The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawsuits for Families in Shepherd, Texas

Your Child Was Hazed at College. What Now, Shepherd?

Imagine this scenario, one that unfolds in dorm rooms and off-campus houses not just in College Station or Austin, but that can impact any family right here in our tight-knit Shepherd community. Your son or daughter—a bright student you sent off to pursue their dreams at a Texas university—calls home, but something in their voice has changed. They’re evasive about their new fraternity or sorority activities. They’re exhausted beyond normal college stress, with unexplained injuries they clumsily explain away. Then comes the late-night call you never wanted: your child is in the emergency room with alcohol poisoning, or acute kidney failure from forced extreme exercise, or psychological trauma from systematic humiliation.

For parents in Shepherd, San Jacinto County, and throughout East Texas, this nightmare is not abstract. Right now, just over an hour away in Houston, our firm is leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The details are harrowing: a “pledge fanny pack” containing humiliating items, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme workouts that led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring four days of hospitalization. This is happening now, to Texas students, and it demonstrates exactly why families need specialized legal help when hazing turns dangerous.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Shepherd parents and families across Texas. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects your child, what we’ve learned from national tragedies, and what’s happening at universities where Shepherd students commonly attend—including Sam Houston State University in nearby Huntsville, Lamar University in Beaumont, and major hubs like Texas A&M, UT Austin, and the University of Houston. Most importantly, we’ll explain your legal options and how an experienced Texas hazing litigation firm can help your family seek accountability and prevent this from happening to others.

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 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 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 It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For Shepherd families who may be unfamiliar with modern campus dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond the “boys will be boys” stereotypes of earlier generations. Today’s hazing is often systematic, digitally coordinated, and dangerously sophisticated in its evasion of university oversight.

A Clear, Modern Definition

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status within a campus organization, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Critically, “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does not make it legal or safe when there exists peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and deadliest form. It includes forced chugging challenges, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor, and games like “Bible study” where incorrect answers mandate drinking. In the Bermudez case at UH, forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns led directly to vomiting and severe medical consequences.

Physical Hazing: Beyond traditional paddling, this now includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts” or “conditioning.” At UH’s Pi Kappa Phi, Leonel Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session. Other physical hazing includes sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions,” food/water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous “trust exercises” that risk injury.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case contained condoms and sex toys as part of systematic humiliation. Another pledge at UH was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

Psychological Hazing: Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members, forced confessions, and public shaming in meetings or on social media. This creates an environment where victims feel unable to report or leave.

Digital/Online Hazing: The newest frontier includes group chat dares, social media “challenges,” pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 accessibility demands via GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord. Members may be required to share live locations and respond instantly to messages at all hours.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs in:

Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit squads and tradition organizations
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance between new and existing members.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Shepherd Families Need to Know

Texas has specific legal protections against hazing, and understanding this framework is crucial for Shepherd families considering their options.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Under Texas law (which governs cases involving Shepherd residents and Texas universities), hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, 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.

Key provisions Shepherd parents should understand:

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew about it and failed to report.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155):
This is critical for Shepherd families to understand. Texas law explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” is not a defense to hazing charges. Courts recognize that consent given under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not truly voluntary.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§37.154):
Students who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith are generally protected from university discipline and certain legal consequences. This “amnesty” provision is designed to encourage reporting and save lives.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and institutional accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case, as we’re seeing in the ongoing Bermudez litigation against UH and Pi Kappa Phi.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data by 2026.

Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain campus crimes, and hazing often overlaps with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up.

Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority itself if incorporated, plus officers acting in official capacity.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents at other chapters.

University or Governing Board: Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories, particularly if they had prior warnings and failed to act. Public universities like UH and Texas A&M have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist.

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

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

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn from Tragedy

Major national cases provide both cautionary tales and legal precedents that shape how Texas courts approach hazing litigation. For Shepherd families, these cases demonstrate patterns that repeat across campuses nationwide.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
A bid-acceptance event with extreme drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter security cameras. Help was delayed for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, massive civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway: Delayed medical intervention and cover-up culture dramatically increase liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
A “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers mandated drinking led to a 0.495% BAC and death. This case spurred Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, upgrading hazing to a felony. Takeaway: Legislative reform often follows public outrage and clear evidence.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
A “Big/Little” night where the pledge was forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey resulted in alcohol poisoning death. The case led to multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
A blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat caused fatal head injuries, with help deliberately delayed. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark case for organizational criminal liability. Takeaway: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability; nationals can face severe sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program over years, leading to multiple lawsuits, coach termination, and confidential settlements. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with systemic oversight failures.

