Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Guide for League City & Galveston County Families

If your child attends college anywhere in Texas, you need to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025—and what legal rights your family has when things go terribly wrong.

Right now, in our own backyard at the University of Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. This case involves forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements, and simulated waterboarding—all happening at locations including the UH Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park.

If you’re a parent in League City, Clear Lake, Friendswood, or anywhere in Galveston County, this case hits close to home. Your children might attend UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or other Texas universities where similar patterns occur. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like today, Texas hazing laws, national patterns, and what legal options families in our community have when their child becomes a victim.

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, photograph injuries, save physical items
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, or let your child delete evidence

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 consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of paddling and silly pranks. Today’s hazing involves sophisticated digital control, psychological manipulation, and dangerous physical rituals often disguised as “team building” or “tradition.”

Modern Hazing Methods Affecting Texas Students

Digital Hazing & Control:

24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
Location tracking: Forced sharing of real-time location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram dares, public shaming
Digital evidence destruction: Coaching on how to delete messages and cover tracks

Physical & Psychological Abuse:

Forced consumption rituals: Like in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case where Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
Extreme workouts: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, “save-your-brother” drills leading to rhabdomyolysis
Sleep deprivation: Mandatory late-night meetings, 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events
Humiliation tactics: “Pledge fanny packs” with degrading items, forced public performances, degrading nicknames

Alcohol & Substance Hazing:

Big/Little nights: Forced consumption of entire bottles of alcohol
Drinking games: “Bible study,” “family tree,” or trivia where wrong answers mean drinking
Coerced drug use: Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous combinations

Where Hazing Happens in Texas:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets and military-style programs
Athletic teams and spirit organizations
Marching bands and performance groups
Service organizations and academic clubs

For League City families, understanding that hazing happens at schools your children likely attend—UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, Texas State—is crucial. The practices your child might dismiss as “just how it is” could be illegal hazing with catastrophic consequences.

Texas Hazing Law: What Galveston County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that apply whether the conduct happens on campus or off, whether at UH in Houston or Texas A&M in College Station.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37

Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health AND occurs for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership in any organization.

Key Provisions for League City Families:

Criminal Penalties:
- Class B misdemeanor (default)
- Class A misdemeanor if injury requiring medical treatment occurs
- State jail felony if serious bodily injury or death results
Organizational Liability: Fraternities/sororities can face fines up to $10,000 per violation
Consent is NOT a Defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
Good-Faith Reporting Immunity: Those who report hazing in good faith are protected from liability

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (Harris County DA, Galveston County DA, etc.)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability

Both can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action. In fact, the civil discovery process often uncovers evidence that strengthens criminal cases.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Mandates public hazing data (phasing in through 2026)
Strengthens prevention education requirements

Title IX & Clery Act:

Title IX applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents trigger these requirements
Both create additional liability pathways for universities

National Hazing Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The hazing methods we see at Texas universities aren’t new—they’re repeating patterns from national tragedies. Understanding these patterns helps League City families recognize warning signs.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

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

20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
$6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

Pledge given handle of liquor during “Big Brother Night”
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life

Physical & Ritualized Hazing

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled in “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):

Forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

Allegations of widespread sexualized, racist hazing
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for League City Families

The same patterns (forced drinking, humiliation, violence, cover-ups) recur across states and organizations
Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts show juries take hazing seriously
Institutional reforms often only come after tragedy and litigation
Your child’s experience at a Texas university likely follows these established, dangerous patterns

Texas Universities: Where League City Students Attend

As a League City parent, your child likely attends or considers these major Texas universities. Here’s what you need to know about each.

University of Houston: Our Local Case in Action

For League City & Galveston County Families:
UH is just 30 miles from League City, making it a common choice for local students. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates exactly what can happen at our regional university.

