Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for West Lake Hills Families

Your Child’s Safety at Texas Universities: What Every West Lake Hills Parent Needs to Know

The call no parent in West Lake Hills ever wants to receive comes late at night. Your child’s voice is strained, distant. They mention an “initiation” or a “pledge event” at their university fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or athletic team. There’s talk of tradition, bonding, and “what everyone else did.” But beneath their tired explanation, you hear something else: fear, pain, or the hollow sound of shame. Your child—the student you sent to a prestigious Texas university from our excellent Westlake schools—might be in danger, and powerful institutions may be more concerned with their reputations than with your child’s wellbeing.

Right now, just hours from West Lake Hills in Harris County, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who endured brutal hazing as a Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu chapter) pledge in fall 2025. What began as a bid for brotherhood turned into months of degradation and violence that nearly killed him. According to the lawsuit filed in late 2025, Bermudez was subjected to extreme physical hazing—forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to sprint immediately afterward. The abuse occurred at the UH Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. The result? Rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s happening right now in Texas, to students from communities like ours in West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, and throughout Travis County. This comprehensive guide explains what modern hazing really looks like, Texas law, your legal options, and how our Houston-based firm—with deep experience in institutional litigation—helps families throughout Texas, including here in West Lake Hills, seek accountability and prevent future harm.

If This Just Happened: Immediate Steps for West Lake Hills Families

Medical Emergency Right Now?

Call 911 immediately if your child is injured, intoxicated, or in danger
Then call us: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

First 48-Hour Checklist:

Get medical attention even if injuries seem minor—internal damage like rhabdomyolysis (what Bermudez suffered) may not show immediately
Preserve digital evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord)
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles with good lighting
- Save any videos or photos shared in social media or messages
Write everything down while memory is fresh: who, what, when, where
Secure physical evidence: clothing worn during incident, any objects used
Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours—evidence disappears fast

What NOT to Do:

Don’t confront the fraternity/sorority directly
Don’t let your child delete messages or “clean up” their phone
Don’t sign anything from the university or insurance company
Don’t post details on public social media
Don’t wait for the university to “handle it internally”

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like at Texas Universities

Beyond Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Methods

For West Lake Hills families whose children attend UT Austin, Texas A&M, or other Texas universities, understanding modern hazing is crucial. It’s evolved far beyond simple pranks. Today’s hazing involves sophisticated psychological pressure, digital control, and often occurs off-campus to avoid detection.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most deadly form. At UH, Pi Kappa Phi pledges were allegedly forced to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately required to sprint. Nationally, forced drinking games like “Big/Little” nights have caused numerous deaths. The pattern is consistent: older members create situations where new members feel compelled to drink dangerously excessive amounts, often under threat of social exclusion or failure to gain membership.

Physical Hazing and “Workouts”
The UH Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates how physical hazing is disguised as “conditioning” or “team building.” Bermudez was allegedly forced through extreme calisthenics—100+ push-ups and 500 squats in one session—under threat of expulsion from the pledge process. Other methods include:

Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or early morning tasks
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpalatable substances
Exposure to extreme temperatures (cold weather in underwear)
Paddling or beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)

Psychological and Digital Hazing
Modern hazing leverages technology and psychological manipulation:

24/7 digital control: Pledges required to respond instantly to group messages at all hours
Social media humiliation: Forced to post embarrassing content or participate in degrading “challenges”
Geo-tracking demands: Required to share live location via apps
Isolation tactics: Cutting off contact with family and non-group friends
Psychological manipulation: Creating dependency on the group for identity and validation

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and rituals designed to maximize shame. The recent UH case allegedly included a “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring constant carrying of humiliating items including condoms and sex toys.

Where Hazing Happens
It’s not just fraternities. At Texas universities, hazing occurs in:

Sororities (Panhellenic and multicultural)
Corps of Cadets programs (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit organizations and tradition clubs
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations

Texas Hazing Law: What West Lake Hills Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that apply whether the conduct occurs on-campus or off-campus. For West Lake Hills families, understanding these laws is essential for protecting your children.

