🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Dallam County, Texas – Aggressive Legal Help for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims
Serving Dallam County families from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices – 24/7 legal emergency help available
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 | Email: ralph@atty911.com
Dallam County Parents: Your Child Could Be Next
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s not tradition. It’s not harmless fun. It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s happening at universities near Dallam County right now.
We’re Attorney 911, and we’re fighting this battle right now in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. A young man was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure—all because he wanted to join a fraternity.
The same fraternities operate at universities near Dallam County. The same hazing happens near Dallam County. And we will fight for Dallam County families with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.
What Is Hazing? The Truth Dallam County Families Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just a prank or a rite of passage. It’s a systematic pattern of abuse designed to humiliate, degrade, and physically harm students. And it’s illegal in Texas.
Hazing Activities Documented Near Dallam County (and Across Texas):
| Activity | Description | Medical Risk | Legal Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with hose or water | Suffocation, PTSD, death | Torture; Assault |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol, food, or non-food items until vomiting | Alcohol poisoning, choking, organ damage | Hazing; Reckless Endangerment |
| Extreme Exercise | 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, death | Hazing; Reckless Endangerment |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, no sleep | Cognitive impairment, accidents, mental health crisis | Hazing |
| Physical Beating | Paddling, striking, branding | Broken bones, internal injuries, permanent scarring | Assault; Battery |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, threats, isolation | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide | Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Sexual Humiliation | Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual acts | Trauma, shame, long-term psychological damage | Sexual Assault; Hazing |
| Confinement | Locked in small spaces, hog-tying | Claustrophobia, panic attacks, physical injury | False Imprisonment; Hazing |
This isn’t college culture. This is criminal behavior. And it’s happening at universities near Dallam County.
The Hazing Crisis in Texas – Dallam County Families Are at Risk
Texas Has a Hazing Problem – And It’s Getting Worse
| Year | Incident | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Student hospitalized with lacerated spleen | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Alpha | $1M lawsuit; criminal charges (later dismissed) |
| 2017 | Andrew Coffey dies from forced alcohol consumption | Florida State University | Pi Kappa Phi | 9 charged; chapter closed |
| 2021 | Stone Foltz dies from forced drinking | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1M settlement |
| 2023 | Student suffers traumatic brain injury | University of Alabama | Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Lawsuit filed |
| 2025 | Leonel Bermudez hospitalized with kidney failure | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit (our case) |
| 2025 | Student death by suicide after “horrific abuse” | University of Texas | Sigma Chi | Lawsuit filed (same week as our case) |
The pattern is clear: Hazing causes serious injuries and deaths. Universities and fraternities know it happens. And they do nothing to stop it until it’s too late.
Why Dallam County Families Should Be Concerned
- The same national fraternities operate near Dallam County – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and others have chapters at Texas universities within driving distance of Dallam County.
- Universities near Dallam County face the same liability failures – They own or control fraternity housing. They have the power to stop hazing. They choose not to.
- Hazing culture is systemic – If it’s happening at UH, it’s happening near Dallam County. If it’s happening at UT Austin, it could happen to your child.
- Victims are afraid to speak up – Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution for coming forward. Dallam County victims face the same fear.
- The clock is ticking – Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If your child was hazed, you must act now before your rights expire.
