The Complete Texas Hazing Guide for Town of Moulton Families: Know Your Rights, Recognize the Danger, and Hold Institutions Accountable

1. Hook & Overview: When “Tradition” Becomes Torture—A Crisis Hitting Close to Home in Lavaca County

Picture this: your child, a freshman at a Texas university, texts you at 2 a.m. from an off-campus house. The message is vague, but their fear is palpable. They’re at a “pledge event” that has escalated far beyond what they expected. They’re being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, perform humiliating acts while older members film on their phones, and endure verbal abuse for being “weak.” They feel trapped, scared, and alone. This isn’t a scene from a movie; this is the reality of modern hazing happening right now on Texas campuses, and it directly impacts families right here in Town of Moulton and across Lavaca County.

For parents in Town of Moulton, Shiner, Hallettsville, and the surrounding farm and ranch communities, sending a child to college at Texas A&M, UT Austin, the University of Houston, or any Texas school is a point of pride. We trust these institutions with our most precious assets. But beneath the surface of school spirit and tradition lies a dangerous, often hidden world of coerced brutality disguised as bonding. When that brutality crosses the line into hazing, it can shatter lives forever.

Right now, in Harris County, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country, proving that these aren’t abstract fears. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge who suffered catastrophic injuries in the fall of 2025. His case, detailed in a $10 million lawsuit, alleges a campaign of abuse including forced overeating until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack.” The result? Bermudez developed life-threatening rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing health risks. This is happening in our state, to our students.

This guide exists to arm Town of Moulton families with the truth. We will explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, break down Texas and federal law, expose the national patterns of abuse within specific fraternities and sororities, and provide a clear, actionable path to safety and accountability. Whether your child is at a local community college, a major university hours away, or considering joining a campus organization, the information here could save their life.

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 evidence, 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 an immediate, confidential consultation.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing is no longer just about silly pranks or “boys being boys.” It is a calculated pattern of coercion and abuse that exploits power imbalances and uses tradition as a shield. For Town of Moulton parents who may be unfamiliar with the intensity of modern campus Greek life or athletic cultures, understanding its evolution is critical.

2.1 A Modern, Actionable Definition

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of joining, affiliating with, or maintaining membership in any organization. The act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of the student.

Crucially, under Texas law, “consent” is not a defense. The power dynamic between a pledge and a full member, the fear of social exclusion, and the desire to belong mean that true voluntary consent is often impossible.

2.2 The Three Tiers of Hazing: From Subtle to Catastrophic

Hazing exists on a spectrum, often starting with seemingly minor demands that escalate into life-threatening rituals.

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The “Gateway”)
This establishes power imbalance and normalizes control. Examples include:

Mandatory servitude: Acting as a 24/7 on-call driver, cleaning members’ rooms, or running personal errands.
Social isolation: Being cut off from non-member friends or requiring permission to socialize.
Psychological control: Answering to a derogatory nickname, being forbidden from speaking unless spoken to in meetings.
Digital monitoring: Being required to share live location data, respond instantly to all group chat messages (like GroupMe or Discord), or having social media policed by older members.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)
This causes clear emotional or physical discomfort. Examples include:

Sleep deprivation: “Study sessions” or meetings that last until 3 a.m., followed by mandatory 5 a.m. wake-up calls.
Forced consumption: Eating excessive amounts of bland food (like gallons of milk, packs of hot dogs) or disgusting condiments until vomiting.
Public humiliation: Being forced to wear embarrassing costumes in public, perform degrading skits, or endure verbal “roasts.”
Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” or workouts far beyond normal exercise, used as punishment.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Point of Catastrophe)
These acts have a high potential for severe injury, sexual assault, or death. Examples include:

Forced/coerced alcohol consumption: The #1 cause of hazing deaths. This includes “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking, and lineups where pledges are forced to chug.
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, or “tackling” rituals.
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positioning), or sexual assault.
Dangerous environments: Being locked in freezing rooms, abandoned in remote locations, or forced to participate in unsafe physical challenges.

2.3 Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While Greek life is a major focus, hazing permeates many organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, NPHC Divine Nine, multicultural groups).
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (notable at Texas A&M).
Athletic Teams (from football and basketball to cheerleading and swimming).
Spirit and Tradition Organizations (like the Texas Cowboys at UT).
Marching Bands and Performing Arts Groups.
Academic and Service Clubs.

The common thread is a culture of secrecy, a misguided belief in “tradition,” and institutional reluctance to intervene.

