Texas Hazing Lawsuits & Greek Life Accountability: A Complete Guide for Brownsboro Families

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

Imagine receiving a call in the middle of the night. Your son, a student at a Texas university, is in the emergency room. His urine is brown. His muscles are breaking down. He’s being treated for acute kidney failure. Through his pain, he tells you fragments of a story: forced workouts, humiliation, being sprayed in the face with a hose, threats of expulsion if he didn’t comply. This isn’t a hypothetical nightmare. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston in fall 2025—and it’s happening to students across Texas right now.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We represent hazing victims and their families throughout Texas, including right here in Brownsboro and across Henderson County. Right now, we are leading one of the most serious hazing lawsuits in Texas history: the $10 million hazing and abuse case against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders on behalf of Leonel Bermudez.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Brownsboro, Henderson County, and throughout East Texas who need to understand the reality of modern hazing, Texas law, and what happens when universities and fraternities fail to protect students. Whether your child attends school nearby at UT Tyler, travels to Texas A&M, or studies anywhere in Texas, what you learn here could protect them.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Today

For Brownsboro families unfamiliar with modern Greek life, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “pranks” you might remember. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and designed to evade detection while exerting maximum control over new members.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The “Gateway” Tactics)

24/7 digital control: Pledges required to respond instantly to GroupMe messages at all hours
Servitude demands: Acting as designated drivers at 3 AM, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
− Social isolation: Being told to cut contact with non-members, family, or “distractions”
“Voluntary” mandatory events: Hours-long “study sessions” or “meetings” that interfere with academics

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Abuse Escalates)

Sleep deprivation: Wake-up calls at 3 AM for “workouts,” multi-day events with minimal rest
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive bland items
Public humiliation: Being forced to wear degrading costumes in public, perform embarrassing acts
Extreme physical “conditioning”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, sprints until vomiting

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Where Lives Are Endangered)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking – often framed as “tradition”
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions
Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, forced into dangerous physical challenges

The Flagship Case: What Happened to Leonel Bermudez at University of Houston

Right now, we are actively litigating a case that demonstrates exactly how severe modern hazing has become. Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student at the University of Houston, pledged Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025. What he endured illustrates all three tiers of hazing in horrifying detail.

The Humiliation Begins:
From his first day as a pledge, Bermudez was forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items. He faced enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties for members. Failure to comply meant threats of physical punishment or expulsion.

The Physical Torture Escalates:
At the Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park, Bermudez endured:

Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills
Cold-weather exposure in only his underwear
Lying in vomit-soaked grass
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by more sprints

On November 3, 2025, the abuse reached its peak: Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion from the pledge class.

The Medical Catastrophe:
Days later, Bermudez’s body began to shut down. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was rushed to the hospital by his mother. Doctors diagnosed him with rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. His creatine kinase levels were critically elevated, confirming the life-threatening condition. He spent four days hospitalized and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

The Institutional Response:
On November 6, 2025, Pi Kappa Phi headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter after receiving hazing reports. On November 14, chapter members voted to surrender their charter, effectively shutting down the chapter. The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and stated it was cooperating with law enforcement.

Our Lawsuit for Accountability:
We filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on Bermudez’s behalf against:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members (chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, and others)

This case, covered in detail by Click2Houston and ABC13, represents exactly the type of serious hazing litigation we handle for Texas families. It shows how “traditions” can nearly kill students and why experienced legal representation is essential.

The Greek Ecosystem Surrounding Brownsboro Families

Brownsboro families in Henderson County are connected to a vast network of Greek organizations across Texas. Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS records, university data, and metro organization databases—we maintain detailed knowledge of this ecosystem.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Brownsboro Families

If you are a parent in Brownsboro or Henderson County, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are examples from the 1,423 Greek-related organizations we track across 25 Texas metros. These are public records we use to identify every potentially liable entity in hazing cases.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records):

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 – IRS B83 filing
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 – IRS B83 filing
Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581 – Austin, TX 78705 – IRS B83 filing
Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation – EIN 237359384 – Lubbock, TX 79401 – IRS B83 filing
Frank Heflin Foundation – EIN 203507402 – Canyon, TX 79015 – IRS B83 filing
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc – EIN 161675890 – The Woodlands, TX 77382 – Zeta Rho HCB
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 263170920 – Denton, TX 76204 – Texas Woman’s University chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 237279532 – Prairie View, TX 77446 – IRS B83 filing
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845 – IRS B83 filing
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – EIN 741130606 – Austin, TX 78705 – Alpha Mu chapter
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 – Epsilon Kappa Chapter
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204 – IRS B83 filing
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710 – Xi Chi chapter
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – EIN 201237505 – Corinth, TX 76210 – Beta Chapter
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147 – IRS B83 filing
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – Houston, TX 77254 – IRS B83 filing

