The Comprehensive Guide to Hazing Litigation for Families in Creedmoor, Travis County

If your child attends the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, or any college in our state, you trust they’re in a safe environment focused on education and growth. But for many Texas families, that trust is shattered when their child becomes a victim of hazing—a dangerous, hidden world of coercion, abuse, and institutional neglect that happens right here in our community.

We know this because we’re fighting it right now. Our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter, and 13 fraternity leaders. His story isn’t from some distant state; it unfolded at the UH Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. What began as a normal pledge period in fall 2025 escalated into forced humiliation, extreme physical abuse, and medical catastrophe.

Leonel was subjected to the “pledge fanny pack” rule—carrying condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items 24/7. He endured sprints, bear crawls, cold-weather exposure in underwear, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, and a November 3 workout of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. The result? Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, a four-day hospitalization, and ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This is happening in Texas. Right now. And if it happened to a student with connections to Creedmoor and Travis County, we want you to know exactly what your family needs to understand about hazing, the law, and your path to accountability.

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)

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. 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.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025

For Creedmoor families, understanding modern hazing means looking beyond stereotypes of “boys will be boys” pranks. Today’s hazing is systematic, digitally documented, and often disguised as “tradition” or “team building.” It exists on a spectrum from subtle coercion to violent abuse.

The Three Tiers of Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – Often dismissed as harmless but establishes dangerous power dynamics:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rules with humiliating contents
• Mandatory chauffeuring and errand-running at all hours
• Social isolation from non-members
• Required attendance at events that interfere with academics
• Geographic tracking via apps like Find My Friends

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Creates hostile, abusive environments:

• Sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
• “Smokings” or extreme calisthenics beyond safe limits
• Public humiliation and verbal abuse
• Digital shaming in group chats or social media

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

• Forced alcohol consumption games (“Big/Little” nights, “Bible study”)
• Physical beatings and paddling
• Dangerous physical “tests” like blindfolded tackles
• Sexualized hazing and coerced nudity
• Exposure to extreme environments (locked in cold rooms)

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities dominate headlines, hazing permeates many campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
• Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading
• Spirit Organizations like Texas Cowboys at UT Austin
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of group but the toxic combination of tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance that allows abuse to flourish.

Texas Hazing Law: What Creedmoor Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F) that apply whether your child attends UT Austin, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus. Understanding these laws is crucial for protecting your family’s rights.

Texas Education Code § 37.151: The Definition That Matters

Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

1. Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
2. Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key implications for Creedmoor families:

• Location doesn’t matter (on-campus, off-campus, or at retreats)
• Mental harm counts as much as physical harm
• “Reckless” is enough—they don’t need malicious intent
• § 37.155: Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed”

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Additional offenses:

• Failing to report known hazing: misdemeanor
• Retaliation against reporters: misdemeanor
• Organizational liability: Fraternities can face fines up to $10,000 per violation

Reporter Protections You Should Know

§ 37.154: Good-faith reporting immunity protects those who report hazing to universities or law enforcement from civil or criminal liability. Many Texas campuses also have medical amnesty policies encouraging 911 calls even when underage drinking is involved.

How Texas Compares Nationally

Texas has solid hazing laws but isn’t the strongest:

• Louisiana (Max Gruver Act): Felony hazing with serious prison time
• Ohio (Collin’s Law): Felony when drugs/alcohol cause physical harm
• Pennsylvania (Piazza Law): Enhanced penalties and transparency requirements

Texas falls in the middle—adequate but lacking the branding and public awareness of states that passed laws named for hazing victims.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragic cases that make national news aren’t anomalies; they’re predictable patterns that repeat because institutions fail to learn. These cases matter to Creedmoor families because the same national fraternities operate at Texas schools, often repeating the same dangerous behaviors.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night, Stone died from alcohol poisoning. His family secured a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU). Multiple members were convicted, and the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Died during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol concentration reached 0.495%. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking captured on chapter security cameras. Brothers delayed calling for help for hours. The case resulted in 18 members facing over 1,000 criminal charges and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Died from traumatic brain injury during a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Suffered permanent, severe brain damage during a “pledge dad reveal” drinking event. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants for reportedly multi-million-dollar amounts.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Multiple players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over years. The head coach was fired, and the university reached confidential settlements with multiple parties. This demonstrates hazing extends far beyond Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for Creedmoor Families

Common threads in national cases appear repeatedly in Texas:

• Forced drinking rituals with predictable outcomes
• Delayed medical care due to fear of consequences
• Institutional knowledge of patterns but inadequate prevention
• Cover-up attempts and evidence destruction
• Multi-million-dollar settlements when families fight back

When you see these patterns at Texas schools, you’re not seeing isolated incidents—you’re witnessing predictable, preventable failures.

