The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Families in Sundown, Texas

If Your Student Was Hazed at Texas Tech or Any Texas University, You Are Not Alone

For parents in Sundown, Lubbock County, and across the South Plains, sending your child to college represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a bright future. You’ve worked hard to support their dreams of attending Texas Tech University in nearby Lubbock, West Texas A&M in Canyon, or perhaps a university farther from home like the University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M. The last thing you expect is that they might be subjected to dangerous, degrading abuse in the name of “tradition” or “belonging.”

Right now, in our own state, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country—the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. This case, which we filed in late 2025, involves a pledge who developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme physical hazing, forced consumption of food until vomiting, and abuse that included being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” His urine turned brown, he required four days of hospitalization, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter has been shut down, but the fight for accountability continues.

This is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern that affects families across Texas, including right here in our West Texas community. If your child has been injured, humiliated, or abused in connection with a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, athletic team, or campus organization, this guide will help you understand what happened, what the law says, and what your family’s legal options are.

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 your child insists they’re “fine.” Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: screenshot group chats and texts, photograph injuries from multiple angles, save physical items like clothing or receipts. Write down everything while memory is fresh. Do NOT confront the organization, sign anything from the university or insurance company, or post details on public social media.
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 Sundown families think of hazing as harmless pranks or “boys will be boys” behavior. The reality in 2025 is far more dangerous, sophisticated, and psychologically damaging. Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—whether on or off campus—that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization.

Modern Hazing Takes Many Forms

Alcohol and Substance Hazing:
Forced or coerced drinking remains the most common—and deadliest—form of hazing. This includes “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean forced consumption, and lineups where everyone must chug repeatedly. In our Leonel Bermudez case against University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi, pledges were forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to do sprints.

Physical Hazing:
This includes paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups or squats), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme conditions. In the UH case, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion, leading to his medical crisis.

Psychological and Digital Hazing:
Modern hazing uses technology to create 24/7 control and humiliation. Pledges are required to carry “pledge fanny packs” with humiliating items (as in the UH case), respond instantly to group chat messages at all hours, share their location via tracking apps, and post embarrassing content on social media. The psychological toll—shame, anxiety, fear of retaliation, and trauma—can be as devastating as physical injuries.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing:
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. These aren’t just “pranks”—they’re criminal acts that create lasting trauma.

Where Hazing Happens

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs in many campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit and tradition groups (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

For Sundown families whose children attend Texas Tech, this means vigilance is needed not just for Greek life but for any organization where power imbalances and tradition might override safety.

Texas Hazing Law: What Sundown Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F) that apply to all students at Texas universities, whether the hazing occurs on campus, at an off-campus house, or even during a retreat in another state.

Key Provisions of Texas Hazing Law

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health and occurs for purposes of initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization.

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (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

Consent Is Not a Defense (Section 37.155):
This is crucial for Sundown families to understand. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges. Courts recognize that power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion mean true voluntary consent often doesn’t exist in hazing situations.

Reporter Protections (Section 37.154):
A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. Many Texas universities also have medical amnesty policies protecting those who call for help in emergencies, even if underage drinking was involved.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:
Brought by the state (local district attorney or county attorney). Aim is punishment—fines, jail time, probation. Common charges include hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, and in fatal cases, manslaughter or negligent homicide.

Civil Cases:
Brought by victims or surviving families. Aim is compensation for damages and accountability. These cases focus on negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, and emotional distress.

Both can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to bring a civil case, and many families pursue both to ensure full accountability.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention efforts, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026).

Title IX and Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations are triggered. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragic cases that make national news aren’t just stories from far away—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly affect what happens in Texas courtrooms. Here are the patterns we see repeatedly:

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. Died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions. $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game. Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Multiple members charged; one convicted of negligent homicide. Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing statute.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” Multiple prosecutions. FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life.

