Hazing Lawsuit Guide for Southside Place, TX Families: University of Houston, Texas A&M, and Greek Life Accountability

If Your Child Was Hazed in Southside Place or at Any Texas University, You’re Not Alone

For parents in Southside Place, the nightmare often starts with a late-night phone call or a sudden change in your college student. Perhaps your child at the University of Houston comes home to Southside Place with unexplained injuries or seems constantly exhausted. Maybe they’re suddenly secretive about their fraternity or sorority activities, or you notice alarming messages on their phone. What you’re witnessing may be hazing—a dangerous, illegal practice that continues to injure and kill Texas students despite laws meant to prevent it.

Right now, just miles from Southside Place in Houston, we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations describe systematic abuse that left Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—conditions so severe he was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern affecting families across Harris County, including those in Southside Place, Bellaire, West University Place, and throughout the Greater Houston area. Whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, you need to understand what modern hazing looks like, how Texas law protects victims, and what legal options exist for holding organizations accountable.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many Southside Place parents imagine hazing as harmless pranks or “boys being boys.” The reality in 2025 is far more dangerous, sophisticated, and psychologically damaging. Modern hazing has evolved to avoid detection while maintaining its coercive, abusive core.

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today’s hazing often happens through smartphones before any physical contact occurs. Southside Place families should watch for:

24/7 Digital Control:

Constant GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord messages demanding immediate responses at all hours
Mandatory location sharing through Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media policing—pledges told what they can and cannot post
Sleep disruption via late-night “mandatory” video calls or messages

Psychological Coercion Through Technology:

“Voluntary” challenges framed as optional but carrying severe social consequences for refusal
Digital humiliation through forced TikTok videos or Instagram stories
Cyberstalking and harassment if pledges don’t comply with demands
Documentation of every “violation” in shared digital logs

Physical Hasing: More Dangerous Than Ever

While digital hazing creates psychological harm, physical hazing continues to cause serious injuries. The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates this brutal reality:

Extreme Physical Demands:

Forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session
“Save-your-brother” drills, bear crawls, and wheelbarrow races to exhaustion
Cold-weather exposure in minimal clothing
Lying in vomit-soaked grass as punishment

Degrading Rituals and Abuse:

The “pledge fanny pack” requirement—forced to carry condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items 24/7
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Threats of actual waterboarding
Hog-tying pledges face-down on tables with objects in their mouths
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints

Medical Consequences We See Too Often:

Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) from extreme exercise
Acute kidney failure requiring hospitalization
Chemical burns from substances poured on skin
Traumatic brain injuries from physical assaults
Psychological trauma including PTSD, depression, and anxiety

Where Hasing Happens: Not Just Fraternities

Southside Place families should understand that hazing extends beyond Greek life:

Corps of Cadets programs at Texas A&M and other military-style organizations
Athletic teams from football to swimming
Spirit groups like cheer squads and mascot programs
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic honor societies and professional organizations
Cultural and service organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the abuse of power, the coercion under the guise of “tradition,” and the institutional failures that allow it to continue.

Texas Hazing Laws: What Southside Place Families Need to Know

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Southside Place residents—hazing is treated as both a criminal offense and grounds for civil liability. Understanding this legal framework is crucial for families considering their options.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas defines hazing broadly in Education Code Section 37.151 as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that:

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

Critical elements for Southside Place families to understand:

Location doesn’t matter: The law applies to acts occurring on or off campus, at official or unofficial events
Consent is NOT a defense: Section 37.155 explicitly states that victim consent doesn’t legalize hazing
Mental harm counts: The statute covers psychological abuse, not just physical injury
“Reckless” is enough: Defendants don’t need malicious intent—reckless disregard for safety qualifies

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Individual Offenders Face:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing violations (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing bodily injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Organizational Liability:

Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
Universities may revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus

Additional Criminal Exposure:

Failure to report: Members/officers who know about hazing and don’t report it commit a misdemeanor
Retaliation against reporters: Another misdemeanor offense
Ancillary charges: Furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Liability: Where Financial Accountability Happens

