The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Families in Spur, Texas

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

For families in Spur, Dickens County, and across the Texas South Plains, sending your child to college represents the culmination of years of hard work and hope. Our tight-knit community values character, integrity, and looking out for one another. Yet today, at universities across Texas—where many of our Spur students attend—a dangerous culture persists behind closed doors. It’s not the academic challenge we worry about; it’s the secret rituals, the forced drinking, and the physical abuse that can happen during what should be a time of growth and opportunity.

Right now, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are shocking: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack” 24/7. The result? Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, and a four-day hospitalization—with ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t happening in some distant state. This is happening right now in Texas, at a public university less than 400 miles from Spur. The fraternity chapter has been shut down, but the damage to this young man and his family is profound. If this can happen at UH, it can happen at Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, or any campus where your child might pursue their education.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Spur, Dickens County, and throughout West Texas who need to understand:

What modern hazing really looks like in 2025
Texas hazing laws and your family’s rights
The national patterns of fraternity and sorority hazing that repeat across campuses
What’s happening at Texas universities where Spur students often attend
How to protect your child and hold responsible parties accountable

If you’re reading this because you suspect your child may have been hazed, trust that instinct. What you’re about to learn could help you take the right steps to protect them.

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses). Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many Spur parents remember hazing as “boys will be boys” behavior or harmless pranks. Today’s reality is fundamentally different—more dangerous, more psychologically damaging, and often hidden behind digital screens and off-campus locations.

The Modern Definition: It’s Not “Just Tradition”

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. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion.

Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37) defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Consent is explicitly not a defense.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. It’s not “just drinking at a party.” It’s systematic coercion:

“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish
“Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean forced drinking
“Lineups” where pledges must chug alcohol in succession
Being pressured to consume unknown substances or dangerous mixtures

2. Physical Hazing
More than just tough workouts:

Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
“Smokings” – extreme calisthenics until collapse
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water deprivation or forced consumption of spoiled/noxious substances
Exposure to extreme temperatures without proper clothing

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
These acts cause profound psychological trauma:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
Degrading costumes or role-playing with racial/sexist overtones
Being forced to wear embarrassing items in public

4. Psychological Hazing
The invisible wounds that last longest:

Verbal abuse, screaming, humiliation in front of peers
Isolation from non-members, including family
Threats of expulsion from the organization for non-compliance
“Roasts” where the pledge’s insecurities are publicly exposed

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier, especially difficult for parents to detect:

Group chat dares that must be completed within minutes
Forced social media posts (humiliating TikTok videos, Instagram stories)
24/7 availability expectations – immediate response required at all hours
Location sharing requirements via Find My Friends or Life360
Cyberstalking if the pledge tries to leave

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While Greek organizations account for many incidents, hazing occurs across campus:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC at schools like Texas A&M
Athletic Teams – from football to swimming
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (drill teams, cheer, marching bands)
Academic and Service Organizations
Military Academies and Military-Style Programs

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s power imbalance, secrecy, and tradition misused to justify abuse.

Texas Hazing Law: What Spur Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key Provisions Every Spur Parent Should Understand:

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be:

Fined up to $10,000 per violation
Subject to university revocation of recognition
Held criminally liable if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report

Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155):
The law explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” to hazing activities does not excuse the conduct. This is critical—fraternities often argue “they wanted to do it.”

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154):
Individuals who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. Many universities also have medical amnesty policies for those who call 911 in alcohol emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter (in deaths)
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims/families
Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Common claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Burden of proof: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)

Important: These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case, and a criminal acquittal doesn’t prevent civil liability.

Federal Laws That Apply in Texas Hazing Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Phased implementation through 2026
Creates national hazing database

Title IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate and take appropriate action.

Clery Act:
Requires reporting of certain crimes on campus; hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, and drug offenses that must be disclosed in annual security reports.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Often include pledge educators, chapter presidents, risk managers

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Often have deep pockets and insurance coverage
Can be liable for inadequate supervision, training, or response to prior incidents

4. Universities and Governing Boards:

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations but can still be liable for gross negligence or Title IX violations
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections
Liability often turns on: prior knowledge, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

5. Third Parties:

Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific. We investigate all potential sources of liability to ensure full accountability.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragic cases below aren’t just news stories—they’re patterns that help us understand how hazing happens and how courts respond. These precedents directly affect what Texas families can expect in their own cases.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Pattern

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

Bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking (18 drinks in 82 minutes)
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
4-hour delay before calling 911
Result: 18 members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts; Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”; massive civil settlements
Texas Relevance: Shows how delay in seeking medical care dramatically increases liability

