Hazing at Texas Universities: A Definitive Guide for Putnam Families and Parents Across Texas

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

Picture a autumn evening at a university not far from the quiet streets of Putnam. A freshman, excited about joining a campus organization, attends what he’s told is a “bid acceptance” event. Instead of celebration, he finds coercion. He’s handed a bottle and told to finish it to prove his commitment. Across the room, others film on their phones. The laughter turns to concern, then fear, as he slumps over. No one wants to call 911—they’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down.” Meanwhile, in a home right here in Callahan County, parents wait for a call that doesn’t come, unaware their child is fighting for his life in a hospital hours away, suffering from acute kidney failure after a hazing ritual.

This is not a hypothetical. It is the reality of the Leonel Bermudez hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity—a $10 million case Attorney911 is litigating right now. For families in Putnam, Baird, Clyde, and across Callahan County, this case is a stark warning: the children you send to Texas colleges can encounter brutal, systemic hazing, and the institutions meant to protect them sometimes fail.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Putnam, Callahan County, and throughout Texas who need to understand the harsh reality of modern hazing. Whether your child attends a local college or a major university hours from home, you deserve to know:

What hazing really looks like in 2025—beyond the stereotypes.
How Texas law and federal statutes protect (or fail) students.
The documented history of hazing at University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor—schools where Texas families, including those from Putnam, commonly send their children.
Your family’s legal rights and the path to accountability when hazing causes injury or death.

If you are facing this nightmare right now, you need immediate, expert help.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR A HAZING EMERGENCY

If your child is in danger or seriously injured RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

In the first 48 hours, before evidence disappears:

Get Medical Attention: Go to the ER. Even if injuries seem minor, internal damage like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) may not be immediately apparent.
Preserve Digital Evidence: Take screenshots of ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), text messages, and social media posts related to the incident. Do NOT let your child delete anything.
Document Physically: Photograph any injuries from multiple angles. Save any clothing or objects involved.
Write Everything Down: Record names, dates, times, locations, and what happened while memories are fresh.
Contact a Hazing Attorney: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Evidence vanishes quickly; universities and fraternities move faster to control the narrative.

DO NOT:

Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
Sign anything from the university or an insurance company.
Post details on public social media.
Allow your child to be pressured into a “meeting” with the chapter.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For Putnam families, hazing might conjure images of outdated movie pranks. Today’s hazing is more systematic, digitally documented, and dangerously disguised. It is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in a group. Critically, a student’s “consent” is not a defense under Texas law.

The Modern Hazing Toolkit

1. Alcohol & Substance Hazing: The most common and deadly form.

Forced Consumption: “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish.
Drinking Games: “Bible study,” “family tree,” or trivia where wrong answers mandate drinking.
Coerced Drug Use: Pressure to consume unknown substances or pills to “bond.”

2. Physical & Endurance Hazing:

Extreme Exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, squats, or bear crawls until collapse—exactly as alleged in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case that caused rhabdomyolysis.
Paddling & Beatings: Physical assaults, often with wooden paddles.
Exposure & Deprivation: Being locked in cold rooms, deprived of sleep, food, or water for days.

3. Sexualized & Degrading Hazing:

Forced Nudity or Simulated Sex Acts: Traditions like “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions.
Humiliating Costumes & Tasks: Wearing demeaning “pledge fanny packs” filled with condoms or sex toys, as in the UH case.
Psychological Torment: Verbal abuse, isolation, threats of expulsion from the group.

4. Digital Hazing & Coercion:

24/7 Group Chat Surveillance: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours.
Social Media Humiliation: Forced to post embarrassing content on TikTok or Instagram.
Location Tracking: Required to share live GPS location via apps.

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just “Frats”

While fraternities and sororities are often implicated, hazing pervades many groups:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural councils)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Corps of Cadets & ROTC units
Spirit & Tradition Organizations (like Texas Cowboys or Aggie Belles)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic & Cultural Clubs

For a family in Putnam, this means your child—whether a biology major joining a scholastic society or an athlete making the team—could be at risk.

