Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Complete Guide for Vernon Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Have Rights

We understand the sickening moment when the phone rings and your child’s voice is different—strained, scared, or distant. That call from College Station, Austin, Houston, or Waco where they mention “mandatory events,” “pledge requirements,” or an “accident during a brotherhood activity.” For parents in Vernon, Texas—where our community values hard work, family, and the agricultural traditions of Wilbarger County—learning that your child has been subjected to hazing at a Texas university feels like a profound betrayal. The institutions you trusted with their safety have failed them.

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to detailed media reports including Click2Houston’s investigation and ABC13 coverage, Bermudez was subjected to extreme physical hazing, forced consumption rituals, and psychological abuse that landed him in the hospital for four days. This $10 million lawsuit names not just individual fraternity members but the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters.

This guide exists because families in Vernon and across North Texas deserve to know the truth about hazing at Texas universities, your legal rights under Texas law, and how to protect your child when institutions fail them. Whether your student attends Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls (just 90 minutes from Vernon), Texas A&M University, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, what happens next could determine their physical recovery, emotional healing, and financial future.

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’re “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 Beyond the Stereotypes

A Modern Definition for Vernon Families

Hazing is no longer just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Texas law and in reality, hazing means 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. For Vernon parents whose children might be first-generation college students or navigating Greek life unfamiliar to our agricultural community, understanding these modern manifestations is critical.

The most dangerous myth? “They agreed to it.” Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. When there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion—common in fraternity, sorority, Corps, and athletic contexts—what looks like “agreement” is actually coercion.

Categories of Hazing Every Vernon Parent Should Recognize

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “Big/Little nights”)
Chugging challenges with liquor handles or excessive beer
Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous mixtures
Texas A&M’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon case involved pledges suffering chemical burns from industrial cleaner

Physical Hazing

Paddling, beatings, or “smokings” (extreme calisthenics)
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water deprivation or forced consumption of spoiled food
Exposure to extreme elements (left outside in cold/heat)
The Leonel Bermudez UH case involved 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and forced sprints after vomiting

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts (“roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes)
Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones
Texas A&M Corps “roasted pig” case involved cadets being bound with apples in mouths

Psychological and Digital Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Public shaming in meetings or on social media
Group chat dares and “challenges” with humiliation consequences
Constant digital monitoring via location sharing or instant response demands

Where Hazing Happens Beyond the Fraternity House

While fraternities and sororities dominate hazing headlines, Vernon parents should know these practices infect:

Corps of Cadets / ROTC programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit squads and tradition organizations (Texas Cowboys, etc.)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic clubs and honor societies
Military-style organizations even at non-military schools

The common thread? Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. For students from Vernon’s close-knit community, the pressure to belong can override their better judgment—and organizations exploit that vulnerability.

Texas Hazing Law: What Vernon Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that apply whether hazing occurs on-campus in Austin or at an off-campus house near UT. For Vernon families dealing with incidents hours away, understanding these laws provides crucial leverage.

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key implications for Vernon cases:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats, and remote properties still count
“Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to intend harm, just disregard obvious risks
Mental harm counts alongside physical injury

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (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 (for members/officers who knew): misdemeanor
Retaliating against reporters: misdemeanor

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted if:

The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer/member acting officially knew and failed to report

Penalties for organizations:

Fine up to $10,000 per violation
University can revoke recognition and ban from campus

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability. This protects bystanders and victims who call for help.

§ 37.155 Consent NOT a Defense:
The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This directly counters the “they wanted to do it” argument.

§ 37.156 Institutional Reporting Requirements:
Texas colleges must provide hazing prevention education, publish policies, and maintain annual reports of hazing violations. UT Austin’s public hazing log (hazing.utexas.edu) exemplifies this transparency.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (State vs. Individuals/Organization)

Brought by: District Attorney or County Attorney
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in deaths
Vernon jurisdiction: Could be filed in county where hazing occurred OR where defendant lives

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties)

Brought by: Victims or surviving families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability
No criminal conviction required: Civil cases proceed independently

Why both matter for Vernon families:
Criminal cases punish wrongdoing; civil cases provide resources for recovery. A student hazed at Texas Tech in Lubbock might face criminal proceedings there while their civil case could be filed where national headquarters or insurers are located. We navigate both tracks simultaneously.

Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery Act, and New Requirements

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Phased public hazing data requirements by 2026
Applies to all Texas public universities and most private ones

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must investigate promptly and protect complainants. For Vernon families, this means additional reporting avenues and potential federal oversight.

Clery Act Reporting
Hazing incidents involving crimes (assault, alcohol offenses) may require inclusion in annual crime statistics. This creates institutional pressure to address patterns.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Chapter presidents, pledge educators, risk managers often bear particular responsibility

2. Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
In the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi national is named alongside the local chapter

4. University or Governing Board

Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories
Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity but exceptions exist

5. Third Parties

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars/alcohol providers under dram shop laws
Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, which is why Vernon families need experienced counsel to identify all potentially liable parties. The same national fraternity that operates at UT Austin likely has chapters at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls—and similar risk management failures.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Vernon Families Can Learn

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: Repeated Tragedies

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Eighteen-year-old Timothy died after a bid-acceptance event with forced drinking. Security cameras captured severe falls and hours-long delays before medical help. Dozens faced criminal charges; Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. For Vernon families: extreme intoxication combined with delayed medical response creates catastrophic liability.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
During a “Big/Little” event, Andrew was given a handle of liquor and drank to dangerous levels. His death led to criminal hazing charges and FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life. The takeaway for Texas families: formulaic drinking “traditions” are predictable and preventable.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game required wrong answers to drink. Max died with a 0.495% BAC. His death spurred Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute). For Vernon parents: even seemingly “educational” activities can be deadly hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Stone died after being forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey. Multiple convictions followed; BGSU settled for $3 million; additional settlements with fraternity/individuals. Recent court orders even require former chapter president Daylen Dunson to pay $6.5 million personally. The lesson: universities AND individuals face massive liability.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
At a fraternity retreat, Michael was blindfolded, weighted down, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He died from traumatic brain injury; help was delayed. Multiple members were convicted; the national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. For Vernon families: off-campus retreats are particularly dangerous hazing venues.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
During a “pledge dad reveal,” Danny was forced to drink until he suffered severe, permanent brain damage. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. Settlements with 22 defendants reached multi-million dollars. The reality: non-fatal injuries can still mean lifetime care costing millions.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits ensued; head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled confidentially. The takeaway: multi-million-dollar athletic programs harbor systemic abuse with institutional complicity.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (2023 Lawsuit)
A cadet alleged degrading hacing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose. He sought over $1 million. A&M stated it handled the matter internally—highlighting how military-style programs face similar issues.

What These Cases Mean for Vernon Families

Common threads emerge: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Vernon families facing hazing at Texas schools aren’t alone—they’re operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons. The organizations operating at Texas Tech, UT, or A&M are the same nationals that faced these catastrophic failures elsewhere.

Texas University Focus: Where Vernon Students Actually Attend

Vernon families send students throughout Texas—from nearby Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls (90 minutes away) to major hubs like Texas Tech (3 hours), and flagship campuses like UT Austin and Texas A&M (5+ hours). Each campus has unique risks.

Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls, TX)

For Vernon Families: Your closest four-year university, just 90 minutes south via US-287. Many Vernon students commute or reside on campus.

Campus Culture & Greek Life:

Public liberal arts university with approximately 5,800 students
Active Greek community with fraternities and sororities
Located in Wichita County, impacting jurisdictional considerations

Documented Hazing Concerns:
While smaller than flagship campuses, MSU has faced hazing incidents. Greek organizations at regional universities often adopt practices from their national headquarters’ larger chapters, sometimes without adequate oversight.

What Vernon Families Should Know:

MSUPD (campus police) and Wichita Falls PD share jurisdiction
Student Conduct Office handles internal investigations
As a Texas public university, sovereign immunity considerations apply but exceptions exist for gross negligence
Students may feel additional pressure in smaller Greek communities where anonymity is limited

Action Steps if Hazing Occurs at MSU:

Document whether incidents occurred on-campus or in Wichita Falls
Report to both MSU Student Conduct and local police if crimes occurred
Preserve evidence particularly carefully in close-knit campus environments
Understand that national fraternity/sorority headquarters may be even more critical defendants at regional schools

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)

For Vernon Families: Three hours southwest, many West Texas students’ destination for engineering, agriculture, and business programs.

