The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for San Marcos Families: Protecting Your Student at Texas State and Beyond

If Your Child Was Hazed in San Marcos or at Any Texas University, You’re Not Alone—And You Have Rights

For parents in San Marcos, Buda, Kyle, and across Hays County, the college experience should be about growth and opportunity. But what happens when that experience turns dangerous? Imagine your Texas State University student—maybe they’re living just minutes from your San Marcos home—coming back from a fraternity event unable to stand, their urine dark brown, their body breaking down from extreme physical abuse. Or picture your University of Texas at Austin student from San Marcos being pressured into dangerous drinking games during “Big/Little” night, with older members filming rather than helping.

This isn’t hypothetical. Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The hazing included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” We represent Bermudez in this $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

If you’re a San Marcos parent whose child has been hazed at Texas State University, UT Austin, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, this guide is for you. We’ll explain exactly what hazing looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, what’s happening at Texas universities, and how our firm—with deep Texas roots and proven experience against massive institutions—can help your family find answers and accountability.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR SAN MARCOS FAMILIES

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 your student insists they’re “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.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Modern Hazing Is More Than “Just Partying”

For San Marcos families, understanding what qualifies as hazing is the first step to protecting your student. Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Crucially, “consent” is not a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas Education Code §37.155.

The Three Tiers of Hazing We See in Texas Cases

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)
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Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)
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Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)
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Where Hazing Happens: Not Just Fraternities

While Greek organizations dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus groups:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit Squads and tradition organizations
• Marching Bands and performance groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

For San Marcos families with students at Texas State, this means vigilance extends beyond Greek life. The “Texas State Bobcat” spirit and athletic culture carries its own risks.

Texas Hazing Law: What San Marcos Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that apply whether the conduct happens on-campus in San Marcos at Texas State University or at an off-campus house in Austin, College Station, or Houston. Here’s what San Marcos parents should understand:

§37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

§37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without 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: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and lose university recognition.

§37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Students who report hazing in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability.

§37.155 Consent Not a Defense: This is critical—your child saying “yes” doesn’t make it legal.

§37.156 University Reporting Requirements: Texas colleges must publish annual hazing reports. Check UT Austin’s hazing.utexas.edu as an example of transparency.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (State Prosecution):

• Brought by district attorneys in Hays County (for Texas State incidents) or other jurisdictions
• Focus on punishment: jail, fines, probation
• Common charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Lawsuit):

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Focus on compensation and accountability
• Target: individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities
• Damages can include: medical bills, future care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, wrongful death

Both can proceed simultaneously, and you don’t need a criminal conviction to file a civil case. In fact, many hazing cases settle confidentially before criminal proceedings conclude.

Federal Laws That Protect Your Student

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report incidents transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public data (phased in by 2026).

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional protections and reporting requirements.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault, alcohol, and drug violations.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Schools

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez Happens Elsewhere

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning. $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking; died with BAC of 0.495%. Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; fell multiple times captured on chapter cameras; brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. Criminal charges against 18 members; Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law enacted in Pennsylvania.

What This Means for San Marcos Families: The same “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, and drinking games that killed students elsewhere are happening at Texas campuses. When we see forced consumption in the Bermudez case (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting), we recognize the same coercive pattern.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: From Paddling to “Glass Ceiling”

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Pledge blindfolded, weighted down, and repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat; died from traumatic brain injury. National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Pledge suffered permanent brain damage during “pledge dad reveal” night; cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care. Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar.

What This Means for San Marcos Families: Off-campus retreats (like those in the Texas Hill Country near San Marcos) and physical endurance tests carry catastrophic risks. The hazing Bermudez endured—100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races—follows this dangerous physical pattern.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program; multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and later settled confidentially.

What This Means for San Marcos Families: Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities. Texas State athletics, spirit groups, and the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets have all faced hazing allegations.

