The Definitive Guide for Caps Families: Hazing, Texas Law, and Holding Fraternities & Universities Accountable

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

We understand the fear, confusion, and anger that grips a family in Caps when they discover their child has been hurt in the name of “tradition” or “brotherhood.” The quiet communities of San Saba County, the rolling hills surrounding Caps, and homes across Central Texas send their children to universities with trust—trust that is too often broken by dangerous hazing rituals hidden behind Greek letters and campus traditions.

Right now, in Houston, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly lost his life to fraternity hazing. His story—detailed in Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage—involves the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, a hose sprayed in his face “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme workouts that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. The chapter is now shut down.

This isn’t just a Houston problem. The same national fraternities that operate at UH also have chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, Texas State, Texas Tech, and universities across our state. The same dangerous patterns repeat. The same institutional cover-ups occur. And the same legal accountability is possible.

This guide is written specifically for parents and families in Caps, San Saba County, and throughout Central Texas who need to understand what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what has happened at universities where your children attend, and what legal options exist for families seeking answers, accountability, and prevention of the next tragedy.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Caps Families

For families in Caps unfamiliar with modern Greek life, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “frat pranks” or “rough initiation.” Today’s hazing is a calculated, often digitally-managed system of coercion that exploits young people’s desire for belonging.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – Often dismissed as “harmless tradition”

“Pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents (condoms, sex toys, nicotine)
24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Mandatory chauffeuring and errands at all hours
Social isolation from non-members
Geo-tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Creates hostile, abusive environments

Sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls
Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive bland foods
“Smokings” – extreme calisthenics until collapse
Public humiliation through social media “challenges”
Verbal abuse and degradation sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – High potential for injury or death

Forced alcohol consumption games (“Big/Little” nights, “Bible study” drinking)
Physical beatings and paddling
Dangerous “tests” like blindfolded tackles or extreme cold exposure
Sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts
Chemical hazing (industrial cleaners poured on skin causing burns)

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing permeates many campus organizations:

Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys or similar groups
Marching bands and performance ensembles
Academic honor societies and professional clubs

The common thread isn’t the type of organization, but the power imbalance between new and established members, and the use of tradition to justify dangerous behavior.

The Texas Legal Framework: What Caps Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing laws, but understanding how they work is crucial for families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

§ 37.151 Definition: 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 Caps families:

Location doesn’t matter – off-campus houses, retreats, or remote locations are covered
“Consent is not a defense” – even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing (§ 37.155)
Mental harm counts – psychological abuse qualifies alongside physical injury

§ 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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face campus bans.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the State of Texas (prosecutor)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims and families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability

Crucially: These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action, and vice versa.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires universities receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthen prevention programs
Maintain public hazing data (phasing in through 2026)

Title IX & Clery Act: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, additional federal reporting and response requirements trigger.

National Case Patterns: What History Teaches Us About Texas Risks

The tragic stories from other states are not distant abstractions—they are blueprints for what Texas families must prevent and what courts recognize as foreseeable harm.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid-acceptance drinking, delayed medical care captured on chapter cameras, dozens of criminal charges. Result: Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): “Bible study” drinking game, wrong answers = forced drinking, fatal alcohol toxicity. Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing).

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey, alcohol poisoning death. Result: Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million, BGSU settled for $3 million.

What this means for Caps families: The “Big/Little” drinking night, bid acceptance parties, and drinking games are not harmless traditions—they’re repeated scripts for disaster that national fraternities have known about for years.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat, fatal head injuries, delayed help. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): “Pledge dad reveal” drinking, severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see). Result: Settlements with 22 defendants, lifetime care needed.

What this means for Caps families: Retreats and off-campus locations don’t eliminate liability. Extreme physical hazing can cause lifelong disabilities beyond “just” alcohol poisoning.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Systemic sexualized, racist hazing alleged across program. Result: Head coach fired, confidential settlements, ongoing litigation about institutional knowledge.

What this means for Caps families: Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Major athletic programs with significant resources can harbor abusive traditions.

Texas Universities: Where Caps Families Send Their Children

Families in Caps and San Saba County send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific landscape at each campus is crucial for prevention and response.

Local & Regional Universities for Caps Families

Texas State University (San Marcos): 75 miles from Caps, a common choice for Central Texas students. Active Greek life with 30+ fraternities and sororities. Public hazing violation records show multiple organizations sanctioned for alcohol hazing, forced calisthenics, and psychological abuse.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock): 225 miles from Caps, another major destination. Known for robust Greek system. Recent years have seen hazing investigations involving forced drinking, sleep deprivation, and physical endurance tests.

University of Texas at Austin: 100 miles from Caps, the flagship attracts San Saba County students. UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent public hazing violations logs, showing pattern offenses across multiple organizations.

