The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing at Texas Universities: What Every Karnes City Family Needs to Know

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

For parents in Karnes City—the historic South Texas community known for its strong family values and deep Texas roots—sending a child to college represents both pride and worry. When your son or daughter leaves our tight-knit county of just over 3,000 residents for campuses in Houston, College Station, Austin, Waco, or Dallas, you trust they’ll be safe. You trust the university. You trust the organizations they join.

But right now, in Texas, that trust is being shattered.

We’re The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, and we’re leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died from hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His story—documented in Click2Houston’s investigation and ABC13’s detailed coverage—shows exactly what can happen when “tradition” turns into torture.

This guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law applies, what’s happening at major universities where Karnes County students enroll, and what your family’s legal options are if your child has been hurt.

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

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless pranks.” For Karnes City families unfamiliar with modern Greek life, it’s critical to understand what hazing has become.

The Modern Hazing Toolkit

Physical Hazing That Causes Real Harm:

Rhabdomyolysis-inducing workouts: Like what happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH – forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats until his muscles broke down, releasing toxins that caused acute kidney failure
Forced consumption rituals: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns consumed until vomiting, then immediate sprints
Extreme environmental exposure: Stripped to underwear in cold weather, lying in vomit-soaked grass
Simulated torture: Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Restraint and bondage: Another Pi Kappa Phi pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

Psychological and Digital Control:

24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, public shaming
Geo-tracking demands: Requiring live location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
“Pledge fanny pack” rules: Carrying condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices 24/7 as humiliation

Alcohol and Substance Coercion:

“Big/Little” drinking nights: Handles of liquor given to pledges with expectation of consumption
Lineup games: Forced rapid drinking in formation
Trivia punishment: Wrong answers = shots or chugging
Sleep deprivation combined with drinking: Late-night events followed by early morning “workouts”

Why “Consent” Doesn’t Matter

Here’s what Karnes City parents need to understand: when your child is facing social exclusion, peer pressure from older members they admire, and implicit threats about being “cut” from the group, their “yes” isn’t true consent. Texas law recognizes this reality—Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

Texas Hazing Law: What Karnes County Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in Chapter 37, Subchapter F of the Education Code. Here’s what matters for Karnes City families:

Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key Points for Karnes County Cases:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house in Houston or a retreat in the Hill Country counts
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just be reckless about the risk
Mental harm counts: Psychological trauma qualifies

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters (misdemeanors)

Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can be:

Fined up to $10,000 per violation
Banned from campus by the university

Protections for Reporters (§37.154):
Good-faith reporters receive immunity from civil/criminal liability—critical for bystanders who want to help but fear consequences.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the State of Texas
Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges can include: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families
Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability

Important: A criminal conviction isn’t needed for a civil case. Many families pursue both tracks simultaneously.

Federal Laws That Apply in Texas

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires universities receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Strengthens prevention education (phased in by 2026)
Applies to all Texas public universities and most private ones

Title IX:

Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Creates additional reporting and investigation requirements
Can provide separate legal claims

Clery Act:

Requires reporting certain crimes in annual safety statistics
Hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, or drug crimes

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragedies at other universities aren’t just distant news—they’re blueprints for what happens here. These cases show predictable patterns that Karnes City families should recognize.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

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

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

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

“Bible study” drinking game: wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC
$6.1 million verdict against fraternity
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
18 members charged, Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled in “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

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

What These Cases Mean for Karnes County Families

Patterns repeat: The same fraternities, same rituals, same excuses
Delayed medical care kills: Fear of “getting in trouble” costs lives
Cover-ups are predictable: Deleted messages, coached witnesses, destroyed evidence
Universities often fail: Prior warnings ignored, weak punishments enable repeat offenses
Justice requires persistence: These cases only reached accountability through determined legal action

Texas Universities: Where Karnes County Students Face Hazing Risks

Karnes City families send students throughout Texas. Whether it’s UH for engineering, Texas A&M for agriculture, UT Austin for business, or other state schools, understanding each campus’s hazing landscape is essential.

University of Houston: The Active Case in Our Backyard

For Karnes City Families: UH is just over 100 miles northeast of Karnes City—a common destination for South Texas students seeking urban opportunities without leaving the state.

