Hazing in Texas: A Complete Legal Guide for Austwell Families

When Hazing Trauma Hits Home: What Austwell Parents Need to Know First

Imagine this: Your child, a freshman at a Texas university just hours from Austwell, texts you late one night. Their messages are vague but concerning—mentioning “mandatory events” that keep them up until 3 AM, unexplained bruises they brush off as “just workouts,” and a sudden secrecy about their new fraternity or sorority friends. When you visit the next weekend, you notice they’re exhausted, anxious, and defensive when you ask about their new organization. You hear whispers about “traditions” that sound more like abuse than bonding. This isn’t just parental worry—this is the reality facing families in Austwell, Refugio County, and across the Texas Coastal Bend when hazing infiltrates campus life.

Right now, less than three hours from Austwell in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, Bermudez was forced through extreme workouts, made to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack,” and sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” He spent four days hospitalized, facing potential permanent kidney damage. This $10 million lawsuit—which we’re actively litigating—shows exactly what Texas families are up against: powerful institutions, dangerous traditions, and life-altering consequences.

This Guide Is for You, Austwell

If you’re reading this from Austwell, Refugio County, or anywhere along the Texas coast, this comprehensive guide is written specifically for your family. We’ll explain:

What modern hazing really looks like (beyond the stereotypes)
Texas hazing laws and how they protect your student
The disturbing patterns we see across Texas universities
Exactly what’s happening at schools where Austwell students attend—Texas A&M, UT Austin, University of Houston, and others
Your family’s legal options and practical steps to take right now

Whether your student attends school nearby or hours away, Texas law and experienced Texas counsel can help. We serve families throughout our state, including here in Austwell and across Refugio County.

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’re “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 evidence, 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 Austwell Families Need to Recognize

Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”: The Modern Reality

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “tough love.” For Austwell families sending students to Texas universities, understanding these modern realities is crucial for recognizing danger early.

What Hazing Really Is in Legal Terms:
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. Crucially—“I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most deadly form. It’s not just “college drinking”—it’s systematic coercion:

Forced chugging during “lineups” or “family tree” drinking games
“Big/Little” nights where pledges are handed handles of liquor
Pressure to consume unknown mixtures or dangerous amounts
In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was allegedly forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint

2. Physical Hazing
Often disguised as “conditioning” or “team building”:

Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”)—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats forced on Bermudez
Paddling, beatings, or “wall sits” until collapse
Sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night “meetings”
Exposure to extreme elements (left outside in cold/heat)

3. Psychological and Humiliation Hazing
Designed to break down identity and create compliance:

Verbal abuse, screaming, “roasting” sessions
Forced nudity or degrading costumes
Public shaming on social media or in group settings
Racial, sexual, or gender-based humiliation
The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case contained condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items that had to be carried 24/7

4. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier, especially concerning for tech-savvy students:

Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Forced social media posts or TikTok videos
Geo-tracking requirements (sharing location 24/7)
Cyberbullying and digital humiliation

5. Sexualized Hazing
Particularly triggering for Title IX implications:

Simulated sexual acts or positions
Forced nudity or partial nudity
Sexual assault or coercion under guise of “initiation”
In the UH case, another pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Austwell families should know hazing extends beyond Greek letters:

Concerningly, these behaviors often hide behind euphemisms: “traditions,” “bonding,” “new member education,” “challenges,” or “team building.” When administrators or alumni say, “We went through it and turned out fine,” they’re perpetuating systems that have killed and injured Texas students.

Texas Hazing Law: What Austwell Families Need to Understand

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F. For Austwell families navigating a crisis, understanding these basics is essential:

§ 37.151 Definition (Plain English Translation):
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 Austwell families:

Location doesn’t matter—on-campus, off-campus, at an Airbnb, or even back here in Refugio County during breaks
Can be mental OR physical harm
“Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm, just disregarded obvious risks
Most importantly: Consent is NOT a defense under Texas law (§ 37.155)

Criminal Penalties in Texas

Texas takes hazing seriously in its criminal code:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional charges: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

Civil Liability: Where Families Seek Justice

While criminal cases involve prosecutors, civil cases are where families seek compensation and accountability:

Who can be liable in a Texas hazing lawsuit:

Individual students who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Local chapter/organization if it’s a legal entity
National fraternity/sorority headquarters—often where the real money and insurance are
Universities and governing boards under certain negligence theories
Third parties like property owners, bars, or security companies

For Austwell families: This means even if the hazing happened hours away at college, legal action can involve entities with connections throughout Texas.