Definition of Hazing (Texas Education Code § 37.151)

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act
On or off campus of an educational institution
Directed against a student
That endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
For purposes of initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization

Critical Points for Travis County Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house, Airbnb, or retreat is still illegal
Mental harm qualifies: Psychological abuse and trauma constitute hazing
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need malicious intent—just reckless disregard for safety
Consent is NOT a defense (§ 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152)

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing not causing 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

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew about it and failed to report.

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§ 37.154)
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. This is crucial for witnesses afraid of getting in trouble.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Justice

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (Travis County DA for UT cases, Harris County for UH, etc.)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden: Beyond reasonable doubt

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Typical claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Burden: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)
Key advantage: Financial recovery for medical bills, therapy, lost education, pain and suffering

They Can Run Simultaneously
A criminal case doesn’t prevent a civil suit, and vice versa. Many families pursue both paths.

Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery Act, and New Federal Laws

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based misconduct, Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must investigate and take appropriate action. For West Lake Hills students at UT Austin or other schools, this can provide additional accountability mechanisms.

Clery Act
Requires colleges to report certain crimes and maintain safety statistics. Hazing incidents involving assaults or alcohol crimes may trigger Clery reporting requirements.

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
This will increase transparency at Texas universities starting soon

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Schools

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: A Preventable Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
Outcome: $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Relevance for Texas: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Forced drinking during “Bible study” game where wrong answers meant drinking
Died with BAC of 0.495%
Outcome: Louisiana enacted “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony
Relevance for Texas: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at multiple Texas universities

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

Died from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother” night
Outcome: Criminal charges against members; FSU suspended all Greek life
Relevance for Texas: Pi Kappa Phi is the fraternity currently sued in the UH case we’re handling

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
Outcome: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Relevance for Texas: Shows nationals can be held criminally liable

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Extreme alcohol consumption during bid acceptance
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras; medical help delayed for hours
Outcome: Dozens of criminal charges; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law; multiple civil suits
Relevance for Texas: Beta Theta Pi has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and later settled wrongful termination suit
Relevance for Texas: Shows hazing occurs in major athletic programs, not just Greek life

What These Cases Mean for West Lake Hills Families

Patterns repeat: The same dangerous behaviors occur across campuses
Nationals have prior knowledge: Organizations know these risks from past incidents
Cover-up culture persists: Delaying medical help amplifies harm and liability
Substantial recoveries possible: Multi-million dollar settlements show serious accountability is achievable
Legislative changes follow tragedy: Public outrage drives legal reforms

Texas University Focus: Where West Lake Hills Students Attend

University of Texas at Austin: Closest to Home for West Lake Hills Families

Campus & Hazing Context for Travis County
UT Austin is just minutes from West Lake Hills, making it the most common destination for our community’s students. With over 60 fraternities and sororities and a deeply ingrained tradition culture, hazing risks are significant.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page
Unlike many universities, UT maintains a public hazing violations log (hazing.utexas.edu). Recent entries show ongoing issues:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers: Multiple violations involving forced activities
Various organizations sanctioned for alcohol-related hazing, forced workouts, punishment-based practices

Selected Documented Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; sued chapter for over $1 million
Multiple other fraternities and spirit groups with repeated violations

How a UT Hazing Case Proceeds

Jurisdiction: Travis County courts, Austin PD or UTPD depending on location
Common defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national headquarters, UT System
Evidence sources: UT’s own violation records provide powerful pattern evidence

What UT Students & West Lake Hills Parents Should Do

Check UT’s public hazing log before your child joins any organization
Document everything—UT’s transparency means prior violations are public record
Report to UTPD AND Austin PD for off-campus incidents
Preserve digital evidence immediately—GroupMe chats are common at UT
Contact an attorney familiar with Travis County courts and UT’s internal processes

