $1M lawsuit)
Pattern: Physical abuse combined with substance hazing

Pi Kappa Phi:

National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State)
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu – now closed from Bermudez case)
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing leading to medical emergencies

Phi Delta Theta:

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, led to Louisiana felony hazing law)
Texas Presence: Chapters at multiple Texas universities
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Kappa Alpha Order:

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions nationwide
Texas Presence: SMU chapter suspended (2017), Texas A&M chapter
Pattern: Paddling, forced drinking traditions

Why This Matters for Your Case

In litigation, we subpoena national headquarters for:

Prior incident reports involving the same hazing methods
Risk management manuals that acknowledge these specific dangers
Communications between nationals and the local chapter
Evidence of inadequate supervision or enforcement

This establishes that the national organization had actual or constructive knowledge of the risks but failed to take adequate preventive measures. For Port Lavaca families, this means even if the hazing happened locally, the national organization’s broader history strengthens your case.

Public Records Directory: Greek Organizations Serving Port Lavaca Families

Attorney911 maintains a comprehensive Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This public records access means we don’t start from zero when investigating your case—we already know the legal entities, EINs, and addresses behind the organizations that may share liability.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Backbone)

The IRS maintains records of 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations. These entities—house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies—often hold insurance and assets. Examples relevant to Port Lavaca families include:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 46-2267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 74,606,444 – Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter housing corporation)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 74,608,490 – Houston, TX 77204 (UH chapter entity)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 13-3048786 – College Station, TX 77845 (Texas A&M entity)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 74-1380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – EIN 90-0927378 – San Antonio, TX 78249 (Texas Xi chapter housing)
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Texas Gamma Chapter – EIN 92-0575785 – Fort Worth, TX 76109
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 47,537,094 – Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 90-0293166 – College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 90-0293167 – Victoria, TX 77901 (University of Houston-Victoria chapter)

Victoria Metro Area Greek Entities

While Port Lavaca itself has limited Greek infrastructure, the nearby Victoria metro area (which includes Calhoun County) has Greek organizations serving the region:

Delta Kappa Gamma Society chapters – Victoria, TX (educators’ society)
Alpha Delta Kappa teachers’ sorority chapter – Victoria, TX
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – UHV Chapter – Victoria, TX 77901

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro (188 Greek Organizations)

Many Port Lavaca students attend Houston-area schools. Key entities include:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (alumni/house corporation)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega – Houston, TX (grad chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (undergrad chapter)

Cross-Validated National Brands

Organizations appearing in both IRS and metro databases demonstrate how national brands operate across Texas:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: IRS EIN 36-4091267 (Waco) + Houston Metro Beta Sigma Chapter
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity: IRS EIN 74-606444 (Nederland) + Texas District in Houston
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi: Multiple IRS EINs across Texas campuses + campus chapters statewide

Why This Directory Matters for Port Lavaca Families: When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability: the local chapter, the housing corporation that owns the property, the alumni association that oversees activities, and the national headquarters. Our pre-existing knowledge of these entities accelerates investigation and ensures no responsible party escapes accountability.

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

When hazing injures your child, building a strong case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding what damages Texas law allows. Here’s what Port Lavaca families need to know.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important):

Group Messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups, Discord servers, fraternity-specific apps
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (screenshot before they disappear), TikTok messages
Recovery: Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics or cloud backups

2. Photos & Videos:

Injuries: Multiple angles, with ruler/coin for scale, progression over days
Events: Any media from hazing events, even if captioned as “fun”
Locations: Houses, rooms, parks where hazing occurred
Medical Documentation: Hospital wristbands, IV sites, medical equipment

3. Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, “tradition” lists, meeting minutes
Emails/texts between officers about activities
National risk management policies and training materials

4. University Records (Obtained via Discovery):

Prior conduct violations for the same organization
Campus police incident reports
Clery Act reports showing pattern of incidents
Internal emails among administrators about the organization

5. Medical & Psychological Records:

ER records, hospitalization notes, specialist consultations
Lab results (creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis, blood alcohol content)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Toxicology reports if substances were involved

6. Witness Testimony:

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate with protection)
Former members who quit
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages Available in Texas Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical Expenses: Past and future ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications
Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Missed work/school, delayed graduation, reduced lifetime earnings if permanently disabled
Other Losses: Property damage, relocation costs, educational expenses

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable):

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

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

To punish reckless, willful, or malicious conduct
Available when defendants had prior warnings and ignored them
Capped in Texas but can be substantial

Settlement vs. Trial Realities

Most cases settle confidentially before trial
Settlement ranges: $1M-$14M+ for deaths, substantial amounts for serious injuries
Trial preparedness drives better settlements—we prepare every case as if it will go to trial
Institutional reform can be part of settlements (policy changes, chapter closures)

Practical Guide for Port Lavaca Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Port Lavaca Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Action

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or “accidents” with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
Sudden withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Secretive behavior about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Constant phone anxiety (GroupMe monitoring, fear of missing “mandatory” events)
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, fear of “letting the chapter down”
Academic decline: dropping grades, missing classes, falling asleep in class
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, buying alcohol for older members

