Hazing Lawsuit Guide for Petersburg, Texas Families: Protecting Your Student at Texas Universities

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

Imagine receiving a phone call in the middle of the night. Your student, who you dropped off at their Texas university just weeks ago with pride and hope, is in the emergency room. They can’t stand without help. Their urine is brown. Doctors are using words like “rhabdomyolysis” and “acute kidney failure.” You learn this didn’t happen during a sporting accident or illness—it happened during a fraternity pledge event. They were forced through hundreds of squats and push-ups, sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding,” made to consume milk and hot dogs until vomiting, all while carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys. This isn’t a hypothetical nightmare. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025—a case we at Attorney911 are litigating right now in a $10 million lawsuit.

For families here in Petersburg, Texas, and across Hale County, this case serves as a stark warning: hazing that causes catastrophic injury is happening right now at Texas universities. Whether your child attends a major university hours away or a local campus, the risks are real, and the consequences can be lifelong.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Petersburg parents and families navigating the complex, frightening reality of campus hazing. We’ll explain what modern hazing actually looks like, break down Texas hazing laws in plain English, show you how national patterns connect to Texas campuses, and provide practical steps to protect your child’s rights and future.

Hazing in 2025: What Petersburg Families Need to Recognize

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of silly pranks or harmless traditions. Today’s hazing combines psychological manipulation, digital surveillance, physical endangerment, and institutional cover-ups. For Petersburg families sending students to universities across Texas, understanding these modern realities is the first step toward prevention and protection.

The Three Levels of Modern Hazing

Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Just Tradition”)
This includes activities that emphasize power imbalances while being framed as harmless: mandatory “study hours” that conflict with academics, requiring pledges to be on-call chauffeurs at all hours, enforcing demeaning dress codes, assigning derogatory nicknames, and social isolation from non-members. In digital form, this now includes mandatory 24/7 GroupMe monitoring, forced location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps, and social media policing.

Harassment Hazing (Crossing into Abuse)
These behaviors cause measurable physical or psychological harm: sleep deprivation through 3 AM wake-up calls, food and water restriction, forced consumption of unpleasant substances (hot sauce, spoiled food, excessive milk), extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning” but actually punitive, public humiliation through embarrassing performances or costumes, and verbal abuse during “grilling” sessions.

Violent Hazing (Criminal Conduct)
This is where lives are destroyed: forced alcohol consumption through “Big/Little” nights or drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking, physical beatings with paddles or fists, dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles or “glass ceiling” rituals, sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts, exposure to extreme temperatures, and kidnapping scenarios where pledges are transported blindfolded to remote locations.

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Stereotypes

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing permeates many campus organizations:

Corps of Cadets and military-style programs (particularly concerning for families with students at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams from football to cheerleading
Spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys or similar tradition clubs
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic honor societies and professional organizations
Cultural and identity-based groups

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

For Petersburg parents who might not be familiar with today’s campus digital culture, understand that smartphones have revolutionized hazing: group chats that demand instant responses at all hours, social media humiliation through forced TikTok challenges, digital “scavenger hunts” using location tracking, and evidence destruction through disappearing messages on Snapchat or encrypted apps. The pressure is now 24/7, and the evidence is both more accessible and more easily destroyed.

Texas Hazing Law: Your Legal Framework as a Petersburg Family

Texas has some of the nation’s most comprehensive hazing statutes, but understanding them requires cutting through legal complexity. Here’s what Petersburg families need to know about the laws that govern cases involving their students.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

The state defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that both:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, AND
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Critical Consequences for Petersburg Families:

Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb, a Houston frat house, or a College Station retreat is equally illegal
“Consent” Is Irrelevant: Texas law explicitly states that victim consent is not a defense to hazing charges
Mental Harm Counts: Psychological abuse, humiliation, and coercion qualify alongside physical injury
Recklessness Suffices: Defendants don’t need to have intended harm—just disregarded substantial risk

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Hazing is automatically a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine) but escalates based on harm:

Class A misdemeanor: If hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death
Additional charges: Participants can face separate counts for assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, obstructing justice, or even manslaughter in fatal cases

Organizations themselves face fines up to $10,000 per violation and potential permanent campus bans.

Civil Liability: Where Financial Accountability Happens

While criminal cases seek punishment, civil lawsuits—the kind we handle at Attorney911—seek compensation and accountability. Potential defendants in a hazing lawsuit include:

Individual Participants: The students who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing

Local Chapter Officers: Presidents, pledge educators, risk managers who knew or should have known

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Organizations that collect dues, set policies, and supervise chapters

Universities and Their Governing Boards: Schools that failed to enforce policies or ignored prior warnings

Property Owners and Landlords: Those who permitted dangerous activities on their premises

Third-Party Facilitators: Bars, alcohol providers, or security companies that enabled the events

For Petersburg families, this multi-defendant approach is crucial when facing well-funded national organizations with sophisticated insurance coverage.

Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery Act, and New Federal Requirements

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal funding (including all Texas public universities) to publicly report hazing incidents, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain transparent hazing data by 2026.

Title IX Implications: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, universities have additional federal obligations to investigate and remedy.

Clery Act Requirements: Campus security must track and report hazing incidents that constitute criminal offenses.

Good Faith Reporting Protections

Texas law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for those who in good faith report hazing to university officials or law enforcement. Many Texas campuses extend this to medical amnesty—no underage drinking charges for those who call 911 during alcohol emergencies.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Campuses

The tragic cases that make national headlines aren’t isolated incidents—they’re patterns that repeat across campuses, including Texas universities where Petersburg students enroll. Understanding these patterns helps families recognize warning signs and strengthens legal arguments about institutional knowledge.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Fatal Repeating Script

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid acceptance night, Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol during a drinking game, fell repeatedly suffering traumatic brain injuries, and died after brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. The chapter’s own security cameras captured the entire tragedy. Result: 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law; confidential civil settlements.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Gruver was forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant consuming more alcohol. He died with a 0.495% BAC. Result: Felony hazing convictions; Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony; $6.1 million wrongful death verdict.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event, died from alcohol poisoning. Result: $10 million total settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, $3M from BGSU); multiple criminal convictions; individual chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

What This Means for Petersburg Families: The “Big/Little” drinking night, “Bible study” games, and bid acceptance events aren’t unique tragedies—they’re established scripts that national fraternities have seen cause deaths repeatedly. When these same patterns appear at Texas campuses, it demonstrates foreseeability that strengthens negligence claims.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat, dying from traumatic brain injury as brothers delayed medical care. Result: National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years; multiple prison sentences.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Santulli suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 lifetime care. Result: Settlements with 22 defendants; chapter closure; ongoing criminal prosecutions.

What This Means for Petersburg Families: Off-campus retreats and “tradition” rituals carry severe risks. National organizations cannot claim ignorance when their chapters repeat known-dangerous practices documented in other states.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over years. Result: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and later settled wrongful-termination claim; program overhaul.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Investigations
While not resulting in fatalities like some Greek cases, the Corps has faced multiple hazing allegations including the “roasted pig” binding ritual lawsuit that sought over $1 million.

What This Means for Petersburg Families: Hazing risk isn’t limited to fraternity houses. Athletic teams, Corps programs, and other organizations can harbor equally dangerous environments.

Plaintiff Victories That Set Precedents

Financial Recoveries Demonstrate What’s Possible:

Stone Foltz: $10 million total settlement
Max Gruver: $6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements
David Bogenberger (NIU Pi Kappa Alpha): $14 million settlement
Chad Meredith (University of Miami Kappa Sigma): $12.6 million jury verdict
Sigma Chi College of Charleston case: Over $10 million for severe physical and psychological hazing

Individual Accountability: Pi Kappa Alpha chapter president Daylen Dunson was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally to Stone Foltz’s family—demonstrating that officers face personal liability beyond organizational insurance.

What This Means for Petersburg Families: These outcomes show that courts and juries take hazing seriously and will award substantial compensation for catastrophic injuries and deaths. They also prove that national organizations and individual participants can be held financially accountable.

Texas Universities: Where Petersburg Students Face Hazing Risks

Petersburg families typically send students to regional institutions and major Texas universities. Understanding the specific landscapes at these schools helps parents recognize risks and know where to turn if problems arise.

Wayland Baptist University (Plainview, Texas)

For Petersburg Families: Located just 30 miles from Petersburg in Plainview, Wayland Baptist represents the closest university option for many local students. While smaller than state schools, it still maintains campus organizations where hazing could occur.

Campus Context: As a Baptist-affiliated institution, Wayland emphasizes Christian values but still hosts student organizations, athletic teams, and potential group dynamics where power imbalances could lead to hazing behaviors.

