The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits, Fraternity Accountability & Campus Safety for Scurry County Families
As parents in Scurry County, we send our children to Texas universities with pride and hope. We trust that these institutions, and the organizations they host, will provide a safe environment for growth and learning. But what happens when that trust is shattered by brutal rituals disguised as tradition? When a phone call in the middle of the night reveals that your child has been hospitalized after a fraternity event? Or when they return home to Snyder, Hermleigh, or Ira with unexplained injuries and a withdrawn, fearful demeanor they won’t discuss?
Right now, in Harris County, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in the country—the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This isn’t a historical example; this is current, active litigation demonstrating exactly what Texas families face.
This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents, students, and community members in Scurry County and across West Texas. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects victims, what’s happening at campuses where Scurry County students enroll, and most importantly, what your family can do if faced with this nightmare scenario.
IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN SCURRY COUNTY
If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
- Call 911 for medical emergencies
- Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
- We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™
In the first 48 hours:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
- Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, 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
Introducing the Leonel Bermudez Case: Proof That This Happens Right Here in Texas
In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This case is not ancient history—it’s active litigation happening right now, demonstrating the severe risks facing Texas students.
What Actually Happened at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi Chapter
Bermudez’s fall 2025 pledge period involved systematic abuse that escalated to life-threatening injury:
- Humiliation Rituals: The “pledge fanny pack” rule required carrying condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other degrading items 24/7
- Forced Servitude: Hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews under threat, overnight chauffeuring duties
- Physical Torture: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills in cold weather while wearing only underwear
- Simulated Waterboarding: Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
- Forced Consumption: Made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to immediately run sprints
- The November 3 Workout: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under expulsion threats
The Medical Catastrophe That Followed
After days of deterioration, Bermudez passed brown urine—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis, the severe breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was admitted for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels confirming both rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm.
The Institutional Response
The national Pi Kappa Phi headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6, 2025. On November 14, chapter members voted to surrender their charter, effectively shutting down the chapter. The University of Houston called the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement.
This case matters to Scurry County families because it demonstrates that:
- Severe hazing is happening at Texas universities RIGHT NOW
- National fraternities with chapters across Texas engage in dangerous patterns
- Universities often react only after catastrophic injury occurs
- Experienced legal representation can hold ALL responsible parties accountable—not just individual students
For comprehensive coverage of this active case, see the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit.
The Texas Greek Ecosystem Surrounding Scurry County Families
Scurry County families send students to universities across Texas, from local West Texas campuses to major statewide hubs. Understanding the Greek organizations operating in these areas is critical for recognizing risk patterns.
Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Scurry County Families
Our firm maintains an extensive Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from IRS filings, university data, and metro organization records. For Scurry County families, here are examples of Greek organizations recorded in public filings that may operate near campuses your children attend:
In the Lubbock Metro Area (Closest Major Metro to Scurry County):
- Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing – EIN: 900927378 – Lubbock, TX (IRS B83 filing)
- Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi) – Lubbock, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
- Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter – Lubbock, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
- Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Lubbock – Lubbock, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
- Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter – EIN: 473967233 – Lubbock, TX 79416 (IRS B83 filing)
- TKE OP Housing – EIN: 475033161 – Lubbock, TX 79423 (IRS B83 filing)
Additional Texas-Wide Organizations Relevant to Scurry County Students:
- Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN: 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
- Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN: 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
- Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta – EIN: 824398421 – Richmond, TX 77406 (IRS B83 filing)
- Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN: 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
- Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – EIN: 900927378 – San Antonio, TX 78249 (IRS B83 filing)
These organizations represent just a fraction of the 1,423 Greek-related entities tracked across 25 Texas metros in our database. Each has legal identities, Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), and mailing addresses that become critical when building a hazing liability case.
Where Scurry County Families Send Their Children to College
Scurry County students attend universities across Texas, with many choosing institutions within reasonable driving distance or following family traditions to major Texas schools:
Local & Regional Campuses:
- Texas Tech University – Lubbock, Lubbock County (90 miles from Snyder)
- West Texas A&M University – Canyon, Randall County (125 miles from Snyder)
- McMurry University – Abilene, Taylor County (150 miles from Snyder)
- Hardin-Simmons University – Abilene, Taylor County (150 miles from Snyder)
- Angelo State University – San Angelo, Tom Green County (180 miles from Snyder)
Major Statewide Hubs Scurry County Students Attend:
- Texas A&M University – College Station, Brazos County
- University of Texas at Austin – Austin, Travis County
- University of Houston – Houston, Harris County
- Baylor University – Waco, McLennan County
- Texas State University – San Marcos, Hays County
Each of these campuses hosts dozens of fraternity and sorority chapters, many with national affiliations and complex organizational structures that extend liability far beyond individual student members.
