The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits and Fraternity Abuse Cases for Wake Village, Texas Families

A Texas Parent’s Worst Nightmare: Understanding The Reality of Modern Hazing

If you are a parent in Wake Village, that late-night phone call every family dreads may start with confusion. Your child, a student at a nearby university or hours away at a major Texas campus, sounds different—exhausted, secretive, afraid. Maybe they mention “mandatory” late-night meetings, or you notice unexplained bruising during a visit home. Perhaps you’ve seen concerning messages on their phone about “pledge duties” or “big/little night.” The sinking realization hits: this might be hazing.

Right now, in Texas, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The alleged conduct is not just “boys being boys”—it’s systematic abuse that nearly killed a young man. Bermudez, a transfer student, was allegedly subjected to a “pledge fanny pack” humiliation ritual carrying condoms and sex toys, forced through extreme workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” made to lie in vomit-soaked grass, and beaten down with 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. The result? He developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he couldn’t stand without help, and he spent four days hospitalized with critically high creatine kinase levels, facing ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This happened here in Texas. And it’s why families in Wake Village, across Bowie County, and throughout Northeast Texas need to understand what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects victims, and when legal action becomes necessary to protect your child and hold powerful institutions accountable.

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:
overweight/obesity evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)

Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For Wake Village families unfamiliar with the evolution of Greek life and campus organizations, today’s hazing looks dramatically different from the stereotypes of decades past. The dangerous blend of tradition, digital pressure, and sophisticated evasion tactics creates a perfect storm for abuse.

The Modern Definition of Hazing in Texas

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 that student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

In plain English: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group—whether through direct force, peer pressure, or implied threats—and they either meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Critical understanding for Wake Village parents: “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is massive power imbalance, fear of exclusion, and group coercion. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

Main Categories of Hazing in Today’s College Environment

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
The most common and most deadly form. This includes forced or coerced drinking games like “Big/Little” nights, “family tree” drinking, “pledge reveal” parties where handles of liquor are consumed, and “lineup” challenges where rapid consumption is mandatory. The Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston allegedly involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints.

Physical Hazing
From paddling and beatings (still prevalent despite national bans) to extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts” or “conditioning.” The “Nov 3 workout” that nearly killed Bermudez involved 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under expulsion threats. Other physical hazing includes sleep deprivation during “Hell Week,” food/water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous physical “tests” like blindfolded tackle rituals.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (the “elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” rule in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case required carrying condoms and sex toys as constant humiliation.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, screaming, threats, social isolation, forced confessions, and public shaming in meetings or on social media. This creates environments where victims feel they cannot leave or report.

Digital/Online Hazing
The 2025 evolution: 24/7 group chat monitoring (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord), forced participation in TikTok challenges or Instagram story dares, location tracking via Find My Friends, and public humiliation through social media posts. Evidence shows chapters now use digital platforms to control pledges around the clock while creating a digital trail that can be deleted if discovered.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

Wake Village families should understand that hazing extends far beyond “frat parties”:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC Divine Nine, multicultural organizations)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly at Texas A&M and other military colleges)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (Texas Cowboys, cheer teams, dance teams)
Athletic Teams (from football and basketball to baseball, soccer, and cheer)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations

The common threads across all these groups: social status, tradition worship, and secrecy that keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone knows hazing is illegal. For families in Bowie County sending children to any Texas campus, understanding this breadth is crucial.

Texas Hazing Law and Liability Framework: What Wake Village Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s clearest hazing statutes, but understanding how they interact with federal law and institutional liability is key for families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Foundation

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership maintenance.

Key points for Wake Village families:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreat locations are all covered
“Reckless” is enough—they don’t have to intend harm, just disregard obvious risk
Mental harm counts—PTSD, severe anxiety, depression from hazing are recognized

§ 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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation and university bans.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Those who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement are protected from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. This includes limited amnesty in medical emergencies.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
The victim’s “consent” is not a defense—critical for overcoming 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 violations—though compliance varies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Two-Track System

Criminal Cases (The State’s Fight)

Brought by prosecutors (Bowie County, campus police, Texas Rangers)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Outcome: Conviction = criminal record, possible incarceration

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Fight)

Brought by victims/surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Outcome: Financial recovery for medical bills, lost earnings, pain/suffering, future care

Critical Insight for Wake Village Families: These tracks run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action, and vice versa. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involves both potential criminal investigation and our ongoing $10 million civil lawsuit.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report incidents transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phasing in through 2026). This means more visibility for parents.

