The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Fraternity Abuse Cases for Upshur County Families

If you are a parent in Upshur County—from Gilmer to Gladewater, from Big Sandy to Ore City—and you suspect your college student is being abused in a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or campus organization, you are not alone. Your nightmare likely looks something like this: Your son accepted a bid to a fraternity at a Texas university. What started as exciting brotherhood events has turned into mandatory late-night “study sessions,” humiliating “traditions,” and extreme physical workouts. Last week, he came home with unexplained bruises and seems constantly exhausted. When you ask questions, he becomes defensive, secretive, and insists “everything is fine” while looking terrified. Now you’ve received a call that he’s in the hospital with kidney failure after a fraternity “workout.” The university says they’re “looking into it,” but you feel stonewalled. The fraternity’s lawyers are already circling. You don’t know where to turn.

This exact scenario is playing out right now in Texas courts. In late 2025, we at The Manginello Law Firm (Attorney911) filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died after pledging Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown from rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure after enduring forced overeating, extreme calisthenics, simulated waterboarding, and psychological torment. The chapter is now shut down, but Leonel faces lifelong health consequences. This case proves that catastrophic hazing is happening right here in Texas, to students from communities just like Upshur County.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Upshur County, Texas. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, your legal rights under Texas law, the national patterns repeating at our Texas universities, and what truly effective legal action requires. Whether your child attends UT Tyler just down the road, Texas A&M Commerce in nearby Hunt County, or has ventured to University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or other campuses hours away, the legal principles and institutional tactics are the same.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN UPSHUR COUNTY

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, photograph injuries, save physical items
• 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, or let your child delete evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours: Evidence disappears fast. 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 for Upshur County families.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like to Upshur County Families

For many Upshur County parents, “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or old-fashioned initiation rituals. The reality in 2025 is far more dangerous, sophisticated, and digitally enabled. Hazing today is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in a group. Critically, under Texas law, “consent” is not a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal when coercion, power imbalance, or peer pressure is present.

Modern Hazing Methods We See in Texas Cases:

1. Digital Control & Psychological Hazing:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, often through GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord. Failure means punishment.
• Social media humiliation: Forced to post embarrassing content on TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat as “challenges.”
• Geo-tracking demands: Required to share live location via Find My Friends or Life360.
• Sleep deprivation via phone: Constant late-night messages, 3 AM wake-up calls for “mandatory” tasks.

2. Disguised Physical Abuse:

• “Workouts” framed as conditioning: Extreme calisthenics far beyond normal exercise—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez at UH.
• Forced consumption rituals: Being made to drink excessive milk, eat hot dogs with peppercorns, or consume other substances until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising.
• Environmental exposure: Stripped to underwear in cold weather, lying in vomit-soaked grass, or being sprayed with hoses “like waterboarding.”

3. Alcohol & Substance Coercion:

• “Big/Little” drinking nights: Pledges given handles of liquor and pressured to finish them.
• Drinking games with academic framing: “Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean forced drinking.
• Lineups and chugging challenges: Organized rapid consumption events that lead to alcohol poisoning.

4. Sexualized & Humiliating Acts:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity during “inspections.”
• Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions like the “roasted pig” binding seen in Texas A&M Corps cases.
• Demeaning costumes or “fanny pack” rules requiring carrying condoms, sex toys, or humiliating items at all times.

What Upshur County families must understand: Today’s hazing is often deliberately designed to avoid detection. Activities move to off-campus Airbnbs, encrypted apps replace paper trails, and members are coached on what to say if investigated. The Pi Kappa Phi case at UH involved multiple locations: the official fraternity house, a Culmore Drive residence owned by a former member, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park for early-morning workouts. This geographic spread is intentional—making it harder for universities to monitor and intervene.

Texas Hazing Law: What Upshur County Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s most clearly defined hazing statutes, yet many Upshur County parents are unaware of their family’s rights. The Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F governs hazing and provides both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways.

