The Complete Hazing Guide for Oldham County Families: Your Rights and Legal Options in Texas

A Message to Parents in Oldham County About the Silent Crisis on Campus

Picture this: A freshman from Vega or Adrian, excited about his first year at Texas Tech University, joins a fraternity seeking friendship and belonging. What begins as movie nights and study groups slowly morphs into something darker—forced 3 AM workouts at the Texas Tech campus, humiliating “fanny pack” rules requiring him to carry degrading items, and a mounting pressure to prove his loyalty through increasingly dangerous acts.

In November 2025, this exact scenario played out at another Texas university with catastrophic results. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered such severe hazing from the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter that he developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and required four days of hospitalization with ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. His experience—documented in a $10 million lawsuit covered by Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline—represents precisely what Attorney911 fights against daily.

For families right here in Oldham County—in Vega, Adrian, and across our Panhandle communities—this isn’t just a Houston problem. The same national organizations that harmed Bermudez operate at Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University, and other campuses where our children study. We understand that when your child heads to Texas Tech in Lubbock or West Texas A&M in Canyon, you trust universities and organizations to keep them safe. When that trust is broken through hazing, you need advocates who understand Texas law, local courts, and how to hold powerful institutions accountable.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Modern Hazing Isn’t “Just Pranks” – It’s Systematic Abuse

For Oldham County parents who might remember college traditions from a different era, today’s hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often hidden systems of control and abuse. What you need to recognize goes far beyond simple initiation rituals:

The Digital Dimension of Modern Hazing:

24/7 digital control: Pledges required to respond instantly to GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord messages at all hours—failure means punishment
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, public shaming in group chats
Geo-tracking demands: Mandatory location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Evidence destruction coaching: Members trained to use disappearing messages and delete evidence

Physical and Psychological Abuse Disguised as “Tradition”:

Extreme exercise masquerading as “workouts”: Hundreds of push-ups, squats until collapse, “smokings” framed as conditioning
Forced consumption rituals: Milk, hot dogs, or other foods until vomiting (as in the Bermudez case), then immediate physical activity
Sleep deprivation systems: Mandatory late-night meetings, 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
“Voluntary” coercion: Activities framed as optional but with clear social exclusion consequences for refusal

The Three Tiers of Hazing Every Oldham County Parent Should Recognize

Based on hazing prevention research and Texas case patterns, hazing escalates through three distinct levels:

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often dismissed as “harmless”)

Deception requirements (“Don’t tell your parents”)
Mandatory servitude (cleaning, driving, errands for older members)
Social isolation from non-members
“Always on call” expectations interfering with academics

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Crosses into illegal territory)

Verbal abuse and degrading language
Sleep deprivation and food/water restriction
Forced physical activity beyond safe limits
Public humiliation and degrading costumes

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High potential for injury or death)

Forced alcohol consumption (the leading cause of hazing deaths)
Physical beatings and paddling
Dangerous “tests” like blindfolded tackles
Sexualized hazing and forced nudity
Exposure to extreme environments (cold, heat, hazardous conditions)

Why “Consent” Doesn’t Matter Under Texas Law

A common defense organizations use is “they agreed to it.” Texas law explicitly rejects this argument. Education Code § 37.155 states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” The legal system recognizes that true consent cannot exist when there’s power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion.

Texas Hazing Laws: What Oldham County Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Definition (Chapter 37, Subchapter F)

Texas defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Occurs for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership in an organization
Can occur on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)

For Oldham County families, this means hazing at a Texas Tech fraternity house, a West Texas A&M off-campus apartment, or even a retreat in another county all falls under Texas jurisdiction.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Texas takes hazing seriously with escalating penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing offenses (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 charges: Failing to report known hazing or retaliating against reporters

Civil Liability: Where Real Accountability Happens

While criminal cases are prosecuted by the state, civil lawsuits allow victims and families to seek compensation and accountability. Defendants can include:

Individual students who planned or participated
Local chapters and their officers
National fraternity/sorority headquarters
Universities and their governing boards (with some sovereign immunity limitations for public schools)
Property owners of houses or venues where hazing occurred
Alcohol providers under dram shop laws when applicable

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

Recent federal legislation strengthens protections:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public data (phasing in through 2026)
Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, additional federal protections apply
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics that often overlap with hazing incidents

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Predict Texas Outcomes

Alcohol Poisoning: The Deadliest Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Takeaway for Oldham County families: Formulaic drinking nights repeat across campuses

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Takeaway: Legislative change follows tragedy and litigation

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter cameras; delayed medical help
Dozens of criminal charges; Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law enacted
Takeaway: Camera evidence and delay in calling 911 create devastating liability

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Patterns

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at off-campus retreat
Fatal head injuries; delayed help
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway for Texas families: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program
Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination claim
Takeaway: Hazing extends to athletic programs with similar liability patterns

