Texas Hazing Lawsuits & Fraternity Abuse: A Comprehensive Guide for City of Lott Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone

We understand the nightmare scenario. Your child left for college in Falls County or elsewhere in Texas—to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another campus—excited to build their future. Then the calls start: unexplained injuries, extreme exhaustion, secretive behavior, or worse, a hospital admission. You learn they’ve been subjected to violent hazing as part of fraternity, sorority, Corps, or athletic team initiation. The university’s response feels inadequate. The organization circles the wagons. You feel powerless against institutions with deep pockets and experienced defense teams.

Right now, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—a $10 million claim alleging horrific abuse that caused rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization. This isn’t an abstract concept; it’s happening right now at a major Texas university, and we’re leading the litigation. For families in City of Lott, Marlin, Rosebud, and throughout Falls County whose children attend Texas schools, this case proves that even at respected institutions, dangerous hazing persists and requires aggressive legal response.

This comprehensive guide, written by Attorney911’s hazing litigation team, provides what City of Lott families need most: clear information about what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, what’s happening at major Texas universities, and your legal options for accountability and compensation. Whether your child attends a school near Falls County or anywhere in Texas, we’re here to help you navigate this crisis.

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

Hazing in 2025: What City of Lott Families Need to Recognize

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of simple pranks or “boys will be boys” behavior. For Falls County families with children at Texas universities, understanding modern hazing methods is critical to recognizing danger signs.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)

24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Mandatory servitude: chauffeuring members at all hours, cleaning rooms, running errands
Social isolation from non-members and family
“Pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents (as seen in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
Geographic tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Sleep disruption for “mandatory” late-night meetings

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

Forced physical exhaustion: “smokings” with hundreds of push-ups/squats
Food/water manipulation: forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, excessive milk
Public humiliation: degrading costumes, public performances, “roasting” sessions
Temperature exposure: forced outside in underwear during cold weather
Psychological manipulation and verbal abuse

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Injury/Death Risk)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights, “Bible study” drinking games, lineups
Physical beatings and paddling (despite national prohibitions)
Dangerous physical tests: blindfolded tackles, “glass ceiling” rituals, forced fights
Sexualized hazing: forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “elephant walks”
Chemical exposure: industrial cleaners poured on skin causing burns
Kidnapping and restraint scenarios

The Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case: A Texas-Specific Example

Right now, we’re actively litigating what represents the exact scenario Falls County families fear. In late 2025, University of Houston transfer student Leonel Bermudez filed a $10 million lawsuit alleging severe hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The allegations, detailed in Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage, include:

Humiliation Systems: Mandatory “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Physical Abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear
Violent Rituals: Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” threats of actual waterboarding
Forced Consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
Extreme Workouts: November 3 session with 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Medical Catastrophe: Development of rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, brown urine, four-day hospitalization

This case matters to City of Lott families because it proves that even at a major Texas institution like UH, with anti-hazing policies supposedly in place, dangerous hazing persists. The fraternity chapter has been shut down, but only after our lawsuit forced accountability.

Texas Hazing Law: Legal Protections for Falls County Families

Texas has specific legal frameworks to protect students from hazing, whether they’re attending school near Falls County or anywhere in the state.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Criminal Hazing Provisions

For City of Lott families navigating a hazing crisis, understanding Texas law is essential:

§37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership that endangers mental or physical health or safety. This applies on or off campus.

§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

§37.153 Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report.

§37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal under Texas law.

Civil Liability Beyond Criminal Charges

Criminal prosecution is only one path. Civil lawsuits allow victims and families to seek compensation and institutional accountability. Potential defendants in a Texas hazing case include:

Individual Perpetrators: Students who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Chapter Leadership: Presidents, pledge educators, risk managers who allowed or encouraged hazing
Local Chapters: The fraternity/sorority chapter as a legal entity
National Organizations: Headquarters that collect dues, set policies, and supervise chapters
Universities: Schools that knew or should have known about hazing risks
Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurred
Alcohol Providers: Bars or individuals who furnished alcohol to minors

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently and maintain public hazing data by 2026.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional university responsibilities.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol violations that must be disclosed.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns Every City of Lott Family Should Recognize

The hazing affecting Texas students isn’t unique. National patterns show consistent methods, cover-up tactics, and legal outcomes that inform how we handle cases for Falls County families.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Fatal Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): Pi Kappa Alpha pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. $10 million settlement ($7M from national fraternity, ~$3M from university).