What This Means for Sundown Families:
The same fraternities involved in these national tragedies—Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi—have chapters at Texas universities. The patterns are identical: organized drinking events, peer pressure, delayed medical care, and tragic outcomes.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Pledge subjected to violent “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat—blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled. Died from traumatic brain injury. National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

What This Means for Sundown Families:
Off-campus retreats and “unofficial” events are often where the most dangerous hazing occurs, as organizations try to avoid university oversight. Location doesn’t eliminate liability.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over years. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Shows hazing extends far beyond Greek life.

Catastrophic Injury Pattern

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
Pledge forced to drink excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal.” Suffered severe, permanent brain damage—cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care. Family settled with 22 defendants, reportedly for multi-millions.

What This Means for Sundown Families:
Non-fatal hazing can still cause life-altering injuries with enormous medical costs and care needs. These cases require attorneys who can work with life care planners and economists to properly value lifetime needs.

Texas University Focus: Where Sundown Families Send Their Kids

Texas Tech University: Your Community’s University

For Sundown families, Texas Tech University in Lubbock is often the most accessible and common choice. Just an hour’s drive from Sundown, Texas Tech serves as the educational and cultural hub for the South Plains region.

Campus Culture:
Texas Tech has active Greek life with approximately 40 fraternities and sororities, plus numerous other student organizations. The university’s size (over 40,000 students) means oversight challenges, and hazing incidents can sometimes fly under the radar until serious injuries occur.

Hazing Policy and Reporting:
Texas Tech prohibits hazing in its Student Code of Conduct and provides multiple reporting channels through the Office of Student Conduct, the Dean of Students, and the Texas Tech Police Department. The university is required by Texas law to maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations.

Recent Context:
While specific recent public cases at Texas Tech may be limited, the patterns seen at other Texas universities absolutely apply here. The same national fraternities with histories of hazing deaths operate at Texas Tech. The university’s Office of Student Conduct handles disciplinary matters, but families often find that internal processes prioritize institutional protection over victim justice.

What Sundown Families Should Know:

Texas Tech cases may involve Texas Tech Police Department and/or Lubbock Police Department depending on location
Civil suits would typically be filed in Lubbock County courts
The university’s relationship with the local community means there can be pressure to handle matters “quietly”
We have represented West Texas families in hazing cases and understand the unique dynamics of Lubbock County courts and community relationships

West Texas A&M University in Canyon

For some Sundown families, West Texas A&M in Canyon offers another regional option, though farther from home.

Notable Incident Context:
West Texas A&M has had Greek life hazing incidents, and the Panhandle region has seen cases involving athletic teams and other organizations. The smaller campus size doesn’t eliminate hazing risk—sometimes it just means better secrecy.

Other Major Texas Universities

While Texas Tech may be the primary university for Sundown students, many attend other institutions across the state:

University of Texas at Austin:
Maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. Entries show repeated patterns: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; other groups sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, or punishment-based practices.

Texas A&M University:
Has faced serious hazing cases including a Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit where pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The Corps of Cadets has faced lawsuits alleging degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts.

University of Houston:
Our active Leonel Bermudez case involves Pi Kappa Phi and shows how hazing can cause life-threatening medical conditions. UH has suspended multiple chapters for hazing violations over the years.

Baylor University and Southern Methodist University:
Both private institutions with active Greek life and hazing histories. Baylor faced baseball team hazing suspensions in 2020; SMU has suspended chapters including Kappa Alpha Order for paddling and forced drinking.

For Sundown Families:
Wherever your child attends school in Texas, the legal principles are the same. We serve families across Texas, and our experience with multiple university systems means we understand how different institutions operate and how to navigate their particular bureaucracies.

The Greek Ecosystem Around Sundown: Understanding the Organizations

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS records, university data, and organizational filings—we maintain detailed knowledge of the Greek organizations operating across Texas. This isn’t abstract information; it’s critical for building cases and holding the right entities accountable.

