The Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation for City of Fruitvale, Texas Families: Understanding Your Rights, Texas Campuses & the Leonel Bermudez Case

The Phone Call No East Texas Parent Ever Wants to Make

Imagine your child, a student from our tight-knit City of Fruitvale community, calls home from their Texas university with an unusual request. Their voice sounds strained. They need money, suddenly, for what they vaguely call “chapter dues” or “mandatory supplies.” Or perhaps the call comes in the middle of the night from an unfamiliar number—a hospital in College Station, Houston, or Austin. Your student is in the ER, suffering from severe dehydration, “rhabdomyolysis” (a term you’ve never heard before), or alcohol poisoning. When you ask what happened, they say it was just a “team workout” or “big brother night” that “got out of hand.” They beg you not to contact the school or say anything that might “get the chapter in trouble.”

This is the reality facing Texas families right now, including here in City of Fruitvale and across Van Zandt County. Just months ago, in Houston, a nightmare scenario unfolded that every parent fears: University of Houston transfer student Leonel Bermudez nearly died from hazing-induced kidney failure after what Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members called “pledge education.” Now, Attorney911 represents Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the university, the national fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individual members. This isn’t a story from another state or a distant decade—this is happening right now at a major Texas university, and it shows exactly what our firm faces when we take on these powerful institutions.

If you’re a parent in City of Fruitvale, Fruitland, or anywhere in Van Zandt County, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) victims, what’s happening on Texas campuses where your children study, and most importantly—what legal rights your family has when tradition becomes torture and “bonding” becomes abuse.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”: The Modern Hazing Playbook

For families in City of Fruitvale who remember hazing as perhaps some harmless pranks or initiation rituals, today’s reality is shockingly different. Hazing in 2025 is systematic, digitally documented, psychologically manipulative, and medically dangerous. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston illustrates every dangerous trend we see across Texas campuses.

Bermudez’s experience—detailed in the Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage of his case—included: being forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items; hours-long “study blocks” that were actually interrogation sessions; overnight chauffeuring duties for members; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; and the November 3rd “workout” that nearly killed him: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion. When he passed brown urine days later, his mother rushed him to the hospital where doctors diagnosed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels and faces ongoing kidney damage.

This isn’t an outlier. It’s the template.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Digital Control & Psychological Manipulation

24/7 Group Chat Monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
Location Tracking: Forced use of Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps, or Life360
Social Media Policing: Controlling what pledges post, requiring shares/likes of chapter content
“Voluntary” Mandatory Events: Framed as optional but with clear social consequences for missing

Tier 2: Physical Endurance & Humiliation

Extreme “Workouts”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls, sprints
Sleep Deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal sleep
Forced Consumption: Spoiled food, excessive milk/bread, hot sauce, unknown substances
Public Humiliation: Degrading costumes, public performances, “roasting” sessions

Tier 3: Violence & Life-Threatening Abuse

Alcohol Hazing: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor
Physical Assault: Paddling, beatings, “gladiator” fights, branding
Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Dangerous Environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, kidnapping

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets & ROTC Programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
Spirit & Tradition Organizations (Texas Cowboys, band, spirit groups)
Academic & Service Clubs

The common thread? Power imbalance, secrecy, and the manipulation of young people’s desire to belong.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Van Zandt County Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

As a Texas-based firm serving families from City of Fruitvale to Houston, we operate under Texas’s specific hazing statutes. Here’s what you need to know:

Texas Hazing Definition (Education Code §37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students

Key Points for City of Fruitvale Families:

Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb, remote retreat, or private house is still hazing
Mental Harm Counts: Severe humiliation, intimidation, or psychological abuse qualifies
“Reckless” Is Enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just disregard obvious risks
Consent Is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still illegal

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (State vs. Individuals):

Brought by: District Attorney or County Attorney
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Texas Penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional Charges Often Filed:
- Furnishing alcohol to minors
- Assault, battery
- Manslaughter (in fatal cases)
- Obstruction of justice (destroying evidence)

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties):

Brought by: Victims or surviving families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Types of Claims:
- Negligence/Gross Negligence
- Wrongful Death
- Negligent Supervision/Hiring
- Premises Liability
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
- Title IX Violations (if gender-based)

Critical Insight: You can pursue civil action even if no criminal charges are filed. The burden of proof is lower (“preponderance of evidence” vs. “beyond reasonable doubt”), and the focus is on compensating your family, not punishing individuals.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

Individual Students: Those who planned, participated, or covered up the hazing
Chapter Officers: Presidents, pledge educators, risk managers who knew or should have known
Local Chapter/Housing Corporation: The Texas-registered entity (we maintain directories of these—more below)
National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
University/Board of Regents: For negligent supervision, Title IX violations, or deliberate indifference
Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses, Airbnb hosts who enable dangerous events
Alcohol Providers: Bars or individuals who furnish alcohol to minors

