The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Every Family in Lytle and Medina County Needs to Know

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: When “Tradition” Turns to Tragedy

Imagine receiving a call in the middle of the night. Your child, a college student at a Texas university, is in the emergency room. They were at a fraternity event—what was supposed to be a fun initiation—but things went terribly wrong. They were pressured to drink far beyond their limits, forced through brutal physical exercises, or subjected to humiliating acts. Now they’re hospitalized with kidney failure, or worse. The university is being vague. The fraternity brothers have closed ranks. And you’re left wondering: How did this happen? What are my child’s rights? Who can I trust?

This nightmare scenario is unfolding right now for Texas families. In November 2025, Lytle native Leonel Bermudez filed a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, alleging severe hazing that left him with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His story—documented in exclusive Click2Houston and ABC13 reports—is the stark reality of modern hazing in Texas. And it’s happening at universities where Lytle and Medina County families send their children every year.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents, students, and families in Lytle and throughout Medina County who need to understand the truth about hazing in 2025. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like today, outline Texas and federal laws, examine patterns at major Texas universities, and provide practical guidance for protecting your child and seeking accountability. If you’re facing this crisis right now, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

Many Lytle parents remember hazing as “boys will be boys” pranks or rough initiations. Today’s reality is far more dangerous, sophisticated, and hidden. Hazing in 2025 involves calculated psychological manipulation, digital surveillance, and extreme physical risks—often disguised as “team building” or “tradition.”

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
These behaviors establish power dynamics and normalize control:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Mandatory chauffeur duties at all hours
• Social isolation from non-members
• “Voluntary” tasks that are socially mandatory
• Geographic tracking via Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)
This creates hostile environments that wear down resistance:

• Sleep deprivation through 3 AM “meetings” or tasks
• Forced consumption of unpleasant substances (spoiled food, hot sauce, excessive milk)
• Public humiliation via social media challenges or TikTok dares
• Extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning”
• Verbal abuse and degradation sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Breaking Point)
These activities have high potential for permanent injury or death:

• Alcohol poisoning games: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking games, lineups where wrong answers mean drinking
• Physical brutality: Paddling beatings, “glass ceiling” tackle rituals, chemical burns from substances poured on skin
• Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, coerced sexual activity
• Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, forced swimming while intoxicated, extreme temperature exposure

The Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston illustrates this progression perfectly. According to court documents and media reports, his Pi Kappa Phi pledge experience included:

• Subtle control: A “pledge fanny pack” he had to carry 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items
• Harassment escalation: Forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring duties, and sleep deprivation
• Violent culmination: Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and a November 3 workout of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that led to rhabdomyolysis

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Fraternity Row

While Greek organizations account for most reported hazing, Lytle families should know these risks extend to:

• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs at Texas A&M and other universities
• Athletic teams from football to cheerleading
• Spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys at UT Austin
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic honor societies and service clubs

Texas Hazing Law: What Medina County Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s clearest anti-hazing statutes, yet many families in Lytle and surrounding communities don’t understand their rights or the legal framework.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization

Critical Provisions for Lytle Families:

• Location Doesn’t Matter (§37.151): Hazing at off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or retreats is still illegal
• Consent Is Not a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
• Good Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154): Students who report hazing or call 911 in medical emergencies have immunity
• Organizational Liability (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Dual Paths

Criminal Prosecution (The State’s Case):

• Who brings it: District Attorney or County Attorney
• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Standards: Beyond reasonable doubt

Civil Lawsuit (Your Family’s Case):

• Who brings it: Victims and families
• Purpose: Compensation and accountability
• Common claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Standards: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)

These paths can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required to file a civil case, and many families pursue both. The Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi is a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and to hold the institutions accountable.

Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and New National Laws

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
• Mandates hazing prevention education and transparency
• Phased implementation through 2026

Title IX Protections:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
• Requires universities to investigate and take prompt remedial action
• Provides additional legal avenues for victims

Clery Act Requirements:

• Mandates reporting of certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
• Hazing incidents involving assaults or alcohol crimes often trigger Clery reporting

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragedies that have unfolded at campuses nationwide provide both warnings and precedents for Medina County families. These patterns show how hazing evolves and how institutions respond—or fail to respond.

