The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Parents in Swisher County, Texas

If your child has left for college—maybe to Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas A&M in College Station, or the University of Texas in Austin—you sent them with pride and hope. You trusted the university to keep them safe. But for some Swisher County families, that trust is shattered by a late-night phone call, a trip to an emergency room hours away, or the devastating news that their child was brutalized in the name of “tradition” or “brotherhood.”

Right now, in Houston, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who was severely hazed as a pledge of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025. According to a $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County, Bermudez was subjected to months of abuse that included forced humiliation, extreme physical workouts, sleep deprivation, and acts “similar to waterboarding.” The hazing culminated in a catastrophic medical emergency: rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure that required a four-day hospitalization and leaves him at risk of permanent organ damage.

This is not an isolated incident. It is the reality of modern hazing happening at universities across Texas, including those where Swisher County families send their children. This comprehensive guide exists to give you, a parent in Swisher County or the broader Texas Panhandle, the knowledge and tools you need if your family faces this nightmare.

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 Swisher County and Across Texas

For Swisher County families who may be unfamiliar with the evolution of campus Greek life, modern hazing has moved far beyond harmless pranks. It is a calculated system of control, humiliation, and abuse designed to test loyalty through suffering.

A 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. Critically, “I agreed to it” or “they wanted to fit in” does not make it legal or safe when there is inherent peer pressure and power imbalance.

Main Categories of Hazing Today

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

Physical Hazing: This includes paddling, beatings, and extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) far beyond normal conditioning. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session. Other physical hazing includes sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements.

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. Another pledge in the UH case was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

Psychological Hazing: Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming in meetings or on social media. The “pledge fanny pack” rule in the UH case—requiring constant carry of humiliating items—is psychological warfare.

Digital/Online Hazing: The newest frontier. Pledges are subjected to GroupMe or Discord dares, forced to post compromising content on Instagram or TikTok, tracked via location-sharing apps, and required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, leading to sleep deprivation.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural) are most associated with hazing, Swisher County parents should know it occurs in:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC programs (especially at Texas A&M)
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs (like the Texas Cowboys at UT)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy—a dangerous combination that keeps these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Hazing Laws

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for Swisher County families considering their options. Texas has specific statutes, and federal law creates additional layers of obligation.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Swisher County residents and Texas universities—hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization. The act must either:

1. Endanger the physical health or safety of the student (e.g., beating, forced exercise, forced alcohol consumption), OR
2. Adversely affect the mental health or safety of the student (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation).

Key Provisions for Swisher County Families:

• Criminal Penalties (Texas Education Code §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 causing injury requiring medical treatment
  • State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

• Organizational Liability (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer knew about it and failed to report.

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): This is critical. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t truly voluntary.

• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§37.154): Students who report hazing or call 911 in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. Many Texas universities have amnesty policies for underage drinking in medical emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: What Swisher County Families Should Know

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (district attorney)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, 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, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)

Critical Point: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many hazing cases are resolved civilly even when criminal charges aren’t filed.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid (virtually all Texas universities) to publicly report hazing incidents, strengthen prevention education, and maintain transparent hazing data. Implementation phases in through 2026.

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

Clery Act: Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining campus safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable crimes like assault, battery, or alcohol offenses.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

For Swisher County families pursuing justice, understanding the potential defendants is crucial:

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up.

2. Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated). Chapter officers often bear particular responsibility.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents at other chapters.

4. University or Governing Board: Schools may be sued for negligence, gross negligence, or under Title IX. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist.

5. Third Parties: Landlords of event spaces, alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law), security companies, or event organizers.

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating, defendants include 13 individual fraternity members, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Swisher County Families Can Learn

Major hazing cases across the country have shaped the legal landscape and established patterns that repeat at Texas campuses. Understanding these precedents helps Swisher County families recognize their rights and the potential outcomes.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): A bid-acceptance event with extreme drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter security cameras. Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. 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): A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking resulted in Gruver’s death from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony, and a $6.1 million verdict for his family.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions followed, and BGSU agreed to a $3 million settlement with the family, with additional settlements from the fraternity and individuals totaling approximately $10 million.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): A blindfolded, violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat caused fatal head injuries. Help was deliberately delayed. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to the head coach’s firing and confidential settlements, demonstrating hazing extends beyond Greek life into big-money athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Swisher County Families

Common threads in these national cases—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups—mirror what we see in Texas. The outcomes—multi-million dollar settlements, felony convictions, organizational bans, and new laws—show what’s possible when families pursue accountability. These precedents shape how Texas courts view hazing cases and provide roadmaps for Swisher County families seeking justice.

