The Essential Guide to Hazing Law for Morgan’s Point Families: Holding Fraternities, Sororities & Universities Accountable in Texas

For Parents in Morgan’s Point: When Your Child’s College Dream Turns to Trauma

Picture this: Your child, excited to start their freshman year at the University of Houston, joins what seems like a reputable fraternity. Weeks later, you get a call no parent ever wants. They’re in a Houston hospital, diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through hundreds of push-ups and squats, sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding,” and coerced into dangerous eating challenges. Their urine is brown. Doctors warn of potential permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t a hypothetical nightmare. This is the real-life case of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student whose fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter nearly destroyed his health. His $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit, filed in Harris County and covered extensively by Click2Houston and ABC13, represents exactly what Texas families in Morgan’s Point and across Harris County fear most.

We’re The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), and we represent Leonel Bermudez in this landmark case. We’re Houston-based hazing litigation specialists serving families throughout Texas, including right here in Morgan’s Point. This comprehensive guide exists for one reason: to give you, as a Texas parent, the knowledge and resources you need if hazing touches your family.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES – RIGHT NOW

If your child is in danger or injured from suspected hazing:

Call 911 for medical emergencies immediately
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) – we provide immediate legal guidance
Preserve evidence BEFORE it disappears:
- Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, texts) immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles with a coin or ruler for scale
- Save physical items (clothing, props, receipts)
- Write down everything your child tells you (who, what, when, where)

What NOT to do in the first 48 hours:

Do NOT confront the fraternity/sorority directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
Do NOT let your child delete messages or “clean up” their phone
Do NOT sign anything from the university or insurance company
Do NOT post details on public social media

Evidence disappears fast. Hazing cases live or die on digital evidence – group chats get deleted, photos vanish from Snapchat, witnesses get coached. We’ve seen the Pi Kappa Phi case at UH unfold in real time, and we know exactly what needs to be preserved. Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence for practical guidance.

Hazing in 2025: What Morgan’s Point Parents Need to Recognize

Hazing isn’t just “boys will be boys” or “harmless tradition.” In 2025, it’s a sophisticated, often digitally-coordinated form of abuse that leaves permanent physical and psychological scars. For families in Morgan’s Point whose children attend UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, understanding modern hazing is critical.

The Three Tiers of Hazing (All Are Illegal in Texas)

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – The “Gateway”

24/7 digital control: Mandatory GroupMe responses at all hours, location sharing demands
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers until 3 AM, cleaning members’ apartments
Social isolation: Being told to cut contact with non-members, needing permission for social plans
“Pledge fanny packs”: Like in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case – forced to carry humiliating items (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices) 24/7

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – The “Traditional” Abuse

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “study sessions,” 3 AM wake-up calls for “mandatory” events
Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting (as in the UH case), then immediate exercise
Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse
Public humiliation: Wearing degrading costumes in public, being “grilled” in front of members

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – Life-Threatening Criminal Acts

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “gladiator” fights
Dangerous environments: Being sprayed with hoses “like waterboarding” (UH Pi Kappa Phi), left outside in freezing weather
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “elephant walks”
Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaners poured on skin causing chemical burns (as seen in Texas A&M SAE cases)

Digital Hazing: The 2025 Reality

Today’s hazing lives on smartphones:

Group chat coercion: Threats and demands via GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, embarrassing Instagram stories
Location tracking: Required use of Find My Friends, Life360, Snapchat Maps
Evidence destruction: Messages set to auto-delete, coaching on “what to say if asked”

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH illustrates this perfectly: hazing occurred at multiple locations (chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park), was coordinated through digital means, and involved both traditional physical abuse and psychological torment.

Texas Hazing Law: What Morgan’s Point Families Must Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that govern cases involving students at our state universities. Whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, these laws apply.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 – The Hazing Statute

Definition (§ 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Occurs on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
Can be conducted by one person or many

Critical Legal Principles for Texas Families:

“Consent is NOT a defense” (§ 37.155):
- Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law
- Courts recognize that peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and power imbalances make true consent impossible
- This directly counters the most common defense: “They wanted to do it”
Criminal Penalties Escalate with Harm (§ 37.152):
- 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
- Individual officers can be charged for failing to report hazing
Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
- Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
- Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus
- Both the individuals AND the organization can face consequences
Good-Faith Reporter Immunity (§ 37.154):
- Students who report hazing in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability
- Most Texas universities offer medical amnesty – calling 911 for an alcohol emergency won’t lead to underage drinking charges