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Organizations (188+ Greek Entities):
The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro, which includes areas near Brownsboro, contains hundreds of Greek organizations. Examples from Cause IQ metro data include:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
Chi Omega Educational Corporation – Fort Worth, TX – Chi Omega housing/education corp., TCU
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter – Dallas, TX – Alumnae chapter serving Arlington/Dallas
Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter – Fort Worth, TX – Chapter at TCU in Fort Worth
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth, TX – Kappa Sigma housing foundation

Cross-Validated National Brands (Appearing in Both IRS and Metro Data):
These organizations demonstrate how national brands maintain multiple Texas entities:

Beta Upsilon Chi – Appears in IRS records (EIN 742911848) and Cause IQ metro data
Pi Kappa Alpha – Appears in IRS records (EIN 746064445) and Houston metro data
Sigma Gamma Rho – Multiple IRS entities match metro chapter listings

This directory represents just a fraction of the 1,423 Greek organizations we track across Texas. For Brownsboro families, understanding this network is crucial because when hazing occurs, liability often extends beyond the immediate chapter to include housing corporations, alumni associations, and national headquarters—all entities we identify through our data engine.

Where Brownsboro Families Send Their Children: Texas Campuses with Greek Life

Families in Brownsboro and Henderson County typically send their children to a mix of nearby regional campuses and major Texas universities. Each of these institutions has its own Greek ecosystem and hazing history.

Nearby Regional Campuses:

University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, Smith County)

Located approximately 40 miles from Brownsboro
Greek life includes fraternities and sororities under UT Tyler’s student activities
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi chapter recorded in IRS B83 data (EIN 352335400)

Tyler Junior College (Tyler, Smith County)

Two-year institution with student organizations
Transfer pathway to four-year universities with Greek life

Angelina College (Lufkin, Angelina County)

Community college with transfer programs
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter recorded in Lufkin (EIN 273662583)

Major Texas Universities Attended by Brownsboro Students:

Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)

One of Texas’s largest Greek systems with over 60 fraternities and sororities
Active Corps of Cadets program with documented hazing incidents
Multiple IRS-registered Greek organizations in College Station

University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County)

Approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters
Maintains public hazing violations log at hazing.utexas.edu
Multiple house corporations and alumni chapters in IRS data

University of Houston (Houston, Harris County)

Site of our active Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit
Diverse Greek system including IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils
188+ Greek organizations in Houston metro per Cause IQ data

Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)

Private Christian university with active Greek life
Sigma Gamma Rho Xi Chi chapter in Waco (EIN 364091267)
History of athletic team hazing incidents

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Dallas County)

Private university with strong Greek presence
In Dallas-Fort Worth metro with 510+ Greek organizations

For Brownsboro families, this means your child could encounter Greek life at multiple educational levels—from community college transfer organizations to massive university Greek systems. Each environment carries its own risks and requires specific legal understanding when hazing occurs.

Texas Hazing Law: What Brownsboro Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that apply to all educational institutions in the state. Understanding these laws is crucial for Brownsboro families dealing with hazing incidents.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing Statute)

Definition (Plain English Version):
Hazing in Texas means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—whether on or off campus—directed against a student that endangers their mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of joining, maintaining membership in, or holding office in any organization.

Key Provisions:

Criminal Penalties (Section 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
Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
- Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be prosecuted
- Fines up to $10,000 per violation
- Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations
Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155):
- Even if the victim “agreed” to the activities, it’s still hazing under Texas law
- This directly counters the common defense of “they wanted to do it”
Good-Faith Reporter Immunity (Section 37.154):
- Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability
- Most Texas universities have medical amnesty policies for alcohol-related emergencies

How This Applies to Brownsboro Cases:

When hazing involves a Brownsboro student—whether at UT Tyler, Texas A&M, or any Texas school—several legal principles apply:

Jurisdiction Matters:

Criminal cases typically go to the county where the hazing occurred
Civil lawsuits can sometimes be filed in the victim’s home county (like Henderson County)
Multi-defendant cases might involve multiple jurisdictions

Multiple Avenues for Accountability:

Criminal Prosecution: Local district attorneys can pursue hazing charges
University Discipline: Schools can expel students and revoke organization recognition
Civil Lawsuits: Families can seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages

The “Consent” Myth:
We frequently hear from fraternities and universities: “Your child agreed to this.” Texas law rejects this argument completely. The power imbalance between pledges and members, combined with peer pressure and fear of exclusion, means true voluntary consent rarely exists in hazing situations.

