Texas Hazing Lawsuit Guide for Sonora Families: Protecting Your Student from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

If Your Sonora Student Was Hazed, You’re Not Alone. We Can Help.

For parents in Sonora and across Sutton County, the college experience you envisioned for your child can turn into a nightmare overnight. You sent your student to Texas A&M, the University of Texas, or another campus with pride, only to discover they’ve been subjected to dangerous, humiliating hazing. The confusion, anger, and fear are overwhelming. You’re dealing with a university that may be more concerned with its reputation than your child’s well-being, and a fraternity or sorority with deep pockets and experienced lawyers.

We understand this reality because we’re fighting it right now. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), we represent hazing victims and their families across Texas. Currently, we’re leading one of the most serious hazing cases in the country: the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Sonora families. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, your legal rights under Texas law, how national patterns affect local cases, and what practical steps you can take right now to protect your child and hold powerful institutions accountable.

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

The Reality No University Wants You to See: Introducing Our Current Case

Right now, we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly lost his life to fraternity hazing. This isn’t a historical case – it’s active litigation happening in Texas courts as you read this. The details are shocking, but they reveal exactly what Sonora families are up against when their children join Greek life.

The Leonel Bermudez / UH / Pi Kappa Phi Case: A $10 Million Wake-Up Call

In fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. What followed wasn’t brotherhood – it was systematic abuse that landed him in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The Hazing Methods Used:

“Pledge Fanny Pack” Humiliation: Pledges were forced to carry a fanny pack 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other degrading items
Forced Physical Endurance: Including sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills
Simulated Waterboarding: Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Violent Rituals: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
Forced Consumption: Made to drink milk and eat hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to immediately sprint
Extreme Workouts: The November 3 workout involved 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion

The Medical Catastrophe:
After the extreme workouts, Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis – severe skeletal muscle breakdown – and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days. Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase levels confirming both conditions. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm.

Who We’re Holding Accountable:
Our lawsuit names every entity that failed Leonel:

University of Houston and the UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members (chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, and others)

The Institutional Response Speaks Volumes:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter; the chapter was shut down
University Statement: UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing”, promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement

This case demonstrates exactly what skilled hazing litigation looks like. As reported by Click2Houston and ABC13, we’re pursuing every liable party – not just the individuals who directly harmed Leonel, but the institutions that created the environment and failed to protect him.

Texas Hazing Law: What Every Sonora Family Must Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that protect your child. Understanding these statutes is crucial for Sonora families navigating a hazing crisis.

§ 37.151: The Definition That Changes Everything
Hazing means 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 Takeaways for Sonora Parents:

Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb or private house is still hazing under Texas law
Mental Health Counts: Psychological abuse and humiliation qualify alongside physical injury
“Reckless” Is Enough: Defendants don’t have to intend harm – being reckless about known risks is sufficient

§ 37.155: The Most Important Protection – Consent Is NOT a Defense
This is the provision that defeats the most common fraternity defense. The statute explicitly states: It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.

Why This Matters for Your Child:
When a fraternity says, “Your child agreed to this,” “Everyone wanted to be there,” or “It was voluntary,” they’re using a defense that Texas law has already rejected. The power imbalance between pledges and active members, combined with peer pressure and fear of exclusion, means true voluntary consent rarely exists in hazing situations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Justice

Criminal Hazing Cases:

Brought by: The State of Texas (prosecutor)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Penalty Scale:
- 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
Additional Crimes: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

Civil Hazing Lawsuits:

Brought by: Victims and families (like the Bermudez case)
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Damages Can Include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost educational opportunities
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages in egregious cases
- Wrongful death damages (funeral costs, loss of companionship)

Critical Insight: These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required to file a civil lawsuit, and a civil case can often uncover evidence that helps criminal prosecutors.

Who Can Be Liable? It’s More Than Just the Students

Our approach in the Bermudez case demonstrates the comprehensive liability analysis necessary for serious hazing litigation:

Individual Students: Those who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing
Chapter Officers: Presidents, risk managers, pledgemasters with supervisory responsibility
Local Chapter/Housing Corporation: The legal entity operating the chapter
National Headquarters: For failing to supervise, enforce policies, or address known patterns
Universities: For negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or deliberate indifference
Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurs
Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws in certain circumstances

Where Sonora Students Attend: Understanding Your Local Campus Connections

Sonora families have deep connections to Texas universities. Whether your child attends a school close to home or hours away, understanding the specific Greek ecosystems on these campuses is essential.

Texas A&M University: The Closest Major Campus to Sonora

Located just over 200 miles from Sonora in College Station, Texas A&M represents both tremendous opportunity and significant risk for Sutton County students.

The Corps of Cadets Reality:
Beyond Greek life, the Corps has faced serious hazing allegations. In a 2023 lawsuit, a cadet alleged being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth during degrading hazing rituals. The case sought over $1 million in damages.

Recent Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns: Pledges allegedly had substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The resulting lawsuit sought $1 million, and the chapter was suspended.
Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case: Ongoing litigation involving severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical hazing.