Texas Universities: What San Marcos Families Face at Local Campuses

Your Child’s Campus Connections: Where San Marcos Students Go

San Marcos families typically have students at:

• Texas State University (right here in San Marcos, Hays County)
• University of Texas at Austin (Travis County, 45 minutes north)
• Texas A&M University (Brazos County, 2.5 hours east)
• University of Houston (Harris County, 3 hours southeast)
• Plus: Baylor, SMU, Texas Tech, and other Texas schools

Each campus has its own hazing landscape. Here’s what you need to know:

Texas State University: Your Local Campus Reality

Campus & Culture: As San Marcos’ hometown university, Texas State blends commuter and residential life with growing Greek presence and strong athletic traditions.

Greek Life at Texas State: Multiple fraternities and sororities operate here, including chapters with national hazing histories. The proximity to San Marcos homes means hazing might occur closer than families realize.

Documented Incidents: While Texas State doesn’t publish violations as transparently as UT Austin, incidents occur. Hazing here follows national patterns: forced drinking, physical endurance tests, humiliation rituals.

How a Texas State Case Proceeds:

• Jurisdiction: Hays County courts and Texas State University Police Department
• Evidence Sources: Group chats among San Marcos-based students, local venue records, Texas State conduct files
• Potential Defendants: Individuals, local chapters, national organizations, potentially Texas State itself

What Texas State Parents Should Do:

1. Document everything immediately—San Marcos proximity means evidence may be in local houses
2. Report to Texas State Dean of Students AND Hays County law enforcement if crimes occurred
3. Preserve digital evidence from devices used locally
4. Contact an attorney familiar with Hays County courts and Texas State procedures

University of Texas at Austin: Where Many San Marcos Students Go

Campus & Culture: UT Austin’s massive Greek life, athletic programs, and spirit organizations create multiple hazing risk environments.

UT’s Transparency Advantage: UT publishes detailed hazing violations at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries show:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
• Texas Wranglers and other spirit groups: Sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing
• Multiple fraternities: Probation for alcohol-related hazing, humiliation rituals

How a UT Case Affects San Marcos Families: Your student commuting to UT or living in Austin remains connected to San Marcos. Evidence may span both locations, and legal proceedings might involve Travis County courts.

What UT Parents Should Do:

1. Check UT’s hazing violation database for your child’s organization
2. Report to UTPD and UT Dean of Students
3. Document travel between Austin and San Marcos related to hazing events
4. Consider both Travis County and Hays County legal venues

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Campus & Culture: Strong Corps of Cadets tradition alongside active Greek life creates dual hazing risk environments.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; fraternity suspended; lawsuit filed
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose; sought over $1 million

How A&M Cases Connect to San Marcos: Many Central Texas families send students to A&M. Hazing incidents there often involve students with San Marcos area connections.

University of Houston: Our Flagship Case Location

The Bermudez Case Details: As we’re actively litigating this case, San Marcos families should understand what happened:

Hazing Methods at UH Pi Kappa Phi:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rule with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
• Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, overnight driving
• Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
• Forced consumption: milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
• Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
• Simulated waterboarding: Sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding”
• Other pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour

Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he couldn’t stand without help, hospitalized four days with critically high creatine kinase levels.

Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders.

Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; members voted to surrender charter Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing.”

Why This Matters for San Marcos Families: The same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) that hazed Bermudez at UH has chapters at other Texas schools. The patterns—forced consumption, extreme workouts, humiliation—repeat across campuses.

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

SMU: Private university with strong Greek presence; Kappa Alpha Order suspended (2017) for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation.

Baylor: Religious institution with athletic hazing history; baseball team suspensions (2020) following hazing investigation.

Connection to San Marcos: These schools draw Central Texas students; hazing incidents there involve families from our region.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Investigate for San Marcos Families

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving San Marcos Families

If you’re a parent in San Marcos, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. We maintain an unmatched Texas Greek-life data engine—here are examples of the public records we track:

Texas State University & Central Texas Area Entities:

• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475381060 – 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666 – IRS B83 filing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated – EIN 882755427 – 2104 Old Ranch Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666 – Cause IQ metro listing
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 463831593 – 2307 Vanderbilt Cir, Austin, TX 78723 – Texas State University chapter – IRS–Cause IQ overlap
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta – EIN 824398421 – 1305 FM 359 Rd, Richmond, TX 77406 – IRS B83 filing
• Beta Upsilon Chi – EIN 742911848 – 12650 N Beach St Ste 114 PMB 305, Fort Worth, TX 76244 – Dallas-Fort Worth Metro – IRS–Cause IQ overlap