Current Active Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:

Date Filed: Late 2025
Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization
Hazing Methods:
- “Pledge fanny pack” with degrading items (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
- 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
- Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
- Cold-weather exposure in underwear
Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual members
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

UH’s Greek Ecosystem:
Based on IRS B83 public records and campus rosters, UH hosts numerous Greek organizations with Texas-registered entities:

UH Fraternity/Sorority Entities in Public Records:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 273662583) – Lufkin, TX
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905) – Houston, TX
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta (EIN 475370943) – Houston, TX
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter (EIN 392352450) – Houston, TX
Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Inc (EIN 800209640) – Houston, TX (Grand Chapter)

How UH Hazing Cases Proceed:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (Downtown Houston)
Police: UHPD for on-campus, HPD for off-campus incidents
Common Defendants: Individuals, local chapters, national organizations, UH
Evidence Sources: GroupMe chats, social media, chapter records, UH conduct files

What UH Students & League City Parents Should Do:

Report to UH Dean of Students AND Houston Police if crimes occurred
Preserve all digital evidence immediately (screenshots, not just saving)
Contact a Houston-based hazing attorney familiar with Harris County courts
Document communications with UH administration

Texas A&M University

Distance from League City: ~100 miles (common for Galveston County students)

Corps of Cadets & Greek Life Intersection:
The Corps culture combines with Greek life at A&M, creating unique hazing risks.

Recent A&M Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021):
- Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
- Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
- $1 million lawsuit filed; chapter suspended
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):
- Cadet allegedly bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth
- Simulated sexual acts and humiliation
- Sought over $1 million in damages

A&M’s Greek Ecosystem:
Texas A&M Entities in Public Records:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) – College Station, TX
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority (EIN 742930349) – College Station, TX
Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (EIN 814123811) – College Station, TX
Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition (EIN 880537463) – College Station, TX
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Rho (EIN 812525354) – College Station, TX

Brazos County Legal Considerations:

College Station PD and A&M University Police Department jurisdiction
Brazos County courts handle local cases
Aggie Network influence can complicate cases

University of Texas at Austin

Distance from League City: ~160 miles (many Texas students attend)

UT’s Transparency Advantage:
UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page showing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions.

Documented UT Incidents:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Cowboys & Similar Groups: Multiple sanctions for alcohol hazing, forced workouts
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted; dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; $1+ million lawsuit

UT Austin Greek Entities in Public Records:

Chi Omega Fraternity – Chi Omega House Corporation (EIN 740555581) – Austin, TX
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – Alpha Mu (EIN 741130606) – Austin, TX
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN 746047117) – Austin, TX
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas State University (EIN 463831593) – Austin, TX
Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority Inc (EIN 900956019) – Austin, TX

Travis County Legal Context:

Austin PD and UTPD jurisdiction issues
Travis County courts known for plaintiff-friendly juries
UT System legal team highly experienced in defending hazing cases

Southern Methodist University

Distance from League City: ~240 miles (private school option for affluent families)

SMU’s Greek Culture:
As a private university with strong Greek presence, SMU faces unique hazing challenges.

SMU Incident Example:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended through 2021

Dallas County Legal Considerations:

University Park PD jurisdiction
Dallas County courts handle cases
SMU’s private status affects transparency and discovery

Baylor University

Distance from League City: ~180 miles (private religious institution)

Baylor’s Historical Context:
Following major Title IX scandals, Baylor faces heightened scrutiny of all misconduct.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Staggered suspensions throughout season

McLennan County Legal Environment:

Waco PD jurisdiction
Baylor’s religious affiliation can influence case dynamics
History of institutional protection concerns

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Public Records Reveal

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed data on Greek organizations affecting League City families. This isn’t theoretical—it’s concrete public records information.

Houston Metro Greek Organizations (188 Total)

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro contains 188 Greek-related organizations. These entities—house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies—often hold insurance and liability for hazing incidents.

Example Houston Metro Entities from Public Records:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (alumni/house corp.)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega – Houston, TX (grad chapter)
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma – Houston, TX (grad chapter)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Theta Chi Chapter – Houston, TX (grad chapter)

Texas-Wide Greek Infrastructure

Statewide, we track 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This infrastructure—with house corporations, alumni associations, and national affiliates—creates complex liability networks.

Cross-Validated Brands in Texas:
Organizations appearing in both IRS records and metro data include:

Beta Upsilon Chi: IRS EIN 742911848 in Fort Worth matches Cause IQ “Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity” in DFW metro
Pi Kappa Alpha: IRS EIN 746064445 in Nederland matches “Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity” in Houston metro
Sigma Gamma Rho: Multiple IRS entities match Cause IQ listings in Houston, Beaumont, and other metros

These overlaps show how national brands operate through multiple legal entities across Texas—each potentially holding liability insurance and responsibility.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Texas Cases

The organizations on Texas campuses have national histories that establish patterns of conduct. When a Texas chapter repeats these patterns, it demonstrates foreseeability—a key legal concept.

