The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Resource for Families in Town of Carl’s Corner and Across Hill County

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

Picture this: your child, a bright student from Town of Carl’s Corner, excitedly accepted a bid to join a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university. What began as camaraderie slowly turned into something darker—late-night “study sessions” that were actually grueling workouts, constant text demands in group chats, pressured drinking games framed as “traditions.” Then comes the phone call no parent wants: your child is in the hospital with a life-threatening condition, and whispers of “hazing” begin to surface. You feel angry, confused, and powerless against the university and national organization that seem more concerned with damage control than your child’s wellbeing.

This scenario isn’t hypothetical. Right now, in Houston, we’re representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to extensive media coverage, Bermudez endured months of systematic hazing that culminated in rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through extreme workouts. His urine turned brown—a classic sign of muscle breakdown so severe it damages the kidneys. He was hospitalized for four days, faces potential permanent kidney damage, and the fraternity chapter has been shut down. This case, detailed in reports from Click2Houston and ABC13, represents exactly what we fight against every day.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Town of Carl’s Corner, Hill County, and throughout Texas who need answers about hazing, the law, and their rights. Whether your child attends a local college or one of Texas’s major universities, understanding what’s happening—and what you can do about it—is the first step toward accountability and healing.

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

Modern Hazing Isn’t Just “Pranks”—It’s Systematic Abuse

For families in Town of Carl’s Corner who may be unfamiliar with today’s Greek life, it’s crucial to understand that hazing has evolved far beyond harmless initiation rituals. Modern hazing is calculated, often digital, and designed to evade detection while asserting total control over new members.

The Three Tiers of Hazing: From Subtle to Life-Threatening

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)
This includes behaviors that establish power imbalance: mandatory servitude like 24/7 chauffeuring duties, “pledge fanny packs” containing humiliating items (as seen in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case), social isolation from non-members, and constant digital monitoring through group chats. Many students—and parents—mistakenly believe this “isn’t really hazing,” but these practices create the psychological framework for more dangerous abuse.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing
This involves activities causing measurable discomfort: sleep deprivation through 3 AM “meetings,” forced consumption of unpalatable foods, public humiliation, and extreme physical workouts framed as “conditioning.” The Pi Kappa Phi case at UH included all these elements—forced dress codes, overnight driving duties, and workouts so intense they sent multiple pledges to the hospital.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing
These are activities with high potential for serious injury or death: forced alcohol consumption games (“Big/Little” nights), physical beatings, dangerous physical tests, sexualized hazing, and exposure to extreme elements. The medical consequences can be catastrophic—as we saw with Bermudez developing rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle breakdown floods the kidneys with proteins, potentially causing permanent organ damage.

Digital Hazing: The 24/7 Control System

Today’s hazing happens as much on smartphones as in fraternity houses. Groups use:

GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord for constant demands and humiliation
Location-sharing apps to track pledges’ movements
Social media challenges that publicly degrade new members
Sleep deprivation via phone with all-hours response demands

For parents in Town of Carl’s Corner, recognizing these digital patterns might be your first clue something is wrong—if your child is constantly anxious about missing a group chat message or receiving texts at all hours, it’s time to ask questions.

Texas Hazing Law: What Families in Town of Carl’s Corner Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that apply whether the incident happens on-campus or off, and whether it involves Greek organizations, athletic teams, Corps programs, or spirit groups. Here’s what matters most for Hill County families:

The Definition That Matters to You
Under Texas law, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership

This broad definition means that common defenses like “they agreed to it” or “it was just tradition” don’t work in Texas courts. The law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Tracks

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals)

Prosecuted by district attorneys (in Hill County, that would be the Hill County District Attorney’s office)
Can range from Class B misdemeanors to state jail felonies if serious injury or death occurs
Penalties include fines, probation, and potential jail time
Also criminal: failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer who knew about it

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties)

Filed by victims or their families to seek compensation and accountability
Can target: individual students, local chapters, national organizations, universities, property owners
Focus on: medical expenses, future care costs, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, lost educational opportunities
Important: You can pursue a civil case even if no criminal charges are filed

Federal Laws That Overlay Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid (including all Texas public universities) to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen prevention education
Maintain public hazing data (phasing in through 2026)

Title IX & Clery Act Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories when they involve assault or alcohol crimes.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