3. Law & Liability Framework: How Texas and Federal Law Protect Your Child

Understanding the legal landscape is your first step toward accountability. Town of Moulton families need to know that Texas has robust hazing statutes, but they are only as strong as the will to enforce them.

3.1 Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas law defines hazing broadly and imposes serious penalties. Key provisions include:

§37.151 Definition: Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership.
§37.152 Criminal Penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes bodily injury.
- State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death.
- It is also a crime to fail to report hazing or to retaliate against someone who reports.
§37.153 Organizational Liability: The organization itself (fraternity, sorority, team) can be fined up to $10,000 and lose university recognition if it authorizes or knowingly permits hazing.
§37.155 Consent Not a Defense: A victim’s “agreement” to participate is irrelevant. This directly counters the “they wanted to do it” excuse.
§37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Those who report hazing to seek help are protected from civil or criminal liability. This is critical for encouraging bystanders to call 911.

3.2 Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA’s office). Aim to punish with jail, fines, probation. Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, and in fatalities, manslaughter.
Civil Cases: Brought by the victim or family. Aim to secure compensation for damages and force institutional change through financial accountability. These cases are based on theories like negligence, wrongful death, and negligent supervision.

The two can proceed simultaneously. A lack of criminal charges does not preclude a civil lawsuit, which has a lower burden of proof.

3.3 Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, and Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs by 2026. This will increase transparency for parents.
Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, it triggers federal Title IX obligations for the university to investigate and remedy a hostile environment.
Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain crimes, including aggravated assault and liquor/drug violations, which often accompany hazing.

3.4 Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Lawsuit?

A well-constructed hazing case identifies every responsible party to ensure full accountability and access to insurance coverage.

Individual Perpetrators: The members who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
Local Chapter/Housing Corporation: The chapter as an entity and its officers.
National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Often the deepest pocket. They can be liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, and having prior knowledge of dangerous traditions.
The University/Board of Regents: Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but they can be sued for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or negligent supervision. Private schools (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers.
Third Parties: Property owners of off-campus houses, bars that served alcohol to minors, and security companies.

Our investigation in the Leonel Bermudez case exemplifies this approach. The lawsuit names 13 individual fraternity members, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the local housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach is how we maximize accountability.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns: The Foreseeable Scripts That Keep Repeating

The tragic cases below are not anomalies. They are blueprints that negligent organizations ignore at their peril—and patterns that juries recognize. For Town of Moulton families, these cases prove that holding powerful institutions accountable is possible.

4.1 The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Timothy Piazza, Penn State (Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died from traumatic brain injury after a bid-acceptance night of forced drinking. Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. The case led to the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania and resulted in millions in settlements.
Max Gruver, LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495%) after a “Bible study” drinking game. His death spurred Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, creating felony hazing charges.
Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Forced to drink a bottle of whiskey; died of alcohol poisoning. His family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pike national, $3M from BGSU). The chapter president was later ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

4.2 The Physical & Ritualized Brutality Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng, Baruch College (Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Died from brain injuries after a blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” tackling ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of assault and manslaughter—a landmark for organizational liability.
Danny Santulli, University of Missouri (Phi Gamma Delta, 2021): Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage after a “pledge dad reveal” drinking night. His family settled with 22 defendants, illustrating the web of liability.

4.3 The Athletic Program Abuse Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Widespread allegations of sexualized and racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, the firing of the head coach, and confidential settlements, proving hazing is endemic in high-revenue sports.

4.4 What These Mean for Texas Families

These national precedents create a powerful legal concept: foreseeability. When a Texas chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, or Phi Delta Theta engages in the same dangerous behaviors that have killed students elsewhere, the national organization cannot claim ignorance. This pattern evidence is the backbone of successful civil litigation.

5. Texas Focus: The Hazing Reality at Universities Serving Town of Moulton Families

Students from Lavaca County attend schools across Texas. Whether it’s the flagship campuses or regional schools, understanding the specific landscape at each institution is vital. We maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database of over 1,400 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros—to track the entities behind these groups. This data-driven approach is critical for building cases.

5.1 University of Houston: A Major Urban Campus with Documented Crisis

Relevance to Town of Moulton: Many South Central Texas students choose UH for its strong programs and proximity to Houston job markets. The recent high-profile case there shows that severe hazing is a present danger.

Campus Snapshot: A large, diverse commuter and residential campus with active Greek life across IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils.