Alcohol Poisoning: The Most Common Killer

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021):

• What happened: Pi Kappa Alpha pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Outcome: Death from alcohol poisoning; $10 million settlement ($7M from national fraternity, $3M from university)
• Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017):

• What happened: Phi Delta Theta pledge died during “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking
• Outcome: Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony; confidential settlement
• Texas relevance: Phi Delta Theta operates at multiple Texas campuses

Physical Brutality: Beyond Drinking

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013):

• What happened: Pi Delta Psi pledge died during blindfolded “glass ceiling” tackle ritual at retreat
• Outcome: National fraternity convicted of manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Texas relevance: Shows off-campus retreats can be lethal

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021):

• What happened: Phi Gamma Delta pledge suffered permanent brain damage from forced drinking
• Outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants; victim requires 24/7 lifetime care
• Texas relevance: Demonstrates catastrophic non-fatal injuries

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

• What happened: Systemic sexualized and racist hazing within football program
• Outcome: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements
• Texas relevance: Major athletic programs at Texas universities carry similar risks

Texas University Focus: Where Lytle Families Send Their Children

Medina County families have deep connections to Texas higher education. Whether your child attends nearby schools like the University of Texas at San Antonio or heads to flagship campuses hours away, understanding each university’s hazing landscape is crucial.

University of Houston: The Urban Campus Challenge

For Lytle Families: While UH is approximately 150 miles from Medina County, many area students choose Houston for its career opportunities and vibrant campus life. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case shows that geographic distance doesn’t eliminate risk.

Documented Incidents:

• Leonel Bermudez Case (2025): The $10 million lawsuit alleging severe Pi Kappa Phi hazing resulting in kidney failure
• Pi Kappa Alpha Incident (2016): Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during hazing; chapter faced criminal charges
• Multiple IFC Suspensions: Various fraternities suspended for alcohol violations and hazing allegations

UH’s Response Framework:
: UH utilizes a multi-council Greek system with:

• Interfraternity Council (17+ fraternities)
• Houston Panhellenic Council (6 sororities)
• National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine organizations)
• Multicultural Greek Council
• United Greek Council

The university’s hazing policy prohibits activities on and off campus and provides reporting through the Dean of Students Office. However, the Bermudez case alleges UH failed to prevent known patterns of abuse.

If Hazing Happens at UH:

• Immediate reporting: UHPD (713-743-3333) and Dean of Students
• Civil jurisdiction: Harris County courts
• Potential defendants: Individuals, local chapter, Pi Kappa Phi national, UH System

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk in the Corps

For Lytle Families: At 200+ miles from Medina County, Texas A&M represents a classic Texas college experience with unique risks in its Corps of Cadets and Greek systems.

Documented Incidents:

• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged “roasted pig” hazing with binding and apples; sought $1+ million
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges doused with industrial cleaner requiring skin grafts; $1 million lawsuit
• Multiple Chapter Suspensions: Various fraternities disciplined for alcohol hazing and physical abuse

A&M’s Dual Challenge:
The university must oversee both traditional Greek life and the military-style Corps, each with hazing risks. Their response often involves:

• Student Conduct Office investigations
• Corps-specific disciplinary processes
• Collaboration with College Station PD for off-campus incidents

If Hazing Happens at Texas A&M:

• Reporting channels: Student Conduct Office, Corps leadership for cadets
• Civil jurisdiction: Brazos County courts
• Unique factors: Sovereign immunity considerations as a public university

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

For Lytle Families: UT Austin’s prestige draws students from across Texas, including Medina County. Its public hazing violation log offers transparency but reveals persistent problems.

Documented Incidents (From UT’s Public Log):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members forced to drink milk and perform extreme calisthenics; chapter probation
• Texas Wranglers (Multiple years): Spirit group sanctions for forced workouts and alcohol hazing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Assault allegation against exchange student; pre-existing suspension for violations

UT’s Transparency Advantage:
UT maintains a public hazing violations website showing:

• Organization names and violation dates
• Specific prohibited conduct
• Sanctions imposed (probation, suspension, education requirements)

This transparency helps families research organizations but also shows recurring violations despite sanctions.

If Hazing Happens at UT Austin:

• Immediate reporting: UTPD (512-471-4441) and Dean of Students
• Civil jurisdiction: Travis County courts
• Evidence advantage: Prior violations from public log strengthen negligence claims

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Dynamics

For Lytle Families: SMU’s Dallas location and private status create different dynamics. While farther from Medina County, its national reputation attracts Texas students.

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; multi-year suspension
• Multiple IFC Violations: Various chapters disciplined for risk management failures

SMU’s Private University Approach:
As a private institution, SMU has:

• Greater discretion in disciplinary processes
• Less public reporting requirement than state schools
• Strong emphasis on Greek life as part of campus culture

If Hazing Happens at SMU:

• Reporting channels: Office of Student Affairs and internal conduct processes
• Civil jurisdiction: Dallas County courts
• Potential advantages: Less sovereign immunity concern than public universities

Baylor University: Faith, Football, and Accountability

For Lytle Families: Baylor’s Waco location and faith identity attract families valuing religious education, but recent scandals show institutional failings.