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

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

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes – hazing often overlaps with assault, alcohol, or drug offenses
These federal frameworks provide additional accountability avenues beyond Texas law

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the State of Texas (prosecutor)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges can include: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Standard: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or their families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Claims include: negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, premises liability
Standard: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)

Crucially: You can pursue a civil case even if no criminal charges are filed. The burden of proof is lower, and the focus is on making your family whole rather than punishing individuals.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Universities

The frightening reality for Morgan’s Point families is that hazing follows predictable patterns. The same national fraternities operating at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor have consistent histories across the country.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

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

20-year-old pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Pattern: Forced consumption during initiation events

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

“Bible study” drinking game – wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
18 brothers charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Pattern: Delayed medical care, cover-up attempts

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

“Glass ceiling” ritual at Pocono Mountains retreat
Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity criminally convicted – banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Pattern: Off-campus retreat hazing, organizational liability

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

“Pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking
Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage
Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Settlements with 22 defendants (multi-million dollar total)
Pattern: Life-altering non-fatal injuries

What These National Cases Mean for Texas Families

Foreseeability Matters: When a Texas chapter repeats patterns seen nationally, it strengthens negligence claims against national headquarters.
Cover-Ups Backfire: Delaying medical care or destroying evidence dramatically increases liability (both criminal and civil).
Institutional Knowledge Exists: National fraternities have anti-hazing policies because they know the risks – their prior incidents demonstrate this knowledge.
Substantial Recovery is Possible: These cases show multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts: Foltz ($10M), Gruver ($6.1M), Santulli (confidential but substantial).

Texas Universities: Reality at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU & Baylor

For Morgan’s Point families, understanding what’s happening at specific Texas campuses is critical. These five universities represent where many local students attend, and each has distinct Greek life cultures and hazing histories.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis

The Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Case (Our Active Litigation):

October-November 2025: Bermudez pledges Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
Hazing methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, extreme workouts at Yellowstone Park, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting
Medical outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization, ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage
Defendants: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal action: $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County; Attorney911 represents Bermudez

UH’s Greek Landscape:

188+ Greek organizations in Houston metro area per Cause IQ data
Active Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council
Documented prior incidents: Pi Kappa Alpha chapter suspended after 2016 lacerated spleen case

For Morgan’s Point Families with UH Students:

Reporting: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
Jurisdiction: Harris County courts, Houston Police Department for off-campus incidents
Evidence preservation critical: Group chats, medical records, witness statements

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years
Pattern: Physical hazing with dangerous substances

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
“Roasted pig” position – bound between beds with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
Pattern: Tradition-based abuse in military-style programs

A&M’s Unique Context:

42+ Greek organizations in College Station-Bryan metro per Cause IQ data
Corps of Cadets traditions intersect with Greek life
Public records show multiple organizational EINs in Brazos County

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Patterns

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log:

One of most transparent universities nationally
Example entries:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
- Texas Wranglers: Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Pattern: Repeated violations despite sanctions

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

UT’s Greek Density:

154+ Greek organizations in Austin-Round Rock metro per Cause IQ data
Major brand overlaps: Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Rho Corp., Delta Tau Delta Gamma Iota Chapter, multiple housing corporations with IRS EINs

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Dynamics

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
Chapter suspended; recruiting restrictions until 2021
Pattern: Physical punishment traditions

SMU’s Greek Life Profile:

Private university with affluent student population
Strong Panhellenic and IFC presence
510+ Greek organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth metro per Cause IQ data
Transparency challenges: Private institutions control information flow

Baylor University: Religious Identity & Accountability

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Staggered suspensions throughout season
Context: Part of broader institutional accountability challenges

Baylor’s Greek & Organizational Landscape:

Religious identity intersects with Greek life
27+ Greek organizations in Waco metro per Cause IQ data
National organizations present despite Baptist affiliation

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Accountability

For Morgan’s Point families, understanding the organizational web behind Greek letters is crucial. We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine – a comprehensive database of every Greek organization in Texas, built from public records.

