Texas Hazing Lawsuits: A Complete Guide for Families in Powell, Navarro County

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You’re Not Alone—And You Have Rights

For parents in Powell and across Navarro County, sending a child to college is filled with pride and hope. You imagine them building a future at Texas A&M, Baylor, UT Austin, or another great Texas university. What you don’t imagine is getting a call that your child is in the hospital because a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or Corps program subjected them to dangerous hazing.

Right now, here in Texas, we’re actively fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. Our client, a UH student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring weeks of brutal hazing that included forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” extreme physical workouts, and carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack.” He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing health risks.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s happening across Texas—at the very universities where Powell families send their children. If your son or daughter has been hazed at any Texas campus, you need to know what real hazing looks like in 2025, what Texas law says about it, and how experienced legal counsel can help your family find answers and accountability.

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

Hazing isn’t just “boys will be boys” or harmless initiation pranks. For Powell families with children at Texas universities, understanding modern hazing is critical to recognizing when your child is in danger.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing 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. Whether your child is at Navarro College, Texas A&M, or any other Texas campus, one critical fact remains: “I agreed to it” does not make it legal or safe when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37) defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Consent is explicitly not a defense.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing at Texas universities. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking, and pressure to consume unknown substances. The Leonel Bermudez UH case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.

Physical Hazing
This includes paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics (“smokings”), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme temperatures. At Texas A&M, Corps of Cadets hazing has included the “roasted pig” position where cadets are bound between beds. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case contained condoms and sex toys as humiliation tools.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, and public shaming in meetings or on social media create lasting trauma even without physical injury.

Digital/Online Hazing
Group chat dares, “challenges,” pressure to create compromising content, and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord represent the newest frontier. Pledges are often required to respond instantly to messages 24/7.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, Powell families should know hazing occurs in:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, etc.)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Protections for Powell Families

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

For families in Powell and Navarro County, Texas law provides specific protections. Hazing is broadly defined as intentional, knowing, or reckless acts, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of initiation or affiliation that endanger mental or physical health.

Key provisions Powell parents should know:

Criminal penalties: Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine) for basic hazing; increases to Class A misdemeanor if injury requires medical treatment; becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death
Organizational liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
Consent is not a defense: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that victim “consent” doesn’t matter
Reporter protections: Good-faith reporters have immunity from civil or criminal liability
University reporting requirements: Texas colleges must publish annual hazing violation reports

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were made alongside our civil lawsuit

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Can proceed even without criminal charges
Our firm handles civil hazing litigation to secure compensation for victims and force institutional change

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Public hazing data requirements phased in by 2026
Applies to all major Texas universities

Title IX & Clery Act

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Universities can face federal investigation for non-compliance

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, we named 13 individual fraternity leaders.

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself if it’s a legal entity. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation was named in our lawsuit.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in our UH case because they had oversight responsibility.

University or Governing Board
Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories. University of Houston and the UH System Board of Regents are defendants in our ongoing case.

Third Parties
Landlords of event spaces, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking, severe falls captured on chapter cameras, hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law resulted.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Big/little event where pledge was given a handle of liquor, drank to dangerous levels, and died. Criminal hazing charges followed; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking. Death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge night forced drinking of nearly a bottle of whiskey, death from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions, $10 million total settlements ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat, suffered fatal head injuries with delayed help. Multiple convictions, fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, landmark organizational criminal liability.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletics.

What These Cases Mean for Powell Families

Common threads in national cases—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups—are exactly what we see in Texas. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Powell families facing hazing at Texas universities aren’t alone; they’re operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons and precedents.

Texas University Focus: Where Powell Students Encounter Hazing Risks

Understanding Powell’s Educational Landscape

Powell families in Navarro County send children to a range of Texas institutions. Some attend Navarro College locally, while others go to major universities across the state. Understanding hazing risks at these schools is crucial for prevention and response.

University of Houston (UH) – Current Active Litigation

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UH serves many Central Texas families, with active Greek life including Pi Kappa Phi (now closed), Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and multiple NPHC organizations. Urban campus with significant commuter and residential populations.

