The Definitive Guide to Hazing Litigation for Families in Megargel, Texas: Rights, Resources, and Recourse
A Texas-Sized Promise of Protection: For Every Family in Megargel and Across Our State
If you are a parent in Megargel, Archer County, your greatest fear is a call in the night telling you your child is hurt—especially if that harm happened in a place you trusted, like a university campus or a fraternity house. Right now, just a few hours away in Houston, we are living that nightmare with a family and fighting to ensure it never happens again.
We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLD, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We represent Leonel Bermudez and his family in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston, the national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter, and 13 fraternity leaders. This case is not an abstract news story; it is active, serious litigation happening right now in Texas, involving allegations of extreme physical abuse, forced consumption of food until vomiting, simulated waterboarding, and a “pledge fanny pack” humiliation rule that led to our client developing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
For families across North Texas, from Megargel to Wichita Falls, this case is a stark warning. The organizations behind Greek letters on campuses from Texas A&M to UT Austin have complex legal structures, deep-pocketed insurance carriers, and teams of defense lawyers. When hazing trauma touches your family in Megargel, you need more than a general personal injury attorney. You need a firm with insider knowledge of how these institutions fight—and a proven record of winning anyway.
This guide is written specifically for parents, students, and community members in Megargel and surrounding Archer County. We will explain what modern hazing really looks like, your rights under Texas law, and how our data-driven, Texas-focused approach to hazing litigation provides families the best chance for accountability, justice, and prevention.
Immediate Help for Megargel Families in a Hazing Crisis
IF YOUR CHILD IS IN IMMEDIATE 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: Go to the ER immediately. Document everything. Tell doctors the injuries are from hazing.
- Preserve Evidence: Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), text messages, and social media posts. Take multiple photos of any injuries. Save any physical items.
- Write Everything Down: Create a timeline with dates, times, locations, and names while memories are fresh.
- DO NOT:
- Confront the fraternity, sorority, or university directly.
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” their phone.
- Sign anything from a university or insurance company.
- Post details on public social media.
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED TEXAS HAZING ATTORNEY: Evidence vanishes quickly. Universities and national organizations move faster to control the narrative than most families realize. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation to protect your child’s rights and your family’s future.
Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Students
Hazing is not just “boys will be boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Texas law, it is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. For parents in Megargel sending kids to big campuses, understanding the modern face of hazing is critical.
The Evolution from Paddles to Phones:
While physical violence persists, today’s hazing is often a 24/7 digital control system. It includes:
- Digital Servitude: Mandatory, instantaneous responses in group chats at all hours; location tracking via apps; social media policing.
- Coerced Consumption: Forced drinking games (“Big/Little Night,” “Bible Study”); forced eating of unpalatable food (hot dogs, milk, peppercorns) until vomiting—exactly as alleged in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.
- Disguised Abuse: Extreme calisthenics framed as “workouts”; sleep deprivation from overnight “study blocks” or chauffeuring duties; psychological “interviews” and humiliation rituals.
- Off-Campus Evasion: Hazing frequently moves to Airbnb rentals, remote parks, or members’ private homes (like the Culmore Drive residence and Yellowstone Boulevard Park in the UH case) to avoid campus oversight.
These acts create a power imbalance where “consent” is meaningless. The student’s desire for belonging is exploited, and the fear of social exclusion or retaliation becomes a powerful silencer.
Texas Hazing Law: The Legal Framework Protecting Megargel Families
Texas has strong anti-hazing statutes, primarily under Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding this framework is the first step to holding perpetrators accountable.
Key Provisions for Parents to Know:
- Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a crime. It ranges from a Class B misdemeanor to a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing or for retaliating against someone who reports.
- Organizational Liability: The fraternity or sorority itself can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and lose its university recognition.
- “Consent is NOT a Defense” (Sec. 37.155): This is crucial. Even if your child “went along with it,” that is not a legal defense for the perpetrators. Texas law recognizes the coercive power of group dynamics.
- Immunity for Good Faith Reporting: Those who report hazing or seek medical help in an emergency are protected from civil or criminal liability for their own minor involvement (like underage drinking).