Public Records Reality: 1,423 Greek Organizations Across 25 Texas Metros

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Entities:
These are tax-exempt organizations the IRS classifies as “Student Sororities, Fraternities” (B83). Examples that matter for Morgan’s Point families:

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 – IRS B83 filing
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 237279532 – Prairie View, TX 77446 – IRS B83 filing
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710 – IRS B83 filing
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 – IRS B83 filing
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 – IRS B83 filing

Metro-Level Concentration (Cause IQ Data):

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 Greek organizations
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 Greek organizations
Austin-Round Rock: 154 Greek organizations
San Antonio: 86 Greek organizations
College Station-Bryan: 42 Greek organizations

What This Means for Your Case:
When we take a hazing case like Leonel Bermudez’s at UH, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

Which organizations have IRS-recognized legal status
Where their housing corporations are registered
How national brands overlap across Texas metros
What organizational structures exist to hold accountable

Cross-Validated Brands: Tracking Nationals Across Texas

Our data shows national brands appearing in both IRS records AND metro databases:

Sigma Gamma Rho appears in IRS records (Waco, Commerce) AND Cause IQ metro data (Houston, Beaumont chapters)
Pi Kappa Alpha appears in IRS records (Nederland) AND Cause IQ data (Houston district office)
Kappa Alpha Psi appears in IRS records (Prairie View, Dallas) AND Cause IQ data (multiple alumni chapters)

This cross-validation proves we can track specific national fraternities and sororities across Texas campuses and metros without guessing. For Morgan’s Point families, this means we can identify every potentially liable entity from day one.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery

When hazing injures your child, the path to accountability requires systematic investigation and strategic litigation. Here’s how we approach these cases for Texas families.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Battlefield

Immediate Preservation (First 48 Hours):

Group chats: Screenshot EVERYTHING – GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos, Facebook posts
Photos/videos: Content from events, injuries, locations
Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (especially critical for rhabdomyolysis like in UH case)
Physical evidence: Clothing, props, receipts, paddles

Digital Forensics Recovery:

Deleted messages often recoverable via cloud backups or forensic tools
Phone extraction can reveal timeline of communications
Metadata establishes who knew what and when

Institutional Records:

University conduct files via discovery
National fraternity risk management records
Insurance policies and coverage documents
Prior incident reports showing pattern

Damages: What Texas Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Past and future – ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications
Lost earnings: Missed work, delayed graduation, diminished earning capacity
Educational costs: Lost scholarships, transfer expenses, tuition reimbursement

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real):

Physical pain & suffering: From injuries, recovery, permanent limitations
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

Available when defendants show reckless indifference or intentional misconduct
Meant to punish and deter future hazing
Requires evidence of prior knowledge or cover-up attempts

Case Strategy: Overcoming Institutional Defenses

Fraternities, sororities, and universities use predictable defenses. Here’s how we counter them:

Defense: “The Pledge Consented”

Our Response: Texas law § 37.155 – consent is NOT a defense. Power imbalance and coercion negate true consent.

Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter”

Our Response: National pattern evidence shows foreseeability. Nationals had duty to supervise and prevent known risks.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

Our Response: Location irrelevant to duty. Nationals control chapters regardless of venue.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: Paper policies ≠ enforcement. Show lack of meaningful supervision or prior incident mismanagement.

Defense: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

Our Response: Argue negligent supervision is covered even if hazing was intentional. Identify multiple insurance policies.

The Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Immediate Crisis (Days 1-7): Medical care, evidence preservation, initial reporting
Investigation (Months 1-6): Gathering records, witness interviews, expert consultations
Pre-litigation (Months 3-9): Demand letters, settlement negotiations, mediation
Litigation (Months 6-24+): Filing lawsuit, discovery, depositions, expert reports
Resolution (Variable): Settlement, mediation, trial, or appeal

Most cases settle before trial, but preparation for trial is what drives fair settlements. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case is currently in early litigation stages – demonstrating our active, real-time approach.