While criminal cases focus on punishment, civil lawsuits provide compensation for victims and families. Southside Place families can pursue claims against:

Multiple Layers of Defendants:

Individual students who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
Local chapters as legal entities
National fraternities/sororities that failed to supervise or enforce policies
Universities for negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
Property owners of houses where hazing occurred
Alcohol providers under Texas dram shop laws

Types of Civil Claims:

Negligence and gross negligence
Wrongful death (when applicable)
Negligent hiring, training, or supervision
Premises liability
Intentional infliction of emotional distress
Civil conspiracy

Federal Laws That Overlay Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to improve hazing transparency
Mandates public reporting of hazing incidents by approximately 2026
Strengthens prevention education requirements

Title IX Implications:

When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
Creates additional accountability pathways through federal civil rights law
Can trigger independent investigations beyond state law

Clery Act Requirements:

Mandates reporting of certain hazing-related crimes in campus safety statistics
Requires timely warnings to campus communities about ongoing threats

National Hazing Cases That Shape Texas Litigation

The legal landscape for Southside Place families is shaped by national precedents. These cases demonstrate patterns that repeat across campuses, including those in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: A Repeated Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, approximately $3 million from BGSU). For Southside Place families, this case shows how national fraternity patterns repeat locally and how universities share liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Gruver died during a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495%. This case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. The civil resolution, while confidential, demonstrated that families can achieve both financial recovery and legislative change.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Perhaps the most documented hazing death in history, Piazza’s ordeal was captured on fraternity security cameras. The delayed medical response and systematic cover-up resulted in 18 members facing over 1,000 criminal charges total. The case produced the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania and reshaped how universities nationwide approach Greek life oversight.

Physical Hasing with Catastrophic Injuries

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
Santulli suffered severe, permanent brain damage from alcohol poisoning during a pledge event. He now requires 24/7 care, unable to walk, talk, or see. His family settled with 22 defendants, showing how multiple parties share responsibility when systems fail. For Southside Place families, this case illustrates that non-fatal injuries can be just as devastating as deaths.

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Deng died during a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability. The case resulted in Pi Delta Psi being banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and fined over $110,000.

Athletic Program Hasing Scandals

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and subsequent confidential settlement. This case demonstrates that hazing extends far beyond Greek life into revenue-generating athletic programs with their own power dynamics and cover-up capabilities.

What These Cases Mean for Southside Place Families

Patterns repeat: The same behaviors (forced drinking, physical abuse, cover-ups) occur nationwide
National organizations know the risks: Their policies exist because of these prior incidents
Universities face liability: Schools can’t claim ignorance when patterns are well-documented
Financial accountability is substantial: Settlements and verdicts regularly reach eight figures
Legislative change follows tragedy: Many states upgraded laws only after high-profile deaths

Texas University Focus: Where Southside Place Students Attend

Southside Place families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific landscapes at these institutions is crucial for recognizing risks and knowing where to seek help.

University of Houston: Southside Place’s Closest Major Campus

For Southside Place families, UH is often the most accessible major university. Located just minutes away, UH serves many students from Southside Place, West University Place, Bellaire, and surrounding Harris County communities.

Recent Critical Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
We’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit that alleges systematic hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. Key details every Southside Place parent should know:

Hazing Locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Specific Allegations: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced overeating until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis
Medical Consequences: Acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney damage risk
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi national suspended chapter November 6, 2025; chapter surrendered charter November 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal Venue: Filed in Harris County courts, directly relevant to Southside Place families

UH’s Greek Life Landscape:

30+ fraternities and sororities across four governing councils
Active National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) presence
Multiple multicultural Greek organizations
University-owned and private chapter houses

UH Hazing Response Resources:

Dean of Students Office: Primary reporting channel
UH Police Department: Criminal incidents on campus
Center for Student Conduct: Administrative investigations
Critical for Southside Place families: UH’s jurisdiction extends to off-campus conduct affecting students

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Many Southside Place students choose Texas A&M, particularly those interested in engineering, agriculture, or the Corps of Cadets. The College Station campus presents unique hazing risks.