Organizations with Documented National Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021): Alcohol poisoning death; $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU 2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14M settlement
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced consumption rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide
Traumatic Brain Injury Case (Alabama 2023): Ongoing lawsuit
Chemical Burns (Texas A&M 2021): $1M lawsuit
Assault Case (UT Austin 2024): $1M+ lawsuit

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver (LSU 2017): “Bible study” drinking death; $6.1M verdict
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as education

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey (FSU 2017): Big Brother Night alcohol death
Leonel Bermudez (UH 2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure case we’re currently litigating

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI):

Danny Santulli (Missouri 2021): Permanent brain damage; multi-defendant settlements
Pattern: Pledge reveal events with extreme drinking

Why National Histories Matter for League City Families

Foreseeability: Nationals know these patterns cause injury yet fail to prevent recurrence
Negligent Supervision: Failure to enforce policies despite prior incidents
Punitive Damages: Repeated ignoring of known dangers can justify punishment beyond compensation
Insurance Coverage: Pattern evidence can defeat “unforeseeable accident” defenses

When your child’s Texas chapter follows scripts that caused deaths elsewhere, that’s not coincidence—it’s negligence.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

As Houston-based hazing attorneys currently litigating the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’ve developed proven strategies for these complex cases.

Critical Evidence for Texas Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok challenges, Facebook events
Recovery of Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “permanently” deleted content
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts

Physical Evidence:

Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like Bermudez’s critically high CK levels)
Injury Documentation: Photos taken immediately and over subsequent days
Objects Used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge fanny packs,” costumes
Scene Evidence: Photos of locations where hazing occurred

Institutional Records:

University Files: Prior conduct violations, probation records, internal investigations
National Fraternity Records: Incident reports, risk management files, communications with chapter
Insurance Policies: Coverage details for chapters, nationals, universities

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges who experienced same conduct
Former members who quit over hazing concerns
Roommates, friends, RAs who observed changes or injuries

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Lost earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and counseling costs

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, PTSD, depression
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of college experience

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages:

When conduct is especially reckless or institutions ignore known dangers
Designed to punish and deter future conduct
Available under certain conditions in Texas

Legal Strategy Considerations

Overcoming Common Defenses:

“They Consented”: Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense
“Rogue Chapter”: Pattern evidence shows nationals knew or should have known
“Off-Campus Location”: Liability follows sponsorship and control, not just property ownership
“We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”: Paper policies without enforcement are meaningless
“University Sovereign Immunity”: Exceptions exist for gross negligence and certain claims

Insurance Coverage Battles:

Fraternity and university insurers often deny coverage claiming intentional acts
Our insider insurance knowledge (from Mr. Lupe Peña’s defense background) helps navigate these disputes
Multiple policies may apply (chapter, national, university, individual homeowners)

Practical Guide for League City Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion, sleep deprivation
Sudden mood changes, anxiety, withdrawal
Secretive phone use, fear of missing “mandatory” events
Defensiveness about the organization
Financial demands beyond normal dues

If You Suspect Hazing:

Talk Calmly: Ask open questions without judgment
Ensure Safety: Remove from immediate danger if necessary
Document Everything: Write down what they tell you with dates
Preserve Evidence: Help them screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Seek Medical Care: Even if they resist; some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) worsen over days
Consult an Attorney: Before reporting or confronting the organization

48-Hour Action Checklist:

Hour 1-6: Medical attention if needed, screenshot evidence, write notes
Hour 6-24: Preserve all digital evidence, document witness names
Hour 24-48: Consult hazing attorney, decide on reporting strategy
Week 1: Medical follow-up, formal evidence preservation, strategic planning

For Students: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You’re Being Hazed:

Prioritize Safety: Your health matters more than membership
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot everything—messages disappear fast
Talk to Someone: Parent, trusted professor, counselor, or attorney
Know Your Rights: You can leave anytime, regardless of what they’ve told you
Report Safely: University channels, anonymous hotlines, or with attorney guidance

Critical Evidence Preservation Steps:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with scale reference
Medical Records: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s documented
Witness Information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE 1: Deleting Evidence

