The Complete Texas Hazing Legal Guide for Cumby Families: Protecting Your Student at University of Houston, Texas A&M, and Beyond

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You Need Answers, Accountability, and Action

For parents in Cumby, Hopkins County, the nightmare often begins with a phone call. Your child, who left for the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another Texas campus full of promise, is now in a hospital bed. Their “pledge activities” have led to kidney failure. Their “team bonding” resulted in chemical burns. Their “tradition” has become your family’s trauma. Right now, in Harris County, we’re leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter on behalf of pledge Leonel Bermudez, who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing. This isn’t a distant news story; this is happening at Texas universities where Cumby families send their children. If you’re facing this reality in Cumby, this comprehensive guide explains what hazing looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how experienced Texas hazing attorneys can help your family find accountability and prevent this from happening to another student from our community.

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

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing in 2025 is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. For Cumby families, the critical understanding is that “they agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. The case we’re handling at the University of Houston demonstrates exactly this: Leonel Bermudez “participated” in activities but was operating under explicit and implicit threats of expulsion from the Pi Kappa Phi chapter if he refused.

Main Categories of Hazing That Affect Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and deadly form. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, or drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean consumption. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to run sprints.

Physical Hazing: Beyond paddling and beatings, this includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts.” The UH case involved 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These “conditioning” activities can cause rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown that leads to kidney failure, exactly what hospitalized Bermudez for four days.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” requirement in the UH case—forcing pledges to carry condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items 24/7—falls squarely in this category.

Psychological and Digital Hazing: Modern hazing includes 24/7 group chat monitoring, sleep deprivation via constant phone notifications, public shaming on social media, and forced participation in TikTok “challenges.” The power imbalance is maintained digitally even when members aren’t physically together.

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

Cumby parents should understand that hazing extends beyond fraternity houses:

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

The common thread across all these groups is the toxic combination of social status, tradition, and secrecy that keeps dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Cumby Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Cumby students at Texas universities—hazing is specifically defined in the Education Code. Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Critical Texas Provisions for Cumby Families:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death—exactly the situation in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case where Bermudez suffered acute kidney failure.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” does not matter. This directly counters the common defense of “they wanted to do it.”
• Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face loss of university recognition.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Students who report hazing or call for medical help in emergencies are protected from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (district attorney). Aim is punishment (jail, fines, probation). Typical hazing-related charges include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and in fatal cases, manslaughter. The Harris County District Attorney could pursue such charges in the UH case.

Civil Cases: Brought by victims or surviving families. Aim is monetary compensation and accountability. Focus includes negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, and emotional distress. These are the cases we handle at Attorney911, like the Bermudez lawsuit currently proceeding in Harris County courts.

Important: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families pursue civil cases even when prosecutors decline to file criminal charges, as civil cases have a lower burden of proof.

Federal Laws That Protect Texas Students

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently and maintain public hazing data by 2026. This will increase accountability at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and other Texas schools.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate and take appropriate action.

Clery Act: Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crimes that must be reported.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Cumby Families

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadliest Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume nearly a bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event and died from alcohol poisoning. His family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case shows that national fraternities face massive liability when their chapters repeat dangerous drinking traditions.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): The 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injuries after extreme drinking at a bid acceptance night. Security camera footage showed brothers delaying medical help for hours. This case led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law and demonstrated how cover-up attempts increase liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): The pledge died during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495%. This case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): The pledge was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. He died from traumatic brain injury. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This shows off-campus locations don’t eliminate liability.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): The 18-year-old pledge was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night and suffered severe, permanent brain damage. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants for multi-million-dollar amounts. This demonstrates that non-fatal injuries can still be catastrophic.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to the head coach’s firing and confidential settlements. This proves hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Cumby Families

These national cases establish legal precedents that benefit Texas families. They show:

• Juries award multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for hazing deaths and severe injuries
• National fraternities can be held liable even when they claim “rogue chapter” defenses
• Universities face significant liability when they fail to prevent known hazing patterns
• Cover-up attempts dramatically increase damages and potential punitive awards

Texas Universities: Detailed Guide for Cumby Families

Where Cumby Students Attend College

Cumby families in Hopkins County typically send students to several categories of Texas universities:

Local and Regional Campuses (within easy driving distance):

• Texas A&M University-Commerce (46 miles from Cumby in Hunt County)
• The University of Texas at Tyler (78 miles in Smith County)
• Texas Tech University (282 miles but popular for West Texas families)

Major Statewide Hubs (where many Cumby students attend):

• University of Houston (223 miles – Harris County)
• Texas A&M University (College Station, 211 miles – Brazos County)
• University of Texas at Austin (204 miles – Travis County)
• Baylor University (Waco, 134 miles – McLennan County)
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas, 82 miles – Dallas County)

Community Colleges and Technical Schools:

• Paris Junior College (53 miles – Lamar County)
• Northeast Texas Community College (Mount Pleasant, 56 miles – Titus County)

University of Houston: Current Crisis and Historical Pattern

For Cumby Families: UH is 223 miles from Cumby but attracts students from across Texas for its urban campus and strong professional programs. The current Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates exactly what can go wrong.

