The Ultimate Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Accountability for Town of Streetman Families

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare, Happening Right Here in Texas

Imagine you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home in Streetman, Texas—the kind of peaceful night this small Freestone County community is known for. Your phone rings. It’s your college freshman, their voice shaking, telling you about a “mandatory” event at their fraternity house. They sound exhausted, maybe injured, but they’re repeating the same phrase: “I’m fine, everyone does this.” You hear forced laughter and shouting in the background before the call drops. This isn’t a scene from a movie; this is the reality facing Texas families right now. If your child has been injured or humiliated during fraternity, sorority, Corps, athletic, or campus organization activities, you’re not alone—and you have powerful legal rights.

Right now, in Texas, we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in recent memory. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This isn’t an abstract example—this is a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit we filed in Harris County that names the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders and members.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez illustrates exactly what Texas parents need to understand. According to the lawsuit and media coverage from Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit, Bermudez was subjected to:

• A degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring him to carry condoms, a sex toy, and nicotine devices 24/7
• Extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills
• Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints
• A November 3 “workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Cold-weather exposure in underwear and lying in vomit-soaked grass

The medical consequences were catastrophic: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) 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.

Why are we telling you this Streetman-specific story if it happened in Houston? Because the same fraternities, the same national organizations, and the same dangerous patterns affect students from our Freestone County community. Whether your child attends Navarro College just down the road, commutes to UT Tyler or Texas A&M-Commerce, or goes farther to major universities like Texas A&M in College Station or Baylor in Waco, they’re encountering organizations with documented hazing histories. This guide is written specifically for Town of Streetman parents and families who need to understand hazing risks, Texas law, and how to protect their children when institutions fail 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 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

Understanding the Texas Greek Ecosystem: The Hidden Network Behind Campus Letters

When Streetman parents drop their children off at college, they’re not just entrusting them to a university—they’re often unknowingly placing them within a complex web of organizations with independent legal structures, insurance policies, and financial interests. Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records on over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t theoretical research; it’s the practical investigative database we use to hold organizations accountable when they harm Texas students.

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

For parents in Streetman and Freestone County, it’s crucial to understand that the friendly-sounding fraternity or sorority name represents multiple legal entities. Below are real examples from public IRS and Texas filings that demonstrate the organizational complexity behind campus Greek life:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings):

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN 133048786) – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681 – IRS B83 public filing
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC (EIN 201237505) – 4251 FM 2181 STE 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210-4202 – Beta Chapter – IRS B83 public filing
• ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY (EIN 262025321) – 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201-5816 – Mu Gamma Chapter – IRS B83 public filing
• PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION (EIN 371768785) – 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820 – IRS B83 public filing
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629 – IRS B83 public filing
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER (EIN 746084905) – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-3067 – IRS B83 public filing
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY (EIN 740555581) – 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705-4018 – Chi Omega House Corporation – IRS B83 public filing
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC (EIN 741380362) – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 – IRS B83 public filing
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY (EIN 746064445) – 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627-8843 – Epsilon Kappa Chapter – IRS B83 public filing
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI (EIN 263170920) – 411 Texas St Rm 219, Denton, TX 76204-0000 – Texas Woman’s University chapter – IRS B83 public filing

Metro-Level Greek Presence (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Area):

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244 – Cause IQ metro listing
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth, TX – Kappa Sigma housing foundation – Cause IQ metro listing
• Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter – Dallas, TX – Alumnae chapter serving Arlington/Dallas – Cause IQ metro listing
• Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Denton, TX – Chapter at Texas Woman’s Univ. – Cause IQ metro listing

Cross-Validated National Brands (Appearing in Both IRS & Metro Data):

• Beta Upsilon Chi appears in IRS filings (EIN 742911848) and Cause IQ metro data, showing how national brands maintain multiple Texas entities
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation appears in both datasets, demonstrating the layered organizational structure
• Pi Kappa Alpha has multiple Texas entities showing national brand penetration across different business structures

Why does this matter for Streetman families? Because when hazing occurs, liability extends beyond the individual students involved. The house corporation that owns the property, the alumni foundation that provides funding, the national headquarters that sets policy—all may share responsibility. In the Bermudez case against UH Pi Kappa Phi, we’re pursuing not just the individual members but the national headquarters, the housing corporation, and the institutional entities that allowed this culture to persist.