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Corps of Cadets Context
The Corps represents unique hazing risks with military-style traditions. Recent lawsuits allege:

Degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Seeking over $1 million in damages

Greek Life Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; fraternity suspended; $1 million lawsuit
Kappa Sigma (2023): Allegations of hazing causing rhabdomyolysis (same condition as in UH Pi Kappa Phi case)

What College Station-Bound West Lake Hills Families Should Know

Corps hazing requires specialized understanding of military-style traditions and culture
Off-campus hazing is common in Bryan/College Station rental houses
Texas A&M has extensive internal disciplinary processes
Early legal intervention is crucial before traditions become defenses

University of Houston: Our Current Flagship Case

The Leonel Bermudez/Pi Kappa Phi Case
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Case Details Every Texas Parent Should Know

Hazing acts: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced dress codes, overnight driving duties, extreme workouts, forced consumption until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
Medical consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization, risk of permanent kidney damage
Institutional response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter Nov 6, 2025; chapter surrendered charter Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

What This Means for West Lake Hills Families

Severe hazing is happening RIGHT NOW at Texas universities
National fraternities have patterns of similar behavior across chapters
Universities may acknowledge problems but resist full accountability
Experienced litigation can force transparency and change

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

SMU’s Greek-Intensive Culture
As a private university with affluent student population, SMU has significant Greek life presence with recurring hazing issues:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended until 2021
Ongoing anonymous reports through systems like Real Response

Baylor’s History and Context
Following previous scandals, Baylor faces particular scrutiny:

Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended after hazing investigation
Religious identity creates unique dynamics around accountability
Title IX history affects how abuse cases are handled

Fraternities and Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas

Why National Patterns Matter for Your Case

When a fraternity at UT Austin repeats the same dangerous behaviors that killed someone at another university, that’s not coincidence—it’s evidence. National headquarters have extensive records of prior incidents, training materials acknowledging risks, and patterns of similar conduct across chapters.

Key Organizations with Documented Histories at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National history: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021), multiple other alcohol hazing deaths
Texas chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption
Legal significance: Prior knowledge of risks strengthens negligence claims

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National history: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated pledge system in 2014 due to pattern
Texas incidents: UT Austin assault case (2024), Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021)
Pattern: Physical violence, alcohol hazing, cover-up culture
Legal significance: National’s prior reforms show awareness of problems

Pi Kappa Phi

National history: Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017)
Current Texas case: Our UH/Bermudez case shows similar physical hazing patterns
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption, psychological pressure
Legal significance: Prior fatal incident at another chapter establishes foreseeability

Phi Delta Theta

National history: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017)
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced alcohol consumption
Legal significance: Led to felony hazing law in Louisiana; shows recognition of extreme risk

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

Foreseeability: Proves nationals knew or should have known about risks
Pattern evidence: Shows this wasn’t “rogue individuals” but organizational culture
Punitive damages: Repeated ignoring of known risks can justify punishment beyond compensation
Insurance coverage: Demonstrates intentional disregard that may overcome coverage exclusions

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
Deleted recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages
Metadata: Timestamps, participant lists, location data

Photos and Videos

Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
Social media posts showing activities
Security camera footage from houses, dorms, venues
Medical documentation of injuries

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents
Emails/texts between officers about activities
National policies, training materials, risk management guides
Prior incident reports and disciplinary records

University Records

Prior conduct violations (obtainable through discovery or public records requests)
Campus police reports
Clery Act reports
Internal emails about the organization

Medical and Psychological Records

ER/hospital records documenting injuries
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Long-term treatment plans

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifelong needs
Lost income/earning capacity: Missed semesters, delayed career entry, reduced lifetime earnings
Educational costs: Lost tuition, scholarships, transfer expenses
Therapy and rehabilitation: Long-term psychological care, physical therapy