Corps of Cadets Hasing History:

2023 lawsuit alleged cadets were bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apples in mouths
Tradition-heavy environment with documented physical and psychological abuse
Military-style discipline sometimes crosses into illegal hazing
For Southside Place families: Corps membership doesn’t exempt organizations from hazing laws

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and other substances
Severe chemical burns required skin graft surgeries
Fraternity suspended for two years
Takeaway for parents: Hasing methods evolve to include chemical dangers

Texas A&M’s Greek System:

One of nation’s largest Greek communities
Strong agricultural and professional fraternities
Historic traditions that sometimes mask hazing
Southside Place consideration: Geographic distance doesn’t prevent our representation—we serve families statewide

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Tradition

UT Austin’s public hazing violation database provides unprecedented transparency. Southside Place parents can review this resource at hazing.utexas.edu to see which organizations have prior violations.

Documented UT Hasing Cases:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing and forced activities
Various fraternities and sororities: Probation, suspension, or educational requirements for violations

UT’s Greek Life Reality:

Approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters
Significant off-campus housing in West Campus
Strong alumni networks that sometimes protect traditions over safety
For Southside Place families: UT’s transparency makes prior patterns easier to document in lawsuits

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

SMU’s status as a private university affects how hazing incidents are handled and disclosed. Southside Place families with students at SMU should understand these differences.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended for multiple years
Highlights ongoing tradition-based risks

SMU’s Greek Culture:

Historically strong Greek presence
Significant alumni influence and funding
Private university discretion in disciplinary matters
Legal consideration for Southside Place families: Fewer sovereign immunity barriers than public universities

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

Baylor’s recent history with institutional accountability (particularly surrounding sexual assault) creates important context for hazing cases.

Baylor Baseball Hasing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Staggered suspensions throughout early season
Demonstrates that hazing affects athletic programs at religious institutions

Baylor’s Greek and Organizational Landscape:

Smaller Greek community than other Texas schools
Strong religious and service organization presence
Ongoing institutional reform efforts
For Southside Place families: Religious affiliation doesn’t eliminate legal liability for hazing

Fraternities and Sororities: National Patterns in Southside Place’s Backyard

The national organizations present at Texas universities have documented hazing histories that create legal liability when chapters repeat these patterns. Southside Place families should understand these connections.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

When a fraternity chapter at UH or Texas A&M engages in the same conduct that caused deaths at other campuses, that history establishes:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew these activities were dangerous
Pattern Evidence: This wasn’t an isolated “rogue chapter” incident
Negligence: Failure to prevent known, repeated dangers
Punitive Damage Potential: Conscious disregard for student safety

Major National Organizations with Documented Hasing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State (2021): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois (2012): $14 million settlement
UH Presence: Active chapter with prior disciplinary history
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Multiple alcohol-related deaths nationwide
Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021): Skin grafts required
UT Austin assault case (2024): Exchange student seriously injured
Pattern: Physical abuse combined with alcohol coercion

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State (2017): Pledge night alcohol poisoning
Current UH case: Bermudez rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with degradation

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver death at LSU (2017): “Bible study” drinking game
Resulted in Louisiana’s felony hazing statute
Pattern: Forced drinking games framed as tradition

How We Use This Data for Southside Place Families

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks these patterns and connections. When we represent a Southside Place family, we immediately:

Identify all related entities: National headquarters, housing corporations, alumni associations, insurance carriers
Document prior incidents: Same organization at other campuses, same behaviors
Establish foreseeability: Prove the organization knew the dangers
Maximize recovery: Identify all potentially liable parties and insurance coverage

Building a Hasing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

For Southside Place families pursuing accountability, understanding the litigation process is crucial. Here’s what serious hazing cases involve.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
Text messages: Individual and group threads
Deleted data recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “permanently” deleted content
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts

Physical and Medical Evidence:

Photographs of injuries: Multiple angles, progression over time
Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, specialist evaluations
Psychological assessments: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Physical objects: Paddles, props, clothing, alcohol containers