Where Streetman Families Send Their Children: Campus Connections & Risks

Streetman, Texas sits in Freestone County within reasonable distance of several higher education institutions. While our small-town students often attend local community colleges or commute to nearby universities, many also head to major Texas campuses with robust Greek systems. Understanding where your child might encounter Greek life risks is the first step toward prevention and protection.

Local & Regional Campuses Near Streetman:

• Navarro College (Corsicana, TX – 35 miles from Streetman) – While primarily a community college, Navarro has student organizations that may engage in high-risk behaviors
• Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, TX – 75 miles) – Part of the Texas A&M system with active Greek life
• University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, TX – 85 miles) – Growing university with Greek organizations
• Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX – 90 miles) – Part of Texas A&M system with long Greek tradition
• Baylor University (Waco, TX – 60 miles) – Major private university with substantial Greek system

Major Texas Universities Streetman Families Commonly Attend:

• University of Houston – Where our Leonel Bermudez case is currently litigated
• Texas A&M University (College Station) – Massive Greek system and Corps of Cadets
• University of Texas at Austin – Flagship campus with extensive Greek life
• Southern Methodist University – Private university with strong Greek presence
• Texas Tech University – Major West Texas Greek hub

The Critical Connection: Many of the same national fraternities and sororities that operate at these major Texas campuses also have chapters or alumni networks in our region. For instance, Pi Kappa Phi (the fraternity in our UH case) has chapters across Texas. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, which has faced multiple hazing lawsuits including at Texas A&M, operates statewide. This interconnectedness means that dangerous practices at one campus often migrate to others through national networks and alumni advisors.

Organizations Behind the Letters: The National Patterns That Put Streetman Students at Risk

When we investigate hazing cases for Texas families, we don’t start from scratch—we start with documented national patterns. The same fraternities that have caused deaths and catastrophic injuries at campuses across America operate here in Texas, often repeating the exact same dangerous “traditions.”

Documented National Hazing Histories Relevant to Texas Students:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): Pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning; $10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)
• David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during fraternity event; $14 million settlement

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT:

• Texas A&M Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner poured on them causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries; sued for $1 million
• University of Texas Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; sued for over $1 million

Phi Delta Theta – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor:

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – LSU (2017): Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%); led to Max Gruver Act felony hazing law in Louisiana

Pi Kappa Phi – Present at UH (Bermudez case), Texas A&M:

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life

What This Means for Streetman Families: These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re patterns. When a Texas chapter engages in forced drinking, extreme physical hazing, or dangerous rituals, they’re often following a playbook that has caused tragedies elsewhere. In court, these patterns establish foreseeability—the legal concept that the organization should have known the risks based on prior incidents. This is why our investigation in the Bermudez case includes examining Pi Kappa Phi’s national history and response to prior hazing incidents.

Texas Hazing Law Explained in Streetman Terms: Your Legal Rights

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing that every Streetman parent should understand. These laws provide both criminal penalties and civil recourse for families whose children have been harmed.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 – Hazing Provisions:

Definition (Simplified for Parents):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation that endangers mental or physical health. This includes forced drinking, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, humiliation, and other dangerous behaviors.

Key Provisions Streetman Families Should Know:

1. Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that power imbalances and peer pressure undermine true consent.

2. Criminal Penalties Scale with Harm (§37.152):

   • Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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

3. Organizational Liability (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face university sanctions.

4. Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154): Students who report hazing or call for medical help in emergencies receive legal protection, even if they were involved.

Civil vs. Criminal Cases – What Streetman Families Need to Know:

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Charges may include: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter

Civil Cases (What We Handle):

• Brought by victims/families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability

1. NO criminal conviction required to pursue civil case

Federal Laws That Apply:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires universities to report hazing incidents transparently and strengthen prevention (phasing in through 2026)
• Title IX: Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
• Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes that often overlap with hazing

Building a Hazing Case with Attorney911’s Texas Intelligence Engine

When Streetman families come to us after a hazing incident, we don’t start with generic legal theories—we start with data. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, built from public records tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, gives us an investigative advantage that typical personal injury firms simply don’t have.

How We Investigate Hazing Cases for Texas Families:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation:
Within hours of contacting us, we guide families through critical evidence preservation. As we explain in our video Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?, digital evidence is often the most crucial. We help families:

• Screenshot group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage) before deletion
• Preserve social media posts, stories, and location tags
• Document injuries with timestamped photographs
• Save physical evidence (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)

2. Organizational Mapping:
Using our Texas database, we immediately identify all potentially liable entities:

• Local chapter officers and members
• Chapter housing corporations (like those in our public records listing above)
• Alumni associations and foundations
• National headquarters and their insurance carriers
• University entities and individual administrators

3. Pattern Evidence Development:
We research the national organization’s hazing history to establish foreseeability. In the Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re examining how the national headquarters responded to prior incidents at other chapters—did they enforce policies or look the other way?