Civil vs. Criminal Cases:
- Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA’s office) to punish with jail time and fines.
- Civil Cases: Brought by victims and families to seek compensation for damages and force institutional change. These are separate tracks; you can pursue a civil lawsuit even if criminal charges are never filed.
For a Megargel family, this means the path to justice may involve both reporting to law enforcement (local police where the hazing occurred or campus police) and filing a civil lawsuit to recover damages for medical bills, trauma, and future harm.
The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi
This ongoing case is the proof of what we do. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit detailing a campaign of abuse against our client, a UH transfer student and Pi Kappa Phi pledge.
The Allegations:
- Systemic Humiliation: A mandatory “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices.
- Forced Labor & Servitude: Hours-long “study” blocks, overnight driving duties, strict dress codes.
- Extreme Physical Hazing: “Save-your-brother” drills, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and lying in vomit-soaked grass. Another pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour.
- “Waterboarding” and Forced Consumption: Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” and being forced to consume excessive milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints.
- The Catastrophic Workout: On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. He left unable to stand without help.
The Medical Catastrophe:
Days later, Bermudez was rushed to the hospital by his mother, passing brown urine. He was hospitalized for four days and diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, with critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces an ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.
The Institutional Response:
The legal complaint names 13 individual fraternity leaders, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation (EIN: 46-2267515, Frisco, TX), the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. After reports, Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter (Nov. 6), and members voted to surrender their charter (Nov. 14). UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”
For families in Megargel, this case demonstrates the multi-layered liability in hazing: individual members, local chapter entities, national organizations, and the universities that host them.
The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping the Greek Ecosystem for Megargel Families
When you send your child from Megargel to a Texas university, they enter a vast, interconnected network of Greek organizations. We maintain a proprietary data engine built from public records to track these entities—so you don’t start from zero.
Where Megargel Families Send Their Kids: The Campus Landscape
While local options like Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls exist, many Archer County students attend major Texas hubs:
- Texas A&M University (College Station)
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Houston
- Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
- Baylor University (Waco)
- West Texas A&M University (Canyon)
The Public Records Backbone: Who’s Behind the Letters?
Beyond the undergraduate chapters, a network of legally registered organizations holds insurance, property, and liability. For example, our data includes:
- Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 13-3048786, College Station, TX 77845)
- Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035)
- Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147)
- Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (EIN: 90-0293166, College Station, TX 77843) – Texas A&M Chapter
- Sigma Chi Fraternity Zeta Eta (EIN: 75-6060974, Commerce, TX 75429) – Texas A&M University-Commerce Chapter
The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro, which influences our region, contains over 510 Greek-related entities according to Cause IQ data. This includes house corporations, alumni chapters, and educational foundations—all potential targets for discovery and claims in a hazing lawsuit.
Why This Data Matters:
In litigation, we use this directory to identify every entity with potential liability and insurance coverage. We trace the connections from the local chapter house to its national brand and affiliated financial entities. This comprehensive approach prevents defendants from hiding behind corporate veils.
National Patterns, Texas Realities: The Foreseeability of Harm
The tragic case at UH did not occur in a vacuum. National fraternities have long, documented histories of identical hazing rituals leading to death and catastrophic injury. This “pattern evidence” is powerful in court, proving that the risks were known and foreseeable.
Patterns That Mirror the UH Case:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Stone Foltz died at Bowling Green State in 2021 from forced alcohol consumption during a “Big/Little” event. His family secured a $10 million settlement.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): At Texas A&M, pledges allegedly suffered severe chemical burns from industrial cleaner poured on them. At UT Austin, a lawsuit alleges an assault causing a dislocated leg and broken nose.
- Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver died at LSU in 2017 from a “Bible study” drinking game, leading to Louisiana’ felony hazing law.
- Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): Danny Santulli suffered permanent brain damage at the University of Missouri in 2021 from a coerced drinking event.
For a fraternity like Pi Kappa Phi, the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State in 2017 from a “Big Brother Night” should have been a watershed moment for national policy enforcement. When the same patterns emerge at UH, it demonstrates a potential failure of oversight at the highest levels.
