The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Somervell County Families: Holding Campuses & Fraternities Accountable

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

For parents across Somervell County—in Glen Rose, Rainbow, Nemo, and our tight-knit communities—sending a child to college is a milestone filled with pride and hope. We imagine them making friends, joining clubs, and building their future. What we don’t imagine is receiving a call that our child is in the hospital because of what a fraternity, sorority, or campus organization did to them. The nightmare that started in your living room with a college acceptance letter suddenly changes: your child is injured, humiliated, and the university seems more concerned with protecting its reputation than protecting your child.

Right now, in Texas, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country, representing a young man named Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His story is not an isolated incident from some distant state; it’s happening here, at our Texas universities, and it reveals exactly how modern hazing operates, how institutions respond, and what families in Somervell County need to know to protect their children.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Somervell County families whose children attend Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, Baylor, SMU, or any other Texas campus. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what we’re learning from active litigation like the Bermudez case, and what legal options your family may have if the unthinkable happens.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN SOMERVELL COUNTY

If you’re reading this because your child was just injured in a hazing incident, take these steps immediately:

Call 911 for any medical emergency. If your child is unconscious, vomiting, injured, or showing signs of alcohol poisoning, get medical help first.
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate legal guidance 24/7.
Preserve evidence BEFORE it disappears: Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), photograph injuries from multiple angles, save any physical items involved, and write down everything you remember while it’s fresh.
Do NOT: Confront the fraternity/sorority directly, sign anything from the university or insurance company, post details on social media, or let your child delete messages.

Time is the enemy in hazing cases. Evidence disappears within hours—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. Call us within the first 48 hours so we can help you preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.

Understanding the Texas Hazing Case That Changed Everything: Leonel Bermudez vs. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

Before we discuss the broader landscape, you need to understand the case that proves what’s possible in Texas hazing litigation right now. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. What happened to Leonel shows exactly how hazing operates at Texas campuses where Somervell County students enroll.

What Actually Happened During the Pledgeship

Leonel, a transfer student, accepted a bid from Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at UH in September 2025. What followed was not brotherhood, but systematic abuse:

Humiliation as Policy: He was forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other degrading items. Failure to comply meant threats of punishment or expulsion.
Forced Servitude: He endured enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interrogations, and overnight chauffeuring duties for members.
Physical Torture: At the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park, he was subjected to sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills. He was stripped to his underwear in cold weather, made to lie in vomit-soaked grass, and sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding.
Dangerous Consumption Rituals: He was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint.
The Breaking Point: On November 3, 2025, he was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion if he stopped. He couldn’t stand without help afterward.

The Medical Catastrophe That Followed

This wasn’t just “hard workouts.” Within days, Leonel’s urine turned brown—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition where muscle breaks down and floods the kidneys. He was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels confirming both severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm. This is what hazing does in 2025: it doesn’t just humiliate—it hospitalizes and creates permanent health consequences.

How the Institutions Responded—And Why It Matters for Your Family

The institutional response reveals the playbook universities and national fraternities use:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter after receiving hazing reports.
November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter; the chapter was officially shut down.
University Statement: UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and said they would cooperate with law enforcement.

Notice the pattern: The national fraternity acts only after someone is hospitalized. The university expresses concern but had oversight of the chapter house and campus activities. The chapter closes, but the individuals involved face minimal immediate consequences unless families fight for accountability. This is why our lawsuit names not just the individuals, but the university, the national organization, the housing corporation, and the board of regents. Accountability must extend to every entity that enabled or ignored the danger.

For detailed coverage of this active case, see the Click2Houston report on the UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit.

The Greek Ecosystem Surrounding Somervell County Families: What You’re Really Dealing With

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a social club. They’re entering a complex network of legal entities, insurance policies, and national organizations. At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database built from public records that shows exactly who stands behind the Greek letters at Texas campuses. For Somervell County families, understanding this landscape is crucial.

Where Somervell County Students Go to College—And What Greek Life They Encounter

From our small communities in Somervell County, students typically attend:

Primary University Destinations:

Texas A&M University (College Station): Many Somervell County students choose A&M for its engineering, agriculture, and traditional campus life, including its massive Greek system and Corps of Cadets.
University of Texas at Austin: As Texas’s flagship university, UT attracts students from across the state, including Somervell County, with its highly competitive Greek life system.
Texas Christian University (Fort Worth): Located just over an hour from Somervell County in the DFW metro area, TCU is a common choice with active Greek life.
Tarleton State University (Stephenville): At under an hour’s drive, Tarleton serves as a local option with emerging Greek organizations.
Other Texas Schools: University of North Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, and SMU all draw Somervell County students into their Greek communities.

