The Ultimate Guide to Hazing Accountability for Mount Enterprise Families

Your Child Was Hazed at College. What Do You Do Now?

For families in Mount Enterprise, the pride of seeing your child head off to Stephen F. Austin State University in nearby Nacogdoches, Texas A&M University, or any Texas campus can quickly turn to panic with a single phone call. That call might come from your student, a roommate, or campus police. The story often starts the same way: “There was an incident at the fraternity house” or “We were just having fun, but someone got hurt.” As parents in Rusk County, you trust universities to protect your children. But right now, just a few hours from Mount Enterprise in Houston, a sobering case proves how devastatingly that trust can be broken.

We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student whose fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter nearly killed him. What began as a bid for brotherhood ended with a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit filed against UH, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, their housing corporation, and 13 fraternity leaders. The allegations are stomach-turning: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; hours-long workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; and the degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring humiliation items. The physical toll was catastrophic: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t a distant news story. This is happening right now in Texas courts, and it demonstrates exactly what Mount Enterprise families are up against when hazing strikes close to home. Whether your child attends SFA in Nacogdoches, commutes to Tyler Junior College, or studies at Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, the same dangerous dynamics exist. The institutions—the universities, the national fraternities, the alumni networks—have deep pockets and experienced defense teams. Families feel overwhelmed, confused, and pressured to stay silent.

This comprehensive guide exists for you. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, break down Texas law in plain English, show you how national patterns connect to Texas campuses, and give you actionable steps to protect your child and hold the right parties accountable. We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), and we’re leading hazing litigation in Texas right now. We’ve created this resource because Mount Enterprise families deserve answers, not anxiety.

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 your 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 directly
- 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

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “prank.” For Mount Enterprise parents who might remember college differently, today’s hazing is a calculated, psychologically complex, and often digitally documented form of abuse. It’s not “just partying” or “boys being boys”—it’s a systematic process designed to break down autonomy and enforce loyalty through fear, humiliation, and pain.

The Modern Hazing Definition

At its core, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical distinction for Texas families: “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does not make it legal or safe. Texas law recognizes the power imbalance inherent in pledging—where saying “no” means social exclusion, ridicule, or academic isolation.

Today’s Hazing Categories

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
The most common—and most deadly—form remains forced consumption. This includes “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, “lineup” drinking games, trivia where wrong answers mean shots, and peer pressure to consume unknown mixtures. In the Bermudez case, forced milk and hot dog consumption triggered vomiting before more physical exertion. The biochemical result—rhabdomyolysis—shows how seemingly “traditional” food challenges can cause organ failure.

Physical Hazing
This extends beyond paddling to include “smokings” (extreme calisthenics until collapse), sleep deprivation rituals, exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous physical tests. At UH’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, pledges endured 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Another pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These aren’t workouts—they’re punishment disguised as tradition.

Psychological and Digital Hazing
The 24/7 connectivity that reassures Mount Enterprise parents about their child’s safety is weaponized in hazing. Pledges face constant group chat monitoring, geo-location tracking via apps, public humiliation on TikTok or Instagram, and sleep disruption through late-night mandatory check-ins. The psychological warfare—verbal abuse, isolation from non-Greek friends, forced confessions—creates trauma that often outlasts physical injuries.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. These aren’t “jokes”—they’re calculated violations of dignity that create lifelong psychological scars.

Where Hazing Happens

Mount Enterprise families should understand hazing extends beyond fraternity row:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (military-style discipline abused)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading)
Spirit Organizations (Texas Cowboys, Aggie Band, similar tradition groups)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the letters on the jacket—it’s the abuse of power dynamics, the cloak of “tradition,” and the institutional tolerance that allows patterns to repeat.