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger—requiring investigations, protective measures, and potential institutional liability.

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents overlapping with assaults or alcohol crimes fall under Clery reporting, creating institutional paper trails.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up—including the 13 named members in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated), plus officers acting in official capacity.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization is named in our UH lawsuit because they set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents.

University or Governing Board
UH and the UH System Board of Regents are defendants in our case based on allegations of negligent supervision and failure to prevent known risks.

Third Parties
Landlords/owners of properties where hazing occurred, bars/alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies, event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific, but the pattern in serious cases like Bermudez’s shows multiple layers of accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Mean for Wake Village Families

The tragedies at campuses nationwide aren’t abstract—they create legal precedents and settlement patterns that directly affect what Texas families can expect when pursuing justice.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with forced drinking, severe falls captured on chapter cameras, hours delayed before calling 911. Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law resulted. Takeaway for Texas families: Delayed medical care and cover-up culture create devastating liability.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
“Big/little” event, pledge given handle of liquor, died from alcohol poisoning. Criminal hazing charges, FSU suspended Greek life. Takeaway: The same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) involved in our UH case has prior fatal patterns.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game, forced drinking for wrong answers, death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing). $6.1 million verdict for family. Takeaway: Legislative change follows public outrage and clear proof.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly full bottle of whiskey, died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple convictions, BGSU settled for nearly $3 million, Pi Kappa Alpha national settled for approximately $7 million. Takeaway: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat, fatal head injuries, delayed help. Multiple convictions, fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus retreats are particularly dangerous, and nationals face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlement. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs with systemic abuse.

What These National Cases Mean for Wake Village Families

These aren’t distant tragedies—they’re legal blueprints. The common threads (forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups) mirror what allegedly happened at UH. The multi-million-dollar settlements ($10M for Foltz, $6.1M for Gruver, $12.6M for Chad Meredith at University of Miami) establish what serious hazing cases are worth. The institutional reforms show that only litigation and public pressure force real change.

For families in Bowie County, these precedents mean: (1) Texas courts recognize these patterns, (2) juries award substantial damages for serious harm, and (3) the same national organizations operating at Texas campuses have proven dangerous histories.

Texas University Focus: Where Wake Village Families Send Their Children

Wake Village students attend universities across Texas—from nearby campuses to major hubs hours away. Understanding each institution’s hazing landscape, policies, and incident history is crucial for prevention and response.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana: The Local Campus for Bowie County

Campus Snapshot for Wake Village Families
Located right here in Bowie County, Texas A&M University-Texarkana serves many students from Wake Village and surrounding communities. As part of the Texas A&M System, the campus carries both the prestige and the Greek life traditions of the larger system.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
As a Texas A&M System institution, Texarkana follows system-wide policies prohibiting hazing on or off campus. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, campus police, and anonymous reporting systems. The university maintains the same “zero tolerance” stance as College Station.

Recent Climate
While smaller than the flagship campus, A&M-Texarkana isn’t immune to hazing risks. The proximity to the larger Greek culture of the region means local students may participate in organizations with chapters at multiple campuses.

What Wake Village Families Should Know

Your child can report hazing confidentially through multiple campus channels
The university has disciplinary authority over recognized organizations
As part of the Texas A&M System, patterns from College Station may influence local culture
We maintain data on Greek organizations operating in the Texarkana metro area

Major Texas Universities Where Wake Village Students Attend

Beyond our local campus, Wake Village families commonly send children to these major institutions, each with distinct hazing landscapes.

University of Houston – Where Our Current Major Case Is Unfolding

The Leonel Bermudez/Pi Kappa Phi Case in Detail
Our firm currently represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual members. The alleged hazing included:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
Extreme physical abuse at Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth
Result: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization

UH’s Response
After Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025, members voted to surrender their charter on November 14. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and pledged cooperation with law enforcement.