Current Crisis – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
We’re actively litigating this $10 million hazing lawsuit. Here’s what happened:

Hazing Period: Fall 2025 pledge semester
Locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, extreme workouts, forced consumption rituals, simulated waterboarding
Medical Catastrophe: Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, hospitalized for four days
Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
Outcome: Chapter suspended (Nov 6, 2025), charter surrendered (Nov 14, 2025), UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

UH’s Greek Landscape:

Interfraternity Council: 17+ fraternities including Alpha Epsilon Pi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma
NPHC (Divine Nine): All historically Black organizations present
Multicultural Greek Council: 10+ culturally-based organizations

UH Hazing History:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during initiation
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol violations and “conduct likely to cause harm”
Public reporting less transparent than UT Austin’s system

What Karnes City UH Families Should Know:

Jurisdiction: Cases may involve UHPD, Houston Police, or Harris County Sheriff
Civil Venue: Harris County courts typically handle these cases
Preservation Urgency: Houston chapters are sophisticated about evidence destruction
Medical Resources: Texas Medical Center provides excellent care but creates complex medical records

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Karnes City Families: Many Karnes County students choose A&M for its agricultural programs and traditional Texas culture. The 140-mile drive to College Station is familiar to local families.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Reality:

2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth during hazing
Sought over $1 million in damages
A&M stated it handled matter internally under Corps regulations
Culture of “traditional discipline” sometimes crosses into illegal hazing

Fraternity Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit causing severe burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Lawsuit sought $1 million, chapter suspended for two years
Multiple other chapters on disciplinary probation for alcohol hazing violations

Texas A&M’s Greek Ecosystem:

Interfraternity Council: 19+ fraternities including nationally problematic organizations like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Panhellenic Council: 14 sororities
Corps of Cadets: Approximately 2,400 members with separate tradition structures

What Karnes City A&M Families Should Know:

Dual Systems: Both Greek life AND Corps traditions pose hazing risks
University Culture: Strong institutional loyalty can discourage reporting
Brazos County Jurisdiction: Local courts and police handle off-campus incidents
Agricultural Connections: Many Karnes County families have existing A&M relationships through FFA, 4-H, or industry ties

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

For Karnes City Families: UT Austin attracts Karnes County’s top academic students, particularly for engineering, business, and pre-professional programs. While farther (130+ miles), its prestige draws local talent.

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

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Found to be hazing
Sanctions: Probation, mandatory hazing prevention education

Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization):

Forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Multiple suspensions and probations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024):

Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Lawsuit seeks over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

UT’s Greek Scale:

Approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters
Strong Panhellenic and IFC presence
Active multicultural and NPHC communities

What Karnes City UT Families Should Know:

Use the Public Database: Check hazing.utexas.edu before letting your child join any organization
Pattern Evidence: UT’s own records prove prior knowledge when chapters repeat violations
Travis County Courts: Austin’s legal environment is familiar with university cases
Medical Documentation: UT Dell Medical School provides excellent care but creates complex insurance issues

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

For Karnes City Families: SMU attracts Karnes County students seeking private education with strong business connections. Though farther (260+ miles), its reputation draws some local families.

SMU Hazing Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Chapter suspended, recruiting restricted until 2021
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Multiple disciplinary actions
Overall: Less public transparency than state schools

SMU’s Greek Profile:

Strong Panhellenic presence (8 sororities)
Smaller IFC but influential fraternities
Affluent student body with significant Greek participation

What Karnes City SMU Families Should Know:

Private School Dynamics: Different regulations, often less transparency
Dallas Legal Venue: Different court systems and procedures
Wealthy Defendants: Fraternity members often have personal resources and family attorneys
Insurance Complexity: Multiple layers of coverage (university, national, individual homeowners)

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Athletic Hazing

For Karnes City Families: Baylor’s Christian identity and strong academic programs attract some Karnes County families, particularly those seeking faith-based education.

Baylor Hazing Incidents:

Baseball Team Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Staggered suspensions affected team performance
Fraternity violations: Multiple alcohol and hazing-related suspensions
Context: Occurs against backdrop of Baylor’s prior Title IX scandals

Baylor’s Greek Life:

9 Panhellenic sororities
5 IFC fraternities
Active NPHC and multicultural groups
Christian fraternity Beta Upsilon Chi (ΒΥΧ) presence

What Karnes City Baylor Families Should Know:

Religious Context: Baylor’s faith identity affects how it handles misconduct
McLennan County Courts: Waco legal environment with specific local rules
Athletic Hazing Risks: Not just Greek life—teams have documented issues
Title IX Overlap: Past scandals create both skepticism and reform momentum