Texas Hazing Law: What Mount Enterprise Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that govern cases involving your child, whether they attend school in Nacogdoches, Commerce, Huntsville, or anywhere in the state. Understanding this framework is crucial before dealing with university administrators or insurance adjusters.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

§ 37.151 Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student that:

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

Plain English for Mount Enterprise Parents: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Location (on/off campus) doesn’t matter. Mental harm counts as much as physical harm.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

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

§ 37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense
This is the most important provision for families. Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” Your child saying “yes” under peer pressure doesn’t make it legal.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (DA’s office)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Reality: Many hazing cases result in misdemeanor pleas, even with serious injuries

Civil Cases

Brought by victims/families (like the Bermudez lawsuit)
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability
Critical fact: You don’t need a criminal conviction to file a civil case

For Mount Enterprise families, the civil system is often where real accountability happens. While criminal courts might give probation, civil courts can award compensation for medical bills, ongoing therapy, lost educational opportunities, and the profound emotional toll on your family.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid (virtually all Texas public universities) to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs by 2026. This creates more transparency but doesn’t replace individual legal action.

Title IX and Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires crime reporting—hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol crimes. These federal frameworks give additional leverage in negotiations with universities.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students
The ones who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up. In the UH case, 13 individual members are named.

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority club itself (if incorporated). Chapter officers often bear particular responsibility.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
This is where real resources exist. Nationals collect dues, set policies, and supervise chapters. Their liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in the Bermudez suit.

University or Governing Board
Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity complications but can still face liability for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private schools (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections.

Third Parties
Property owners (chapter house landlords), alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies, or event organizers.

For Mount Enterprise families, identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial. Their insurance policies are what ultimately compensate your family and fund your child’s recovery.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

The Bermudez case at UH isn’t an outlier—it’s part of a national pattern that has produced multi-million dollar verdicts, legislative reforms, and institutional changes. Understanding these patterns helps Mount Enterprise families recognize their leverage and the precedents supporting their case.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The result: $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU), multiple criminal convictions, and strengthened Ohio anti-hazing laws.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking. Died with a 0.495% BAC. The result: $6.1 million verdict against individual members, felony hazing law in Louisiana (Max Gruver Act).

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
“Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of liquor. Died from acute alcohol poisoning. The result: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life, criminal prosecutions, confidential settlements.

Pattern Lesson for Mount Enterprise: Formulaic drinking traditions are predictable and preventable. When nationals have seen deaths from “Big/Little” events at other chapters, they can’t claim surprise when the same script plays out at Texas chapters.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. Died from traumatic brain injury; help was delayed. The result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years; multiple jail sentences.

Pattern Lesson: Off-campus “retreats” to places like Yellowstone Park (in the Bermudez case) don’t eliminate liability—they often intensify the danger while creating false security about being beyond university oversight.

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over years. The result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlement with coach, ongoing institutional damage.

Pattern Lesson: Hazing isn’t just Greek life. Major athletic programs with millions at stake can harbor systemic abuse. Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and major sports teams have faced similar allegations.

What These Precedents Mean for Mount Enterprise Families

Multi-million dollar settlements/verdicts are achievable when injuries are severe
National organizations have pattern knowledge that undermines “we didn’t know” defenses
Universities often settle to avoid discovery of what they knew and when
Individual officers can face personal liability (Pi Kappa Alpha president ordered to pay $6.5M personally in Foltz case)

These aren’t abstract cases—they’re roadmaps for how Texas hazing litigation can proceed.

Texas Universities: Where Mount Enterprise Families Send Their Children

Understanding the specific landscape of Texas campuses helps Mount Enterprise families navigate hazing incidents. While your child might attend any Texas school, certain universities have particular patterns, policies, and histories.

Location Context: Mount Enterprise’s Educational Connections

Mount Enterprise sits in Rusk County, an area with rich educational connections:

Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, 30 miles away) – The closest four-year university to Mount Enterprise
University of Texas at Tyler (50 miles northwest)
Texas A&M University (College Station, 120 miles southwest)
University of Houston (Houston, 150 miles south)
Other common choices: Texas Tech, University of North Texas, Sam Houston State, community colleges

Rusk County families deserve to know what happens on these campuses—and what legal jurisdictions apply when things go wrong.

Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
SFA serves as the primary university for many Rusk County students. With active Greek life including fraternities and sororities, the campus has traditional college dynamics in a smaller city setting. Proximity to Mount Enterprise means many students commute or visit home frequently.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting
SFA follows Texas Education Code requirements with additional campus-specific policies. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, and University Police Department. Like all Texas public universities, SFA must maintain hazing violation records.