Federal Laws Overlay Texas Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Strengthens prevention programs
Phased implementation through 2026
Means universities like Texas A&M and UT have additional reporting obligations

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX applies
Clery requires reporting certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault, alcohol crimes
These federal laws can provide additional avenues for accountability

National Hazing Cases: Patterns Every Austwell Family Should Recognize

The cases making national headlines aren’t abstract—they’re blueprints for what happens in Texas. Understanding these patterns helps Austwell families recognize danger and build stronger cases.

The Deadly Alcohol Pattern

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Severe falls caught on chapter security cameras
Hours delayed before calling 911
Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”
For Austwell families: This “delay culture” repeats in Texas—students fear “getting the chapter shut down” more than getting medical help

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with BAC of 0.495%
Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Pattern recognition: Drinking games framed as “education” or “tradition” are particularly dangerous

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

“Big/Little” night—forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey
$10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, $3M from university)
Texas connection: Pi Kappa Alpha operates at UT, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor

Physical and Ritualized Violence

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled in “glass ceiling” ritual
Fatal head injuries; delayed 911 call
National fraternity criminally convicted—landmark organizational liability
For Austwell families: Shows off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as house parties

Athletic Program Scandals

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing spanning years
Multiple lawsuits, confidential settlements
Critical lesson: Hazing isn’t just Greek life—big-money athletic programs have similar issues

What These Cases Mean for Austwell

These national patterns repeat in Texas because:

Fraternities/sororities share the same “playbooks” nationally
The script—Big/Little nights, drinking games, extreme workouts—transfers across state lines
Universities often make the same mistakes: inadequate supervision, weak enforcement, prioritizing reputation over safety
The same national organizations operating at Texas schools have these histories

When your Austwell student faces hazing at a Texas university, you’re not dealing with an isolated incident—you’re confronting a national pattern that organizations knew about and failed to prevent.

Texas University Focus: Where Austwell Students Actually Attend

Understanding Austwell’s University Connections

Families in Austwell and Refugio County typically send students to:

Primary Destinations:

Texas A&M University (College Station) – 2.5 hours northeast
University of Houston – 2.5 hours east
Texas State University (San Marcos) – 3 hours northwest
University of Texas at Austin – 3 hours northwest
Coastal Bend College (local option)

Regional Options:

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (1 hour)
University of Texas at San Antonio (3.5 hours)
Sam Houston State University (3.5 hours)

This geographic reality means Austwell families need particular awareness of what happens at these specific campuses.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis

Why Austwell Families Should Pay Attention:
UH is one of the closest major universities to Austwell, and it’s currently at the center of Texas’ most serious hazing litigation—a case we’re actively litigating.

The Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Case:

What happened: Fall 2025 pledge period allegedly involved forced labor, humiliation, and violence culminating in rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Specific acts: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced sprints/bear crawls, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” forced consumption until vomiting, 100+ push-ups/500 squats sessions
Medical outcome: Four-day hospitalization, brown urine, critically high creatine kinase levels, ongoing kidney damage risk
Institutional response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter Nov 6, 2025; chapter voted to surrender charter Nov 14; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal action: $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, Board of Regents, 13 individual members
Full coverage: ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit

UH’s Greek Landscape:
UH hosts 60+ Greek organizations across:

Interfraternity Council (Alpha Sigma Phi, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.)
Panhellenic Council
National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine)
Multicultural Greek Council

For Austwell families with students at UH:

This active case shows hazing is happening right now at Texas universities
The specific methods (forced exercise, humiliation, alcohol coercion) are templates used by multiple organizations
University response patterns matter—UH’s public condemnation contrasts with some schools’ quiet settlements

