Hazing Incidents & Lawsuits in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Annona Families

When Hazing Hits Home: What Annona Parents Need to Know

The call every Texas parent dreads came in the middle of the night for a family just like yours. Their son, a promising University of Houston student, was in the ER with brown urine and failing kidneys. What began as fraternity pledging ended with rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization. Right now, we’re representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter—a case we filed because what happened to him cannot happen to another Texas student.

If you’re a parent in Annona, Red River County, reading this, your child might be hundreds of miles away at a Texas campus, caught between wanting to belong and being forced into dangerous “traditions.” This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Annona families and all Texas parents who need to understand hazing in 2025—what it really looks like, how Texas law protects students, what’s happening at universities across our state, and what legal options exist when hazing causes harm.

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 Methods

For Annona families unfamiliar with modern Greek life dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond simple pranks. Today’s hazing involves sophisticated psychological manipulation, digital coercion, and physical demands that can cause permanent injury or death. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH illustrates this perfectly: forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” made to consume milk and hot dogs until vomiting, then forced to sprint immediately after. This wasn’t “boys being boys”—it was systematic abuse that caused kidney failure.

Three Tiers of Hazing Every Annona Parent Should Recognize

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

• “Mandatory” chauffeur duties at all hours for older members
• Required “pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices)
• Social isolation from non-members and family
• 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Geographic tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

• Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
• Extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning” but actually punitive
• Public humiliation through embarrassing costumes or performances
• Digital shaming via TikTok challenges or Instagram story dares

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Potential for Serious Injury or Death)

• Forced alcohol consumption games like “Big/Little” nights or “Bible study” drinking
• Physical beatings, paddling, or “branding” rituals
• Dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles or “glass ceiling” rituals
• Sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts
• Chemical exposure like the Texas A&M case where pledges suffered burns from industrial cleaner

Where Hazing Happens Across Texas Campuses

Contrary to popular belief, hazing isn’t limited to fraternities. Annona families should be aware that their children might face hazing in:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
• Corps of Cadets/ROTC/Military Programs (particularly concerning at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
• Spirit and Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, Aggie Bonfire legacy groups)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

Texas Hazing Law: What Red River County Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protections

As Annona residents, your children are protected by Texas’s specific anti-hazing statutes. Under Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code:

• Hazing is defined broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act (on or off campus) directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization.

• Location doesn’t matter – Whether hazing occurs in a UH fraternity house, at an off-campus Airbnb, or during a retreat in another county, it’s still illegal under Texas law.

• “Consent is NOT a defense” – Texas law explicitly states that even if a student “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalances and peer pressure make true consent impossible.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

The criminal consequences for hazing in Texas escalate based on harm:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic 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

Additional criminal exposure:

• Failing to report hazing if you’re a member or officer who knew about it
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing
• Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs) can be fined up to $10,000 per violation

Civil Liability: Holding Organizations Accountable

While criminal cases focus on punishment, civil lawsuits provide compensation and accountability. In Texas hazing cases, potentially liable parties include:

1. Individual Students who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
2. Local Chapters as legal entities
3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters that set policies and collect dues
4. Universities and Governing Boards for negligent supervision
5. Property Owners of off-campus houses or event spaces
6. Alumni Corporations and Housing Entities

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Annona families should also understand these federal frameworks:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

• Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting and response requirements

• Clery Act: Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol crime reporting

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Repeated Tragedies

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night, Stone died from alcohol poisoning. His family’s $10 million settlement included approximately $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and $3 million from BGSU. This case demonstrates how universities and nationals share liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Died after a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers required drinking. The $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter cameras. The delayed 911 call resulted in 18 members facing over 1,000 criminal counts and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Extreme Traditions

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. Fatal head injuries and delayed medical care led to the national fraternity being banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and multiple criminal convictions.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal” caused severe, permanent brain damage. Now requires 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants in multi-million-dollar agreements, showing how multiple parties share liability for catastrophic injuries.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits resulted in head coach termination and confidential settlements, proving hazing extends far beyond Greek life into big-money athletic programs.