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game – wrong answers meant drinking
Blood alcohol content: 0.495% (six times legal limit)
Result: Felony hazing conviction; Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act”; $6.1M civil verdict
Texas Relevance: “Drinking games” as hazing are common in Texas chapters

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

“Big/Little” night – forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey
Result: $10M settlement ($7M from national Pike, $3M from BGSU); multiple criminal convictions; chapter president personally liable for $6.5M
Texas Relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha has multiple Texas chapters; same “Big/Little” pattern occurs here

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

“Big Brother” night with handle of liquor
Result: Chapter closure; FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
Texas Relevance: Pi Kappa Phi is the fraternity in our current UH case – same national organization, similar patterns

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Delayed medical care while members searched internet for symptoms
Result: National fraternity convicted of felony manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years; members received prison sentences
Texas Relevance: Shows off-campus “retreats” are high-risk environments

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

“Pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking
Permanent catastrophic brain injury – cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Result: Settlements with 22 defendants; chapter closed
Texas Relevance: Non-fatal catastrophic injuries can result in lifelong care costs exceeding death cases

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing spanning years
Result: Head coach fired (later settled wrongful termination suit); multiple player lawsuits; program in turmoil
Texas Relevance: Major athletic programs at Texas schools face similar risks

What These Cases Mean for Spur Families

These national cases establish critical legal principles that apply in Texas:

Pattern Evidence Matters: When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused injuries elsewhere, that pattern helps prove negligence.
Delay is Deadly: The hours between injury and medical care often determine outcomes and dramatically increase liability.
National Organizations Are Liable: Headquarters can’t claim “rogue chapter” when patterns repeat across campuses.
Universities Face Consequences: Schools that ignore warning signs or respond inadequately face significant liability.
Individual Accountability: Chapter officers and participants can face both criminal charges and personal civil liability.

Texas Universities: Where Spur Students Attend and What Happens There

Many Spur and Dickens County students attend Texas universities within driving distance. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is crucial for local families.

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX – 110 miles from Spur)

For Spur Families: At just under two hours’ drive, West Texas A&M is a common choice for local students seeking quality education close to home. The university’s Greek life and athletic programs are active, and hazing incidents here directly affect our community.

Campus Culture & Greek Life:

Fraternities: Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Alpha Tau Omega
Sororities: Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Zeta Tau Alpha, others
Athletic Programs: Division II sports with active teams
Community Connection: Many Spur area alumni and current students

Documented Concerns:
While specific recent public incidents may be limited, the national patterns affecting these organizations raise concerns:

Pi Kappa Alpha: Multiple hazing deaths nationally (Stone Foltz, others)
Sigma Chi: $10M+ settlement in South Carolina hazing case
Lambda Chi Alpha: Prior hazing allegations at other Texas campuses

Texas A&M University System Oversight:
As part of the A&M system, WTAMU follows system-wide anti-hazing policies, but enforcement varies by campus. The proximity to Spur means families often deal with consequences locally.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX – 95 miles from Spur)

For Spur Families: Texas Tech is the major university closest to Spur, with many local students attending. Its large Greek system and athletic programs mean hazing risks are present.

Greek Life Landscape:

26+ fraternities including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi
17+ sororities across Panhellenic and multicultural councils
Approximately 5,000 Greek life participants

Recent Concerns:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon: National pattern of hazing incidents including chemical burns case at Texas A&M
Alcohol-Related Risks: Large Greek system with significant social events
Off-Campus Housing: Many chapter houses in surrounding Lubbock neighborhoods

Reporting Resources for Spur Families:

Texas Tech Office of Student Conduct: (806) 742-1234
Texas Tech Police: (806) 742-3931
Local hospitals: Covenant Medical Center, University Medical Center
Critical: Evidence from Lubbock incidents may need immediate preservation before students return to Spur

Other Regional Universities Spur Students Attend

South Plains College (Levelland, TX – 65 miles):
While primarily a community college, some student organizations and transfer programs to four-year schools carry hazing risks during transition periods.

Texas A&M University – Commerce (280 miles):
As part of the A&M system, follows similar policies but with different enforcement challenges due to size and location.

University of Texas – Austin (355 miles):
Some Spur students attend UT, which has one of Texas’ most transparent hazing reporting systems.

The Texas Tech Connection: Why It Matters for Spur

When hazing incidents occur at Texas Tech:

Medical care typically happens in Lubbock hospitals
Initial police response comes from Lubbock PD or Texas Tech PD
Evidence (group chats, social media) is created in Lubbock but accessible from Spur
Witnesses may be Texas Tech students but return to Spur on breaks
Legal proceedings may occur in Lubbock courts but affect Spur families

We understand this geographic dynamic and have experience handling cases that span multiple jurisdictions.