Institutional Documents:

University records: Prior disciplinary actions, incident reports, Clery Act filings
National fraternity files: Risk management reports, prior incident notifications
Insurance policies: Coverage details for all potential defendants
Property records: Who owned/controlled hazing locations

Witness Information:

Other pledges and victims
Former members who left the organization
Roommates, friends, significant others
Emergency responders and medical personnel

The Damages Southside Place Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
Lost educational costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Income loss: Current and future earning capacity reduction
Life care costs: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong support

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Harm):

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities
Reputational harm: Social and professional consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Defendants’ Conduct Warrants):

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Availability: When defendants knew dangers and acted with conscious disregard
Texas caps: Generally limited, but exceptions exist for certain intentional conduct

The Litigation Strategy for Maximum Accountability

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-30 Days)

Evidence preservation before deletion
Medical documentation of all injuries
Strategic reporting decisions (campus, police, or both)
Defendant identification and insurance coverage mapping

Phase 2: Investigation (1-6 Months)

Digital forensics on all devices
Subpoenas for university and national organization records
Witness interviews and sworn statements
Expert consultations (medical, psychological, economic)

Phase 3: Negotiation and Resolution (6-24 Months)

Settlement negotiations with multiple defendants
Mediation with experienced neutrals
Trial preparation if settlements aren’t fair
Ongoing advocacy for institutional reforms

Practical Guide for Southside Place Parents and Students

Warning Signs Your Southside Place Student May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, early morning demands)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping precipitously
Missing classes or falling asleep during them
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Patterns:

Constant phone monitoring for group messages
Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages or browser history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours requiring immediate response
Social media posts showing concerning activities

What Southside Place Parents Should Do Immediately

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: If your child is in danger, call 911 first
Medical Attention: Get professional evaluation even if injuries seem minor
Evidence Preservation:
- Screenshot all relevant messages immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
- Write detailed notes of what your child tells you
Legal Consultation: Contact experienced hazing attorneys before taking other actions
Strategic Reporting: With legal guidance, decide whether/how to report to university or police

What NOT to Do:

Don’t confront the organization directly
Don’t let your child delete any digital evidence
Don’t sign anything from the university or insurance companies
Don’t discuss details on public social media
Don’t accept “we’ll handle it internally” from the university

Rights and Options for Southside Place Students

If You’re Being Hazed:

Your Safety Comes First: Leave dangerous situations immediately
Medical Care is Critical: Seek treatment and document everything
Evidence Collection:
- Screenshot messages as you receive them
- Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent)
- Save everything, even if embarrassing
Reporting Options:
- Campus resources (Dean of Students, campus police)
- Local police for criminal conduct
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
- Experienced attorneys who can protect your rights
Legal Protections:
- Texas law protects those who report in good faith
- Consent is not a defense against hazing charges
- You have civil rights regardless of “participation”

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Mistake 1: Deleting Digital Evidence

What happens: Defense argues spoliation, case becomes “he said/she said”
Better approach: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content
Our video on evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Mistake 2: Premature Confrontation

What happens: Organization lawyers up, destroys evidence, coaches witnesses
Better approach: Document everything first, then let attorneys handle communication
Our approach: Strategic evidence collection before any confrontation

Mistake 3: Signing University Agreements

What happens: You may waive legal rights for inadequate resolutions
Better approach: Have every document reviewed by counsel first
Our guidance: Never sign without understanding all consequences

Mistake 4: Social Media Disclosure

What happens: Defense attorneys mine posts for inconsistencies
Better approach: Maintain privacy until case resolves
Our strategy: Control the narrative through proper legal channels

Mistake 5: Waiting Too Long

What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, statutes run
Better approach: Immediate consultation preserves options
Our video on statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Why Southside Place Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities and national fraternities fight these cases—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve Southside Place families and students affected by hazing at Texas universities nationwide.