The Legal Framework: Texas Hazing Laws and Your Family’s Rights

When hazing impacts a student from Putnam, Texas law provides the foundation for accountability. Understanding this framework is the first step toward justice.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Anti-Hazing Statute

Texas has specific, strong laws against hazing (Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F). Key provisions every Putnam parent should know:

§37.151 – Definition: Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with a group.
§37.155 – Consent is NOT a Defense: It does not matter if your child “agreed” to the activity. The law recognizes the power imbalance and coercion inherent in hazing.
§37.152 – Criminal Penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment.
- State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death.
§37.153 – Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000.
§37.154 – Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Students who call for help in an emergency are protected from liability.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA’s office). Aim to punish with jail time, fines, probation. Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter.

Civil Lawsuits: Brought by the victim and family. Aim to secure compensation for damages and force institutional change. This is where our firm, Attorney911, helps families recover medical costs, lost future earnings, and achieve accountability from all responsible parties. A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil suit.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires universities receiving federal funds to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs by 2026.
Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based abuse, federal Title IX procedures and investigations are triggered.
Clery Act: Requires universities to disclose campus crime statistics, which can include hazing-related assaults.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

A thorough investigation, like the one we conduct at Attorney911, looks at the entire chain of responsibility:

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority chapter as a legal entity.
National Headquarters: For failing to supervise, enforce policies, or for having prior knowledge of dangerous traditions. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, the national organization is a defendant.
The University: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to known risks, or Title IX violations. The University of Houston and its Board of Regents are named defendants in our active case.
Housing Corporations & Alumni Boards: Entities that own chapter houses or provide oversight.
Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, bars that overserved alcohol, or security companies.

Lessons from National Tragedy: Why These Cases Matter for Texas Families

The hazing that occurs at a Texas university is not an isolated incident. It is part of a national pattern of conduct that organizations have known about for years. Understanding these landmark cases shows Putnam families that precedents for justice exist.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Fatal “Traditions”

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A 20-year-old pledge died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The result: a $10 million settlement ($7M from the national fraternity, ~$3M from the university), criminal convictions, and the chapter’s closure.
Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers mandated drinking. His death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, strengthening felony hazing laws.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Died after a “Big Brother” night involving excessive alcohol. The tragedy led to a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU.

For Putnam Parents: The “Big/Little” event is a standard script in fraternity culture. When we see it in Texas—like the allegations in the UH case—we know national organizations were aware of the lethal risk.

Physical and Ritualized Violence

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Died from traumatic brain injuries after falls during a bid acceptance night. Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. The case led to the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania and over 1,000 criminal charges.
Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Died from head injuries during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was convicted of felony charges, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, and individuals served jail time.

The Takeaway for Texas: Hazing moves off-campus to avoid detection. The injuries are severe and help is often delayed out of fear.

Severe, Non-Fatal Injuries & Lasting Trauma

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage from forced drinking. He requires 24/7 care for life. His family secured multi-million dollar settlements from 22 defendants.
Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Pledges alleged being doused with industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended and a $1 million lawsuit was filed.

Why This Matters: A case doesn’t need to be fatal to be life-altering. Injuries like rhabdomyolysis (as in the UH case), traumatic brain injury, or severe burns lead to immense lifetime costs and suffering.

These national cases create a playbook of negligence. They show that when a Texas chapter repeats these known dangerous practices, the national organization and university cannot claim ignorance. This “pattern and practice” evidence is powerful in court.

Texas in Focus: Hazing Realities at Major Universities for Putnam Students

Putnam families often send their children to the great universities of Texas. Whether it’s a short drive to Abilene or a longer journey to College Station or Austin, understanding the specific landscape of these campuses is crucial. Here, we ground the national patterns in local Texas soil, focusing on the five universities with significant Greek life and tradition cultures. We will also connect this to the larger ecosystem of campuses that serve the Abilene region and Callahan County.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping the Greek Ecosystem

At Attorney911, we don’t just react to cases; we maintain a proactive intelligence operation. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine combines public records, IRS data, and university filings to track the organizations behind hazing. For families in Putnam, this means we already know the landscape your child enters.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Texas Campuses

The following are real entities recorded in Texas public filings (IRS B83 records, Cause IQ metro data). This is a snapshot of the extensive directory we maintain to investigate hazing cases.