Federal Laws Overlay:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Mandates hazing education and prevention programs
Phased implementation through 2026

Title IX Applications:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. This can provide additional legal avenues for accountability.

Clery Act Reporting:
Hazing incidents that constitute crimes must be included in campus crime statistics, creating public records that can support civil cases.

National Hazing Patterns: What History Tells Us About Texas Cases

The hazing that occurred to Leonel Bermudez at UH follows patterns we’ve seen repeatedly in national cases. Understanding these patterns helps Brownsboro families recognize that what happened to their child is part of a larger, preventable tragedy.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern:

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

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

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

“Bible study” drinking game with wrong-answer penalties
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
$6.1 million verdict for family

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

“Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life

Physical Hazing Injury Pattern:

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

Forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage
Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Settlements with 22 defendants (multi-million dollar total)

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021):

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed against fraternity

Institutional Cover-Up Pattern:

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
Hours delayed before calling 911
18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

What These Patterns Mean for Brownsboro Families:

History Repeats: The same fraternities involved in national tragedies have chapters at Texas schools
Universities Know: These organizations have known hazing risks for decades
Settlements Are Substantial: Multi-million dollar recoveries are possible in serious cases
Individual Accountability: Chapter officers can face personal liability beyond organizational responsibility

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

When Brownsboro families come to us after a hazing incident, we follow a proven investigative framework to build the strongest possible case. Here’s what that process looks like.

Critical Evidence Categories:

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos, Facebook posts
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends screenshots, venue check-ins

Our video on using your cellphone to document evidence explains best practices for preserving this critical digital evidence.

Physical Evidence:

Photographs of injuries (multiple angles, with scale reference)
Damaged clothing or personal items
Medical records documenting injuries
Objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)

Institutional Records:

University conduct files on the organization
Prior incident reports to campus police
National fraternity risk management files
Insurance policies and coverage documents

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges who witnessed or experienced the same hazing
Former members willing to testify about traditions
Roommates, friends, or bystanders
Medical professionals who treated injuries

Our Investigative Advantage: The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

What separates our approach is the data system we’ve built specifically for Texas hazing cases:

We Already Know the Players:
Before we even take a case, we can identify:

Every registered Greek organization in Texas (125+ IRS B83 entities)
Their legal names, EINs, and mailing addresses
Associated housing corporations and alumni chapters
Insurance carriers and policy patterns

We Track Patterns Across Campuses:
When a Pi Kappa Phi chapter hazes at UH, we immediately know:

Pi Kappa Phi’s national hazing history (Andrew Coffey death at FSU)
Other Texas Pi Kappa Phi chapters and their disciplinary records
Insurance carriers used by Pi Kappa Phi nationals
Previous lawsuits and settlement patterns

We Uncover Institutional Knowledge:
Through public records requests and discovery, we obtain:

University emails discussing prior incidents with the same organization
National fraternity risk management reports
Insurance claim histories showing pattern of hazing payouts

Damages: What Families Can Recover

In hazing cases, families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment)
Future medical care (therapy, medications, life care plans)
Lost educational expenses (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future employment)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, PTSD, depression, anxiety
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (In Egregious Cases):

To punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
To deter future hazing
Available when defendants show conscious indifference to known risks

The Insurance Battle (Where Our Insider Knowledge Matters Most)

Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies fight hazing claims:

Common Insurance Tactics We Anticipate:

“Intentional Act” Exclusions: Insurers argue hazing is intentional and therefore not covered
“Rogue Chapter” Defense: Nationals claim local chapters acted against policy
Lowball Settlement Offers: Early offers that don’t reflect true case value
Delay Strategies: Dragging out cases to pressure financially strained families

Our Counter-Strategies:

Negligent Supervision Arguments: Even if hazing was intentional, failure to supervise is negligent
Pattern Evidence: Showing nationals knew or should have known about hazing risks
Multiple Policy Identification: Finding all potential coverage sources
Bad Faith Claims: When insurers unreasonably deny valid claims

Practical Guide for Brownsboro Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Red Flags:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages

Academic Impact:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate Safety First:

If your child is in physical danger, call 911
Get medical attention before worrying about “getting in trouble”
Remove them from the dangerous situation

Evidence Preservation (Critical First 48 Hours):

Screenshot everything: Group chats, texts, social media posts
Photograph injuries: Multiple angles, with dates visible
Save physical evidence: Clothing, objects, receipts
Write detailed notes: Who, what, when, where, while memory is fresh
Document medical care: Request all records from ER/doctors

Reporting Channels:

Campus authorities: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct
Local police: If crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors)
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
University hazing reporting forms: Most Texas schools have online systems

Legal Consultation (Within 24-48 Hours):

Contact experienced hazing attorneys before evidence disappears
We can help navigate university processes that often favor the institution
Early legal guidance prevents critical mistakes

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Based on our experience handling hazing cases across Texas, here are the most common errors families make:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages
What seems like protecting privacy actually destroys your case. Those group chats showing planning, threats, and admissions are your strongest evidence.