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Special Concerns for Austwell Families:
Texas A&M’s unique culture creates specific hazing risks:

Corps of Cadets History:

2023 lawsuit alleged cadet was bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts, degradation
A&M stated it handled matter internally
For Austwell families: Corps membership is a proud tradition for many Coastal Bend students, but traditions can mask abuse

Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit—causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
$1 million lawsuit, chapter suspension
Pattern: SAE has national history of similar incidents

A&M’s Response Framework:
these programs—creates complex liability questions

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

What Austwell Families Should Know:
UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing violation databases—meaning patterns are publicly visible.

Recent Violations (Public Record):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; probation and mandatory education
Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing
Various other groups sanctioned for forced workouts, humiliation, policy violations

UT’s System Means:

Prior violations are public record—excellent for establishing patterns
Repeat offenses show systemic issues
For Austwell families: You can check an organization’s history at hazing.utexas.edu before your student joins

Sigma Alpha Epsilon at UT:

January 2024: Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
$1+ million lawsuit filed
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations
Pattern recognition: The same national organization with problems at Texas A&M also has issues at UT

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

While farther from Austwell, these schools draw some Coastal Bend students:

SMU Considerations:

Private university status affects transparency
Affluent student body doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; multi-year suspension

Baylor Context:

Religious identity creates unique dynamics
Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended after investigation
History of institutional scandal (Title IX issues) affects response patterns

The Common Threads for Austwell Families

Across all Texas universities, we see:

The same national organizations causing problems
Similar methods: forced drinking, extreme exercise, humiliation
Institutional patterns: delayed response, quiet settlements, reputation protection
Geographic reality: Austwell students attend these schools, so these risks directly affect our community

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What’s Behind the Letters

Why National Histories Matter to Austwell Families

When your student joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a campus group—they’re joining a national organization with a history that spans decades and state lines. These histories create legal liabilities that can help your family seek justice.

The Attorney911 Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

We maintain what we believe is Texas’ most comprehensive database of Greek organizations—because knowing exactly who you’re dealing with matters. Here’s what that means for Austwell families:

Our Data Includes:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations (IRS B83 filings with EINs, legal names, addresses)
1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metros
Campus-specific rosters for UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
National incident database tracking patterns across states

For Austwell Specifically:
The Greek organizations operating near our community include entities registered throughout South Texas and connected to campuses where our students attend.

Sample Public Records: Greek Organizations Serving Austwell Families

Here are examples of the types of organizations we track (all information from public filings):

Texas-Registered Greek Entities (IRS B83 Examples):

Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 371768785 – Missouri City, TX 77459
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta – EIN 824398421 – Richmond, TX 77406
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (Theta Delta chapter) – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147

Houston Metro Greek Organizations (Cause IQ Data):

188 Greek-related organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro
Examples: Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega Bayou City Alumni, Delta Sigma Theta Houston Alumnae

What This Means for Your Case:
When hazing occurs, there are often multiple legal entities behind the campus letters:

The undergraduate chapter
The housing corporation (owns the house)
The alumni association
The national headquarters
Educational foundations

Each may have insurance, assets, and liability. Our tracking helps ensure no responsible party escapes accountability.

National Patterns = Texas Liability

Sigma Alpha Epsilon: A Case Study
SAE operates at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools. Their national history includes:

Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
Chemical burns case at Texas A&M
Assault lawsuit at UT Austin
National elimination of pledging in 2014 (proving they knew the risks)

For Austwell families: This pattern shows foreseeability—SAE national knew their chapters had dangerous practices but inadequate prevention.

Pi Kappa Alpha: Another Repeat Pattern
Pike’s national history includes:

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement)
Multiple other alcohol-related deaths
Violations at UT Austin (2023) and other Texas schools

Legal implication: When the same script repeats, nationals can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

Why This Data Matters for Your Austwell Family

Pattern evidence strengthens negligence claims
Prior incidents show organizations had warning
Multiple entities mean multiple potential sources of compensation
Insurance coverage often exists at national levels

When we take a hazing case, we don’t just look at the campus chapter—we investigate the entire organizational ecosystem. That comprehensive approach is why families from Austwell to Amarillo choose us for these complex cases.