Individual Students & Officers
- Those who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
- Chapter presidents, pledge educators, risk managers
Local Chapters
- The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
- Housing corporations that own chapter houses
National Organizations
- Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
- Often have the deepest pockets and greatest liability
Universities & Governing Boards
- Can be liable for negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
- This includes the UH System Board of Regents (named in the Bermudez case)
Third Parties
- Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
- Bars or alcohol providers under dram shop laws

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Alcohol Poisoning Script: A Deadly Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A 20-year-old pledge died after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case shows how formulaic drinking traditions kill—and how both nationals and universities pay.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Died during a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol level reached 0.495%. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony—showing how tragedy drives legislative change.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night. Security cameras captured his falls and the fraternity’s delayed 911 call. Eighteen members faced criminal charges, and Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Equally Deadly

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Died during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark showing that organizations, not just individuals, face criminal liability.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Multiple lawsuits followed, the head coach was fired, and the university reached confidential settlements. This proves hazing extends beyond Greek letters to big-money sports programs.

What These Cases Mean for Town of Carl’s Corner Families

These national precedents matter because:

They establish legal patterns Texas courts recognize
They show how national organizations knew about dangers but failed to prevent them
They demonstrate jury willingness to award substantial damages
They prove institutional accountability is possible

When your child is hazed at a Texas university, you’re not facing an isolated incident—you’re confronting a national pattern that organizations have failed to stop despite repeated tragedies.

Texas Universities: Campus-Specific Realities for Hill County Families

Where Town of Carl’s Corner Students Attend College

Families in Hill County typically send students to a mix of nearby institutions and major Texas universities:

Local & Regional Options:

Hill College (just miles from Town of Carl’s Corner)
McLennan Community College (Waco)
Texas State Technical College (Waco)
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton)

Major Texas Universities (Common Choices):

University of Houston (where our flagship Bermudez case is underway)
Texas A&M University (College Station)
University of Texas at Austin
Baylor University (Waco)
Texas State University (San Marcos)
Texas Tech University (Lubbock)

Each campus has its own Greek ecosystem, traditions, and hazing history. Understanding these specifics helps Town of Carl’s Corner families know what to watch for and what questions to ask.

University of Houston: Current Ground Zero for Texas Hazing Litigation

The Leonel Bermudez Case: What Every Texas Parent Should Know
Right now, we’re litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases at UH. The allegations against Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter include:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
Forced consumption rituals: milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
Medical catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, hospitalized for four days with brown urine indicating severe muscle breakdown
Institutional response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter; members voted to surrender their charter; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

UH’s Greek Ecosystem: Scale and Scope
UH hosts numerous fraternities and sororities across multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC). According to our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, the Houston metro area contains 188 Greek-related organizations—a dense ecosystem where risky traditions can spread.

What Town of Carl’s Corner Families Should Know About UH:

UHPD and Houston Police Department both have jurisdiction depending on location
Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
Prior incidents include Pi Kappa Alpha cases with injuries requiring hospitalization
Transparency varies: UH publishes some disciplinary data but not as comprehensively as UT Austin

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersection

Corps of Cadets Hazing: A Unique Texas Challenge
The Corps has faced multiple hazing allegations, including a 2023 lawsuit alleging cadets were bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in their mouth. These military-style traditions sometimes blur lines between discipline and abuse.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner poured on them during hazing, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million, and the chapter was suspended—showing how physical hazing extends beyond alcohol.

For Town of Carl’s Corner Families Considering Texas A&M:

Distance: Approximately 130 miles from Town of Carl’s Corner to College Station
Dual risk environments: Greek life AND Corps traditions
University discipline handled through Student Conduct office and Corps regulations
Civil cases may involve Brazos County courts

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

UT’s Public Hazing Log: What It Reveals
Unlike many schools, UT maintains a public hazing violations page showing patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Multiple organizations: Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, punishment-based practices
Pattern evident: Same organizations appear repeatedly with similar violations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)
An Australian exchange student allegedly suffered a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose at an SAE party. The student sued for over $1 million, and the chapter was already under suspension for prior violations—showing how dangerous patterns persist.

Town of Carl’s Corner Connection to UT:

Many Hill County students attend UT Austin (approximately 100 miles away)
Travis County courts typically handle civil litigation
UTPD and Austin PD share jurisdiction
UT’s transparency provides valuable evidence for civil cases

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability Challenges

Baseball Hazing (2020)
Fourteen Baylor baseball players were suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the early season. This athletic program hazing occurred despite Baylor’s religious branding and prior Title IX scandals.