What This Means for Wake Village Families

UH has substantial Greek life with known risk patterns
The university’s response shows both action and limitations of institutional control
Our active litigation demonstrates how serious cases unfold in real time

Texas A&M University-College Station – Corps and Greek Life Complexities

Corps of Cadets Hazing History
2023 lawsuit alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth, simulated sexual acts. The cadet sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. $1 million lawsuit, fraternity suspended for two years.

Greek Life Culture
With one of nation’s largest Greek systems, A&M has both strong tradition and recurring hazing issues across IFC, Panhellenic, and multicultural councils.

Wake Family Considerations
transitioning from Bowie County to College Station brings cultural shifts

The Corps presents unique hazing risks beyond traditional Greek life
A&M’s size means institutional response varies case by case

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency and Recurring Issues

Public Hazing Violations Page
UT maintains relatively transparent hazing violations listing—a resource for parents. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk, perform strenuous calisthenics—probation and education requirements
Various spirit groups and fraternities with forced workouts, alcohol hazing

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)
Australian exchange student alleged assault at party resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Over $1 million lawsuit against chapter already under suspension for prior violations.

What Wake Village Parents Should Know

UT’s transparency is better than most, but violations continue
The campus’s urban setting creates different risk patterns than College Station
Major national fraternities with problematic histories have strong UT chapters

Southern Methodist University – Private Campus Dynamics

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived—chapter suspended until approximately 2021.

Private University Realities
As a private institution, SMU has different transparency requirements than public universities. The affluent campus culture presents unique social pressures.

Considerations for Families

Hazing reports may be less publicly accessible than at public institutions
The university’s reputation management can affect response to incidents
Greek life is central to campus social structure

Baylor University – Religious Identity and Historical Challenges

Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation—staggered suspensions over early season.

Broader Context
Following major Title IX scandals, Baylor faces ongoing scrutiny of institutional oversight. The religious identity intersects with Greek life in complex ways.

For Wake Village Families

Baylor’s historical issues mean heightened sensitivity but also potential defensive postures
The Waco campus has seen multiple Greek life investigations
Religious framing can sometimes obscure accountability

The Greek Ecosystem Around Wake Village: Public Records Reality

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal entities, and their connections across Texas. For Wake Village families, understanding this ecosystem is crucial because behind every fraternity or sorority chapter are multiple legal entities that may carry insurance and liability.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Wake Village Families

Why We’re Sharing This Information
If you are a parent in Wake Village, Texas, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. These are public records filed with the IRS and other agencies—we simply organize and analyze them so families never start from zero when crisis hits.

Texarkana Metro Area Greek Entities
The Texarkana metropolitan statistical area includes Bowie County, Texas and Miller County, Arkansas. Based on IRS and organizational filings, Greek-related entities in our region include:

IRS B83 Organization – EIN 237279532: KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, PO BOX 2142, PRAIRIE VIEW, TX 77446 – Prairie View alumni chapter
IRS B83 Organization – EIN 232452759: ARLINGTON-GRAND PRAIRIE ALUMNI CHAP OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRAT INC, PO BOX 542901, GRAND PRAIRIE, TX 75054 – Alumni chapter serving multiple regions
Cause IQ Metro Listing – Delta Kappa Gamma Society chapters in Texarkana region, educator organizations with Greek structure
Cause IQ Metro Listing – Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity colony at Texas A&M-Texarkana

Major Texas University Greek Infrastructure
Where Wake Village families commonly send students, these entities operate behind the scenes:

University of Houston Area – EIN 392352450: ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED – SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER, PO BOX 540026, HOUSTON, TX 77254
University of Houston Area – EIN 746084905: SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER, 4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77204
UT Austin Area – EIN 740555581: CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY, 2711 RIO GRANDE ST, AUSTIN, TX 78705 – House corporation
UT Austin Area – EIN 746047117: BUILDING CORPORATION OF DELTA CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA PI, 2620 RIO GRANDE ST, AUSTIN, TX 78705
Texas A&M Area – EIN 133048786: KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC, 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845
Texas A&M Area – EIN 812525354: ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC, 3989 N GRAHAM RD, COLLEGE STA, TX 77845
Baylor Area – EIN 521346485: ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED NU IOTA CHAPTER BAYLOR UNIVERSITY, PO BOX 2033, WACO, TX 76703
SMU Area – Multiple chapter house corporations in Dallas/Fort Worth metro