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in college experience, activities
Reputational harm: Social stigma, public identification as victim

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

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

Punitive Damages

Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct
Designed to punish and deter future conduct
Requires showing prior knowledge and pattern of behavior

The Role of Insurance in Hazing Cases

Complex Coverage Issues
Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically have insurance, but carriers often argue:
unmistakably crafted to deny coverage

Intentional acts exclusions: Claiming hazing was intentional
Criminal acts exclusions: Arguing illegal activity isn’t covered
Policy limits disputes: Trying to minimize available coverage

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

Value and reserve claims
Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
Deploy delay tactics to pressure plaintiffs
Fight coverage under various exclusions

This insider knowledge is invaluable for maximizing recovery and overcoming insurance company tactics.

Strategic Considerations for Texas Families

Timing is Critical

Statute of limitations: Generally 2 years from injury in Texas, but complexities exist
Evidence preservation: Digital evidence disappears within days
Witness memory: Fades quickly, especially under peer pressure
University response: They move quickly to control narrative

Multiple Defendant Strategy
We typically pursue all potentially liable parties:

Individual perpetrators
Local chapter/officers
National headquarters
University/regents
Property owners/landlords
Third-party vendors

This maximizes potential recovery and accountability.

Settlement vs. Trial
Most cases settle confidentially, but trial readiness is essential for leverage. Our experience with federal court litigation and complex cases means we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which often leads to better settlements.

Practical Guides for West Lake Hills Families and Students

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, weight changes, sleep deprivation
Behavioral: Sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family/friends, personality changes, defensiveness
Academic: Grades dropping, missing classes, losing scholarships
Digital: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about messages, deleted conversations
Financial: Unexpected large expenses, requests for money without clear explanation

How to Talk to Your Child

Ask open questions: “How are things with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: They may feel ashamed or conflicted
Emphasize safety: Make clear their wellbeing matters more than membership
Document what they share: Write down details while fresh

If Your Child Is Hurt

Medical care first: Even if they resist—internal injuries like rhabdomyolysis are deadly
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save clothing
Contact attorney: Before talking to university or insurance companies
Document communications: Save all emails, texts, voicemails from school

Dealing with the University

Document everything: Every conversation, email, meeting
Ask specific questions: “What prior incidents involved this organization?” “What disciplinary action was taken?”
Don’t sign anything: Especially “resolution” agreements that may waive legal rights
Get everything in writing: Verbal promises are often unenforceable

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment
Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
Would I do this if I truly had a free choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity hidden from university officials or parents?
Are older members making us do things they don’t have to do?

If you answer yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

Tell someone first: Parent, RA, trusted friend—create a record
Send written resignation: Email/text chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting”: This is often for pressure or intimidation
Document any retaliation: Screenshot threats, save voicemails

Reporting Options

Campus authorities: Dean of Students, student conduct office
Law enforcement: Campus police or local PD
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
Attorney: We can help you navigate reporting safely

Your Legal Rights in Texas

Consent is not a defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still illegal
Good-faith reporter protection: You can’t be prosecuted for reporting in good faith
Medical amnesty: Many schools allow calling 911 without underage drinking charges

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Deleting digital evidence: What seems embarrassing now is crucial evidence later
Confronting the organization directly: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Signing university “resolution” forms: Often includes waivers of legal rights
Posting on social media: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Waiting for university to “handle it”: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Talking to insurance adjusters alone: Recorded statements are used against you
Letting your child return for “closure”: Often leads to pressure or retaliation

Why Attorney911 for West Lake Hills Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

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

Value and undervalue hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
Deploy Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries

We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge translates to better outcomes for our clients.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same capability applies directly to hazing cases against:

National fraternities with deep pockets
University systems with political connections
Insurance companies with endless resources

We’re not intimidated by powerful defendants. We’ve faced them before and won.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise on criminal exposure for witnesses or former members
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Work effectively with prosecutors when appropriate
Protect clients during criminal investigations