Greek Life Scale:

40+ fraternities and sororities
Significant Greek housing presence near campus
Active Panhellenic and IFC communities

Recent Hazing Incidents:
Texas Tech has faced multiple hazing allegations, including cases involving rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) from extreme physical hazing—the same injury Leonel Bermudez suffered at UH.

Jurisdiction for Vernon Families:

Lubbock PD and Texas Tech PD
Lubbock County courts
Potentially federal court for Title IX or constitutional claims

Unique Considerations:

Remote location can make evidence preservation challenging
Strong alumni networks may influence institutional response
Agricultural and engineering programs may have specialized organizations with hazing risks

University of Texas at Austin

For Vernon Families: Five hours southeast, UT attracts high-achieving students from across Texas.

Transparency Leader:
UT Austin maintains a public hazing violations log (hazing.utexas.edu), listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. Recent entries show:

Sample Violations from UT’s Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter probation and mandated education
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple other groups for “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort” activities

Why This Matters for Vernon Families:

Prior violations establish pattern and notice—critical for negligence claims
Public records reduce “he said, she said” about organizational history
Demonstrates even “prestigious” organizations engage in hazing

Legal Venues:

Travis County courts (Austin)
UTPD and Austin PD
Potentially federal court in Western District of Texas

Texas A&M University (College Station)

For Vernon Families: Five hours southeast, A&M’s Corps of Cadets and large Greek system present unique risks.

Corps of Cadets Culture:

Military-style environment with reported discipline issues
2023 lawsuit alleged degrading hazing including “roasted pig” binding
Traditions-heavy culture that can normalize abuse

Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit: Pledges suffered chemical burns requiring skin grafts after being covered in industrial cleaner and other substances
Multiple other fraternities suspended for hazing violations
Strong institutional loyalty can complicate reporting

Jurisdictional Considerations:

Brazos County courts
College Station PD and A&M PD
Military jurisdiction complexities for Corps incidents

What Vernon Aggie Families Should Know:

Tradition often trumps safety in both Greek and Corps environments
Whistleblowers may face intense social retaliation
National fraternity headquarters’ knowledge of A&M chapter practices is often discoverable

University of Houston

For Vernon Families: Six hours southeast, UH’s urban campus and diverse Greek system.

Current Active Litigation – Leonel Bermudez Case:
We are actively litigating this $10 million hazing lawsuit alleging:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Result: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization

Defendants Include:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Media Coverage:
Extensively reported by Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline.

UH’s Response:
Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” confirmed Pi Kappa Phi HQ investigation, noted chapter voted to surrender charter November 14, 2025, promised disciplinary/criminal referrals.

Why This Matters for All Texas Families:
This active litigation demonstrates:

Universities and nationals can be held simultaneously liable
Physical hazing causes catastrophic medical consequences
Rapid chapter closure doesn’t eliminate liability
Media scrutiny accompanies serious cases

Baylor University (Waco, TX)

For Vernon Families: Four hours southeast, Baylor’s religious identity creates unique dynamics.

Historical Context:
Baylor’s sexual assault scandal revealed institutional protection patterns. Similar dynamics can affect hazing response.

Documented Incidents:

Baseball team hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Multiple Greek organization sanctions
Christian identity sometimes used to deflect scrutiny

Legal Considerations:

Private university status means fewer sovereign immunity protections
Religious autonomy arguments may be attempted
McLennan County courts (Waco)

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)

For Vernon Families: Three hours southeast, SMU’s affluent reputation doesn’t immunize from hazing.

Documented Cases:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep-deprived; chapter suspended until approximately 2021
Other Greek organization sanctions

Private University Dynamics:

Less transparency than public institutions
Donor and alumni pressure may influence responses
Dallas County courts

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Vernon Families Are Really Dealing With

Why National Histories Matter for Local Chapters

The fraternities and sororities at Texas universities aren’t isolated entities—they’re chapters of national organizations with documented hazing histories. When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that caused death or catastrophe elsewhere, that shows foreseeability—a critical legal concept.