Texas Education Code § 37.151: The Hazing Definition

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

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
• Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key implications for Upshur County families:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house, Airbnb, or park is still illegal.
• “Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to have intended harm—just disregarded obvious risks.
• Mental health counts: Psychological trauma qualifies alongside physical injury.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law (§ 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: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters are separate misdemeanors

Critical Protections for Upshur County Families:

§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense
This is perhaps the most important provision for parents to understand. The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

§ 37.154: Good-Faith Reporting Immunity
Students who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith receive immunity from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. Many Texas universities extend this to alcohol amnesty policies—encouraging life-saving 911 calls even when underage drinking is involved.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):

Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it. This creates both criminal and civil exposure for the organizations themselves—not just individual members.

How This Applies to Upshur County Cases:

When a student from Gilmer is hazed at Texas A&M or a Gladewater resident faces abuse at UT Tyler, Texas law follows them. The jurisdiction typically lies with:

• Campus police at the university
• Local police where the hazing occurred
• County prosecutors in both the university’s county and potentially Upshur County if planning occurred there

Civil lawsuits can be filed in the county where the hazing occurred, where defendants reside, or where the organization operates—giving Upshur County families multiple potential venues for justice.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Universities

The catastrophic cases making national headlines aren’t anomalies—they’re patterns that repeat across campuses, including Texas universities where Upshur County students enroll. Understanding these patterns helps families recognize that what happened to their child wasn’t “isolated” but part of a predictable, preventable cycle.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The result: $10 million in settlements ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU), multiple criminal convictions, and the chapter president being ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking, Max died with a 0.495% BAC. This case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony and resulted in a $6.1 million verdict for his family.

Why this matters for Upshur County: The same “Big/Little” drinking nights, alcohol games, and peer pressure exist at Texas fraternities. When we see these patterns in Texas cases, we can prove national organizations had prior notice and foreseeability—critical for establishing negligence.

The Physical Abuse & Cover-Up Pattern:

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
After consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol during a bid acceptance night, Timothy suffered fatal falls captured on the fraternity’s own security cameras. Brothers delayed calling for help for 12 hours. The case resulted in 18 members facing over 1,000 criminal charges total and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat, the blindfolded pledge was repeatedly tackled while carrying a heavy backpack. He suffered fatal traumatic brain injury. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability.

Why this matters for Upshur County: The delay in seeking medical help and attempts to cover up are standard playbook responses. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, members allegedly threatened expulsion if pledges didn’t complete extreme workouts while injured. These patterns help prove consciousness of guilt in Texas cases.

The Athletic & Corps Hazing Pattern:

Northwestern University Football Program (2023-2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over years. The head coach was fired, Northwestern settled multiple lawsuits, and the case revealed how athletic departments can harbor systemic abuse similar to Greek organizations.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)
A cadet alleged being bound between beds in a degrading position with an apple in his mouth during hazing rituals. The case sought over $1 million and highlighted how military-style programs have their own dangerous traditions.

Why this matters for Upshur County: Many East Texas families have children in Corps programs, ROTC, or athletic teams. Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities—it permeates any organization with power imbalances and tradition-based initiations.

The Severe Injury & Lifetime Care Pattern:

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
During a “pledge dad reveal” night, the 18-year-old was forced to drink until he suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care for life. His family settled with 22 defendants, with amounts likely totaling in the tens of millions for lifetime care.

Sigma Chi – College of Charleston (2024)
A pledge suffered severe physical beatings, forced drug and alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. The result: over $10 million in damages—one of the largest known hazing settlements for non-fatal injury.

