A Bayview Family’s Guide to Hazing, Texas Law, and Protecting Your College Student: How Attorney911 Fights for Accountability

If Your Child Has Been Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

For parents in Bayview and across Galveston County, sending your child to college is a proud moment filled with hope. You trust that universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M at Galveston, and others across our state will provide a safe environment for learning and growth. But what happens when that trust is shattered by the dark reality of hazing?

Right now, in Harris County just up the road from our Bayview community, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring horrific hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This active, $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders shows exactly what can happen when hazing culture goes unchecked—and what experienced Texas hazing attorneys like us at Attorney911 are doing about it.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Bayview families and parents throughout Texas who need to understand:

What modern hazing really looks like in 2025—far beyond the old stereotypes
How Texas law protects (or fails to protect) your child
What has been happening at universities where Bayview students attend, including University of Houston, Texas A&M University, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor
What legal options you have when hazing injures your child
Why our Texas-based hazing litigation team brings unique advantages to these complex cases

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN BAYVIEW

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
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: screenshot group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), photograph injuries, save physical items
Write down everything (who, what, when, where) while memory is fresh
Do NOT: confront the fraternity/sorority, sign anything from the university or insurance company, post details on public social media, or let your child delete messages

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears fast—deleted group chats, destroyed evidence, 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, confidential consultation.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: Why This Matters to Every Bayview Family

Before we discuss the broader landscape, you need to understand the case that’s happening right now in our region—because it shows exactly what we’re up against and how seriously we take hazing litigation.

Leonel Bermudez was a transfer student who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston in fall 2025. What followed was months of systematic abuse that nearly killed him. According to the lawsuit we filed in Harris County:

Humiliation Rules: Pledges were forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other degrading items. Failure meant punishment or expulsion.
Forced Labor: Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties.
Physical Torture: Extreme workouts including sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills. Pledges were forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and threatened with actual waterboarding.
Dangerous Consumption: Forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to run sprints.
The Breaking Point: On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. He couldn’t stand without help afterward.

The medical consequences were catastrophic. Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This didn’t happen in some distant state. It happened at University of Houston, with hazing occurring at the Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park—all locations familiar to Houston-area families. The case has received extensive media coverage, including detailed reports from Click2Houston and ABC13.

Why are we telling you this specific story? Because when Bayview families come to us frightened and confused about what happened to their child, we want you to know: We are already in the fight. We’re not just talking about hazing prevention—we’re actively litigating against a major Texas university and a national fraternity right now. This is the level of expertise and commitment we bring to every hazing case.

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

Many Bayview parents think of hazing as “boys will be boys” pranks or excessive partying. That dangerous misconception allows abuse to continue. Modern hazing is systematic, psychologically sophisticated, and often digitally documented.

A Clear, Modern Definition

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially: “I agreed to it” does not make it legal or safe when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing.

The Main Categories of Hazing Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking during “bid acceptance,” “Big/Little,” or “family tree” nights
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances

Physical Hazing

Paddling, beatings, or “smokings” (extreme calisthenics)
Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures
Dangerous physical tests like the “glass ceiling” ritual or blindfolded tackles

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, racial or sexist role-play
Public shaming on social media or in meetings

Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Manipulation, forced confessions, constant fear of expulsion
Creating dependency on the group for identity and belonging

Digital/Online Hazing

Group chat dares on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Pressure to create compromising TikTok or Instagram content
24/7 availability demands with instant response expectations
Location tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC Divine Nine, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Groups (like Texas Cowboys or similar organizations)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common thread across all these groups is social status, tradition, and secrecy—a combination that keeps dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Bayview Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F) that every parent should understand.

Texas Education Code – The Basics

Hazing is broadly defined as 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, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Points for Bayview Families:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreats are all covered
Mental OR physical harm counts
“Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have malicious intent
“Consent is not a defense” (Texas Education Code § 37.155)—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State)

Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical Charges: Hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Penalties in Texas:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing with no serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families)

Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Important: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Both can proceed simultaneously.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Mandates strengthened hazing education and prevention
Phased-in public hazing data requirements (around 2026)

Title IX

Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
Creates additional reporting and response obligations for universities

Clery Act

Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crime reporting requirements

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up

Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
Officers and “pledge educators” acting in official capacities

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

University or Governing Board

Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories
Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop theories)
Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Teaches Us

Major hazing cases across the country have shaped the legal landscape. Understanding these patterns helps Bayview families see they’re not facing something unique—they’re confronting a predictable, repeating script.

The Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

Bid-acceptance event with forced drinking
Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; 12-hour delay before calling 911
Dozens of criminal charges; civil litigation; Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”
Takeaway for Texas families: Delay in calling for help and culture of silence create devastating liability

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof

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

Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Takeaway: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Fatal traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: Off-campus retreats can be particularly dangerous; national orgs face serious sanctions

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program
Multiple lawsuits; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired (later settled wrongful-termination suit)
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Bayview Families
Common threads unite these tragedies: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements typically follow only after litigation exposes systemic failures. Texas families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are not alone—they’re operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons.

Texas University Focus: Where Bayview Students Are Most at Risk

Bayview families send their children to universities across Texas. While Texas A&M at Galveston is practically in our backyard, many students attend larger campuses like University of Houston, Texas A&M College Station, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. Here’s what you need to know about each.

University of Houston (UH) – Our Current Battlefront

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UH’s large urban campus hosts active Greek life with multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural). The mix of commuter and residential students creates unique dynamics where Greek organizations often become central social hubs.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting
UH prohibits hazing on or off campus, specifically banning forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress as initiation. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct, and UHPD.

Documented Incidents & Responses
Beyond our active Bermudez case, UH has faced previous hazing incidents:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed during initiation; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
Regular disciplinary actions for “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort” violations

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (where we’re currently litigating the Bermudez case)
Investigating Agencies: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department depending on location
Common Defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national headquarters, university, property owners

What UH Students & Bayview Parents Should Do

Report to Dean of Students and UHPD for documentation
Document prior complaints if known (shows pattern)
Contact Houston-based hazing attorneys who understand UH’s specific dynamics and have active cases in Harris County courts

Texas A&M University at Galveston & College Station

Campus & Culture Snapshot
With Texas A&M at Galveston literally in our community, many Bayview families have direct connections to Aggie culture. The College Station flagship’s Corps of Cadets tradition and strong Greek life create multiple potential hazing environments.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; fraternity suspended; lawsuit filed
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position; sought over $1 million
Regular Corps and Greek life disciplinary actions

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts for College Station cases
Unique Aspects: Corps cases involve military-style command structure; university often argues internal discipline suffices
Investigative Challenges: Strong tradition of silence and “protecting the organization”

What Texas A&M Families in Bayview Should Know

The Corps and Greek life have different reporting chains—know both
Document everything before “internal resolution” processes begin
Galveston campus incidents may involve different procedures than College Station

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT’s massive Greek system and numerous student organizations create multiple hazing risk environments. The university’s relatively transparent violation reporting provides valuable public data.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page
Unlike many schools, UT maintains a public log at hazing.utexas.edu showing:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and mandatory education
Various spirit groups and organizations sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, punishment-based practices

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: Travis County courts
Strategic Advantage: UT’s public violation log provides immediate pattern evidence
Common Defenses: University argues adequate policies and enforcement (public log undermines this)

What UT Students & Parents Should Do

Check UT’s public hazing log for prior violations by the same organization
Report through both university channels and Austin PD if crimes occurred
Use UT’s transparency as leverage in negotiations

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
SMU’s private, affluent campus with strong Greek presence creates unique dynamics. Private university status affects transparency and internal processes.

Documented Incidents

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended until ~2021
Regular Greek life disciplinary actions (less public than UT’s reporting)

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: Dallas County courts
Unique Aspects: Private university = different sovereign immunity considerations
Investigative Challenges: Less public data requires more aggressive discovery

What SMU Families Should Know

SMU’s anonymous reporting system (Real Response) exists but has limitations
Private settlements are common—don’t accept early offers without counsel
National fraternity liability often clearer at private schools with less university control

Baylor University

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor’s religious identity and history of athletic scandals create complex oversight dynamics. The university’s “zero tolerance” statements often contrast with recurring misconduct.