If You Suspect Hazing – 48-Hour Action Plan:

Immediate Safety: If injured or intoxicated, call 911 or go to ER
Medical Documentation: Get comprehensive medical evaluation; tell providers “this was from hazing”
Evidence Preservation: Help your child screenshot ALL group chats before deletion; photograph injuries; save physical evidence
Written Record: Document everything your child tells you (dates, times, names, locations)
Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before reporting to university
Strategic Reporting: With lawyer’s guidance, report to appropriate authorities (campus police, Dean of Students, local police if crimes occurred)
Avoid Common Mistakes: Do NOT confront the organization, sign university offers, or post on social media

For Students: Recognizing Hazing and Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If You’re Being Hazed – Safe Exit Options:

Immediate Danger: Call 911, get to safe location
Medical Emergency: Texas has Good Samaritan protections for those who call for help
Leaving the Organization: Send written resignation to chapter president; tell someone outside first; don’t attend “one last meeting”
Reporting: Use anonymous channels if needed (National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE)
Documentation: Screenshot everything before quitting; your evidence can protect others

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
You cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith
You can seek protective orders if retaliated against
Civil lawsuits can proceed even without criminal charges

For Witnesses & Former Members: Coming Forward Safely

If you witnessed or participated in hazing and now want to come forward:

Legal Protection: Get your own attorney to advise on potential exposure
Cooperation Value: Your testimony can prevent future harm and save lives
Confidentiality: We can often protect witness identities during investigations
Moral Resolution: Many former members find coming forward provides ethical closure

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” group chats looks like obstruction of justice
Confronting the Organization: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Signing University Agreements: Often contain liability waivers or lowball settlements
Social Media Posts: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Waiting for “Internal Investigation”: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you
Medical Gaps: Failing to document injuries or follow treatment plans undermines damages

Why Attorney911 for Port Lavaca Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At Attorney911, we bring unique qualifications to hazing cases that directly benefit Port Lavaca families.

Insurance Insider Advantage: We Know Their Playbook

Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. He learned firsthand how large insurance companies value claims, negotiate settlements, and defend cases. This insider knowledge is invaluable when facing fraternity and university insurers who will try to deny coverage or minimize payouts.

We know their tactics: Delay strategies, coverage exclusion arguments, undervaluation formulas
We anticipate their moves: Independent Medical Exam biases, reserve-setting strategies
We speak their language: Policy interpretation, duty to defend arguments, bad faith claims

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings experience from BP Texas City explosion litigation—one of the few Texas firms involved. Taking on billion-dollar corporations taught us how to investigate root-cause negligence, manage complex discovery, and face unlimited-defense-budget opponents.

Not intimidated: Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets; we’ve faced deeper
Federal court experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas admission
Investigative rigor: We trace failures to training, policy, staffing, and institutional knowledge

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results

We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. For hazing cases involving death or permanent disability (like rhabdomyolysis kidney damage or traumatic brain injury), we:

Collaborate with economists to value lifetime care needs and lost earning capacity
Work with life-care planners for catastrophic injuries requiring 24/7 care
Understand how to document non-economic damages (PTSD, trauma, loss of enjoyment)

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense capability. This matters because hazing often involves:

Criminal charges against perpetrators
Witnesses with potential criminal exposure
Parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Understanding how criminal investigations affect civil cases

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Port Lavaca and Calhoun County. We understand:

Jurisdiction: Which courts handle cases (Harris, Brazos, Travis counties depending on university)
Venue Strategy: Where to file for maximum advantage
Local Procedures: How different Texas universities handle misconduct investigations
Spanish Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish for Hispanic families

Our Investigative Network

We deploy experts tailored to hazing cases:

Medical Experts: Rhabdomyolysis specialists, nephrologists, toxicologists, psychiatrists
Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence
Greek Life Culture Experts: Understanding organizational dynamics
Economists & Life-Care Planners: Valuing damages accurately
Safety & Institutional Policy Experts: Proving negligence in supervision

Call to Action for Port Lavaca Families

If hazing has injured your child or claimed a young life, you don’t have to navigate this crisis alone. The institutions involved—fraternities, sororities, universities—have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize liability. You need experienced advocates whose job is to maximize accountability.

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

We serve families throughout Texas, including Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, Victoria, and across the Gulf Coast region. Whether your child attends University of Houston-Victoria, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, or any Texas campus, we can help.

In Your Free Consultation, We Will:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (we work on contingency—no fee unless we win)
No pressure to hire us immediately—take time to make the right decision

Contact Information:

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

Spanish Language Services Available:

Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Remember:

Evidence disappears quickly—deleted group chats, coached witnesses, destroyed paddles
Universities begin controlling narratives immediately
Statutes of limitations are running (generally 2 years in Texas)
Early legal guidance protects your rights and preserves options

For Port Lavaca families specifically: Whether your child attends school nearby or across Texas, hazing injuries follow them home to Calhoun County. The medical bills, emotional trauma, and disrupted education affect your entire family. You have the right to answers, accountability, and compensation. Call us today to 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