The Complete Texas Hazing Guide for Sansom Park Families: Understanding Your Rights, the Universities, and How to Fight Back

A Message to Sansom Park Parents About the Unthinkable

It starts with a phone call no parent in Sansom Park, Fort Worth, or anywhere in Tarrant County ever expects to receive.

Your child, the one you sent off to college with pride and hope, is in the hospital. The story comes out in fragments—a “pledge event,” a “team bonding” exercise, an “initiation tradition” gone wrong. There’s talk of forced drinking, extreme workouts, humiliation, and now a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, or a traumatic brain injury. The university assures you they’re “looking into it.” The fraternity or sorority goes silent. You’re left scared, angry, and completely lost in a system designed to protect institutions, not your child.

Right now, just a few hours away in Houston, our firm is living this nightmare alongside a family. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died from hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His story—documented in a $10 million lawsuit—involves a humiliating “pledge fanny pack,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and workouts so extreme they caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces permanent health consequences. The chapter is now shut down, but the damage is done.

If you’re a parent in Sansom Park, this is not just a Houston problem. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at UH have chapters at every major Texas university where Sansom Park families send their children: Texas Christian University (TCU) right here in Fort Worth, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), Texas A&M University, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University (SMU), Baylor University, and beyond. The same dangerous traditions, the same institutional cover-ups, and the same devastating outcomes can and do happen everywhere.

This guide exists for you. We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), a Texas personal injury and complex litigation firm with deep expertise in hazing cases. We’re based in Houston but serve families across Texas, including right here in Sansom Park and Tarrant County. In this comprehensive resource, we will give you what the universities and Greek organizations won’t: the truth about what hazing really looks like today, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) your child, what’s happening on Texas campuses, and exactly what steps to take if your family faces this crisis.

This is general educational information, not specific legal advice. Every hazing case is unique. But knowledge is power, and right now, you need power.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Sansom Park Students

For parents in Sansom Park who may not have experienced Greek life firsthand, understanding modern hazing requires moving beyond stereotypes of “pranks” or “harmless traditions.” Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and dangerously normalized within student cultures.

The Legal Definition That Matters to Texas Families

Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Critically, the victim’s “consent” is not a defense. Texas law recognizes that when there’s a power imbalance—older members controlling a pledge’s future in the organization—true voluntary consent doesn’t exist.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing (The Most Deadly)
This isn’t just “college drinking.” It’s systematic coercion:

“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish
Drinking games like “Bible study” or “family tree” where wrong answers mean forced consumption
Lineups where pledges must chug rapidly in sequence
Forced consumption of drugs or unknown substances
The pattern we see: This causes the majority of hazing deaths nationwide, including Stone Foltz at Bowling Green (Pi Kappa Alpha), Max Gruver at LSU (Phi Delta Theta), and Andrew Coffey at Florida State (Pi Kappa Phi).

2. Physical Hazing (Beyond “Conditioning”)

Extreme calisthenics framed as “workouts”: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, “smokings” until collapse (exactly what hospitalized Leonel Bermudez at UH)
Paddling and beatings—still prevalent despite national prohibitions
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting amounts of food
Exposure to elements: left outside in cold weather, locked in freezing rooms

3. Psychological and Sexualized Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
Humiliating costumes or public degradation
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Racist, sexist, or homophobic role-playing or slurs

4. Digital Hazing (The New Frontier)

24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Social media humiliation: forced TikTok challenges, embarrassing Instagram stories
Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
“Cyberstalking” of pledges who try to quit
Livestreamed hazing for member entertainment

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While fraternities dominate hazing headlines, Sansom Park parents should know these practices occur in:

Sororities (though often less physically violent, psychological hazing is common)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (military-style “discipline” crossing into abuse)
Athletic teams at all levels
Spirit and tradition groups (Texas Cowboys, cheer teams, marching bands)
Academic and honor societies
Cultural and service organizations

The common thread: any group with initiation rituals, power imbalances, and a culture of secrecy.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Sansom Park Families Need to Know

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Texas has specific hazing laws, but they operate within a complex web of institutional protections and defense strategies.

Texas Criminal Hazing Law (Education Code Chapter 37)

The Basics:

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

Critical Protections:

§37.154: Immunity for good-faith reporting (you won’t get in trouble for calling for help)
§37.155: Consent is NOT a defense (even if your child “agreed”)
§37.153: Organizational liability (the fraternity itself can be prosecuted)

For Sansom Park Families: If hazing occurs at TCU (Tarrant County), jurisdiction typically involves TCU Police and possibly Fort Worth PD. For incidents at UTA, it’s UTA Police and possibly Arlington PD. These local agencies work with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office on prosecutions.