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations

Most Karnes City parents don’t realize how deeply we can investigate fraternities and sororities. Through public records and our proprietary research, we maintain data on 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t speculation—it’s documented reality.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records)

The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations. Here are examples relevant to universities where Karnes County students enroll:

University of Houston Area Organizations:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter (Houston, TX 77254) – EIN: 392352450
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter (Houston, TX 77254) – EIN: 392352450
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (Missouri City, TX 77459) – EIN: 371768785
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (Frisco, TX 75035) – EIN: 462267515

Texas A&M Area Organizations:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (College Station, TX 77845) – EIN: 133048786
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Rho Chapter (College Station, TX 77845) – EIN: 812525354
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority (College Station, TX 77840) – EIN: 742930349

Statewide Honor Societies (Present at Multiple Campuses):

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, TX 75799) – EIN: 352335400
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University (College Station, TX 77843) – EIN: 900293166
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Houston Victoria (Victoria, TX 77901) – EIN: 900293167

Metro Distribution of Greek Organizations

Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
Austin–Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86 Greek organizations
College Station–Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations
Waco Metro: 27 Greek organizations

Why This Matters for Karnes County Cases:
When your child is hazed, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

The legal names and EINs of housing corporations
Mailing addresses for national and local entities
Which organizations have multiple chapters with prior issues
How to trace liability up the organizational chain

National Fraternities with Documented Hazing Histories

These organizations operate at Texas universities and have national patterns of hazing:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, alcohol poisoning death ($10M settlement)
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, alcohol poisoning death ($14M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

Traumatic Brain Injury Case: University of Alabama, ongoing litigation
Chemical Burns Case: Texas A&M, industrial cleaner injuries
Assault Case: UT Austin, exchange student injuries
Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major universities
Pattern: Physical violence, chemical hazing, alcohol coercion

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver: LSU, “Bible study” drinking death ($6.1M verdict)
Multiple other alcohol-related incidents nationally
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education”

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Andrew Coffey: Florida State University, alcohol poisoning death
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, rhabdomyysis and kidney failure (our current case)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with humiliation

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

Multiple paddling and alcohol incidents
SMU chapter suspended for hazing violations
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
Pattern: Physical beatings combined with tradition claims

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

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord screenshots
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat evidence
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” messages
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts

Medical Documentation:

ER records: Initial treatment notes mentioning hazing
Lab results: Blood alcohol, creatine kinase (rhabdomyolysis indicator), kidney function
Specialist reports: Nephrologist, orthopedic, psychological evaluations
Ongoing treatment: Physical therapy, counseling, medication records

Physical Evidence:

Injury photographs: Multiple angles, with scale references
Clothing: Stained, torn, or damaged items
Objects: Paddles, props, alcohol containers
Receipts: Forced purchases, fines, “donations”

Institutional Records:

University files: Prior disciplinary actions against the chapter
National fraternity records: Risk management files, incident reports
Insurance policies: Coverage documents for multiple entities
Training materials: What they claimed to teach vs. what actually happened

What Damages Can Include

Economic Damages:

Medical expenses: Past and future (lifetime care in catastrophic cases)
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition, fees, scholarships, delayed graduation
Diminished earning capacity: Permanent disabilities reducing lifetime earnings
Therapy costs: Psychological treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering: Documented through medical records
Emotional distress: Humiliation, terror, loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, sports, social activities
Reputational harm: Social stigma, online harassment

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and guidance
Grief and mental anguish
Lost financial support

Punitive Damages (in appropriate cases):

When defendants act with gross negligence or malice
To punish and deter similar conduct
Capped under Texas law but significant in extreme cases

Realistic Case Timeline

First 48 Hours:

Medical stabilization
Evidence preservation
Initial legal consultation

First 30 Days:

Comprehensive evidence collection
Witness interviews
Preservation letters to universities and fraternities
Insurance coverage investigation

Months 2-6:

Formal demand packages
Settlement negotiations begin
Expert consultations (medical, economic, Greek life)
Alternative dispute resolution attempts

Months 6-18:

Litigation if settlement fails
Discovery phase (document requests, depositions)
Mediation attempts
Trial preparation

Year 2+:

Trial (if necessary)
Appeals (if any)
Collection of judgment

Important: Most cases settle before trial, but preparation for trial drives better settlements.