What Sonora Parents Should Know About A&M:

The university handles hazing through both Student Conduct and Corps-specific regulations
Civil cases often target both Greek organizations and the Corps structure
Prior incidents create patterns that strengthen new cases

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Ongoing Issues

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing databases, which reveals ongoing problems despite public reporting.

Documented Violations Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Spirit Organizations: Repeated violations for punishment-based practices

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, suffering a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The student sued for over $1 million, noting the chapter was already under suspension for prior violations.

University of Houston: Home to Our Flagship Case

The Bermudez case reveals systemic issues at UH, but it’s not an isolated incident.

Prior UH Hazing Incidents:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep during multi-day events; one student suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table
Multiple Chapter Suspensions: Various fraternities facing sanctions for “conduct likely to produce mental or physical discomfort”

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

These private institutions present unique challenges:

SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended with multi-year recruiting restrictions.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
Fourteen players suspended following hazing investigations, revealing that athletic programs carry similar risks to Greek organizations.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Every Responsible Party

For Sonora families, understanding who’s truly behind a fraternity or sorority is critical. We maintain an unmatched database of Texas Greek organizations because holding the right parties accountable requires knowing exactly who they are.

Public Records Reality: 125+ Texas-Registered Greek Entities

Through IRS B83 filings, we’ve identified and tracked over 125 tax-exempt Greek organizations registered in Texas. These aren’t just social clubs – they’re legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), addresses, and organizational structures that can be held liable.

Examples from Our Database Relevant to Sonora Families:

Central & West Texas Entities:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN: 133048786) | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION (EIN: 371768785) | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN: 462267515) | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC (EIN: 475381060) | 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666

Statewide Honor & Educational Organizations:

HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI (EIN: 463831593) | 2307 Vanderbilt Cir, Austin, TX 78723 (Texas State University chapter)
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI (EIN: 900293166) | 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M University chapter)

National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) Entities:

ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED – SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER (EIN: 392352450) | PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254
KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC (EIN: 453325054) | PO Box 1312, Mansfield, TX 76063

Metro-Level Analysis: 188 Greek Organizations in Houston Alone

Our Cause IQ analysis reveals the scale of Greek life across Texas metros:

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

Why This Data Matters for Your Case:
When your child is hazed, we don’t start from scratch. We already know:

The legal names and EINs of potentially liable organizations
Their registered addresses for service of process
Their organizational structure and relationship to national headquarters
Historical patterns across multiple chapters

Cross-Validated Brands: Proving National Patterns

Our overlap analysis identifies organizations appearing in both IRS data and metro registrations, proving how national brands operate across Texas:

Examples of Cross-Validated Organizations:

Beta Upsilon Chi – Appears in Fort Worth IRS filings and DFW metro data
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Registered in Fort Worth with statewide presence
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Nederland-based entity with Houston metro operations
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Multiple Texas registrations with Beaumont and Houston chapters

This cross-validation allows us to demonstrate to insurance companies and courts that the same national organizations facing liability in other states are operating the same way in Texas.

National Hazing Patterns: What History Tells Us About Your Case

The Bermudez case follows patterns we’ve seen nationwide. Understanding these patterns helps Sonora families recognize that their situation isn’t unique – and that legal precedents exist to support their claims.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Deadly “Traditions”

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event; died from alcohol poisoning. Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Result: $6.1 million verdict and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act felony hazing statute.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” Result: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life; nationwide scrutiny of Pi Kappa Phi.

Takeaway for Sonora Families: Forced drinking games aren’t “party mishaps” – they’re predictable, preventable patterns that national fraternities have failed to stop despite repeated tragedies.

Physical Hazing Patterns: Beyond “Rough Housing”

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual; died from traumatic brain injury. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns:
Industrial-strength cleaner poured on pledges causing burns requiring skin grafts. Result: $1 million lawsuit and chapter suspension.

Takeaway: Physical endurance tests, paddling, and violent rituals cause catastrophic injuries, not just bruises. These aren’t “pranks” – they’re assaults.

Institutional Accountability: When Universities Are Liable

Robert Champion – Florida A&M Marching Band (2011):
Drum major died after severe beatings during “Crossing Bus C” hazing ritual. Result: $1 million settlement with FAMU; university held fully liable.

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Multiple players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Result: Head coach fired; confidential settlements; ongoing litigation.

Takeaway for Sonora Families: Universities can be liable when they know about hazing patterns and fail to take meaningful action. Your child’s school may have more responsibility than they’re admitting.

Building Your Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

Critical Evidence That Makes or Breaks Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important Today):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord messages showing planning, coordination, or admissions
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok showing events or injuries
Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
Location Data: Geo-tags and timestamp evidence placing members at scenes

Physical Evidence:

Medical Records: Documenting injuries, alcohol toxicity, or psychological harm
Photographs/Videos: Of injuries, events, or hazing paraphernalia (paddles, props)
Clothing/Objects: Preserve anything used in or damaged during hazing

Institutional Records:

University Discipline Files: Prior violations by the same organization
National Fraternity Records: Pattern evidence from other chapters
Insurance Policies: Identifying coverage sources for potential recovery

Common Defense Strategies (And How We Counter Them)

Defense 1: “Your Child Consented”

Our Response: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. We demonstrate the power imbalance and coercion inherent in pledge programs.