Texas University Focus: Where Creedmoor Students Attend

Creedmoor families typically send students to universities throughout Texas, with particular connections to Central Texas institutions. Whether your child attends UT Austin, Texas A&M, or another campus, understanding each school’s hazing landscape is crucial.

University of Texas at Austin

For Creedmoor families: Located just miles away in Travis County, UT Austin is a primary destination for local students. Cases here are handled in Travis County courts, making geographic proximity important for legal proceedings.

UT’s Transparency Advantage: UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—more transparency than many Texas schools.

Documented Incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
• Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing and forced activities
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose; lawsuit seeks over $1 million

How UT Cases Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: UT Police Department and/or Austin Police Department
• Civil venue: Travis County courts
• Key evidence source: UT’s public hazing violation records showing patterns

What UT Students and Creedmoor Parents Should Do:

1. Report to UTPD and Dean of Students Office
2. Reference UT’s public hazing violations in complaints
3. Document everything—UT’s transparency helps but doesn’t replace evidence
4. Consult attorneys familiar with Travis County courts and UT procedures

Texas A&M University

Corps of Cadets Culture: The Corps represents a unique hazing environment with military-style traditions and distinct disciplinary systems.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries; lawsuit sought $1 million
• Corps of Cadets (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth; sought over $1 million
• Kappa Sigma (2023): Allegations of hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)

Texas A&M’s Response Systems:

• Separate processes for Greek life and Corps violations
• Historical tension between tradition and safety
• Complex insurance and liability structures for Corps activities

What Texas A&M Families Should Know:

• Corps cases involve different regulations than Greek life
• The university’s deep tradition culture can complicate accountability
• Multiple layers of potential defendants (university, Corps, individual leaders)

University of Houston

Current Active Litigation: Our firm’s Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates serious, ongoing hazing problems.

Case Details from Media Coverage:
The Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case documented the “pledge fanny pack,” extreme workouts, and medical consequences. The ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit provided detailed timelines of abuse. The Hoodline summary of the $10M UH hazing lawsuit emphasized the $10 million demand and rapid chapter closure.

Institutional Response:

• Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended Beta Nu chapter November 6, 2025
• Chapter members voted to surrender charter November 14, 2025
• UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement

What UH Cases Teach Us:

1. Hospitals in Houston area document hazing injuries regularly
2. Harris County courts handle these cases
3. Multiple property locations (chapter houses, off-campus residences, parks) complicate investigations

Southern Methodist University

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

Documented Incidents:

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

SMU’s Approach:

• Anonymous reporting systems like Real Response
• Different insurance and liability considerations
• Greek life as central to campus social structure

Baylor University

Historical Context: Baylor’s recent history with institutional response to abuse (Title IX scandals) informs how they handle hazing allegations.

Documented Incidents:

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

Religious Institution Factors:

• Different risk management approaches
• Potential conflicts between religious values and liability management
• Unique insurance and coverage considerations

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data Creedmoor Families Should Know

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas compiled from public records. This data matters because it shows the scale of potential liability and helps identify all responsible parties in hazing cases.