Texas Fraternity and Sorority Landscape

Statewide Snapshot:
There are 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas. For Sundown families, the most relevant metros include:

Lubbock Metro: 59 Greek organizations (serving Texas Tech and surrounding areas)
Amarillo Metro: 18 Greek organizations (serving West Texas A&M and surrounding areas)
Dallas-Fort Worth Metro: 510 Greek organizations
Houston Metro: 188 Greek organizations
Austin Metro: 154 Greek organizations

Public Records: Texas Greek Organizations Relevant to Sundown Families

When we investigate hazing cases, we don’t start from zero. We already know the legal entities, EINs, and organizational structures behind the Greek letters. Here are examples of Texas-registered Greek organizations—these aren’t accusations, but public records showing the infrastructure behind campus Greek life:

IRS B83 Registered Texas Greek Organizations (Sample):

Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN 273662583 – Lufkin, TX 75904
Frank Heflin Foundation – EIN 203507402 – Canyon, TX 79015 (Phi Delta Theta alumni fund)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 263170920 – Denton, TX 76204 (Texas Woman’s University chapter)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta chapter)

Lubbock Metro Area Organizations (from Cause IQ Data):

Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing – Lubbock, TX
Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi) – Lubbock, TX
Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter – Lubbock, TX
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Lubbock – Lubbock, TX

What This Means for Sundown Families:
These organizations aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities with tax status, insurance policies, and organizational hierarchies. When hazing occurs, we know how to identify every potentially liable entity: the local chapter, the housing corporation, the alumni association, the national headquarters, and related foundations.

National Organizations with Hazing Histories at Texas Schools

The same national organizations involved in deadly hazing incidents nationwide have chapters at Texas universities:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):
Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement). Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other Texas schools.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):
Multiple hazing deaths nationwide. Recent lawsuits at Texas A&M (chemical burns case) and UT Austin (assault case). Chapters across Texas.

Pi Kappa Phi:
Andrew Coffey death at Florida State. Our active case at University of Houston (Leonel Bermudez). Chapters at multiple Texas schools.

Phi Delta Theta:
Max Gruver death at LSU (Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act). Chapters across Texas.

Kappa Alpha Order:
Hazing suspensions including at SMU. Chapters at Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and other schools.

Why National Histories Matter:
When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous behaviors that caused deaths or injuries at other chapters, that shows foreseeability. National organizations can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen” when they’ve paid millions in settlements for identical conduct elsewhere. This pattern evidence is crucial for establishing negligence and seeking punitive damages.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
Deleted messages: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” content
Location data: GPS from phones, Find My Friends tracking

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chats showed planning of hazing events, discussions about punishments, and coordination among members. This digital trail is often the difference between a strong case and one that can’t be proven.

Photographic and Video Evidence:

Injuries documented immediately and over time
Event locations (houses, parks, retreat centers)
Objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)
Security camera or doorbell footage

Medical Documentation:

ER records showing treatment for injuries or intoxication
Lab results (toxicology, kidney function tests like those showing Bermudez’s critically high creatine kinase levels)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Ongoing treatment records

Organizational Records:

Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents
Chapter meeting minutes
National fraternity policies and training materials
Prior incident reports and disciplinary records

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges or new members
Former members who left due to hazing
Roommates, friends, bystanders
Medical providers and first responders

Damages: What Can Be Recovered in a Hazing Case

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy
Lost income: Time off work for victim or parents providing care
Educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Future care needs: For catastrophic injuries, life care plans costing millions

Non-Economic Damages:

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

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages:

Available in Texas for especially reckless or malicious conduct
Meant to punish defendants and deter future hazing
Often awarded when organizations had prior warnings and ignored them

Common Defense Strategies and How We Counter Them

Defense: “The Victim Consented”

Our Response: Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing (Education Code § 37.155). We show the power imbalance, peer pressure, and coercion that make true consent impossible.

Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter, National Didn’t Know”

Our Response: We subpoena national records showing prior incidents at other chapters. We demonstrate patterns—the same dangerous “traditions” repeating across campuses. We show nationals received dues, sent advisors, and maintained control.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus, Not Our Responsibility”

Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty. Universities and nationals still have obligations based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, unofficial houses) occurred off-campus and still resulted in liability.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: We show the gap between paper policies and actual enforcement. We demonstrate prior incidents were met with minimal punishment (warnings, brief probation) that failed to deter future conduct.