Max Gruver – LSU (2017): Phi Delta Theta pledge died during “Bible study” drinking game. Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. $6.1 million verdict for family.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State (2017): Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night with extreme drinking, fatal falls captured on chapter cameras. Dozens of criminal charges, Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Pi Kappa Phi pledge died during “Big Brother Night.” University temporarily suspended all Greek life.

Physical and Ritualized Violence

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013): Pi Delta Psi pledge died during blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat. National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021): Phi Gamma Delta pledge suffered permanent brain damage from forced drinking. Settlements with 22 defendants, requires 24/7 lifetime care.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Widespread sexualized, racist hazing allegations. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlement reached.

What These Cases Mean for City of Lott Families: These national precedents establish patterns that Texas courts recognize. When the same fraternities repeat the same dangerous behaviors at Texas A&M, UH, UT, SMU, or Baylor, we use these patterns to prove foreseeability and institutional negligence.

Texas University Hazing Landscape: Where Falls County Students Attend

City of Lott families typically send students to universities throughout Texas. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at each campus helps families recognize risks and respond effectively.

University of Houston: Current Crisis and Historical Patterns

For Falls County Families: UH attracts students from throughout Central Texas, offering both commuter and residential Greek life options. The current Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates that despite being an urban campus with oversight, dangerous hazing persists.

Documented Incidents:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during multi-day event with food/water/sleep deprivation. Chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension.
Multiple Greek Life Suspensions: UH has suspended numerous chapters for “behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort.”

UH Hazing Response System:

Reporting through Dean of Students Office
Campus Police (UHPD) jurisdiction on campus
Online reporting forms available
Public disciplinary records less transparent than UT’s system

How UH Cases Proceed: Typically involve UHPD initial investigation, potential HPD involvement for off-campus incidents, and civil filings in Harris County courts. Our current Pi Kappa Phi case names 13 individual defendants plus the university, national fraternity, and housing corporation.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Integration

For Falls County Families: Many Central Texas students choose A&M for its traditions and strong community. However, the Corps of Cadets and Greek systems have documented hazing issues families should understand.

Corps of Cadets Incidents:

2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position. Sought over $1 million.
Historical Pattern: Multiple documented cases of physical abuse, humiliation, and dangerous initiation rituals.

Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts. $1 million lawsuit filed.
Multiple Chapter Suspensions: A&M regularly suspends chapters for hazing violations involving alcohol, physical abuse, and humiliation.

A&M’s Dual Response System:

Student Conduct Office handles Greek life cases
Corps of Cadets has separate disciplinary system
University police (UPD) investigate criminal aspects
Bryan/College Station PD handle off-campus incidents

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Persistent Problems

For Falls County Families: UT’s public hazing violations page provides transparency other schools lack, but repeated violations show ongoing issues.

Public Hazing Violations (Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Chapter probation.
Texas Wranglers Spirit Group: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Assault allegations against exchange student resulting in $1M+ lawsuit.

UT’s Transparency Advantage:

Public hazing violations website lists organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions
Allows families to research chapter histories before joining
Provides evidence for civil cases showing pattern knowledge

Austin Jurisdiction: Cases may involve UTPD, Austin Police Department, and Travis County courts. UT’s status as a public university affects sovereign immunity arguments but doesn’t prevent civil claims.

Southern Methodist University: Private School Challenges

For Falls County Families: SMU’s affluent, Greek-centered culture presents unique hazing risks despite its private university status.

Documented Cases:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived. Chapter suspension through 2021.
Multiple Greek Life Sanctions: Regular disciplinary actions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse violations.

SMU’s Private University Dynamics:

Less public transparency than public institutions
Real Response anonymous reporting system
Dallas Police Department typically handles off-campus incidents
Civil cases filed in Dallas County courts

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Historical Challenges

For Falls County Families: Baylor’s religious identity and past scandals create unique cultural dynamics around hazing and accountability.

Athletic Program Hazing:

Baseball Team (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation.
Football Program: Historical scrutiny following sexual assault scandal affects all misconduct reporting.

Baylor’s Response Framework:

Title IX Office handles sexualized hazing aspects
Student Conduct processes for non-sexual hazing
Waco Police Department for off-campus incidents
McLennan County court jurisdiction

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Pattern Evidence for Texas Cases

When we represent City of Lott families in hazing cases, we investigate not just the local chapter but the national organization’s history. Pattern evidence proves institutional knowledge and foreseeability.