Building a Unbeatable Hazing Case: The Attorney911 Advantage
Fighting a university system and a national fraternity requires a specific set of skills and experience. Here’s how we build cases for families from Megargel and across Texas:
1. Evidence Preservation & Digital Forensics:
We act fast to secure evidence before it disappears. This includes:
- Group Chats & Deleted Messages: Using forensic tools to recover data from GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram.
- Social Media & Location Data: Archiving posts, stories, and geo-tags that place members at hazing events.
- Internal Chapter Records: Subpoenaing pledge manuals, meeting minutes, and communications with national headquarters.
2. The Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as a defense attorney for national insurance companies. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:
- Value and undervalue claims.
- Use delay tactics to pressure families.
- Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts.”
His insider knowledge is invaluable in negotiating maximum settlements and preparing for trial.
3. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello brings 25+ years of experience, including involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. Taking on billion-dollar defendants prepared us for the deep-pocketed defense teams deployed by universities and national fraternities. His membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both the civil and criminal dimensions of hazing cases.
4. Comprehensive Damages Analysis:
We don’t just tally medical bills. We work with economists, life-care planners, and vocational experts to build a full picture of the harm:
- Economic Damages: Past/future medical care, lost earning capacity, educational costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, PTSD, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In the most tragic cases, we seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and a family’s profound grief.
A Practical Guide for Megargel Parents & Students
If You Suspect Hazing:
- Listen Without Judgment: If your child opens up, create a safe space. Ask open-ended questions about their activities, sleep schedule, and whether they feel pressured.
- Look for Red Flags: Unexplained injuries, drastic weight change, extreme fatigue, withdrawal from family, obsessive phone use for group chats, sudden secrecy.
- Know Where to Report:
- University: Dean of Students Office, Office of Student Conduct, Campus Police.
- Law Enforcement: Local police where the hazing occurred.
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous).
- Attorney911: For legal strategy and protection. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid:
- Deleting Evidence: Do not let your child “clean up” their phone. Screenshot everything first.
- Confronting the Organization Directly: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.
- Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often contain waivers of your right to sue.
- Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility.
- Waiting for the University to “Handle It.” Internal processes protect the institution, not your child.
We Speak Your Language:
Mr. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish (Se habla Español). We are committed to serving all Texas families with cultural understanding and respect.
Why Attorney911 is the Right Firm for Megargel Families Facing Hazing
Choosing a lawyer is about more than just experience—it’s about finding advocates who understand your world and have the specific tools to win. For families in Megargel and across Texas, here is why we are different:
We Are Texas Hazing Specialists. We are not generalists dipping into hazing cases. It is a core part of our practice, supported by the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine and active litigation like the Bermudez case.
We Have Faced Goliath—and Won. Our background in BP Texas City explosion litigation means we are not intimidated by the unlimited legal budgets of universities and national fraternities. We know how to conduct discovery against institutional defendants and uncover systemic failures.
We Offer Immediate, Aggressive Help. As the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we respond 24/7 because the first days after an incident are the most critical. Evidence preservation cannot wait.
We Fight on a Contingency Fee Basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. This ensures access to justice for every family, regardless of means.
We Serve All of Texas from Our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont Offices. While our primary office is in Houston, we serve families across the state, including those in Megargel, Archer County, and throughout North Texas. We understand the local courts, the universities, and the unique dynamics facing Texas families.
Your Next Step: A Confidential, No-Obligation Conversation
If hazing has impacted your family, you are not alone, and you do not have to navigate this crisis without guidance. The path forward begins with a confidential conversation.
During your free consultation, we will:
- Listen carefully to your story and answer your questions.
- Explain your legal rights and options under Texas law.
- Discuss the investigation process and what to expect.
- Outline our strategic approach to holding all responsible parties accountable.
- Explain our contingency fee structure—no upfront costs.
You owe it to your child and your family to explore every avenue for justice, healing, and ensuring this never happens to another student.
Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLD / Attorney911 Today.
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com
For the parents in Megargel, Archer County, and every Texas community: Your child’s safety and future are worth fighting for. Let us bring our fight to them.
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, PLLD. 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.
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLD / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Website: https://attorney911.com