Civil Lawsuits: Where Real Accountability Happens

Criminal cases punish individuals; civil cases compensate victims and force institutional change. They’re not mutually exclusive—your family can pursue both.

Potential Defendants in a Civil Case:

Individual Students who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Local Chapter as an organization (if incorporated)
National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters (critical for collecting damages)
University (public or private)
Housing Corporations that own chapter houses
Landlords of off-campus hazing venues
Alcohol Providers under dram shop laws

Types of Claims:

Negligence/Gross Negligence: Failure to prevent foreseeable harm
Negligent Supervision: Nationals/university didn’t properly monitor
Premises Liability: Dangerous conditions at chapter houses
Wrongful Death: If hazing proves fatal
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

The Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and New National Laws

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates hazing prevention education
Phased implementation through 2026
For Sansom Park families: This means more transparency from TCU, UTA, and other universities

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX requires universities to:

Conduct prompt, thorough investigations
Protect complainants from retaliation
Provide supportive measures
Important: Title IX applies regardless of whether hazing occurred on or off campus

Clery Act
Requires universities to report certain crime statistics, including:

Aggravated assault
Liquor law violations
Drug law violations
Often hazing incidents trigger multiple Clery reportable categories

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Sansom Park Families

These aren’t just distant tragedies. They establish legal precedents that directly affect cases involving Sansom Park students at Texas universities.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern (The Most Preventable Tragedy)

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Falls captured on chapter security cameras
18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Delayed 911 call proved fatal
Result: Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”

Why this matters for TCU/UTA/SMU families: The same “bid acceptance” drinking rituals happen here. Security cameras in chapter houses now provide crucial evidence.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game with wrong answers = forced drinking
BAC of 0.495% at death
Result: Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” (felony hazing statute)

Why this matters: Drinking games disguised as “education” are common across fraternities, including those at Texas universities.

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

Forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Result: Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

Why this matters: This case proves national fraternities and universities will pay substantial settlements, and individual officers face personal liability.

The Physical Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Fatal traumatic brain injury
Pi Delta Psi national fraternity criminally convicted
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Why this matters for Corps/athletic hazing: Similar “physical endurance” rituals occur in non-Greek contexts. National organizations can be held criminally liable.

The Athletic Hazing Scandal Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Widespread sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit
Confidential settlements with multiple players

Why this matters for TCU/SMU/Baylor athletic families: Big-money athletic programs develop similar toxic cultures. Universities often prioritize protecting coaches and programs over student safety.

The Catastrophic Injury Pattern (Non-Fatal But Life-Altering)

Danny Santulli – Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Severe, permanent brain damage
Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Settlements with 22 defendants

Leonel Bermudez – UH, Pi Kappa Phi (2025)

Extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Four-day hospitalization, risk of permanent kidney damage
$10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and 13 individuals
Chapter suspended then shut down

Why this matters most for Sansom Park families: This case is happening RIGHT NOW in Texas. We’re litigating it. The same fraternities operating at UH have chapters at TCU, UTA, and every major Texas university. The patterns are identical.

Texas Universities: What’s Happening on Campuses Where Sansom Park Students Attend

Texas Christian University (TCU) – Right Here in Fort Worth

For Sansom Park families: TCU is literally in our backyard. Many Sansom Park students attend TCU, and hazing incidents here involve local hospitals, Fort Worth police, and Tarrant County courts.

Greek Life Profile:

Strong Greek presence with approximately 40% of students participating
Historic fraternity and sorority houses near campus
Both IFC fraternities and Panhellenic sororities

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Chapter suspended for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation. Restrictions lasted through 2021.
Multiple anonymous reports through TCU’s “Real Response” system alleging forced drinking and physical hazing across various chapters.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) and Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) chapters have faced disciplinary actions for alcohol violations that often overlap with hazing allegations.

TCU’s Hazing Policy & Reporting:

Clear prohibition of hazing on and off campus
Anonymous reporting via Real Response app
Investigation through Office of Student Conduct
Potential sanctions up to expulsion and organization suspension

How a TCU Hazing Case Might Proceed:

Jurisdiction: TCU Police Department (campus) and Fort Worth PD (off-campus)
Courts: Tarrant County courts for civil cases
Medical care: Often at Baylor Scott & White All Saints in Fort Worth
Common defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national HQ, TCU, property owners

What TCU Parents in Sansom Park Should Do:

Know TCU’s anonymous reporting options
Understand that off-campus hazing at nearby houses is common
TCU, as a private university, has fewer sovereign immunity protections than public schools
Document everything with local specificity (Fort Worth addresses, TCU buildings, etc.)