Organizations in the Abilene Metro & North Texas Region:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – TTU Health Sci. | EIN: 820644459 | Clyde, TX 79510
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Phi Chapter | Clyde, TX 79510
Psi Chi – Hardin-Simmons University Chapter | Abilene, TX 79698
Alpha Phi Omega – Omicron Delta Chapter (Abilene Christian Univ.) | Abilene, TX 79699
Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity – Epsilon Tau | Abilene, TX 79601

Major Statewide House Corporations & Alumni Chapters:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. | EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc. | EIN: 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter | EIN: 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627
Chi Omega Fraternity House Corporation | EIN: 740555581 | Austin, TX 78705
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Fort Worth Alumni Chapter | EIN: 752755600 | Fort Worth, TX 76101

University-Specific Chapter Entities:

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter (Texas A&M) | College Station, TX 77845
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (UT Austin) | EIN: 746047117 | Austin, TX 78705
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Zeta Rho HCB | EIN: 161675890 | The Woodlands, TX 77382
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Epsilon Chapter (Lamar Univ.) | Beaumont, TX 77705

This data is critical because it identifies the legal entities that hold insurance, own property, and can be held liable. When hazing occurs, we use this directory to ensure no responsible organization escapes scrutiny.

Where Putnam Families Send Their Kids: Campus Spotlights

Putnam students pursue higher education across Texas. Common destinations include regional schools like McMurry University in Abilene or Texas Tech University in Lubbock, as well as the major hubs detailed below. Hazing risks exist across this spectrum.

1. University of Houston (UH) – A Case Study in Active Litigation

For families in the greater Houston region or those with students drawn to the state’s largest city, UH is a prime destination. It is also the site of Attorney911’s flagship hazing litigation.

Snapshot: A large, diverse, urban university with a significant Greek system encompassing IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, and multicultural councils.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, its Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The facts, as reported by Click2Houston and ABC13, allege a campaign of abuse in Fall 2025:

Humiliation: A “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring carrying condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices.
Physical Torture: Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by sprints; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session.
Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels.
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi suspended the chapter on Nov. 6, 2025; members voted to surrender their charter on Nov. 14. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

What This Means for Putnam Families: This case is proof that severe, injurious hazing is happening now at Texas universities. It demonstrates the multi-defendant approach required to achieve full accountability, including targeting the national organization and university.

2. Texas A&M University – Corps Culture and Greek Life

Many students from Central and West Texas, including the Putnam area, choose the tradition-rich path at Texas A&M in College Station.

Snapshot: Home to a massive Greek system and the renowned Corps of Cadets, both with deep traditions that, when twisted, can foster hazing.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Lawsuit (2021): Pledges alleged being doused with a mixture containing industrial cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended and a lawsuit was filed.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged being bound between beds in a degrading, simulated sexual position as part of hazing. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages.

Legal Jurisdiction for Putnam Families: A hazing case at A&M would involve authorities in Brazos County. Civil lawsuits are typically filed in Brazos County district courts. The university, as a state entity, presents sovereign immunity challenges that require legal expertise to navigate.

3. University of Texas at Austin – Transparency and Repeated Violations

UT Austin attracts top students from every Texas county, including Callahan. It also maintains one of the more transparent hazing disclosure systems.

Snapshot: A flagship university with a vast array of Greek chapters, spirit groups, and academic organizations.

Public Hazing Violations (from UT’s website):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Sanctioned for directing new members to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Has faced multiple sanctions for hazing involving alcohol and degrading activities.
Various other fraternities and sororities appear on UT’s public log for alcohol hazing, forced workouts, and sleep deprivation.

Why This Matters: UT’s public log is a treasure trove for proving “prior notice.” If an organization is on this list and then hazes again, it becomes far easier to prove the university and national headquarters knew of the risk and failed to act. For a family, this public data can strengthen a civil case significantly.

4. Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Private School Pressures

The prestige and strong Greek life of SMU in Dallas attract students from affluent communities across Texas.

Snapshot: A private university with a historically strong Greek system concentrated in a smaller student body.

Documented History:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): The chapter was suspended for hazing that reportedly included paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.
As a private institution, SMU has less public reporting than state schools, but lawsuits and internal investigations consistently reveal hazing issues within its Greek chapters.

Legal Considerations: Sovereign immunity is less of a barrier at private universities like SMU and Baylor. However, their resources for legal defense are immense, requiring a law firm with equivalent litigation firepower.

5. Baylor University – A Culture Under Scrutiny

Baylor’s combination of faith, academics, and athletics draws many Texas families.

Snapshot: A private Baptist university with active Greek life and major athletic programs, all operating under heightened scrutiny following past institutional scandals.

Documented Incident:

Baseball Team Hazing (2020): 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation, highlighting that abuse extends beyond Greek letters to athletic teams.

