Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Complete Guide for Sweeny Parents & Families

When your child goes off to college in Texas—whether to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any other campus—you expect them to find community, friendship, and meaningful traditions. What you don’t expect is that the very organizations promising belonging might subject them to dangerous, degrading, and illegal hazing that can cause permanent injury or worse.

Right now, in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. He was hospitalized for four days, his urine was brown from muscle breakdown, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. This $10 million lawsuit names UH, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. The alleged hazing included forced “pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents, extreme physical workouts, being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of food until vomiting, and systematic sleep deprivation.

If you’re a parent in Sweeny, Brazoria County, or anywhere in the Greater Houston region, this case demonstrates what can happen at Texas universities. Your child might attend UH, commute to nearby Wharton County Junior College, or head further to Texas A&M or UT Austin. Wherever they are, you need to know what modern hazing looks like, how Texas law protects students, and what legal options exist when institutions fail.

This guide provides comprehensive information for Texas families—not specific legal advice, but the knowledge you need to make informed decisions during a crisis.

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 in Texas

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” In 2025, hazing continues to evolve, becoming more hidden, more digital, and often disguised as “team building” or “bonding.” For Sweeny families with children at Texas universities, understanding these modern forms is crucial.

Clear, 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. The key element is power imbalance—new members cannot truly consent when facing social exclusion, threats, or intense group pressure.

Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Consent is not a defense—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing if it meets this definition.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form. It includes forced chugging, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, trivia games where wrong answers mean drinking, and pressure to consume unknown substances. The Leonel Bermudez case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, this now includes extreme “workouts” framed as conditioning: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats (as alleged in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case), bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills. Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements also fall here.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case—containing condoms, a sex toy, and humiliating items—represents this category.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, forced confessions, public shaming, and manipulation designed to break down identity and resistance.

Digital/Online Hazing
Group chat dares, “challenges” on Instagram/Snapchat/TikTok, pressure to create compromising content, 24/7 message monitoring, location tracking via apps, and social media humiliation. This represents the newest frontier, leaving digital evidence but also enabling rapid evidence destruction.

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Schools

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

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swim teams)
Spirit Squads & Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, etc.)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common threads: power imbalance, tradition justification, secrecy, and exploitation of the human need to belong.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Sweeny Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that govern cases affecting students from Sweeny attending any Texas university. Understanding this framework helps families know their rights and what accountability looks like.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37 (Hazing Provisions)

Definition (§37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership that endangers mental or physical health or safety.

Key Elements for Sweeny Families:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats, or remote locations still count
Mental OR physical harm qualifies
Recklessness is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm
“Consent is not a defense” (§37.155)—your child saying “yes” doesn’t legalize it

Criminal Penalties (§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
Additional crimes: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154):
Individuals who report hazing in good faith to universities or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability. Many Texas campuses extend this to medical amnesty—calling 911 for an alcohol emergency won’t result in underage drinking charges.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (DA’s office)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in deaths
Example: The UH Pi Kappa Phi case could involve criminal referrals alongside our civil lawsuit

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims/families (like the Bermudez lawsuit)
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Can proceed even without criminal charges

Many cases involve both tracks. The civil system allows families to recover damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

Federal Law Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026). This will increase visibility of patterns at Texas schools.

Title IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must investigate and provide supportive measures.

Clery Act:
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol crimes, or sexual offenses may require Clery reporting.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up. In the UH case, 13 individual members are named.

Local Chapter:
The fraternity/sorority as an entity (if incorporated). Many have housing corporations or alumni associations that hold assets.

National Headquarters:
Organizations like Pi Kappa Phi national that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their knowledge of prior incidents creates liability.

Universities & Governing Boards:
UH, Texas A&M System, UT System, etc., when they knew or should have known about dangers and failed to act reasonably.

Third Parties:
Property owners, landlords, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies, or retreat facilities.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Major national cases establish patterns, legal precedents, and recovery amounts that inform Texas litigation. These aren’t abstract stories—they’re blueprints for what Sweeny families might face.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking, fatal falls caught on chapter cameras, delayed medical care. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil settlements, Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. Lesson: Security footage and delayed 911 calls are devastating evidence.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
“Bible study” drinking game, wrong answers meant drinking, 0.495% BAC at death. Result: Felony hazing convictions, $6.1 million verdict, Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana. Lesson: “Games” don’t excuse coercion; states strengthen laws after tragedies.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. Result: Multiple convictions, $10 million settlement ($7M from Pike national, ~$3M from BGSU). Lesson: National organizations pay substantial settlements; universities contribute despite potential immunity.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Big Brother night, handle of liquor, alcohol poisoning death. Result: Criminal hazing charges, FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily. Lesson: The same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) appears in both Coffey’s death and the UH Bermudez injury case—showing pattern.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at remote retreat. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Lesson: Off-campus retreats don’t protect organizations; nationals face criminal liability.