Federal Laws That Apply in Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates hazing education and prevention programs
Phased implementation through 2026

Title IX (When Applicable):

Triggers when hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
Creates additional reporting duties and potential liability

Clery Act:

Requires reporting of certain crimes on campus
Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol crimes, or sexual offenses may trigger Clery reporting

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern (Multiple Deaths, Same Script)

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

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

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers = forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Outcome: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Texas Relevance: Phi Delta Theta chapters across Texas universities

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

Big/Little night with handles of hard liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
Outcome: Multiple criminal convictions, confidential civil settlement
Texas Relevance: Same national organization as the UH case we’re litigating

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Fell multiple times captured on chapter cameras; delayed medical help
Dozens of criminal charges, confidential settlements
Outcome: Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Texas Relevance: Beta Theta Pi operates at UT Austin, Texas A&M

The Physical Torture Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled in “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; delayed 911 call
Outcome: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Texas Relevance: Shows organizations can face criminal liability, not just civil

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
, – Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal”

Severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants (multi-million dollar total)
Texas Relevance: Phi Gamma Delta operates at Texas A&M, UT Austin

Texas-Specific Incidents: Closer to Home

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns
Required skin graft surgeries
Outcome: $1 million lawsuit, chapter suspended for two years

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)

Cadet allegedly bound between beds with apple in mouth in sexually degrading position
Outcome: Over $1 million lawsuit filed

University of Texas SAE Assault Case (2024)

Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Outcome: Over $1 million lawsuit filed

Texas Focus: Where City of Fruitvale Students Attend & What’s Happening

Understanding the Landscape for Van Zandt County Families

Families in City of Fruitvale, Edom, Ben Wheeler, and across Van Zandt County typically send their children to a mix of regional and major Texas universities. While our community is rooted in East Texas values, our students spread across the state seeking education and opportunity—and sometimes encounter dangerous traditions along the way.

Regional Campuses Near City of Fruitvale

From the Texas Universities Master Data, these are the campuses closest to our community:

University of Texas at Tyler (Smith County)

60 miles from City of Fruitvale
Greek life includes traditional and multicultural organizations
Part of the UT System with its own conduct policies

Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County)

45 miles from City of Fruitvale
Active Greek community with IFC, Panhellenic, and NPHC organizations
Recent hazing incidents have involved both Greek and athletic programs

Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches County)

90 miles from City of Fruitvale
Historic Greek system with multiple hazing investigations in recent years

Major Texas Universities Where City of Fruitvale Students Attend

University of Houston (Our Current Case Location)

Distance from City of Fruitvale: ~180 miles
Recent Major Case: Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi hazing lawsuit
Greek System: 50+ chapters across IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC
Notable: UH has suspended multiple chapters for hazing violations

Texas A&M University

Distance from City of Fruitvale: ~165 miles
Recent Issues: SAE chemical burns case, Corps of Cadets lawsuits
Special Consideration: Corps traditions sometimes blur into hazing
Greek System: One of largest in nation with 60+ chapters

University of Texas at Austin

Distance from City of Fruitvale: ~190 miles
Transparency Leader: Public hazing violations database at hazing.utexas.edu
Recent Cases: SAE assault lawsuit, multiple chapter probations
Notable: UT’s public log shows repeated violations by same organizations

Baylor University

Distance from City of Fruitvale: ~95 miles
Recent Issues: Baseball team hazing suspensions (2020)
Context: Baylor’s history with institutional response to misconduct

Southern Methodist University

Distance from City of Fruitvale: ~75 miles
Recent History: Kappa Alpha Order suspension (2017)
Profile: Private university with affluent Greek culture

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving City of Fruitvale Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive directories of Texas-registered Greek organizations. These aren’t just names—they’re legal entities with EINs, addresses, and often insurance coverage that can be crucial for recovering damages. For City of Fruitvale families, understanding this network is the first step toward accountability.

