The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Accountability in Texas: A Resource for Falls City Families

Introduction: The Phone Call No Texas Parent Wants to Receive

It’s late on a Wednesday night, and your phone rings. Your son, a freshman at a Texas university, is calling from a hospital emergency room. His speech is slurred, he’s confused, and through the background noise, you hear medical staff discussing “acute kidney injury” and “possible rhabdo.” When you finally piece together what happened, you learn he was at a fraternity “workout” where pledges were forced to do hundreds of squats and push-ups, then made to consume excessive amounts of milk and food until vomiting. This wasn’t just roughhousing—this was a calculated, weeks-long campaign of humiliation and physical abuse that nearly killed him.

Right now, in Texas, this exact scenario is playing out in real time. Our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. According to media reports including Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring forced consumption rituals, extreme physical workouts, simulated waterboarding, and humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage to this young man continues.

If you’re a parent in Falls City, Karnes County, this case matters to your family. Your children may attend Texas universities where similar organizations operate. They could be studying at Texas A&M University-Kingsville just south of us, or they might be at larger institutions like UT Austin, Texas A&M in College Station, or the University of Houston. The distance from Falls City doesn’t protect them—the same national fraternities and sororities, with the same dangerous traditions, operate across our state.

This comprehensive guide explains what Texas families need to know about hazing in 2025: what it really looks like, how Texas law addresses it, what’s happening at our major universities, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect students. We’ve built this resource for Falls City families and all Texas parents who want to understand this complex, dangerous reality.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

Many Falls City parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals” from decades past. Today’s hazing is more sophisticated, more dangerous, and better hidden. In the Leonel Bermudez case at UH, hazing included:

24/7 digital control: Pledges required to carry “pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents at all times
Extreme physical abuse: Forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in single sessions
Dangerous consumption rituals: Made to drink milk and eat hot dogs with peppercorns until vomiting
Psychological torture: Sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Medical consequences: Resulted in rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure requiring four-day hospitalization

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)

Mandatory servitude (cleaning rooms, running errands at all hours)
Social isolation from non-members
“Voluntary” events that are socially mandatory
Constant group chat monitoring with instant response demands

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Clear Abuse)

Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings”
Forced physical exercise beyond safe limits
Public humiliation and verbal abuse
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Criminal Acts)

Forced alcohol consumption (the leading cause of hazing deaths)
Physical beatings and paddling
Sexualized hazing and assault
Dangerous physical “tests” leading to injury
Kidnapping or restraint

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / Military Programs (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, etc.)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the abuse of power dynamics, secrecy, and “tradition” used to justify dangerous behavior.

Texas Hazing Law: What Falls City Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Legal Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that apply whether your child is at a university in Houston or a campus closer to Falls City. Under Texas Education Code § 37.151:

Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Key provisions Falls City parents should understand:

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without 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
§ 37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense:
- Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law
- Courts recognize that consent under peer pressure isn’t voluntary
§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
- Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations
§ 37.154 Reporter Protections:
- Good-faith reporters have immunity from civil/criminal liability
- Texas law and university policies often provide amnesty for those who call 911 in emergencies

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals/Organizations)

Brought by prosecutors (district attorneys)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Standard: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties)

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Common claims: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, premises liability
Standard: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Both can proceed simultaneously, and you don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue civil justice. In fact, many hazing cases involve parallel tracks.

Federal Laws That Apply in Texas

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens prevention education
Maintains public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX

Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Requires universities to investigate and take appropriate action

Clery Act

Requires reporting of certain campus crimes
Hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol crimes that must be reported

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Deadly “Traditions”

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

20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
$6.1 million verdict against fraternity

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme alcohol consumption
Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Led to Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania

Physical Hazing Patterns: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

Pledge subjected to violent “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Suffered fatal head injuries; help delayed
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

Pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Settlements with 22 defendants (multi-million dollar total)
Chapter closed permanently

What These Cases Mean for Falls City Families

These national patterns matter because the same organizations operate at Texas universities. When Pi Kappa Alpha has a history of alcohol hazing deaths at Bowling Green, that pattern is relevant when a Texas chapter engages in similar behavior. This “pattern evidence” can establish that national organizations knew or should have known about risks but failed to take adequate preventive measures.

Texas Universities: What’s Happening at Institutions Falls City Families Trust

Understanding the Greek Ecosystem Around Texas Campuses

Before examining specific universities, Falls City families should understand the scope of Greek organizations in Texas. Our firm maintains a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine that tracks over 1,423 fraternity and sorority entities across 25 Texas metros. This includes:

Public Records Directory: Texas-Registered Greek Organizations

From IRS B83 filings and other public records, we track entities like:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN 133048786) – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845 – IRS B83 filing
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION (EIN 371768785) – 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459 – IRS B83 filing
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 – IRS B83 filing
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC (EIN 741380362) – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147 – IRS B83 filing
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY (EIN 740555581) – 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 – Chi Omega House Corporation
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER (EIN 746084905) – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204 – IRS B83 filing

These organizations represent the legal and financial infrastructure behind Greek life at Texas universities. When hazing occurs, these entities often hold insurance policies and assets that can provide compensation for victims.