Our Active UH Hazing Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
As detailed in Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage, this case involves:

Severe physical hazing including 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, forced consumption leading to vomiting
“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
Resulting rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring 4-day hospitalization
Chapter suspended November 6, 2025, then voted to surrender charter November 14, 2025
$10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individuals

What UH Families Should Know

UHPD and Houston Police Department may have jurisdiction depending on location
Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
UH maintains hazing policies but our case shows enforcement gaps
Immediate action required: Evidence preservation before deleted messages disappear

Texas A&M University – Corps and Greek Life Risks

Campus Connection for Powell Families
Many Navarro County students attend Texas A&M, drawn by academic programs and tradition. Both Greek life and Corps of Cadets present hazing risks.

Documented A&M Hazing Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Fraternity suspended; pledges sued for $1 million.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)
Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter internally.

What A&M Families Should Do

Report to Student Conduct Office and Corps leadership if applicable
Document everything before “traditions” are covered up
Understand both university discipline and civil legal options
College Station/Brazos County courts typically handle local cases

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency and Patterns

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page
UT maintains relatively transparent hazing reporting at hazing.utexas.edu, showing patterns Powell families should recognize:

Recent UT Hazing Sanctions

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; probation and hazing-prevention education required
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing and forced activities
Various spirit organizations sanctioned for forced workouts and punishment-based practices

What UT Families Should Know

UTPD and Austin PD jurisdiction depends on location
Prior violations on UT’s public log can strongly support civil suits by showing patterns
Evidence collection critical: Austin’s tech-savvy student population means digital evidence is plentiful but easily deleted

Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Private Campus Challenges

SMU’s Greek Life Environment
Private, affluent campus with strong Greek presence presents unique challenges for transparency and accountability.

Documented SMU Hazing Incidents

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until approximately 2021.

What SMU Families Should Consider

Private university status affects transparency and records access
Civil discovery can compel internal documents even when not publicly posted
Dallas County courts typically handle SMU-related litigation
SMU’s anonymous reporting systems (like Real Response) may provide initial evidence

Baylor University – Religious Identity and Accountability

Baylor’s Cultural Context
Religious identity combined with past Title IX scrutiny creates complex environment for hazing accountability.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions during season. Highlights that hazing extends beyond Greek life to athletics.

What Baylor Families Should Understand

Baylor’s “zero tolerance” policies versus actual enforcement history
McLennan County courts typically handle Baylor litigation
Religious branding doesn’t eliminate legal liability for hazing
Internal “resolution” processes may pressure families to accept minimal accountability

Navarro College and Other Texas Institutions

Local College Hazing Risks
While major universities see more publicity, hazing occurs at community colleges like Navarro College in:

Athletic teams
Performing groups
Student organizations
Honor societies

What Powell Families Should Know About Local Cases

Navarro County Sheriff and campus police may have jurisdiction
Smaller institutions may lack robust investigative resources
Civil claims follow similar legal principles regardless of institution size
Evidence preservation equally critical at local and major institutions

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific and National Histories

Why National Histories Matter for Powell Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re joining an organization with a national history. Pi Kappa Phi at UH, Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Texas A&M, Pi Kappa Alpha at UT—these aren’t isolated local groups. They’re chapters of national organizations with documented hazing patterns.

National headquarters maintain anti-hazing policies because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries. When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down in Ohio or Louisiana, that shows foreseeability—a key legal concept supporting negligence claims against national entities.

Texas Greek Organization Landscape: Public Records Reality

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive data on Greek organizations operating in Texas. This isn’t theoretical—it’s based on public records including IRS B83 filings, university registrations, and metro organization data.

Texas Greek Organization Snapshot:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS B83 filings
1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metros per Cause IQ data
510 organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro alone
188 organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro

Sample Texas Greek Entities from Public Records:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX) – Related to UH case
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston metro)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. (Austin metro)
Frank Heflin Foundation (Phi Delta Theta alumni, Amarillo)

This data matters because it helps us identify all potentially liable entities—not just the active chapter, but housing corporations, alumni associations, and national organizations that may hold insurance coverage.