Texas Greek Organization Landscape

Based on IRS filings and organizational data:

Statewide Snapshot:

• 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros
• 125+ Texas-registered organizations in IRS B83 filings (fraternities, sororities, housing corporations)
• 96 Texas university campuses with varying Greek presence

Metro Concentrations Relevant to Creedmoor:

• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
• San Antonio Metro: 86 Greek organizations

Public Records Directory: Organizations Serving Creedmoor Families

The following organizations are recorded in public filings and may be relevant to cases involving Creedmoor students:

Travis County and Central Texas Entities:

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas State University, Austin, TX 78723-1542 (IRS B83 filing)
• Chi Omega Fraternity – 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705-4018 (Chi Omega House Corporation)
• Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – 1908 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705-5318 (Alpha Mu chapter)
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – 2620 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705-4017
• Sigma Alpha Omega Christian Sorority Inc – PO Box 302701, Austin, TX 78703 (Beta Mu Chapter)

Statewide Housing Corporations and Alumni Chapters:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-3067

National Brands with Texas Presence (IRS-Cause IQ Overlap):

• Beta Upsilon Chi (Fort Worth and statewide)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (multiple Texas chapters)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (multiple campus chapters)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Texas District in Houston)

This directory demonstrates that behind every campus chapter stand multiple legal entities—housing corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations—that may share liability in hazing cases.

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Texas Outcomes

When Creedmoor families face hazing at Texas schools, they’re often dealing with national organizations that have decades of documented abuse patterns. These histories matter because they establish foreseeability—the legal concept that organizations should have known and prevented predictable harm.

High-Risk National Organizations in Texas

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Multiple Texas Chapters

• National Pattern: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Active at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor
• Legal Significance: National HQ had repeated warnings about “Big/Little” drinking rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Widespread Texas Presence

• National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated pledge system in 2014 due to pattern
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M; assault case at UT Austin
• Legal Significance: Pattern of similar conduct across chapters establishes foreseeability

Pi Kappa Phi – Recent Texas Crisis

• National Pattern: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
• Texas Incident: Leonel Bermudez case at UH (our current litigation)
• Legal Significance: Same national organization, similar dangerous traditions

Phi Delta Theta – Texas Campus Presence

• National Pattern: Max Gruver death (LSU) leading to felony hazing law
• Legal Significance: Demonstrates how single cases drive legislative reform

Why National Histories Matter Legally

In hazing litigation, we use national patterns to establish:

1. Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
2. Negligence: Failure to implement adequate safeguards despite known risks
3. Punitive Damages Basis: Willful disregard for student safety

When a Texas chapter repeats the same behaviors that caused deaths in other states, that’s not coincidence—it’s institutional failure.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

For Creedmoor families considering legal action, understanding how hazing cases are built can demystify the process and set realistic expectations.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord (screenshot immediately)
• Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Location data: Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps, phone GPS records
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” content

Physical Evidence:

• Injury documentation: Photos with scale reference (coin, ruler), progression shots
• Medical records: ER reports, lab results (creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), psychological evaluations
• Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge” items
• Clothing: Unwashed items with biological evidence

Institutional Records:

• University files: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, internal emails
• National fraternity records: Risk management files, incident reports, training materials
• Insurance policies: Multiple layers of potential coverage

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges and members
• Roommates and friends
• Medical providers
• University staff

Our video on using your cellphone to document evidence provides practical guidance for evidence preservation.

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses: Current and future (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
• Lost educational opportunity: Tuition, delayed graduation, lost scholarships
• Earning capacity reduction: Lifetime impact for permanent injuries
• Therapeutic costs: Long-term psychological care for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and impact on future opportunities

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Grief and emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (when applicable):

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Basis: Prior warnings ignored, cover-up attempts, pattern of violations
• Texas caps: Generally limited except in certain intentional tort cases

Insurance Coverage Complexity

Hazing cases often involve complex insurance battles:

• Fraternity insurance: May exclude “intentional acts”
• University insurance: Sovereign immunity issues for public schools
• Homeowner’s policies: Of individual members or property owners
• Bad faith claims: When insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Our attorney Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is crucial here—he knows how insurers fight these claims and how to counter their strategies. Learn more about Lupe Peña’s insurance defense experience.

Practical Guides for Creedmoor Families and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Financial strain from unexplained expenses
• Academic decline from missed classes or assignments

How to Talk to Your Child:

1. Choose neutral time: Not when they’re rushing to an event
2. Use open questions: “How are things with your organization?” not “Are they hazing you?”
3. Listen without judgment: Fear of disappointing you may keep them silent
4. Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any membership”
5. Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you through this no matter what”

If You Discover Hazing:

1. Prioritize medical care: Even if they resist, some injuries aren’t immediately apparent
2. Preserve evidence: Follow our evidence preservation guide
3. Document everything: Write down dates, times, details while fresh
4. Contact an attorney BEFORE reporting: Strategy matters
5. Avoid social media: Don’t give defense attorneys ammunition

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I truly had a choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Are only new members required to do this?
• Would the university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?