Practical Considerations for Petersburg Families:

Physical proximity means you can respond quickly if concerns arise
Smaller campus may mean less established reporting systems
Religious affiliation doesn’t eliminate hazing risk—it may just drive it further underground
Local legal resources in Plainview/Hale County may be less experienced with complex hazing litigation than firms with statewide practice

If Hazing Occurs at Wayland Baptist:

Document everything immediately—small campuses can experience rapid evidence destruction
Request meetings with both student life administrators and academic leadership
Understand that private religious institutions have different legal obligations than public universities
Contact experienced hazing counsel who understands both Texas law and religious institution dynamics

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Texas)

For Petersburg Families: Many Petersburg students heading to larger universities choose Texas Tech in Lubbock, approximately 60 miles away. Tech’s substantial Greek life and extensive organization roster present significant hazing risks that Petersburg parents should understand.

Greek Life Landscape: Texas Tech hosts numerous IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, NPHC organizations, and multicultural groups—each with their own traditions and risk profiles.

Documented Incidents: Texas Tech has faced hazing allegations across multiple organizations, including cases involving alcohol poisoning, physical endurance tests, and psychological abuse.

Medical Resources: Petersburg families should know that University Medical Center in Lubbock is where seriously injured hazing victims would likely receive treatment—documentation from these medical records becomes crucial evidence.

Legal Jurisdiction: Hazing cases at Texas Tech would involve Lubbock County courts and potentially the Lubbock Police Department alongside Texas Tech Police.

Practical Advice for Petersburg Families with Students at Tech:

Visit campus during pledge periods to observe your student’s condition
Note the locations of fraternity/sorority houses relative to your student’s residence
Save all communications about “mandatory” events or unusual requirements
Establish emergency contact protocols that bypass group chat monitoring

Other Regional and Statewide Institutions

West Texas A&M University (Canyon): Approximately 100 miles from Petersburg, WTAMU serves many Panhandle students. Its Greek system and athletic programs have faced hazing scrutiny.

Texas A&M University (College Station): While farther from Petersburg, Texas A&M remains a popular choice for local students. The Corps of Cadets culture, extensive Greek life, and athletic programs all present documented hazing risks that Petersburg parents should understand.

University of Texas at Austin: As Texas’ flagship institution, UT attracts students statewide. Its relatively transparent hazing violation database shows repeated patterns across organizations that Petersburg families should review if their student joins campus groups.

Common University Responses Petersburg Families Should Anticipate

When hazing reports surface, universities typically follow predictable patterns that Petersburg parents should recognize:

Initial Minimization: Campus officials may frame incidents as “poor judgment” rather than criminal abuse

Internal Investigation Focus: Universities often prioritize their own disciplinary processes over criminal reporting

Confidentiality Pressure: Families may be urged to keep matters “within the university family”

Delayed Transparency: Critical evidence may be withheld during internal investigations

Gradual Escalation: Only after media attention or legal pressure do serious consequences emerge

What Petersburg Families Should Do:

Never rely solely on university internal processes
Document all communications with administrators
Request written copies of all policies and prior violation records
Consult legal counsel before participating in university disciplinary proceedings
Understand that universities have inherent conflicts of interest—protecting institutional reputation versus pursuing accountability

Fraternities and Sororities: National Patterns at Texas Campuses

The organizations present at Texas universities aren’t local clubs—they’re chapters of national brands with documented hazing histories across the country. For Petersburg families, understanding these national patterns is crucial because the same dangerous behaviors repeat at Texas chapters.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”)

Nationally: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), David Bogenberger death (NIU), multiple alcohol poisoning cases
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption, physical endurance tests
Legal Significance: National HQ has paid millions in settlements, showing foreseeable risk

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”)

Nationally: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama, chemical burns case at Texas A&M
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, Texas Tech
Pattern: Alcohol poisoning, physical abuse, dangerous “traditions”
Legal Significance: National once eliminated pledge program due to pattern of deaths

Pi Kappa Phi

Nationally: Andrew Coffey death (FSU), Leonel Bermudez rhabdomyolysis case (UH)
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu now closed), other Texas campuses
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption, psychological abuse
Legal Significance: Currently defending $10 million lawsuit we’re litigating at Attorney911

Phi Delta Theta

Nationally: Max Gruver death (LSU), multiple alcohol hazing cases
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, Texas Tech
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced consumption rituals
Legal Significance: Louisiana felony statute named after Gruver case

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

When Petersburg families face hazing at Texas campuses, these national patterns provide crucial legal advantages:

Foreseeability Evidence: Demonstrating that national organizations knew certain practices caused injuries/deaths elsewhere makes them more responsible for Texas incidents

Negligence Arguments: Showing that nationals failed to implement effective prevention despite prior knowledge strengthens negligence claims

Punitive Damage Potential: Repeated institutional failure to curb known-dangerous practices can justify punitive damages

Insurance Coverage Leverage: National organizations typically have deeper insurance resources than local chapters

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizational Networks

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas built from public records. For Petersburg families, this means we already have critical background information when hazing incidents occur.