The Big 5: Where Major Hazing Litigation Occurs

University of Houston (UH) – Current Ground Zero

The Leonel Bermudez Case: Our firm’s active litigation involves Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The allegations read like a hazing encyclopedia:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation system
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Result: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025

UH’s Greek Landscape: 50+ fraternities and sororities across IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils. Prior incidents include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during hazing
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol hazing and physical abuse

For Caps Families: Houston is 180 miles away, but UH attracts students from across Texas. The Bermudez case shows that even in Texas’ largest city, extreme hazing persists.

Texas A&M University – Tradition and Risk

Corps of Cadets Culture: The military-style environment has faced repeated hazing allegations:

2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth, sought $1+ million
Historical patterns of physical endurance tests, sleep deprivation, and humiliation

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

For Caps Families: College Station is 150 miles from Caps. The blend of Greek life and Corps traditions creates unique hazing risks that require specialized legal understanding.

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency and Patterns

Public Hazing Violations Log: UT maintains searchable records at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent examples:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit group sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol hazing
Multiple organizations on probation for repeated violations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault at party resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Lawsuit for $1+ million against chapter already under suspension.

For Caps Families: UT’s transparency is unusual—most Texas schools don’t publicize violations. This public record becomes powerful evidence in litigation showing institutional knowledge of patterns.

Southern Methodist University – Private Campus Dynamics

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended for years.

Private University Realities: SMU’s non-public status means fewer transparency requirements, but civil discovery can uncover internal reports and prior incidents.

For Caps Families: Dallas is 150 miles from Caps. Private university cases involve different legal strategies regarding institutional records and liability.

Baylor University – Religious Identity and Scrutiny

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation, staggered suspensions affected season.

Historical Context: Baylor’s recent history with institutional response to misconduct (Title IX scandals) creates particular patterns in how hazing allegations are handled.

For Caps Families: Waco is 90 miles from Caps. Baylor’s religious identity doesn’t immunize it from hazing liability, but affects how cases are approached internally.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Public Records Reality for Caps Families

Most parents don’t realize that fraternities and sororities exist as legal entities with IRS registrations, insurance policies, and organizational structures. We maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database tracking over 1,400 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t theoretical; it’s built from public records.

IRS B83 Organizations: The Legal Backbone

The IRS classifies fraternities, sororities, and related organizations as “B83” entities. In Texas, there are 125+ registered B83 organizations with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), legal names, and mailing addresses. These aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities that can be sued, carry insurance, and have assets.

Examples Relevant to Central Texas and Universities Caps Families Attend:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN: 273662583) – Lufkin, TX 75904
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc (EIN: 201237505) – Corinth, TX 76210 (Beta Chapter)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter (EIN: 392352450) – Houston, TX 77254
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc (EIN: 741130606) – Austin, TX 78705 (Alpha Mu)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN: 746084905) – Houston, TX 77204
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN: 371768785) – Missouri City, TX 77459
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (EIN: 237279532) – Prairie View, TX 77446

These entities—whether house corporations, alumni chapters, or educational foundations—often hold insurance policies and assets that become crucial in litigation.

Metro-Level Greek Presence in Texas

Based on Cause IQ data analysis:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86 Greek organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations
Waco Metro: 27 Greek organizations

For Caps Families: Your child at Texas State falls under Austin-Round Rock metro coverage. At Texas Tech, they’re in Lubbock’s 59-organization Greek ecosystem. These aren’t abstract numbers—they represent separate legal entities, each with potential liability and insurance coverage.

National Brands with Texas Presence

The same national organizations involved in high-profile deaths across the country operate chapters at Texas universities:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), operates at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Chemical burns at Texas A&M, assault at UT, operates at all 5 major Texas schools
Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver death (Louisiana felony law), operates at Texas A&M, UT, Baylor
Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey death (FSU), Leonel Bermudez case (UH), operates at UH, Texas A&M
Kappa Alpha Order: Paddling incident (SMU), operates at Texas A&M, SMU, others

The crucial insight for Caps families: When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous “tradition” that caused death or serious injury at another campus, that history becomes powerful evidence of foreseeability and pattern in litigation.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

When a Caps family comes to us after a hazing incident, we follow a systematic approach built on 25+ years of complex litigation experience.