The Public Records Reality: Who Really Operates These Organizations

Through IRS filings and corporate records, we track the legal entities behind Greek life. Here’s what that looks like for organizations operating in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, which includes Somervell County:

Sample Public Records of Texas Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings):

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 74-1380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 (IRS B83 filing)
Beta Upsilon Chi – EIN 74-2911848 – Fort Worth, TX 76244-4245 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Sigma Fraternity – EIN 75-6067776 – Fort Worth, TX 76109-2330 – THETA CHAPTER (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Texas Gamma Chapter – EIN 92-0575785 – Fort Worth, TX 76109-1149 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc – EIN 45-3325054 – Mansfield, TX 76063-0169 (IRS B83 filing)
Frisco TX Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated – EIN 92-0575785 – Frisco, TX 75034-7260 (IRS B83 filing)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 46-2267515 – Frisco, TX 75035-6629 (IRS B83 filing)
Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chap of Kappa Alpha Psi Frat Inc – EIN 23-2452759 – Grand Prairie, TX 75054-2901 (IRS B83 filing)
Eta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma House Corporation – EIN 75-2935462 – Frisco, TX 75036-1708 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Theta Pi – Mu Chapter Corporation – EIN 33-1294470 – Frisco, TX 75033-0998 (IRS B83 filing)

Metro-Level Scope: According to our Cause IQ data analysis, there are 510 Greek-related organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area alone. These include:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity in Fort Worth (12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation in Fort Worth
Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) national sorority headquarters in the Dallas area
Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter at TCU in Fort Worth
Sigma Nu Fraternity – Lambda Epsilon Chapter at TCU in Fort Worth

Cross-Validated Brands We Track: Some organizations appear in both IRS records and metro databases, confirming their operational presence:

Beta Upsilon Chi appears in IRS filings in Fort Worth AND as an active fraternity in Cause IQ metro data
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation appears in both IRS and metro records
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears in IRS filings in Waco and Commerce AND in metro records in Houston and Beaumont

What does this mean for your family? When hazing occurs, there are multiple potential sources of accountability and insurance coverage: the undergraduate chapter, the alumni housing corporation, the national headquarters, and affiliated foundations. Most families only see the undergraduate members—we investigate to identify every entity that shares responsibility.

Texas Hazing Law: What Somervell County Parents Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but understanding how they apply in real cases requires legal experience. Here’s what you need to know about the framework that governs cases involving Somervell County students.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Anti-Hazing Statute

Texas defines hazing broadly under Education Code §37.151 as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student. Key provisions include:

Criminal Penalties (§37.152): Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report hazing or retaliate against reporters can also face misdemeanor charges.
Organizational Liability (§37.153): Organizations themselves can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew about it and failed to report.
Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): This is crucial—even if your child “agreed” to participate, that does not legalize hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that power imbalance and group pressure negate true consent.
Good-Faith Reporter Immunity (§37.154): Students who report hazing in good faith or call for medical help are generally protected from disciplinary action related to their own involvement.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

When hazing occurs, two separate legal processes may unfold:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney’s office)
Purpose: Punishment (jail time, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Outcome affects: Criminal record, possible incarceration

Civil Lawsuits:

Brought by victims and their families
Purpose: Compensation for damages, accountability, institutional change
Common claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Outcome affects: Financial recovery, policy reforms, public accountability

Critical Insight: A criminal conviction is NOT required to file a civil lawsuit. Many of the most successful hazing cases in Texas and nationwide have proceeded civilly even when criminal charges weren’t filed or resulted in acquittal. The standards of proof are different, and the goals are complementary.

Federal Laws That Overlay Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires universities receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently and maintain public hazing data beginning around 2026. This will create more accessible records for families.
Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations require universities to investigate and respond appropriately.
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes on and around campus; hazing incidents often overlap with reportable offenses like assault or alcohol crimes.

National Hazing Patterns: What History Tells Us About Texas Cases

The hazing that affects Somervell County students isn’t unique to Texas. National patterns show consistent methods, cover-up tactics, and institutional responses. Understanding these patterns helps us prove that organizations should have known the risks.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

This is the most common fatal hazing method nationwide, and it mirrors what we see in Texas cases:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol 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): Died during “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life.
Pattern Recognition: These cases show national fraternities have seen the same “tradition” result in deaths repeatedly. When a Texas chapter uses the same script, we can argue the national organization had notice and should have prevented it.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Died from traumatic brain injury during blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
Takeaway for Texas Families: Off-campus retreats and ritualized physical hazing carry extreme risks, and national organizations can face severe consequences.