Greek Life at Baptist-Affiliated Schools
Baylor’s official Christian identity doesn’t eliminate hazing risk—it sometimes just drives it further underground. Parents should be particularly vigilant about:

Off-campus “unofficial” events avoiding university oversight
Psychological manipulation framed as “character building”
Secrecy justified as protecting the university’s religious reputation

For Waco-Area Families in Town of Carl’s Corner:

Baylor is approximately 40 miles from Town of Carl’s Corner
McLennan County courts handle local litigation
Baylor’s history with institutional scandal affects how it handles hazing allegations

Southern Methodist University: Private School Complexities

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended with recruiting restrictions until around 2021—a pattern familiar from national KA histories.

Private vs. Public University Differences
SMU’s private status affects:

Less public transparency about disciplinary actions
Different insurance structures and liability considerations
Potential for confidential settlements to protect institutional reputation

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Greek Density
According to our data engine, the DFW metro contains 510 Greek-related organizations—the highest concentration in Texas. This density can normalize risky behaviors through peer pressure and competition.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What’s Really Behind the Letters

Public Records Reveal the Infrastructure

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed data on Texas Greek organizations. For Town of Carl’s Corner families, understanding this infrastructure matters because these entities often hold insurance, own property, and bear legal responsibility.

IRS B83 Registered Organizations in Texas: 125 Entities
These tax-exempt organizations include house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies—all potentially liable in hazing cases. Examples from public records include:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 (EPSILON KAPPA CHAPTER)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN 273662583 – Lufkin, TX 75904
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710 (XI CHI)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147

Metro-Level Concentration: Where Risk Clusters

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 total organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 total organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 total organizations
Waco Metro: 27 total organizations

National Brands with Texas Presence: Pattern Recognition
Organizations with national hazing histories also operate throughout Texas:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Stone Foltz case): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple deaths/injuries): Chapters at all major Texas schools
Pi Kappa Phi (Andrew Coffey death): Including the UH chapter in our current case
Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver death): Texas chapters subject to same national policies

Why National Histories Matter for Your Texas Case

When a Texas chapter repeats behaviors that killed or injured students elsewhere, that demonstrates:

Foreseeability: The national knew the risks
Pattern evidence: This wasn’t an isolated “rogue chapter”
Negligent supervision: Nationals failed to enforce their own policies
Punitive damage potential: Repeated disregard for safety

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

Digital Evidence: The 21st Century Paper Trail

Group Chats: The Modern Smoking Gun
Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Discord often contain:

Planning discussions for hazing events
Photos/videos of injuries and humiliation
Threats about consequences for not participating
Instructions to delete evidence after incidents

How to Preserve Digital Evidence:

Screenshot immediately—don’t wait
Capture full threads with timestamps and sender names
Back up to cloud storage or email to yourself
Do NOT delete anything, even if embarrassing
Consider professional forensics for recovery of deleted messages

Medical Documentation: Proving the Harm

Immediate Medical Attention Is Critical
Even if injuries seem minor, medical records:

Create official documentation of harm
Establish causation between hazing and injuries
Provide forensic evidence (toxicology reports, imaging)
Support future care cost projections

Specialized Testing for Hazing Injuries

Rhabdomyolysis screening: CK enzyme levels (critically high in Bermudez case)
Toxicology reports: Blood alcohol content, drug panels
Psychological evaluation: PTSD, depression, anxiety assessments
Specialist consultations: Nephrology for kidney damage, orthopedics for injuries

Institutional Records: Uncovering Patterns

University Files Available Through Discovery

Prior conduct violations for same organization
Incident reports to campus police
Internal emails about the organization
Risk management assessments

National Organization Records

Prior incident reports from other chapters
Training materials and policy manuals
Insurance documentation
Communications between nationals and local chapter

The Damages Framework: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Future earning capacity reduction (for permanent disabilities)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts)

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to relationships and social functioning

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Insurance Coverage Complexities: Why Experience Matters

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry various insurance policies that may cover hazing claims. However, insurers often argue:

“Intentional acts” exclusions apply
Policy limits are insufficient
Certain defendants aren’t covered

Our insider knowledge from Mr. Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney helps us:

Navigate coverage disputes effectively
Identify all potential insurance sources
Negotiate from understanding of insurer tactics
Pursue bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Practical Guidance for Town of Carl’s Corner Families

For Parents: Recognizing Warning Signs

Physical Red Flags

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Significant weight changes
Sleep deprivation patterns (constantly exhausted)
Visible signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use

Behavioral & Emotional Changes

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
Personality shifts: increased anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the organization
Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic & Financial Warning Signs

Grades dropping unexpectedly
Missing classes or assignments for “mandatory” events
Unexplained large expenses (alcohol, gifts, “fines”)
Constant phone use monitoring group chats
Geo-location tracking apps newly installed

For Students: Your Rights and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

How to Exit Safely

Immediate danger: Call 911 first
Tell someone outside the org: Parent, RA, trusted friend
Formal resignation: Email/text chapter leadership “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”: That’s often for pressure/retaliation
Document threats: Screenshot any retaliation attempts

Texas Legal Protections for Students

Good-faith reporter immunity for calling 911 in emergencies
Consent is NOT a defense in hazing cases
You can request no-contact orders through the university
Civil lawsuits can proceed even without criminal charges

For Former Members/Witnesses: Cooperation and Accountability

If you participated in hazing and now regret it:

Your testimony can prevent future harm
Cooperation may provide legal protections
You can help families find closure
Legal counsel can navigate your unique position

CRITICAL MISTAKES THAT CAN DESTROY YOUR CASE

1. Deleting Evidence
What happens: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like obstruction of justice; destroys your case
Better approach: Preserve everything—even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What happens: Parents want to “give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Better approach: Document quietly, then call a lawyer

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: Pressure to “resolve this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Often waives legal rights for minimal compensation
Better approach: “I need my attorney to review this first”

4. Social Media Posts
What happens: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; hurts credibility
Better approach: Private documentation only; let your lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigation
What happens: “Let’s see how the school handles it”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears; statute of limitations runs
Better approach: Consult lawyer immediately while preserving evidence

Frequently Asked Questions for Texas Families

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

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

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion 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 exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability through sealed records and confidential settlements when possible.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Major cases like Pi Delta Psi’s retreat hazing occurred off-campus and still resulted in organizational convictions.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Texas Roots, Your Local Advantage

While we’re based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas—including Town of Carl’s Corner and all of Hill County. Our understanding of Texas law, Texas universities, and Texas family values informs every case we handle.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
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
Structure settlement offers

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

BP Texas City explosion litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal court experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA membership: Elite criminal defense credential for dual-track cases
25+ years practice: Since 1998, with own firm since 2001

Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force institutional accountability—not just quick settlements.

Investigative Depth
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. We know how to:

Obtain deleted digital evidence through forensics
Subpoena national organization records showing prior incidents
Uncover university files through discovery
Work with medical experts on hazing-specific injuries like rhabdomyolysis

Bilingual Services for Texas Families
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving Texas’s diverse population. Hablamos Español and understand the cultural considerations facing Hispanic families in hazing situations.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

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

Compassionate support through traumatic situations
Thorough investigation leaving no stone unturned
Strategic litigation against well-funded opponents
Privacy protection for your family’s dignity
Accountability focus to prevent future harm

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

What to Expect When You Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Immediate Response
We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason. When you call:

You’ll speak directly with our team, not a call center
We’ll listen to your story without judgment
We’ll provide immediate guidance on evidence preservation
We’ll explain your legal options clearly

Free, No-Obligation Consultation
During your consultation, we’ll:

Listen carefully to what happened
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain Texas hazing law in plain English
Outline potential legal strategies
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer all your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide what’s right for your family

Ongoing Communication Commitment
We believe families deserve regular updates. We commit to:

Checking in every 2-3 weeks with case progress
Prompt responses to your questions
Clear explanations of legal developments
Your involvement in major decisions

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Immediate Help:

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

Spanish Language Services:

Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com
Hablamos Español—consultation available in Spanish

Serving All of Texas from Our Three Offices

Houston Office (Primary)
Serving Harris County and Southeast Texas

Austin Office
Serving Travis County and Central Texas

Beaumont Office
Serving Jefferson County and East Texas

Plus: We represent families throughout Texas, including Town of Carl’s Corner, Hill County, and every community where hazing has caused harm.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations explained: 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 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