Our Unmatched Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage – Lupe Peña’s Experience:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and deliberately undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Negotiate settlements to minimize payouts

His insider knowledge means we don’t fall for standard defense plays. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation – Ralph Manginello’s Background:
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That same experience applies directly to hazing cases against:

National fraternities with deep pockets
University systems with sovereign immunity arguments
Multiple defendant coalitions with coordinated defense strategies

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability:
With Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can:

Advise on parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Protect witnesses and former members with potential exposure
Navigate the intersection of campus discipline and legal accountability

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Southside Place’s Hispanic families receive clear, culturally competent representation.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data-Driven Advocacy

While we can’t disclose all investigative methods publicly, Southside Place families should know we maintain comprehensive data on:

Texas Greek Organizational Networks:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with IRS EINs
1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metros
188 Greek-related organizations in the Houston metro alone
Complete organizational trees connecting local chapters to nationals

Example Public Records We Track:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
EIN: 46-2267515 | Frisco, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 filing

Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc
EIN: 27-3662583 | Lufkin, TX 75904-4805 | IRS B83 filing

Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta
EIN: 82-4398421 | Richmond, TX 77406-2017 | IRS B83 filing

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

Delta Phi Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity Alumni Housing
EIN: 90-0239693 | Dallas, TX 75208 | IRS B83 filing

University Incident Databases:

UT Austin’s public hazing violation logs
Federal Clery Act reports for all Texas campuses
Internal disciplinary records obtained through discovery
Pattern analysis across multiple schools and organizations

This intelligence means we never start from zero. When a Southside Place family comes to us, we already understand the organizational landscape behind their child’s suffering.

Our Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases

Multi-Million Dollar Recoveries:

Logging accident brain injury: Multi-million dollar settlement
Car accident amputation: Millions recovered
Trucking wrongful death: Significant compensation for families
Maritime back injury: Substantial cash settlement
BP Texas City litigation: Involved in historic institutional accountability

Criminal Defense Victories:

Drug charges: Deferred adjudication avoiding 5-99 year sentence
Multiple DWI dismissals: Based on evidentiary challenges
Complex defense strategies: Constitutional challenges and procedural victories

How We Handle Hazing Cases Differently

Immediate Evidence Preservation:
We act within hours to secure digital evidence before deletion. Our network includes digital forensics experts who can often recover “permanently” deleted messages.

Comprehensive Defendant Identification:
We don’t just sue the obvious parties. We identify all potentially liable entities:

Individual members and officers
Local chapter corporations
National headquarters
Housing corporations and alumni associations
Universities and their governing boards
Property owners and landlords
Insurance carriers at all levels

Expert-Driven Damages Calculation:
We work with specialists to fully value your case:

Medical experts for injury prognosis
Economists for lifetime earning loss
Life care planners for future needs
Psychologists for emotional trauma assessment

Trial-Ready Preparation:
Unlike firms that always settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This readiness dramatically improves settlement outcomes and ensures we can go the distance if needed.

Contact Attorney911 for Your Confidential Consultation

If hazing has affected your Southside Place family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, we have the experience and resources to help.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll receive:

Immediate attention to your emergency
Compassionate listening without judgment
Preliminary assessment of your legal options
Clear explanation of next steps
Absolutely no pressure to hire us immediately

We’ll help you understand:

Your family’s rights under Texas law
The realistic timeline for resolution
What evidence needs immediate preservation
How to interact with university officials
What compensation might be available
Our contingency fee structure (we don’t get paid unless you recover)

Our Commitment to Southside Place Families

Geographic Accessibility:
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Southside Place, Bellaire, West University Place, and all Harris County communities. We come to you when needed.

Communication Promise:
We update clients every 2-3 weeks minimum. You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your case.

Financial Accessibility:
Contingency fees mean no upfront costs. We only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation for you.

Cultural Competence:
Spanish-language services available through Mr. Peña. We understand diverse community needs.

Take the First Step Toward Accountability

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your confidential consultation. You can also reach us at:

Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Additional Resources:

Our wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello’s background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña’s experience: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Educational Videos:

Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Statute of limitations explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
Evidence preservation guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez 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/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
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