Documented Incidents & Responses
While SFA hasn’t had cases as publicly documented as larger schools, the presence of national fraternities with hazing histories (Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.) means risk exists. The university’s relative size can mean incidents receive less media attention but still cause serious harm.

How a Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: Nacogdoches County courts, potentially Rusk County for some aspects
Police: University Police and/or Nacogdoches PD
Practical note: For Mount Enterprise families, SFA cases involve shorter travel but still require specialized hazing litigation experience

What SFA Students & Parents Should Do

Document immediately through SFA’s reporting systems
Request prior conduct records for the organization involved
Understand that “local” doesn’t mean simple—national fraternities bring national defense strategies

Texas A&M University

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Many Rusk County students head to College Station, drawn by A&M’s traditions, Corps of Cadets, and strong Greek life. The culture emphasizes tradition—which can sometimes mask dangerous behaviors as “heritage.”

Documented Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Lawsuit sought $1 million; fraternity suspended.
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.

Institutional Response Pattern
Texas A&M often handles cases through internal Corps or Student Conduct processes, which can frustrate families seeking transparency. The university’s massive size and political connections create unique challenges.

For Mount Enterprise Families at A&M

Corps cases involve military-style command structures that complicate reporting
Greek life incidents often occur at off-campus houses beyond A&M PD’s immediate jurisdiction
Documentation must be meticulous to counter “tradition” defenses

University of Texas at Austin

Transparency Advantage
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—more transparency than many Texas schools.

Documented Examples

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter probation.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Lawsuit sought over $1 million.

Pattern Insight
UT’s public log shows certain organizations reappear with modified behaviors but similar risk patterns. This creates powerful evidence for plaintiffs: the university knew this organization had issues.

For Mount Enterprise Families at UT

Use the public violations database to research prior incidents
Document through both UTPD and Austin PD when incidents occur off-campus
Recognize that UT’s size means multiple investigations happen simultaneously—your case needs assertive advocacy

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Private University Dynamics
As a private institution, SMU has different transparency requirements and liability exposures than public universities.

Documented Incident

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until 2021.

For Mount Enterprise Families at SMU

Expect less public disclosure from the university
Discovery becomes crucial to uncover internal reports and prior warnings
SMU’s affluent student body means defense resources can be substantial

Baylor University

Historical Context
Baylor’s recent history with athletic and Title IX scandals creates both challenges and opportunities in hazing cases. The university has faced intense scrutiny about institutional responses to misconduct.

Documented Incident

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation.

For Mount Enterprise Families at Baylor

Baylor’s religious identity influences internal processes
Document through both athletic department and student conduct channels when applicable
Prior scandals mean the institution is sensitive to negative publicity—a potential negotiation factor

The Greek Ecosystem Serving Mount Enterprise Families: Public Records Intelligence

As part of our hazing litigation practice, we maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal structures, and their connections across Texas. This isn’t abstract research; it’s how we identify every potentially liable entity in a hazing case. For Mount Enterprise families, understanding this ecosystem reveals who really stands behind the letters.

Texas Greek Organizations: The Public Records Backbone

IRS records show over 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations (classified as NTEE B83—Student Sororities, Fraternities) with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), legal names, and mailing addresses. These aren’t social clubs—they’re legal entities that can be sued, that carry insurance, and that have assets.

Examples Relevant to East Texas and Statewide Campuses:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629
Relevance: This is the housing corporation for the UH chapter involved in the Bermudez case.

Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter
EIN: 300517788 | 316 E Lakewood St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-2521
Relevance: SFA chapter housing corporation, physically located in Nacogdoches.

Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc
EIN: 273662583 | 1416 Sleepy Hollow Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904-4805
Relevance: East Texas based Kappa Sigma entity.

Epsilon Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity
EIN: 756053083 | 321 Old Tyler Rd, Nacogdoches, TX 75961-4880
Relevance: Another SFA-affiliated fraternity housing entity.

Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta
EIN: 756041410 | 402 N Steen Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-1776
Relevance: SFA sorority housing corporation.