Texas-Wide Snapshot
Our database tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, including:

510 in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro
188 in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro
154 in Austin-Round Rock metro
86 in San Antonio metro
42 in College Station-Bryan metro
27 in Waco metro
Multiple in Beaumont-Port Arthur, Lubbock, and other regions

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case
When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability: the undergraduate chapter, the housing corporation that owns the property, the alumni association that advises, and the national headquarters that sets policy. Our directory helps identify every potentially liable party from day one—not just the obvious individuals.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Follow Them to Texas Campuses

The national organizations behind local chapters carry histories that matter in court. When a Texas chapter repeats patterns seen in other states, that shows foreseeability—a key legal concept meaning the national organization should have anticipated and prevented the harm.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”) – Multiple Fatalities

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol, died—$10 million settlement ($7M from national, ~$3M from university)
David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): Alcohol poisoning death—$14 million settlement
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”) – Nationwide Issues

University of Alabama TBI Case (2023): Pledge suffered traumatic brain injury during ritual
Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): Industrial cleaner poured on pledges causing burns requiring skin grafts—$1 million lawsuit
UT Austin Assault (2024): Exchange student suffered multiple broken bones at party—over $1 million lawsuit
Pattern: Physical violence, dangerous substances, repeated violations despite suspensions

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Our Current UH Defendant

Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): “Big Brother Night” drinking, died from alcohol poisoning
Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025): Our current case with rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure
Pattern: Systematic physical and psychological hazing across chapters

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

Max Gruver – LSU (2017): “Bible study” drinking game, died—$6.1 million verdict, Max Gruver Act in Louisiana
Pattern: Forced drinking games, delayed medical care

Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / “FIJI”)

Danny Santulli – Missouri (2021): Forced drinking caused severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)—multi-million-dollar settlements with 22 defendants
Pattern: Extreme alcohol hazing during “pledge dad” events

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

When we sue Pi Kappa Phi national in the UH case, we’re not just suing them for what happened at UH. We’re suing them because:

They knew their “Big Brother” traditions had killed before (Andrew Coffey at FSU)
They had anti-hazing policies they failed to enforce meaningfully
They continued to collect dues and maintain control while dangerous practices continued
They had constructive notice that similar conduct could cause death or serious injury

For Wake Village families, this means: if your child is hazed by a chapter of a national organization with prior incidents, that history strengthens your case. It shows the problem wasn’t just “rogue individuals”—it was a foreseeable pattern the national organization failed to prevent.

Campus Rosters: Where These Organizations Operate in Texas

Based on official university Greek life rosters:

University of Houston has Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu chapter, now closed), Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and other nationals with problematic histories.

Texas A&M has chapters of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (site of chemical burns case), Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and other organizations with national incidents.

UT Austin has Sigma Alpha Epsilon (site of 2024 assault case), Pi Kappa Alpha, and multiple other nationals with documented histories.

SMU has Kappa Alpha Order (previously suspended for hazing) and other chapters of nationals with patterns.

Baylor has chapters of nationals with documented hazing histories across their networks.

The takeaway for Bowie County parents: the same dangerous organizations operating elsewhere have Texas chapters. Their national histories matter because they show what these organizations are capable of and what their leadership should have prevented.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Legal Strategy

When hazing causes serious harm, building a successful case requires systematic investigation, expert collaboration, and strategic navigation of complex liability issues. Our approach in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates how serious hazing litigation works.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Group Chats and Digital Communications
The #1 evidence source in modern hazing cases. In the UH case, group chats allegedly contained:

Planning discussions for hazing events
Instructions about “pledge fanny packs” and required items
Communications about Yellowstone Park workouts
Messages organizing forced alcohol consumption
Evidence of cover-up attempts after Bermudez’s hospitalization