For Families: Universities with recent scandal histories often have reform policies on paper but may still harbor toxic subcultures. Investigation must pierce through public relations to uncover the truth.

Fraternities & Sororities: Connecting National Histories to Texas Chapters

The fraternity that hazes at UH or Texas A&M is not an island. It is a local chapter of a national brand with a known history. This connection is the key to holding the deepest pockets accountable.

Why National Headquarters Are Legally Responsible

National fraternities and sororities collect dues, set policies, provide risk management training, and grant charters. When a chapter repeats a hazing method that has caused death or injury elsewhere, the national organization cannot plausibly claim ignorance. This establishes “foreseeability,” a core element of negligence law.

Major Nationals with Documented Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”): National pattern of fatal “Big/Little” alcohol hazing (Stone Foltz at BGSU). Chapters exist at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): A history of hazing deaths and severe injuries nationwide, including the chemical burn case at Texas A&M. Chapters exist at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU.
Pi Kappa Phi: National pattern includes the fatal Andrew Coffey case at FSU. Its Beta Nu chapter at UH is the subject of our active lawsuit and was shut down in late 2025.
Phi Delta Theta: National pattern includes the fatal Max Gruver case at LSU. Chapters exist at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor.
Kappa Alpha Order: Multiple hazing suspensions nationwide, including at SMU. Chapters exist at Texas A&M, SMU, others.

In litigation, we subpoena the national organization’s records to uncover prior incident reports, communications with the local chapter, and the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of their anti-hazing training. This “pattern evidence” is devastating in court and settlement negotiations.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

If your family is facing this crisis, understanding the process can reduce fear and empower you to act. At Attorney911, we build hazing cases with a methodical, evidence-driven strategy honed from years of complex litigation against institutions like BP.

Phase 1: Evidence Preservation & Investigation

Evidence disappears within days. Our immediate focus is to lock it down.

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps. We use digital forensics to recover deleted messages.
Social Media: Screenshots of Instagram Stories, Snapchats, TikTok videos, Facebook posts that show planning, bragging, or the act itself.
Photos/Videos: Media files on phones, cloud storage, or chapter social media accounts.

Institutional Records:

University Files: Prior conduct reports on the group, Clery Act reports, internal investigation documents (obtained via subpoena).
National Fraternity Records: Risk management reports, correspondence with the chapter, prior violation history.
Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, toxicology screens, psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, or anxiety.

Physical & Testimonial Evidence:

Physical Evidence: Preserving clothing, paddles, alcohol bottles.
Witness Interviews: Speaking with other pledges, former members, roommates, and bystanders.

Phase 2: Identifying All Liable Parties & Insurance Coverage

Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we map every potentially liable entity:

Individual perpetrators.
Local chapter officers.
Chapter housing corporation (like the “Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc.”).
National fraternity/sorority headquarters.
University and its board of regents.
Property owners/landlords.

We then identify all relevant insurance policies. A key advantage Attorney911 brings is Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney. He knows how these insurers try to deny claims under “intentional act” exclusions and how to fight for coverage.

Phase 3: Calculating Damages – What Your Family Can Recover

Civil lawsuits seek to make the victim whole and punish egregious conduct. Recoverable damages include:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Past & Future Medical Bills: Hospitalization, surgery, therapy, lifelong care for permanent injuries (e.g., brain damage, kidney disease).
Lost Earnings & Earning Capacity: If injuries prevent a chosen career.
Other Costs: Tutoring for missed school, travel for treatment.

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

Physical Pain & Suffering.
Mental Anguish: PTSD, depression, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life.
Disfigurement from scars or burns.

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

Funeral expenses.
Loss of financial support, love, companionship, and guidance for the family.

Punitive Damages: In cases of especially reckless or malicious conduct, Texas law may allow punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter future behavior.

Phase 4: Settlement vs. Trial

Most cases settle confidentially before trial, often resulting in substantial compensation and institutional reforms (like chapter closures). However, settlement value depends entirely on trial readiness. At Attorney911, we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury. This readiness is what forces powerful defendants to offer meaningful settlement. Our experience in federal court and with complex trials means universities and nationals know we are not bluffing.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Putnam Parents and Students

For Parents: Recognizing Warning Signs

Your child may be too afraid or ashamed to tell you. Look for:

Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, extreme fatigue, sudden weight change.
Behavioral Changes: Secrecy about group activities, withdrawal from family/friends, anxiety/depression, fear when their phone alerts.
Academic/Financial Red Flags: Plummeting grades, requests for large sums of money without explanation.