Athletic and Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Multiple lawsuits resulted in confidential settlements and coaching changes.
Texas A&M Corps of Cadets: Multiple lawsuits alleging degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and restraint.
Reality Check: Hazing extends far beyond Greek life into athletic programs, spirit groups, and other campus organizations where Somervell County students participate.

What These National Cases Mean for Your Texas Case

When we represent Somervell County families, we use these national patterns to establish:

Foreseeability: The organization knew or should have known the risks based on what happened at other chapters.
Inadequate Prevention: If the same methods cause injuries repeatedly, existing policies are clearly insufficient.
Punitive Damage Arguments: Repeated disregard for known dangers can justify punishment beyond compensation.

Campus-Specific Realities for Somervell County Students

Every Texas university has its own Greek ecosystem, policies, and history with hazing. Here’s what Somervell County families need to know about the campuses where your children enroll.

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

For many Somervell County students, Texas A&M represents tradition, discipline, and community. But that tradition sometimes masks dangerous practices.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and other substances poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. Sought over $1 million in damages.
Current Climate: A&M maintains separate disciplinary processes for Greek life and the Corps, but both have faced serious allegations requiring legal intervention.

For Somervell County Families with Students at A&M:

Reporting goes through Student Conduct Office or Corps leadership
Evidence preservation is critical—Corps hazing often lacks digital trails but has witness networks
Both the university AND the Corps structure can face liability for failing to supervise

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing disclosure systems, which actually helps families build cases.

Public Hazing Violations (Sample from UT’s Website):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation and hazing prevention education.
Texas Wranglers (Multiple Years): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. Chapter already under suspension for prior violations.

Why UT’s Transparency Matters for Your Case:
When we represent families in UT hazing cases, we can:

Cite prior violations of the same organization to show pattern
Demonstrate the university knew about risks
Argue that previous sanctions were insufficient to prevent recurrence

Texas Christian University: Proximity and Greek Intensity

For Somervell County families, TCU in Fort Worth represents both geographic proximity and a highly active Greek system.

Documented Issues:

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended until 2021.
Greek Life Concentration: TCU has one of the highest Greek participation rates in Texas, intensifying both social pressure and oversight challenges.

Fort Worth/Jurisdiction Considerations:

Civil cases may be filed in Tarrant County courts
TCU as a private university has different liability considerations than public institutions
Proximity to Somervell County means families can more easily participate in case development

University of Houston: Active Litigation and Urban Campus Challenges

As demonstrated by our Bermudez case, UH faces significant hazing challenges in an urban, commuter-heavy environment.

Prior Incidents:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed during hazing. Chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension.
Ongoing Issues: Urban campus with off-campus housing creates supervision challenges. Multiple fraternities have faced disciplinary action for alcohol violations and hazing-adjacent conduct.

Harris County Legal Landscape:

Criminal charges typically filed through Harris County District Attorney
Civil cases generally proceed through Harris County district courts
University’s status as a public institution affects sovereign immunity arguments

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Athletic Program Scrutiny

Baylor’s history with institutional accountability creates a complex backdrop for hazing cases.

Documented Issues:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation.
Greek Life Environment: Baylor’s religious identity doesn’t immunize it from Greek life hazards, as national fraternities and sororities operate similarly regardless of host institution.

Waco/Jurisdiction Considerations:

McLennan County courts typically handle cases
Baylor’s private status affects discovery and liability arguments
University’s prior institutional crises have created both sensitivity to misconduct and well-developed defense strategies

How Fraternity and Sorority National Histories Impact Your Texas Case

When your child is hazed at a Texas campus, the local chapter doesn’t operate in a vacuum. National organizations have histories—sometimes decades long—of the same dangerous behaviors. At Attorney911, we investigate these national patterns to build stronger cases for Somervell County families.

Organizations with Documented National Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ/ “Pike”):

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, 2021): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012): $14 million settlement
Texas Connections: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UH have faced hazing allegations
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol consumption events repeatedly cause deaths

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ/ “SAE”):

National Death Toll: Multiple hazing-related deaths historically led SAE to eliminate pledging in 2014
Texas A&M Chemical Burns Case (2021): $1 million lawsuit over industrial cleaner burns
UT Austin Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student severely injured
Pattern: Physical violence and alcohol hazing persist despite national policy changes

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Died during “Bible study” drinking game; Louisiana passed felony hazing law
National Response: Implemented alcohol-free housing policy after Gruver death
Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games creating false sense of safety

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, 2025): Our active case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing combined with alcohol consumption

Why National Histories Matter in Your Texas Lawsuit

When we represent Somervell County families, we use national histories to prove:

Notice and Foreseeability: The national organization knew this specific type of hazing could cause injury or death because it happened at other chapters.
Inadequate Prevention: If the same behaviors cause injuries repeatedly, the national’s policies and training are ineffective.
Punitive Damage Basis: Repeated disregard for known dangers justifies punishment beyond compensation.
Insurance Coverage Arguments: National organizations often try to claim local chapters acted “rogue.” National histories show systemic patterns that undermine this defense.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

When hazing affects your Somervell County family, understanding the legal process can reduce anxiety and help you make informed decisions. Here’s how we approach these complex cases at Attorney911.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing leaves digital trails that are often more revealing than physical evidence. We focus on:

Group Communications (The Most Critical Evidence):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: These show planning, coordination, threats, and admissions
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages: Often contain photos/videos of the hazing
Fraternity-specific apps: Many nationals have their own communication platforms
Discord servers, Slack workspaces: Used for organizing events

Our Data Preservation Protocol:

Immediate screenshotting before messages are deleted
Digital forensics to recover deleted content when possible
Metadata analysis to verify authenticity and timing
Cross-referencing across multiple participants’ devices

We have a detailed video explaining how to use your cellphone to document evidence that every family should watch immediately after an incident.

Physical and Medical Evidence:

Medical records showing injuries, alcohol toxicity, rhabdomyolysis markers
Photographs of injuries, locations, and objects used
Clothing or objects from the hazing (don’t wash or discard)
Witness statements from other pledges, members, or bystanders

Damages: What Your Family Can Recover

Hazing cases seek compensation for very real harms. For Somervell County families, this includes:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: ER visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, ongoing treatment, future care
Lost educational costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Therapy and counseling: For PTSD, depression, anxiety resulting from trauma
Lost earning capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harms):

Pain and suffering from physical injuries
Emotional distress, humiliation, loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life—college experience permanently altered
Damage to family relationships and dynamics

Wrongful Death Damages (In Tragic Cases):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship, guidance, and financial support
Emotional suffering of parents and siblings

Recent Settlement Context:

Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10 million total settlement
Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements
Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): Over $10 million for severe hazing injuries
These provide benchmarks, but every Somervell County case is evaluated individually based on specific facts and injuries.

The Defendant Universe: Who Can Be Held Accountable

In our experience representing Texas families, liability often extends beyond the individuals who directly participated:

Primary Targets:

Individual students who planned, participated in, or concealed the hazing
Chapter officers (presidents, pledge educators, risk managers) with leadership responsibility
The local chapter as a legal entity (if incorporated)

Institutional Defendants:

National fraternity/sorority headquarters: For inadequate training, supervision, and response to known patterns
University/Board of Regents: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, premises liability
Housing corporations/alumni associations: That own or control properties where hazing occurs

Third Parties:

Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
Security companies that failed to intervene

Insurance Coverage Battles: Where Most Cases Are Really Fought

As former insurance defense attorneys, we have insider knowledge of how these cases are valued and defended. Key realities:

Common Insurance Tactics:

“Intentional Acts” Exclusion: Insurers argue hazing is intentional, not accidental
“Rogue Chapter” Defense: Nationals claim local chapters acted independently
Low Early Offers: Testing families’ desperation before medical picture is clear
Delay Strategies: Hoping families will settle for less as bills mount

Our Counter-Strategy:

Negligence Framing: Even if hazing was intentional, failure to supervise/prevent is negligent
National Pattern Evidence: Showing nationals knew risks from other chapters
Multiple Policy Identification: Finding all potential coverage sources
Bad Faith Threats: Holding insurers accountable for unreasonable denials

Practical Guides for Somervell County Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial strain from unexplained expenses
Academic performance plummeting

If You Suspect Hazing:

Talk openly but non-confrontationally: “I’m concerned about your safety, not judgmental about your choices.”
Ask specific questions: “What exactly do new members have to do? Has anyone gotten hurt?”
Prioritize safety over secrecy: “Your health matters more than any organization.”
Document everything they tell you with dates and details.