Major Texas Greek Hubs Where San Marcos Families Send Students:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845 – Texas A&M – IRS B83
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 371768785 – 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459 – IRS B83
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 – IRS B83 (related to UH case)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204 – University of Houston – IRS B83
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – EIN 746047117 – 2620 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 – UT Austin – IRS B83

Texas-Wide Snapshot: 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, including:

• 510 in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro
• 188 in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro
• 154 in Austin-Round Rock Metro
• 86 in San Antonio Metro
• 59 in Lubbock Metro
• 42 in College Station-Bryan Metro
• 27 in Waco Metro

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case: When we take your hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know the names, EINs, and mailing addresses of the organizations that may hold insurance and responsibility. This data becomes leverage in negotiations and evidence in court.

Campus Greek Rosters: Who’s Actually on Texas Campuses

University of Houston (From Official Rosters):

• Fraternities: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi (Bermudez case), Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon
• Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha
• NPHC/Divine Nine: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta

Texas A&M University:

• Fraternities: Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon
• Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha

University of Texas at Austin:

• Fraternities: Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon
• Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Phi, Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, Zeta Tau Alpha

Southern Methodist University:

• Fraternities: Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Alpha Order, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
• Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi

Baylor University:

• Fraternities: Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi
• Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha

Critical Insight: The same national organizations with hazing histories elsewhere operate at your child’s Texas campus. Pi Kappa Alpha (Stone Foltz death), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple deaths), Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver death), Pi Kappa Phi (Andrew Coffey death and our Bermudez case)—they’re all here in Texas.

Building Your Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for San Marcos Families

Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

• Group Messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social Media: Instagram stories showing hazing, Snapchat evidence before it disappears, TikTok challenges
• Recovery of Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often recover what students try to erase

Photo & Video Evidence:

• Injuries documented immediately and over several days
• Locations where hazing occurred (houses, parks, retreats)
• Objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)

Medical Documentation:

• ER records explicitly stating “hazing” as cause
• Lab results showing alcohol toxicity, rhabdomyolysis (elevated creatine kinase), organ damage
• Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety

Institutional Records:

• University conduct files showing prior violations
• National fraternity/sorority incident reports
• Insurance policies and coverage documents

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges or new members
• Former members who quit over hazing
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders

Damages: What Your Family Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical Bills: ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment, future care
• Lost Earnings: Time off work for recovery, delayed graduation, diminished earning capacity if permanent injury
• Educational Costs: Lost tuition, scholarships, transfer expenses

Non-Economic Damages (Compensatory):

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

Wrongful Death Damages (If Tragedy Strikes):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, guidance
• Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Egregious):

• To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• To deter future hazing
• Available when defendants show callous indifference

The Strategic Path: How We Build Leverage

Immediate Evidence Preservation: Within 48 hours, we secure digital evidence before deletion and document physical evidence.

Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we map:

• Individual perpetrators
• Chapter officers
• Local chapter entities
• National headquarters
• Housing corporations
• Alumni organizations
• Universities and their insurers
• Third-party property owners

Insurance Coverage Analysis: Former insurance defense attorney Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) knows how fraternity and university insurers try to deny claims. We identify all potential policies and fight coverage exclusions.

Pattern Evidence Development: We show how the same organization had prior incidents elsewhere (like Pi Kappa Phi with Andrew Coffey’s death at FSU before Bermudez at UH).

Settlement vs. Trial Strategy: Most cases settle confidentially, but we prepare every case for trial. That readiness creates leverage for better settlements.