Understanding Hazing in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes
For Scurry County parents who may not be familiar with modern Greek life, it’s crucial to understand what hazing actually looks like today. It’s not just “boys will be boys” or harmless pranks—it’s systematic abuse that follows predictable patterns.
The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing
Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often dismissed as “harmless tradition”)
- Required servitude (cleaning, errands, chauffeuring at all hours)
- Social isolation from non-members
- “Pledge fanny packs” with degrading contents
- Mandatory attendance that interferes with academics
- Group chat monitoring and instant response demands
Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates hostile, abusive environments)
- Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or tasks
- Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
- Extreme physical activity beyond safe limits (“smokings,” hundreds of push-ups)
- Public humiliation and verbal abuse
- Digital humiliation through social media demands
Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High potential for injury or death)
- Forced/coerced alcohol consumption (lineups, drinking games, Big/Little nights)
- Physical beatings and paddling
- Dangerous physical “tests” (blindfolded tackles, forced fights)
- Sexualized hazing (forced nudity, simulated sexual acts)
- Exposure to extreme environments (locked in cold rooms, left outside)
Why “Consent” Doesn’t Matter Under Texas Law
Many Scurry County parents ask: “But didn’t my child agree to this?” Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that true consent cannot exist when there’s:
- Power imbalance between pledges and members
- Fear of social exclusion or retaliation
- Peer pressure and desire for belonging
- Intoxication or impaired judgment
The law is designed to protect young people from dangerous traditions even if they technically “agree” under duress.
Texas Hazing Law: What Scurry County Families Need to Know
Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that apply whether the conduct occurs on-campus or off-campus, making them particularly relevant for Scurry County families whose children may be hazed at universities hours away from home.
Criminal Penalties Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37
- Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause 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 Criminal Exposure:
- Failing to report hazing (for members/officers who knew): misdemeanor
- Retaliating against reporters: misdemeanor
- Organizational liability: Fraternities/sororities can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued in a Hazing Case
Scurry County families pursuing civil cases can hold multiple parties accountable:
- Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing
- Local Chapters: The fraternity/sorority chapter as a legal entity
- National Organizations: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
- Universities: Schools that knew or should have known about risks
- Property Owners: Landlords of houses where hazing occurred
- Third Parties: Bars/alcohol providers, security companies, event organizers
The Critical Importance of Timely Action
Texas generally has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but this can be tolled (paused) in certain circumstances. More urgently, evidence disappears rapidly:
- Group chats are deleted within days
- Witnesses graduate and become unreachable
- Universities conduct internal investigations that may compromise evidence
- Insurance companies begin lowball settlement offers immediately
Watch our video explaining Texas statutes of limitations for injury cases for more detailed information.
Texas Campus Focus: Where Scurry County Students Face Risk
Scurry County students attend universities across Texas. Here’s what families need to know about hazing risks at specific institutions.
Texas Tech University (Most Geographically Relevant to Scurry County)
For Scurry County Families: Located just 90 miles from Snyder in Lubbock, Texas Tech is the most accessible major university for many Scurry County students. Its Greek life community includes over 40 fraternities and sororities.
Documented Incidents & Patterns:
- Multiple fraternity suspensions for alcohol-related hazing
- Ongoing concerns about off-campus house parties and “retreat” hazing
- Greek life culture that blends traditional West Texas values with national fraternity patterns
How Cases Proceed in Lubbock:
- Jurisdiction typically falls to Lubbock PD for off-campus incidents
- Civil suits filed in Lubbock County courts
- Texas Tech often asserts sovereign immunity as a public university
- Our firm’s experience with West Texas jurisdictions helps navigate these cases
What Texas Tech Parents Should Do:
- Document ALL communications about “retreats” or off-campus events
- Be aware that hazing often moves to rental properties outside Lubbock city limits
- Recognize that Texas Tech’s size (40,000+ students) can make oversight challenging
West Texas A&M University (Regional Option)
For Scurry County Families: Many Scurry County students choose West Texas A&M in Canyon for its proximity and strong agricultural programs.