Documented Incidents:

• Baseball Team Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Multiple Greek Incidents: Various fraternities disciplined for alcohol violations

Baylor’s Complex Landscape:
The university’s history with sexual assault scandals and athletic program issues creates:

• Heightened scrutiny of institutional responses
• Public skepticism about internal investigations
• Pressure for transparency and accountability

If Hazing Happens at Baylor:

• Reporting channels: Student Conduct Administration
• Civil jurisdiction: McLennan County courts
• Institutional factors: History of litigation may affect settlement approaches

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping the Greek Landscape

Through our investigation of hazing cases across Texas, we’ve developed an unprecedented database of Greek organizations and their connections. For Lytle families, this means we can immediately identify the networks behind campus letters.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities and Sororities Serving Texas Families

Our analysis of IRS records, university registries, and organizational filings reveals the extensive Greek ecosystem impacting Texas students. Here’s what we’ve documented:

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (Sample):

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 133048786) – College Station, TX 77845
• Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc (EIN: 161675890) – The Woodlands, TX 77382 – Zeta Rho HCB
• Sigma Phi Lambda Inc (EIN: 201237505) – Corinth, TX 76210 – Beta Chapter
• Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity (EIN: 262025321) – Denton, TX 76201 – Mu Gamma Chapter
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN: 371768785) – Missouri City, TX 77459
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN: 746084905) – Houston, TX 77204
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147

Metro Area Concentrations Affecting Medina County Students:

• San Antonio Metro: 86+ Greek organizations serving UTSA, Trinity, and other campuses
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ organizations at UT Austin and surrounding schools
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ organizations at UH, Rice, and Houston-area campuses
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ organizations at SMU, UT Dallas, TCU, and other schools

National Brands with Texas Presence (IRS-Cause IQ Overlap):

• Beta Upsilon Chi: Fort Worth-based Christian fraternity with national chapters
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Multiple Texas chapters with documented hazing incidents
• Pi Kappa Alpha: National fraternity with chapters at all five major Texas universities
• Kappa Alpha Psi: Divine Nine fraternity with Texas alumni chapters

This intelligence isn’t academic—it’s practical. When a hazing incident occurs, we can immediately identify:

• The legal entities behind chapter operations
• Insurance carriers and coverage details
• Prior incident histories across campuses
• Alumni networks and housing corporations

National Fraternity Patterns: What History Reveals

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, Pike’s national history includes the Stone Foltz death and multiple other alcohol hazing tragedies. Their “Big/Little” tradition has proven repeatedly dangerous.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Operating at all five Texas universities, SAE has faced lawsuits for traumatic brain injuries, chemical burns, and assault. Their national organization eliminated pledging in 2014 but hazing continues.

Phi Delta Theta: Present at multiple Texas campuses, this fraternity’s history includes the Max Gruver drinking game death that prompted Louisiana’s felony hazing law.

Pi Kappa Phi: The fraternity in the Bermudez UH case has previous hazing deaths including Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017.

For Lytle families, these patterns matter because:

1. Foreseeability: National organizations knew or should have known these rituals were dangerous
2. Negligence: Failure to properly supervise or intervene creates liability
3. Punitive Damages: Repeated patterns despite knowledge may justify enhanced penalties

Building a Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Overcoming Institutional Defenses

When hazing occurs, institutions follow predictable playbooks to minimize liability. We know these strategies because our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who used them. Now we use that insider knowledge to protect families.

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord conversations showing planning and coercion
• Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos of events
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” content
• Geo-location data: Phone records showing presence at hazing locations

Medical Documentation:

• ER records noting hazing disclosure
• Lab results showing alcohol toxicity or physical trauma
• Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Specialist reports detailing long-term impacts

Institutional Records:

• University conduct files showing prior violations
• National fraternity risk management reports
• Insurance policies and coverage details
• Internal emails about chapter monitoring

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
• Former members willing to break silence
• Roommates and friends who observed changes
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

Overcoming Common Institutional Defenses

Defense: “The Student Consented”

• Our Response: Texas law §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Power dynamics and coercion invalidate “voluntary” participation.

Defense: “It Was Rogue Individuals”

• Our Response: Pattern evidence shows national organizations failed to supervise properly. Prior incidents at other chapters establish foreseeability.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

• Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty. Universities and nationals maintain control over recognized organizations regardless of venue.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

• Our Response: Paper policies without enforcement are meaningless. We demonstrate implementation failures through prior incident records.