The Leonel Bermudez Case – What Cumby Families Need to Know:

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez, UH transfer student, fall 2025 pledge
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH
• Hazing Locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
• Specific Hazing Acts: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, 100+ push-ups/500 squats workouts, forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” another pledge hog-tied face-down for over an hour
• Medical Outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization, ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage
• Legal Response: $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County, chapter suspended then closed, UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Our Role: Attorney911 represents Bermudez in this active litigation

UH’s Hazing History Relevant to Cumby Families:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed during multi-day hazing; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
• Public Reporting: UH maintains some hazing violation records but less transparent than UT Austin
• Greek Life Scope: Approximately 40 fraternities and sororities across multiple councils

What Cumby Families Should Know About UH Cases:

• Jurisdiction typically falls to Harris County courts and potentially federal court in Southern District of Texas
• UHPD and Houston Police Department may both have investigative roles for on/off-campus incidents
• The university tends to suspend chapters during investigations but often allows reinstatement
• Prior violations at UH can establish pattern evidence crucial for civil cases

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Cumby Families: At 211 miles from Cumby, Texas A&M attracts many Northeast Texas students, particularly those interested in agriculture, engineering, and military programs.

Recent Cases Affecting Cumby Students:
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years, and pledges sued for $1 million.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. Sought over $1 million in damages.

A&M’s Unique Hazing Landscape:

• Corps of Cadets: Military-style environment with reported discipline issues
• Greek Life: Approximately 60 fraternities and sororities
• Transparency: Less public reporting than UT but internal disciplinary systems
• Geographic Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts for local incidents

What Cumby A&M Parents Should Do:

• Document any Corps or Greek life hazing immediately
• Report to both Texas A&M Student Conduct Office and local law enforcement if crimes occurred
• Understand that A&M often handles cases “internally” first—don’t let this delay legal consultation
• Prior incidents at A&M can be discovered through litigation even if not publicly posted

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Tradition

For Cumby Families: UT Austin (204 miles from Cumby) represents the flagship Texas university with both exceptional academic opportunities and significant Greek life hazing risks.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page – Critical Resource:
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
• Texas Wranglers: Multiple violations for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
• Other spirit organizations: Sanctions for punishment-based practices

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Incident (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million.

What Makes UT Cases Different:

• Travis County jurisdiction with Austin PD and UTPD involvement
• Public records advantage: Prior violations are publicly posted, establishing clear pattern evidence
• High-profile nature: Media scrutiny can affect case strategy and settlement dynamics
• Expert resources: Access to medical and psychological experts in major metro area

Southern Methodist University: Private School Dynamics

For Cumby Families: SMU in Dallas (82 miles from Cumby) represents the closest major university with significant Greek life. Its private school status creates different legal dynamics.

Recent SMU Hazing History:
Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended with recruiting restrictions until 2021.

SMU’s Greek Life Profile:

• Approximately 25 fraternities and sororities
• Affluent student population with significant social pressure
• Private university status means less public reporting than public schools
• Dallas County jurisdiction with Dallas PD and SMU PD involvement

Challenges for Cumby Families at SMU:

• Less transparency in disciplinary records
• Potential for greater institutional resistance to accountability
• Need for aggressive discovery to obtain internal documents
• Dallas legal venue with experienced defense firms

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Athletic Culture

For Cumby Families: Baylor in Waco (134 miles from Cumby) combines religious identity with major athletic programs, creating unique hazing dynamics.

Recent Baylor Incidents:
Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; suspensions staggered over the early season.

Baylor’s Unique Context:

• Religious identity affects institutional response and public perception
• Prior Title IX scandals have increased scrutiny of institutional conduct
• Greek Life: Approximately 30 fraternities and sororities
• McLennan County jurisdiction with Waco PD and Baylor PD involvement

Considerations for Baylor Families:

• University may emphasize “internal reconciliation” over legal accountability
• Religious context can affect witness cooperation and testimony
• Need to navigate both Baylor’s processes and legal system simultaneously

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Public Records Directory for Cumby Families

Why This Directory Matters for Cumby Parents

If your child was hazed at a Texas university, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your student. Attorney911 maintains a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from IRS public filings, university records, and metro organizational data. This directory shows we already know the names, EINs, and mailing addresses of organizations that may hold insurance and responsibility—you don’t start from zero.