Greek Life Context:
- Smaller Greek community than major universities
- Closer faculty oversight due to campus size
- Still experiences national fraternity/sorority hazing patterns
Major Statewide Campuses Scurry County Students Attend
Texas A&M University:
- Corps of Cadets Culture: Military-style environment with documented hazing incidents
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
- Corps Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position
- Takeaway for Scurry County Families: Both Greek life AND Corps traditions pose risks
University of Texas at Austin:
- Public Hazing Violations Page: UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent disciplinary databases
- Example: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
- Multiple Spirit Organizations: Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
- Takeaway for Scurry County Families: UT’s transparency helps prove pattern evidence in lawsuits
University of Houston:
- Active Our Firm Litigation: The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates severe current risks
- Urban Campus Challenges: Off-campus housing and commuter population complicate oversight
- Multiple Council System: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural groups each have different risk profiles
- Takeaway for Scurry County Families: Large commuter campuses can have less university control over off-campus conduct
Why Campus Location Matters Less Than National Patterns
Whether your Scurry County student attends Texas Tech, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any other Texas university, they’re encountering the same national organizations with the same documented hazing histories. Pi Kappa Phi at UH engages in the same dangerous patterns as Pi Kappa Phi chapters nationwide. This national consistency is what allows us to build strong cases demonstrating foreseeability and negligence.
National Fraternity & Sorority Histories: Patterns That Repeat Across Texas
The same national organizations that have caused deaths and severe injuries nationwide operate chapters at Texas universities attended by Scurry County students. This pattern evidence is critical for establishing liability.
Organizations With Documented National Hazing Histories
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):
- Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning after forced drinking; $10M settlement
- David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning; $14M settlement
- Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and most major Texas campuses
- Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights consistently cause fatalities
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):
- Traumatic Brain Injury Case – Alabama (2023): Pledge suffered TBI during hazing ritual
- Chemical Burns Case – Texas A&M (2021): Pledges covered in industrial cleaner requiring skin grafts
- Assault Case – UT Austin (2024): Exchange student suffered dislocated leg, broken nose at party
- Pattern: Physical violence combined with alcohol hazing
Pi Kappa Phi:
- Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
- Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from forced exercise
- Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with alcohol coercion
Phi Delta Theta:
- Max Gruver – LSU (2017): Pledge died during “Bible study” drinking game; Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act”
- Pattern: Drinking games framed as “education” or “tradition”
Why National Histories Matter in Scurry County Cases
When we represent a Scurry County family whose child was hazed by a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at Texas Tech, we don’t just look at that chapter’s history. We subpoena national headquarters records showing:
- Prior incidents at other chapters
- Warnings ignored by nationals
- Inadequate enforcement of anti-hazing policies
- Pattern of similar conduct across the organization
This establishes that the national organization knew or should have known these risks existed. Under Texas law, that foreseeability creates duty and potential liability.
Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery for Scurry County Families
When hazing affects your Scurry County family, understanding the legal process can reduce fear and uncertainty. Here’s how experienced hazing litigation works.
Critical Evidence That Wins Cases
Digital Evidence (Most Important Category):
- Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord messages showing planning, execution, and cover-ups
- Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat videos, TikTok posts documenting events
- Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
- Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Snapchat Maps data
Watch our video on using your cellphone to document a legal case for proper evidence preservation techniques.
Physical Evidence:
- Photographs of injuries (immediate and progressive)
- Medical records documenting treatment and diagnoses
- Clothing with stains or damage
- Objects used in hazing (paddles, bottles, props)
Institutional Records:
- University disciplinary files on the organization
- National fraternity/sorority risk management files
- Prior incident reports and warning letters
- Insurance policies and coverage documents
Damages Scurry County Families Can Recover
Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):
- Medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment)
- Future medical care (therapy, medications, lifelong needs for catastrophic injuries)
- Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
- Diminished earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)
Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damage to family relationships
Wrongful Death Damages (If Tragedy Occurs):
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
- Emotional suffering of surviving family members
Overcoming Common Defense Tactics
Fraternities, sororities, and universities use predictable defense strategies. We know how to counter them:
Defense: “The Pledge Consented”
- Our Response: Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing
- Evidence: Group chat messages showing coercion, power imbalance, threats
Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter – National Didn’t Know”
- Our Response: Subpoena national records showing prior incidents and inadequate enforcement
- Evidence: Pattern of similar conduct at other chapters nationwide
Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus – Not Our Responsibility”
- Our Response: Universities and nationals still have duty based on sponsorship and knowledge
- Evidence: University recognition of chapter, dues paid to nationals, advisor involvement
Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”
- Our Response: Policies without enforcement are meaningless window-dressing
- Evidence: Prior violations with minimal consequences, inadequate training
The Insurance Coverage Battle
Fraternity and university insurance companies often fight coverage using “intentional act” exclusions. Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how these companies:
- Value and undervalue claims
- Use delay tactics to pressure families
- Argue coverage exclusions
- Negotiate settlements
This insider knowledge is invaluable when navigating the complex insurance landscape surrounding hazing cases.