Campus Connections: Where Mount Enterprise Students Actually Join

Based on official university rosters, here are major fraternities and sororities present at universities Mount Enterprise families commonly attend:

Stephen F. Austin State University (from IRS records and campus presence):

Alpha Tau Omega (Eta Iota Chapter)
Theta Chi (Epsilon Tau Chapter)
Chi Omega (Epsilon Zeta Chapter)
Kappa Sigma
Phi Delta Theta
Sigma Chi
And multiple others with East Texas registered entities

Universities Across Texas (common destinations):

Pi Kappa Alpha: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor, SFA
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Pi Kappa Phi: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT (UH chapter now closed)
Kappa Alpha Order: Present at Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor
Phi Delta Theta: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case

When your child is hazed, you’re not just facing a group of college students. You’re facing:

Local Chapter (often an incorporated entity)
Chapter Housing Corporation (owns/leases the property)
Alumni Corporation (may control funds and oversight)
National Headquarters (sets policies, collects dues, carries insurance)
National Insurance Carriers (multiple layers of potential coverage)

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine helps us map this entire structure so no liable entity escapes accountability. For Mount Enterprise families, this means we start your case knowing:

The exact legal names of organizations to name in lawsuits
Where to serve legal documents
What insurance policies might respond
How to trace responsibility from individual members to national oversight bodies

Building Your Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

If you’re reading this as a Mount Enterprise parent with a hazing incident fresh in mind, this section provides the practical framework for what comes next. The chaos of the initial crisis will pass, replaced by difficult decisions about medical care, university interactions, and potential legal action.

Critical Evidence Collection: The 72-Hour Window

Most hazing evidence disappears within days. Here’s what to preserve:

Digital Evidence (Priority #1)

Group Chats: Screenshot entire threads from GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord. Capture sender names, timestamps, and context. Do this immediately—messages get deleted.
Social Media: Preserve Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos, Facebook posts showing events, injuries, or discussions.
Location Data: Save any Find My Friends, Life360, or Snapchat Map location-sharing histories.
Deleted Recovery: Even if messages are deleted, forensic experts can often recover them from cloud backups or device memory. Don’t reset phones.

Physical Evidence

Injuries: Photograph from multiple angles with good lighting. Include a ruler or coin for scale. Take daily photos as bruises evolve.
Clothing: Don’t wash items with stains (blood, vomit, chemicals). Store in paper bags (plastic promotes mold).
Objects: Paddles, bottles, props used in hazing. If you can’t secure them, photograph them.
Medical Records: Request complete records from ER, hospital, student health. Specifically note “hazing” as cause of injury.

Documentation Evidence

Timeline: Write down everything your child remembers—who, what, when, where. Memories fade quickly.
Witness List: Names and contact info for other pledges, members, bystanders.
Financial Records: Receipts for forced purchases, unusual withdrawals, unexplained expenses.

Damages: What Can Actually Be Recovered

Hazing cases involve several categories of damages, each requiring specific documentation:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

Medical Expenses: Past bills + future estimated care (surgeries, therapy, medications)
Lost Educational Costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, transfer expenses
Earning Capacity Loss: If injuries affect career trajectory, economists calculate lifetime impact

Non-Economic Damages

Physical Pain & Suffering: Documented through medical records and personal accounts
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety—requires psychological evaluation
Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in sports, hobbies, normal college life

Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable)

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of financial support to family
Loss of companionship and emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (In Some Cases)
When defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct. Texas has caps on punitive damages in many cases, but exceptions exist for particularly egregious conduct.

The Strategy: Why Experience Matters

Hazing litigation involves several strategic decisions:

Criminal vs. Civil Track

We often recommend cooperating with criminal investigators while pursuing civil action
Criminal convictions strengthen civil cases but aren’t required
Different evidence standards apply (beyond reasonable doubt vs. preponderance)

Negotiation vs. Litigation

Most cases settle before trial through mediation
Settlement timing affects value—too early leaves money on the table, too late incurs trial costs
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial (because that’s what maximizes settlement value)

Insurance Coverage Battles
This is where Mr. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background becomes invaluable. Fraternity and university insurers routinely:

Deny coverage claiming “intentional act” exclusions
Delay with endless requests for documentation
Attempt early lowball settlements before full damages are known
We know these tactics because we used to deploy them for defense firms. Now we use that knowledge to counter them.