IRS B83 Records: We track 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations through their EINs, legal names, and mailing addresses. Examples from our database that might connect to Petersburg students include:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc (EIN 161675890) – 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc (EIN 201237505) – 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 475370943) – 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147

Cause IQ Metro Analysis: We track Greek organizations across Texas metros including:

Lubbock Metro: 59 total Greek organizations including Texas Tech chapters
Amarillo Metro: 18 organizations serving West Texas A&M
Abilene Metro: 9 organizations serving multiple universities
All major Texas university metros where Petersburg students enroll

Why This Matters for Petersburg Families: When hazing occurs, we don’t start from zero. We already know the legal entities, insurance carriers, and organizational structures behind campus chapters. This investigative head-start is crucial when evidence disappears quickly and organizations circle their wagons.

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

For Petersburg families facing the nightmare of hazing injury, understanding how cases are built manages expectations and empowers informed decisions. Here’s what the process actually involves.

Critical Evidence That Makes or Breaks Cases

Digital Communications (The Most Important Category)

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, coordination, and cover-up attempts
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat videos, TikTok posts documenting events
Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” messages
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Snapchat Maps showing where events occurred

Medical Documentation

Immediate Care Records: ER reports, ambulance run sheets, initial hospitalization records
Specialist Evaluations: Follow-up care documenting ongoing harm
Psychological Assessments: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from mental health professionals
Toxicology Reports: Blood alcohol content, drug panels when applicable

Physical Evidence

Injury Documentation: Photographs taken immediately and over subsequent days showing progression
Objects Used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, “pledge manuals”
Clothing: Unwashed items showing stains, tears, or other damage
Scene Evidence: Photos of locations where hazing occurred

Institutional Records

University Files: Prior disciplinary records, internal investigation reports, Clery Act filings
National Organization Documents: Risk management policies, incident reports from other chapters
Insurance Information: Liability policies covering chapters, nationals, and universities

Witness Testimony

Other Pledges/Victims: Those who experienced same or similar treatment
Former Members: Individuals who left organizations due to concerns
Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, others who witnessed events
Expert Witnesses: Medical professionals, Greek life experts, digital forensic specialists

The Attorney911 Investigation Process

When Petersburg families retain us for hazing cases, our investigation follows a structured approach:

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (First 48 Hours)

Secure all digital communications before deletion
Document injuries through professional photography
Identify and contact key witnesses before coaching occurs
Send evidence preservation letters to all potential defendants

Phase 2: Institutional Discovery (Weeks 1-4)

Submit public records requests to universities
Begin subpoena process for national organization files
Identify all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage
Consult with medical experts to document full injury scope

Phase 3: Case Development (Months 1-6)

Depose key witnesses before memories fade
Work with economists to calculate damages
Consult life care planners for catastrophic injury cases
Develop settlement demand packages

Phase 4: Resolution Strategy (Months 6-24+)

Negotiate with insurance carriers and defense counsel
Prepare for mediation or settlement conferences
Trial preparation if fair settlement isn’t offered
Ongoing negotiation through litigation if necessary

Realistic Damages in Hazing Cases

Petersburg families deserve honest assessments of what hazing cases can achieve financially:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment costs
Lost Educational Opportunity: Tuition for interrupted education, lost scholarships
Earnings Impact: Reduced future earning capacity from permanent injuries
Therapy Costs: Long-term psychological care for PTSD and trauma

Non-Economic Damages (Compensation for Suffering)

Physical Pain: Documented suffering from injuries
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital footprint consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral Expenses: Burial and memorial costs
Loss of Support: Financial contribution the deceased would have provided family
Loss of Companionship: Emotional value of relationship with parents, siblings
Grief and Suffering: Family’s emotional trauma

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Especially Egregious)

Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future conduct
When Awarded: Particularly reckless, malicious, or repeated conduct
Texas Limitations: Statutory caps may apply except in certain intentional tort cases

Insurance Coverage Realities

Fraternity and university insurance coverage is often complex and contested:

Common Insurance Defenses We Anticipate:

“Intentional act” exclusions for hazing
Lack of coverage for criminal conduct
Disputes over which policies apply
Attempts to limit coverage to minimal amounts

Our Insurance Litigation Experience: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us unique insight into how carriers evaluate claims, set reserves, and negotiate settlements. We know their tactics because we used to implement them.

