The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Every Family in Stagecoach Needs to Know

If Your Child Has Been Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone

Imagine this: your son, a student at a Texas university, excitedly accepts a bid to join a fraternity. What starts as camaraderie soon turns into something darker. He’s carrying a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 filled with humiliating items. He’s forced to chauffeur older members at all hours. Then come the “workouts”—sprints, bear crawls, being sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding,” forced to consume milk and hot dogs until he vomits, then made to sprint again. After one particularly brutal night of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, he collapses. His urine turns brown. He’s rushed to the hospital where doctors diagnose rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He spends four days hospitalized, facing the risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t a hypothetical horror story. This is what happened to Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student and Pi Kappa Phi pledge in the fall of 2025. His story—and our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders—is proof that severe, dangerous hazing is happening right now at Texas universities where Stagecoach families send their children.

If you’re a parent in Stagecoach, Montgomery County, or anywhere in the Greater Houston area, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at universities across our state, and what legal options your family may have. Our firm, Attorney911, is leading the fight against hazing in Texas right now. We’re here to help families in Stagecoach and throughout Texas navigate these complex cases.

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 Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in Stagecoach who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus organizations, hazing has evolved far beyond the “harmless pranks” of movies. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and dangerously normalized within certain groups.

The 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. Crucially, under Texas law, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. The law recognizes that true consent cannot exist when someone fears social exclusion or retaliation.

Five Main Categories of Hazing in Today’s College Environment

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It includes forced chugging challenges, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, and games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean forced drinking. The Leonel Bermudez case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.

2. Physical Hazing
This goes beyond “tough workouts” to include:

Paddling and beatings (still common despite national prohibitions)
Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) designed to cause exhaustion or injury
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water restriction or forced overconsumption
Exposure to extreme temperatures (like the cold-weather workouts in underwear in the UH case)

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The recent Northwestern University athletic hazing scandal revealed sexualized hazing in sports programs.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members, forced confessions, and public shaming either in meetings or—increasingly—on social media. This creates trauma that can last long after physical injuries heal.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier includes group chat dares, TikTok “challenges,” forced compromising photo/video sharing, 24/7 availability demands via GroupMe or Discord, and geo-tracking through apps like Find My Friends. Digital evidence from these platforms is now crucial in hazing cases.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC Divine Nine, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC (at Texas A&M and other universities)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common thread across all these groups is social status, tradition, and secrecy. These practices persist because veterans tell new members, “We went through it, so you have to,” and because victims fear reporting will mean social exclusion or retaliation.

Texas Hazing Law: What Stagecoach Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for families in Montgomery County and throughout the state.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Key provisions every Stagecoach parent should know:

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

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

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, or teams can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if the organization authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155):
Texas law explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” to hazing activities is not a defense to prosecution. Courts recognize that true consent cannot exist under peer pressure and power imbalance.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Section 37.154):
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. Many Texas universities also offer 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)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Burden of proof: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)

Both can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many hazing cases result in civil settlements even when criminal charges are reduced or dismissed.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026).

Title IX and Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. The Clery Act requires reporting of certain campus crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Texas law allows multiple parties to be held accountable:

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
University or Governing Board: Schools may be liable for negligence, Title IX violations, or deliberate indifference
Third Parties: Landlords of event spaces, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies

In our ongoing UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’ve sued 16 defendants including UH, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

Several high-profile national cases have shaped hazing law and prevention efforts. These patterns help us understand what’s at stake for Texas families.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid-acceptance event, Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol, fell repeatedly (captured on chapter cameras), and fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. He died from traumatic brain injuries. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Gruver died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. This led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Foltz died after being forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. The case resulted in criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” His death led to FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Deng died from traumatic brain injuries after being blindfolded, weighted down, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Santulli suffered permanent, severe brain damage after forced drinking during a “pledge dad reveal” night. He now requires 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants for multi-million-dollar amounts.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits were filed, head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired, and the university reached a confidential settlement with Fitzgerald in August 2025.