How Nationals Create Liability:

Prior Knowledge: National headquarters know their chapters’ patterns
Inadequate Response: Minimal punishment for prior violations
Policy vs. Practice: Impressive anti-hazing manuals but poor enforcement
Financial Benefit: Nationals collect dues from dangerous chapters

Major Organizations with Documented Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State death, $10+ million settlements
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University death, $14 million settlement
Texas Chapters: Multiple violations at UT, Texas A&M, other campuses
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights create foreseeable alcohol poisoning risk

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”)

Multiple Deaths Nationwide: Called “the deadliest fraternity” by some publications
Texas A&M Lawsuit: Chemical burns from industrial cleaner requiring skin grafts
UT Austin Lawsuit: Student assault causing fractured tibia, broken nose
Pattern: Physical violence combined with substance abuse

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

Andrew Coffey: Florida State death from alcohol poisoning
Leonel Bermudez: Current UH case we’re litigating with rhabdomyolysis/kidney failure
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing alongside alcohol coercion

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

Max Gruver: LSU death, spurred Louisiana’s felony hazing law
Multiple Chapter Closures for hazing violations
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games and alcohol toxicity

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

Timothy Piazza: Penn State death captured on chapter cameras
Criminal Charges: Dozens against members
Pattern: Delayed medical response exacerbating injuries

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

SMU Suspension: 2017 paddling and drinking hazing
Multiple Campus Sanctions
Pattern: Physical punishment traditions

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data Behind the Letters

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. For Vernon families, this means we don’t start from scratch when investigating your case.

IRS B83 Backbone: 125+ Texas-Registered Greek Organizations
The IRS tracks tax-exempt Greek organizations. Examples from public records include:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845)
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc (multiple EINs, Corinth, TX 76210)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (multiple locations including Houston, San Marcos)
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc (EIN 161675890, The Woodlands, TX 77382)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (multiple campus chapters statewide)

Texas Universities: 96 Campuses with Greek Presence
From our analysis of official campus data:

North Texas Region: Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls), Texas A&M Commerce, University of North Texas (Denton)
West Texas: Texas Tech University (Lubbock), West Texas A&M (Canyon)
Central Texas: UT Austin, Texas State University (San Marcos)
Gulf Coast: University of Houston, Texas A&M University
Private Institutions: Baylor University, Southern Methodist University, Trinity University

Metro Concentration Data:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ organizations
Lubbock Metro: 59+ organizations
Wichita Falls Metro: 13+ organizations (relevant for Vernon families)

What This Means for Your Case:
When your child is hazed at a Texas school, we already know:

The legal entities behind the Greek letters
Where national headquarters are located
Insurance coverage likely sources
Prior incident patterns for that organization

This isn’t abstract data—it’s the roadmap we used in the Bermudez case to identify not just the UH chapter but the national headquarters, housing corporation, and individual officers as defendants.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Realistic Expectations

Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Communications (Most Critical)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: Where hazing is planned and documented
Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok: Humiliation evidence and event planning
Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “permanently” deleted content
Metadata: Timestamps, location data, participant lists

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
Security/doorbell camera footage at houses and venues
Injury documentation over time (bruises evolve)

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Emails/texts from officers about “what we’ll do to pledges”
National risk management policies (showing what they knew should be prevented)

University Records

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
Campus police incident reports
Clery Act reports and hazing violation logs
Internal emails about the organization’s history

Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol, drug screens)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
Specialist reports for ongoing treatment needs

Witness Testimony

Other pledges (often afraid but willing to cooperate with protection)
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, bystanders

University employees (coaches, advisors)

Damage Categories in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

Medical Expenses:
- Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries
- Ongoing therapy (physical, occupational, psychological)
- Future medical needs (for permanent injuries)
Lost Income & Earning Capacity:
- Missed semesters/withdrawal tuition losses
- Delayed entry into workforce
- Reduced earning capacity for permanent disabilities
Other Economic Losses:
- Property damage (destroyed items during hazing)
- Relocation costs (transferring schools)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm)