Realistic Timelines and Expectations

Immediate (0-30 days)

Emergency medical care
Evidence preservation
Initial attorney consultation
Reporting to university/police (strategically timed)

Investigation (1-6 months)

Gathering medical records
Identifying all defendants
Sending preservation letters
Initial settlement demands

Litigation (6 months – 2+ years)

Filing lawsuit if settlement inadequate
Discovery phase (document requests, depositions)
Expert consultations (medical, economic, Greek life)
Mediation attempts
Trial preparation

Resolution

Most cases settle during discovery or at mediation
Trial is rare but necessary when defendants won’t offer fair value
Confidential settlements are common but not required

For Mount Enterprise families, the emotional toll runs parallel to this legal process. We coordinate with therapists and support resources because healing matters as much as compensation.

Practical Guides for Mount Enterprise Families, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, limping; extreme fatigue; weight changes; injuries to hands/back (paddling signs)
Behavioral: Sudden secrecy; withdrawal from family/friends; personality changes (anxiety, irritability); obsessive phone checking; fear of “letting chapter down”
Academic: Grades dropping; missing classes; skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Financial: Unexpected large expenses; buying excessive alcohol; requests for money without clear explanation

How to Talk to Your Child (Without Confrontation)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

If Your Child Opens Up

Listen without judgment
Reassure them they’re not in trouble
Emphasize safety over “loyalty”
Document what they tell you (dates, names, details)
Contact an attorney before taking other actions

For Students: Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment

Are you being forced or pressured to do something unsafe, degrading, or illegal?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do?
Are you told to keep secrets from parents, RAs, or university officials?
Does this activity interfere with academics or health?

If You Answer “Yes” to Any:

You’re likely being hazed
Texas law protects you even if you “agreed”
You have options

How to Exit Safely

Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
Tell someone outside the org first: Parent, RA, trusted professor
Formal resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”: That’s where pressure and retaliation happen
Document any threats: Screenshots, recordings (Texas is one-party consent state)

Good Faith Reporting Protections
Texas law and most university policies protect those who:

Report hazing in good faith
Call for medical help in emergencies
Even if you were drinking underage or participating, these protections exist to save lives.

For Witnesses and Former Members

If you witnessed hazing or participated and now regret it:

Your testimony could prevent future injuries or deaths
You may need your own attorney (we can refer you to counsel without conflict)
Cooperation can lead to better outcomes for everyone
Silence often enables patterns to continue

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting evidence get deleted

What happens: Messages disappear, photos get lost, witnesses “forget”
Better approach: Screenshot everything immediately; back up to cloud storage

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the organization directly

What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document everything, then let your attorney make contact

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” forms

What happens: You may waive legal rights for minimal compensation
Better approach: “I need to have my attorney review this before signing”

MISTAKE #4: Posting on social media

What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Keep details private; let your attorney control messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting to see “how the university handles it”

What happens: Statute of limitations runs, evidence disappears, witnesses graduate
Better approach: Consult attorney immediately; university process ≠ legal accountability

MISTAKE #6: Talking to insurance adjusters without counsel

What happens: Recorded statements used against you; early lowball settlements
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE #7: Letting your child go back for “one last talk”

What happens: Pressure, intimidation, extraction of damaging statements
Better approach: All communication through attorneys once representation begins

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: The Texas Advantage

When your Mount Enterprise 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. Here’s why our approach differs:

Insurance Insider Advantage: We Know Their Playbook

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 Independent Medical Exams to minimize injuries
Delay with endless document requests
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions

We don’t just react to their tactics—we anticipate them. This insider knowledge becomes leverage in every negotiation and trial.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello’s BP Texas City explosion litigation experience matters more than you might realize. Taking on billion-dollar corporations taught us how to:

Trace institutional knowledge of dangers through layers of bureaucracy
Work with teams of experts (medical, economic, safety, digital forensics)
Manage document-intensive discovery against opponents with unlimited resources
Present complex causation arguments to juries

Universities and national fraternities have similar deep-pocket defense strategies. We’ve faced them before.