Why this matters for Upshur County: These cases establish the economic value of catastrophic injury claims. When Texas students suffer rhabdomyolysis (like Leonel Bermudez), traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disability, these national precedents help calculate appropriate compensation for lifelong medical needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Texas University Focus: Where Upshur County Students Face Hazing Risks

Upshur County families send students to universities across Texas. Some attend nearby institutions like UT Tyler or Texas A&M Commerce. Others venture to major hubs like University of Houston, Texas A&M College Station, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor. Each campus has its own hazing history, Greek ecosystem, and institutional response patterns.

University of Houston: The Active Litigation Case

For Upshur County families: UH is approximately 3 hours from Gilmer, attracting East Texas students seeking urban opportunities. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates what can happen when hazing escalates unchecked.

The Leonel Bermudez Case – Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter:
In Fall 2025, transfer student Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi. What followed was systematic abuse:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rule: Required to carry condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices 24/7
• Forced servitude: Overnight chauffeuring, mandatory “study blocks,” weekly interrogations
• Physical torture: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear
• Extreme workouts: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Simulated waterboarding: Sprayed in face with hose, threatened with actual waterboarding
• Forced consumption: Made to drink milk, eat hot dogs with peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints

Medical Catastrophe: After the November 3rd workout, Bermudez deteriorated over days until passing brown urine—a sign of rhabdomyolysis. Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, facing permanent kidney damage risk.

Institutional Response:

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended Beta Nu chapter
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter
• UH Statement: Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, cooperation with law enforcement

Current Status: Our firm represents Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The case is actively litigated in Harris County.

UH’s Greek Ecosystem:
UH hosts multiple Greek councils with approximately 50 chapters. The Interfraternity Council includes Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others with national hazing histories. The university maintains hazing policies and reporting channels, but as this case shows, policies alone don’t prevent tragedy.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life

For Upshur County families: Many Aggie traditions originate from East Texas. The 2.5-hour drive from Gilmer to College Station makes A&M accessible for weekend visits but distant enough for parents to miss warning signs.

Recent A&M Hazing Incidents:

1. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

   • Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit
   • Resulted in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
   • Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years

2. Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023)

   • Cadet alleged being bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth
   • Sought over $1 million in damages
   • Texas A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

3. Texas A&M Hazing Transparency:
   Unlike UT Austin’s public violations log, A&M’s disciplinary outcomes are less publicly accessible. The university uses the Student Conduct Office and Corps regulations for enforcement.

A&M’s Greek Landscape:
With one of the nation’s largest Greek systems, A&M’s IFC includes Phi Delta Theta (Gruver case), Pi Kappa Alpha (Foltz case), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (chemical burns case), and other nationals with extensive hazing histories. The Corps of Cadets adds another layer of traditional initiation risks.

University of Texas at Austin: Public Transparency & Repeated Violations

For Upshur County families: UT Austin’s prestige attracts top East Texas students. The 4-hour drive creates distance but doesn’t eliminate Texas law’s reach when hazing occurs.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing records at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries show patterns:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
• Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
• Multiple organizations: Probation for “activities likely to cause mental or physical discomfort”

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

UT’s Institutional Advantage for Plaintiffs:
The public violations log creates a documented pattern history that strengthens civil cases. When an organization has prior sanctions, plaintiffs can argue the university and national headquarters had actual knowledge of dangerous tendencies.

Southern Methodist University: Private Status & Greek Dominance

For Upshur County families: SMU’s private status and Dallas location (3.5 hours from Gilmer) create different dynamics. Higher costs don’t eliminate hazing risks.

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

SMU’s Greek Life Profile:
With affluent student population and strong Greek presence, SMU’s Panhellenic and IFC organizations include nationals like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and Pi Kappa Alpha—all with documented hazing histories elsewhere.

Private University Implications:
SMU isn’t subject to all public records requests that apply to state schools, but discovery in litigation can still uncover internal reports and prior incidents.

Baylor University: Religious Identity & Athletic Scrutiny

For Upshur County families: Baylor’s Waco location (3 hours from Gilmer) and religious affiliation attract many East Texas families, but don’t immunize against hazing.