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

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records of Greek organizations operating in Texas. This isn’t speculation—it’s publicly available data that helps us identify all potentially liable parties in hazing cases.

Why This Directory Matters for Spur Parents

If your child is hazed, you need to know who really stands behind the Greek letters. National headquarters? Local housing corporations? Alumni associations? Insurance policies are often held by these separate legal entities. We track them so families don’t start from zero.

West Texas Region Greek Organizations (From Public Records)

Based on IRS B83 Filings (Tax-Exempt Greek Organizations):

Frank Heflin Foundation (EIN: 203507402)
Canyon, TX 79015
Phi Delta Theta alumni fund – West Texas A&M connection
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association (EIN: 752290669)
Amarillo, TX 79118
Chapter housing corporation
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter
Canyon, TX
West Texas A&M chapter
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Zeta Chapter
Canyon, TX
Educators’ society with local presence
Phi Delta Theta – Texas Theta Chapter
Canyon, TX
West Texas A&M chapter

Lubbock Area Organizations (Texas Tech):

Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation (EIN: 237359384)
Lubbock, TX 79401
Fraternity housing entity
Alpha Omega Epsilon – Beta Alpha Chapter (EIN: 473967233)
Lubbock, TX 79416
Engineering sorority chapter
Farm House Fraternity Inc – Texas Tech Chapter (EIN: 751565336)
Lubbock, TX 79416
Agricultural fraternity
Gamma Phi House Corporation of Kappa Alpha Theta (EIN: 751283953)
Lubbock, TX 79423
Sorority housing corporation
TKE OP Housing (EIN: 475033161)
Lubbock, TX 79423
Tau Kappa Epsilon housing entity

National Organizations with Texas Chapters

These are brands that appear in both IRS records and metro databases, showing how national organizations operate across Texas:

Pi Kappa Alpha: Multiple Texas chapters including recent hazing violations
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Documented hazing incidents at Texas A&M and UT
Pi Kappa Phi: Currently involved in our UH lawsuit – chapters statewide
Kappa Sigma: Multiple Texas chapters with national hazing history
Sigma Chi: Recent $10M+ settlement in South Carolina case

What This Means for Your Case

When we take a hazing case, we don’t just sue the individual students. We use this directory to:

Identify all legal entities behind the chapter
Locate insurance coverage (often held by housing corporations or nationals)
Establish pattern evidence from other chapters of the same organization
Prove institutional knowledge of hazing risks

This investigative depth is why experienced hazing counsel matters. Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters. Families need comparable resources.

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

If your family is considering legal action, understanding the process can reduce anxiety and help you make informed decisions.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

1. Digital Communications (Most Important):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Show planning, execution, and cover-up
Social media: Instagram Stories, Snapchat, TikTok posts about events
Deleted messages: Digital forensics can often recover them
Location data: GPS from photos/texts proving where events occurred

2. Photos & Videos:

Injuries immediately after and over following days
Event locations (houses, parks, off-campus venues)
Participants and their roles
Important: Even “fun” party photos can show underage drinking or dangerous conditions

3. Medical Records:

ER admissions and discharge summaries
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels)
Specialist consultations (nephrology for kidney damage, etc.)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

4. University Records (Obtained via Discovery):

Prior conduct violations by same organization
Internal investigations and findings
Correspondence between university and national headquarters
Campus police reports

5. Witness Information:

Other pledges who experienced same treatment
Former members who left due to hazing
Roommates, friends, or partners who observed changes
Medical personnel who treated injuries

The Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, therapy, medications)
Lost educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed or withdrawn
Lost earning capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects
Life care costs: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Loss of educational experience: What college was supposed to be

Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

To punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
To deter future hazing
Available under Texas law in certain circumstances

Realistic Timeline and Process

Phase 1: Investigation (Weeks 1-12)

Evidence preservation and collection
Witness interviews
Initial demand letters
Insurance coverage identification

Phase 2: Negotiation (Months 3-12)

Settlement discussions with insurers
Mediation attempts
Ongoing discovery

Phase 3: Litigation (Months 12-24+)

Formal lawsuit filing if settlement fails
Discovery process (depositions, document requests)
Expert witness preparation
Trial preparation

Most cases settle during Phase 2, but preparation for trial is essential for leverage. The national hazing cases we discussed earlier set settlement ranges that inform negotiations.