Documented Incidents

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Ongoing Greek life disciplinary matters

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts
Strategic Considerations: Baylor’s prior scandals create sensitivity to negative publicity
Religious Context: Sometimes affects internal resolution approaches

What Baylor Families Should Know

Document all communications with university officials
Be aware of potential conflicts between religious counseling and legal strategy
Early intervention is critical before internal processes conclude

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations in Your Area

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. For Bayview families, this means we don’t start from zero when investigating your case. Here’s what public records show about organizations operating in our region.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Entities Serving Bayview and Gulf Coast Families

If your child was hazed, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to them. These are not just social clubs—they’re legal entities with insurance, assets, and responsibility. Here are examples from public records:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings)

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (Alumni/house corporation)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (Xi Chi chapter)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta chapter)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 383742830, El Paso, TX 79968 (UTEP chapter)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter, EIN 392352450, Houston, TX 77254

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro Area (188 Greek Organizations)

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston alumni/house corp)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae Chapter
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega (Graduate chapter)
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma (Graduate chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter (Undergrad chapter)

Cross-Validated National Brands (Appear in Both IRS & Metro Data)

Sigma Gamma Rho – Appears in IRS data (Waco, Commerce) and metro data (Houston Beta Sigma, Beaumont Mu Epsilon chapters)
Pi Kappa Alpha – Appears in IRS data (Nederland) and metro data (Houston district alumni)
Kappa Alpha Psi – Appears in IRS data (Prairie View, Dallas) and metro data (Beaumont alumni)

Why This Data Matters for Your Case

When we take a hazing case, we don’t just sue the individuals involved. We identify every entity that bears responsibility:

Local Chapter (if incorporated)
Chapter Housing Corporation (often owns the house)
Alumni Corporation (may control funds and oversight)
National Headquarters (sets policies, collects dues)
Insurance Carriers (for each entity above)

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine means we already know where to look. While the Bermudez case involves Pi Kappa Phi specifically, the same investigative approach applies to any fraternity or sorority. These organizations have legal structures, insurance policies, and assets—we know how to find them and hold them accountable.

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

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications (THE MOST IMPORTANT)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord – Screenshot FULL threads with timestamps
Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok – Capture before deletion
Fraternity-specific apps – Many chapters use custom communication platforms
Digital Forensics: Even deleted messages can often be recovered

Photos & Videos

Injuries (photograph immediately and over several days)
Event locations (houses, parks, venues)
Participants and witnesses
Social media posts/stories about the events

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, “tradition” lists, initiation scripts
Emails/texts between officers about activities
National policy manuals and training materials

University Records

Prior conduct files on the same organization
Incident reports to campus police
Clery Act reports and similar disclosures

Medical & Psychological Records

ER/hospitalization records (critical for rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez’s)
Toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

Realistic Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

Medical Bills: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
Future Medical Needs: Therapy, medications, long-term care for permanent injuries
Lost Educational Opportunity: Missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Diminished Earning Capacity: For permanent disabilities affecting work ability

Non-Economic Damages

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and recovery
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and public embarrassment

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of financial support and companionship
Emotional suffering of family members
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Available)

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, attempted cover-ups
Texas has caps on punitive damages in many cases

The Insurance Battle (Where Lupe Peña’s Experience Matters)

Fraternity and university insurance companies use the same tactics as auto insurers—they just have deeper pockets. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Lupe Peña knows their playbook:

Reserve-Setting Formulas: How they initially value (undervalue) claims
IME Games: “Independent” Medical Exams designed to minimize injuries
Delay Tactics: Dragging out cases to pressure financially strained families
Coverage Arguments: Claiming hazing is “intentional” and therefore excluded

Our insider knowledge means we anticipate these moves and counter them effectively from day one.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Bayview Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring, anxiety about missing messages
Grades dropping suddenly, missing classes for “mandatory” events
Financial changes: unexpected large expenses, requests for money

How to Talk to Your Child

Use open, non-judgmental questions: “How are things with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without interrupting if they start to open up
Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any membership”
Assure them: “You won’t be in trouble for telling the truth”

If Your Child Is Hurt RIGHT NOW

Medical First: Get to ER if injured or intoxicated
Evidence Second: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
Document Third: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
Legal Fourth: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university or organization

For Students: Is This Hazing? What Are My Rights?