What These Cases Mean for Stagecoach Families

These national cases show clear patterns:

Forced drinking remains the most common fatal hazing method
Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes
Cover-ups and destruction of evidence are common
National organizations often have prior knowledge of dangerous traditions
Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts are possible in serious cases

Texas families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or other schools are operating in a legal landscape shaped by these precedents.

Texas University Focus: Where Stagecoach Families Send Their Kids

Families in Stagecoach and Montgomery County send their children to universities across Texas. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is crucial.

The Houston-Area Greek Ecosystem Serving Stagecoach Families

Stagecoach is part of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area, which according to our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine data, contains 188 Greek-related organizations. This dense network includes undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and honor societies that operate throughout the region where Stagecoach families live and work.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Stagecoach Families

Through IRS B83 filings and public records, we maintain intelligence on hundreds of Texas Greek organizations. Here are examples relevant to Greater Houston and Stagecoach families:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (Alumni/house corp.)
Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni – Houston, TX
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega – Houston, TX (Grad chapter)
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma – Houston, TX (Grad chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (Undergrad chapter)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Theta Chi Chapter – Houston, TX (Grad chapter)

IRS B83 Registered Organizations in the Region:

Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc – EIN 760221936 – Houston, TX 77277
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – Houston, TX 77254
The Ethel Hedgemon Lyle Foundation of Texas – EIN 760592907 – Spring, TX 77383
Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Inc – EIN 800209640 – Houston, TX 77248 (Grand Chapter)

These organizations—and the national networks they connect to—form the ecosystem where hazing risks exist for Stagecoach students.

University of Houston: The Flagship Case in Our Backyard

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UH is a large urban campus with active Greek life including 17+ IFC fraternities, 6 Panhellenic sororities, NPHC Divine Nine organizations, and multicultural groups. Many Stagecoach and Montgomery County students attend UH, drawn by its proximity and programs.

The Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Case (Our Ongoing Litigation):
In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders (president, pledgemaster, risk manager, etc.)

Documented Hazing Included:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Enforced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring duties
Physical abuse: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
Cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
Hose spraying in face “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
The Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth for over an hour

Medical Catastrophe:
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Response:

Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended Beta Nu chapter
Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender charter
UH called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary action and cooperation with law enforcement

Why This Matters for Stagecoach Families:
This case proves severe hazing is happening right now at a university where your children might attend. The organizations involved—Pi Kappa Phi national, UH—are the same types of entities your family might need to hold accountable.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed:

Involves UHPD and/or Houston Police Department depending on location
Civil suits filed in Harris County courts
Multiple defendant strategy: individuals, chapter, national, university
Evidence collection from group chats, medical records, university files

What UH Students & Parents from Stagecoach Should Do:

Report to UH Dean of Students Office and UHPD
Document everything immediately (screenshots before deletion)
Seek medical attention and request full records
Contact experienced Houston hazing attorneys who know UH’s systems
Understand that UH has prior hazing incidents in its history

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets tradition creates a distinct environment where hazing risks exist in both Greek life and military-style organizations. Many Stagecoach families have children at A&M, drawn by its academic reputation and traditions.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million. The fraternity was suspended for two years.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.

Texas A&M Greek Ecosystem:
According to public records and our data intelligence, Texas A&M has numerous registered Greek organizations serving its large Greek community:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845
Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition – EIN 880537463 – College Station, TX 77845
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority – EIN 742930349 – College Station, TX 77840
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp. – College Station, TX (from Cause IQ data)
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter – College Station, TX (Texas A&M chapter)

What Stagecoach Families with Students at A&M Should Know:

Corps hazing allegations often involve physical and psychological abuse
Greek hazing continues despite university policies
A&M’s tradition-heavy culture can normalize dangerous behaviors
Early legal intervention is crucial as evidence disappears quickly

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) provides unusual transparency compared to other Texas schools. This resource is valuable for Stagecoach families researching organizations.

Documented Violations from UT’s Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Found to be hazing. Chapter placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.

Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization): Multiple violations including forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.