High-Risk National Organizations with Texas Chapters

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz Death: $10M settlement at Bowling Green State
David Bogenberger Death: $14M settlement at Northern Illinois
UH Chapter History: 2016 suspension for pledge injury
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths leading to elimination of pledge program
Texas A&M Case: Chemical burns lawsuit
UT Austin Case: 2024 assault lawsuit
Texas Presence: Major chapters throughout Texas universities

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey Death: Florida State University case
Current UH Case: Our active $10M litigation
National Response: Chapter closure at UH

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver Death: LSU case driving Louisiana felony law
Texas Chapters: Active at multiple Texas universities

Kappa Alpha Order:

SMU Suspension: 2017 paddling and alcohol case
Texas Tech Presence: Additional chapter with historical issues

Why National Histories Matter for City of Lott Families

When the same national organization has faced hazing deaths or serious injuries at other campuses, they cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen” when it occurs at a Texas chapter. This pattern evidence supports:

Negligence Claims: National had duty to prevent foreseeable harm
Punitive Damages: Reckless disregard for known risks
Insurance Coverage: Demonstrates knowledge that should have triggered intervention
Settlement Leverage: Shows institutional pattern rather than “rogue individuals”

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence Collection and Legal Strategy

For Falls County families pursuing accountability, understanding the investigation process helps manage expectations and timelines.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important Evidence):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord conversations planning or discussing hazing
Text messages with timestamps showing coercion or planning
Deleted message recovery through digital forensics
Social media posts showing events, injuries, or boasting

Photographic and Video Evidence:

Injury documentation with progression photos
Event footage from members’ phones
Security camera footage from houses or venues
Social media stories and posts

Medical Documentation:

Emergency room records explicitly stating “hazing” as cause
Toxicology reports showing alcohol/drug levels
Specialist evaluations for long-term injuries
Psychological assessments for PTSD, depression, trauma

Institutional Records:

University conduct files on the chapter (obtained via discovery)
National fraternity risk management files
Prior incident reports and disciplinary history
Membership and training records

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
Former members willing to testify about patterns
Roommates, friends, RAs who observed changes or injuries
Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages Recovery Framework

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical bills: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation
Future medical expenses: Ongoing therapy, medications, specialists
Lost educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Lost earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings from disabilities

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts):

Pain and suffering from physical injuries
Emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, depression
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of college experience

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, guidance
Family members’ emotional trauma

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

Punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
Deter future hazing by organization
Available when defendants show conscious disregard for safety

Insurance Coverage Complexities

Fraternity and university insurance companies often fight hazing claims using several strategies we’re equipped to counter:

Common Insurance Defenses:

“Intentional acts exclusion” arguments
Coverage denial based on criminal conduct
Limiting payouts to minimal policy amounts

Our Insurance Insider Advantage: Attorney Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney means we know exactly how insurers value claims, set reserves, and deploy delay tactics. We navigate coverage disputes and bad faith claims to maximize recovery.

Practical Guides for City of Lott Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, defensiveness
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Financial changes: unexpected expenses, requests for money
Academic decline from missed classes or exhaustion

Questions to Ask Non-Confrontationally:

“How are you finding the new member process?”
“Are they respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment
Document everything they tell you
Seek medical attention for any injuries
Preserve digital evidence immediately
Contact an experienced hazing attorney

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights

Is This Hazing? Assessment Questions:

Am I being pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Is this activity hidden from university officials or parents?
Are older members making us do things they don’t have to do?

Safety Exit Strategies:

Have a code word with family for immediate extraction
Share location tracking with trusted friends outside the organization
Know emergency contacts and local hospitals
Understand Texas’ good-faith reporter protections

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
Good-faith reporters have immunity protections
You can pursue civil claims regardless of criminal outcomes
Universities have obligations under Title IX for sexualized hazing

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE 1: Deleting Digital Evidence

What happens: Parents think “I don’t want them in more trouble”
Why it’s devastating: Appears as cover-up, destroys most compelling evidence
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE 2: Confronting the Organization Directly

What happens: Families want to “give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s devastating: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching, defense preparation
Better approach: Document privately, let your attorney control communications

MISTAKE 3: Signing University Settlement Offers

What happens: Universities pressure quick “internal resolution”
Why it’s devastating: Often waives right to sue, accepts minimal compensation
Better approach: Never sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE 4: Posting on Social Media

What happens: Families want to “tell their story”
Why it’s devastating: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Private documentation only, let attorney manage public messaging