Collin Wiant – Ohio University, Sigma Pi (2018):
Died after collapsing at unofficial fraternity house, alleged nitrous oxide use and hazing. Result: “Collin’s Law” in Ohio making hazing a felony when drugs/alcohol cause harm. Lesson: Unofficial/”underground” chapters still create liability.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired and settled wrongful termination confidentially. Lesson: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money sports; institutions face liability for coaching staff conduct.

Western Kentucky Swim Team (2012-2015):
Verbal/physical abuse hazing over years. Result: Program suspended for 5 years, coaching staff terminated, $75,000 settlement with former member. Lesson: Even non-revenue sports face serious consequences.

What These Cases Mean for Sweeny Families

Patterns repeat: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, extreme workouts) recur across states and organizations.
Cover-ups fail: Delayed medical care, destroyed evidence, and witness intimidation backfire in court.
Settlements are substantial: From $75,000 to $14 million, depending on harm and defendants.
Law evolves: Tragedy drives legislative change (Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Ohio, Florida laws).
Accountability is multi-layered: Individuals, chapters, nationals, and universities all face consequences.

When your child is hazed at a Texas school, you’re not facing an isolated incident—you’re confronting a pattern that courts nationwide have recognized and punished.

Texas University Focus: Where Sweeny Students Attend

Sweeny families send students to universities across Texas. Whether your child attends nearby Wharton County Junior College, commutes to University of Houston, or heads further to Texas A&M or UT Austin, each campus has its own hazing landscape.

University of Houston: Most Relevant to Sweeny Families

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As the largest university in the Houston metropolitan area, UH attracts many Brazoria County students. Its urban campus hosts active Greek life with over 50 fraternity and sorority chapters across IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils. With significant commuter and residential populations, hazing can occur both on-campus and at nearby houses in the Third Ward, Montrose, and Greater Houston areas.

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UH prohibits hazing on or off campus, defining it broadly to include forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress. Reporting channels include:

Dean of Students Office
Campus Police (UHPD)
Office of Student Conduct
Anonymous online reporting forms

UH posts annual security reports but maintains less public hazing violation data than UT Austin.

Recent Documented Incident – The Flagship Case:
The Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu lawsuit alleges severe hazing fall 2025:

Locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, enforced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, extreme workouts, forced eating until vomiting, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” hog-tying another pledge
Medical Outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney risk
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi national suspended chapter Nov 6, 2025; chapter voted to surrender charter Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary/criminal referrals
Legal Status: $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County; Attorney911 represents Bermudez against UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual members

Prior UH Hazing History:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha: Pledges allegedly deprived of food/water/sleep; one suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
Various other fraternities sanctioned for alcohol misuse, “likely to produce discomfort” activities
Public records show periodic suspensions but less transparency than some Texas schools

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (where UH main campus sits)
Police: UHPD for on-campus, Houston PD for off-campus locations
Potential Defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national headquarters, UH, property owners
Special Considerations: As a public university, UH has some sovereign immunity arguments but can still face negligence claims

What UH Students & Sweeny Parents Should Do:

Report immediately to Dean of Students and UHPD—create paper trail
Request prior conduct files for the organization through public records
Document connections between local chapter and national headquarters
Preserve digital evidence before UH or fraternity secures devices
Consult attorney familiar with UH/Harris County procedures—we’ve litigated there for years

Texas A&M University

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets tradition creates unique hazing risks alongside substantial Greek life. Many Southeast Texas students attend A&M, bringing hometown values into a high-tradition environment.

Recent Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. Chapter suspended, $1 million lawsuit filed.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged being bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth, simulated sexual acts. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated handled internally.
Ongoing Rhabdomyolysis Cases: Extreme physical hazing leading to muscle breakdown, kidney risk—similar to UH Bermudez case but at A&M chapters.