Our Preservation Process:

Immediate screenshot capture before deletion
Digital forensics to recover deleted messages
Authentication of participant identities
Timeline reconstruction from message metadata

Photographic and Video Evidence

Photos of injuries (bruises from workouts, conditions during hospitalization)
Location images (Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Park)
Social media posts showing hazing activities
Security camera footage from properties

Internal Organization Documents

Pi Kappa Phi national’s risk management policies
Chapter meeting minutes discussing pledge activities
“Pledge education” materials outlining requirements
Communications between chapter and national advisors

University Records

UH’s prior disciplinary actions against Beta Nu chapter
Campus police reports related to fraternity incidents
Housing and event approval records
Clery Act reports showing prior incidents

Medical Documentation

Emergency room records showing rhabdomyolysis diagnosis
Lab reports with critically high creatine kinase levels
Hospitalization records documenting four-day stay
Nephrology consultations for kidney damage
Psychological evaluations for trauma

Damages: What Serious Hazing Cases Are Worth

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses: $50,000+ for emergency hospitalization, ongoing kidney care, potential future dialysis if permanent damage
Future Medical Care: Lifelong monitoring for kidney function, potential transplant evaluation
Lost Educational Opportunities: Semester withdrawal, delayed graduation, potential scholarship impacts
Lost Income: Parental time off work for care, student’s delayed entry into workforce

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm)

Physical Pain & Suffering: Extreme muscle pain, kidney failure symptoms, hospitalization trauma
Emotional Distress: PTSD from “waterboarding” simulation, humiliation from fanny pack ritual, fear during extreme workouts
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in normal college activities, ongoing psychological impact
Reputational Harm: Social stigma as “the hazing victim”

Wrongful Death Damages (In Fatal Cases)

Funeral and burial costs ($15,000-$25,000)
Loss of financial support from deceased
Parents’ and siblings’ grief and emotional suffering
Loss of companionship and guidance

Punitive Damages (When Defendants’ Conduct is Egregious)

To punish particularly reckless or malicious behavior
To deter future hazing
Available when defendants had prior warnings and ignored them

National Settlement Patterns

Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha death): $10 million total
Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta death): $6.1 million verdict
David Bogenberger (Pi Kappa Alpha death): $14 million settlement
Sigma Chi severe injury case: $10+ million settlement

For non-fatal but serious cases like Bermudez’s with permanent kidney risk, settlements typically range from mid-six figures to several million depending on injury severity and defendant conduct.

Strategic Legal Considerations for Texas Cases

Overcoming Institutional Defenses
Universities and nationals deploy predictable defenses:

“The Pledge Consented” – Overcome with Texas law §37.155 (consent not a defense) and evidence of coercion
“Rogue Chapter, We Didn’t Know” – Overcome with pattern evidence showing national’s constructive notice
“Off-Campus, Not Our Responsibility” – Overcome with sponsorship and control evidence
“We Have Anti-Hazing Policies” – Overcome with showing policies weren’t meaningfully enforced
“University Sovereign Immunity” (public schools) – Overcome with gross negligence claims or suing individuals

Insurance Coverage Battles
Fraternity and university insurers often argue:

Hazing is “intentional conduct” excluded from coverage
They don’t cover criminal acts
Certain defendants aren’t insured

Our insurance insider knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney) helps navigate these disputes to maximize coverage.

Multi-Defendant Coordination
Serious cases like UH involve:

13 individual members with varying culpability
Local chapter entities
National headquarters
University and regents
Housing corporations
Potentially third-party property owners

Coordinating claims across these parties requires experience with complex litigation.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Wake Village Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress, sleep deprivation
Weight changes from food restriction or stress
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring, anxiety about messages
Personality changes: withdrawal, anxiety, depression, defensiveness
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Financial requests for unexplained “fines” or mandatory purchases
Academic decline from missing classes for “mandatory” events

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

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

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate Safety: If in physical danger, call 911 first
Medical Attention: Get care even if they resist—rhabdomyolysis and other injuries can be delayed
Document Everything: Write down what they tell you with dates/times, screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Reporting Decisions: Consult an attorney before reporting to understand options and protections
Legal Consultation: Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 within 48 hours while evidence is fresh

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about what’s happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?