Practical Guides: What San Marcos Parents and Students Should Do Now

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response Steps

Warning Signs Your Texas State or Other Texas Student Is Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially on back, thighs from paddling)
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food/water restriction
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family, non-Greek friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the group
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events

Digital Behavior:

• Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Geo-location tracking apps demanded by the organization

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for San Marcos Parents

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):
✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately (Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos or nearest facility)
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):
✅ Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical Records: Request copies from San Marcos or Austin-area hospitals
✅ Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
✅ University: Note any communications from Texas State, UT, or other school

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):
✅ Legal Consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Reporting Decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, Hays County/Travis County police, Dean of Students
✅ University Response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
✅ Evidence Backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

WEEK ONE PRIORITIES:
✅ Medical Follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; see specialists if needed
✅ Evidence Gathering: Attorney will begin subpoenaing records, obtaining deleted messages
✅ Witness Interviews: Attorney will contact other pledges and witnesses
✅ Strategy Session: Decide on criminal report, civil suit, both, or internal process
✅ Protection: If retaliation occurs, document and report immediately

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

• 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?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

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

How to Exit Safely:

• Immediate Danger: Call 911 or campus police
• Safe Location: Your dorm, a friend’s place, public area
• Legal Right to Leave: You can quit anytime, no matter what they told you
• Document Threats: If retaliated against, screenshot and report to university and police

Evidence Collection for Students:

1. Screenshots of group chats with timestamps and participant names
2. Voice memos/recordings (Texas is one-party consent state)
3. Photos/videos of injuries, locations, objects
4. Save everything digital—don’t delete even if embarrassed
5. Medical documentation telling providers you were hazed
6. Witness information for others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
• What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

• Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

• Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
• What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

• Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
• What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

MISTAKE #6: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #7: Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

• Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
• What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for San Marcos Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (Texas State, UT, Texas A&M, UH) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the 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 that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. 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 national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

Why Attorney911 for San Marcos Hazing Cases: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your San Marcos family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

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

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

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

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience:

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration
• Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases)
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth:

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across Texas
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services:

• Hablamos Español – Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Serving Hispanic families throughout Texas

Our Connection to San Marcos and Central Texas

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including San Marcos, Buda, Kyle, and across Hays County. We understand that:

• Texas State University is your local campus, but San Marcos students attend schools across Texas
• Hazing incidents at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, or other schools still impact San Marcos families
• Legal proceedings might involve Hays County, Travis County, Brazos County, or Harris County courts
• We navigate these geographic complexities for you

Our Active Hazing Litigation: The Bermudez Case

Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi involves:

• $10 million lawsuit for rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• 13 individual defendants including chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager
• National fraternity headquarters and university as defendants
• Chapter suspension and charter surrender after our lawsuit

This isn’t theoretical—we’re in court right now fighting for hazing accountability. That experience directly benefits your case.

Call to Action: Your Next Step as a San Marcos Parent

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If you or your child experienced hazing at Texas State University, UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Houston, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in San Marcos, Buda, Kyle, and throughout Hays County have the right to answers and accountability.

What Your Free, Confidential Consultation Includes

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll get:

• A confidential, no-obligation consultation with an experienced hazing attorney
• Compassionate listening to your story without judgment
• Review of any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explanation of your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
• Discussion of realistic timelines and what to expect
• Answers about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
• No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
• Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client confidentiality

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Spanish Services: Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now: Our active Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi proves we’re serious about hazing accountability.
2. Texas-Specific Expertise: We understand Texas law, Texas universities, and Texas courts.
3. Data-Driven Investigation: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine means we start your case with knowledge, not guesswork.
4. Insider Insurance Knowledge: Former defense attorney Lupe Peña knows how insurers fight hazing claims.
5. Proven Results: Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases.
6. Compassionate Approach: We treat your family with dignity while fighting aggressively for justice.

Final Word to San Marcos Families

Whether your student is at Texas State here in San Marcos or hours away at another Texas campus, hazing changes lives. The physical injuries heal, but the psychological trauma—the humiliation, the betrayal of trust, the fear—often lasts much longer.

Your child didn’t deserve this. They went to college to learn, grow, and build community—not to be abused in the name of “tradition” or “brotherhood.”

You have rights. Texas has laws. And our firm has the experience, data, and determination to help you enforce those rights and hold the right people accountable.

Don’t wait until evidence disappears. Don’t let the statute of limitations run out. Don’t settle for a university’s internal “resolution” that protects their reputation more than your child.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, what your options are, and how we can help your family find the answers and accountability you deserve.

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