A&M Hazing Response System:

Student Conduct Office handles investigations
Corps has separate disciplinary structure
Public reporting less transparent than UT’s published violations page

What Sweeny Families with A&M Students Should Know:

Corps cases involve military-style chain of command complications
College Station police and Brazos County courts handle off-campus incidents
A&M’s size and tradition can normalize extreme behaviors as “character building”
Early legal intervention crucial before university controls narrative

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT’s highly competitive Greek system and numerous spirit organizations create multiple hazing avenues. The university maintains Texas’ most transparent hazing violations page, revealing patterns.

Published Hazing Violations (Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and hazing education required.
Texas Wranglers (multiple years): Spirit group sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, punishment-based practices.
Various fraternities and sororities sanctioned for alcohol-related hazing, sleep deprivation, humiliation.

UT’s Transparency Advantage:
UT’s public violations page at hazing.utexas.edu provides:

Organization names
Incident dates
Conduct descriptions
Sanctions imposed
This database is invaluable for showing pattern evidence in lawsuits—proving organizations had prior notice.

Legal Considerations for UT Cases:

Travis County courts (generally plaintiff-friendly)
UTPD and Austin PD jurisdiction issues
UT System Board of Regents as defendant (similar to UH case)
Strong Title IX office with investigative resources

Southern Methodist University

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
SMU’s private, affluent campus with strong Greek presence faces unique challenges. As a private institution, SMU has fewer public records requirements but also less sovereign immunity protection.

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended until approximately 2021.
Various other organizations under periodic investigation.

SMU’s Response Framework:

Office of Student Affairs handles conduct
Anonymous reporting via “Real Response” system
Less public data than public universities

What Sweeny Families Should Know:

Private university status means different legal strategies
Dallas County courts handle cases
SMU’s reputation sensitivity can motivate early settlements
Alumni networks sometimes influence internal processes

Baylor University

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Baylor’s religious identity and history of Title IX scrutiny create complex hazing dynamics. The university has faced multiple institutional crises, potentially affecting hazing response.

Documented Incident:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions affected team season.

Baylor’s Unique Context:

Religious exemption considerations
Waco/McLennan County legal venue
History of institutional protection concerns
“Zero tolerance” rhetoric versus enforcement reality

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific & National Histories

The organizations at Texas universities aren’t isolated—they’re chapters of national brands with documented hazing patterns. This history matters legally because it shows foreseeability: nationals knew or should have known their chapters might engage in these dangerous practices.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Lawsuits

When we sue Pi Kappa Phi national in the UH Bermudez case, we can point to:

Andrew Coffey’s 2017 death at Florida State (same fraternity)
Other Pi Kappa Phi hazing incidents nationwide
Their anti-hazing policies (which prove they knew the risks)

This creates a powerful argument: The national organization had notice, implemented policies, but failed to enforce them effectively at UH.

Texas Fraternity & Sorority Public Records Directory

Attorney911 maintains a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking Greek organizations across the state. For Sweeny families, understanding this landscape reveals who really operates behind the letters.

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

Below are examples from public IRS and state filings showing the organizational structure behind campus Greek life:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
EIN: 46-2267515 | Frisco, TX 75035
Role: Housing corporation for UH chapter

Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation
EIN: 37-1768785 | Missouri City, TX 77459
Role: Houston-area building corporation

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity
Houston, TX (from Cause IQ metro data)
Role: Alumni/house corporation serving Texas

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter
Houston, TX (from Cause IQ data)
Role: Undergraduate chapter

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Beaumont Alumni
Beaumont, TX (from Cause IQ data)
Role: Graduate chapter serving Southeast Texas

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Lamar University
Beaumont, TX (from Cause IQ data)
Role: Academic honor society

These entities—and hundreds more across Texas—hold insurance, own property, and can be liable for hazing. We track them so families don’t start from zero during investigations.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement)
David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement)
Multiple Texas chapter incidents
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Texas A&M chemical burns lawsuit ($1M demand)
UT Austin assault lawsuit (exchange student injuries)
University of Alabama traumatic brain injury case
Pattern: Physical violence, chemical substances, assault

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey death (Florida State)
Leonel Bermudez kidney failure (UH, our case)
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver death (LSU, $6.1M verdict)
Multiple chapter suspensions
Pattern: Drinking games, alcohol poisoning

Kappa Alpha Order:

SMU chapter suspension (paddling, drinking)
Various physical hazing reports
Pattern: Paddling, traditional physical hazing

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

Foreseeability Evidence: Prior incidents show nationals knew risks
Policy Enforcement Gaps: Thick anti-hazing manuals prove knowledge but inadequate enforcement
Pattern Arguments: Same methods recurring across chapters suggests organizational culture
Punitive Damages Basis: Willful disregard of known dangers supports punishment beyond compensation
Insurance Coverage Arguments: Nationals’ liability insurance may cover claims when local chapter policies don’t

For Sweeny families, this means: Your child’s hazing isn’t an isolated “bad apple” incident—it’s part of a pattern that national headquarters should have prevented.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

When hazing causes harm, building a strong case requires systematic evidence collection, strategic defendant identification, and comprehensive damages calculation. Here’s what serious hazing litigation involves.

Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

GroupMe/WhatsApp/iMessage threads: Planing, bragging, cover-up discussions
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappeared” content
Social media posts/stories: Event photos, videos, captions, location tags
Email chains: Between members, officers, nationals, alumni advisors
Cloud backups: iCloud, Google Drive, fraternity apps preserving deleted content

In the UH case, group chats allegedly contained hazing instructions, event planning, and discussions about the “pledge fanny pack” requirements.

Photos & Videos:

Event footage: Members filming hazing “for fun”
Injury documentation: Progressive photos of bruises, burns, swelling
Location evidence: House interiors, workout areas, alcohol setups
Security camera footage: Doorbell cams, building security systems

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals/education materials
Initiation rituals/”traditions” lists
Meeting minutes referencing activities
National risk management policies
Chapter bylaws and officer communications

University Records:

Prior conduct files for the organization
Disciplinary history of individual members
Campus police incident reports
Clery Act reports
Internal emails among administrators
Title IX investigation files if applicable

Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency room reports detailing cause of injury
Hospitalization records (like Bermudez’s 4-day stay)
Lab results (creatine kinase levels showing rhabdomyolysis)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
Treatment plans and future care projections

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges experiencing same hazing
Former members who quit due to hazing
Roommates/friends observing changes
RA’s/professors noticing academic decline
Medical providers treating injuries

Damages in Hazing Cases: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: ER, hospitalization, surgery, medications, equipment
Future medical care: Ongoing therapy, rehabilitation, lifelong treatment for permanent injuries
Lost income: Missed work for victim or caregiving parents
Educational losses: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Life care plans: Catastrophic injury cases requiring 24/7 care (like rhabdomyolysis with permanent kidney damage)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities, sports, normal college experience
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

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

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Warrants):

Designed to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants knew dangers but acted anyway
Often tied to prior incidents nationals ignored

Recovery Ranges from National Cases:

Death cases: $1M–$14M settlements/verdicts
Severe injury cases: $375K–multi-million
Individual officer liability: Personal judgments up to $6.5M (Daylen Dunson, Pike president)

Each case is fact-specific, but these ranges show what serious hazing litigation can achieve.

Insurance Coverage Strategie

Fraternity and university insurance fights are where Mr. Lupe Peña’s former defense experience proves invaluable. Insurers often argue:

Intentional act exclusions: “Hazing was intentional, so coverage doesn’t apply”
Criminal act exclusions: “Hazing is a crime, so no coverage”
Policy limits issues: Multiple defendants, multiple policies, coverage disputes

We navigate these arguments by:

Identifying all potential policies: Chapter, national, university, individual homeowner’s
Arguing negligent supervision: Even if hazing was intentional, failure to supervise was negligent (and covered)
Pursuing bad faith claims: When insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Practical Guides & FAQs for Sweeny Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Response Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or limping
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Financial stress from forced purchases or “fines”
Academic decline from missed classes/studying

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose calm, private setting
Use open questions: “How are things with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: They may feel ashamed or loyal
Emphasize safety: “I’m worried about your health, not getting them in trouble”
Offer unconditional support: “You can leave anytime, I’ll help you”

If Your Child Is Hurt:

Medical care FIRST: Even if they resist, health comes before evidence
Document everything: Photos, notes of what they say, witness names
Preserve evidence: Don’t wash clothes, don’t delete messages
Contact attorney BEFORE talking to university or organization
Monitor for retaliation: Document any threats or harassment

Dealing with the University:

Document all communications (emails, calls, meetings)
Ask specific questions:
- “What prior incidents involve this organization?”
- “What disciplinary action resulted?”
- “What steps are you taking now?”
Don’t sign anything without attorney review
Remember: University’s goal may be minimizing scandal, not justice

When to Contact a Lawyer:

Immediately if serious physical injury or sexual assault
Within 48 hours for any significant hazing before evidence disappears
When university response seems inadequate or covering up
Before giving any statement to police, university, or insurance

For Students: Is This Hazing? What Are My Rights?