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and medical procedures
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t participate in former activities
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital footprint

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support and companionship
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering
Loss of guidance for younger siblings

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

Purpose: Punish especially reckless/willful conduct and deter future hazing
Available when defendants show “callous indifference” to known risks
Texas has statutory caps but exceptions for intentional conduct

Realistic Settlement & Verdict Ranges

Based on national patterns and our Texas experience:

Death Cases:

$1–14 million depending on facts, defendant resources, and jurisdiction
Stone Foltz: $10 million total ($7M national + $3M university)
David Bogenberger: $14 million settlement
Max Gruver: $6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements

Severe Injury Cases:

$375,000–multi-million for permanent disabilities
Danny Santulli (brain damage): Settlements with 22 defendants, multi-million total
Texas A&M chemical burns case: $1 million lawsuit filed

Individual Officer Liability:

Daylen Dunson (Pi Kappa Alpha president): Personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

What Affects Value:

Severity and permanence of injuries
Defendant resources (national vs. local chapter)
Quality of evidence (digital documentation vs. “he said/she said”)
Jurisdiction (some Texas counties more favorable than others)
Timing (evidence preservation critical)

Insurance Coverage Battles: The Hidden Front

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance—but insurers often argue:

Common Insurance Defenses:

“Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
“This was criminal conduct, excluded by policy”
“The insured didn’t give timely notice”
“That defendant isn’t an insured under this policy”

How We Overcome These:

Multiple Policy Identification: Chapter policies, national policies, university policies, homeowner’s policies of individual members
Negligence vs. Intent: Argue negligent supervision even if hazing was intentional
Bad Faith Claims: Sue insurers who wrongfully deny coverage
Creative Lawyering: Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background is invaluable here

Practical Guides for Vernon Families, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (with inconsistent “accident” stories)
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial irregularities (large unexplained expenses)
Academic decline (missing classes, dropping grades)

How to Talk to 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?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment
Prioritize safety over “not making waves”
Document everything they say (contemporaneous notes are evidence)
Seek medical attention for any injuries
Contact an attorney before confronting the organization

Dealing with the University:

Document every communication
Ask specifically: “What prior incidents involve this organization?”
Request copies of all policies and past disciplinary actions
Don’t accept “we’re handling it internally” as adequate response
Remember: the university’s interests may conflict with your child’s

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity hidden from university officials or parents?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If You Answer YES to Any: It’s Likely Hazing

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate Danger: Call 911, get to safe location
Resigning: Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation may occur
Tell Someone Outside First: Parent, RA, trusted friend for documentation
If Retaliation Occurs: Report to campus police and Dean of Students

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Group chats with timestamps and participants visible
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with scale reference
Medical Documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
Witness Information: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Where to Report:

Campus: Dean of Students, Student Conduct, Title IX Office (if sexualized), Campus Police
Local Police: If crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors)
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
Experienced Attorney: Confidential consultation protected by attorney-client privilege

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

If You Participated and Now Regret It:

Your testimony can prevent future harm
Cooperation may affect your own legal exposure
Attorney-client privilege protects consultation
Many find coming forward provides moral relief

If You Witnessed and Are Afraid to Report:

Anonymous reporting options exist
Your silence enables future victims
Retaliation protections exist under Texas law
An attorney can advise on safest approach

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

What seems logical: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s catastrophic: Looks like cover-up, obstruction of justice, case becomes “he said/she said”
Correct action: Preserve everything—even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What feels right: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it backfires: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Correct action: Document everything, call attorney first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What universities do: Pressure quick “internal resolution” with release signatures
The trap: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often minimal
Correct action: “I need my attorney to review this before I sign anything”

4. Posting on Social Media

The urge: “I want people to know what happened”
The risk: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Correct action: Private documentation only; let your lawyer control messaging

5. Letting Your Child Attend “One Last Meeting”

What organizations say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
The reality: Pressure, intimidation, extracting damaging statements
Correct action: Once considering legal action, all communication through attorney

6. Waiting for University Investigation

University promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
The delay cost: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Correct action: Preserve evidence NOW; university process ≠ real accountability

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Unrepresented

Adjuster approach: “We just need your statement to process”
The trap: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
Correct action: “My attorney will contact you”

We created a video specifically about client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Vernon Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee actions. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. The recently settled Bowling Green State University case (public) resulted in $3 million to the family.