University of Houston: Recent Case Shows Systemic Issues

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Current Example
Our firm’s active litigation against UH and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates serious, ongoing hazing problems:

September 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
September-October: Subjected to “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring duties
November 3: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
November 6-9: Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends chapter
November 14: Chapter votes to surrender charter, effectively shut down

UH’s Response: Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and credited Pi Kappa Phi national for decisive action.

What This Means for Falls City Families: UH is less than two hours from Falls City, and many South Texas students attend. The rapid chapter closure shows universities can act decisively, but only after catastrophic injury occurs. Preventive measures evidently failed.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Corps of Cadets Hazing Allegations (2023)

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Claimed being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
Texas A&M stated it handled matter under internal rules

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity
Substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
Fraternity suspended for two years

For Falls City Families: Texas A&M’s Corps tradition and Greek life create multiple potential hazing environments. The university’s response to the Corps case shows internal discipline processes that may not provide full accountability or compensation for victims.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Limits

Public Hazing Violations Page
UT Austin maintains relatively transparent hazing records online. Recent examples include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers (2022): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Various fraternities: Repeated violations showing ongoing issues despite probation

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)

Australian exchange student alleged assault at fraternity party
Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

What Falls City Parents Should Know: UT’s transparency is better than many schools, but repeated violations suggest systemic issues. The SAE case shows how national organizations with problematic histories continue operating at Texas campuses.

Southern Methodist University: Private Institution Challenges

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until 2021
Highlighted ongoing hazing risks at private universities

SMU’s Approach: Like many private institutions, SMU maintains hazing prevention programs and anonymous reporting systems (Real Response), but limited public transparency about outcomes.

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Occurred amid broader campus culture scrutiny following Title IX scandal

Context for Falls City Families: Baylor’s religious identity and prior institutional crises create complex dynamics for hazing accountability. “Zero tolerance” policies may exist on paper but require consistent enforcement.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas

Why National Patterns Matter in Falls City Cases

When your child is hazed at a Texas university, the national organization’s history becomes critically important. Courts consider:

Foreseeability: Did the national organization know or should have known about risks based on prior incidents?
Pattern Evidence: Does this chapter’s conduct follow established patterns seen elsewhere?
Preventive Measures: Did the national organization implement and enforce adequate safeguards?

Major National Organizations at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, others
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events with fatal outcomes

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 due to pattern
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
Recent Texas Cases: Chemical burns at Texas A&M (2021), assault at UT Austin (2024)

Pi Kappa Phi

National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017)
Current Texas Case: Our firm’s Leonel Bermudez lawsuit at UH
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing leading to medical emergencies

Phi Delta Theta

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017)
Texas Presence: Chapters at multiple Texas universities
Legislative Impact: Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing)

Kappa Alpha Order

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions nationwide
Texas Case: SMU chapter suspension (2017)
Pattern: Physical hazing including paddling

How This History Strengthens Texas Cases

In litigation, we use national histories to establish that:

Organizations had prior notice of dangerous practices
Their preventive measures were inadequate
Similar conduct was foreseeable
Punitive damages may be warranted for reckless disregard

For Falls City families, this means your child’s case isn’t viewed in isolation. The organization’s track record nationally becomes part of the story told in court.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Compensation

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Facebook posts
Deleted messages: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” content
Location data: GPS from phones, social media check-ins

Documentation Evidence

Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, specialist evaluations
University records: Prior conduct violations, incident reports, Clery reports
Organization documents: Pledge manuals, ritual scripts, meeting minutes
Financial records: Receipts for alcohol purchases, “fines” paid by pledges

Physical Evidence

Injury documentation: Photos of bruises, burns, other injuries (take immediately and over several days)
Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge fanny packs,” costumes
Clothing: Items worn during hazing (don’t wash before photographing)

Witness Evidence

Other pledges: Often afraid to come forward initially but may cooperate as case develops
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled may provide crucial testimony
Roommates/RAs: May have observed physical or behavioral changes
Medical providers: Documentation of statements made during treatment

Damages: What Texas Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
Lost educational opportunities: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects
Other costs: Counseling, tutoring, relocation expenses

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm)

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can no longer participate in activities
Reputational harm: Social stigma from publicized hazing

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Occurs)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Family’s emotional suffering and grief

Punitive Damages (In Egregious Cases)

Designed to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available in Texas when defendants show conscious indifference
Often tied to pattern evidence and cover-up attempts

The Role of Insurance in Hazing Cases

Falls City families should understand that most hazing claims involve complex insurance issues:

Multiple policies: Chapter insurance, national organization insurance, university insurance, individual homeowner policies
Coverage disputes: Insurers often argue hazing is “intentional conduct” excluded from coverage
Bad faith claims: If insurers unreasonably deny coverage, they can face additional liability

Our firm’s unique advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims, set reserves, and fight coverage—knowledge we use to maximize recovery for hazing victims.