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

Baylor’s Context:
Following the football sexual assault scandal, Baylor faced heightened scrutiny of institutional responses to misconduct. This history can affect how hazing cases are perceived and litigated.

Regional Universities Closer to Upshur County:

University of Texas at Tyler:
Just 45 minutes from Gilmer, UT Tyler serves many Upshur County students directly. While smaller than flagship campuses, it has Greek life including chapters of nationals with hazing histories.

Texas A&M University-Commerce:
In nearby Hunt County, A&M Commerce has fraternities and sororities that operate under the same national policies and risk patterns as larger campuses.

Key Takeaway for Upshur County Families: Hazing risks aren’t limited by campus size, location, or prestige. The same national organizations, insurance carriers, and institutional defense tactics operate everywhere Texas students enroll.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: The Patterns Behind the Letters

When Upshur County parents see Greek letters, they often see social opportunity. We see national organizations with documented hazing histories, insurance coverage battles, and legal playbooks. Understanding these patterns is crucial for holding the right entities accountable.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities & Sororities Serving Upshur County Families

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine we maintain tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t theoretical—these are registered entities with EINs, addresses, and legal structures that can be held liable. For Upshur County families, here are examples of organizations operating in or near our region:

Longview Metro Area & East Texas Organizations (Sample from IRS B83 Records):

1. Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Mu Upsilon Chapter

   • EIN: [Available in full data]
   • Silsbee, Texas 77656
   • IRS B83 filing – educators’ society

2. Alpha Delta Kappa – Texas Gamma Upsilon

   • EIN: [Available in full data]
   • Vidor, Texas 77662
   • IRS B83 filing – teachers’ sorority chapter

3. Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Lamar University Chapter

   • EIN: [Available in full data]
   • Beaumont, Texas 77710
   • IRS B83 filing – academic honor society

4. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Epsilon Chapter

   • EIN: [Available in full data]
   • Beaumont, Texas 77710
   • IRS B83 filing – undergraduate chapter

Statewide Texas Organizations with Upshur County Student Presence:

1. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – National Headquarters

   • EIN: [Available in full data]
   • Charlotte, NC (with Texas chapters including UH Beta Nu)
   • Cause IQ metro listing – national organization

2. Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corporation

   • EIN: [Available in full data]
   • Austin, Texas 78705
   • Cause IQ metro listing – house corporation at UT

3. Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity

   • EIN: 742911848
   • Fort Worth, Texas 76244
   • IRS-Cause IQ brand overlap – Christian fraternity

4. Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc

   • EIN: 741380362
   • Fort Worth, Texas 76147
   • IRS-Cause IQ brand overlap – housing foundation

Why This Directory Matters for Upshur County Families:
When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability:

• Undergraduate chapters where abuse happens
• Alumni/housing corporations that own properties
• National headquarters that set policies and collect dues
• Educational foundations that manage funds
• Insurance carriers for each entity

Our directory helps identify all potentially liable parties from day one, rather than discovering them months into litigation.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

• Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021): $10M settlements
• David Bogenberger death (NIU, 2012): $14M settlement
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

• Multiple hazing deaths nationwide leading to 2014 pledge process elimination
• Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021): $1M lawsuit
• UT Austin assault case (2024): $1M+ lawsuit
• Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major Texas universities
• Pattern: Physical abuse, chemical hazing, assault

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017): Wrongful death suit
• Leonel Bermudez injury (UH, 2025): $10M active lawsuit we’re litigating
• Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), other Texas campuses
• Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, psychological abuse

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017): $6.1M verdict, Max Gruver Act
• Texas Presence: Chapters at multiple Texas universities
• Pattern: Drinking games, alcohol coercion

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

• SMU paddling incident (2017): Chapter suspension
• Multiple hazing suspensions nationwide
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, SMU, others
• Pattern: Physical paddling, traditional hazing

Why National Histories Matter Legally:
When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused injuries or deaths elsewhere, it proves:

1. Foreseeability: The national organization knew these activities were dangerous
2. Inadequate prevention: Their policies failed to prevent predictable harm
3. Pattern evidence: This wasn’t “rogue individuals” but organizational culture

This pattern evidence is crucial for overcoming defenses like “we didn’t know” or “this was an isolated incident.”