Practical Guide: What Spur Families Should Do Right Now

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight loss or gain
Coming home with injuries to hands, back, or legs
Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Constant phone checking for group messages
Financial stress from unexplained expenses

Academic Issues:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Immediate Action Checklist:

Prioritize Safety: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save items
Document Everything: Write down what happened, who was involved, when/where
Contact Counsel: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university or insurance
Medical Follow-up: Complete all recommended treatments and document
Avoid Mistakes: Don’t confront organization, don’t sign anything, don’t post online

Questions to Ask Your Child (Non-Confrontationally):

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

For Students: Your Rights and Options

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Am I being told to keep secrets from parents or university?
Are older members making me do things they don’t do themselves?

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

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
Text/email resignation to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” – that’s where pressure happens
Document any retaliation – it’s illegal in Texas

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency (good-faith immunity)
Hazing is a crime – you’re the victim, not the perpetrator
You can request a no-contact order through the university if harassed
Consent is not a defense under Texas law

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What happens: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble” leads to destroying proof
Result: Case becomes nearly impossible to prove; looks like cover-up
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization
What happens: Parents directly confront fraternity/sorority
Result: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document first, let your attorney handle communication

3. Signing University “Agreements”
What happens: University pressures quick “internal resolution”
Result: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often minimal
Better approach: Consult attorney before signing anything

4. Posting on Social Media
What happens: Emotional posts about the incident
Result: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Private documentation only; let attorney control messaging

5. Waiting “To See What Happens”
What happens: Trusting university investigation process
Result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Better approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters
What happens: Adjuster calls “to get your statement”
Result: Recorded statement used against you; early lowball settlement
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Spur Families

Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like Texas Tech or WTAMU) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private organizations have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific.

Is hazing a felony in Texas?
It can be. Default is Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report.

What if my child “agreed” to the initiation?
Irrelevant under Texas law. Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, statute may be tolled. Time is critical – call immediately.

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

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

How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on contingency – no fee unless we win. We cover case expenses initially, recovered from settlement. This makes justice accessible regardless of family means.

Do you handle cases outside Houston?
Yes. We serve families statewide from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. For Spur families, we understand West Texas dynamics and can handle cases remotely or travel as needed.

What about criminal charges?
We can advise on both criminal and civil aspects. Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership means we understand criminal defense, which is valuable when hazing involves criminal charges.

Can you help if we’re not sure it’s hazing?
Yes. Call us for confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain what constitutes hazing under Texas law, and help you decide next steps. No obligation.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities and national fraternities fight back—and how to win anyway. Here’s why families across Texas, including here in Spur and Dickens County, choose us:

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña’s Background):
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”
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello’s Experience):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Not Intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets. We know how to fight powerful institutions.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Wrongful death and catastrophic injury settlements
Experience with economists valuing lifetime care needs
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.”

Dual Civil/Criminal Expertise:

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

Investigative Resources:

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

We Understand West Texas Values

Our work with families across Texas has taught us what matters in communities like Spur:

Privacy and discretion during difficult times
Clear communication without legal jargon
Respect for family bonds and community connections
Practical solutions that work for real people, not just legal theories

Our Commitment to Spur Families

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Spur, Dickens County, and all of West Texas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects our entire state, and we’re committed to holding responsible parties accountable—no matter how powerful.

We’ve seen what hazing does to families. The phone calls in the middle of the night. The hospital visits. The confusion when universities give runaround responses. The anger when organizations try to blame the victim. We’re here to help you navigate this nightmare with competence and compassion.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If you suspect your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly. Universities and organizations move fast to control narratives. The statute of limitations continues ticking.

What to Expect When You Call 1-888-ATTY-911:

1. Immediate Response:
We answer 24/7 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, we’ll schedule same-day or next-day consultation.

2. Confidential Listening:
We’ll listen to your story without judgment. You can share details you haven’t told anyone else.

3. Evidence Review:
We’ll look at any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records) and explain what it means.

4. Legal Options Explained:
We’ll outline your possible paths: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither.

5. Realistic Assessment:
We’ll give honest assessment of case strengths, challenges, and realistic expectations.

6. No Pressure:
Take time to decide. We’ll answer all questions without pressuring immediate commitment.

7. Spanish Services Available:
Hablamos Español. Contact Lupe Peña directly for consultation in Spanish.

Contact Information:

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

Offices Serving Texas:
Houston • Austin • Beaumont
(We serve families statewide, including Spur and all West Texas communities)

Final Word to Spur Families

Hazing violates everything our Texas communities stand for: respect, safety, and looking out for one another. When organizations betray that trust, they must be held accountable—not just for your family, but to prevent the next tragedy.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. You don’t have to accept university runarounds. You don’t have to watch powerful organizations avoid responsibility.

Call us today. Let’s get your family answers, accountability, and the closure you deserve.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: 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

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, 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