4. Institutional Accountability Investigation:
We subpoena university records to determine what the school knew and when. Did they have prior complaints about this chapter? Did they conduct meaningful oversight? Were their anti-hazing policies effectively enforced or just paperwork?

Damages Streetman Families Can Recover:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing care)
• Future medical needs (therapy, medications, life care for catastrophic injuries)
• Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Diminished earning capacity (for permanent disabilities)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, PTSD, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages:
In cases of particularly reckless or malicious conduct, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.

Common Defense Tactics & How We Overcome Them

Fraternities, sororities, and universities have sophisticated defense strategies. Here’s what Streetman families typically face and how we counter it:

Defense: “Your Child Consented”

• Their argument: “They wanted to join; they knew what they were getting into”
• Our response: Texas law §37.155 explicitly states consent is NOT a defense to hazing. We demonstrate the power imbalance, peer pressure, and coercive environment that undermine true consent.

Defense: “This Was Rogue Individuals”

• Their argument: “The national organization didn’t know; we have anti-hazing policies”
• Our response: We subpoena national records showing prior incidents and inadequate enforcement. We establish pattern evidence showing the organization should have known based on history at other chapters.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

• Their argument: “We don’t control what happens at private houses”
• Our response: We establish that the organization still benefited from and controlled the activities. We cite cases like Pi Delta Psi where nationals were held liable for off-campus retreat hazing.

Defense: “University Sovereign Immunity”

• Their argument (public schools): “We’re protected as a state entity”
• Our response: We pursue exceptions for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and Title IX violations. Even when immunity applies, universities often settle to avoid bad publicity and discovery.

Practical Guide for Streetman Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss/gain from food/water restriction or stress
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
• Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning despite not being a drinker

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, fearfulness
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Talking about “just having to get through this”

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping exams for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital/Social Behavior:

• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
• Social media posts showing concerning activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents:

HOUR 1–6 (Immediate Crisis):

• Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
• Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
• Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
• Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
• Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (Evidence Preservation):

• Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
• Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
• Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
• Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
• University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (Strategic Decisions):

• Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911)
• Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students (with lawyer’s guidance)
• University response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
• Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
• Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Hazing Case

MISTAKES STREETMAN FAMILIES MUST AVOID:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
   • Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
   • Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms

   • What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
   • Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
   • What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”

   • What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
   • Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

6. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
   • Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
   • What to do instead: Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you”

Why Attorney911 for Streetman 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 Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Streetman and surrounding Freestone County communities. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in our region just as profoundly as those in major cities.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases:

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background):
Mr. Peña (he/him) 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, understands their delay tactics and coverage exclusion arguments. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” You can learn more about Mr. Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Ralph is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. He’s not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. His federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and HCCLA membership signal serious trial capability. Learn more about Ralph’s credentials at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability. Our experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases) ensures we recover full compensation.

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

Investigative Depth with Texas-Specific Intelligence:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 metros—gives us an investigative advantage. We know how to obtain hidden evidence: group chats, chapter records, university files, national organization histories. We work with digital forensics experts, medical specialists, psychologists, and economists to build unassailable cases.

Empathetic, Victim-Centered Advocacy:
We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing justice.

Frequently Asked Questions for Streetman Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Learn more in our video Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This makes justice accessible to all families, regardless of financial resources. Watch our video explaining How Do Contingency Fees Work? for more details.

“What mistakes should we avoid?”
Watch our video on Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case for comprehensive guidance. Most importantly: preserve evidence, don’t confront the organization, don’t sign anything without legal review, and contact an attorney immediately.

Call to Action for Streetman Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s Navarro College nearby, Texas A&M-Commerce where many Freestone County students attend, or any university across Texas—we want to hear from you. Families in Streetman and throughout our region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to expect in your free consultation:

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

Contact Information:

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

Spanish-language services:

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

Whether you’re in Streetman or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same organizations that harmed Leonel Bermudez at UH operate across our state. The same dangerous patterns persist. But there is accountability, and there is justice. Call us today.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston (KPRC 2): 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 (KTRK): https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

• Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas statutes of limitations 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:

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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