The Flagship Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
As reported by ABC13 and Click2Houston, Bermudez’s fall 2025 pledge period involved:

A “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and humiliating items.
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.
Extreme workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats.
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”
The result was rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring hospitalization.

The Beta Nu chapter was suspended and then voted to surrender its charter on Nov. 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This case is active litigation led by our firm. For UH students, it underscores that even organizations at large, regulated universities can harbor extreme abuse.

UH’s Greek Ecosystem (from Public Records):
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine identifies numerous Greek entities operating in the Houston metro. For example, public IRS B83 filings show:

Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 37-1768785, Missouri City, TX 77459.
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 74-6084905, Houston, TX 77204.
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc. (Theta Delta), EIN 47-5370943, Houston, TX 77204.
These registered entities often hold insurance and assets, making them critical targets in litigation.

What UH Parents/Students Should Do:

Report to UH’s Dean of Students Office and UHPD immediately.
Understand that hazing can occur at off-campus locations like the Culmore Drive residence and Yellowstone Boulevard Park cited in the Bermudez case.
Seek an attorney familiar with Houston-area courts and UH’s specific policies.

5.2 Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Under Scrutiny

Relevance to Town of Moulton: Texas A&M is a top destination for Texas students, known for its Corps of Cadets and strong Greek system. Families in our agricultural community often have deep ties to A&M.

Campus Snapshot: A tradition-rich campus with a massive Greek community and the nation’s largest Corps of Cadets—both with documented hazing histories.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged they were doused with industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended, and a $1 million lawsuit was filed.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing, including being bound between beds in a simulated sexual “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages.

Texas A&M’s Greek Ecosystem:
The College Station-Bryan metro hosts 42+ Greek organizations. Public records show entities like:

Beta Theta Pi Eta Chapter House Corp., EIN 81-2123811, College Station, TX 77845.
Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition, EIN 88-0537463, College Station, TX 77845.
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority, EIN 74-2930349, College Station, TX 77840.

What Texas A&M Parents/Students Should Do:

Be extra vigilant about Corps “Fish” activities and off-campus “rustic” hazing locations.
Report to the Office of Student Conduct and the Commandant’s Office (for Corps issues).
Document everything; the university’s internal processes can be complex.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin: Public Transparency Meets Persistent Problems

Relevance to Town of Moulton: UT Austin is another flagship destination. Its public hazing violation log offers a level of transparency other schools lack.

Campus Snapshot: A highly competitive campus with over 60 Greek chapters and a public online dashboard of hazing violations.

Documented Incidents (from UT’s Public Log):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.
Texas Wranglers (2022): A spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): An Australian exchange student sued the UT chapter after an alleged assault at a party left him with a dislocated leg, broken nose, and fractured tibia.

UT’s Greek Ecosystem:
The Austin-Round Rock metro has 154+ Greek organizations. IRS records include:

Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, EIN 74-6047117, Austin, TX 78705.
Chi Omega Fraternity (house corporation), EIN 74-0555581, Austin, TX 78705.
Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma, listed in Cause IQ data for Austin.

What UT Parents/Students Should Do:

Check UT’s public Hazing Violations page to see if an organization has a history.
Utilize UT’s relatively robust reporting systems.
Understand that violations often result in probation, not expulsion, showing the need for civil accountability.

5.4 Southern Methodist University: Affluent Greek Life with a History

Relevance to Town of Moulton: SMU attracts students seeking a private, Greek-oriented experience in Dallas.

Campus Snapshot: A private university where Greek life is central to social identity, sometimes leading to intense pressure to conform.

Documented Incident:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): The chapter was suspended for hazing that reportedly included paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. It remained under recruiting restrictions until 2021.

SMU’s Greek Ecosystem:
The Dallas-Fort Worth metro has a staggering 510+ Greek organizations. Examples from public data:

Tri Delta Educational Fund of SMU, cited in Cause IQ data, Dallas, TX.
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc., EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147.

What SMU Parents/Students Should Do:

Recognize that private university disciplinary processes can be less transparent.
Use SMU’s anonymous reporting tools like Real Response.
Act quickly, as social pressure to protect the organization’s image is high.

5.5 Baylor University: Navigating a Complex Institutional History

Relevance to Town of Moulton: Baylor’s Christian identity attracts many Texas families, but its history with institutional scandals requires careful attention.

Campus Snapshot: A Baptist-affiliated university that has grappled with major institutional failure on Title IX issues, casting a shadow over its handling of all misconduct.

Documented Incident:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the team’s season.