Major National Organizations with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlements), multiple other fatalities
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, UT, Texas A&M, Texas Tech
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, physical endurance tests

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, UT, Texas A&M (chemical burns case), SMU
Pattern: Alcohol hazing, physical abuse, chemical/substance hazing

Pi Kappa Phi

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU), active litigation at UH (our case)
Texas Presence: Now-closed UH chapter, other Texas campuses
Pattern: Physical hazing, forced consumption, humiliation rituals

Phi Delta Theta

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, felony hazing law)
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses
Pattern: Drinking game hazing, alcohol poisoning risks

Kappa Alpha Order

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU incident
Texas Presence: SMU, Texas A&M, other campuses
Pattern: Paddling, alcohol hazing, tradition-based abuse

How National Patterns Support Texas Legal Claims

When we represent Powell families in hazing cases, national patterns help establish:

Foreseeability: National organizations knew or should have known about risks
Negligent supervision: Failure to enforce policies despite prior incidents
Punitive damages potential: Reckless disregard for student safety
Insurance coverage arguments: National policies may cover local incidents

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Powell Families

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
Recovery potential: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
Our video guide: Learn evidence preservation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events
Social media posts and stories
Security camera footage from houses and venues
Medical documentation of injuries

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, tradition lists
Emails and texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials
Risk management files

University Records

Prior conduct files and disciplinary history
Incident reports to campus police
Clery Act reports and safety statistics
Internal emails about the organization

Medical and Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports and lab results
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Ongoing treatment documentation

Witness Testimony

Other pledges and new members
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Coaches, advisors, trainers

Damages: What Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, therapy
Future medical expenses: Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, long-term care
Lost income: Missed work for victim or caregiving parents
Educational impact: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Diminished earning capacity: For permanent disabilities affecting future work

Non-Economic Damages (Compensable Harm)

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma and difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support and companionship
Grief and emotional suffering of family members
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Available)

For especially reckless, willful, or malicious conduct
Requires showing prior warnings were ignored
Available in Texas but subject to statutory caps
Our BP Texas City explosion experience informs punitive damage strategy

How Hazing Case Values Are Determined

Case values depend on:

Injury severity: Hospitalization, permanent disability, death
Medical expenses: Past bills and future care needs
Evidence strength: Digital proof, witness cooperation, organizational patterns
Defendant resources: University and national fraternity insurance coverage
Jurisdiction: Texas venue versus federal court
Legal strategy: Settlement versus trial approach

Recent National Hazing Settlements:

Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10 million total
Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements
David Bogenberger (Pi Kappa Alpha): $14 million settlement
Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10+ million settlement

Practical Guides & FAQs for Powell Families Facing Hazing

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or cuts
Extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Academic decline from missed classes/studying
Financial strain from unexpected “fines” or purchases

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]?”
Listen without judgment: Create safe space for honesty
Validate concerns: “It makes sense you’d feel pressured”
Emphasize safety: “Your well-being matters more than membership”
Offer support: “We’ll figure this out together”

If Your Child Is Hurt

Get medical attention immediately
Document everything: Photos, screenshots, notes
Preserve evidence: Don’t let them delete messages
Contact an attorney before talking to university or organization
Follow our evidence preservation guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment

Are you being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Is the activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would university officials approve if they knew details?
Are older members making you do things they don’t do themselves?
Are you being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

Immediate danger: Call 911 first
Tell someone outside the organization (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation to chapter leadership
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure may occur
Document any retaliation and report to university

Your Legal Rights in Texas

Consent is not a defense to hazing charges
Good-faith reporters have immunity protections
You can pursue civil claims even without criminal charges
Statute of limitations is generally 2 years from injury

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Deleting Evidence

What happens: Messages get deleted, case becomes “he said/she said”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys strongest evidence
Better approach: Screenshot and preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Why it’s wrong: Loses element of surprise in investigation
Better approach: Document quietly, let attorney handle communication

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

What happens: You waive legal rights for minimal concessions
Why it’s wrong: Settlements are often far below case value
Better approach: Have attorney review ANY documents before signing