Practical Guide for Scurry County Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing
Warning Signs Your Scurry County Student May Be Being Hazed
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
- Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
- Weight changes from food/water restriction or stress
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden secrecy about organization activities
- Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
- Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability, fear
- Obsessive phone use for group chat monitoring
- Defensive when asked about the organization
Academic Red Flags:
- Grades dropping suddenly
- Missing classes or falling asleep in class
- Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
- Losing scholarships or academic standing
Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)
- “How are things going with [fraternity/sorority]? Are you enjoying it?”
- “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
- “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
- “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
- “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case
We’ve created a video specifically addressing client mistakes that can ruin your injury case, but here are the most critical errors for Scurry County families to avoid:
- Letting Your Child Delete Messages: This looks like a cover-up and destroys evidence
- Confronting the Fraternity Directly: They immediately lawyer up and destroy evidence
- Signing University “Resolution” Forms: Often waive your right to sue for inadequate compensation
- Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything for inconsistencies
- Waiting for University Investigations: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
- Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you
Your 48-Hour Action Plan
Hours 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):
- Get medical attention if injured/intoxicated
- Screenshot any messages shown to you
- Photograph visible injuries
- Write down everything they tell you
- Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911
Hours 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):
- Help your child preserve ALL digital evidence (do NOT delete anything)
- Secure physical evidence (clothing, receipts, objects)
- Request medical records
- Document witness names and contact info
Hours 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):
- Consult with experienced hazing attorney
- Decide on reporting strategy (with lawyer’s guidance)
- Refer university/insurance contacts to your attorney
- Backup all evidence to cloud storage
Why Attorney911 for Scurry County Hazing Cases
When your Scurry County family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.
Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases
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
- Use delay tactics to pressure families
- Argue coverage exclusions
- Negotiate settlements
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”
Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):
- One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants
- Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
- Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
- 25+ years of complex litigation experience
Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Results:
- Proven track record in wrongful death and severe injury cases
- Experience working with economists on lifetime care valuations
- Network of medical experts, psychologists, and digital forensics specialists
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”
Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise:
- Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
- Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
- Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
- Experience with both sides of the courtroom
The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Data Advantage
While other firms start from scratch, we maintain an extensive database of:
- 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs and legal addresses
- 1,423 Greek entities across 25 Texas metros
- Campus-specific chapter rosters at major universities
- National hazing incident patterns across organizations
This means when a Scurry County family comes to us, we already know:
- The legal identities of organizations involved
- Their national hazing histories
- Prior incidents at Texas chapters
- Insurance structures and coverage likely available
We Serve All of Texas From Our Houston Office
While physically based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Scurry County and surrounding West Texas communities. Distance doesn’t matter in the digital age—we conduct consultations via phone and video conference, travel to you when needed, and have experience with courts across Texas.
Spanish Language Services Available:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult with Spanish-speaking families directly. Hablamos Español – contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.
Call to Action for Scurry County Families
If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Texas Tech, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any other university—we want to hear from you. Families in Scurry County, Snyder, Hermleigh, Ira, and throughout West Texas have the right to answers and accountability.
What to Expect in Your Free Consultation
When you contact us, we’ll provide a confidential, no-obligation consultation where we:
- Listen to your story without judgment
- Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
- Explain your legal options clearly
- Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
- Answer questions about costs (we work on contingency—no fee unless we win)
- Provide no pressure to hire us—take time to decide
Clear 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) or lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
Understanding Our Fee Structure
We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing injury cases, meaning:
- You pay no upfront fees
- We cover all case expenses initially
- We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
- Our fee comes as a percentage of the recovery
Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work for more details.
Final Message to Scurry County Families
Hazing shatters trust—trust in universities, in organizations, and sometimes in your own judgment. But it doesn’t have to shatter your family’s future. The patterns we see in hazing cases are predictable because the systems that enable them are predictable. We know how to investigate these cases, how to prove liability, and how to recover meaningful compensation that addresses both immediate needs and long-term healing.
Whether your student attends Texas Tech just down the road or a campus hours away in Houston or Austin, Texas law protects them. And our firm knows how to enforce those protections.
You don’t have to face this alone. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Plain Text Links to Key Resources
For easy reference, here are the full URLs for resources mentioned in this guide:
News Coverage of Active Texas Hazing Case:
- Click2Houston UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Report: 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 of Leonel Bermudez UH Hazing Lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
- Hoodline Summary of $10M UH Hazing Lawsuit: 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 Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
- Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
- Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
- How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
Attorney911 Main Website:
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 | Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com