University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

For Sansom Park families: UTA is a major commuter campus drawing from across Tarrant County, including Sansom Park. Many local students live at home while attending.

Greek Life Profile:

Growing Greek system with residential and commuter members
Mix of traditional and multicultural organizations
Different dynamic than residential campuses like TCU

Hazing Transparency:

UTA maintains less public hazing data than UT Austin
Incidents often involve off-campus apartments and houses in Arlington
Investigations may involve UTA Police and Arlington PD

Recent Concerns:

Multiple interim suspensions of fraternities for alleged hazing
Social media evidence playing increasing role in investigations
Commuter challenge: Hazing may occur farther from campus oversight

What UTA Parents Should Know:

Off-campus location doesn’t eliminate university liability
Document travel to/from hazing locations (helpful for negligence claims)
UTA’s status as a public university affects sovereign immunity considerations

University of Houston – The Active Litigation Case

For Sansom Park families: While farther away, UH draws students from across Texas. The current Pi Kappa Phi case establishes critical precedents that affect all Texas hazing litigation.

The Bermudez Case Details:

Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez, UH transfer student
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
Allegations:
- “Pledge fanny pack” with condoms, sex toy, humiliating items
- Forced dress codes, overnight driving duties
- Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, “save-your-brother” drills
- Cold-weather exposure in underwear
- Lying in vomit-soaked grass
- Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
- Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Medical Consequences:
- Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
- Acute kidney failure
- Brown urine, inability to stand
- Four-day hospitalization
- Critically high creatine kinase levels
- Risk of permanent kidney damage
Defendants:
- University of Houston
- UH System Board of Regents
- Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
- Beta Nu housing corporation
- 13 individual fraternity leaders/members
Institutional Response:
- Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends chapter
- Nov 14, 2025: Chapter votes to surrender charter
- UH labels conduct “deeply disturbing”
- Promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion
- Cooperation with law enforcement

Why This Matters for All Texas Families:

Establishes pattern evidence for similar physical hazing claims
Shows university liability despite chapter being off-campus
Demonstrates national fraternity responsibility despite “anti-hazing policies”
Provides legal roadmap for other Texas cases

Texas A&M University – Corps of Cadets & Greek Life

For Sansom Park families: Texas A&M attracts students from across Texas, including Tarrant County. Its unique Corps of Cadets culture presents specific hazing risks.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Issues:

Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
Texas A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations
Traditional military-style “discipline” often crosses into hazing

Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Lawsuit sought $1 million
Fraternity suspended for two years
Pattern: Physical abuse disguised as “conditioning”

What A&M Parents Should Know:

Corps hazing cases involve different regulations than Greek life
Multiple reporting channels: Student Conduct, Corps leadership, TAMU PD
Sovereign immunity considerations as a public university
Historical pattern of addressing hazing internally before public disclosure

University of Texas at Austin – The Transparency Leader

For Sansom Park families: UT Austin’s public hazing database provides unique insight into patterns that likely exist at other Texas schools.

UT’s Hazing Violations Database:

Publicly lists organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions
Updated regularly at hazing.utexas.edu
Shows repeated violations by same organizations

Example Sanctions:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.
Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Alcohol-related hazing, forced workouts. Sanction: Suspension.
Multiple fraternities: Social probation, educational requirements, membership reviews.

What UT Austin’s Data Tells Us:

Certain organizations have repeated violations
Sanctions often minimal (probation, education rather than expulsion)
Transparency helps families research organizations before joining
Public records strengthen civil cases by showing prior knowledge

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

For Sansom Park families: SMU’s private university status and affluent student body create unique dynamics.

Greek Life Culture:

Historically strong Greek presence
Significant alumni involvement and funding
Insular culture can protect organizations from accountability

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order suspension (2017) detailed earlier
Multiple alcohol-related violations that often involve hazing elements
Less public transparency than public universities

SMU’s Approach:

Anonymous reporting systems
Internal conduct processes with variable transparency
Balance between student safety and alumni relations

What SMU Parents Should Know:

Private university status means different legal standards
Alumni influence can affect disciplinary outcomes
Less sovereign immunity than public universities
Confidential settlements more common in litigation

Baylor University

For Sansom Park families: Baylor’s religious identity and recent history with institutional scandals create complex dynamics.