Investigative Depth and Resources
We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations built from public records. For West Lake Hills families, this means we already have data on:

Texas Greek Organizations Near West Lake Hills (Travis County Examples)

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp., Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter, Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta), Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter, College Station, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Texas Rho Housing Corporation (ΣAE), Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 463831593, Austin, TX 78723 (IRS B83 filing)
Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing)
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc, EIN 741130606, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing)

Austin-Round Rock Metro Context
The Austin metro has 154 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. For West Lake Hills families with students at UT Austin, this ecosystem includes undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and honor societies—all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage.

Expert Network
We work with specialists who understand hazing cases:

Medical experts familiar with rhabdomyolysis, TBI, alcohol poisoning
Digital forensics professionals to recover deleted messages
Psychologists specializing in trauma and PTSD
Economists to calculate lifetime impacts
Greek life culture experts to explain traditions and power dynamics

Proven Results in Serious Cases
We’ve recovered millions for clients in:

Wrongful death cases
Catastrophic injury claims
Complex institutional litigation
Cases involving cover-ups and destroyed evidence

Spanish-Language Services for Texas Families

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. For Hispanic families in West Lake Hills and throughout Texas, we provide:

Consultations in Spanish
Spanish-language documentation
Cultural understanding of family dynamics
Connections to Spanish-speaking medical and psychological experts

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 (and Spanish)
We respect your family’s privacy and emotional needs
We move at your pace while protecting legal deadlines

Aggressive Investigation

We pursue every lead and evidence source
We challenge institutional stonewalling
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
We leverage our insider knowledge of defense tactics

Commitment to Accountability
We believe in:

Full transparency from defendants
Meaningful compensation for families
Institutional changes to prevent future harm
Public accountability when appropriate

Call to Action for West Lake Hills Families

Your Next Steps Toward Accountability

If you suspect or know your child has been hazed at any Texas university, we want to hear from you. Families in West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, Bee Cave, and throughout Travis County have the right to answers and accountability.

Free Confidential Consultation
Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation. We’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options in plain English
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer all your questions about process and costs

What to Expect When You Call

Immediate response: We answer 24/7 for emergencies
Comprehensive review: We analyze all aspects of your situation
Clear explanation: We tell you exactly what we can do and what to expect
No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family
Complete confidentiality: Everything you tell us is protected

Contact Information

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com

Fee Structure
We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases:

No upfront costs
No hourly fees
We only get paid if we recover money for you
Free initial consultation always

Why Choose Attorney911?

Local Understanding with Statewide Reach
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas including West Lake Hills. We understand:

Travis County courts and procedures
UT Austin’s specific policies and culture
The dynamics of Central Texas Greek life
How to navigate Texas public university systems

Proven Track Record Against Institutions

BP Texas City explosion litigation experience
Federal court admissions and experience
Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
Reputation for thorough preparation and trial readiness

Resources to Match Any Opponent
We have:

Digital forensics capabilities
Expert networks in medicine, psychology, economics
Investigative resources to uncover hidden evidence
Financial resources to fund complex litigation

Commitment to Your Family’s Wellbeing
We prioritize:

Your child’s recovery and future
Your family’s privacy
Emotional support throughout the process
Clear, constant communication

Take Action Today

Time is Critical For:

Evidence preservation (messages disappear within days)
Witness memory (fades quickly under pressure)
Medical documentation (immediate care is crucial)
Legal deadlines (statutes of limitations apply)

Don’t Face This Alone
Hazing cases involve:

Powerful institutions with experienced lawyers
Complex insurance coverage issues
Emotional trauma that affects decision-making
Public relations considerations

Having experienced counsel levels the playing field and protects your family’s interests.

Call Us Today
Whether your child attends UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas university, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

1-888-ATTY-911
We answer 24/7 for emergencies

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 Eyewitness News 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 and Practice Areas:

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