Practical Guide for Karnes City Families

If You Suspect Hazing: Warning Signs

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight changes (from food/water manipulation)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use in non-users

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages

Academic Red Flags:

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

Financial Indicators:

Unexplained large expenses
Requests for money without clear reasons
Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members

Conversation Starters with Your Child

Non-Confrontational Questions:

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying the experience?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What kinds of activities do they have new members do?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt yourself?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to, without consequences?”

If They Open Up:

Listen without judgment
Document what they tell you (date, time, details)
Don’t promise confidentiality—explain you may need to get help
Contact an attorney before taking public action

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting Evidence Be Destroyed: “Cleaning up” group chats or deleting photos looks like a cover-up and destroys your case. Preserve everything immediately.
Confronting the Organization Directly: They’ll lawyer up, destroy evidence, and coach witnesses. Let your attorney handle communication.
Signing University “Resolution” Forms: Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or accept minimal settlements. Never sign without legal review.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility and can waive legal privileges.
Waiting for Internal Investigations: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run. University process ≠ real accountability.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you. Early settlements are always lowball offers.
Letting Your Child Attend “One Last Meeting”: Organizations use these to pressure, intimidate, or extract damaging statements.

Evidence Preservation Checklist

Within First 24 Hours:

Screenshot all group chats (full threads with timestamps)
Photograph injuries from multiple angles with scale reference
Save physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
Write narrative of events while memory fresh
List witness names and contact information
Request medical records release
Backup digital evidence to cloud storage

Within 48 Hours:

Consult with experienced hazing attorney
Send preservation letters to university and organization
Begin medical follow-up appointments
Document all communications from university
Secure child’s electronic devices for forensic examination

Within First Week:

Formalize attorney-client relationship if proceeding
Begin official evidence collection process
Start therapy/psychological evaluation if needed
Document financial impacts (lost wages, expenses)
Develop comprehensive case strategy

Why Attorney911 for Karnes County Hazing Cases

Our Texas Roots and Karnes County Understanding

We’re not just another law firm. We’re Texas attorneys who understand communities like Karnes City—places where family, integrity, and accountability matter. We recognize the particular concerns of South Texas families sending children to distant universities.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Negotiate settlements behind closed doors

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
25+ Years Practice: Since 1998, with own firm since 2001
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability

Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Logging Accident Brain Injury: Multi-million dollar settlement
Car Accident Amputation: Millions recovered
Wrongful Death Cases: Millions for families
Current UH Case: $10 million hazing lawsuit against university and national fraternity

Our Investigative Approach

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain proprietary data on 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas. When we take your case, we don’t start from zero—we already know:

Organizational structures and EINs
Prior incident patterns
Insurance coverage pathways
Defense firm tendencies

Expert Network:

Medical specialists (rhabdomyolysis, kidney injury, PTSD)
Digital forensics experts
Greek life culture consultants
Economists for lifetime care costing
Life care planners for catastrophic injuries

Evidence Mastery:
From our trucking accident experience (ELD data, driver logs) to maritime cases (complex documentation), we apply the same rigorous evidence collection to hazing:

Group chat recovery and analysis
Social media evidence preservation
University record subpoenas
National fraternity file discovery

Spanish-Language Services for Karnes County Families

Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult directly with Spanish-speaking families. We understand the particular concerns of Hispanic families in South Texas dealing with institutional challenges.

Call to Action for Karnes City Families

You Have Rights. You Have Options. You Have Support.

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to face this alone.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Free, Confidential Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer all your questions about process and costs

No Pressure Commitment:

We don’t pressure you to hire us immediately
Take time to discuss with family
Compare options and make informed decisions
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contingency Fee Basis:

No upfront costs
No fee unless we recover money for you
We advance all case expenses
Clear explanation of how fees work (watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc)

Contact Information

Immediate Help:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781

Online Contact:

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

Spanish Services:

Hablamos Español – Mr. Peña disponible para consultas en español
Servicios legales completos en español

Office Locations (Serving All Texas):

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

Don’t Wait. Evidence Disappears Daily.

Group chats are deleted
Witnesses are coached
Universities control narratives
Statutes of limitations run

Call today: 1-888-ATTY-911

We’ll help you understand your rights, preserve critical evidence, and pursue the accountability your family deserves.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston investigation: 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 detailed 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 Videos:

Evidence preservation with phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that ruin cases: 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