Texas University Focus: Where Annona Students Attend

University of Houston: Urban Campus Dynamics

For Annona Families: While UH is approximately 300 miles from Red River County, many Texas students choose UH for its urban opportunities and strong programs. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates serious hazing risks even at commuter-friendly campuses.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Large urban campus with residential and commuter populations
• Active Greek life across multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC)
• Strong connection to Houston’s professional networks

Official Hazing Policy:
UH prohibits hazing on or off campus, including forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and psychological distress. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, Student Conduct, and UHPD.

Recent Major Incident – Leonel Bermudez Case (2025):
Our current case involves Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter where Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from hazing that included:

• “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
• Extreme physical workouts (100+ push-ups, 500 squats)
• Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
• Hospitalization with critically high creatine kinase levels

The chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and surrendered its charter November 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action up to expulsion.

How UH Hazing Cases Typically Proceed:

• Initial reports to UHPD or Houston Police Department depending on location
• University conduct process running parallel to criminal investigation
• Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
• Multiple defendants: individuals, local chapter, national fraternity, UH System

What UH Students from Annona Should Do:

1. Document everything immediately (screenshots, photos, notes)
2. Report to both UHPD and Dean of Students Office
3. Seek medical attention and request complete records
4. Contact experienced counsel before speaking to investigators
5. Preserve digital evidence before it’s deleted

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Annona Families: Located about 230 miles from Red River County, Texas A&M attracts students for its strong traditions and career networks. Both Greek life and Corps of Cadets programs present unique hazing risks.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Strong tradition-focused culture with active Greek life
• Prominent Corps of Cadets program with military-style structure
• Network of alumni supporting campus organizations

Documented 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. The fraternity was suspended for two years, and civil lawsuits sought $1+ million in damages.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):
Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, demonstrating hazing risks extend beyond Greek life.

How A&M Hazing Cases Typically Proceed:

• Reports to University Police Department and/or College Station PD
• Parallel investigations by Student Conduct and Corps leadership
• Civil suits often filed in Brazos County courts
• Complex liability involving individuals, chapters, nationals, and university systems

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Tradition

For Annona Families: Approximately 200 miles from Red River County, UT Austin represents the flagship campus where many Texas students aspire to attend. Their public hazing violation database provides unusual transparency.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Flagship campus with robust Greek life across all councils
• Strong spirit and tradition organizations
• Public hazing violations database increasing accountability

Public Hazing Violations (Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):
New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Chapter placed on probation and required to implement enhanced hazing prevention education.

Texas Wranglers (Multiple Years):
Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices showing hazing extends beyond Greek letters.

UT’s Transparency Advantage:
Unlike many universities, UT maintains a public hazing violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. This documentation creates powerful evidence for civil cases by establishing pattern awareness.

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Dynamics

For Annona Families: Located about 130 miles from Red River County, SMU’s private university status and affluent campus culture present unique considerations for hazing cases.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Private university with strong Greek life presence
• Affluent student population and donor networks
• Different legal considerations than public institutions

Documented Incident:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. Chapter suspension and multi-year recruiting restrictions resulted.

SMU’s Reporting Systems:
Anonymous reporting through Real Response system and formal channels through Dean of Students. Private university status affects public records accessibility but doesn’t eliminate liability.

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

For Annona Families: Approximately 120 miles from Red River County, Baylor’s religious identity and previous scandals create complex accountability dynamics.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Religious affiliation with strong community values
• History of scrutiny over institutional responses to misconduct
• Active Greek life alongside faith-based organizations

Documented Incident:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting team performance. Incident highlighted hazing risks in athletic programs beyond football.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter for Texas Families

Why National Patterns Matter for Annona Families

When your child joins a chapter at a Texas university, they’re connecting to a national organization with deep history—including hazing patterns that repeat across campuses. These patterns create legal liability because they demonstrate foreseeability: national headquarters know certain rituals are dangerous because they’ve caused harm before.