Building a Hazing Case: What Austwell Families Can Expect

Evidence Collection: The First 48 Hours Are Critical

Based on our experience with cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi litigation, here’s what evidence matters most:

Digital Evidence (Priority #1):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts
How to preserve: Screenshot immediately, don’t delete anything, use screen recording for disappearing content
Our video tutorial: Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case

Medical Documentation:

ER records, hospitalization reports
Lab results (blood alcohol, kidney function, toxicology)
Follow-up care records
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

Physical Evidence:

Clothing with stains or damage
Objects used in hazing (paddles, bottles, props)
Photographs of injuries (multiple angles, include ruler for scale)

Witness Information:

Other pledges’ contact information
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who left the organization

Institutional Records:

University conduct files (obtained via discovery)
Campus police reports
National fraternity risk management files

The Damages Families Can Recover

In Texas hazing cases, families may recover compensation for:

Economic Damages:

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship and support
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages:

In cases of particularly reckless or intentional conduct
Designed to punish defendants and deter future hazing

The Legal Strategy: Multiple Avenues for Accountability

1. Civil Lawsuit Options:

Negligence claims against individuals and organizations
Negligent supervision against nationals and universities
Premises liability against property owners
Dram shop claims against alcohol providers (if applicable)

2. Criminal Complaint Coordination:

Working with local prosecutors on hazing charges
Understanding how criminal cases affect civil proceedings
Protecting victim/witness rights

3. University Accountability:

Title IX complaints (if sexual misconduct involved)
Clery Act reporting
Internal disciplinary processes

Insurance Coverage Battles

This is where our unique experience matters most. Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

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

This insider knowledge helps us maximize recovery for Austwell families.

Practical Guides: Immediate Steps for Austwell Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response

Red Flags Your Austwell Student May Be Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Financial strain from unexpected “dues” or purchases
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Academic decline from missing classes for “mandatory” events

How to Talk to Your Student:

Approach gently: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted/stressed lately. Is everything okay with your new group?”
Ask specific but non-accusatory questions: “What do new members typically do? Are there activities that make you uncomfortable?”
Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any organization. I’ll support you no matter what.”
If they open up: Listen without judgment, document what they share, seek medical care if needed

If You Suspect Hazing:

Medical first: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
Preserve evidence: Help them screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Document: Write down dates, times, what was said
Contact us: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before contacting the organization or university
Do NOT: Confront the fraternity/sorority, sign university documents, post on social media

For Students: Safety and Rights

If You’re Being Hazed:

Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
Medical attention: Go to student health or ER even if you “feel fine”
Evidence preservation: Screenshot everything, photograph injuries
Safe exit: You can leave any organization at any time—you don’t owe them “loyalty” that harms you

Your Texas Legal Rights:

Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
Good-faith reporters have some protection under Texas law
You can sue even if no criminal charges are filed
Statutes of limitations generally give you 2 years from injury (but act fast)

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Based on our experience with cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi litigation:

1. Deleting Evidence

What happens: “I’m embarrassed so I’ll delete those group chats”
Result: Looks like a cover-up, destroys your case
Better: Preserve everything—embarrassing evidence often proves coercion

2. Confronting the Organization

What happens: Angry parent calls the chapter president
Result: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better: Document everything, then call us—we handle communications

3. Signing University Documents

What happens: University offers “quick resolution” with waiver forms
Result: You may sign away your right to sue for inadequate compensation
Better: Have an attorney review EVERY document before signing

4. Waiting Too Long

What happens: “Let’s see how the university handles it first”
Result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Better: Consult an attorney immediately—university process ≠ legal justice

Watch our detailed guide: Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case

Frequently Asked Questions from Austwell Families

“Can we sue a Texas public university for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. While public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT have some sovereign immunity protections, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. The key is proper legal strategy from the start.