What These National Cases Mean for Oldham County Families

These patterns matter because:

The same national organizations operate at Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, and other Texas campuses
Texas courts consider foreseeability—if a national knew about patterns elsewhere, they’re responsible for preventing them here
Settlement amounts establish valuation benchmarks for Texas cases
Prevention failures in other states support punitive damage claims in Texas

Texas University Focus: Where Oldham County Students Actually Attend

Understanding Oldham County’s Educational Pipeline

Families in Vega, Adrian, and across Oldham County typically send students to:

Primary Destinations:

Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – 90 miles southeast
West Texas A&M University (Canyon) – 45 miles northeast
Amarillo College – 60 miles northeast

Secondary/Common Choices:

University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University (College Station)
Texas State University (San Marcos)
Various other Texas universities

This guide focuses on the campuses most relevant to Oldham County families while acknowledging statewide patterns.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock): The Primary Destination

Campus Culture and Greek Life Snapshot

Texas Tech serves as the primary university for many Oldham County students. With over 40,000 students and significant Greek life participation, the campus presents both opportunities and risks. The Lubbock metro area hosts 59 Greek organizations according to Cause IQ data, creating a substantial ecosystem that Oldham County families navigate.

Official Hazing Policy and Reporting

Texas Tech prohibits hazing through its Student Code of Conduct and Chapter 37 compliance. Reporting channels include:

Dean of Students Office
Texas Tech Police Department
Office of Student Conduct
Anonymous reporting systems

Documented Incident Patterns

While specific recent incidents may be confidential, documented patterns at Texas Tech and similar institutions include:

Physical Hazing Risks:

Extreme exercise regimens causing rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
Forced consumption challenges similar to UH Pi Kappa Phi case
Sleep deprivation affecting academic performance

Alcohol-Related Incidents:

Bid night and initiation drinking traditions
“Big/Little” events with forced consumption
Social pressure preventing medical intervention

How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Proceeds

For Oldham County families, a Texas Tech case typically involves:

Jurisdictional Considerations:

Texas Tech Police Department initial response
Lubbock County courts for criminal matters
Civil filings in Lubbock County or defendant home counties
Federal court possibilities for Title IX or constitutional claims

Evidence Collection Points:

Digital communications through Texas Tech servers
Medical records from Lubbock healthcare providers
Witness statements from roommates and classmates

What Texas Tech Students and Oldham County Parents Should Do

Immediate reporting to Texas Tech Police and Dean of Students
Medical documentation at Covenant Health or University Medical Center
Evidence preservation of all digital communications
Legal consultation with attorneys experienced in Lubbock County hazing cases

West Texas A&M University (Canyon): The Regional Alternative

Campus Profile and Greek Presence

West Texas A&M serves as a closer alternative for many Oldham County families. With significant Greek life and traditions, the campus presents similar hazing risks in a different institutional context.

Cause IQ Metro Data: Amarillo Area Greek Organizations

The Amarillo metro, which includes Canyon and serves Oldham County families, contains 18 Greek organizations according to complete Cause IQ enumeration, including:

Frank Heflin Foundation (Phi Delta Theta alumni) – Amarillo
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association – Amarillo
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter – Canyon
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – Texas Theta – Canyon

Hazing Prevention and Response

West Texas A&M follows Texas Education Code requirements with campus-specific implementation. Oldham County families should understand:

University police jurisdiction on campus
Randall County legal procedures for off-campus incidents
WTAMU’s specific reporting protocols

Other Texas Universities Oldham County Families Consider

University of Texas at Austin

For Oldham County families: UT represents a common aspiration school though geographically distant. Its public hazing violations database provides transparency but reveals ongoing issues.

Documented Patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; probation and education requirements imposed
Various spirit groups and organizations with forced workouts and alcohol violations
Sigma Alpha Epsilon assault allegations (2024): Australian exchange student injury case

Transparency Advantage: UT’s public database helps establish pattern evidence but shows hazing persists despite visibility.

Texas A&M University

For Oldham County families: Texas A&M’s Corps culture and Greek life present unique hazing risks that differ from other campuses.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Corps of Cadets lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and restraint
Ongoing alcohol and physical hazing investigations across multiple organizations

Corps-Specific Considerations: Military-style traditions create different power dynamics and liability questions.

Southern Methodist University

For Oldham County families: SMU’s private status and affluent student body create different institutional dynamics.

Documented Patterns:

Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep-deprived; chapter suspended
Private university confidentiality limiting public information
Similar national organization patterns as public universities

Baylor University

For Oldham County families: Baylor’s religious identity intersects with hazing concerns in unique ways.

