The Complete Guide for Somerset Families: Hazing, Texas Law, and Your Rights When Your Child is Hurt at College

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

You sent your child from Somerset to college with pride and hope—to the University of Texas at San Antonio just minutes away, to Texas A&M University a few hours northeast, or to any of Texas’s great universities. You trusted the institution to provide a safe environment for learning and growth. Then the call comes, or your child comes home changed: exhausted, injured, anxious, or worse, hospitalized. You learn they were subjected to brutal “traditions” as part of joining a fraternity, sorority, Corps unit, athletic team, or campus organization. The university’s response feels inadequate. The organization closes ranks. You’re left with medical bills, trauma, and questions about accountability.

Right now, in Harris County, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died after sustained hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are horrific: forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and psychological torment through humiliating rules like carrying a “pledge fanny pack” with degrading items. The result? Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days with permanent kidney damage risk. The chapter is now shut down, but the fight for accountability continues in court.

This is not an isolated incident. It is the pattern. And it happens at universities where Somerset families send their children every year.

This guide is for you—parents and families in Somerset, Bexar County, and across Texas who need to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, what Texas law says, what has happened at Texas universities, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect your child.

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 Somerset Students

For Somerset families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus organization dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. Today’s hazing is systematic, often digitally documented, and psychologically sophisticated.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Critically, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking during “lineups,” “Big/Little nights,” or drinking games
• Chugging challenges where pledges must consume dangerous amounts rapidly
• Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
• The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting

Physical Hazing

• Paddling, beatings, and physical assaults
• Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or mandatory late-night events
• Food/water restriction as punishment
• Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments
• In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in one session, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes
• Acts with racial or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-play
• Public shaming rituals

Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
• Manipulation or forced confessions of personal information
• Constant criticism and belittling
• The “pledge fanny pack” rule at UH required pledges to carry condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items 24/7

Digital/Online Hazing

• Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
• 24/7 availability demands via text with immediate response requirements
• Geo-tracking demands via Find My Friends or similar apps
• Social media policing of what pledges can post

Where Hazing Actually Happens at Texas Schools

While fraternities receive most media attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs (drill teams, cheer, mascots)
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, swimming, etc.)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic clubs, honor societies, and service organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy. These practices persist because new members fear exclusion, organizations prioritize loyalty over safety, and universities often lack the will or resources for meaningful oversight.

Texas Hazing Law: What Somerset Families Need to Know

When your child is hazed at a Texas university, multiple layers of law may apply. Understanding this framework helps you recognize your rights and the potential avenues for accountability.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that apply to all educational institutions. For Somerset families, this means the law governs cases whether your child attends UTSA locally or travels to College Station or Austin.

§ 37.151 Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, 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.

Plain English Translation: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Key points for Somerset families:

• Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
• Can be mental or physical harm
• Intent: Doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough (knew the risk and did it anyway)
• “Consent” is not a defense: Even if your child agreed, it’s still hazing if it meets the definition

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

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

Also criminal:

• Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member or officer and you knew about it): misdemeanor
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing: misdemeanor

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

• The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for orgs:

• Fine up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban the org from campus

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense
It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This directly rebuts the common defense of “they agreed to it.”

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. In medical emergencies, Texas law and many university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing themselves.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical hazing-related criminal charges can include:
  • Hazing offenses
  • Furnishing alcohol to minors
  • Assault, battery
  • Manslaughter in fatal cases
• In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal investigation is ongoing

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on:
  • Negligence and gross negligence
  • Wrongful death
  • Negligent hiring/supervision
  • Premises liability
  • Emotional distress
• A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case
• The Bermudez lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi is a civil case seeking over $10 million in damages

Both types can run side-by-side, and many families pursue both tracks to achieve comprehensive accountability.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges that receive federal aid (all Texas public universities and most privates) to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations can be triggered. Universities must investigate and address these complaints.