Critical First 48 Hours After Discovery:

Medical attention first for any injuries or intoxication
Evidence preservation: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
Contact an attorney before talking to university or insurance representatives
Do NOT let your child delete anything or go to “one last meeting”

For Students: Your Rights and Safety Options

Is This Hazing? Simple Self-Test:

Would you do this if you truly had a free choice?
Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the activity continue if university officials were watching?
Are you being told to keep secrets?
If you answered yes to any, it’s hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
Medical emergency: Texas law protects those who call for help
Leaving the organization: Send a simple written resignation; you don’t owe explanations
Fear of retaliation: Document threats and report to campus authorities

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith
“Consent” is not a defense against hazing charges
You can request no-contact orders through the university
You have 2 years generally to file a civil lawsuit (but act much sooner)

For Witnesses/Former Members: Coming Forward Responsibly

If you participated in or witnessed hazing and now regret it:

Why Your Testimony Matters:

Prevents future injuries to other students
Helps achieve real accountability beyond superficial sanctions
Can be part of your own healing and making amends

Legal Protections Available:

Whistleblower protections at many universities
Immunity agreements in some criminal cases
Confidentiality options in civil discovery
Separate legal counsel to advise on your specific exposure

How We Work with Cooperative Witnesses:

Separate representation to protect your interests
Strategizing testimony timing and format
Negotiating appropriate protections
Ensuring your cooperation is recognized in case resolutions

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Based on our experience representing Texas families, these errors most commonly undermine otherwise strong cases:

Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” group chats or social media looks like obstruction and destroys your credibility.
Confronting the Organization Directly: This triggers their defense preparation, evidence destruction, and witness coaching.
Signing University “Resolution” Agreements: These often contain waivers of your right to sue or lowball settlement terms.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt your case.
Waiting for University Investigations: Internal processes protect the institution, not your child; evidence disappears during delays.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you; never speak without counsel.
Missing Statute of Limitations: Generally 2 years in Texas, but critical evidence disappears long before then.

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more detailed guidance on protecting your rights.

FAQ: Answers for Somervell County Families

Q: Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?
A: Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees individually. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Each case requires individual analysis—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss your specific situation.

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

Q: What if my child “agreed” to participate?
A: Texas law (§37.155) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalance, group pressure, and fear of exclusion negate true voluntary consent.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or discovery of injury in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent, and fraudulent concealment by defendants may toll the statute. Do not wait—evidence disappears within days, not years. Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations for more detailed information.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar results.

Q: Will this be public or confidential?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. Court filings can often be sealed or use pseudonyms.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including hazing litigation. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only receive a fee if we recover compensation for you. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work for complete details.

Why Attorney911 for Somervell County 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. From our Texas offices, we serve families throughout the state, including those right here in Somervell County who have children at Texas campuses.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

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 claims, deploy delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. As he puts it, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when fighting for Somervell County families against well-funded institutional defendants.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):
Ralph is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same capability applies directly to hazing cases against national fraternities and university systems. His federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and HCCLA membership signal to defendants that we’re prepared for whatever defense they mount.

Multi-Million Dollar Results in Catastrophic Cases:
We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We understand how to work with economists to value lifetime care needs, future earning capacity losses, and the full scope of damages that hazing causes. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
Unlike firms that start from scratch with each case, we maintain our proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from IRS records, university filings, and corporate registrations. When we take your case, we already know how to identify every potentially liable entity—undergraduate chapters, housing corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters, and insurance policies.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise on criminal exposure for witnesses, navigate parallel proceedings, and ensure civil strategy coordinates with any criminal case developments.

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult with Spanish-speaking families throughout our representation. Hablamos Español—contact Mr. Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com for Spanish-language consultation.

Our Investigative Methodology: How We Build Your Case

Immediate Evidence Preservation: Digital forensics for deleted messages, geolocation data recovery, social media archiving.
National Pattern Research: Documenting prior incidents at other chapters of the same organization.
Institutional Discovery: Subpoenaing university conduct files, national fraternity training materials, insurance policies.
Expert Coordination: Medical experts, psychologists, economists, Greek life culture experts.
Strategic Defendant Identification: Finding every entity with potential liability and insurance coverage.

What to Expect When You Work with Us

Your Free Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer all your questions about process and costs
No pressure to hire us immediately—take time to make the right decision

Our Commitment to Your Family:

Regular updates every 2-3 weeks
Direct access to your attorneys, not case managers
Spanish-language services available
Respect for your privacy and emotional needs
Commitment to both compensation AND accountability

Contact Attorney911 for a Free Somervell County Hazing Case Evaluation

If hazing has affected your family—whether your child attends a university hours from Somervell County or within our region—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have legal teams and insurance adjusters working to minimize their exposure from day one. You deserve advocates who know how to level that playing field.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide the best path forward for your family.

Additional Contact Information:

Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Email Mr. Lupe Peña (Spanish Services): lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

We serve families throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Whether you’re in Glen Rose, Rainbow, Nemo, or anywhere in Somervell County, we’re here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the accountability your family deserves.

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 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.

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 | Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) 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 Eyewitness News 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 Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained: 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 and Information: https://attorney911.com