Documented Incidents:

Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Broader cultural context following Title IX scandals
Religious branding affecting institutional response patterns

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Public Records Every Oldham County Family Should Know

Why This Data Matters for Your Case

Attorney911 maintains an unparalleled database of Texas Greek organizations—not as accusation, but as investigative resource. When hazing occurs, knowing the legal entities behind the letters becomes crucial for identifying insurance coverage, liability, and accountability.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Data)

The IRS records 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations through B83 filings. These aren’t informal clubs—they’re legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), registered addresses, and tax-exempt status. Examples relevant to Oldham County’s educational pipeline include:

Texas Tech University Area Entities:

EIN 820644459: Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430
EIN 751565336: Farm House Fraternity Inc – Texas Tech University Chapter, Lubbock, TX 79416
EIN 237359384: Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation, Lubbock, TX 79401

West Texas A&M University Area Entities:

EIN 203507402: Frank Heflin Foundation (Phi Delta Theta alumni), Canyon, TX 79015
EIN 752290669: Upsilon Zeta Building Association of Chi Omega, Amarillo, TX 79118
EIN 900927378: Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – Texas Xi Chapter, Canyon, TX

Statewide Entities with Texas Tech/WTAMU Connections:

EIN 742911848: Beta Upsilon Chi, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Christian fraternity with multiple chapters)
EIN 746064445: Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Nederland, TX 77627 (national headquarters for Texas district)
EIN 462267515: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, Frisco, TX 75035 (entity type similar to UH chapter)

Metro-Level Greek Organization Counts

Cause IQ data reveals the scale of Greek ecosystems Texas students enter:

Lubbock Metro: 59 Greek organizations (serving Texas Tech students)
Amarillo Metro: 18 Greek organizations (complete enumeration serving WTAMU students)
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations (where many Texas students eventually work)
Houston Metro: 188 Greek organizations
Austin Metro: 154 Greek organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations

Total Texas Fraternities & Sororities: 1,423 across 25 metros

What This Means for Oldham County Families

When hazing occurs, these entities matter because:

Insurance Coverage: Legal entities carry liability insurance that can compensate victims
Asset Identification: Buildings, bank accounts, and property can be attached to judgments
National Connections: Local chapters connect to national headquarters with deeper pockets
Pattern Evidence: Multiple entities under same national banner show foreseeability

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

Critical Evidence Categories for Texas Cases

Digital Evidence: The Modern Smoking Gun

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, Slack conversations showing planning, coercion, or admissions
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Facebook posts documenting events
Text messages: Direct communications between members
Deleted data recovery: Digital forensics can recover “disappeared” messages

Physical and Medical Evidence

Medical records: ER visits, hospitalization records, specialist reports documenting injuries
Photographic evidence: Injuries, locations, participants
Physical objects: Paddles, costumes, alcohol containers, receipts
Clothing: Blood, vomit, or chemical-stained items

Institutional Records

University files: Prior conduct violations, investigations, warnings
National organization records: Risk management files, incident reports, training materials
Insurance policies: Liability coverage documents
Property records: Ownership of houses or venues

Witness Testimony

Other pledges: Often cooperative once protection is offered
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled frequently willing to testify
Roommates and friends: Observers of behavioral changes
Medical providers: Documentation of injuries and causation

The Damages Recovery Framework

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
Lost earnings: Income disruption for victim or caring parents
Educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships
Therapy and rehabilitation: Long-term physical and psychological care

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm)

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

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support: Future earnings the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship: Family’s emotional suffering
Parental grief counseling: Mental health treatment for traumatic loss

Realistic Settlement and Verdict Ranges

Based on national patterns and Texas case histories:

Serious injury cases: $375,000 to multi-million dollar settlements/verdicts
Wrongful death cases: $1 million to $14+ million outcomes
Punitive damages: When conduct is particularly egregious or cover-ups occur

Texas-specific factors affecting value:

Sovereign immunity limitations for public universities
Modified comparative fault (51% bar rule)
Insurance coverage battles with national organizations
Local jury tendencies in different Texas counties

The Insurance Coverage Battle: Where Cases Often Turn

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance—but insurers frequently fight coverage using arguments like:

“Intentional acts exclusion” for hazing
“Criminal acts exclusion” for violations of Texas law
“No duty to defend” based on policy language

Attorney911’s unique advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney means we know exactly how insurers will fight and how to counter their arguments. We understand reserve setting, IME tactics, and coverage dispute strategies from the inside.