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with those categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders/members are named defendants

Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity)
• Individuals acting as officers or “pledge educators”

National Fraternity/Sorority

• Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters is a defendant in the UH case

University or Governing Board

• The school or regents may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
• University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the Bermudez case

Third Parties

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories)
• Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. Our investigation in the UH case identified the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation as another entity with potential liability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

The tragedies at other universities are not distant news—they establish patterns that repeat at Texas schools and create legal precedents that protect your family.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking
• Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help
• Dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members; civil litigation; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law named after him
• Takeaway: Extreme intoxication, delay in calling 911, and a culture of silence can be legally devastating

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

• Big/little event; pledge given a handle of liquor; drank to dangerous levels; died
• Criminal hazing charges against members; FSU temporarily suspended Greek life
• Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly
• Death led to felony hazing law in Louisiana (Max Gruver Act)
• Civil settlement reportedly reached
• Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing

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

• Pledge night; forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey; died from alcohol poisoning
• Multiple criminal convictions; BGSU agreed to nearly $3 million settlement with the family; other settlements with fraternity/individuals
• Takeaway: Universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences along with fraternities

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Pledge at a fraternity retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual
• Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed
• Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania
• Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties, and national orgs can face serious sanctions

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University football (2023–2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program
• Multiple lawsuits against the university, staff; head coach fired
• Takeaway: Hazing is not limited to Greek life; big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse

What These Cases Mean for Somerset Families

These national cases establish critical precedents:

• Pattern evidence matters: When the same organization has hazing incidents elsewhere, it shows foreseeability
• Institutional liability is real: Universities can be held accountable for failing to protect students
• Cover-ups worsen liability: Delaying medical care or destroying evidence leads to more severe consequences
• Civil settlements are substantial: Families have recovered millions in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases

The same organizations involved in these national cases—Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta—have chapters at Texas universities where Somerset students enroll.

Texas Universities: Where Somerset Families Send Their Children

Somerset families have educational options close to home and across Texas. Understanding the hazing landscape at each campus helps you make informed decisions and recognize warning signs.

University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) – Somerset’s Neighbor

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Just minutes from Somerset, UTSA serves as a primary educational institution for many Bexar County families. As a growing urban university with expanding Greek life, UTSA has seen increased fraternity and sorority activity. Somerset students can commute to UTSA while living at home, but this proximity doesn’t eliminate hazing risks—it merely changes where incidents occur.

UTSA Hazing Policy & Reporting

• UTSA prohibits hazing under University Policy
• Reporting channels include Student Conduct and Community Standards, UTSA Police, and online reporting forms
• The university maintains disciplinary records that may show prior organizational violations

Documented Incidents & Responses
While UTSA hasn’t had cases with the national prominence of larger schools, hazing incidents occur:

• Fraternity suspensions for alcohol-related hazing violations
• Organizational probation for conduct endangering students
• The challenge at UTSA, as with many urban commuter schools, is that much hazing occurs in off-campus apartments rather than university-owned houses

How a UTSA Hazing Case Might Proceed for Somerset Families

• Jurisdiction: Bexar County courts, potentially federal court if constitutional issues arise
• Involved agencies: UTSA Police and/or San Antonio Police Department depending on location
• Practical consideration: Somerset families have the advantage of proximity for meetings with attorneys, court appearances, and university interactions

What UTSA Students & Somerset Parents Should Do

• Know that hazing risks exist even at commuter schools
• Document any concerning behaviors during recruitment or new member periods
• UTSA’s Office of Student Conduct handles complaints but may prioritize institutional reputation
• Somerset-based evidence (texts sent from home, injuries treated locally) can be crucial

Texas A&M University – The Aggie Tradition

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Many Somerset students make the 2.5-hour drive northeast to College Station to become Aggies. Texas A&M’s unique culture includes both robust Greek life and the Corps of Cadets—both with documented hazing issues. The university’s emphasis on tradition sometimes conflicts with student safety.

Texas A&M Hazing Policy & Reporting

• Governed by Student Rules (Sections 24 and 27)
• Reporting through Student Conduct Office, University Police, or anonymous systems
• Special procedures for Corps of Cadets incidents

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit poured on them
• Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years
• Pattern connection: SAE has national history of hazing deaths and injuries

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023)

• Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
• Being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
• Sought over $1 million in damages
• A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

Texas A&M Hazing Transparency

• Maintains some disciplinary records but less public than UT Austin
• Corps incidents often handled internally with minimal public disclosure

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts
• Potential defendants: Individual students, chapter, national organization, university
• Special considerations: Sovereign immunity arguments for public university, but exceptions exist for gross negligence

What Texas A&M Students & Somerset Parents Should Do

• Recognize that Corps hazing is as serious as Greek hazing
• Document any “training” or “orientation” that seems excessive or abusive
• Understand that A&M’s institutional loyalty may affect reporting and investigation

• Feedback mechanisms exist but may prioritize protecting Aggie tradition

University of Texas at Austin – The Flagship Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin draws Somerset students seeking the flagship university experience. With approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters and numerous other organizations, UT has complex Greek life oversight challenges in a dense urban environment.