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

Talk Calmly: Ask open-ended questions. “How are the new member activities? Is anything making you uncomfortable?”
Prioritize Safety: If there’s immediate danger, call 911.
Preserve, Don’t Confront: Collect evidence, but do not confront the organization—it triggers evidence destruction.
Seek Legal Counsel: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before reporting to the university. We can advise you on how to navigate the process to protect your child’s rights and evidence.

For Students: Is This Hazing? Your Rights.

Ask Yourself:

Am I being pressured or coerced?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Am I told to keep it secret?

If you are being hazed:

Your Safety Comes First: In an emergency, call 911. Texas law provides good-faith reporter protections.
You Have the Right to Quit: You can resign your pledge/membership at any time via email.
Document Everything: Screenshot, photograph, record (Texas is a one-party consent state).
Seek Support: Confide in a trusted adult, RA, or counselor. You can report anonymously to the National Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case

Deleting Evidence: Messages are the #1 piece of evidence. Never delete.
Confronting the Chapter: This triggers coordinated cover-ups.
Signing University Paperwork: Do not sign any “resolution” or “conduct outcome” without an attorney.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys will scour your profiles for inconsistencies.
Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the Texas statute of limitations (generally 2 years from injury) continues to tick.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue the university?”
Yes, under theories of negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations. Public universities have some immunity, but exceptions exist. This is a complex area where expert legal counsel is essential.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location does not matter. Liability is based on the organization’s sponsorship and control over the activity, and the foreseeable risk.

“How long will this take?”
A thorough investigation and litigation can take 1-3 years. However, critical evidence preservation and initial legal demands happen in the first weeks.

“Can we afford a lawyer?”
Attorney911 handles hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we recover money for you. Learn more about how this works in our video: How Do Contingency Fees Work?

“What is the statute of limitations?”
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of injury or death to file a civil lawsuit. However, exceptions can apply. Do not wait. Watch our video explaining deadlines: Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?

Why Attorney911 is the Right Firm for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family is confronting a hazing crisis, you need more than a generic personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities defend themselves—and who have the proven skill to win anyway.

We Are Currently Fighting One of Texas’s Most Serious Hazing Cases.
Right now, Attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are leading the litigation in Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi—a $10 million lawsuit alleging brutal hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. We are not theorists; we are in the arena.

Our Unmatched Advantages for Your Case:

1. Insider Insurance Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Background):
Mr. Peña spent years as an attorney for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers undervalue claims, deploy delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is priceless in securing full compensation.

2. Experience Against Billion-Dollar Institutions (Ralph Manginello’s Complex Litigation History):
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have faced corporations with unlimited legal budgets and won. National fraternities and large universities do not intimidate us. We have federal court experience and the investigative resources to match their defense teams.

3. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
While other firms start from scratch, we maintain a proprietary database of over 1,400 Greek organizations in Texas, including their legal names, EINs, and addresses (as shown in the Public Records Directory earlier). This means we can immediately identify every potentially liable entity in your case, from the local house corporation to the national alumni board.

4. Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise:
Ralph Manginello is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA). We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil lawsuits. We can effectively advise clients or witnesses who may have dual exposure, ensuring their rights are protected in all forums.

5. A Compassionate, Victim-Centered Approach:
We know this is the most difficult time your family may ever face. We combine aggressive legal strategy with genuine empathy. Our goal is not just a financial recovery but answers, accountability, and peace of mind. We keep you informed at every step.

Call to Action for Putnam Families

If hazing has injured your child or turned your family’s world upside down, you do not have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved will have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability from day one. You deserve an advocate with equal skill and greater dedication to your cause.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) today for a free, completely confidential consultation.

In your free consultation, we will:

Listen carefully to your story.
Review any evidence you have gathered.
Explain your legal rights and options under Texas law.
Outline the investigation process.
Discuss our contingency fee structure—you pay nothing unless we win.
Help you make an informed decision about the path forward, with no pressure.

We serve families throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Distance is no barrier. We are here to help families in Putnam, Callahan County, and across the state.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Se habla Español. Mr. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish-language legal services.

Let us use our experience, data, and determination to fight for your child’s future and hold every responsible party accountable. Enough is enough.

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