2. Confronting the Fraternity Directly
This triggers immediate evidence destruction, witness coaching, and defense preparation. Let attorneys handle all communication.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or accept internal resolutions that eliminate legal rights. Never sign anything without attorney review.

4. Posting on Social Media
Defense attorneys monitor social media for inconsistencies, admissions, or evidence they can use against you. Keep everything private until your case resolves.

5. Waiting for the University Investigation
While you wait, evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and statutes of limitations run. Universities protect themselves first—you need independent counsel.

Watch our detailed video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more guidance on what to avoid.

For Students: Is This Hazing? A Self-Assessment

Ask yourself these questions:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If you answered YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing. You have rights:

You can leave at any time
Texas law protects good-faith reporters
You may be entitled to compensation for injuries
You’re not alone—help is available

Why Attorney911 for Brownsboro Hazing Cases

Our Unmatched Texas Hazing Expertise

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 Brownsboro families choose us:

Insider Insurance Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

As Mr. Peña says: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider perspective is invaluable when fighting billion-dollar insurance carriers.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello’s BP Credential):
Our managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—a case against one of the world’s largest corporations. That experience translates directly to hazing cases because:

Universities and national fraternities have unlimited legal budgets
They use the same delay and defense tactics as billion-dollar corporations
We know how to conduct discovery against institutional defendants
We’re not intimidated by powerful opposition

Texas-Specific Data Intelligence:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine gives us an investigative advantage no other firm has:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
125+ IRS-registered Texas Greek entities with EINs and addresses
Campus-specific chapter rosters for every major Texas university
Historical hazing incident database with settlement patterns

Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results:
While confidentiality agreements prevent sharing all details, we have recovered:

Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death cases
Significant compensation for catastrophic injury victims
Policy-changing resolutions that prevent future harm

Our Spanish-Language Services

Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish and provides full legal services in Spanish. For Hispanic families in Brownsboro and throughout Texas, this means:

Consultations in your preferred language
Clear communication about legal rights and options
Cultural understanding of family dynamics and concerns
Spanish-language legal documents and correspondence

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases:

No upfront costs for legal representation
No hourly bills that create financial stress
We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
Free initial consultation to evaluate your case

Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work to understand this client-friendly arrangement.

Your Next Steps: Free Confidential Consultation

What to Expect When You Contact Us

1. Immediate Response:
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak directly with our team. We understand hazing emergencies can’t wait.

2. Compassionate Listening:
We’ll listen to your story without judgment. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face.

3. Case Evaluation:
We’ll review any evidence you have (photos, messages, medical records) and explain:

Whether you have a viable legal case
What legal options are available
Realistic timelines and expectations
Potential challenges and strategies

4. Clear Next Steps:
If we take your case, we’ll immediately begin:

Evidence preservation and documentation
Investigation into the organization and university
Identification of all potentially liable parties
Strategic planning for maximum accountability

5. No Pressure Commitment:
We never pressure families to hire us on the spot. Take time to discuss with your family and make the right decision for you.

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Brownsboro and Henderson County Families:
Whether your child was hazed at UT Tyler, Texas A&M, UH, or any Texas campus, we can help. Distance doesn’t matter—we serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices.

Call Now for Immediate Help: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct Lines:

Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781

Email:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña (Spanish services): lupe@atty911.com

Website: https://attorney911.com

Service Area: We represent hazing victims and their families throughout Texas, including Brownsboro, Henderson County, Tyler, Longview, and all surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally, 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known, and fraud or cover-ups can toll (pause) the statute. Time is critical—call us immediately to preserve your rights. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

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

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“Can we afford a lawyer?”
Yes. We work on contingency—no fee unless we win. No upfront costs, no hourly bills. The consultation is always free.

“What if my child ‘consented’ to the activities?”
Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. The power imbalance between pledges and members means true voluntary consent rarely exists.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using cellphone to document evidence: 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

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