UT Austin Hazing Policy & Transparency

• UT maintains the most transparent hazing disclosure system in Texas at hazing.utexas.edu
• Public log lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions
• Reporting through Office of the Dean of Students, UTPD, or online forms

Selected Documented Incidents from Public Log

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

• New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation
• Required to implement new hazing-prevention education

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024)

• Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at party
• Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
• Chapter already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations

Texas Wranglers & Other Spirit Groups

• Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
• Demonstrates hazing extends beyond traditional Greek organizations

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Jurisdiction: Travis County courts, potentially federal court for constitutional claims
• Evidence advantage: UT’s public violation log provides pattern evidence for civil cases
• The university’s transparency cuts both ways—helps plaintiffs establish knowledge but also shows institutional response

What UT Austin Students & Somerset Parents Should Do

• Check hazing.utexas.edu before your child joins any organization
• Document any conduct matching patterns from prior violations
• Understand that UT’s size can mean delayed response to complaints
• Recognize that apartment-based hazing is common in West Campus

Southern Methodist University – Dallas Private Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot
SMU’s affluent private campus in Dallas hosts active Greek life with particular social prestige. As a private institution, SMU has different legal obligations and transparency standards than public universities.

SMU Hazing Policy & Reporting

• Governed by Student Code of Conduct
• Reporting through Office of Student Affairs, SMU Police, anonymous systems
• Limited public disclosure compared to public universities

Documented Incidents & Responses

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
• Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until around 2021
• Pattern connection: KA has national history of hazing violations

SMU’s Response Pattern

• Tends to handle incidents internally with limited public disclosure
• As private university, not subject to same public records requirements
• May use confidential resolutions that prevent public accountability

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Jurisdiction: Dallas County courts
• Discovery crucial: Must subpoena internal university records
• Private status: Fewer sovereign immunity barriers but potentially more aggressive defense

What SMU Students & Somerset Parents Should Do

• Recognize that private university status affects transparency
• Document all communications with administration about incidents
• Understand that SMU’s reputation concerns may affect investigation thoroughness
• Consider that distance from Somerset may complicate family involvement

Baylor University – Waco Private Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over athletics and Title IX issues create a complex environment for hazing response. The university has worked to reform policies but faces cultural challenges.

Baylor Hazing Policy & Reporting

• Prohibited under Student Conduct Code
• Reporting through Student Conduct Administration, Baylor Police, online forms
• Special attention given to athletic program oversight

Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Suspensions staggered over early season
• Limited public details due to private university status

Broader Context

• Baylor’s football sexual assault scandal revealed institutional failure patterns
• Questions remain about whether cultural reforms adequately address hazing
• Religious branding may create additional pressure to handle matters internally

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts
• Pattern evidence: Baylor’s prior scandals can support negligence arguments
• Private religious status: Creates unique legal and public relations dynamics

What Baylor Students & Somerset Parents Should Do

• Recognize that religious affiliation doesn’t eliminate hazing risks
• Document any appeals to “tradition” or “team bonding” that mask abuse
• Understand that Baylor may prioritize institutional reputation
• Distance from Somerset may affect ability to monitor situation

Texas Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific & National Histories

The organizations at Texas universities don’t operate in isolation—they’re chapters of national groups with documented hazing patterns. This history matters legally because it establishes what these organizations knew or should have known about risks.

Why National Histories Matter for Somerset Families

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, that pattern shows:

• Foreseeability: The national organization knew these activities were dangerous
• Negligence: Failure to prevent known, repeated harm
• Punitive damages potential: Reckless disregard for student safety

In the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case, the national organization had prior incidents including the Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University in 2017. This pattern evidence strengthens our civil case by showing Pi Kappa Phi knew the risks of its traditions.

Organizations Present at Texas Universities with National Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• National incidents: Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021), David Bogenberger death (NIU 2012)
• Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
• Pattern: Big/Little drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption
• Settlement history: $10M in Foltz case ($7M from national, $3M from BGSU)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• National incidents: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury case (Alabama 2023)
• Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU; chemical burns case at A&M
• Pattern: Physical abuse, forced drinking, chemical hazing
• Organizational response: Eliminated pledge process in 2014 but incidents continue

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• National incidents: Andrew Coffey death (FSU 2017)
• Texas presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu now closed), other Texas campuses
• Current case: We represent Leonel Bermudez in $10M lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi national and UH chapter
• Pattern: Big Brother nights, forced consumption, extreme physical hazing

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• National incidents: Max Gruver death (LSU 2017)
• Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced alcohol consumption
• Legislative impact: Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act (felony hazing)

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

• National incidents: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter (2017)
• Texas presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
• Pattern: Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation

How National Patterns Affect Texas Civil Cases

Establishing Notice
When we can show a national organization had:

• Prior similar incidents at other chapters
• Internal risk management memos about specific hazards
• Inadequate response to previous violations

…we establish they knew or should have known the risks. This transforms a “local chapter problem” into institutional negligence.