Texas Focus: Where Swisher County Families Send Their Kids to College

Swisher County sits in the Texas Panhandle, part of the Lubbock metropolitan area. While Texas Tech University in Lubbock is geographically closest, Swisher County families send children to universities across Texas—from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast. Each campus has its own Greek ecosystem and hazing history.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)

For Swisher County Families: Located approximately 60 miles from Tulia, Texas Tech represents the most accessible major university for many Swisher County students. Its Greek life is active and substantial.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: Texas Tech hosts a significant Greek community with approximately 50 fraternity and sorority chapters. The campus culture blends West Texas traditions with typical university Greek life.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: Texas Tech prohibits hazing and requires all student organizations to comply with state law and university policy. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, the Center for Campus Life, and the Texas Tech Police Department.

Documented Incidents & Responses: While specific recent public cases may be limited, Texas Tech’s Greek life has faced disciplinary actions. The university maintains disciplinary records that can be crucial in litigation. The presence of multiple chapters of nationally problematic fraternities (Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.) means patterns seen elsewhere likely exist here too.

How a Hazing Case at Texas Tech Might Proceed: Jurisdiction would involve Lubbock County courts. Investigations might include Texas Tech Police and Lubbock Police Department. Potential defendants include individual students, local chapters, national organizations, and potentially Texas Tech University System.

What Texas Tech Students & Swisher County Parents Should Do:

• Report immediately to Texas Tech’s Office of Student Conduct
• Document everything with timestamps relevant to Lubbock location
• Understand that evidence may need to be gathered from both campus and off-campus locations
• Contact an attorney familiar with Lubbock County courts and Texas Tech’s administrative processes

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

For Swisher County Families: Many Swisher County students choose Texas A&M, drawn by its academic reputation and tradition-rich culture, including the Corps of Cadets.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: A&M’s Greek life is extensive, but unique hazing risks exist within the Corps of Cadets, a military-style program with its own traditions and hierarchy.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: A&M has separate policies for general student organizations and the Corps. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, the Corps Commandant’s Office, and University Police.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021): Pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended, and lawsuits sought over $1 million in damages.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, with A&M stating it handled the matter internally.

How a Hazing Case at Texas A&M Might Proceed: Cases may involve Brazos County courts. The dual nature of A&M (Greek life and Corps) means investigations must navigate both systems. Sovereign immunity considerations apply as a public university.

What Texas A&M Students & Swisher County Parents Should Do:

• Determine whether the incident involves Greek life, Corps, or both
• Report to appropriate authorities (Student Conduct for Greek, Corps Commandant for Corps issues)
• Preserve evidence specific to College Station locations
• Seek counsel experienced with A&M’s unique culture and sovereign immunity arguments

University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)

For Swisher County Families: UT Austin attracts Swisher County students seeking flagship academic programs, with Greek life playing a significant social role.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: UT hosts approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters. The university is notable for its relative transparency regarding hazing violations.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—a valuable resource for families and attorneys.

Documented Incidents & Responses (from public logs):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): An Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at a party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. A lawsuit seeks over $1 million.

How a Hazing Case at UT Might Proceed: Travis County courts would have jurisdiction. UT’s transparency provides advantage in showing pattern evidence. The university’s detailed public records can establish prior notice and knowledge.

What UT Students & Swisher County Parents Should Do:

• Check UT’s public hazing violations database for prior incidents involving the same organization
• Report to UT’s Office of the Dean of Students
• Document Austin-specific locations and evidence
• Leverage UT’s transparency in building your case

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)

For Swisher County Families: SMU attracts students seeking private university education with strong Greek life in the Dallas metroplex.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: SMU has an affluent student body with historically strong Greek participation. As a private university, it has different legal considerations than public schools.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: SMU prohibits hazing and provides reporting through the Office of Student Affairs and anonymous systems like Real Response.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended with recruitment restrictions until approximately 2021.