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

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155: “Consent is not a defense.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary. This is why fraternities’ “we all signed waivers” argument fails.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm/cause wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities/nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar results.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed records and confidential terms. We prioritize privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much will this cost us?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. See our video explaining how this works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“What’s the first step?”
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for free consultation. We’ll listen, review evidence, explain options, and help you decide—no pressure to hire us on the spot.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Competitive Differentiation for Vernon Families

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 Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Vernon and surrounding Wilbarger County.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (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
Use delay tactics and coverage exclusion arguments
Set reserves and negotiate settlements
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello)

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—we’ve taken on billion-dollar defendants
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) membership—elite criminal defense credential
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams

Current Active Hazing Litigation
We’re not theoretical experts—we’re actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case right now. This means:

We’re current on defense tactics in real time
We understand evidentiary challenges specific to 2025 hazing cases
We know which experts are most effective
We’re building precedent that helps all Texas families

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Experience with catastrophic injuries (brain damage, permanent disability)
“We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability”

Investigative Depth & Expert Network

Digital forensics for deleted message recovery
Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis specialists, toxicologists, psychiatrists)
Greek life culture and institutional policy experts
Economist and life-care planning specialists
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does”

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery
We understand:

Sovereign immunity nuances for Texas public universities
Venue strategies for different Texas counties
Local court procedures from Lubbock to Houston to Austin
How Texas’s 51% comparative fault rule affects hazing cases

Our Process for Vernon Families

Step 1: Immediate Response (0–48 Hours)

Evidence preservation guidance (watch our evidence video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs)
Medical attention coordination
Initial witness interviews
- University notification on your terms

Step 2: Comprehensive Investigation (Weeks 1–8)

Digital evidence collection and forensic analysis
Subpoena development for university and national records
Expert consultation (medical, psychological, economic)
Defendant identification (individuals, chapter, national, university, third parties)

Step 3: Strategic Demand & Negotiation (Months 2–6)

Comprehensive demand package with evidence
Insurance coverage analysis and demands
Settlement negotiations with all parties
Preparation for litigation if settlements inadequate

Step 4: Litigation When Necessary

Filing in appropriate venue (county, federal, or both)
Aggressive discovery against all defendants
Expert deposition and report development
Trial preparation and presentation

Throughout: Client Communication & Support

Regular updates (at least every 2–3 weeks)
Psychological support referrals
Educational continuity planning
Family advocacy with universities

What Makes Hazing Cases Different

Powerful Institutional Defendants: National fraternities have deep pockets and experienced counsel
Insurance Coverage Fights: Constant battles over what’s covered
Digital Evidence Challenges: Deleted messages, encrypted apps, disappearing content
Witness Intimidation: Social pressure on other pledges and members
University Conflict: Schools often prioritize reputation over student safety
Emotional Complexity: Victims often feel shame and conflicted loyalty

We navigate all these challenges daily in our active hazing docket.

Call to Action for Vernon Families

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Whether your student attends Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas Tech in Lubbock, UT Austin, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers; you deserve the same level of representation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly:
- Criminal reporting possibilities
- Civil lawsuit potential
- Timing and statute of limitations
Discuss realistic expectations and timelines
Answer all questions about costs (contingency fee—no win, no fee)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide
Everything is confidential

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

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

Online: https://attorney911.com

Serving Vernon and All Texas Communities

From our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, we represent families throughout Texas. Whether you’re in Vernon proper, nearby Electra, or anywhere in Wilbarger County, if hazing has touched your family at a Texas university, we can help.

The clock starts ticking the moment hazing occurs. Evidence disappears, witnesses become reticent, and institutions circle their wagons. Don’t wait until options disappear.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. Let us help you protect your child, hold the right people accountable, and secure the resources needed for recovery and future stability.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Active UH Case

Click2Houston investigation: 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 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

Firm Resources

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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