The Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation for Families in Town of Lincoln Park, Denton County, Texas

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

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

A Night in Lincoln Park – Understanding the Reality of Modern Hazing

Imagine your student from Lincoln Park has just started their freshman year at the University of North Texas, just minutes away in Denton. They’ve joined what seemed like a great fraternity or sorority, making new friends and finding their place on campus. Then comes “initiation week.”

What starts as fun traditions quickly turns dark. Your child is being pressured to drink far beyond safe limits at an off-campus house near UNT. They’re forced into extreme physical exercises until they vomit. Older members are filming everything on their phones while chanting traditional songs. When your child collapses from exhaustion, the members hesitate to call 911, worried about “getting the chapter shut down.” They’re trapped between loyalty to their new friends and their own safety, afraid to speak up because “everyone before them did it.”

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. Right now, less than 250 miles away in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history – the case of Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The details are horrifying: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and ultimately, rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure that left him hospitalized for four days, passing brown urine and facing permanent kidney damage.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Lincoln Park and throughout Denton County who need to understand the reality of hazing in 2025. Whether your child attends the University of North Texas right here in our county, Texas Woman’s University across town, or any of Texas’s major universities, you need to know what hazing looks like today, how Texas law protects victims, and what legal options exist for holding organizations accountable.

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

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is no longer just “boys will be boys” pranks or harmless traditions. In 2025, hazing is defined as 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. For families in Lincoln Park sending students to UNT, TWU, or other Texas campuses, it’s crucial to understand that “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

Main Categories of Hazing in Today’s College Environment

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and most dangerous form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking through “lineups,” chugging challenges, drinking games like “Bible study” where incorrect answers mean drinking, and being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances. At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case we’re currently litigating, pledges were forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to do sprints.

Physical Hazing
This includes paddling and beatings (still prevalent despite national prohibitions), extreme calisthenics or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning, sleep deprivation, food/water deprivation, and exposure to extreme environments. In the UH case, pledges were subjected to bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills, and cold-weather exposure in their underwear.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This covers forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case contained condoms, a sex toy, and other humiliating items that pledges were required to carry 24/7.

Psychological Hazing
This includes verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, public shaming, and forced confessions. Pledges in the UH case faced weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties, and constant threats of expulsion for non-compliance.

Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier includes group chat dares, social media “challenges,” pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 digital monitoring through apps like GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Snapchat. Many organizations now use encrypted apps to hide their activities.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

For Lincoln Park families, it’s important to understand that hazing extends far beyond fraternity houses:

Fraternities and Sororities: All councils – IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC (Divine Nine), and multicultural organizations
Corps of Cadets/ROTC: At Texas A&M and other military-style programs
Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheer, and other sports
Spirit Groups: Texas Cowboys, cheer teams, dance teams
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas-Specific Protections for Lincoln Park Families

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Under Texas law—which governs cases for Lincoln Park families—hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, 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 Provisions Lincoln Park Families Need to Know:

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
- Organizations can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation
- Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus
§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
- This is critical: Consent is not a defense to hazing prosecution in Texas
- Even if the victim “agreed,” it’s still illegal
§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
- Protects those who report hazing in good faith
- Many universities offer amnesty for those calling 911 in emergencies

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were made to law enforcement

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Example: Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and 13 individual members

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Maintains public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
Affects UNT, TWU, and all Texas public universities

Title IX & Clery Act:

Title IX obligations triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Both apply to incidents at UNT, TWU, and other federally funded institutions

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

For Lincoln Park families pursuing accountability:

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority or club itself as a legal entity
National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
University or Governing Board: Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories
Third Parties: Landlords, property owners, bars, alcohol providers, security companies

In our UH case, we’ve named 17 defendants including the university, Pi Kappa Phi national, their housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Precedents That Protect Texas Families

These well-known cases show patterns and establish precedents that Lincoln Park families can rely on in Texas courts.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking
Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help
Dozens of criminal charges; civil litigation; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Takeaway for Lincoln Park families: Extreme intoxication + delay in calling 911 + culture of silence = legal devastation

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

Big/little event; pledge given a handle of liquor; died from alcohol poisoning
Criminal hazing charges; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are repeating scripts for disaster

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering incorrectly
Death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Takeaway: Legislative change follows public outrage and clear proof

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

Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey; died from alcohol poisoning
Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million total settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)
Takeaway: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Fatal head injuries; help delayed
Multiple convictions; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: Off-campus retreats can be as dangerous as parties; national orgs face serious sanctions

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired then settled wrongful-termination confidentially
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Lincoln Park Families

Common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups
Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements follow tragedy and litigation
Texas families facing hazing at UNT, TWU, or other schools operate in a landscape shaped by these national lessons
The same organizations involved in these national cases (Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, SAE) operate at Texas universities