Practical Guides for Morgan’s Point Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Constant phone anxiety (checking GroupMe, fear of missing messages)
Personality changes: withdrawal, anxiety, depression, irritability
Academic decline: missing classes, falling grades
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, requests for money

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with your organization? Are you enjoying it?”
“Do they respect your time for classes and sleep?”
“What kinds of things do new members do?”
“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 – they’re likely ashamed and scared
Prioritize safety – remove from dangerous situations immediately
Document everything – write down what they tell you with dates/times
Get medical attention – even if they insist they’re “fine”
Contact an attorney – before talking to university or organization

For Students: Your Rights & Safety

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Are you being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are you being told to keep secrets from university/parents?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 – medical emergencies come first
Get to safety – your dorm, a friend’s place, public area
You won’t get in trouble for calling for help (Texas has good-faith reporter protections)

Exiting Safely:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation to chapter president/new member educator
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” – that’s when pressure/retaliation happens

Evidence Preservation for Students:

Screenshot ALL group chats – full threads with timestamps
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
Photograph injuries – multiple angles, include coin for scale
Save everything digital – don’t delete even if embarrassed
Tell medical providers “I was hazed” so it’s in records

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Get Deleted

Mistake: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Reality: Looks like cover-up, obstruction of justice, case becomes impossible
Solution: Preserve everything immediately – screenshots, photos, recordings

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

Mistake: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Solution: Document everything, call attorney before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Mistake: Trusting university to handle it fairly
Reality: Waivers may surrender legal rights; settlements often undervalue cases
Solution: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

Mistake: “I want people to know what happened”
Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Solution: Document privately; let attorney control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How University Handles It”

Mistake: Believing internal process equals accountability
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Solution: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more essential guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions for Texas Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states: consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical – call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn more in our statute of limitations video.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (retreat hazing) and many others succeeded despite off-campus locations.

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

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency fee – no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. This makes justice accessible against wealthy fraternities and universities. Watch our contingency fee explanation video for details.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back – and how to win anyway. Here’s why Morgan’s Point families choose us:

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation: The UH Pi Kappa Phi Case

Right now, we’re leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical – it’s current, active litigation. We:

Filed the $10 million lawsuit in Harris County
Represent Bermudez against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individual members
Have secured media coverage on Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline
Are fighting for accountability while Bermudez faces potential permanent kidney damage

This case demonstrates exactly what we do: take on universities and national fraternities, uncover systemic abuse, and fight for families when institutions fail them.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage – Lupe Peña:

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”
Learn more about Lupe Peña’s background

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, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”
Learn more about Ralph Manginello’s credentials

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

Database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
125+ IRS-registered entities with EINs, addresses, legal names
Cross-validated brand tracking across campuses
We don’t start from zero – we already know the organizational landscape

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Experience with catastrophic injuries: brain damage, permanent disability
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
See our criminal defense practice

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:

Digital forensics for deleted message recovery
Medical experts for rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD evaluation
Greek life culture experts for coercion analysis
Economists for damage quantification
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services:

Hablamos Español – Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Serving Texas Hispanic families with cultural understanding
Consultations available in Spanish

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

For Your Family:

Compassionate listening without judgment
Clear communication every step
Respect for privacy and emotional needs
Realistic expectations about process and timelines

For Your Case:

Aggressive evidence preservation and investigation
Strategic identification of all liable parties
Expert-backed case development
Trial-ready preparation that drives settlements
Maximum accountability pursuit

We’re not just litigation technicians. We’re advocates who believe hazing must stop, institutions must be accountable, and families deserve justice.

Contact Attorney911: Your Next Step Toward Accountability

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Whether you’re in Morgan’s Point, across Harris County, or anywhere in Texas, we’re here to help.

Your Free, Confidential Consultation

What to expect when you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

We listen without judgment – Tell us what happened in your own words
We review your evidence – Screenshots, photos, medical records, whatever you have
We explain your options – Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We discuss realistic expectations – Timelines, potential outcomes, challenges
We answer all your questions – Costs, privacy, process, anything worrying you
No pressure to hire – Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Everything you tell us is confidential. Attorney-client privilege begins from our first conversation.

Immediate Contact Information

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Services: Lupe Peña – lupe@atty911.com | Hablamos Español

Serving All Texas: Houston, Austin, Beaumont offices | Statewide representation

Don’t Wait – Evidence Disappears Daily

Remember:

Group chats get deleted within days
Witnesses graduate and become unreachable
Universities control narratives quickly
The statute of limitations continues ticking

The UH Pi Kappa Phi case shows what’s possible when families act decisively. Leonel Bermudez’s courage in coming forward – despite fear of retaliation – has already led to chapter closure and may prevent future harm. Your family could be part of that change too.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, achieve accountability, and prevent this from happening to anyone else.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Click2Houston Investigation: 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 Detailed Timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline Case Summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence Preservation with Your Phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

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