Practical Guide for Oldham County Parents and Students

Immediate Action Checklist (First 48 Hours)

If Your Child is in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for legal emergency response
Get medical attention even if child protests
Preserve evidence before it disappears

Evidence Preservation Steps:

Screenshot everything: Group chats, texts, social media before deletion
Photograph injuries: Multiple angles with date verification
Save physical items: Clothing, objects, receipts
Write notes: Everything your child tells you while fresh
Identify witnesses: Names and contact information

What NOT to Do:

Don’t confront the organization—they’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence
Don’t delete anything—even embarrassing content
Don’t sign university agreements without legal review
Don’t post on social media—defense attorneys monitor everything
Don’t let your child attend “one last meeting”—it’s a pressure tactic

Recognizing Hazing Warning Signs

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation patterns
Chemical burns or skin damage

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Fear of “letting the chapter down”
Constant phone monitoring for group messages

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during them
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Scholarship jeopardization

Talking to Your Child About Hazing

Effective Approaches:

“How are things going with [organization]? Are they respectful of your time?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

What to Avoid:

Judgment or anger that makes them defensive
Ultimatums that force them to choose between you and the group
Dismissing their desire to belong as “stupid”

University Reporting Guidance

Texas Tech University:

Dean of Students: (806) 742-2984
Texas Tech Police: (806) 742-3931
Office of Student Conduct: (806) 742-1714
Anonymous reporting available

West Texas A&M University:

Dean of Students: (806) 651-2055
WTAMU Police: (806) 651-2300
Student Conduct: (806) 651-2055

General Texas Requirements:

All universities must have hazing reporting mechanisms
Public institutions subject to open records requests
Federal requirements under Stop Campus Hazing Act phasing in

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Pattern Evidence Matters

Why National Patterns Affect Local Cases

When a Texas Tech chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon hazes a student, the national organization’s history of similar incidents in other states becomes critical evidence. Courts consider:

Foreseeability: Did the national know this type of hazing was likely based on past incidents?
Negligent supervision: Did the national fail to implement adequate controls given known risks?
Punitive damages: Was the conduct part of a pattern showing reckless disregard?

National Organizations Present at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Multiple hazing deaths nationally including Stone Foltz ($10M settlement)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): History of alcohol deaths, chemical burn cases, traumatic injury lawsuits
Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver death leading to Louisiana felony hazing law
Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State, Leonel Bermudez case at UH
Beta Theta Pi: Timothy Piazza death at Penn State, massive criminal prosecutions
Kappa Alpha Order: Paddling and alcohol hazing violations across multiple campuses

The Institutional Knowledge Problem

National fraternities often argue “this was a rogue chapter” or “we have anti-hazing policies.” Discovery frequently reveals:

Prior warnings about specific chapters
Minimal consequences for previous violations
Training that teaches how to avoid detection rather than prevent hazing
Continued collection of dues from problematic chapters

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Oldham County Connection and Statewide Reach

While based in Houston, Attorney911 serves families throughout Texas, including Oldham County and the Panhandle region. We understand the unique dynamics of Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, and other institutions where your children study. Our experience with Texas courts, local procedures, and institutional defendants makes us uniquely positioned for hazing cases affecting Oldham County families.

Insurance Insider Advantage: Knowing How the Other Side Thinks

Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney provides unparalleled insight. He knows how fraternity and university insurers:

Value claims and set reserves
Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”

This insider knowledge means we anticipate and counter defense strategies from day one.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello’s BP Texas City Explosion litigation experience demonstrates our capability against billion-dollar defendants. Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and experienced defense teams—we’ve faced similar opponents and prevailed.

Comprehensive Investigative Resources

Our network includes:

Digital forensics experts for recovering deleted messages
Medical specialists for evaluating rhabdomyolysis, TBI, and psychological trauma
Economists for calculating lifetime care costs
Greek life culture experts for explaining coercion dynamics
Local investigators familiar with Texas Tech and West Texas A&M communities

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña provides consultations in Spanish, ensuring language never barriers justice for Texas families.

Your Legal Options and Next Steps

Understanding Statutes of Limitations

Texas generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, but exceptions exist:

Discovery rule: If injury manifestation was delayed
Tolling for minors: Different rules if victim was under 18
Fraudulent concealment: If defendants actively hid the hazing

Time is critical: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade. Early consultation preserves your options.

Confidentiality Considerations

Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can negotiate:

Sealed court records
Confidential settlement terms
Privacy protections for your family
Media coordination if desired

No-Cost Initial Consultation

We offer free, confidential consultations to evaluate your situation. During this consultation, we’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options in plain English
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (we work on contingency—no fee unless we recover)

Contact Attorney911 Today

If hazing has affected your family—whether at Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have experienced legal teams; you deserve the same advocacy.

Call Attorney911 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

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

We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. Distance is no barrier to justice—we come to you or arrange secure virtual consultations for Oldham County families.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi 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 detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline $10M lawsuit 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 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: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about hazing law and litigation in Texas. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on specific facts and circumstances. Hazing laws and university policies change periodically. If you believe you or your child has been hazed, consult with a qualified Texas attorney for case-specific advice.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 serves clients throughout Texas from offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Our attorneys are licensed in Texas and admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Principal Office: Houston, Texas
Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Website: https://attorney911.com