Texas Focus: Universities Relevant to Lincoln Park Families

University of North Texas (UNT) – In Our Own Backyard

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Located just minutes from Lincoln Park in Denton, UNT serves over 44,000 students with active Greek life including 29 fraternities and sororities across four councils. As the largest university in Denton County, many Lincoln Park students choose UNT for its proximity and strong academic programs.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UNT prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law and provides reporting through:

Dean of Students Office
Office of Student Conduct
UNT Police Department
Online reporting forms

Greek Life at UNT Includes:

Interfraternity Council (IFC): 14 fraternities
Collegiate Panhellenic Council: 10 sororities
National Pan-Hellenic Council: 9 Divine Nine organizations
Multicultural Greek Council: 6 organizations

How a UNT Hazing Case Might Proceed:
Share jurisdiction between UNT Police and Denton Police depending on location. Civil suits would typically be filed in Denton County courts. Potential defendants include individual students, the UNT chapter, national organizations, and possibly the university.

What UNT Students & Parents from Lincoln Park Should Do:

Report immediately to UNT Dean of Students: (940) 565-2648
Document everything before approaching the university
Contact an attorney experienced in Denton County hazing cases
Understand that UNT’s internal process doesn’t prevent civil action

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) – Denton’s Other Major Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Also located in Denton, TWU serves primarily women with growing Greek life. While smaller than UNT, TWU has active sororities and organizations where hazing risks exist.

Safety Considerations for Lincoln Park Families:

TWU’s smaller campus doesn’t eliminate hazing risks
Same Texas laws and protections apply
Similar reporting channels through TWU Student Life

Other Major Texas Universities Lincoln Park Families Attend

University of Texas at Austin

Many North Texas students attend UT Austin
Public Hazing Violations page lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions
Example: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) – new members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Takeaway: UT’s transparency shows ongoing issues despite policies

Texas A&M University

Popular choice for Lincoln Park students
Corps of Cadets culture with tradition-heavy, military-style environment
Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (2021): Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Corps of Cadets lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Takeaway: Both Greek life and Corps traditions carry significant hazing risks

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Private university in Dallas with strong Greek presence
Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): New members paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended
Takeaway: Private school status affects transparency but not liability

Baylor University

Baylor baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Takeaway: Religious identity doesn’t eliminate hazing risks

University of Houston

Current active case we’re litigating: Leonel Bermudez vs UH Pi Kappa Phi
Details: Forced consumption, physical abuse, “waterboarding” with hose, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure
Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025
Takeaway: Even major urban universities with policies experience severe hazing

The Greek Ecosystem Serving Lincoln Park Families: Public Records Reality

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Track

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine – a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. For Lincoln Park families, understanding this landscape is crucial.

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Area (Including Denton County):

510+ Greek-related organizations in the metro area
Includes 188+ in Dallas-Fort Worth core
Denton County hosts chapters serving UNT and TWU

Sample Organizations from IRS Public Records Serving Our Region:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity
EIN: 74-2911848 | Fort Worth, TX 76244
Fraternity foundation in Fort Worth – IRS B83 filing

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
EIN: 74-1380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
Kappa Sigma housing foundation – IRS B83 filing

Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter
Fort Worth, TX – Chapter at TCU – Cause IQ metro listing

Sigma Nu Fraternity – Lambda Epsilon Chapter
Fort Worth, TX – Chapter at TCU – Cause IQ metro listing

Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter
Denton, TX – Chapter at Texas Woman’s University – Cause IQ metro listing

University of North Texas Specific Organizations from IRS Records:

Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity
EIN: 26-2025321 | Denton, TX 76201-5816
Mu Gamma Chapter – IRS B83 filing

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
EIN: 26-3170920 | Denton, TX 76204-0000
Texas Woman’s University chapter – IRS B83 filing

National Organizations with Histories at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – “Pike”

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, others
Pattern: Big/Little alcohol hazing recurring despite national policies

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – “SAE”

National History: Multiple hazing deaths; eliminated pledge process nationally in 2014
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M (chemical burns case), SMU
Pattern: Physical abuse and forced drinking despite reform efforts

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, led to felony hazing law)
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education”

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
Texas Presence: University of Houston (our current case), other Texas schools
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing leading to medical emergencies

Why National Histories Matter for Lincoln Park Cases

When a UNT or TWU chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down in another state, that shows foreseeability. This supports negligence arguments against national organizations who:

Had thick anti-hazing manuals because they’d seen deaths before
Knew the patterns: forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, humiliating rituals
Failed to meaningfully enforce policies or respond aggressively to prior incidents

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Lincoln Park Families

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important in 2025):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, fraternity apps
Instagram DMs, TikTok comments, Facebook messages
Both live and recovered/deleted messages through digital forensics
Our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed by members during events
Social media posts and stories
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses
In the UH case: evidence from multiple locations including chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, tradition lists
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials
Risk management files

University Records:

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension records
Incident reports to campus police
Clery reports and safety disclosures
UNT and TWU maintain such records for Denton County cases

Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Surgery and rehabilitation notes
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges and members
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled
In the UH case: multiple witnesses to various hazing acts

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical bills & future care (ER, ICU, surgeries, therapy, medications)
Lost earnings & educational impact (missed semesters, delayed workforce entry)
Future earning capacity reduction for permanent injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
In the UH case: ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage, psychological trauma

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to parents and siblings
Our wrongful death practice page: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Deter future hazing
Available in Texas under certain circumstances

Insurance Coverage Complexities

National fraternities and universities often have insurance policies that may cover hazing claims, but insurers frequently argue:

Hazing or intentional acts are excluded
Policies don’t cover certain defendants
Our insider knowledge (Mr. Peña’s former defense experience) helps navigate these disputes

Practical Guides & FAQs for Lincoln Park Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Sudden exhaustion, extreme sleep deprivation
Drastic mood changes, anxiety, withdrawal
Constant secret phone use for group chats
Fear of missing “mandatory” events
Financial changes (unexpected expenses, requests for money)

How to Talk to Your Child:

Ask open questions: “How are things really going with the organization?”
Avoid judgment: “Are they respecting your time for classes and sleep?”
Emphasize safety over status
Reassure them of your support regardless of their decisions

If Your Child Is Hurt:

Get medical attention immediately
Document everything (photos, screenshots, notes)
Save names, dates, locations
Do not let them delete messages or “clean up”
Contact an attorney within 24-48 hours

Dealing with Universities Like UNT or TWU:

Document every communication
Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the organization
Understand that internal processes don’t prevent civil action
Never sign university “resolution” forms without legal review

For Students/Pledges: Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?
If you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced; if you’re forced to drink or endure pain; if activities are hidden from administrators—it’s probably hazing.

Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story:
Texas law (§ 37.155) explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize power dynamics and fear of exclusion make true consent impossible.

Exiting Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first
Send written resignation to chapter leadership
Do not go to “one last meeting” where pressure may occur
Report retaliation immediately to campus authorities

Good-Faith Reporting Protections:
Texas law and most university policies protect those who report hazing or call 911 in good faith, even if they were involved.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages

What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; obstruction of justice; makes case impossible
Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

What parents think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often far below value
Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media

What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”

What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Lincoln Park Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UNT, TWU, UT, A&M) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to it?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize “consent” under peer pressure isn’t truly voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the discovery rule may extend this. In cases with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major cases occurred off-campus.

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

Learn about Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911: Why We’re Different

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

When your Lincoln Park family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”
Mr. Peña’s profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”
Ralph’s profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Current Active Hazing Litigation:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez vs University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit involving rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and systemic institutional failures. This isn’t theoretical expertise; it’s active, current litigation.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Experience with brain injury, permanent disability cases
Our wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Investigative Depth for Lincoln Park Cases:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence from UNT, TWU, and other Texas schools
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We know this is one of the hardest things a Lincoln Park family can face. Our job is to:

Get you answers about what really happened
Hold the right people accountable
Help prevent this from happening to another family
Guide you through every step with compassion and competence

This isn’t about bravado or quick settlements. It’s about thorough investigation, real accountability, and making sure institutions change their behavior.

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation for Lincoln Park Families

We Serve Families Throughout Denton County and Texas

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Lincoln Park, Denton County, and all North Texas communities. Whether your child attends UNT minutes away or any Texas university, we have the expertise to help.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact us, you’ll get:

A confidential, no-obligation consultation
Patient listening to your story without judgment
Review of any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Clear explanation of your legal options
Realistic timelines and expectations
Answers about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us immediately
Complete confidentiality

Clear Contact Information

Call Now for Immediate Help:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781

Online Contact:

Website: https://attorney911.com
Email Ralph: ralph@atty911.com
Email Lupe: lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Language Services:

Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Understanding Contingency Fees

No upfront costs or hourly fees
We only get paid if we recover money for you
Standard percentage from recovery
Costs advanced by firm, deducted from recovery
Watch our fee explanation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Final Message to Lincoln Park Families

Hazing preys on young people’s desire to belong. It exploits tradition to justify abuse. It hides behind secrecy and institutional protection. But in Texas, the law provides tools for accountability, and experienced counsel can help families use those tools effectively.

Whether you’re in Lincoln Park dealing with a UNT incident, or your child attends any Texas university, you don’t have to face this alone. The path from victim to survivor begins with recognizing what happened wasn’t your child’s fault and taking action to hold responsible parties accountable.

The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating right now shows that even in 2025, with all the policies and training, severe hazing continues. But it also shows that institutions can be held responsible. That chapters can be shut down. That national organizations must answer for their failures. And that families can find both accountability and closure through the legal process.

If hazing has impacted your family, call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, pursue accountability, and prevent this from happening to another family in our community.

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 Website:

Main site: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña profile: 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)
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