Additional UT Greek Intelligence:
UT’s Greek ecosystem includes numerous registered organizations:

Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581 – Austin, TX 78705 (Chi Omega House Corporation)
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – EIN 741130606 – Austin, TX 78705 (Alpha Mu)
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – EIN 746047117 – Austin, TX 78705
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX (from Cause IQ data)
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter – Austin, TX (UT chapter house)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024):
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by SAE members at a party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. He sued the chapter for over $1 million. The chapter was already under suspension for prior violations.

Why UT’s Transparency Matters for Stagecoach Families:

Public violation logs help identify repeat-offender organizations
Prior incidents establish “pattern and practice” evidence for lawsuits
Shows hazing persists even at schools with published prevention efforts

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

SMU Snapshot:
As a private university with affluent student population and strong Greek presence, SMU has faced hazing issues including a Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017) where new members were reportedly paddled, forced to drink, and deprived of sleep, leading to chapter suspension.

Baylor Snapshot:
Baylor’s baseball hazing incident (2020) resulted in 14 player suspensions. The university’s religious identity and prior Title IX scandals create a complex environment for addressing misconduct.

Cross-Metro Greek Intelligence:
Our data shows Greek organizations operating across Texas metros:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – EIN 742911848 – Fort Worth, TX 76244 (also appears in Cause IQ DFW data)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 521278573 – Dallas, TX 75241 (Lambda Lambda)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710 (Xi Chi)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 752609909 – Commerce, TX 75428 (Mu Zeta)

These cross-metro connections show how national brands operate throughout Texas, meaning hazing patterns at one campus often repeat at others.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories and Texas Connections

National organizations’ histories matter because they show foreseeability—when a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused deaths or injuries elsewhere, it demonstrates the national knew or should have known the risks.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When we sue national fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi (in our UH case), we can use their national incident history to prove:

They knew certain activities (like Big/Little drinking nights) were dangerous
Their anti-hazing policies weren’t meaningfully enforced
They failed to supervise chapters despite prior warnings
This supports claims for negligent supervision and punitive damages

Major National Organizations Present at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – National Hazing History:

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Death from forced drinking; $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): Death from alcohol poisoning; $14M settlement
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – National Hazing History:

Multiple hazing deaths nationally
Eliminated pledge program in 2014 due to pattern of deaths
Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M, assault case at UT Austin
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU

Pi Kappa Phi – National Hazing History:

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning
Current Texas Case: Our Leonel Bermudez lawsuit at UH
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin

Phi Delta Theta – National Hazing History:

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Death from “Bible study” drinking game; led to felony hazing law
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor

Kappa Alpha Order – National Hazing History:

Multiple hazing suspensions nationally
SMU chapter suspended (2017) for paddling, forced drinking
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU

The Legal Strategy Behind National Liability

When we investigate hazing cases for Stagecoach families, we subpoena national organizations for:

Prior incident reports at the same chapter
Complaints from other campuses about similar conduct
Risk management files showing what they knew
Communications between nationals and local chapters
Insurance policies and coverage information

This discovery often reveals that nationals received warnings but failed to take meaningful action—strengthening claims for punitive damages and institutional reform.

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

Successfully pursuing a hazing case requires sophisticated investigation and strategic planning. Here’s how we approach these cases for families in Stagecoach and across Texas.

Critical Evidence Categories in Modern Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence Today)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
Recovered deleted messages: Through digital forensics experts
In our UH case, group chats revealed planning, coordination, and cover-up attempts

2. Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
Security camera footage from houses and venues
Social media posts/stories documenting activities
Medical photos of injuries over time

3. Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials
Membership rosters and officer lists

4. University Records

Prior conduct files obtained through discovery or public records requests
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and annual security reports
Internal emails among administrators

5. Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports and lab results (like the critically high CK levels in our UH case)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Documentation of ongoing treatment needs

6. Witness Testimony

Other pledges or new members
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Medical providers and first responders

Damages: What Texas Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost wages/income
Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Future earning capacity reduction for permanent injuries
Life care plans for catastrophic injuries (like brain damage cases)

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available):
In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may be available to punish defendants and deter future misconduct. Our BP Texas City explosion litigation experience has taught us how to pursue these claims against institutional defendants.

