π¨ Hazing Legal Emergency: What Camp County Families Need to Know
Camp County, Texas β If your child attends college near Camp County or is involved in Greek life, sports teams, marching bands, or any student organization, they may be at risk of hazing. The same fraternities that hospitalized a student at the University of Houston with kidney failure after waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical abuse operate at universities across Texas β including near Camp County.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what happened to Leonel Bermudez. This isn’t just a Houston problem β it’s a Camp County problem. The same national fraternities, the same hazing culture, and the same institutional failures exist at universities near Camp County.
If your child has been hazed, we can help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
π₯ The Hazing Crisis in Texas β It’s Happening Near Camp County
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them β regardless of their willingness to participate. Under Texas law, hazing is illegal, and consent is not a defense.
Common Hazing Activities Near Camp County:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
- Forced consumption: Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
- Sleep deprivation: Late-night activities, forced early-morning tasks
- Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats
- Waterboarding/simulated drowning: A war crime when done to enemy combatants β happening to college students near Camp County
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
These aren’t “traditions.” They’re crimes.
β οΈ The University of Houston Case β A Warning for Camp County Families
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic hazing that included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose β simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups β until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles β physical assault
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting β then forced to continue running
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout β fraternity members did nothing to stop the abuse
- Humiliation and threats β carried a fanny pack with sexual objects, threatened with expulsion if he refused
The Result:
- Rhabdomyolysis β his muscles broke down from extreme exertion
- Acute kidney failure β life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
- 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital β fighting for his life
The Aftermath:
- Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter β they knew what they did was wrong
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house β they collected rent while students were tortured
- $10 million lawsuit filed β to hold them accountable
Why This Matters to Camp County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America β including near Camp County
- The same hazing culture exists at Camp County universities β just because it hasn’t been exposed doesn’t mean it’s not happening
- Universities near Camp County face the same liability β if they own fraternity houses or fail to supervise Greek life, they can be sued
- If your child is being hazed near Camp County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez
ποΈ Who Is Liable for Hazing Near Camp County?
When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held legally responsible β not just the students participating. In our University of Houston case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable Near Camp County |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Knew about hazing culture (Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at Pi Kappa Phi) and failed to stop it |
| University/College | If they own fraternity houses or fail to supervise Greek life, they share liability |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility β directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | If hazing occurred at their home, they can be sued for premises liability |
| Insurance Companies | Liability policies may cover damages |
Camp County Families: If your child is hazed at a university near Camp County, we will identify and pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation.
π° What Is Your Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. In our University of Houston case, we are seeking $10 million for Leonel Bermudez. Here’s what similar cases have settled for:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Pending | $10 million |
What You Can Recover for Hazing Near Camp County:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from abuse; emotional trauma |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death, families can sue for loss of life |
Camp County Families: The value of your case depends on the severity of the hazing, the extent of injuries, and the liability of the defendants. We will fight for maximum compensation for your child.
β³ Time Is Running Out β Texas Statute of Limitations
Texas law gives you only 2 YEARS from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
Why Hazing Victims Wait β And Why You Shouldn’t:
- Shame and embarrassment
- Fear of retaliation or social exclusion
- Loyalty to the organization
- Not recognizing it as hazing
- Pressure from members to stay quiet
Camp County Families: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights.
π‘οΈ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed Near Camp County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications: Texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails
- Take photos/videos: Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Document everything: Write down what happened, who was involved, dates/times
- Get witness information: Names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership β they will try to control the narrative
- Do not post on social media β anything you post can be used against you
- Do not sign anything from the organization or university
Step 4: Report to Authorities (Optional)
- Consider filing a police report
- File a Title IX complaint with the university
- Report to the national fraternity organization
Step 5: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- 1-888-ATTY-911 β Available 24/7 for Camp County families
- Free, confidential consultation
- We handle all communication with the organization and insurance companies
- We preserve evidence and build your case
π Why Camp County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating the $10 million University of Houston hazing case. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win. Camp County families get the same aggressive representation.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook β and we use it against them.
Nationwide Reach β We Serve Camp County
While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Camp County. We offer:
- Video consultations for Camp County families
- Willingness to travel to Camp County for depositions and trials
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the country
Proven Track Record of Results
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims
- Hazing-specific expertise β rhabdomyolysis, Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M cases
- Aggressive litigation β we take cases to trial if necessary
- Client-focused service β we treat Camp County families like family
No Upfront Costs β We Work on Contingency
We understand that Camp County families can’t afford expensive legal fees during a crisis. We take hazing cases on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to you.
π Camp County Families β Call Now for Help
If your child has been hazed at a university near Camp County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We are available 24/7 to help Camp County families.
π Serving Camp County and All of Texas
Attorney 911
- Houston Office: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
- Austin Office: Serving Camp County
- Beaumont Office: Serving Camp County
We come to Camp County for your case.
π Frequently Asked Questions for Camp County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Camp County, but we don’t live in Texas. Can you still help?
A: Yes! We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Camp County. We can evaluate your case regardless of where you live.
Q: The hazing happened off-campus. Can we still sue the university?
A: Possibly. If the university knew about hazing or had the power to stop it, they may share liability. In our University of Houston case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. We will:
- Handle all communication with the organization
- Protect your child’s identity when possible
- Pursue legal action to prevent retaliation
- Work with you to ensure your child’s safety
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis β you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school near Camp County?
A: Hazing happens in high schools too. We can evaluate your case and determine the best legal strategy.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t result in physical injury?
A: Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) from hazing can also result in compensation.
Q: What if my child was hazed years ago?
A: The statute of limitations is typically 2 years from the date of the hazing. If it’s been longer, call us immediately β there may be exceptions.
π¨ Hazing Watch: Fraternities Near Camp County With Documented Hazing Histories
The following fraternities have chapters at universities near Camp County and have been involved in documented hazing incidents nationwide. If your child is pledging one of these organizations near Camp County, be aware of the risks.
| Fraternity | Hazing Incidents | Camp County Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death); Leonel Bermudez (2025, kidney failure) | Yes β chapters at Texas universities near Camp County |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021, death); multiple hazing lawsuits | Yes β chapters at Texas universities near Camp County |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | Yes β chapters at Texas universities near Camp County |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017, death) | Yes β chapters at Texas universities near Camp County |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, death) | Yes β chapters at Texas universities near Camp County |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple hazing lawsuits | Yes β chapters at Texas universities near Camp County |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | Yes β chapters at Texas universities near Camp County |
Camp County Families: If your child is pledging any fraternity or sorority near Camp County, ask questions, demand transparency, and be vigilant. Hazing can happen in any organization.
π’ A Message to Fraternities Near Camp County
To the fraternities operating near Camp County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma β
If your chapter near Camp County is hazing students, know that:
- We will sue you β the national organization, the local chapter, and individual members
- We will find the evidence β texts, photos, videos, witness statements
- We will hold you accountable β in court and in the media
- We will shut you down β just like we shut down the UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter
The UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter is closed. Your chapter could be next.
π Our Promise to Camp County Families
We promise to fight for Camp County hazing victims with the same aggression, dedication, and compassion we bring to our current University of Houston case.
We promise to pursue every liable party β from the individual members to the national organizations to the universities.
We promise to hold them accountable β not just for your child, but for every student who might be next if we don’t stop this now.
Camp County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
π Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now
Available 24/7 for Camp County hazing emergencies.