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

How to Exit Safely

Immediate Danger: Call 911, get to safe location
Wanting to Quit: Send email/text to chapter leadership: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Protect Against Retaliation: Document threats, report to campus police, seek protective order if needed
Legal Rights: You cannot be punished for calling 911 in medical emergencies (Texas good-faith reporter immunity)

Evidence Collection for Students

Screenshots: Capture full group chats with timestamps, participant names
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with scale reference (coin, ruler)
Medical Records: Tell providers “I was hazed” so it’s documented
Witness Info: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages
What seems like protecting privacy looks like obstruction of justice. Solution: Preserve everything immediately—screenshots, cloud backups.

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Fraternity Directly
They’ll lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses. Solution: Document quietly, consult attorney first.

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms
Often waive your right to sue for inadequate settlements. Solution: Never sign without attorney review.

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media
Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility. Solution: Keep details private until case resolves.

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “To See How University Handles It”
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs. Solution: Preserve evidence now, consult lawyer immediately.

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters
Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball. Solution: “My attorney will contact you.”

MISTAKE #7: Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”
Pressure, intimidation, extracted statements hurt case. Solution: Once considering legal action, all communication through attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions for Wake Village Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

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

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant

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 Wake Village in Bowie County and across Northeast Texas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in our region whether students attend nearby campuses or major universities hours away.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims using reserve formulas
Employ delay tactics to pressure financially strained families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional conduct”
Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
Settle cheaply early when families lack representation

We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers for Sigma Gamma Rho, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and other nationals’ carriers.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar corporate defendants
Federal Court Experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas admission
Not Intimidated: We’ve faced defense teams with unlimited budgets and won
Institutional Knowledge: Understanding how universities and nationals coordinate responses

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven track record with economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Experience with brain injury, permanent disability, and life care planning
We don’t settle cheap: We build cases that force real accountability

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) – elite criminal defense credential
Understands interaction between criminal hazing charges and civil litigation
Can advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, Greek life culture experts
Experience obtaining hidden evidence via subpoena and discovery
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish – serving Hispanic families throughout Texas
Consultations available in Spanish at lupe@atty911.com

Our Approach to Hazing Cases: The Attorney911 Difference

Immediate Response
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get:

Same-day callback from an attorney (not a paralegal or intake person)
Immediate evidence preservation guidance
Strategic planning within first 48 hours when evidence is most vulnerable

Systematic Investigation
We don’t just take statements—we build cases:

Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages, authenticating communications
Pattern Analysis: Researching national organization histories, prior incidents
Institutional Discovery: Obtaining university disciplinary records, national policies
Expert Collaboration: Medical professionals, economists, psychologists

Strategic Negotiation & Litigation

Early case valuation based on national settlement patterns
Negotiation from strength, not desperation
Trial readiness that changes settlement dynamics
Federal court capability for Title IX and complex claims

Victim-Centered Advocacy
We recognize hazing cases involve:

Trauma that requires sensitive handling
Family dynamics under extreme stress
Privacy concerns in small communities
Desire for accountability beyond money

Contact Attorney911 for a Wake Village Hazing Consultation

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—from Texas A&M-Texarkana here in Bowie County to major universities across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Wake Village and throughout Northeast Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

Confidential, No-Obligation Discussion

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot – take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Clear Next Steps
If you choose to work with us:

Evidence Preservation Plan: Immediate action to secure digital and physical evidence
Investigation Strategy: Systematic approach to uncovering full scope of liability
Communication Protocol: How we’ll keep you informed (regular updates, accessible attorneys)
Realistic Timeline: What to expect month by month

Contact Information

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

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

Serving Wake Village and All Texas Families

Whether you’re in Wake Village, Texarkana, Bowie County, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same powerful institutions—national fraternities, major universities, deep-pocketed insurers—operate across our state. We have the experience, resources, and determination to help you hold them accountable.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, your legal options, and how we can help protect your child and prevent this from happening to another family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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

Attorney911 Main 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 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**(911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com