The Insurance Coverage Battle

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance policies that often become central to hazing cases. As former insurance defense attorneys, we understand how these companies operate:

Common Insurance Tactics:

Arguing hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
Delaying claims to pressure families
Making lowball early settlement offers
Denying coverage for certain defendants

Our Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, set reserves, and fight coverage. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurance companies.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Stagecoach Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Action

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or “accidents”
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial changes (unexplained expenses, requests for money)
Academic decline (missed classes, dropping grades)

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose a private, calm setting
Use open questions: “How are things with [organization]?”
Listen without judgment
Emphasize safety over status
Assure them you’ll support whatever they decide

If Your Child is Hurt:

Get medical attention immediately (even if they resist)
Document everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of messages
Write down details while memory is fresh
Save physical evidence: Clothing, objects, receipts
Contact an experienced hazing attorney before talking to the university

Dealing with the University:

Document every communication
Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the organization
Don’t sign anything without attorney review
Remember: the university’s interests may not align with your family’s

For Students: Recognizing Hazing and Protecting Yourself

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
Texas law provides protections for those who call for help in good faith

Exiting Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send a clear written resignation: “I am resigning my membership effective immediately”
Don’t attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If threatened, report immediately to campus police and Dean of Students

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshot group chats with timestamps visible
Record conversations (Texas is a one-party consent state)
Photograph injuries from multiple angles
Save everything digital—don’t delete even if embarrassed
Tell medical providers you were hazed so it’s documented

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What happens: Messages are deleted, photos lost
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; makes case nearly impossible
Do instead: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Why it’s wrong: Gives them time to prepare defenses
Do instead: Document quietly, then call an attorney

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: You may waive legal rights
Why it’s wrong: Settlements are often far below case value
Do instead: Have an attorney review anything before signing

4. Posting on Social Media
What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Why it’s wrong: Inconsistencies hurt credibility; can waive privileges
Do instead: Document privately; let your attorney control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigation
What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Why it’s wrong: University process ≠ real accountability
Do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

FAQ: Answers for Stagecoach Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case involved injuries that could support felony charges.

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury in Texas, but exceptions exist. In cases involving cover-ups or minors, deadlines may be extended. Time is critical—call us immediately.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and 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.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your Stagecoach 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.

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 claims, use delay tactics, and fight coverage. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Our firm was one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or universities. We’ve faced the biggest defendants and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs and future earning capacity. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both criminal hazing charges and civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Investigative Depth:
We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. When we take your case, we already know the organizations, their histories, and how to investigate them.

Digital Evidence Mastery:
From recovering deleted group chats to subpoenaing social media companies, we have the digital forensics expertise needed for modern hazing cases where evidence lives on phones and servers.

Our Ongoing Fight: The UH Pi Kappa Phi Case

Right now, we’re leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas—representing Leonel Bermudez against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t theoretical for us. We’re in the fight today, uncovering evidence, taking depositions, and pushing for accountability. When Stagecoach families come to us, they’re getting attorneys currently litigating against the same types of defendants they may face.

How We Investigate Hazing Cases for Texas Families

Immediate Evidence Preservation: Securing group chats, photos, medical records before deletion
Comprehensive Defendant Identification: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to identify all potentially liable parties
Pattern Evidence Development: Researching prior incidents at same chapter and national level
Expert Coordination: Working with medical experts, psychologists, economists, digital forensics specialists
Strategic Litigation Planning: Balancing settlement opportunities with trial readiness

Call to Action for Stagecoach Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in Stagecoach, Montgomery County, and throughout the Greater Houston region have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact The Manginello Law Firm:

We Listen Without Judgment: We’ll hear your story in a confidential setting
We Review Your Evidence: Photos, messages, medical records—whatever you have
We Explain Your Options: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We Discuss Realistic Timelines: What to expect in the coming weeks and months
We Answer Cost Questions: Contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Us Today

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Stagecoach, Montgomery County, and All of 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

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

Whether you’re in Stagecoach or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The organizations behind these incidents have experienced lawyers and deep pockets. You deserve advocates who know how to fight them. Call us today.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website:

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 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