East Texas & Regional Greek Entities (IRS B83 Filings):

Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter – EIN: 300517788 – 316 E Lakewood St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (IRS B83 filing)
Stephen F. Austin State University Greek Organizations – Multiple housing corporations and alumni chapters serve the Nacogdoches campus
East Texas Baptist University Greek Life – Marshall-based organizations serving ETBU students
Tyler Area Alumni Chapters – Multiple national organizations maintain Tyler-based alumni groups that support undergraduate chapters

Major University Greek Housing Corporations (Where City of Fruitvale Students Likely Join):

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN: 462267515 – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing) – Note: This is the housing corporation for the UH chapter involved in the Bermudez case
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN: 371768785 – 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459 (IRS B83 filing)
University of Houston Greek Housing Entities – Multiple registered corporations support UH chapters
Texas A&M University Chapter Housing Corporations – Dozens of registered entities for Aggie Greek life
UT Austin Greek Housing Network – One of the most dense concentrations of Greek organizations in Texas

Texas-Wide Greek Infrastructure: 1,423 Organizations Across 25 Metros

According to our Cause IQ data analysis, Texas hosts an extensive Greek ecosystem:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek-related organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86 organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 organizations
Waco Metro: 27 organizations
Plus 19 other Texas metros with Greek organizational presence

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case:
When your child is hazed, the visible “chapter” is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath it are:

Housing Corporations (own property, often have insurance)
Alumni Chapters (provide funding and oversight)
National Headquarters (set policies, collect dues)
Educational Foundations (tax-exempt entities sometimes holding assets)
University Recognition (creates institutional liability)

Our investigators map all these connections so we can pursue every potential source of accountability and recovery.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Repeating in Texas

Pattern Recognition: Why National Histories Matter

When we take a hazing case for a City of Fruitvale family, we don’t just look at what happened to their child. We investigate what the national organization knew, when they knew it, and what they did (or didn’t do) to prevent it. This pattern evidence is often the difference between a quick settlement and a multi-year fight.

Organizations with Documented National Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – “Pike”

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), multiple other alcohol hazing deaths
Texas Presence: UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events, forced drinking traditions
Liability Angle: National had prior notice of dangerous traditions

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – “SAE”

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama)
Texas Cases: A&M chemical burns, UT assault lawsuit
Pattern: Physical violence combined with alcohol hazing
Note: SAE officially eliminated pledging in 2014, but traditions continue

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
Texas Case: Leonel Bermudez kidney failure (UH, our current case)
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with psychological abuse
Recent Development: National suspended Beta Nu chapter within days of Bermudez hospitalization

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, led to felony hazing law)
Texas Presence: Multiple campuses
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, alcohol poisoning risk

Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ)

National History: Chad Meredith drowning death (Miami, $12.6M verdict)
Texas Presence: Nearly every major Texas campus
Pattern: Alcohol-related accidents and hazing

The Institutional Knowledge Problem

National fraternities aren’t ignorant. They maintain:

Risk Management Manuals (because they know the risks)
Insurance Policies (because they get sued)
Anti-Hazing Training (because they need to show they’re trying)
Chapter Supervision Systems (because problems recur)

Yet when we obtain their internal documents through discovery, we often find:

Prior complaints about the same chapter that were minimally addressed
“Probation” that meant little more than a paperwork exercise
Training that taught members how to avoid getting caught, not how to prevent hazing
Financial relationships maintained even while knowing about dangerous practices

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Texas Families

The Evidence That Wins Cases (Start Preserving NOW)

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord screenshots
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat saves, TikTok videos
Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often recover them
Location Data: Phone geotags, Find My Friends history
Planning Messages: “What we’re doing to pledges tonight” conversations

Physical Evidence:

Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like Bermudez’s creatine kinase levels)
Injury Documentation: Photos from multiple angles, progression shots
Objects Used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, “pledge packs”
Clothing: Unwashed items showing substances or damage

Institutional Records (We Obtain These):

University Files: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, Clery reports
National Fraternity Records: Risk management files, advisor reports, insurance communications
Police Reports: Campus and local law enforcement incident reports

Damages: What Can Be Recovered for Texas Families

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical Expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Lost Income/Wages: For student and parents who miss work
Educational Costs: Lost tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation
Future Earning Capacity: Reduced if permanent disability results

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and recovery
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral/Burial Costs
Loss of Financial Support: Future earnings deceased would have provided
Loss of Companionship: For parents, siblings, spouse
Emotional Suffering: Grief, trauma of loss

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Egregious):

Purpose: Punish and deter exceptionally reckless or malicious behavior
When Awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-ups attempted, extreme cruelty
Texas Caps: Generally limited but can be substantial in intentional conduct cases

Our Strategic Approach for Texas Cases

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (0-7 Days)

Secure all digital evidence before deletion
Document injuries and obtain medical records
Identify and contact witnesses before they’re coached
Send preservation letters to universities and organizations

Phase 2: Investigation & Discovery (1-6 Months)

Map organizational structure (chapter, housing corp, national, alumni)
Subpoena university conduct records
Obtain national fraternity risk management files
Consult medical experts to establish causation and future needs

Phase 3: Liability Analysis & Demand (3-9 Months)

Identify all potentially liable parties
Analyze insurance coverage issues
Calculate full damages with economic experts
Prepare comprehensive demand package

