The Complete Guide to Hazing, Texas Law & Campus Accountability for Atlanta, TX Families

If your child attends a Texas university and is involved in Greek life, athletics, or campus organizations, you need to know what modern hazing looks like, what the law says, and how to protect them.

For Atlanta, TX Families: Immediate Crisis Response

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

1. Understanding Hazing in 2025: What Atlanta, TX Families Must Recognize

The Reality Behind “Tradition”

For families in Atlanta, Cass County and throughout East Texas, the college experience often includes Greek life, athletic programs, and campus organizations at nearby universities. What begins as exciting campus involvement can sometimes cross into dangerous territory that parents need to recognize immediately.

Hazing in 2025 has evolved beyond simple pranks or initiation rituals. It’s now a sophisticated system of coercion, digital control, and psychological manipulation that can cause permanent physical and emotional harm. What makes hazing particularly dangerous is how it’s disguised as “tradition,” “team building,” or “character development” – making victims question whether what they’re experiencing is actually abuse.

Modern Hazing Categories Every Parent Should Know

Digital Hazing & 24/7 Control:

Constant group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Location sharing requirements via apps like Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media humiliation through forced posts or TikTok challenges
Sleep deprivation via late-night text demands and early-morning check-ins

Physical Hazing Disguised as “Fitness”:

Extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
Forced calisthenics beyond safe limits (hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse)
Cold weather exposure in minimal clothing
Food and water deprivation masked as “discipline”

Psychological Coercion & Manipulation:

“Voluntary” activities that carry severe social consequences for non-participation
Isolation from family and non-member friends
Degrading nicknames and public humiliation rituals
Threats of expulsion from the organization for speaking out

Alcohol & Substance Hazing:

Forced consumption games (“Big/Little” nights, “family tree” drinking)
Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous mixtures
Chugging contests with hard liquor
Punishment drinking for perceived mistakes

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations that families from Atlanta, TX should be aware of:

Greek Life (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Councils)
Corps of Cadets & Military Programs (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
Spirit & Tradition Organizations (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic & Honor Societies
Service & Cultural Organizations

The common thread across all these groups is the power imbalance between new members and established members, coupled with traditions that prioritize loyalty over safety.

2. Texas Hazing Law: What Atlanta, TX Families Can Rely On

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 – Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that protect students across the state, including those from Cass County attending universities throughout Texas. Understanding these laws is crucial for Atlanta families facing a hazing situation.

Texas Education Code § 37.151 – The Hazing Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Occurs for purposes of initiation, affiliation, membership, or office in an organization

Key Legal Points for Atlanta Families:

Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing occurring at off-campus houses, retreats, or private properties is still illegal
“Consent” is Not a Defense: Texas law explicitly states that victim consent does not excuse hazing
Mental Harm Counts: Psychological abuse and coercion qualify as hazing
Recklessness is Enough: Defendants don’t need intent to harm – reckless conduct suffices

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

§ 37.152 – Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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: Individual officers can face charges for failing to report hazing they knew about

§ 37.153 – Organizational Liability:

Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus
Both the organization AND individuals can face criminal charges

Critical Protections for Atlanta Families

§ 37.154 – Good Faith Reporting Immunity:
Individuals who report hazing in good faith to university officials or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from their involvement. This protection is crucial for encouraging bystanders to come forward.

Medical Amnesty Provisions:
Many Texas universities, and increasingly Texas law, provide amnesty for underage drinking when students call for medical help in emergencies. This means your child won’t face university discipline or criminal charges for underage drinking if they call 911 to save someone’s life.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

The 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 creates new public data sources

Title IX & Clery Act Applications:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based misconduct, Title IX requires university investigation
The Clery Act mandates reporting of certain crimes, including some hazing-related offenses
These federal laws provide additional avenues for accountability beyond Texas statutes

3. The Leonel Bermudez Case: What Happening Right Now at University of Houston

A Case Study in Modern Hazing – And Why It Matters to Atlanta Families

Right now, in Harris County, we’re litigating one of the most severe hazing cases in Texas history. The Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates exactly what modern hazing looks like and why Atlanta, TX families need to understand these risks.