Defense 2: “This Was a Rogue Chapter”

Our Response: We subpoena national records showing prior incidents at other chapters, proving the national organization knew or should have known about the risk.

Defense 3: “It Happened Off-Campus”

Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals maintain control over recognized organizations regardless of where misconduct occurs.

Defense 4: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: We demonstrate the gap between paper policies and actual enforcement, showing prior incidents resulted in minimal consequences.

Realistic Damage Recovery Expectations

Based on national precedents and our experience:

Wrongful Death Cases:

Recent Settlements: $1M–$14M range
Factors Affecting Value: Age of victim, earning potential, egregiousness of conduct, insurance coverage

Serious Injury Cases:

Catastrophic Injuries (brain damage, organ failure): Multi-million dollar potential
Significant Injuries (broken bones, burns, psychological trauma): $100,000–$1M+ range
Factors: Medical expenses, future care needs, lost educational opportunity, pain and suffering

Important Realities for Sonora Families:

Insurance Drives Settlements: Most recoveries come from insurance policies, not individual students
Confidentiality Common: Many settlements include non-disclosure agreements
Timeline Realities: Serious cases typically take 1-3 years to resolve
No Guarantees: Every case depends on specific facts and evidence

Practical Guide for Sonora Parents: Step-by-Step Action Plan

48-Hour Emergency Response Checklist

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):

Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):

Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
Medical Records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):

Legal Consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911)
Reporting Decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students (with lawyer’s guidance)
University Response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting Evidence Be Destroyed: Deleting messages “to protect privacy” or returning hazing props
Confronting the Fraternity Directly: Giving them advance warning to lawyer up and destroy evidence
Signing University “Resolution” Forms: Often include waivers of legal rights for minimal compensation
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitation run

Questions to Ask the University

When speaking with administrators (preferably with your attorney present):

“Has this organization had prior hazing violations?”
“What specific steps did you take after those prior incidents?”
“What is your investigation timeline and process?”
“Will you preserve all relevant evidence, including digital communications?”
“What interim measures are you taking to protect my child from retaliation?”

Why The Manginello Law Firm for Sonora Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Currently Leading Major Texas Hazing Litigation:
We’re not just writing about hazing cases – we’re actively litigating one of the most serious in Texas right now. The Leonel Bermudez case demonstrates our commitment to holding every responsible party accountable, from individual students to national headquarters.

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) 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”
We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. National fraternities and major universities don’t intimidate us – we know how to build cases that force accountability.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We’ve recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to properly value the full impact of hazing injuries – not just immediate medical bills, but lifelong consequences.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

While other firms start from scratch, we begin your case with:

125+ Texas Greek Organization Profiles: EINs, addresses, organizational structures
Campus-Specific Data: Understanding which organizations operate where
National Pattern Analysis: How the same fraternities repeat the same dangerous behaviors
Insurance Coverage Mapping: Identifying potential recovery sources

Spanish Language Services for Texas Families

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. We serve Hispanic families throughout Texas, ensuring language barriers never prevent access to justice.

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation for Sonora Families

If you’re reading this guide, you’re likely facing one of the most difficult situations a family can encounter. The confusion, anger, and fear are normal responses to an abnormal situation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak directly with our legal team. We’ll:

Listen Without Judgment: We understand how hard it is to talk about these experiences
Review Your Evidence: Photos, messages, medical records – whatever you’ve preserved
Explain Your Options: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss Realistic Timelines: What to expect in the coming weeks and months
Answer Cost Questions: Contingency fee basis – we don’t get paid unless we recover for you
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Our Commitment to Sonora Families

We serve families throughout Texas, including Sonora and Sutton County. Whether your child attends school close to home or across the state, Texas hazing law protects them, and experienced Texas counsel can help.

Contact Us Today:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Spanish Services: Lupe Peña – lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Hablamos Español – servicios legales completos disponibles en español.

Frequently Asked Questions for Sonora Families

“Can we sue the university even though it’s a state school?”
Yes. While public universities like Texas A&M and UT have some sovereign immunity protections, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Every case requires specific analysis – call us to discuss your situation.

“What if the hazing happened at an off-campus house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities maintain control over recognized organizations, and national fraternities maintain responsibility for chapter conduct regardless of location. The Pi Delta Psi case (fatal retreat hazing) resulted in criminal convictions despite occurring off-campus.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent. Given how quickly evidence disappears, we recommend consulting an attorney immediately.

“Will this be public? I don’t want my child’s name in the news.”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

“What if my child was drinking underage too?”
Texas’ good-faith reporter protections encourage calling for help in emergencies. Your child’s involvement doesn’t eliminate the organization’s liability for creating a dangerous, coercive environment.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation using your phone: 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

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com