Phase 4: Negotiation or Litigation (6-24+ Months)

Negotiate with multiple insurers (chapter, national, university)
Mediation with all parties
File lawsuit if fair settlement not offered
Trial preparation and presentation

Practical Guides & FAQs for City of Fruitvale Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

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

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: If immediate danger, call 911
Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot texts, photograph injuries, save physical items
Seek Medical Care: Even if they resist—documentation is crucial
Consult an Attorney BEFORE: Talking to university, insurance, or the organization
Call Us: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case:

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys crucial evidence
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Let your attorney handle all communications

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” forms

Why it’s wrong: You may waive legal rights for inadequate settlements
What to do instead: Have an attorney review EVERY document before signing

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media

Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; hurts credibility
What to do instead: Keep details private; let your lawyer control messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do instead: Consult attorney immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

For Students: Your Rights & Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Am I being told to keep secrets from university/parents?
Are older members making us do things they don’t have to do?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911—most Texas schools have medical amnesty policies
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
You won’t get in trouble for seeking help in an emergency

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation to chapter president/new member educator
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If threatened, report immediately to campus police and Dean of Students

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith
Consent is NOT a defense to hazing
You can request no-contact orders through the university
You have the right to consult an attorney (confidentially)

Frequently Asked Questions from Texas Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under various legal theories. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. The Leonel Bermudez case likely involves felony-level conduct given the kidney failure and hospitalization.

“What if our child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Irrelevant under Texas law. Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury in Texas, but exceptions exist (discovery rule, tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment). Time is critical—call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

“What if it happened off-campus at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. The Bermudez case involves both on-campus and off-campus (Culmore Drive residence) locations.

“Will our child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: Serving City of Fruitvale & Van Zandt County

More Than Personal Injury Lawyers: Institutional Litigation Specialists

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury firm. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—universities, national fraternities, insurance companies—fight back, and how to win anyway. That’s why City of Fruitvale families choose Attorney911.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña’s Defense Background)

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

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello’s Experience)

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

Current Texas Hazing Case Experience

Actively representing Leonel Bermudez in the $10M UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit
Deep understanding of Texas-specific hazing patterns and university responses
Maintaining Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Experience with brain injury, permanent disability, and life care planning
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

Ralph’s HCCLA membership (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association)
Understands interaction between criminal hazing charges and civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth & Expert Network

Digital forensics experts for recovering deleted messages
Medical specialists (nephrologists for kidney cases, psychiatrists for PTSD)
Greek life culture experts to explain coercion and power dynamics
Economists for calculating lifetime damages
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services for Texas Families

Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. We serve Hispanic families throughout Texas with cultural understanding and legal expertise.

Our Commitment to City of Fruitvale & Van Zandt County

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Fruitvale, Van, Edom, Ben Wheeler, and all Van Zandt County communities. We understand that families from smaller Texas communities can feel particularly overwhelmed when facing powerful university systems and national organizations. We’re here to level the playing field.

Your Next Step: Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

What to Expect When You Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Free, No-Obligation Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly and honestly
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer all your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide what’s best for your family
Everything you tell us is confidential

Our Hazing Case Evaluation Focus:

Immediate Safety: Is your child still in danger?
Evidence Preservation: What needs to be saved right now?
Medical Documentation: Have injuries been properly documented?
Organizational Mapping: Which entities are potentially liable?
Legal Strategy: Criminal reporting, civil action, or both?
Communication Plan: How to deal with university, media, insurance

Why Time Is Critical in Hazing Cases

Evidence Disappears: Group chats deleted, witnesses graduate, memories fade
Statute of Limitations: Texas generally gives 2 years from injury
University Response: Schools often move quickly to control narrative
Insurance Issues: Early statements can harm your case
Medical Documentation: Injuries heal; documentation must happen quickly

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Serving All Texas Families From Our Offices In:

Houston, Texas (Harris County)
Austin, Texas (Travis County)
Beaumont, Texas (Jefferson County)

A Final Word to City of Fruitvale Parents

Hazing isn’t “tradition”—it’s abuse disguised as bonding. It’s not “boys being boys”—it’s criminal conduct that kills and maims Texas students every year. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH could happen to any Texas student at any Texas university. The organizations behind these abuses count on silence, shame, and institutional protection.

But Texas law gives you rights. The courts provide avenues for accountability. And our firm has the experience, resources, and determination to pursue justice for your family.

Whether you’re in City of Fruitvale, Tyler, Dallas, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. You don’t have to accept university platitudes or insurance lowballs. You can demand answers, accountability, and justice.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, what your rights are, and how we can help your family heal while holding the responsible parties accountable.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

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