Baylor’s Greek Ecosystem (Waco Metro):
The Waco metro has 27+ Greek organizations. Public records show:

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Nu Iota Chapter, EIN 52-1346485, Waco, TX 76703.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 36-4091267, Waco, TX 76710.

What Baylor Parents/Students Should Do:

Be aware that Baylor’s past may influence its response to hazing reports.
Report through both Student Conduct and, if applicable, Title IX channels.
Seek independent legal advice early, as institutional protection can be a priority.

6. Fraternities & Sororities: Connecting National Histories to Texas Chapters

The organizations on Texas campuses are local chapters of national brands with long, documented histories of hazing. This isn’t coincidence; it’s a pattern of negligent supervision. Our national hazing database tracks these patterns, which become crucial evidence in litigation.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter: Foreseeability and Negligence

If a national fraternity had a chapter in Ohio shut down after a drinking death in 2021, and then a Texas chapter engages in the same forced drinking ritual in 2025, the national organization cannot claim it was an unforeseeable “rogue” act. This pattern evidence establishes negligence and supports claims for punitive damages.

6.2 Sample Organization Mapping: The Brands on Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor.
- National History: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021, $10M settlement). David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012, $14M settlement).
- Texas Entity: Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 74-6064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing).
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU.
- National History: Multiple deaths (Carson Starkey, Cal Poly, 2008); traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama, 2023); chemical burns lawsuit (Texas A&M, 2021).
Pi Kappa Phi: Present at UH, Texas A&M.
- National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017).
- Texas Entity: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc., EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035.
Phi Delta Theta: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor.
- National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017, Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act”).
Sigma Chi: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor.
- National History: $10M+ settlement (College of Charleston, 2024); alcohol poisoning hospitalization (UT Arlington, 2020).

6.3 The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Backbone

For families in Town of Moulton, understanding that we track the organizational backbone of Texas Greek life is critical. We don’t start from scratch. We use public records like IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ data to map the network. For example, our data shows:

Harris County/Houston Metro Entities (Sample):

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 23-7279532, Prairie View, TX 77446.
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc. (Theta Delta), EIN 47-5370943, Houston, TX 77204.
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (UH), EIN 90-0293167, Victoria, TX 77901.

Cross-Validated Brands (IRS & Cause IQ):

Beta Upsilon Chi: IRS EIN 74-2911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244; also listed in Cause IQ DFW data.
Sigma Gamma Rho: Multiple IRS EINs in Waco and Commerce; also listed in Cause IQ data for Houston and Beaumont metros.

This engine allows us to immediately identify the legal entities, their Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), and their locations—the first step in uncovering insurance coverage and assets.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategic Litigation

When hazing causes harm, building a winning case requires a methodical, expert-driven approach. This is where our experience in complex litigation against billion-dollar corporations (like BP) and our insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics become invaluable for Town of Moulton families.

7.1 Evidence Collection: The Digital Battlefield

Modern hazing is planned and documented on phones. Preserving this evidence is step one. Watch our video on using your phone to document a legal case.

Digital Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat. We use digital forensics to recover deleted messages.
Photos/Videos: Content shared in chats or on social media (Instagram stories, TikTok). These often show the acts and who participated.
Internal Documents: Pledge manuals, “big/little” assignment sheets, chapter meeting notes.
University Records: Prior conduct reports for the same organization, obtained via discovery or public records requests.
Medical Records: Must explicitly link injuries to the hazing event (e.g., “patient reports being forced to drink during fraternity event”).
Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, RAs.

7.2 Damages: What Can Be Recovered in a Hazing Lawsuit

The goal is to make the victim whole and punish egregious conduct. Damages fall into these categories:

Economic Damages:
- All past and future medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, therapy, lifelong care for catastrophic injuries).
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity (if injuries prevent certain careers).
- Educational costs (tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships).
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):
- Funeral/burial costs.
- Loss of financial support, companionship, and guidance for the family.
Punitive Damages: To punish the defendant for particularly reckless or malicious conduct and deter future hazing.

Verdicts and settlements in serious hazing cases routinely reach the multi-million dollar range (e.g., Foltz $10M, Gruver $6.1M, Sigma Chi $10M+).

7.3 Strategic Litigation: Overcoming Institutional Defenses

National fraternities and universities have elite defense lawyers. Their common defenses include:

“The Pledge Consented”: Defeated by Texas law §37.155 and evidence of coercion.
“It Was a Rogue Chapter”: Defeated by showing national’s prior knowledge of similar incidents at other chapters (pattern evidence).
“It Happened Off-Campus”: Defeated by showing the organization still exercised control and benefited from the activity.
“Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”: This is a complex fight. We argue that the organization’s negligent supervision is a separate, covered act from the intentional hazing of individuals. Our co-founder, Mr. Lupe Peña, is a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurers try to deny these claims.