Defense: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

Our Response: We argue negligent supervision claims may still be covered. We identify all potential policies—chapter, national, university, individual members’ homeowners. We’re prepared for bad faith claims if insurers wrongfully deny coverage.

Practical Guide for Sundown Parents and Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM “meetings”)
Injuries to hands, back, or legs from paddling or exercise
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring

Academic Red Flags:

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

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate Steps:

Ensure safety: If your child is in danger, call 911
Get medical attention: Even if they resist, prioritize health
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
Document everything: Write down what happened, who was involved, when/where
Contact an attorney: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before taking other actions

Reporting Options:

Campus authorities: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct
Campus police: Texas Tech Police, university public safety
Local police: Lubbock PD, county sheriff if off-campus
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
Texas Department of Public Safety: For serious criminal matters

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Letting your child delete messages (looks like cover-up, destroys evidence)
Confronting the organization directly (they’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence)
Signing university “resolution” forms (may waive your right to sue)
Posting details on social media (hurts credibility, helps defense)
Waiting to see how university handles it (evidence disappears, statutes run)

Questions to Ask Your Child (Non-Confrontationally)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

For Students: Is This Hazing?

Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about this?

If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing. Your safety matters more than any organization.

About Attorney911: Why Sundown Families Choose Us 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 powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), we bring unique qualifications to hazing litigation.

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Our associate attorney 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 undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Managing partner Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants. We’ve handled federal court cases in the Southern District of Texas and taken on massive corporations with unlimited legal budgets. National fraternities and universities don’t intimidate us—we know how to fight powerful institutions.

Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results:
We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists to value lifetime care needs, life care planners for brain injury victims, and psychologists to document emotional trauma. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise on criminal exposure while pursuing civil claims, navigate dual-track proceedings, and protect witnesses who may have their own legal concerns.

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery:
While based in Houston, we serve families across Texas, including Sundown and throughout West Texas. We understand the dynamics of different university systems, the variations in county courts, and how to build cases that resonate with Texas juries.

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can provide full consultation and representation in Spanish for Hispanic families.

Our Investigative Approach to Hazing Cases

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain detailed databases of Greek organizations across Texas—EINs, legal entities, organizational structures. We don’t start from scratch; we already know the landscape.

Digital Forensics Capability:
We work with experts who can recover deleted messages, analyze social media evidence, and trace digital trails that organizations think they’ve erased.

Expert Network:
Medical specialists, psychologists, economists, life care planners, Greek life culture experts—we assemble the right team for each case.

Thorough Discovery:
We subpoena university records, national fraternity files, insurance policies, and prior incident reports. We leave no stone unturned.

What Sets Us Apart

We Listen First:
Your family’s story matters. We take time to understand what happened, how it’s affected you, and what outcomes matter most to you.

We Educate and Empower:
We explain your options clearly, help you understand the process, and keep you informed at every step. You’re part of the team, not just a case number.

We Fight for Accountability, Not Just Settlements:
While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That readiness forces better settlements and ensures we can take cases to verdict when necessary.

We Understand the Stakes:
Hazing cases aren’t just about money—they’re about preventing future harm, honoring victims, and changing cultures that prioritize tradition over safety.

Your Next Steps: Contact Attorney911 for a Free Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The window for preserving evidence is short, and universities and organizations move quickly to control narratives.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Listen: Tell us what happened in confidence, without judgment
We Review Evidence: Bring any screenshots, photos, medical records, or documents
We Explain Options: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We Discuss Realistic Expectations: Timelines, potential challenges, possible outcomes
We Answer Your Questions: Costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win), privacy concerns, what to expect
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Us Today

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 (Ralph Manginello) or lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

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

Serving Sundown and All of Texas

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. Distance doesn’t prevent us from providing vigorous representation. We’ve helped West Texas families in Lubbock County, the Panhandle, and across the state.

Whether your child attends Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, or any Texas university, if hazing has caused harm, we can help. The traditions of our Texas universities should build character, not break bodies and spirits.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, accountability, and justice.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) Report:
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/

ABC13 Eyewitness News Coverage:
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline Summary:
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

How Contingency Fees Work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website

https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on 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