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages for Upshur County Families

When hazing injures an Upshur County student, families face powerful opponents: national fraternities with decades of litigation experience, university legal teams, and insurance companies skilled at minimizing payouts. Effective legal strategy requires understanding what evidence matters, how damages are calculated, and which defenses to anticipate.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases:

1. Digital Communications (Most Important Evidence Today):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage threads showing planning, coercion, and cover-up attempts
• Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos documenting events
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” messages
• Location data: GPS metadata from photos and messages proving where events occurred

2. Medical Documentation:

• Emergency room records: Must explicitly state “hazing” or describe mechanism of injury
• Lab results: Blood alcohol levels, creatine kinase (rhabdomyolysis), toxicology screens
• Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from hazing trauma
• Future care plans: Specialists’ projections for long-term treatment needs

3. Organizational Records:

• Chapter minutes/materials: Pledge education manuals, ritual scripts, meeting notes
• National correspondence: Emails between local chapter and headquarters about “risk management”
• Prior incident reports: Disciplinary history from university or national organization
• Insurance policies: Coverage documents for chapter, alumni corporation, and national

4. Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges: Often afraid initially but may cooperate as case develops
• Former members: Those who quit or were expelled often have valuable information
• Roommates/RAs: Notice behavior changes, injuries, or odd patterns
• Medical providers: Document injuries and patient statements about cause

Damages Recovery Framework:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifelong needs for catastrophic injuries
• Lost educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Lost earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings if disabilities affect career prospects
• Therapy & counseling: Often needed for years after hazing trauma

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and digital footprint consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes):

• Funeral/burial expenses
• Loss of companionship for parents and siblings
• Grief and emotional suffering of family members
• Lost future financial support the student would have provided

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):
In Texas, punitive damages may be available when defendants act with malice, gross negligence, or fraud. The cover-up attempts, prior warnings ignored, and deliberate destruction of evidence often seen in hazing cases can support punitive claims.

Common Defense Tactics & How We Counter Them:

Defense: “The Student Consented”

• Our Response: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. We show power imbalance, coercion, and peer pressure made any “consent” meaningless.

Defense: “This Was Rogue Individuals, Not the Organization”

• Our Response: We demonstrate pattern evidence from national histories, show national policies weren’t enforced, and prove organizational culture encouraged or tolerated the behavior.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus, Not Our Responsibility”

• Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty when organizations sponsor events, provide alcohol, or exercise control over members. National headquarters often maintain liability insurance covering off-campus activities.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

• Our Response: We show policies were window-dressing—not enforced, not monitored, and treated as check-the-box exercises rather than meaningful prevention.

Defense: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

• Our Response: We argue negligent supervision claims (failure to prevent foreseeable harm) may still be covered even if hazing itself was intentional. We also identify all potential insurance policies across multiple entities.

The Attorney911 Advantage in Hazing Cases:

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

• Value (and undervalue) claims
• Use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements
• Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions

2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—facing billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. The same skills apply against national fraternities and universities:

• Managing massive document discovery
• Working with teams of experts
• Navigating federal and state court procedures
• Trying cases when settlement offers are inadequate

3. Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
With Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

• Advise clients on criminal investigation parallel to civil case
• Represent witnesses or former members with potential criminal exposure
• Navigate cooperation agreements with prosecutors

4. Digital Evidence Expertise:
From recovering deleted group chats to authenticating social media posts, we work with digital forensics experts to build cases that reflect how hazing actually happens in 2025.

5. Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Hispanic families in Upshur County and across Texas receive clear guidance in their preferred language.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Upshur County Parents & Students

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Upshur County Student May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss/gain from food restriction or stress eating
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
• Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or exercise
• Chemical burns or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-group activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
• Constant phone use monitoring group chats
• Anxiety when phone buzzes with organizational messages

Academic & Financial Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Unexpected large expenses (forced purchases, “fines”)
• Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

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

For Students: Safety Planning & Evidence Preservation

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents or university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If You Answer YES to Any: It’s likely hazing. Trust your instincts.

How to Exit Safely:

1. Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
2. Send a clear written resignation: “I am resigning my membership effective immediately”
3. Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
4. If fearing retaliation, report concerns to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Preservation Checklist:

• Screenshots: Capture full group chats with timestamps and participant names
• Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with ruler for scale; locations where hazing occurred
• Medical records: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s documented
• Witness info: Names and contact information for others who saw what happened
• Physical items: Save clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case:

1. Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” messages seems protective but looks like obstruction of justice. Preserve everything.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly: This triggers their legal defense, evidence destruction, and witness coaching. Let your attorney handle communication.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often contain waivers of your right to sue. Never sign without attorney review.

4. Posting Details on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility. Keep details private.

5. Waiting for University Investigations: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run. Act immediately.

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Unrepresented: Recorded statements are used against you. Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you.”

FAQs for Upshur County Families:

Q: Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee liability. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Each case requires specific analysis—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

Q: Is hazing a felony in Texas?
A: It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist if harm wasn’t immediately discoverable or if fraud/concealment occurred. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly.

Q: What if hazing happened off-campus?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, unofficial houses) occurred off-campus.

Q: Will this be confidential?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability, requesting sealed records and confidential settlement terms when possible.

Q: What does it cost to hire your firm?
A: We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation. Initial consultations are free and confidential.

Why Attorney911 for Upshur County Hazing Cases

When your Upshur County family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases:

1. Active Texas Hazing Litigation Experience:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit against a major Texas university and national fraternity. This isn’t theoretical expertise; we’re in the courtroom today fighting the same battles Upshur County families might face.

2. Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña’s years as an insurance defense attorney give us unparalleled insight into how fraternity and university insurers operate. We know their valuation formulas, delay tactics, and coverage arguments because we used to make those arguments for insurance companies.

3. Complex Institutional Litigation Credentials:
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can take on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. National fraternities and universities use the same defense firms and tactics—we’ve faced them before.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Results:
We’ve recovered millions for clients with brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and wrongful death claims. We understand how to work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to properly value lifelong consequences.

5. Digital Evidence & Investigation Depth:
From recovering deleted group chats to subpoenaing national fraternity records, we investigate hazing cases with resources that match what we face from institutional defendants.

6. Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Hispanic families in Upshur County receive clear guidance in their preferred language.

7. East Texas Understanding:
We recognize Upshur County’s unique community values, educational patterns, and family dynamics. Whether your student attends nearby UT Tyler or ventures to distant campuses, we understand the concerns of East Texas families.

What to Expect When You Contact Us:

Free Confidential Consultation:

1. We listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you’ve preserved
3. Explain your legal options clearly
4. Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
5. Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – no recovery, no fee)
6. No pressure to hire immediately – take time to decide

If You Hire Us:

1. Immediate evidence preservation actions
2. Comprehensive investigation identifying all potentially liable parties
3. Strategic planning for university interactions, criminal proceedings, and civil litigation
4. Regular updates and clear communication
5. Aggressive advocacy through settlement or trial

Call to Action for Upshur County Families:

If hazing has injured your child at any Texas campus—whether UT Tyler minutes away or University of Houston hours distant—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced legal teams working to minimize their exposure. You deserve advocates who understand their playbook and how to counter it.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

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

We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, including Upshur County and all East Texas communities. Your consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation. Let us help you understand your rights and options during this difficult time.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

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

• Firm website: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

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