Critical Evidence Categories in Modern Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (The New Smoking Gun):

GroupMe/WhatsApp/Discord: Pledge group chats often contain planning, instructions, threats
Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok challenges documenting hazing
Location Data: Geo-tracking apps, tagged locations, timestamp metadata

Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

2. Medical Documentation:

ER records specifically noting “hazing” or “forced consumption”
Toxicology reports showing alcohol/drug levels
Specialist evaluations for rhabdomyolysis, kidney damage, psychological trauma
Ongoing treatment records establishing long-term impact

3. Internal Organization Records:

Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents, meeting minutes
National fraternity risk management policies
Correspondence between local chapter and national HQ
Prior incident reports and disciplinary records

4. University Files (Obtained via Discovery):

Previous conduct violations for same organization
Campus police incident reports
Internal emails about the organization’s history
Clery Act reports and Title IX documentation

5. Witness Networks:

Other pledges (often afraid but potentially cooperative)
Former members who quit over hazing concerns
Roommates, partners, friends who observed changes
Medical personnel, first responders, RA staff

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment)
Future medical care (therapy, medications, lifelong needs for catastrophic injuries)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries affecting career)

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, guidance, love
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

For particularly reckless, willful, or malicious conduct
Designed to punish and deter future hazing
Available under Texas law in certain circumstances

The Insurance Battle: Where Most Hazing Cases Are Won or Lost

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry layers of insurance coverage. The insurance fight often determines the outcome more than the legal merits. This is where our unique advantage matters.

Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”

Common Insurance Sources in Hazing Cases:

National fraternity/sorority general liability policies
Chapter/house corporation policies
University liability coverage
Individual members’ homeowners/parents’ policies
Umbrella/excess coverage layers

Our approach: We identify ALL potential coverage sources early, navigate exclusion arguments, and if necessary, pursue bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage.

Practical Guidance for Caps Families: From Crisis to Resolution

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight loss/gain, changes in eating patterns
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM activities)
Secretive behavior about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Financial strain (unexplained expenses, requests for money)

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: If in immediate danger, call 911
Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save objects
Seek Medical Care: Even if they resist, medical documentation is crucial
Consult an Attorney Before Reporting: We can help strategize reporting to protect evidence

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case:

Letting your child delete messages (looks like cover-up, destroys evidence)
Confronting the fraternity directly (triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching)
Signing university “resolution” forms (may waive legal rights)
Posting details on social media (defense attorneys screenshot everything)
Waiting “to see how the university handles it” (evidence disappears, statutes run)

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what happens?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You Want to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, friend, RA)
Send a clear resignation email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” (pressure/retaliation risk)
Document any threats or harassment for protective orders if needed

Evidence Preservation for Students:

Screenshot ALL group chats with timestamps visible
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
Photograph injuries daily to show progression
Save clothing/objects used in hazing
Tell medical providers “I was hazed” for record documentation

Statute of Limitations: The Texas Clock Is Ticking

Generally 2 years from date of injury or death, but exceptions exist:

Discovery rule if harm wasn’t immediately known
Tolling for minors or in cases of fraudulent concealment
Different deadlines for wrongful death claims

Time is your enemy in hazing cases:

Evidence disappears (deleted messages, graduated witnesses)
Memories fade
Organizations destroy records
Insurance companies delay hoping you’ll give up

Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your Caps 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.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity/university insurers value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

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

Data-Driven Investigation:

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: 1,400+ organizations tracked across 25 metros
Public records database of IRS entities, EINs, organizational structures
Pattern analysis connecting national histories to local chapters
Digital forensics for deleted message recovery

Proven Results Framework:

Multi-million dollar wrongful death and catastrophic injury experience
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Network of medical experts, psychologists, digital forensics specialists
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense understanding
Can navigate parallel criminal investigations and civil litigation
Advise witnesses/former members with potential exposure

Our Process with Caps Families

Initial Consultation (Free & Confidential):

We listen to your story without judgment
Review evidence you’ve preserved
Explain legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – we only get paid if we win)
No pressure to hire us – take time to decide

If We Take Your Case:

Immediate evidence preservation (digital forensics, record requests)
Comprehensive investigation (witness interviews, document collection)
Liability analysis (individuals, chapter, national, university, insurers)
Damages development (medical, economic, non-economic)
Strategic negotiations or litigation preparation
Regular updates every 2-3 weeks (you’re never left wondering)

Call to Action for Caps Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas State, Texas Tech, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to face this alone.

The organizations behind hazing have powerful lawyers and deep pockets. They count on families giving up. They rely on universities handling things “internally.” They hope evidence disappears and memories fade.

We don’t let that happen.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com (Hablamos Español)

We serve families throughout Texas, including Caps, San Saba County, and all Central Texas communities. Whether your child was hazed nearby or hours from home, Texas law protects them, and experienced Texas counsel can help.

In your free consultation, we’ll:

Listen to what happened without judgment
Explain your legal options clearly
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Discuss the realistic path forward
Answer all your questions about process, timing, and costs
Help you decide the best approach for your family

Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

The road from hazing victim to survivor is difficult. The legal path to accountability is complex. But with the right guidance, evidence, and advocacy, justice is possible. Not just compensation for your family, but institutional change that prevents the next Caps family from experiencing this pain.

Call us today. Let’s start the conversation.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston 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 with detailed timeline: 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 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 explained: 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

Firm Resources:

Main website & contact: 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/