Overcoming Defense Strategies
National organizations often claim:

• “This was a rogue chapter”
• “We have strict anti-hazing policies”
• “We didn’t know what was happening”

Pattern evidence from other campuses destroys these defenses by showing systemic issues, inadequate enforcement, and willful blindness.

Insurance Coverage Implications
National organizations carry insurance that may cover hazing claims. Their national history affects:

• Whether insurers will provide coverage
• Settlement valuation based on prior payouts
• Bad faith claims if insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys (Mr. Lupe Peña spent years at a national defense firm) gives us unique insight into these coverage battles.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Investigate for Somerset Families

At Attorney911, we don’t start from scratch when investigating hazing cases. We maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal entities, and their histories across Texas.

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

If you are a parent in Somerset, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are examples from our database of Texas-registered Greek entities—these are public filings we track so families never start from zero.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records)
These are tax-exempt organizations the IRS classifies as student sororities and fraternities with Texas mailing addresses. Each represents a potential entity with insurance coverage or assets:

• Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – EIN 201237505 – Corinth, TX 76210 – Beta Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 – Theta Delta chapter (IRS B83 filing)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 – Epsilon Kappa Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 237279532 – Prairie View, TX 77446 – 646 Prairie View Alumni (IRS B83 filing)
• Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581 – Austin, TX 78705 – Chi Omega House Corporation (IRS B83 filing)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 900293166 – College Station, TX 77843 – Texas A&M University chapter (IRS B83 filing)

Metro Area Greek Organization Density

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ Greek-related organizations per Cause IQ data
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ organizations
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ organizations
• San Antonio Metro: 86+ organizations (serving UTSA, Trinity, others)
• College Station-Bryan Metro: 42+ organizations

Total Texas Greek Organizations: 1,423 across 25 metros tracked in our database

How This Intelligence Benefits Your Case

When we take a hazing case for a Somerset family, we already know:

1. Legal Entities Behind the Letters

   • The specific housing corporations, alumni chapters, and foundations tied to each fraternity/sorority
   • Their Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) for subpoenas and asset discovery
   • Registered addresses for service of process

2. Insurance Carriers & Coverage

   • Which entities likely carry insurance policies
   • How national organizations structure their risk management
   • Prior claim histories that affect current coverage

3. Pattern Evidence

   • Which national brands have repeated hazing incidents
   • How Texas chapters fit into national organizational structures
   • Prior university disciplinary actions against specific chapters

In the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case, this intelligence helped us identify not just the local chapter and national headquarters, but also the Beta Nu housing corporation as another defendant with potential liability and insurance coverage.

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

When hazing injures your child, building a strong case requires systematic evidence collection, understanding of damages, and strategic planning. Here’s what Somerset families need to know.

Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments, Facebook Messenger
• Recovered data: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
• In the UH case: Group chats showed planning of hazing events and coordination among members

Photos & Videos

• Content filmed by members during events
• Footage shared in group chats or posted on social media
• Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
• Preservation tip: Screenshot immediately—Snapchat and Instagram stories disappear

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists
• Emails/texts from officers about “what we’ll do to pledges”
• National policies and training materials
• Discovery: We subpoena these from national headquarters

University Records

• Prior conduct files, probation/suspensions, letters of warning
• Incident reports to campus police or student conduct offices
• Clery reports and similar disclosures
• UT Austin advantage: Public hazing violation log provides ready evidence

Medical and Psychological Records

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Surgery and rehab notes
• Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels, drug screens)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality)
• In rhabdomyolysis cases: Creatine kinase levels documenting muscle damage

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Expert witnesses on Greek life culture, trauma psychology, economics

Damages: What Somerset Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses: ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications, future care
• Lost income: Wages lost during recovery, parents’ time off work
• Educational impact: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Future earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings if injuries cause permanent disability
• Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care (like severe brain injury)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm)

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries, surgeries, rehabilitation
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of dignity
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
• Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support: Deceased’s potential lifetime earnings
• Loss of companionship, love, and society
• Grief and emotional suffering of family members
• Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Available)