“What if hazing happened off-campus at an Airbnb?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (including Pi Delta Psi’s fatal retreat) occurred off-campus.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The “discovery rule” may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. Act quickly—evidence preservation is time-sensitive.
Learn more: Texas Statutes of Limitations Video

“Will this be public? We’re from a small community…”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms to protect your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does this cost?”
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. This makes justice accessible to Austwell families regardless of financial situation.
Fee explanation: How Contingency Fees Work

Why Austwell Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

Our Texas Roots, Your Local Advantage

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand Texas universities, Greek life dynamics, and how powerful institutions fight back—attorneys who actually win these cases.

What Makes Us Different for Austwell Families

1. We’re Currently Litigating Major Texas Hazing Cases
Right now, we’re leading the $10 million Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. We’re not theorizing about hazing law—we’re actively fighting in Texas courts. This gives us current, practical knowledge that directly benefits Austwell families.

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions
Negotiate settlements
For Austwell families: This means we know their playbook because we used to run it.

3. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with deep-pocket defense teams. This experience directly applies to suing national fraternities and university systems.

4. Data-Driven Investigation
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas. When we take your case, we don’t start from zero—we already understand the organizational landscape behind the campus letters.

5. Spanish Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving the diverse Coastal Bend community. Hablamos Español y entendemos las necesidades únicas de familias hispanas enfrentando el acoso universitario.

6. Small Community Understanding
We understand that Austwell isn’t Houston or Dallas. Small communities have unique concerns—privacy, local connections, community reputation. We handle cases with sensitivity to these realities while aggressively pursuing justice.

Our Track Record Speaks

While every case is unique, our experience includes:

Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
Complex institutional litigation against universities and national organizations
Successful evidence preservation in digital hazing cases
Coordination between civil and criminal proceedings
Protection of family privacy throughout litigation

The Attorney911 Promise to Austwell Families

When you work with us, you get:

Direct access to experienced attorneys (not passed to junior associates)
Comprehensive investigation of all liable parties
Insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics
Respect for your privacy and community connections
Contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win
Spanish language services available

Your Next Step: Free, Confidential Consultation for Austwell Families

We’re Here for You, Austwell

Whether you’re in Austwell proper, nearby Tivoli, or anywhere in Refugio County, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same organizations, the same patterns, and the same institutional failures affect students from our community just as they affect students in Houston or College Station.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Free Consultation Includes:

Confidential listening: We’ll hear your story without judgment
Evidence review: We’ll look at any photos, messages, or documents you have
Legal options explained: We’ll outline potential paths—criminal complaint, civil lawsuit, university process, or combination
Realistic assessment: We’ll discuss likely outcomes, timelines, and challenges
Cost transparency: We’ll explain our contingency fee structure
No pressure: Take time to decide—we never push immediate hiring

How to Reach Us Right Now

For Immediate Assistance:

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

For Spanish-Speaking Families:

Contact Mr. Lupe Peña directly: lupe@atty911.com
Hablamos Español – consultas confidenciales en español

Online Resources:

Website: https://attorney911.com
Practice Areas: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/
Wrongful Death Experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Attorney Profiles: Ralph Manginello (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), Lupe Peña (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/)

Serving All of Texas, Including Austwell and Refugio County

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. Distance doesn’t limit our ability to help Austwell families—modern technology allows comprehensive representation regardless of location.

A Final Word to Austwell Parents

The hardest call is the first one. The embarrassment, the fear, the confusion—we understand. But every day we wait, evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations cover their tracks.

The UH Pi Kappa Phi case shows what’s possible when families act quickly and choose experienced counsel. What happened to Leonel Bermudez shouldn’t happen to any Texas student. Together, we can seek accountability for what your family has endured and help prevent this from happening to other Austwell students.

Call us today. Let’s start finding answers together.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Current Texas Hazing Case:

Click2Houston UH Pi Kappa Phi 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 coverage of Leonel Bermudez lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary of $10M UH hazing lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Firm Resources:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense capability: 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/

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 | lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services)