4. Posting on Social Media

What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything for inconsistencies
Why it’s wrong: Compromises case strategy and credibility
Better approach: Document privately, let attorney control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigation

What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Why it’s wrong: University process prioritizes institutional protection
Better approach: Preserve evidence now, consult attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

What happens: Recorded statements used against you, early lowball offers
Why it’s wrong: Adjusters work for insurance company, not you
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

7. Letting Your Child Go Back

What happens: Pressure, intimidation, or extracted damaging statements
Why it’s wrong: Puts child at risk, compromises case
Better approach: Once considering legal action, all communication through attorney

Watch our complete guide to client mistakes at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions from Powell Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee liability. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Our active UH lawsuit demonstrates university liability is possible.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involves conduct that could support felony charges.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Consent doesn’t matter. 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 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with successful litigation.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability through sealed records and confidential settlements when possible.

“How much does legal representation cost?”
We work on contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Learn how contingency fees work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“Do you handle cases outside Houston?”
Yes. While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Powell and Navarro County. We handle cases with Texas connections, serve as co-counsel with local attorneys in other states, and provide consultation for families nationwide.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Attorney911 for Powell Hazing Cases

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation Experience

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

Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical—it’s active, current litigation demonstrating our commitment to holding universities and national fraternities accountable.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because Mr. Peña used to run it”
Learn about Mr. Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Complex Institutional Litigation: Ralph Manginello

BP Texas City explosion litigation experience—one of few Texas firms involved
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We’re not afraid of fraternity insurance companies.”
Learn about Ralph’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death and injury cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
Economist collaboration for accurate damage calculation
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s HCCLA membership (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association)
Understands interaction between criminal hazing charges and civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Complete wrongful death experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Investigative Depth and Resources

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423+ organization database
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

Data-Driven Investigation
We don’t start from scratch. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine gives us immediate access to:

IRS B83 records of Texas Greek organizations
University chapter rosters and disciplinary history
National organization patterns and prior incidents
Insurance entity identification and coverage analysis

Institutional Knowledge Uncovery
We know where to look for evidence universities and fraternities try to hide:

Prior complaints and internal investigations
Risk management files and insurance communications
Alumni advisor communications
National headquarters oversight records

Strategic Defendant Identification
It’s not just about the active members. We identify all potentially liable parties:

Individual members and officers
Local chapter entities and housing corporations
National headquarters and insurance carriers
University administrators and regents
Property owners and third-party vendors

Serving Powell and Navarro County Families

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Powell and Navarro County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across our state, and we’re committed to providing the same rigorous representation whether you’re in Harris County or Navarro County.

For Powell families with children at:

Navarro College: Local investigation and representation
Texas A&M: Corps and Greek life experience
UT Austin: Familiarity with Austin jurisdiction and procedures
Baylor: Understanding of Waco/McLennan County legal landscape
UH: Active litigation experience with current case
Any Texas university: Statewide practice capability

Call to Action: Confidential Consultation for Powell Families

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family, You Have Options

Whether your child attends Navarro College, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, if hazing has caused injury or trauma, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
Explain legal options: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—no win, no fee)
No pressure to hire us immediately
Everything confidential—protected by attorney-client privilege

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today

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

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

Why Act Now?

Evidence disappears quickly:

Group chats deleted within days
Witnesses graduate and move away
Universities control narratives quickly
Statutes of limitations run out

Early legal guidance prevents mistakes:

Preserves critical evidence
Prevents damaging statements to insurance
Controls communication with university
Positions case for maximum recovery

Accountability prevents future harm:

Your case can force policy changes
Protect other students from similar abuse
Honor your child’s experience with meaningful change

We Serve Families Throughout Texas

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims and families across Texas, including Powell and Navarro County. Whether your case involves a fraternity at UH, Corps hazing at Texas A&M, athletic team abuse at UT, or any campus organization misconduct, we have the experience and resources to help.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for immediate, confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your rights, preserve critical evidence, and pursue the accountability and compensation your family deserves.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Our Active UH Hazing Case:

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 Website:

Main site: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com