Major National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – National Pattern:

• Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021) – $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012) – $14 million settlement
• Multiple Texas chapter violations including UT Austin probation (2023)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – National Pattern:

• Chemical burns at Texas A&M (2021) – $1+ million lawsuit
• Traumatic brain injury at Alabama (2023)
• Multiple alcohol-related deaths nationwide leading to elimination of traditional pledge process (2014)

Phi Delta Theta – National Pattern:

• Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) – $6.1 million verdict
• Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol hazing
• National “alcohol-free housing” policy implemented after fatalities

Pi Kappa Phi – National Pattern:

• Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017) – confidential settlement
• Leonel Bermudez kidney failure (UH, 2025) – $10 million lawsuit we’re currently litigating
• Pattern of physical endurance hazing across chapters

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

At Attorney911, we maintain comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations because knowledge is power in hazing litigation. For Annona families, this means we can immediately identify:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Data):
Our database includes 125+ Texas-registered entities with EINs, legal names, and addresses, such as:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710

Metro Organization Networks:
Across 25 Texas metros, we track 1,423 Greek-related organizations including:

• 188 organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro
• 510 organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro
• 154 organizations in Austin-Round Rock metro

Cross-Validated Brand Tracking:
We identify organizations appearing in both IRS data and metro listings, proving we can track specific national brands across Texas without guessing.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Critical Evidence Categories for Texas Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important Evidence):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage conversations showing planning and participation
• Deleted messages recovered through digital forensics
• Social media posts, stories, and comments documenting events
• Email threads between members, officers, and national headquarters

Photographic and Video Evidence:

• Photos of injuries with timestamps and metadata
• Video recordings of hazing events (often shared in group chats)
• Security camera footage from houses and venues
• Social media content showing events in real-time

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals, “tradition” lists, and initiation scripts
• Risk management reports and incident documentation
• Communication with national headquarters about chapter activities
• Membership rosters and officer lists

Medical Documentation:

• Emergency room records showing immediate injuries
• Laboratory results (critical for alcohol poisoning or rhabdomyolysis cases)
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Long-term treatment plans for permanent injuries

University Records:

• Prior conduct violations for the same organization
• Clery Act reports and campus crime statistics
• Internal emails about hazing concerns or investigations
• Disciplinary actions and probation records

Recoverable Damages in Texas Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Diminished earning capacity for permanent injuries
• Therapy and counseling costs for psychological trauma

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial Compensation):

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress, humiliation, and psychological harm
• Loss of enjoyment of life and educational experience
• Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and inheritance
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Emotional suffering of surviving family members

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

• Additional awards to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Available when defendants show conscious indifference to known risks
• Texas has statutory caps except in certain intentional tort cases

How Insurance Coverage Works in Hazing Cases

Annona families should understand that fraternity and university insurance companies employ specific strategies:

Common Insurance Defense Tactics:

• Arguing hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• Delaying claims to pressure financially strained families
• Using “independent” medical exams to minimize injuries
• Offering quick, low settlements before families hire counsel

Our Insurance Insider Advantage:
Thanks to Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, we know exactly how these companies operate. We understand:

• How insurers value claims and set reserves
• Their strategies for denying or minimizing coverage
• How to counter their tactics with evidence and expert testimony
• When to pursue bad faith claims against insurers

Practical Guides & FAQs for Annona Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Physical Indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal academic stress
• Weight changes from food/water restriction
• Sleep deprivation patterns (late-night calls, 3 AM activities)

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
• Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive reactions to questions about the group

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep during instruction
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

1. Ask open, non-judgmental questions: “How are you feeling about the new member process?”
2. Listen without interruption: Let them share at their own pace
3. Validate their feelings: “It makes sense you’d feel pressured in that situation”
4. Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any organization”
5. Offer unconditional support: “We’re here for you no matter what you decide”

For Students: Protecting Yourself and Knowing Your Rights

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment Questions:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is the activity illegal or against university policy?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets from university officials or my family?