• Purpose: Punish defendants for reckless, willful, or malicious conduct
• When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts
• Texas caps: Statutory limits apply except in certain intentional tort cases

How Recovery Works in Practice

Settlement vs Trial

• Most cases settle with confidential terms
• Trials are rare but can result in larger verdicts and public accountability
• Our approach: Prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—this maximizes settlement leverage

Settlement Fund Allocation

• Immediate needs: Pay medical bills, replace lost income, cover funeral costs
• Long-term care: Fund ongoing therapy, medications, life care for catastrophic injuries
• Educational continuity: Transfer to complete degree elsewhere, replace lost scholarships
• Legacy & advocacy: Many families create foundations or scholarships in victim’s name

Non-Financial Accountability

• Institutional reform: Consent decrees requiring anti-hazing programs
• Chapter closure: Permanent removal of dangerous organizations
• Public transparency: Some families insist on public disclosure to raise awareness

Practical Guides & FAQs for Somerset Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM)
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-organization activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring; fear of missing “mandatory” events
• Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

1. Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. Express concern without judgment: “I notice you seem exhausted lately. Is everything okay?”
3. Emphasize safety: “Your health and safety are more important than any organization.”
4. Provide unconditional support: “No matter what’s happening, we’re here for you.”

If Your Child Is Hurt: 48-Hour Action Checklist

Hour 1–6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Get medical attention if injured or intoxicated
✅ Remove from dangerous situation
✅ Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
✅ 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):
✅ Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
✅ Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

Hour 24–48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Speak with experienced hazing attorney
✅ Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students
✅ If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
✅ Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

Dealing with the University

• Document every communication with administrators
• Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
• Understand that universities often prioritize institutional reputation
• Do NOT sign any “release” or “resolution” forms without attorney review

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

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

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

How to Exit Safely

• If in immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
• To quit/de-pledge: Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my pledge/membership effective immediately”
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate
• If fear retaliation: Report that fear to Dean of Students and campus police
• Texas law protects: Good-faith reporters have immunity; calling 911 in medical emergency has amnesty protections

Evidence Collection for Students

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

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
   What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
   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

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly
   What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
   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

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms
   What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
   Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements often below case value
   What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney reviewing first

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer
   What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
   Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
   What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”
   What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
   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

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”
   What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
   Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
   What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer
   What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
   Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
   What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Hazing FAQ for Somerset Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) 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.

“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, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears fast.

“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 occurred off-campus and still resulted in 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.

“What will this cost our family?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We cover all case expenses initially and are repaid from the recovery. This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford to take on wealthy fraternities and universities.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Somerset Family’s Hazing Case

When your 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. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Somerset and all of Bexar County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

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

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Set reserves and negotiate settlements

We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable when dealing with insurers who represent national fraternities and universities.

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)
• 25+ years practicing law since 1998
• 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
• Experience collaborating with economists to value lifetime care needs
• Understanding of brain injury, rhabdomyolysis, and 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
• Experience with cases that involve both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits

Investigative Depth

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

Current Active Hazing Litigation
Right now, we’re fighting the Leonel Bermudez $10 million hazing lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t theoretical experience—we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. We understand:

• How universities respond when sued
• How national fraternities defend these cases
• What evidence matters most
• How to overcome institutional cover-ups

How We Apply Our Broader Experience to Hazing Cases

From Trucking Accident Investigations:
Our evidence collection skills—obtaining ELD data, driver logs, maintenance records—translate directly to hazing investigations: obtaining group chats, chapter records, member files, and prior incident reports.

From Maritime & Federal Court Experience:
Our Jones Act and federal court experience prepares us for Title IX claims and federal civil rights actions that may accompany hazing cases.

From Wrongful Death Practice:
Our experience valuing young lives and calculating lifetime economic losses is directly applicable to hazing death and catastrophic injury cases.

From Criminal Defense Practice:
Our understanding of criminal procedure helps us navigate cases where hazing results in criminal charges alongside civil claims.

Your Next Step: Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether UTSA locally, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in Somerset, Bexar County, and throughout Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

1. We’ll listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
5. Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
7. Everything you tell us is confidential

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

Spanish-Language Services Available
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Clear Expectations

Reading this guide does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. An experienced attorney can review your specific facts, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your options.

Whether you’re in Somerset or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for your child’s safety must be held accountable. We have the experience, the resources, and the determination to help you achieve justice.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened to your child and how we can help.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

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: https://attorney911.com