Recent History:

2016 sexual assault scandal revealed systemic institutional failures
Complete leadership overhaul following investigations
Ongoing scrutiny of campus safety and accountability

Hazing Incidents:

Baseball team hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Staggered suspensions suggested systematic, organized hazing
Greek life incidents often handled internally with limited disclosure

Baylor’s Current Stance:

Public “zero tolerance” statements
Enhanced training and reporting systems
Ongoing tension between religious mission and institutional accountability

What Baylor Parents Should Know:

Recent history affects how Baylor responds to allegations
Religious identity can influence internal processes
Document everything as institutional memory may be limited

Public Records: The Texas Greek Organization Directory Sansom Park Families Need to Know

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every Greek organization registered in Texas. This isn’t speculation; it’s public records. When we take a hazing case, we already know the legal names, EINs, and addresses of the organizations that may hold insurance and responsibility.

Why This Matters for Sansom Park Families

If your child is hazed, you’re not starting from zero. We already know:

Which national fraternities and sororities have Texas-registered entities
Their legal corporate structures (housing corporations, alumni chapters, etc.)
Their insurance coverage patterns based on organizational type
Their prior incident histories across Texas and nationally

Sample Texas Greek Organization Directory (From Public IRS Filings)

Fraternity Housing Corporations in Texas:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 37-1768785, Missouri City, TX 77459
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 74-6084905, Houston, TX 77204
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147

Alumni and Graduate Chapters:

Fort Worth Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, EIN 75-2755600, Fort Worth, TX 76101
Frisco TX Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc, EIN 92-0575785, Frisco, TX 75034
Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, EIN 23-2452759, Grand Prairie, TX 75054

Honor Societies and Professional Organizations:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (multiple campus chapters across Texas)
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc (multiple chapters, Corinth, TX 76210)

Metro Area Concentrations (From Cause IQ Data):

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86+ organizations

Total Texas Greek Organizations Tracked: 1,423 across 25 metros

What This Directory Means for Your Case

Multiple Defendant Strategy: We identify ALL potentially liable entities, not just the obvious ones
Insurance Coverage Mapping: Different entity types have different insurance policies
Pattern Evidence: We can show if the same national organization has prior Texas incidents
Jurisdiction Strategy: We file in courts most favorable to your case based on defendant locations

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and What Sansom Park Families Can Expect

When you contact Attorney911 about a hazing case, here’s how we build it from the ground up.

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (First 48 Hours)

Digital Evidence – The Most Critical Category:

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Screenshot everything immediately – messages are deleted within hours
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchats, TikTok videos, Facebook posts
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts
Deleted message recovery: Through digital forensics experts

Physical Evidence:

Injury documentation: Photos from multiple angles with ruler for scale
Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results
Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, “pledge manuals”
Clothing: Unwashed items with stains, tears, or residues

Witness Identification:

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate later)
Roommates, friends who noticed changes
Former members who quit due to hazing
Emergency responders, hospital staff

Phase 2: Investigation and Discovery

University Records Requests:

Prior disciplinary records for the same organization
Campus police incident reports
Internal emails about the organization
Clery Act reports showing patterns

National Fraternity Records:

Prior incident reports from other chapters
Risk management files
Insurance policies and coverage details
Communications between national and local chapter

Expert Network Deployment:

Medical experts: To document injuries and future care needs
Toxicologists: For alcohol/drug hazing cases
Psychologists: For PTSD and trauma diagnosis
Economists: For lifetime care and lost earnings calculations
Digital forensics: For recovered deleted messages
Greek life culture experts: To explain power dynamics and coercion

Phase 3: Legal Strategy Development

Defendant Identification:

Individuals (members who participated)
Local chapter (if incorporated)
National headquarters
University (public or private)
Housing corporations
Property owners/landlords
Alcohol providers

Claims Selection:

Negligence/Gross Negligence: Most common claim
Negligent Supervision: Against nationals/university
Premises Liability: Dangerous conditions
Wrongful Death: If fatal
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For extreme cruelty

Jurisdiction Strategy:

State vs. federal court considerations
Venue based on defendant locations
Local court preferences and procedures

Phase 4: Settlement Negotiation or Trial

Our Approach:

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
This creates maximum settlement leverage
We know the defense tactics because Mr. Lupe Peña used to be an insurance defense attorney
We understand how insurers value claims, set reserves, and negotiate

Settlement vs. Trial Considerations:

Most cases settle confidentially
Trials are rare but create public accountability
Settlement amounts vary based on injuries, evidence, and defendants
Recent Texas-relevant settlements:
- Stone Foltz (BGSU): $10 million total
- Max Gruver family verdict: $6.1 million
- Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10+ million
- Multiple confidential settlements in Texas cases

Practical Guide for Sansom Park Parents: What to Do Right Now

If You Suspect Hazing (But Aren’t Sure)

Warning Signs:

Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts)
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Sudden personality changes (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
Secretive about phone/computer use
Constantly on group chats, anxious about missing messages
Financial changes (unexplained expenses, requests for money)
Academic decline (missing classes, dropping grades)

Questions to Ask (Gently):

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

If Your Child Confirms Hazing

Immediate Actions:

Medical care first: Even if they insist they’re “fine”
Document everything: Write down what they tell you, date/time it
Preserve evidence: Help them screenshot messages before deletion
Photograph injuries: Multiple angles, include ruler for scale
Contact Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

What NOT to Do:

Don’t confront the organization directly
Don’t let your child delete messages or “clean up”
Don’t sign anything from the university or insurance company
Don’t post details on social media
Don’t let your child attend “one last meeting” to “talk things out”

Dealing with the University

Expect This Pattern:

Initial concern: “We’re so sorry this happened”
Internal investigation: “Let us handle this through our process”
Minimization: “This seems like a misunderstanding”
Delay: Investigation takes months
Minimal sanctions: Probation, education requirements
Pressure to accept: “This is our final offer”

How to Respond:

Document all communications (emails, calls, meetings)
Ask specific questions:
- “What prior incidents involve this organization?”
- “What sanctions were imposed previously?”
- “What is your timeline for investigation?”
Involve an attorney early: Before you make statements or sign anything
Understand their incentives: Universities often prioritize avoiding scandal and liability

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Hazing Case

Based on our experience handling hazing cases across Texas, these errors can devastate an otherwise strong claim:

1. Letting Evidence Disappear

What happens: Messages deleted, photos lost, witnesses coached
Why it’s fatal: No evidence = no case
Our solution: Immediate preservation protocol the moment you contact us

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, prepare defenses
Why it’s fatal: You’ve alerted them before evidence is preserved
Our solution: Silent investigation while preserving evidence

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

What happens: You waive legal rights for minimal accommodations
Why it’s fatal: You can’t sue later, even if injuries worsen
Our solution: Attorney review BEFORE signing anything

4. Posting on Social Media

What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Why it’s fatal: Inconsistencies hurt credibility, may waive privileges
Our solution: Private documentation only

5. Waiting Too Long

What happens: Statute of limitations expires (generally 2 years in Texas)
Why it’s fatal: Case is barred forever
Our solution: Immediate consultation to preserve rights

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

What happens: Recorded statements used against you
Why it’s fatal: Early lowball settlements, damaging admissions
Our solution: “All communications through our attorney”

Frequently Asked Questions from Sansom Park Families

Q: Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?
A: Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee actions. Private universities (TCU, SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Each case requires individual analysis.

Q: Is hazing a felony in Texas?
A: It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

Q: What if my child “agreed” to the activities?
A: Texas law §37.155 explicitly states “consent is not a defense.” Courts recognize that power imbalance and fear of exclusion make true voluntary consent impossible in hazing situations.

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

Q: What if hazing happened off-campus?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

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

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including hazing. That means no upfront costs—we only get paid if we recover money for you. We advance all case expenses and are reimbursed from the recovery.

Q: What if criminal charges are also involved?
A: We have dual civil/criminal capability. Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both tracks and can advise on interactions between them.

Why Attorney911 for Sansom Park 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.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

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
- Use delay tactics to pressure families
- Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
- Set reserves and negotiate settlements
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

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

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases

Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
Experience working with economists on lifetime care calculations
Network of medical experts, psychologists, and life care planners
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability

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

Investigative Depth Most Firms Can’t Match

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across Texas
Digital forensics expertise for recovering deleted messages
Experience obtaining hidden university and national fraternity records
Network of Greek life culture experts
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

For Your Family:

Compassionate, judgment-free support
Clear communication every step
Respect for your privacy and emotional needs
We listen first, always

For Your Case:

Thorough, relentless investigation
Strategic legal thinking
Preparation for trial (which creates settlement leverage)
We fight hard, always

Serving Sansom Park and All of Texas

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including right here in Sansom Park and Tarrant County. We understand:

The local courts (Tarrant County, Fort Worth, Arlington)
The universities (TCU, UTA, and others drawing Sansom Park students)
The medical facilities (Texas Health, Baylor Scott & White, JPS)
The community values and concerns

Your Next Step: Free, Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The earlier you contact us, the more we can help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and build the strongest possible case.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen without judgment to what happened
We review any evidence you’ve preserved
We explain your legal options clearly
We answer your questions honestly
We discuss realistic timelines and expectations
No pressure to hire us on the spot
Everything is confidential

Contact Us 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 Language Services:

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

For Immediate Emergencies:
If your child is in danger right now, call 911 first, then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Ralph Manginello background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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