What These Cases Mean for Shepherd Families

These national tragedies establish patterns that Texas courts recognize: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and institutional cover-ups. When Shepherd families face similar situations at Texas universities, they’re operating in a legal landscape shaped by these precedents. The settlements and verdicts—ranging from $375,000 to $14 million—demonstrate what’s possible when experienced attorneys hold institutions accountable.

Texas Focus: Universities Where Shepherd Students Attend

Shepherd families commonly send students to both regional campuses and major Texas universities. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is crucial.

Regional Campuses Near Shepherd

Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, TX – ~30 miles from Shepherd):
As one of the closest major universities to Shepherd, SHSU has active Greek life with Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, and National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations. While specific recent public hazing violations aren’t as documented as larger schools, the proximity means Shepherd families should be vigilant about the same patterns seen statewide.

Lamar University (Beaumont, TX – ~60 miles from Shepherd):
Lamar’s Greek community includes traditional fraternities and sororities alongside cultural organizations. The university’s hazing policy prohibits “any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health,” mirroring Texas law.

Other Regional Options:
Shepherd students also attend community colleges like Lone Star College and may transfer to larger universities, making awareness of hazing risks important at all levels.

Major Texas Universities: Where Patterns Emerge

University of Houston (UH)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UH’s large urban campus hosts over 35 fraternities and sororities across multiple councils, including the case currently being litigated by our firm.

Recent Documented Incident – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
Our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit alleging systematic hazing by Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. According to the complaint filed in Harris County and covered by Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline:

Bermudez was subjected to a “pledge fanny pack” rule containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
Extreme workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats leading to rhabdomyolysis
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Hospitalization for four days with acute kidney failure
1Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi national suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025; members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025; UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement.

What UH Students & Shepherd Parents Should Know:

UH’s hazing policy prohibits conduct both on and off campus
Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office and UHPD
Civil cases typically proceed in Harris County courts
Prior incidents can be discovered through public records requests

Texas A&M University

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Texas A&M’s Greek life and Corps of Cadets create unique hazing risks, with tradition-heavy environments that sometimes normalize abusive behaviors.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended; lawsuits sought over $1 million.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth, seeking over $1 million. A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.

What Texas A&M Families Should Know:

The Corps has its own disciplinary system alongside university processes
Brazos County courts typically handle civil cases
Pattern evidence from multiple incidents strengthens negligence claims

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT’s relatively transparent public hazing violations page provides valuable evidence for families, listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions.

Documented Violations (from UT’s Public Log):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation and required to implement hazing-prevention education.
Texas Wranglers & Other Groups: Multiple organizations sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices.

What UT Families Should Know:

UT’s public violation log can be powerful evidence in civil cases
Travis County courts have experience with campus-related litigation
Prior violations establish foreseeability for negligence claims

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
SMU’s private, affluent campus has strong Greek presence with different procedural considerations than public universities.

Documented Incident:

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

What SMU Families Should Know:

Private university status affects transparency and discovery processes
Dallas County courts handle SMU-related cases
Confidential settlements are common but require experienced negotiation

Baylor University

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over misconduct create a complex environment for hazing accountability.

Documented Incident:

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; suspensions staggered over the season.

What Baylor Families Should Know:

Baylor’s policies interact with its religious branding
McLennan County courts typically handle cases
Prior scandals can affect institutional response to new allegations

The Greek Ecosystem: National Histories That Matter for Texas Cases

For Shepherd families, understanding that local chapters are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories is crucial. These national patterns establish “foreseeability”—the legal concept that organizations should have anticipated and prevented harm based on prior knowledge.

Why National Histories Matter in Court

When a Texas chapter repeats behaviors that caused deaths or injuries at other chapters nationwide, courts can consider whether:

The national organization meaningfully enforced its anti-hazing policies
Prior incidents were addressed aggressively enough to deter recurrence
Training and supervision were adequate given known risks

This evidence supports claims for punitive damages and affects settlement negotiations.

Organizations with Documented National Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State (2021): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois (2012): $14 million settlement
Multiple other alcohol-related hazing incidents nationally

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama (2023)
Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (~2021)
Assault case at UT Austin (2024)
National pattern of alcohol-related hazing incidents

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver death at LSU (2017): Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
Multiple other documented hazing incidents

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State (2017)
Current Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston (2025)

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

SMU chapter suspension (2017)
Multiple paddling and alcohol incidents nationally

The Texas Connection: Local Chapters, National Patterns

Many fraternities and sororities present at Texas universities are chapters of these national organizations. When hazing occurs at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, plaintiffs’ attorneys can subpoena national headquarters for:

Prior incident reports from other chapters
Risk management files and training materials
Communications about known hazing risks
Evidence of inadequate enforcement of anti-hazing policies