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Greek Entities (Closest Major Metro to Cumby)

Cumby is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, which contains 510 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. Examples that may connect to Cumby students include:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity

• EIN: 742911848
• Address: 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
• Data Source: IRS B83 filing and Cause IQ metro listing

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc

• EIN: 741380362
• Address: PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
• Data Source: IRS B83 filing

Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Theta Chapter

• Address: Sherman, TX (serving Grayson County near Cumby)
• Data Source: Cause IQ Sherman-Denison metro listing

Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter

• Address: Denton, TX (Texas Woman’s University chapter)
• Data Source: Cause IQ DFW metro listing

University of Houston Area Entities (Relevant to Current Case)

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro contains 188 Greek-related organizations. Entities connected to the current UH Pi Kappa Phi case include:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc

• EIN: 462267515
• Address: 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629
• Data Source: IRS B83 filing – this is the housing corporation for the chapter currently sued

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Texas District

• Address: Houston, TX (alumni/house corporation)
• Data Source: Cause IQ Houston metro listing

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter

• Address: Houston, TX (undergrad chapter at Texas Southern University)
• Data Source: Cause IQ Houston metro listing

Cross-Validated Brands Operating Across Texas

These organizations appear in both IRS data and Cause IQ metro data, showing how national brands operate through multiple entities:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

• IRS EINs: 364091267 (Waco), 752609909 (Commerce)
• Metro Chapters: Houston, Beaumont, multiple locations
• Significance: Same national organization with chapters across Texas metros

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

• IRS EINs: 263170920 (Denton), 352335400 (Tyler), 383742830 (El Paso), 463831593 (Austin), 820644459 (Lubbock), 900293166 (College Station), 900293167 (Victoria)
• Metro Chapters: Beaumont, Abilene, multiple campuses
• Significance: Academic honor society with chapters at most Texas universities

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

• IRS EINs: 237279532 (Prairie View), 521278573 (Dallas)
• Metro Chapters: Beaumont, San Antonio, Fort Worth
• Significance: National NPHC fraternity with graduate and undergraduate chapters statewide

What This Means for Your Cumby Family’s Case

When we take a hazing case, we don’t just sue the individuals involved. We investigate and identify every potentially liable entity:

• Local chapter and its officers
• Chapter housing corporation (like the Frisco-based Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation)
• Alumni associations and support organizations
• National headquarters and their insurance carriers
• University and its board of regents

This comprehensive approach ensures we pursue all available insurance coverage and accountability, not just the most obvious targets.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Critical Evidence Collection for Cumby Families

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category):

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps—screenshot entire threads with timestamps and sender names visible
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook—preserve before deletion
• Text Messages: Save entire conversations, not just incriminating lines
• Email: Official chapter communications, calendar invites, instructions from officers

Medical Documentation:

• Immediate Care: ER reports, ambulance records, hospital admission notes
• Diagnostic Results: Lab tests (like Bermudez’s critically high creatine kinase levels), imaging
• Specialist Care: Follow-up with nephrologists for kidney damage, psychologists for PTSD
• Mental Health: Therapy records documenting anxiety, depression, trauma

Physical Evidence:

• Injuries: Photograph immediately and over several days to show progression
• Locations: Pictures of houses, rooms, venues where hazing occurred
• Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, “pledge fanny packs”
• Clothing: Don’t wash—preserve stains, tears, damage

Institutional Records:

• University Files: Prior conduct violations, probation letters, incident reports
• National Fraternity Records: Risk management files, prior incident reports, training materials
• Police Reports: Campus PD and local law enforcement incident reports

Damages: What Cumby Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical Expenses: Past and future—ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications
• Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Missed work, delayed graduation, reduced lifetime earnings if permanent disability
• Educational Costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and medical procedures
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral/Burial Costs
• Loss of Financial Support: Deceased’s expected lifetime contributions
• Loss of Companionship: Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• When Awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts
• Texas Caps: Generally capped but exceptions for intentional conduct

Legal Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

Defense: “The Pledge Consented”

• Our Response: Texas law §37.155 states consent is not a defense. Power imbalance and coercion invalidate “consent.”

Defense: “Rogue Chapter – National Didn’t Know”

• Our Response: We subpoena national records showing prior incidents, complaints, and pattern evidence. The same organizations repeat the same dangerous behaviors nationwide.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

• Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Nationals and universities still have duty based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

• Our Response: Paper policies without enforcement are meaningless. We show prior violations resulted in minimal punishment.

Defense: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

• Our Response: We argue negligent supervision (covered) vs. intentional acts (may be excluded). We identify all potential policies and fight coverage disputes.