How a Hazing Case at SMU Might Proceed: Dallas County courts would have jurisdiction. As a private institution, SMU has fewer sovereign immunity protections. Discovery can compel internal reports not publicly available.

What SMU Students & Swisher County Parents Should Do:

• Report through SMU’s formal channels while preserving independent evidence
• Understand that private university status affects legal strategy
• Document Dallas-area locations and evidence
• Seek counsel experienced with private university litigation

Baylor University (Waco, TX)

For Swisher County Families: Baylor’s religious identity appeals to some Swisher County families, though its Greek life remains active.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: Baylor has faced significant scrutiny over football and Title IX issues, creating a complex environment for hazing accountability.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: Baylor prohibits hazing and provides reporting through Student Conduct Administration. The university’s history affects how it handles misconduct cases.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions during the season.

How a Hazing Case at Baylor Might Proceed: McLennan County courts would have jurisdiction. Baylor’s private religious status creates unique legal considerations. The university’s past scandals may affect how it responds to new allegations.

What Baylor Students & Swisher County Parents Should Do:

• Report through Baylor’s official channels while maintaining independent documentation
• Be aware of the university’s complex history with institutional accountability
• Document Waco-specific evidence and locations
• Consult counsel familiar with private religious university litigation

University of Houston (Houston, TX)

For Swisher County Families: UH attracts Swisher County students seeking urban university experience with diverse academic programs.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: UH is a large urban campus with active Greek life spanning multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural).

Hazing Policy & Reporting: UH prohibits hazing on and off campus and provides reporting through the Dean of Students and Campus Safety.

Documented Incidents & Responses – The Flagship Case We’re Litigating:

Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu Chapter) – Filed Late 2025

This ongoing $10 million lawsuit alleges months of systematic abuse culminating in rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Key details Swisher County families should understand:

• Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, enforced dress codes, overnight driving duties, extreme physical workouts (sprints, bear crawls, “save-your-brother” drills), cold-weather exposure, lying in vomit-soaked grass, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting, 100+ push-ups/500 squats sessions.
• Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe 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.
• Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.
• Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025; members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025; UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action and cooperation with law enforcement.

How a Hazing Case at UH Might Proceed: Harris County courts have jurisdiction. As a public university, sovereign immunity considerations apply. The ongoing Bermudez case establishes precedent for how UH cases are litigated.

What UH Students & Swisher County Parents Should Do:

• Report immediately through UH’s Dean of Students office
• Preserve Houston-area evidence (GroupMe chats mentioning specific locations like Yellowstone Boulevard Park, Culmore Drive residence)
• Understand that UH is currently defending a major hazing lawsuit
• Seek counsel with specific experience in Harris County hazing litigation

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific and National Histories

For Swisher County families, understanding the connection between local chapters at Texas universities and their national organizations’ hazing histories is crucial. National patterns repeat locally.

Why National Histories Matter in Swisher County Cases

When a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH repeats the same forced drinking patterns that killed Andrew Coffey at Florida State, or when a Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at Texas A&M uses chemicals that burned pledges just like at other SAE chapters, this shows foreseeability. National headquarters cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen” when their own history shows it has happened repeatedly.

Organizations Present at Texas Universities with National Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor. National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M+ settlements), David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement). Pattern: Big/Little alcohol hazing, forced consumption.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor. National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama); chemical burns lawsuit (Texas A&M). Pattern: Physical abuse, chemical hazing, alcohol poisoning.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor. National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, $6.1M verdict, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act). Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced consumption.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT. National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU), ongoing Bermudez case (UH). Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, alcohol coercion.

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Present at Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor. National History: Hazing suspensions nationwide including at SMU (2017). Pattern: Paddling, forced drinking, tradition-based abuse.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Public Records Swisher County Families Should Know

Our firm maintains a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from public records. For Swisher County families, this means we start investigations with concrete data, not guesswork.

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations:
These are tax-exempt organizations the IRS classifies as fraternities, sororities, and related Greek entities with Texas addresses. Examples from our database include:

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 filing
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 746084905 | 4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-3067 | IRS B83 filing
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 746064445 | 1855 HIGHWAY 69 N, NEDERLAND, TX 77627-8843 | EPSILON KAPPA CHAPTER | IRS B83 filing

Texas Universities – 96 Campuses: Our database includes every major Texas campus, allowing us to accurately connect organizations to specific universities.