The $10 Million Fight – How We’re Holding Fraternities Accountable (And How We’ll Fight for Dallam County Families)
📰 Our Case in the News – The Same Fight We’ll Bring to Dallam County
| Outlet | Headline | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABC13 Houston | “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges” | Nov 21, 2025 | Read More |
| KHOU 11 | “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations” | Nov 21, 2025 | Read More |
| Houston Chronicle | “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit” | Nov 22, 2025 | Read More |
| Houston Public Media | “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing” | Nov 24, 2025 | Read More |
💰 The $10 Million Lawsuit – What Happened to Leonel Bermudez
Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez
Status: “Ghost rush” – Not even enrolled at UH; expected to transfer for Spring 2026
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi, Beta Nu Chapter
University: University of Houston
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena – Attorney 911
The Hazing Timeline – What Dallam County Families Need to Recognize
| Date | Event | What It Means for Dallam County |
|---|---|---|
| September 16, 2025 | Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi | Hazing begins immediately – no “grace period” |
| Sept 16 – Nov 3, 2025 | 7 weeks of systematic hazing | Hazing isn’t a one-time event – it’s a culture of abuse |
| October 13, 2025 | Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table for over an hour | Multiple victims – if your child was hazed, others were too |
| October 15, 2025 | A pledge loses consciousness during workout | Hazing escalates – medical emergencies happen |
| November 3, 2025 | Bermudez punished with extreme exercise: 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls, “suicides,” 100-yard crawls | This is what hazing looks like – forced exercise to the point of physical collapse |
| November 3, 2025 | Bermudez collapses, can’t stand without help | Medical emergency – rhabdomyolysis begins |
| November 4, 2025 | “Really sore and couldn’t really move” | Delayed symptoms – victims may not realize they’re injured immediately |
| November 5, 2025 | “The next day was worse” | Condition deteriorates – hazing injuries get worse over time |
| November 6, 2025 | Mother rushes Bermudez to hospital with brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown) | Classic rhabdomyolysis symptom – muscle tissue destroying kidneys |
| November 6-10, 2025 | Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with acute kidney failure | Life-threatening injury – hazing can kill |
| November 14, 2025 | Pi Kappa Phi closes Beta Nu Chapter | They knew – fraternities close chapters when they’re caught |
| November 21, 2025 | $10 MILLION LAWSUIT FILED | This is how you fight back – Dallam County families can do the same |
The Hazing Activities – What They Did to Him
Physical Abuse:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides,” 100-yard crawls
- Forced to run two-mile warmups before workouts
Forced Consumption:
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
Psychological Torture:
- Forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature at all times
- Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather
- Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
- Threatened with physical punishment and/or expulsion for non-compliance
Sleep Deprivation & Exhaustion:
- Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
- Late-night hazing sessions causing exhaustion
Why This Matters to Dallam County Families:
- This is what hazing looks like – not “pranks,” but systematic abuse
- The same fraternities operate near Dallam County – Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide
- Universities near Dallam County face the same liability – they own or control fraternity housing
- The same medical emergencies happen – rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury
- The same fear keeps victims silent – our client is afraid of retribution
Who Is Liable? Every Person and Institution That Allowed This to Happen
In Our $10 Million Lawsuit, We’re Suing Everyone Responsible – And We’ll Do the Same for Dallam County Families
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Dallam County Application |
|---|---|---|
| National Fraternity Organization | Failed to supervise chapters; knew about “hazing crisis”; had prior death (Andrew Coffey, 2017) | Same nationals operate near Dallam County – they know what’s happening in their chapters |
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Every local chapter near Dallam County can be held accountable |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster) | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities | Individual students can be sued personally – and criminally charged |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Every member who participated or witnessed and did nothing is liable |
| Former Members & Spouses | Hazing occurred at their residence | Alumni who host hazing can be held personally liable |
| University | Owned the fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing despite 2017 prior incident | Universities near Dallam County own or control fraternity housing – they have the power to stop hazing |
| University Board of Regents | Institutional oversight failure | Governing bodies can be held accountable for systemic failures |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | The real money comes from insurance policies – we know how to pursue them |
Dallam County Families: This isn’t about suing broke college students. It’s about holding institutions with deep pockets accountable.
What Can Dallam County Families Recover? The Compensation You Deserve
Economic Damages – The Financial Cost of Hazing
| Damage Type | Description | Example (Bermudez Case) | Dallam County Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Past Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, tests, treatment | 4-day hospitalization for kidney failure | Medical bills from hazing injuries |
| Future Medical Expenses | Ongoing treatment, specialists, potential dialysis/transplant | Kidney monitoring, specialists, potential long-term care | Future medical needs from hazing injuries |
| Mental Health Treatment | Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression | Therapy for trauma from waterboarding, abuse | Therapy for psychological harm |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | Time missed from job due to hospitalization | Lost income from hazing injuries |
| Lost Academic Investment | Tuition, fees, scholarships lost | Disruption to transfer plans | Disruption to education from hazing |
| Future Earning Capacity | Impact on career due to permanent injuries | Potential impact if kidney damage is permanent | Career limitations from hazing injuries |
Non-Economic Damages – The Pain and Suffering You Endure
| Damage Type | Description | Example (Bermudez Case) | Dallam County Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Pain & Suffering | Pain from injuries and medical treatment | Pain from rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, inability to walk | Pain from hazing injuries |
| Mental Anguish | Trauma from the hazing experience | Trauma from waterboarding, forced exercise, hospitalization | Psychological harm from hazing |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, impact on relationships | Humiliation from sexual objects, stripping, threats | Emotional harm from hazing |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in normal activities | Unable to participate in college life during recovery | Impact on social life, hobbies, activities |
| Disfigurement | Permanent scars or injuries | Potential long-term kidney damage | Permanent injuries from hazing |
Punitive Damages – Punishing the Egregious Conduct
Texas law allows punitive damages when conduct is:
- Grossly negligent
- Reckless
- Intentional
- Designed to harm
In the Bermudez case, punitive damages are appropriate because:
- Waterboarding is torture – a war crime when done to enemy combatants
- They knew about Andrew Coffey’s death (2017) – 8 years to fix their culture; they did nothing
- They knew about “a hazing crisis” – their own words
- They continued hazing after another pledge collapsed (Oct 15) – conscious indifference to risk
- They’re already planning to come back – no remorse; just waiting for this to blow over
Dallam County Families: Punitive damages send a message. They say: This cannot happen again.