Practical Guide for Cumby Parents and Students

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Cumby Student May Be Hazed:

• Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, injuries; extreme fatigue; weight changes; sleep deprivation
• Behavioral: Sudden secrecy about activities; withdrawal from family/friends; personality changes; defensiveness about the organization
• Academic: Grades dropping; missing classes; falling asleep in class
• Digital: Constant phone monitoring; anxiety about messages; deleting communications

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontational):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are they respectful of your time?”
2. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
3. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or you wish you didn’t have to do?”
4. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

48-Hour Action Checklist:

1. Medical & Safety: Get to ER if injured/intoxicated; remove from dangerous situation
2. Evidence Preservation: Screenshot all messages; photograph injuries; save physical items
3. Documentation: Write down everything your child tells you (dates, times, names)
4. Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24-48 hours
5. Strategic Decisions: With attorney guidance, decide on reporting to campus/local police

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or degrading?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

How to Exit Safely:

• Immediate Danger: Call 911 or campus police
• Want to Quit: Send email/text to chapter president: “I am resigning effective immediately”
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
• Document any threats or harassment for protective orders if needed

Evidence Collection While It’s Happening:

1. Screenshots: Capture full group chat threads with timestamps
2. Voice Memos: Texas is one-party consent—record conversations you’re part of
3. Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used
4. Medical: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s documented
5. Witnesses: Names and contact info for others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence: Looks like cover-up; makes case nearly impossible
2. Confronting the Fraternity Directly: They immediately lawyer up and destroy evidence
3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms: May waive your right to sue; settlements often lowball
4. Posting on Social Media Before Talking to Lawyer: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
5. Waiting “To See How University Handles It”: Evidence disappears; witnesses graduate; statute runs
6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Lawyer: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
7. Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”: Pressure, intimidation, or statements extracted that hurt case

Why Attorney911 for Cumby Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

When your Cumby family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (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) claims. He understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he says about the UH Pi Kappa Phi case: “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello’s Experience):
Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) prepares us for the complex litigation that hazing cases often become.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration. We understand how to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and conditions like the kidney damage in the UH case. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure and navigate the interplay between criminal and civil cases.

Investigative Depth with Texas-Specific Knowledge:
Our network includes medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists familiar with Texas universities and Greek life. We know how to obtain hidden evidence—like the group chats and chapter records in the UH case—and how to present it effectively in Texas courts.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Unlike other firms, we maintain a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations built from:

• IRS B83 Records: 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities with EINs and addresses
• University Rosters: Verified chapter lists for UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
• Metro Organizational Data: 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
• National Hazing Database: Pattern evidence from incidents nationwide

This means when we take your case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

• The legal names and EINs of organizations behind the Greek letters
• Prior incidents and disciplinary history at Texas campuses
• Insurance carriers and coverage likely available
• Which courts and jurisdictions handle these cases

How We Approach Cumby Families’ Cases

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-7 Days)

• Secure medical care and evidence preservation
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Initial reporting strategy (campus, police, Title IX)
• Interim communications with university/insurers

Phase 2: Investigation (1-3 Months)

• Digital forensics for deleted messages
• Subpoenas for university and national fraternity records
• Medical record collection and expert review
• Witness interviews and statements

Phase 3: Case Development (3-6 Months)

• Liability and damages analysis
• Settlement demand preparation
• Expert retention (medical, economic, Greek life)
• Litigation planning if settlement fails

Phase 4: Resolution (6-24 Months)

• Negotiation and mediation
• Trial preparation if needed
• Settlement or verdict
• Post-resolution support and advocacy

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation for Cumby Families

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We offer confidential, no-obligation consultations to Cumby families affected by hazing. Here’s what happens:

1. We Listen Without Judgment: You tell us what happened in your own words
2. Evidence Review: We examine any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Legal Options Explained: We outline criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Realistic Assessment: We discuss likely timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes
5. Cost Discussion: Contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win
6. No Pressure: Take time to decide; we won’t pressure you to hire us immediately

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

Office Locations Serving Cumby and All Texas:

• Houston: Harris County (Primary Office)
• Austin: Travis County
• Beaumont: Jefferson County

Email and Online:

• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
• Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Language Services:

• Hablamos Español – Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Servicios legales en español disponibles para familias hispanas

A Message to Cumby Families from Attorney911

Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus, hazing can turn the college dream into a family nightmare. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH shows how quickly “tradition” can become tragedy. But it also shows that accountability is possible.

We’re fighting that case right now. We’re taking on the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the housing corporation, and 13 individual members. We’re pursuing justice for a young man who suffered kidney failure because of what he endured as a pledge.

If hazing has affected your Cumby family, you don’t have to face this alone. You don’t have to accept university platitudes or fraternity excuses. You have rights under Texas law, and experienced Texas counsel can help you enforce them.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, your legal options, and how we can help your family find answers, accountability, and prevention so no other student suffers what your child endured.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency Fees Explained: 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