Practical Guidance for Falls City Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Response

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion, sleep deprivation
Sudden personality changes (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
Secretive about organization activities
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial strain from unexplained expenses
Academic performance declining

If You Suspect Hazing: Immediate Steps

Prioritize safety: If in immediate danger, call 911
Get medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
Document everything: Write down dates, times, details while fresh
Contact an attorney: Before talking to universities or insurance companies
Avoid common mistakes: Don’t confront the organization, don’t post on social media, don’t sign university agreements without legal review

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

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 about activities?

How to Exit Safely

Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
Wanting to quit: Send written resignation to chapter leadership, inform someone outside organization first
Fear of retaliation: Document threats, report to university and police, consider protective order
Medical emergency: Texas law provides protections for those who call 911 in good faith

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage Your Case

Based on our experience handling hazing cases, families should avoid these common errors:

Letting evidence be destroyed: Messages get deleted, witnesses get coached, physical evidence disappears
Confronting the organization directly: Triggers immediate legal defense preparation and evidence destruction
Signing university agreements without review: May waive legal rights or accept inadequate settlements
Posting on social media: Creates inconsistencies and provides defense attorneys with material
Waiting too long: Statutes of limitations apply, evidence deteriorates, witnesses become unavailable
Talking to insurance adjusters: Recorded statements are used to minimize claims

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

Frequently Asked Questions from Texas Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities have fewer immunity hurdles. Every case requires individual analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code § 37.152 makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states: Consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally two years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist (discovery rule, tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment). Act quickly—evidence preservation is time-sensitive.

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

“How much does legal representation cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When Falls City families face hazing cases, they need more than a general personal injury lawyer. They need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities or university defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations before”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Proven track record in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
Experience working with economists to value lifetime care needs
Demonstrated ability to secure significant compensation for families

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does”

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Our firm maintains comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations, including:

Texas Universities (Where Falls City Students Attend)

Texas A&M University-Kingsville (Kingsville, Kleberg County)
University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County)
Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
University of Houston (Houston, Harris County)
Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)
And 90+ other Texas campuses

Metro Area Greek Organization Counts

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510+ Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188+ Greek organizations
Austin-Round Rock: 154+ Greek organizations
San Antonio: 86+ Greek organizations
College Station-Bryan: 42+ Greek organizations

This data infrastructure means we don’t start from scratch when investigating your case. We already understand the organizational landscape behind Greek life at Texas universities.

Serving Falls City and All Texas Families

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Falls City and Karnes County. Distance doesn’t limit our ability to:

Conduct thorough investigations
Preserve critical evidence
Negotiate with insurers and defendants
Pursue litigation in appropriate venues
Secure compensation for harmed students

Texas hazing law applies equally whether your child was injured at a university near Falls City or hours away. Our experience with Texas courts and procedures ensures your case receives proper attention regardless of location.

Your Next Steps: Consultation and Strategy

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 about a potential hazing case:

We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in your own words
Evidence review: We’ll examine any documentation you have (photos, messages, medical records)
Legal options explained: We’ll outline potential paths forward
Realistic assessment: We’ll discuss strengths, challenges, and realistic expectations
Questions answered: We’ll address your concerns about process, timeline, and outcomes
No pressure decision: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

No obligation, no cost for initial consultation.

How We Build Hazing Cases for Texas Families

Our approach combines empathy with aggressive advocacy:

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-30 days)

Evidence preservation and documentation
Medical evaluation and treatment coordination
Preliminary investigation and witness identification
Strategic planning for reporting and public relations

Phase 2: Investigation (1-6 months)

Digital forensics and data recovery
Records requests (university, medical, organizational)
Expert consultations (medical, psychological, economic)
Liability analysis and defendant identification

Phase 3: Negotiation and Resolution (3-18 months)

Demand package preparation
Settlement negotiations with insurers and defendants
Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
Litigation preparation if settlement fails

Phase 4: Trial and Beyond (If Necessary)

Trial preparation and strategy
Courtroom advocacy
Post-trial motions and appeals
Judgment collection and enforcement

Throughout this process, we maintain regular communication with you—no surprises, no being kept in the dark about your own case.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If hazing has affected your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced legal teams working to minimize their liability. You deserve advocates who understand both the emotional toll and the legal complexities of hazing cases.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Falls City, Karnes County, and All Texas Families

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

Spanish Services Available / Se Habla Español
Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Offices Serving Texas:
Houston · Austin · Beaumont

We provide immediate help for legal emergencies. That’s why we’re Attorney911.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

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