How to Exit Safely:

1. Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
2. Send written resignation (email/text to chapter president)
3. Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation may occur
4. Document any threats or retaliation
5. Use campus resources: Dean of Students, counseling center

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• Good-faith reporter protection: Immunity for those who report hazing
• Medical amnesty: Many schools protect those who call 911 in emergencies
• No retaliation: Protected from harassment for reporting
• Civil action rights: Can sue even if no criminal charges are filed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case covers these in detail, but key points include:

1. Deleting Evidence
What seems embarrassing today becomes crucial evidence tomorrow. Never delete messages, photos, or social media content.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching. Let your attorney handle all communication.

3. Signing University Documents Unreviewed
Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or internal resolution agreements. Never sign without legal review.

4. Posting on Social Media
Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies between posts and testimony can destroy credibility.

5. Waiting Too Long
The Texas statute of limitations is generally two years from injury or death. Our video on Texas statutes of limitations explains deadlines. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade.

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Unprepared
Recorded statements are used against you. Early settlement offers are often lowball amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions for Creedmoor Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, but public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity limitations. Exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and certain other claims. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have different liability structures.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that peer pressure and power imbalance negate true consent.

“How much does a hazing lawsuit cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we win. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

“What’s the timeline for a case?”
Simple cases may resolve in months; complex institutional litigation can take years. The key is starting immediately to preserve evidence.

Why Attorney911 for Creedmoor Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and insurance companies fight these cases—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

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

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Set reserves and negotiate settlements

We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Attorney Ralph Manginello’s background includes:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (one of few Texas firms involved)
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• 25+ years of complex personal injury and wrongful death litigation
• HCCLA membership signaling elite criminal defense capability

We’ve taken on billion-dollar defendants and won. National fraternities and universities don’t intimidate us.

Multi-Million Dollar Results
Our track record includes:

• Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
• Catastrophic injury cases requiring lifetime care planning
• Experience working with economists to value young lives
• Proven results against well-funded institutional defendants

Dual Criminal-Civil Capability
Ralph’s HCCLA membership means we understand:

• How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Defense strategies for witnesses with potential exposure
• Constitutional issues in campus investigations
• How to navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings

Investigative Depth
We deploy resources that matter:

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• Medical experts for rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD
• Greek life culture experts to explain power dynamics
• Economists for lifetime damage calculations
• Institutional policy experts to prove negligence

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

Compassionate Support:

• We listen without judgment
• We explain everything in plain English
• We respect your family’s privacy needs
• We’re available when you need us

Strategic Aggressiveness:

• We investigate thoroughly from day one
• We identify ALL potentially liable parties
• We fight insurance coverage battles proactively
• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial

Accountability Focus:

• We seek compensation that truly covers harms
• We push for institutional changes to prevent future abuse
• We honor victims by fighting for real justice
• We measure success in both recovery and reform

Call to Action for Creedmoor Families

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

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911:

1. We Listen First: We’ll hear your story without interruption or judgment
2. Evidence Review: We’ll review any documentation you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Clear Options: We’ll explain your legal options in plain English:
   • Criminal reporting considerations
   • Civil lawsuit possibilities
   • University disciplinary processes
   • Insurance coverage issues
4. Realistic Expectations: We’ll discuss realistic timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes
5. No Pressure: Take time to decide—we never pressure immediate hiring
6. Confidentiality: Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege

Our Commitment to Creedmoor Families

We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. For Creedmoor families, this means:

• Geographic understanding of Travis County courts and procedures
• Experience with Central Texas universities and their specific cultures
• Local resources for investigations and expert consultations
• Spanish-language services available through Attorney Lupe Peña

Contact Attorney911 Today

Immediate Help Available 24/7

• 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 or lupe@atty911.com

Hablamos Español: Attorney Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish

Don’t let time destroy evidence or the statute of limitations expire. Don’t let powerful institutions control the narrative. Call us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• 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 Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website:

• 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 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