Cause IQ Metro Organizations – 129 Organizations Across 15 Metros: This includes detailed listings like:

• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek-related organizations including “Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity” in Houston
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek-related organizations including “Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity” in Fort Worth
• Lubbock Metro: 59 Greek-related organizations serving the area near Swisher County

Brand Overlap Analysis – 36 Cross-Validated Organizations: Same organizations appearing in both IRS and Cause IQ data, confirming their operational presence in Texas.

Why This Data Matters for Your Swisher County Case:
When we take your case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

• The legal names and EINs of organizations that may hold insurance coverage
• The network of related entities (housing corporations, alumni chapters, educational foundations)
• How national brands operate across Texas metros and campuses
• Where to find the public records that establish organizational relationships

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Swisher County Families

If hazing has impacted your family, understanding how cases are built can help you make informed decisions and preserve crucial evidence.

Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Emails: Official chapter communications, national correspondence
• Digital forensics: Deleted messages can often be recovered through forensic analysis

Photos & Videos:

• Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
• Security camera footage from houses, venues, or neighbors
• Injury documentation with multiple angles and timestamps

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Risk management policies from nationals
• Chapter meeting minutes or planning documents

University Records:

• Prior conduct files and disciplinary history
• Campus police incident reports
• Clery Act reports and annual security disclosures
• Internal emails about the organization or prior incidents

Medical & Psychological Records:

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Toxicology reports and lab results (critical for alcohol/drug cases)
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Documentation of ongoing treatment needs

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges or new members
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages in Hazing Cases: What Swisher County Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future care, including hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications
• Lost income/earning capacity: Missed work, delayed graduation, reduced future earnings
• Educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, transfer expenses
• Other expenses: Counseling, relocation, property damage

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective But Real Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in activities they loved)
• Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available):
Designed to punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct and deter future hazing. Available when defendants showed willful indifference to known risks.

The Role of Insurance Coverage in Hazing Cases

National fraternities and universities typically have liability insurance, but insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our experience matters here:

• Mr. Lupe Peña’s Insurance Insider Knowledge: As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña knows exactly how insurers value claims, use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements, deploy delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. We anticipate and counter these strategies.
• Multiple Policy Analysis: We identify all potential coverage sources—national policies, chapter policies, university umbrella policies, individual homeowner’s policies of members.
• Bad Faith Claims: If insurers wrongfully deny coverage, we pursue bad faith claims for additional damages.

How Institutional Defendants Fight Back (And How We Overcome Their Defenses)

Defense #1: “The Pledge Consented / It Was Voluntary”

• How we overcome: Texas law (§37.155) explicitly states consent is not a defense. We show coercion through group chat evidence, power imbalance, and expert testimony on group dynamics.

Defense #2: “This Was a Rogue Chapter / National Didn’t Know”

• How we overcome: We subpoena national records to show prior incidents at other chapters, proving foreseeability. The Bermudez case shows national Pi Kappa Phi had ample notice from the Andrew Coffey death at FSU.

Defense #3: “It Happened Off-Campus / Not Our Property”

• How we overcome: Location doesn’t eliminate duty. Nationals still collect dues and exercise control. Universities still have obligations under Title IX and for recognized organizations.

Defense #4: “We Have Strict Anti-Hazing Policies”

• How we overcome: We show the gap between paper policies and actual enforcement—prior incidents with minimal punishment, perfunctory training, systematic ignoring of red flags.

Defense #5: “The University Has Sovereign Immunity” (Public Schools)

• How we overcome: We argue exceptions for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or ministerial vs. discretionary acts. We sue individual employees in personal capacity. Even when immunity technically applies, public universities often settle to avoid discovery and bad publicity.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Swisher County Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Swisher County Student May Be Being Hazed:

• Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts; extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress; weight changes; sleep deprivation; injuries to hands/back/legs; signs of alcohol poisoning
• Behavioral changes: Sudden secrecy about organization activities; withdrawal from family and old friends; personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability); defensive when asked; constant phone use for group chats; fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”
• Academic red flags: Grades dropping suddenly; missing classes; skipping exams for “mandatory” events
• Financial red flags: Unexpected large expenses; buying excessive alcohol for others; requests for money without clear explanation

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Prioritize safety: If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
2. Get medical attention: Even if they insist they’re “fine,” have them evaluated.
3. Document everything: Write down what they tell you with dates/times. Screenshot any messages they show you. Photograph injuries.
4. Report appropriately: Campus police or Dean of Students for on-campus issues; local police for criminal conduct.
5. Consult an attorney early: Before confronting the organization or signing anything from the university.