MISTAKE 5: Waiting for University Investigation

What happens: Universities promise “we’re handling it internally”
Why it’s devastating: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Better approach: Parallel preservation and legal action alongside any university process

Why Attorney911 for City of Lott Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Attorney Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Attorney 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 or university defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

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

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense expertise
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth for Modern Hazing:

Digital forensics expertise for recovering deleted messages
Network of experts: medical, psychological, economic, Greek life culture
Experience obtaining hidden university and national fraternity records
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data-Driven Advocacy

Unlike firms that start from zero, we maintain a comprehensive Texas Greek life database that immediately informs our strategy:

Texas Public Records Directory (Sample for Central Texas Region):

EIN 262025321: ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY, 920 W PRAIRIE ST, DENTON, TX 76201 (IRS B83 filing)
EIN 364091267: SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, 1101 MELROSE DR, WACO, TX 76710 (IRS B83 filing)
EIN 462267515: BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
EIN 521346485: ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED NU IOTA CHAPTER BAYLOR UNIVERSITY, PO BOX 2033, WACO, TX 76703 (IRS B83 filing)
EIN 741130606: LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC, 1908 SAN GABRIEL ST, AUSTIN, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing)
EIN 756060974: SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY ZETA ETA, PO BOX 1403, COMMERCE, TX 75429 (IRS B83 filing)

This database, compiled from IRS records, university registries, and public filings, means we already know the legal entities, EINs, and organizational structures behind Texas Greek life. When we take your case, we’re not starting from scratch—we’re connecting dots across a map we’ve already charted.

Universities Where We Have Specific Experience

University of Houston:

Currently lead counsel in Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi ($10M case)
Experience with UH conduct processes and insurance carriers
Knowledge of Harris County court procedures and local counsel relationships

Texas A&M University:

Familiar with Corps of Cadets disciplinary systems
Experience with Brazos County jurisdiction and local procedures
Knowledge of A&M’s Greek life oversight mechanisms

University of Texas at Austin:

Experience utilizing UT’s public hazing violations database as evidence
Travis County court experience
Understanding of UTPD investigation procedures

Southern Methodist University:

Private university litigation experience
Dallas County court familiarity
Knowledge of SMU’s disciplinary processes

Baylor University:

Experience with religious institution dynamics
McLennan County jurisdiction knowledge
Understanding of Baylor’s post-scandal oversight systems

Call to Action for City of Lott Families

If your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether near Falls County or anywhere in the state—we want to hear from you. The trauma your family is experiencing deserves compassionate, expert legal guidance.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911, you’ll receive:

Compassionate Listening: We’ll hear your story without judgment
Evidence Review: We’ll examine any documentation you’ve preserved
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline possible paths: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic Timeline: We’ll discuss what to expect in the coming months
Cost Transparency: We’ll explain our contingency fee structure (no fee unless we win)
No Pressure Decision: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

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

Spanish Language Services Available:
Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Serving Families Throughout Texas

From our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, we serve families across Texas, including City of Lott, Marlin, Rosebud, and all of Falls County. Whether your child attends school near home or anywhere in Texas, we have the experience and resources to help.

Remember: Evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases. Group chats get deleted. Witnesses get coached. Universities control narratives. The sooner you contact us, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Current Texas Hazing Case

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) – “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
Published November 21, 2025. Details hazing locations, “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, physical abuse, medical findings of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Names all 13 defendants.
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”
Published November 22, 2025. Detailed timeline from September bid acceptance through November hospitalization. Describes “waterboarding” tactics, forced consumption, 100+ push-ups/500 squats workout.
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”
Published November 22, 2025. Emphasizes $10 million demand, rapid chapter suspension and closure, confirms rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure diagnoses.
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Resources

Evidence Preservation Video: “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”
Explains how to properly use smartphones to document evidence after hazing incidents. Critical for preserving group chats, photos, and digital evidence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Statute of Limitations Video: “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”
Attorney Ralph Manginello explains Texas filing deadlines for personal injury cases. Essential for understanding legal time limits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes Video: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case”
Identifies common errors that damage personal injury claims, including social media pitfalls and insurance company statements. Vital guidance for hazing victims.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Contingency Fees Video: “How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”
Explains the contingency fee model—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Makes justice accessible against wealthy fraternities and universities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website and Contact

Attorney911 – Main Website & Contact
Full-service Texas personal injury and criminal defense law firm. 24/7 free consultations. Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Practice areas include hazing litigation, wrongful death, catastrophic injury. Contingency fee basis. Spanish-language services available.
https://attorney911.com