Texas-Specific Hazing Intelligence

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—the database behind the public records section earlier—isn’t just for show. It’s how we:

Identify every potentially liable entity from day one
Find prior incidents at other chapters that establish “pattern and practice”
Locate insurance policies and assets
Understand the specific Greek ecosystems at Texas campuses

For Mount Enterprise families, this means we start with knowledge rather than playing catch-up.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability

Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense capability. In hazing cases, this matters because:

Many hazing incidents involve parallel criminal investigations
Witnesses and participants need advice about Fifth Amendment rights
Criminal plea deals can impact civil cases
We understand how prosecutors build cases (and where their weaknesses are)

Economic Damages Specialization

Hazing cases involving catastrophic injuries or death require sophisticated economic analysis. We work with vocational experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate:

Lifetime medical needs for brain injuries, organ damage, PTSD treatment
Lost earning capacity over a 40+ year career
Educational costs for transfers or delayed graduation

We don’t guess at numbers—we build evidence-based models that withstand defense scrutiny.

Spanish-Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families throughout Texas without translation barriers. Cultural understanding matters when families are already navigating trauma.

The Attorney911 Difference: Immediate, Aggressive, Professional

Our brand promise—”Legal Emergency Lawyers™”—was created for crises like yours. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

You reach an attorney, not a receptionist
We provide immediate guidance on evidence preservation
We begin case analysis while the crisis is still unfolding
We treat your family with the empathy this situation demands

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation for Mount Enterprise Families

If you’ve read this far, you’re either proactively educating yourself or facing a situation that requires immediate action. Either way, here’s what you should know about working with us:

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a hazing case consultation:

We listen without judgment: You tell us what happened in your own words
We review any evidence you have: Photos, messages, medical records (if available)
We explain your legal options clearly: Civil lawsuit, criminal report, both, or neither
We discuss realistic timelines and outcomes: Based on similar Texas cases
We answer your questions about costs: Contingency fee means we don’t get paid unless you win
No pressure to hire us immediately: Take time to discuss with your family

Our Fee Structure: No Win, No Fee

We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis:

No upfront costs or hourly bills
We advance all case expenses (filing fees, expert costs, etc.)
We only get paid if we recover money for you
Our fee comes as a percentage of the recovery
If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This structure exists because we believe families shouldn’t face financial barriers to justice against well-funded institutions.

Geographic Reach: Serving Mount Enterprise and Beyond

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

Rusk County and East Texas: Stephen F. Austin State University cases
Brazos County: Texas A&M University cases
Travis County: UT Austin cases
Dallas County: SMU cases
McLennan County: Baylor cases
Every Texas county where hazing incidents occur

Distance doesn’t limit our ability to represent you effectively. Modern technology allows thorough case management, and we travel for important meetings, depositions, and court appearances.

Spanish Services Available

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

Call to Action: You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Mount Enterprise families facing hazing incidents often feel isolated—caught between protecting their child and navigating complex institutional systems. You don’t have to manage this alone.

If your child has been hazed at any Texas campus:

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

Why call now rather than “wait and see”?

Evidence disappears daily (deleted messages, fading memories, lost items)
Universities begin their internal processes immediately
The statute of limitations clock is ticking
Early legal guidance prevents critical mistakes

What we can do immediately:

Guide evidence preservation before it’s too late
Advise on medical documentation for legal and health purposes
Navigate university reporting strategically
Begin identifying all potentially liable parties
Give your family peace of mind during crisis

Whether your child attends SFA in Nacogdoches, Texas A&M in College Station, or any Texas campus, the principles of accountability remain the same. The institutions behind hazing have insurance, attorneys, and experience minimizing their exposure. Your family deserves advocates with equal preparation and determination.

From our firm to your family: We know this is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. Our commitment extends beyond legal representation to genuine care for your child’s recovery and your family’s healing. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on what matters most.

Call Attorney911 today for your free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:
https://attorney911.com

Educational YouTube Videos:

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

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

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 | lupe@atty911.com