The Basics:

Victim: Leonel Bermudez, a UH student
Organization: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Beta Nu Chapter
Location: UH campus, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed in late 2025
Our Role: Attorney911 (Ralph Manginello & Mr. Lupe Peña) represents Bermudez

The Hazing Conduct – Specific, Not Generic

Psychological Control Systems:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule requiring 24/7 carrying of degrading items (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices)
Enforced dress codes and hours-long “study/work” blocks
Weekly interviews and overnight driving duties
Constant threats of expulsion for non-compliance

Physical Abuse & Endangerment:

Extreme workouts including sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races
Cold-weather exposure in underwear
Lying in vomit-soaked grass
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats

Additional Brutal Acts:

Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
A pledge losing consciousness during early-morning workouts at Yellowstone Park
Sleep deprivation and constant monitoring

Medical Catastrophe – From “Workout” to Kidney Failure

The Medical Timeline:

November 3: Extreme workout leaves Bermudez unable to stand without help
Days following: Progressive deterioration, brown urine (classic rhabdomyolysis symptom)
November 6-9: Hospitalized for four days with acute kidney failure
Medical findings: Critically high creatine kinase levels confirming severe muscle breakdown
Ongoing risk: Permanent kidney damage and long-term physical/psychological harm

Why This Matters Medically:
Rhabdomyolysis isn’t just “sore muscles.” It’s a life-threatening condition where muscle breakdown floods the bloodstream with proteins that can shut down kidneys. This requires immediate medical intervention and can cause permanent organ damage.

Institutional Response & Defendants

Full Defendant Universe:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Housing Corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members (president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, etc.)

Chapter Consequences:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender their charter
Chapter permanently shut down

University Statements:
UH labeled the conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and confirmed cooperation with law enforcement. The university credited Pi Kappa Phi HQ for decisive action.

What the Bermudez Case Teaches Atlanta Families

Hazing Can Happen Anywhere: Even at major public universities with anti-hazing policies
Digital Evidence is Critical: Group chats, photos, and messages documented this case
Medical Awareness Saves Lives: Recognizing brown urine as an emergency symptom
Multiple Entities Bear Responsibility: From individual members to national headquarters
Timely Legal Action Preserves Rights: Evidence disappears quickly without intervention

4. Texas Greek Life Ecosystem: What Atlanta Families Are Dealing With

The Scale of Greek Organizations in Texas

Based on our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine – a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations built from public records – there are 1,423 fraternity and sorority related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas. This infrastructure represents both the social opportunities and potential risks for Atlanta, TX students.

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Organizations:
The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations across Texas. These aren’t just social clubs – they’re legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), mailing addresses, and organizational structures. For Atlanta families, understanding this layer is crucial because these entities often hold insurance coverage and legal responsibility.

Example Organizations from Public Records:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN: 371768785) – Missouri City, TX 77459
Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta (EIN: 824398421) – Richmond, TX 77406
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Multiple chapters across Texas

Metro-Level Concentration:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations

Where Atlanta, TX Families Send Their Students

Local & Regional Campuses:

Texas A&M University-Texarkana (Bowie County) – 2.5 hours from Atlanta
Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches County) – 1 hour from Atlanta
University of Texas at Tyler (Smith County) – 1.5 hours from Atlanta
Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County) – 2 hours from Atlanta

Major Statewide Hubs (Common Choices):

University of Houston (Harris County) – 3.5 hours from Atlanta
Texas A&M University (Brazos County) – 3.5 hours from Atlanta
University of Texas at Austin (Travis County) – 4.5 hours from Atlanta
Baylor University (McLennan County) – 3 hours from Atlanta
Southern Methodist University (Dallas County) – 2.5 hours from Atlanta

The Organizational Network Behind Campus Letters

When Atlanta students join Greek organizations, they’re connecting with complex networks that extend far beyond their campus. Understanding this structure helps families recognize where accountability lies when things go wrong.

Typical Organizational Layers:

Undergraduate Chapter: The campus group students interact with daily
Housing Corporation: Legal entity that owns/manages the chapter house
Alumni Chapter: Graduated members who maintain involvement
National Headquarters: Corporate entity setting policies and collecting dues
Educational Foundation: Tax-exempt entity for scholarships and programming
Insurance Carriers: Commercial insurers providing liability coverage

Why This Structure Matters for Liability:
Each layer represents potential defendants in a hazing lawsuit. National headquarters often claim they’re separate from local chapter misconduct, but our investigation regularly uncovers:

Nationals collecting dues from problematic chapters
Headquarters providing minimal oversight despite prior incidents
Insurance coverage spanning multiple organizational layers
Financial interdependence between entities

Cass County & Atlanta-Area Greek Presence

While Cass County itself has limited Greek infrastructure due to its rural nature, Atlanta families interact with these organizations through:

Regional Alumni Networks:

Alumni chapters in Texarkana, Tyler, and Longview serving multiple counties
Regional events drawing participants from across East Texas
Alumni advisors who maintain connections to undergraduate chapters

Metro Area Connections:

Many Atlanta students participate in Greek life at DFW or East Texas schools
Summer and holiday events bringing Greek culture back to hometowns
Social media extending Greek networks beyond campus boundaries

5. National Hazing Patterns: What History Teaches Us

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths – The Most Common Tragedy

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021):

Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night
Forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol
Died from alcohol poisoning
Outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Takeaway for Atlanta Families: National patterns repeat – the same fraternity, same script

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (2017):

Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night
Extreme drinking, fatal falls captured on security cameras
18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Outcome: Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania
Takeaway: Delayed medical care multiplies liability

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017):

Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game
Died with 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
Outcome: Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing statute in Louisiana
Takeaway: “Games” with drinking penalties are deadly predictable

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021):

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) “pledge dad reveal” night
Forced excessive drinking causing severe permanent brain damage
Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants, multi-million dollar total
Takeaway for Atlanta Families: Non-fatal injuries can be catastrophic and lifelong

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Case (2021):

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Outcome: $1 million lawsuit, chapter suspension
Takeaway: Hazing methods evolve to include dangerous substances

Institutional Knowledge & Pattern Evidence

What these national cases demonstrate is foreseeability. When the same national fraternity has multiple chapters engaging in similar dangerous conduct across different states and years, they cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

Pattern Recognition for Atlanta Families:

Pi Kappa Alpha: Multiple alcohol poisoning deaths nationally
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: History of alcohol-related fatalities and serious injuries
Phi Delta Theta: Documented forced drinking traditions
Pi Kappa Phi: Prior incidents similar to UH case

This pattern evidence becomes crucial in litigation because it shows:

Nationals had notice of dangerous traditions
Their prevention efforts were inadequate
Similar incidents were predictable and preventable

6. Building Your Case: Evidence Strategy for Atlanta Families

Immediate Evidence Preservation – The First 48 Hours

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

Group Chats: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps visible
Social Media: Preserve posts, stories, comments before deletion
Text Messages: Export or comprehensively screenshot conversations
Photos/Videos: Save from phones and cloud backups
Location Data: Note any tracking or check-in requirements

Medical Documentation:

ER records explicitly stating “hazing” as cause
Lab results (blood alcohol, creatine kinase, kidney function)
Imaging reports (X-rays, CT scans for injuries)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, anxiety, depression diagnoses)

Physical Evidence:

Clothing worn during incidents (unwashed)
Objects used in hazing (paddles, props, alcohol containers)
Receipts for forced purchases
Medical devices (crutches, braces, etc.)

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine Advantage

Our firm maintains a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations that gives Atlanta families immediate investigative advantages:

Public Records Directory:
We start with verified public data on Greek entities across Texas, including:

Legal organization names and EINs
Mailing addresses and contact information
Organizational relationships and hierarchies
Prior incident patterns where available

Metro-Level Analysis:
Understanding which organizations operate in which Texas metros helps us:

Identify all potentially liable entities
Trace insurance coverage across organizational layers
Uncover prior similar incidents in the region
Build pattern evidence for negligence claims

Damages Framework for Atlanta Families

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational opportunities (withdrawals, transfers)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs
Property damage or replacement

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Damaged relationships and social isolation

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Overcoming Common Defense Strategies

Defense: “The Pledge Consented”

Our Response: Texas law § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing
Evidence: Group chat pressure, social consequences for refusal, power imbalance

Defense: “National Didn’t Know”

Our Response: Pattern evidence from other chapters shows foreseeability
Evidence: Prior incident reports, national training materials, dues collection continuing despite knowledge

Defense: “It Was Off-Campus”

Our Response: Location doesn’t negate organizational control or university sponsorship
Evidence: Organization planning, member participation, university recognition

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: Policies without enforcement are meaningless
Evidence: Prior violations with minimal consequences, lack of oversight documentation

7. Practical Steps for Atlanta Parents & Students

Warning Signs Every Atlanta Parent Should Watch For

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight changes from food/water manipulation
Signs of sleep deprivation (constant exhaustion, falling asleep in class)
Visible discomfort sitting or moving (from paddling or excessive exercise)

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organizational activities
Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
Personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability)
Defensiveness when asked about the organization
Constant phone checking for group chat messages

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or assignments
Loss of academic motivation or scholarships
Prioritizing organizational events over academic responsibilities

Financial Patterns:

Unexpected large expenses (forced purchases, excessive dues)
Requests for money without clear explanation
Overdrawn accounts or maxed credit cards

Questions to Ask Your Student (Non-Confrontationally)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying the experience?”
“What kinds of activities do new members typically participate in?”
“Have there been any activities that made you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you can say no to anything they ask you to do?”
“What happens if someone chooses not to participate in an activity?”
“Are you getting enough sleep and keeping up with your classes?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt or has anyone been hurt during activities?”