Why Wrong: Looks like cover-up; digital forensics can recover but screenshots are better
Right Approach: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE 2: Confronting the Organization

Why Wrong: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Right Approach: Document first, let attorney handle communications

MISTAKE 3: Signing University Agreements

Why Wrong: May waive legal rights; settlements are often inadequate
Right Approach: Review ALL documents with attorney before signing

MISTAKE 4: Social Media Posts

Why Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Right Approach: Document privately; let attorney control public messaging

MISTAKE 5: Waiting for University Investigation

Why Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Right Approach: Preserve evidence NOW; university process ≠ legal accountability

Why The Manginello Law Firm for Texas Hazing Cases

Currently Litigating Major Texas Hazing Case

Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million hazing lawsuit involving rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and systematic abuse. This isn’t theoretical expertise; it’s active, current experience holding Texas institutions accountable.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

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

Complex Institutional Litigation (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 legal teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

Maintains database of 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs, addresses
Tracks 1,423 Greek entities across 25 Texas metros
Uses public records (IRS B83, Cause IQ, campus rosters) to build cases
Already know the organizations behind Texas Greek letters

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases:

Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
Experience with lifetime care planning for brain injury victims
Economist collaboration for accurate damage valuation
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

How We Investigate Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence Mastery:

Recover deleted group chats and social media content
Analyze metadata and digital footprints
Preserve evidence before it disappears

Institutional Discovery:

Subpoena university conduct files and prior incident reports
Obtain national fraternity risk management records
Uncover pattern evidence across chapters and years

Expert Network:

Medical experts for injury documentation
Psychologists for trauma evaluation
Economists for damage valuation
Digital forensics specialists
Greek life culture experts

Strategic Approach:

Immediate evidence preservation
Comprehensive investigation
Identification of all potentially liable parties
Insurance coverage analysis
Settlement vs. trial decision based on case strength

Your Legal Options: A Realistic Assessment

What You Can Expect

Initial Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review evidence you’ve preserved
Explain legal options clearly
Answer questions about process and timing
No pressure to hire us immediately

Investigation Phase:

Formal evidence preservation
Identification of witnesses
Research into organization history
Assessment of damages

Decision Points:

Criminal Reporting: Whether to file police reports
University Process: How to navigate campus conduct systems
Civil Litigation: Whether to file lawsuit and against whom
Settlement vs. Trial: Strategic decision based on facts

Realistic Timeline:

Immediate: Evidence preservation, medical care
Weeks 1-4: Investigation, demand letters
Months 2-6: Negotiation, possible settlement
Months 6-24: Litigation if settlement fails
Each case varies based on complexity and defendant response

Costs & Fees

Contingency Fee Basis:

No upfront costs
No fee unless we recover money for you
Percentage comes from recovery, not your pocket
Expenses advanced by firm, repaid from recovery

Transparent Communication:

Regular updates (every 2-3 weeks minimum)
Clear explanations of all developments
Your involvement in major decisions
No surprise bills or hidden costs

Call to Action for League City & Galveston County Families

If your child has experienced hazing at any Texas university, you have rights. The institutions involved—fraternities, sororities, universities—have legal responsibilities they often neglect until forced to account.

What to Do Right Now

Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, write notes
Seek Medical Care: Some hazing injuries worsen over time
Document Everything: Dates, times, locations, names, what happened
Contact Us: Call for confidential consultation

Why Choose The Manginello Law Firm

Local Understanding:

Based in Houston, serving all Texas including League City and Galveston County
Understand Texas courts, laws, and university systems
Currently litigating major Texas hazing case

Proven Capability:

BP Texas City explosion litigation experience
Multi-million dollar wrongful death results
Insurance insider knowledge
Comprehensive investigation resources

Empathetic Approach:

We know this is traumatic for families
Prioritize victim wellbeing throughout process
Balance accountability with privacy concerns
Focus on prevention as well as compensation

Contact Information

Immediate Consultation:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781 (Ralph Manginello direct)

Online:

Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello)
lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña – Spanish services available)

Spanish Services:

Hablamos Español
Mr. Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish
Understanding of cultural considerations for Hispanic families

Service Area:

Houston, League City, Galveston County, and all Texas
Cases at Texas universities wherever located
Co-counsel arrangements for out-of-state cases

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 to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: 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