Self-Assessment Questions

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If You Answered YES to Any—It’s Likely Hazing

Your Legal Rights in Texas

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you are the victim, not the perpetrator
“Consent is not a defense” under Texas law
You can file a civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges are filed

How to Exit Safely

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Email/text the chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”—that’s where pressure/retaliation happens
If threatened, report to campus police AND local police

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Letting Your Child Delete Messages
- What seems like: “Cleaning up embarrassing content”
- Reality: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
- INSTEAD: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content
Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
- What seems like: “Giving them a piece of my mind”
- Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
- INSTEAD: Document everything, call a lawyer BEFORE any confrontation
Signing University “Resolution” Forms
- What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
- Reality: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
- INSTEAD: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first
Posting on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer
- What seems like: “I want people to know what happened”
- Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
- INSTEAD: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging
Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”
- What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
- Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
- INSTEAD: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video on common client mistakes that can ruin injury cases for more guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions from Bayview Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case involves conduct that could support felony charges.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (fatal retreat) and our Bermudez case (multiple off-campus locations) show off-campus hazing still creates liability.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up situations, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call us immediately. Watch our statute of limitations video for more details.

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does this cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Watch our contingency fee explanation video to understand how this works for families.

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 powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. Here’s why Bayview families choose us:

Our Active Litigation Credential: The Bermudez Case

Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases. We’re not just talking about hazing—we’re actively litigating against the University of Houston System, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This isn’t theory; it’s our current reality. When you come to us with your hazing case, you’re talking to attorneys who are already in the arena.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy “Independent” Medical Exams to minimize injuries

We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with billion-dollar insurance carriers.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

From our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation to federal court cases in the Southern District of Texas, we’ve taken on some of the world’s largest corporations. National fraternities and major universities don’t intimidate us—we understand their defense strategies, deep pockets, and institutional protection mechanisms.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results

We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability:

Economists for lifetime care and earning capacity calculations
Medical experts for injuries like rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD
Digital forensics for deleted message recovery
Life care planners for permanent disability cases

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise witnesses/former members with potential criminal exposure
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Understand how criminal investigations impact civil strategy

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult directly with Spanish-speaking families. In Texas’s diverse communities, this isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for proper representation.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

While other firms start from zero, we maintain a comprehensive database of:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations (IRS B83 data)
96 Texas university campuses
1,423 Greek entities across 25 Texas metros
National hazing incident patterns and histories

When you bring us a case, we already understand the organizational landscape, insurance structures, and legal precedents that matter.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation with Texas Hazing Specialists

If you’re reading this because hazing has touched your family, please know: You are not alone, and you don’t have to face this alone.

Whether your child attends University of Houston, Texas A&M Galveston, or any Texas campus, we understand what you’re going through. The confusion, the anger, the fear for your child’s future—we’ve helped families through these emotions while building powerful cases for accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak directly with our team. We’ll:

Listen Without Judgment: Tell us what happened in your own words
Review Your Evidence: Photos, messages, medical records—whatever you have
Explain Your Options: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss Realistic Expectations: Timelines, potential challenges, possible outcomes
Answer All Your Questions: Costs (contingency fee—no win, no fee), privacy concerns, next steps
No Pressure Decision: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

We Serve Families Throughout Texas

From our Houston office, we serve Bayview families and communities across Texas. Distance is no barrier—we handle cases statewide through:

Direct Representation for Texas cases and Texas-connected cases
Co-Counsel Arrangements when local counsel is beneficial
Comprehensive Consultation for families anywhere in Texas

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello) or lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña for Spanish consultation)

Hablamos Español – Se habla Español. Mr. Peña at lupe@atty911.com.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit

Click2Houston (KPRC 2): “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
- URL: 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 Eyewitness News (KTRK): “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
- URL: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline: “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”
- URL: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case”
- URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
“Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”
- URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
“How Do Contingency Fees Work?”
- URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
“Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case”
- URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Attorney911 Main Website

Attorney911 — Main Website & Contact
- URL: 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