If You Suspect Hazing – Immediate Action Steps

Priority 1: Safety & Medical Care

Remove your child from immediate danger
Seek medical attention for any injuries or intoxication
Document injuries with photographs from multiple angles

Priority 2: Evidence Preservation

Help your child screenshot ALL digital communications
Preserve physical evidence (don’t wash clothing, save objects)
Write detailed notes while memories are fresh
Identify potential witnesses (other pledges, roommates, RAs)

Priority 3: Strategic Decisions

Consult with an experienced hazing attorney BEFORE reporting
Understand your options: internal university process, criminal complaint, civil action
Consider timing and sequencing of different actions
Protect your child from potential retaliation

What NOT to Do – Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Mistake 1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

Why It’s Wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys crucial proof
Better Approach: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

Mistake 2: Confronting the Organization Directly

Why It’s Wrong: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Better Approach: Let your attorney handle all communications

Mistake 3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Why It’s Wrong: Often includes liability waivers or inadequate settlements
Better Approach: Have an attorney review EVERY document before signing

Mistake 4: Posting on Social Media

Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better Approach: Keep documentation private; let your attorney control messaging

Mistake 5: Waiting for University Investigation

Why It’s Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
Better Approach: Preserve evidence now; university process ≠ legal accountability

8. Why Attorney911 for Atlanta Hazing Cases

Texas-Based Hazing Specialists Serving Cass County Families

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas – including those in Atlanta, Cass County facing the devastating impact of campus hazing. What makes our approach different isn’t just our legal expertise, but our understanding of how these cases actually work behind the scenes.

Insurance Insider Advantage

Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background:
Before joining our firm, Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. He didn’t just learn how insurance companies operate – he helped run their strategies. This insider knowledge is invaluable for Atlanta families because:

We Know Their Playbook: How fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
We Anticipate Their Moves: Delay tactics, coverage arguments, settlement strategies
We Counter Their Experts: Understanding how IMEs (Independent Medical Exams) are used to reduce value
We Navigate Coverage Fights: Identifying all potential insurance sources across organizational layers

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello’s BP Texas City Credential:
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability against massive institutional defendants. For Atlanta families, this means:

We’re Not Intimidated: Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and experienced counsel
We Understand Systems Failure: How institutional knowledge, policy gaps, and cultural problems create liability
We Have Federal Court Experience: Title IX and civil rights claims often proceed in federal court
We Manage Complex Discovery: Obtaining records from multiple organizational layers and jurisdictions

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery

Understanding Atlanta’s Regional Context:
We recognize that Atlanta families interact with universities across East Texas and beyond. Our Texas-specific knowledge includes:

Local Court Systems: Experience in counties where Atlanta cases might proceed
University Relationships: Understanding how different Texas schools handle hazing incidents
Regional Patterns: Awareness of Greek life dynamics in East Texas versus major metros
Practical Logistics: Helping families navigate investigations across geographic distances

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability

HCCLA Membership & Criminal Defense Experience:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability. For Atlanta families, this dual expertise means:

Comprehensive Advice: Understanding how criminal charges interact with civil claims
Witness Protection: Advising former members or bystanders with potential exposure
Strategic Coordination: Managing parallel criminal and civil proceedings when applicable
Constitutional Challenges: Knowledge of search/seizure issues relevant to fraternity house investigations

Evidence & Investigation Specialization

From Trucking Cases to Hazing Investigations:
Our experience obtaining complex evidence in commercial trucking cases translates directly to hazing investigations:

Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence, location data
Organizational Records: Subpoenaing chapter minutes, national correspondence, risk management files
Witness Interviews: Systematic approach to obtaining testimony from reluctant witnesses
Expert Networks: Medical specialists, toxicologists, economists, and Greek life culture experts

9. Your Next Steps: Consultation & Case Evaluation

Free, Confidential Consultation for Atlanta Families

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas university, we offer a no-obligation consultation to help you understand your options. During this consultation, we’ll:

Listen to Your Story without judgment or interruption
Review Available Evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
Explain Legal Options specific to your situation
Discuss Realistic Timelines and what to expect
Answer All Your Questions about process, costs, and potential outcomes
Provide Clear Next Steps whether you choose to hire us or not

What Makes Our Hazing Practice Different

We Don’t Just Settle Cheap:
Many personal injury firms look for quick settlements. We build cases for accountability and prevention. The Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates our commitment to taking on institutional defendants and pursuing meaningful reform.

We Prioritize Prevention:
While we aggressively pursue compensation for our clients, we also work toward systemic change. Successful hazing litigation should make campuses safer for all students, not just secure a check.

We Respect Your Privacy:
We understand the sensitivity of hazing cases. We work to protect your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability through sealed records, confidential settlements, and strategic media relations when appropriate.

We Speak Your Language:
Mr. Lupe Peña provides Spanish-language services for Hispanic families across Texas. We believe language should never be a barrier to justice.

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Immediate Assistance:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888$(288)$-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com
General Inquiries: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Serving Atlanta & All of Texas:
While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. Distance doesn’t limit our ability to investigate hazing incidents at Texas universities or represent Atlanta families in appropriate jurisdictions.

Contingency Fee Basis:
We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis – you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This makes quality legal representation accessible to families regardless of financial circumstances.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

Contact & information: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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