Defense: “Sovereign Immunity” (Public Universities)

• Our Response: Exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and Title IX violations. We also pursue individual liability against employees.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
• Therapy and counseling costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional suffering of family members
• Punitive damages in egregious cases

The Bermudez case illustrates these damage categories: his four-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney treatment, psychological trauma, and disrupted education all represent compensable harms under Texas law.

Practical Guides for Lytle Families: What to Do Right Now

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
• Extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation
• Sudden personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal)
• Secretive phone use and fear of missing messages
• Financial strain from unexplained expenses
• Declining academic performance

Conversation Starters (Non-Confrontational):

• “How are things going with your fraternity/sorority? Are they respectful of your time?”
• “Have you seen anything that made you uncomfortable?”
• “Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to, or would there be consequences?”

48-Hour Action Plan:

1. Medical Priority: Get immediate care even if your child resists
2. Evidence Preservation: Screenshot everything before deletion
3. Documentation: Write down everything your child tells you
4. Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24 hours
5. Strategic Reporting: With attorney guidance, report to appropriate authorities

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents or university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?

Safe Exit Strategies:

• Immediate danger: Call 911 first, then a trusted adult
• Planning to quit: Inform someone outside the organization first for safety
• Formal withdrawal: Email chapter leadership with copy to parent/attorney
• Avoid isolation: Don’t attend “one last meeting” where pressure might occur

Evidence Collection Tips:

• Screenshot group chats with timestamps visible
• Photograph injuries daily to document progression
• Save voicemails and record conversations (Texas is one-party consent)
• Email evidence to yourself for cloud backup

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Cases

1. Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” looks like cover-up and eliminates crucial proof
2. Direct Confrontation: Alerting the organization lets them destroy evidence and coach witnesses
3. Signing University Agreements: Early settlements often waive rights for minimal compensation
4. Social Media Posts: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
5. Delaying Legal Consultation: Evidence disappears, witnesses scatter, statutes run

We created a video explaining common client mistakes that every family should watch before taking action.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities and national fraternities fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Lytle and Medina County, bringing unique advantages to hazing cases.

Insider Insurance Knowledge

Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

• Value and undervalue hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Manipulate the claims process

As Mr. Peña states on his profile page, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider perspective is invaluable when negotiating with well-funded institutional defendants.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello’s background includes:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• 25+ years of complex personal injury and wrongful death experience
• HCCLA membership demonstrating elite criminal defense capability

As detailed on his attorney profile, Ralph has faced massive institutional defendants and understands the strategies needed to hold them accountable.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Advantage

While other firms start from scratch, we begin with:

• 1,423 Greek organizations mapped across 25 Texas metros
• IRS records for 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities
• Campus-specific chapter rosters for all major universities
• National incident databases showing patterns and precedents

This intelligence lets us immediately identify all potentially liable parties—not just the obvious ones. In the Bermudez case, this means pursuing not only the UH chapter but also the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, housing corporations, and individual members.

Spanish-Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Hispanic families in Medina County and across Texas can access justice in their preferred language. Our commitment to serving Texas’ diverse communities sets us apart.

Your Next Steps: A Clear Path Forward

If hazing has touched your family, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, angry, and uncertain. Here’s what to do right now:

1. Schedule Your Free Consultation
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:

• Listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you’ve preserved
• Explain your legal options clearly
• Answer questions about process, timing, and costs
• Help you decide on the best path forward

2. Understand Our Fee Structure
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. Watch our video explaining contingency fees to understand exactly how this works.

3. Preserve Critical Evidence
Before your consultation, protect key evidence:

• Use your phone to document everything properly
• Don’t delete messages or social media content
• Write down everything you remember
• Gather medical records and receipts

4. Know Your Timeline
Texas generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but exceptions exist. Don’t wait—learn about timing considerations and act promptly to protect your rights.

Serving Lytle and All of Texas

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including those in Lytle, Medina County, and surrounding communities. Distance doesn’t limit our ability to help—we utilize technology for consultations and have relationships with local experts across the state.

Whether your child attends university near home or across Texas, hazing risks transcend geography. The same national fraternities, the same institutional patterns, and the same legal principles apply. Our experience with Texas-specific laws, university systems, and Greek organizations ensures we can help regardless of campus location.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez 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 case 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:

• Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency fee explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Our Practice Areas:

• Wrongful death claims: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• Attorney profiles: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/ and https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | Spanish services: lupe@atty911.com