Practical Guides for Petersburg Families, Students, and Witnesses

For Petersburg Parents: Immediate Action Steps

If You Suspect Hazing Is Occurring:

Ask Open Questions: “How are you sleeping?” “What do pledges have to do?” “Are there activities that make you uncomfortable?”
Watch for Changes: Sudden exhaustion, weight loss, anxiety, secrecy about phone use, withdrawal from family/friends
Note Specific Details: Names, dates, locations, any physical marks or injuries
Document Everything: Write down what your student tells you with dates and times

If Your Child Is Injured:

Medical Care First: Get to ER immediately—don’t let embarrassment delay treatment
Preserve Evidence: Photograph injuries, screenshot messages, save physical items
Limit Communication: Don’t confront the organization or discuss on social media
Contact Counsel: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24-48 hours

Working with Universities:

Document All Contact: Keep emails, note phone conversations
Ask Direct Questions: “What prior incidents involved this organization?” “What specific steps are you taking?”
Don’t Sign Releases: University “resolution” agreements often undervalue cases
Maintain Independence: Remember universities have institutional interests that may conflict with yours

For Students: Safety and Reporting Guidance

Recognizing Hazing:

Does this feel dangerous, degrading, or coercive?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Are you being told to keep secrets from parents or administrators?
Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do?

Exiting Safely:

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is
Secure Support First: Tell a trusted friend, family member, or RA before confronting the organization
Use Email for Resignation: Creates documentation trail
Avoid “One Last Meeting”: Where pressure and retaliation often occur

Reporting Options:

Campus Resources: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, Title IX Coordinator
Law Enforcement: Campus police and local PD for criminal conduct
Anonymous Hotlines: National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
Legal Counsel: Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for confidential guidance

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

Mistake 1: Deleting Digital Evidence

Why It’s Fatal: Looks like cover-up, destroys most compelling evidence
Correct Approach: Preserve everything—even embarrassing content

Mistake 2: Confronting the Organization Directly

Why It’s Fatal: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Correct Approach: Document quietly, let attorneys handle confrontation

Mistake 3: Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

Why It’s Fatal: Often includes waivers of legal rights for minimal compensation
Correct Approach: Have counsel review ANY documents before signing

Mistake 4: Posting on Social Media

Why It’s Fatal: Creates inconsistencies, waives privileges, gives defense ammunition
Correct Approach: Keep discussions private until case resolves

Mistake 5: Waiting for University Investigations

Why It’s Fatal: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Correct Approach: Preserve evidence immediately, consult counsel promptly

Why Attorney911 for Petersburg Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, negotiate settlements, and fight coverage. When we demand compensation for Petersburg families, we’re speaking the insurance industry’s language and anticipating their every move.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation taught us how to take on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. National fraternities and major universities use similar tactics—deep-pocketed defense firms, delay strategies, procedural challenges. We’ve faced these tactics before and know how to overcome them.

Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that accurately reflect lifetime impacts, not just immediate expenses.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise Petersburg families on both tracks and coordinate with criminal defense counsel when needed.

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Petersburg’s Hispanic community in their preferred language. Se habla Español.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Edge

While many firms handle personal injury cases, few maintain our level of organizational intelligence specifically for Texas Greek life:

Comprehensive Organization Tracking:

125+ Texas-registered Greek entities through IRS B83 filings
1,423 fraternity/sorority organizations across 25 Texas metros per Cause IQ data
Campus-specific chapter rosters for all major Texas universities
Insurance carrier intelligence for national organizations

Digital Evidence Expertise:

Relationships with digital forensic experts who recover deleted messages
Experience with GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok evidence
Understanding of how organizations use disappearing messages and encrypted apps

Medical Damage Specialization:

Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases like Leonel Bermudez’s
Understanding of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and psychological trauma
Relationships with medical experts who testify effectively

Our Commitment to Petersburg Families

We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. For Petersburg residents, we offer:

Geographic Understanding: We know Hale County courts, Lubbock medical facilities, and West Texas university landscapes

Contingency Fee Structure: No upfront costs—we only get paid if we recover compensation

24/7 Availability: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime for immediate assistance

Comprehensive Investigation: We pursue all liable parties—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities

Privacy Protection: We work to resolve cases confidentially when possible

Call to Action for Petersburg Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Wayland Baptist in Plainview, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or any Texas university—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced legal teams and sophisticated insurance coverage. You need equivalent representation.

Contact Attorney911 Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and outcomes
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—no recovery, no fee)
No pressure to hire us immediately

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

Time Is Critical: Evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases—messages get deleted, witnesses get coached, memories fade. The sooner you contact us, the more evidence we can preserve and the stronger your position will be.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case: 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 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary of the $10M UH hazing lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Using your cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: 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 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