Questions to Ask Your Child (Non-Confrontationally):

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

For Students/Pledges: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

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

How to Exit Safely:

• In immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police. Get to a safe location.
• To quit/de-pledge: Tell someone outside the org first. Send an email/text stating: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately.” Do not go to “one last meeting.”
• If fearing retaliation: Report threats to campus police and Dean of Students. In Texas, harassment and stalking are crimes; protective orders are available.

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in an emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
• Hazing is a crime; you are the victim, not the perpetrator
• You can file a civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges are filed
• You can request no-contact orders through the university

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

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

• Your testimony and evidence may prevent future harm
• You may want your own legal advice about potential exposure
• Cooperation can be an important step toward accountability
• Lawyers can help navigate your role as a witness or potential defendant

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

• 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

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

• Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

• 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

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

• Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
• What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

MISTAKE #6: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

MISTAKE #7: Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

• Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
• What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Swisher County Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if 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 consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize “consent” under peer pressure isn’t truly voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist if harm wasn’t immediately discovered or in cases of fraud/cover-up. Time is critical—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 nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“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.

Why Attorney911 for Swisher County Hazing Cases

When your 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. From our Texas offices, we serve families throughout the state, including Swisher County and the Panhandle region.

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 (and undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Mr. Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. He has federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and isn’t intimidated by national fraternities or universities. “We’ve faced the toughest defendants and won.”

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

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Mr. Manginello’s membership in the 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.

Investigative Depth with Texas-Specific Intelligence:

• Network of experts: Medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, psychologists, Greek life culture experts
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our proprietary database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
• Evidence mastery: Experience obtaining hidden evidence—GroupMe chats, chapter records, university files, national incident reports
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services Available:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families throughout Texas. Hablamos Español—contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Our Track Record Speaks for Itself

While every case is unique and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our experience includes:

• Leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—one of Texas’s most serious ongoing hazing lawsuits
• BP Texas City explosion litigation against one of the world’s largest corporations
• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Successful criminal defense results including dismissed DWI cases and deferred adjudication in serious drug cases
• Complex institutional litigation against universities, national organizations, and insurance companies

What Sets Us Apart for Swisher County Families

1. We Start with Data, Not Guesswork: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine means we already know the organizations, their EINs, their insurance structures, and their histories before we take your case.

2. We Understand Texas Universities: We know the differences between public vs. private, how each school’s conduct system works, and the specific challenges of campuses from Lubbock to Houston.

3. We Fight Insurance Companies with Insider Knowledge: Mr. Peña’s defense background gives us unprecedented insight into how insurers will try to deny or minimize your claim.

4. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial: While most cases settle, our trial readiness forces better settlements. Universities and nationals know which lawyers will actually take cases to verdict.

5. We Prioritize Your Family’s Well-Being: We handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Regular communication, clear explanations, and compassionate support are part of our service.

Your Next Steps: A Call to Action for Swisher County Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas A&M in College Station, UT in Austin, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to face this alone. The path to accountability begins with a conversation.

What to Expect in Your Free, Confidential Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911:

1. We Listen Without Judgment: We’ll hear your story, answer your immediate questions, and provide compassionate support.

2. We Review Your Evidence: We’ll look at any photos, messages, medical records, or documentation you’ve collected and advise on additional evidence preservation.

3. We Explain Your Legal Options: We’ll outline potential paths forward—criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither—with honest assessment of each option’s pros and cons.

4. We Discuss Realistic Timelines and Expectations: We’re transparent about how long cases typically take, what challenges to expect, and what outcomes are possible based on similar cases.

5. We Explain Our Fee Structure: We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

6. No Pressure to Hire: Take time to decide. We’ll provide the information you need to make the best choice for your family.

Contact Attorney911 Today

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) or lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

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

Serving Swisher County and All of Texas

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Swisher County, the Panhandle region, and beyond. Distance doesn’t prevent us from providing exceptional representation—technology allows us to work effectively with clients across the state.

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 Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

• 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