Our role is to anticipate these defenses, gather the evidence to dismantle them, and position the case for maximum leverage in settlement or at trial.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs for Town of Moulton Parents and Students

8.1 For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs:

Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, limping).
Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation.
Drastic personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal, defensiveness).
Sudden secrecy about group activities.
Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
Requests for large amounts of money with vague explanations.

If You Suspect Hazing:

Talk Calmly: “I’m worried about you. Is anything happening that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable?”
Prioritize Safety: If they are in immediate danger, call 911.
Preserve Evidence: Help them screenshot messages and photos. Do NOT let them delete anything.
Seek Medical Care: Even for “minor” injuries or psychological distress.
Contact a Lawyer Before Reporting: We can guide you on how to report to the university or police without compromising evidence. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

8.2 For Students: Is This Hazing? How to Get Out Safely.

Trust Your Gut: If it feels degrading, dangerous, or coerced, it probably is hazing.
You Have the Right to Leave: You can quit any organization at any time. Send a clear text/email: “I resign my membership/pledgeship effective immediately.” Then, tell a trusted adult.
Report Safely: You can report anonymously through campus hotlines or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE). Texas law protects good-faith reporters.
Call 911 in Medical Emergencies: Most schools have amnesty policies for underage drinking when help is sought.

8.3 Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Hazing Case

We detail these in our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case.

Deleting Evidence: Destroying group chats or texts is the #1 mistake.
Confronting the Organization: This triggers their defense lawyers and evidence destruction.
Signing University Paperwork Without a Lawyer: Universities may offer “informal resolution” that waives your right to sue.
Posting on Social Media: Defense investigators monitor everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility.
Waiting Too Long: Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury, but evidence and witnesses disappear fast. Watch our video on statutes of limitations.

8.4 Short FAQ

Q: Can we sue a public university like Texas A&M or UT?
A: Yes, but it’s complex. Sovereign immunity protects public entities, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees in their personal capacity. An experienced attorney must navigate this.

Q: How much does a hazing lawyer cost?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront; our fee is a percentage of the recovery we secure for you. We don’t get paid unless you win. Learn more in our video on how contingency fees work.

Q: Will my child’s name be in the news?
A: Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We aggressively pursue protective orders and sealed settlements to protect our clients’ privacy.

Q: What if the hazing happened at an off-campus house?
A: Location does not bar liability. The organization and university can still be responsible if they sponsored, knew about, or should have known about the activity.

9. About Attorney911: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Us

When your family is in crisis, you need more than a lawyer; you need advocates who understand the depth of the trauma and the heights of the institutional walls you face. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™) was built for legal emergencies exactly like yours.

9.1 Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Knowledge: Our associate attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as a defense attorney for national insurance companies. He knows their playbook—how they value claims, deploy delay tactics, and fight coverage. This insider perspective is a decisive advantage. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background.
Complex Institutional Litigation Experience: Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, facing down billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal resources. Universities and national fraternities use the same tactics. We are not intimidated. See Ralph’s full profile.
Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the elite Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the criminal side of hazing cases, allowing us to advise clients navigating parallel proceedings.
Data-Driven Investigation: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—mapping 1,423 Greek entities—means we never start from zero. We know how to find the responsible organizations and their insurance policies.
Proven Results: We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We apply that same relentless approach to hazing litigation.

9.2 We Serve Town of Moulton and All of Texas

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across the Lone Star State. We understand the values of Lavaca County communities—family, honesty, and accountability. When an institution betrays the trust you placed in it to keep your child safe, we are here to help you restore that balance.

9.3 Your Next Step: A Free, Confidential Consultation

If hazing has touched your family, you do not have to navigate this alone. The path forward begins with a conversation.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 Today:

Call our 24/7 line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-8881-888-ATTY-911).
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Se habla Español: Mr. Peña provides fluent Spanish-language services.

In your free consultation, we will:

Listen compassionately to your story.
Review any evidence you have.
Explain your legal rights and options clearly.
Discuss our contingency fee structure—no fee unless we win.
Help you develop a plan to protect your child and pursue accountability.

Don’t wait. Evidence fades, memories blur, and institutions close ranks. Call us now.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

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