How to Exit Safely:

1. Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
2. Send written notice to chapter leadership: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
3. Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
4. Document any threats or harassment for reporting purposes

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
• Hazing is a crime—you are the victim, not the perpetrator
• You can request no-contact orders through the university if harassed
• Civil lawsuits can proceed even without criminal charges

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Deleting Evidence
What happens: “I don’t want this embarrassing stuff on my phone”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up; makes case nearly impossible to prove
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately; screenshots saved to cloud storage

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization Directly
What happens: “I’m going to tell them what I think of their ‘traditions'”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document everything silently, then call an attorney

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: “The Dean assured me this internal process will handle everything”
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are typically minimal
Better approach: “I need to have my attorney review this before I sign anything”

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media
What happens: “People need to know what this organization did”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Keep documentation private; let your attorney control messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for the University Investigation
What happens: “The school said they’re handling it, so we should wait”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
Better approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult an attorney immediately

Frequently Asked Questions from Texas Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case requires specific factual analysis—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes basic hazing a Class B misdemeanor, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Leonel Bermudez case involving kidney failure would likely qualify for felony charges if pursued criminally.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to the hazing activity.” Courts recognize that power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or discovery in Texas, but exceptions exist for minors, ongoing cover-ups, or delayed discovery of harm. Given how quickly evidence disappears, we recommend contacting counsel immediately. Watch our statute of limitations guide at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

“Will this be confidential or public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. However, some cases—like our UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—require public filing to achieve accountability and prevent future harm.

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. Watch our fee explanation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc. This makes justice accessible to all families, regardless of financial situation.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Annona Families Choose Us

Texas-Based Hazing Litigation Specialists

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Annona and all of Red River County. When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer—you need attorneys who understand how universities and national fraternities fight back, and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

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

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Deploy “independent” medical exams to minimize injuries
  We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants. That same capability applies directly to taking on national fraternities and university systems with unlimited legal budgets.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Results:
We’ve recovered substantial compensation in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases by:

• Working with economists to value lifetime care needs
• Collaborating with medical experts on long-term prognosis
• Presenting compelling damages models that force serious settlement discussions
  Learn more at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

• Advise witnesses and former members with criminal exposure
• Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
• Protect your rights throughout dual-track litigation
  Explore our criminal defense experience at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Investigative Depth and Resources:
We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 metros. For your case, this means we can immediately:

• Identify all potentially liable entities (house corporations, alumni associations, nationals)
• Access prior incident patterns showing foreseeability
• Subpoena records efficiently because we know exactly what exists
• Deploy appropriate experts: medical, psychological, economic, digital forensics

Our Philosophy: Accountability Beyond Compensation

While financial recovery matters, we believe hazing cases must achieve three goals:

1. Full compensation for medical expenses, lost opportunities, and suffering
2. Meaningful accountability for individuals and institutions that allowed harm
3. Systemic change to prevent future tragedies

The Leonel Bermudez case exemplifies this approach: we’re seeking justice for his kidney damage while forcing UH and Pi Kappa Phi to confront systemic failures that allowed such severe hazing to occur.

Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

Your Next Steps as an Annona Family

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus—we want to hear from you. Red River County families deserve answers and accountability when their children are harmed by dangerous traditions.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We Listen First: We’ll hear your story without judgment or interruption
2. Evidence Review: We’ll examine any documentation you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline potential paths: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, university process, or combination
4. Realistic Expectations: We’ll discuss timelines, potential challenges, and likely outcomes
5. No Pressure: Take time to decide—we never pressure immediate retention
6. Confidentiality Guaranteed: Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege

Contact Us Today:

• 24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales completos disponibles en español.

Critical Evidence Preservation Video:
Before contacting us, watch our guide on preserving digital evidence at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs. This can make the difference between a strong case and one that’s impossible to prove.

We Serve All Texas Families

While we’re based in Houston, we represent families throughout Texas and can coordinate with local counsel in any jurisdiction. Distance doesn’t limit our ability to secure justice for your family. Whether you’re in Annona, Dallas, San Antonio, or anywhere in between, if hazing has impacted your child, we can help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website:
https://attorney911.com

Wrongful Death Practice Area:
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal Defense Practice Area:
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Ralph Manginello Profile:
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Lupe Peña Profile:
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Critical 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

UH Pi Kappa Phi Case Coverage:
Click2Houston Report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 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/

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)
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