This evidence transforms a “local chapter incident” into a pattern of institutional failure.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When Shepherd families face hazing situations, understanding how cases are built helps navigate the difficult decisions ahead.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important in 2025):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord messages showing planning, execution, and cover-up
Social media posts, stories, and DMs on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
Deleted messages recovered through digital forensics
Geo-location data and timestamps

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed during hazing events
Injury documentation from multiple angles
Security camera footage from houses and venues

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Emails and texts between officers
National policies and training materials

University Records:

Prior conduct files and disciplinary history
Campus police incident reports
Clery Act reports and hazing disclosures
Internal emails about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports and lab results
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Long-term treatment plans

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges and members
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled
Medical providers and first responders

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost earnings and diminished earning capacity
Educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Therapy and rehabilitation expenses

Non-Economic Damages:

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

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

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

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Intended to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Often require proof of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing
Can significantly increase recovery when defendants ignored prior warnings

Strategic Considerations for Texas Cases

Insurance Coverage Battles:
Fraternity and university insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Experienced attorneys know how to:

Navigate coverage exclusions
Identify all potential insurance policies
Force insurers to defend or face bad faith claims
This is where Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney provides critical advantage

Sovereign Immunity Challenges (Public Universities):
Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT have some immunity protections, but exceptions exist for:

Gross negligence or willful misconduct
Ministerial vs. discretionary acts
Title IX violations
Individual employee liability

Statute of Limitations:
Generally 2 years from injury or discovery in Texas, but:

The “discovery rule” may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately apparent
Tolling may apply for minors or fraudulent concealment
Time is critical—evidence disappears and memories fade

Practical Guides & FAQs for Shepherd Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial strain from unexpected “fines” or purchases
Academic decline from missing classes or assignments

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: If in immediate danger, call 911
Get Medical Attention: Even if they resist, insist on evaluation
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Document Everything: Write down dates, times, what was said
Contact an Attorney: Before confronting the organization or university
Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t delete evidence, don’t sign university agreements without review, don’t post on social media

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You Want to Leave:

You have the legal right to quit at any time
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send a clear resignation message (email/text for documentation)
Do not attend “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
Document any retaliation and report it immediately

Evidence Preservation for Students:

Screenshot group chats with timestamps visible
Take photos of injuries immediately and over several days
Save all digital communications (don’t delete, even if embarrassed)
Record conversations if safe (Texas is one-party consent)
Get medical documentation and mention hazing to providers

Critical FAQs for Shepherd Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity barriers. Every case depends on facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but upgrades it to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing (§37.155). Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not truly voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or discovery in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to preserve evidence and options.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in substantial judgments.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed:
What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction; makes case nearly impossible.
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately—even embarrassing content.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly:
What families think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses.
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms:
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements.
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value.
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first.

4. Posting on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:
What families think: “I want people to know what happened.”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility.
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging.

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”:
What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative.
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Texas Families Choose Us for Hazing Cases

When your Shepherd 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. That’s why Texas families choose The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911).

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

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

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

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar corporations
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on the biggest defendants and won. We know how to fight powerful institutions.”

Current High-Stakes Hazing Experience:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging systematic hazing causing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical; we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience working with economists to value lifetime care needs
Understanding of brain injury, permanent disability, and long-term trauma cases
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
“We see the whole legal picture, not just one piece.”

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:

Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
Medical experts for rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD, and other hazing injuries
Greek life culture experts and institutional policy specialists
Economists and life-care planners for damage valuation
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery:
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand:

Local courts and procedures across Texas
University cultures and administrative structures
How to navigate both public and private university systems
“We’re Texas lawyers who know Texas campuses.”

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families throughout Texas with cultural understanding and clear communication.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We know this is one of the hardest things a Shepherd family can face. Your child’s safety and future are at stake. Our approach balances:

Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned—subpoenaing national fraternity records, obtaining university files, recovering deleted digital evidence, and working with top experts.

Strategic Litigation: We identify all potentially liable parties (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities, insurers) and build cases that maximize leverage for settlement or trial.

Victim-Centered Advocacy: We prioritize your family’s wellbeing, privacy, and recovery while relentlessly pursuing accountability.

Prevention Focus: We believe every case should make campuses safer for future students. Our work on the Bermudez case aims not just for compensation, but for institutional change.

Call to Action: Shepherd Families, You’re Not Alone

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Sam Houston State University nearby, Lamar University, or major schools like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor—we want to hear from you. Families in Shepherd, San Jacinto County, and throughout East Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to expect in your free consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide what’s right for your family
Everything you tell us is confidential

Clear Contact Information

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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español—Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in Shepherd or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters. You deserve experienced advocates who will fight for your family with the same resources and determination.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Immediate help is available. That’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube 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
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

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