Self-Assessment Questions:

Would I do this if I could say no without consequences?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?
Are only new members doing this while older members watch?

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

Consent is not a defense to hazing charges
Good-faith reporter protection if you call 911 for medical emergency
Right to leave any organization at any time
Right to sue for injuries even if you “agreed” to activities
Protection from retaliation for reporting (harassment/stalking are crimes)

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation (email/text to president)
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”—that’s where pressure happens
Report retaliation immediately to campus police and Dean
Seek counseling support—leaving can be emotionally difficult

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshot everything—group chats, DMs, event photos
Photograph injuries daily to show progression
Voice record meetings (Texas is one-party consent state)
Save all digital content to cloud/email before deletion
Get medical documentation and tell providers you were hazed
List witnesses with contact information

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Hazing Case

1. Deleting Evidence
Mistake: “I don’t want this embarrassing stuff on my phone”
Result: Looks like cover-up, destroys case, may be obstruction of justice
Solution: Preserve everything, let attorney determine relevance

2. Confronting the Organization
Mistake: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Result: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Solution: Document quietly, let attorney handle communications

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
Mistake: Trusting university’s “we’ll handle this internally” promise
Result: Waiving legal rights, accepting minimal consequences
Solution: Never sign without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media
Mistake: “I want people to know what happened”
Result: Defense screenshots everything, finds inconsistencies, uses against you
Solution: Keep private, let attorney control messaging

5. Waiting Too Long
Mistake: “Let’s see how the university handles it first”
Result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Solution: Consult attorney immediately while evidence is fresh

FAQ: Answers for Sweeny Families

Q: Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?
A: 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 us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

Q: Is hazing a felony in Texas?
A: 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.

Q: Can my child bring a case if they “agreed” to the initiation?
A: 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.

Q: How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?
A: 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. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?
A: 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.

Q: Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?
A: 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.

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, national fraternities, and their insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions
Set reserves and negotiate settlements
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
25+ Years Practice: Handling high-stakes cases since 1998
HCCLA Membership: Elite criminal defense credential critical when hazing involves criminal charges
“We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams. We’ve taken on bigger defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results:

Logging accident brain injury: Multi-million dollar settlement
Amputation case from car accident: Millions recovered
Maritime back injury: Significant cash settlement
Wrongful death track record: Working with economists to value lifelong losses
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership means we understand criminal hazing charges
Can advise witnesses/former members with potential criminal exposure
Know how criminal and civil cases interact
Experience with cooperation agreements and immunity negotiations

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:

Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
Medical specialists for rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD diagnosis
Greek life culture experts to explain coercion dynamics
Economists for lifetime care costing
Psychologists for trauma assessment
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families across Texas. Hablamos Español—contact Lupe at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation:
Within hours of contact, we initiate evidence preservation: litigation holds to prevent deletion, digital forensics referrals, witness interviews before coaching begins.

2. Comprehensive Defendant Investigation:
We identify all potentially liable parties using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

Individual members and officers
Local chapter entities
National headquarters
Housing corporations and alumni associations
Universities and administrators
Property owners and third parties

3. Strategic Insurance Coverage Analysis:
Mr. Peña’s defense background helps navigate complex coverage issues, identify all available policies, and counter exclusion arguments.

4. Damages Maximization:
We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to fully document current and future harms—not just immediate bills.

5. Privacy Protection:
We pursue confidential settlements and sealed records when possible, understanding the sensitivity for victims and families.

6. Accountability Focus:
Beyond compensation, we seek institutional change: policy reforms, chapter closures, transparency agreements.

Call to Action for Sweeny Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in Sweeny, Brazoria County, and throughout the Greater Houston 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 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 (Ralph Manginello)
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Whether you’re in Sweeny or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have lawyers protecting their interests—you deserve the same advocacy.

Call us today. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, achieve accountability, and prevent this from happening to another student.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact: https://attorney911.com

Educational YouTube Videos:

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

News Coverage of UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

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