Texas Hazing Laws – Your Legal Rights as a Dallam County Victim
Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 – Anti-Hazing Law
What Is Hazing in Texas?
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beating, striking, branding)
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to the elements
- Calisthenics (excessive exercise)
- Forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, or drugs
- Any activity that requires a student to violate the law
Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Class B Misdemeanor | Engaging in hazing | Up to 180 days jail; up to $2,000 fine |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Up to 1 year jail; up to $4,000 fine |
| State Jail Felony | Hazing causing death | 180 days – 2 years state jail; up to $10,000 fine |
Dallam County Families: If your child was hazed, the individuals responsible can face criminal charges in addition to civil liability.
Consent Is Not a Defense in Texas
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This is critical. When fraternities argue:
- “He agreed to participate”
- “He knew the risks”
- “He could have left at any time”
Texas law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.
The legislature specifically anticipated this defense and explicitly eliminated it.
What Should Dallam County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?
Step-by-Step Action Guide – Protect Your Rights Immediately
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately | Prevent further injury |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Go to the ER or urgent care even if injuries seem minor | Document injuries; rhabdomyolysis and other conditions may not show symptoms immediately |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Take photos/videos of: injuries, hazing locations, physical evidence (paddles, alcohol containers, etc.) | Evidence disappears quickly; photos tell the story |
| 4. Save Communications | Do NOT delete: texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails, social media posts | These are critical evidence of hazing |
| 5. Get Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders | Other victims may corroborate your child’s story |
| 6. Do NOT Talk to the Organization | Do NOT speak to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without legal counsel | They will try to control the narrative; anything you say can be used against you |
| 7. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Do NOT post about the incident, your child’s condition, or your feelings | Insurance companies and fraternities monitor social media; posts can be used to minimize your claim |
| 8. Contact an Attorney Immediately | Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation | The 2-year statute of limitations starts now; evidence disappears fast |
⚠️ Critical Warning for Dallam County Families:
- Evidence disappears – fraternities delete messages, destroy photos, intimidate witnesses
- Witnesses forget – memories fade; details become unclear
- The clock is ticking – Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
- Universities and fraternities will try to silence you – they have lawyers; you need your own
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Dallam County Hazing Case?
We’re Not Just Hazing Lawyers – We’re Hazing Warriors
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Dallam County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in Texas and federal courts – we know how to win |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to deny claims – we use that knowledge against them |
| Federal Court Authority | U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – we can pursue your case in federal court |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York licensed – strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking clients – no language barriers to justice |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit – the same strategies apply to Dallam County cases |
| Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience | BP Texas City explosion litigation (15 deaths, 180+ injuries) – we know how to take on massive institutional defendants |
| Aggressive Trial Attorneys | We don’t back down from insurance companies or powerful institutions – we fight for maximum compensation |
| Will Travel to Dallam County | For depositions, trials, and client meetings – distance is not a barrier |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront – you don’t pay unless we win your case |
What Sets Us Apart for Dallam County Families
- We’re in the Fight Right Now – We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the trenches today.
- We Understand the Culture – Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach. He understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing.
- We Know the Defendants – We’ve sued fraternities before. We know their playbook. We know how they try to hide evidence and intimidate victims.
- We Have the Resources – We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and investigators to build your case.
- We Care – We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We’re fighting for justice, not just compensation.
Dallam County Hazing Victims – You Are Not Alone
We’ve Helped Hundreds of Families – And We’ll Fight for You
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is afraid of retribution. We understand that fear. But we also know that one brave victim can save countless others.
Lupe Pena said it best:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
Your case could be the one that stops hazing near Dallam County. Your courage could save lives.
🚨 Dallam County Families – Act Now Before It’s Too Late
The Clock Is Ticking – Evidence Disappears Fast
Texas Statute of Limitations for Hazing Cases:
- Personal Injury: 2 years from date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your child was hazed, call us now.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a Free, Confidential Consultation
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
✅ Free case evaluation – No cost, no obligation
✅ Video consultations – Meet with us remotely
✅ Travel to Dallam County – We come to you for meetings and depositions
✅ Contingency fee representation – $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
Frequently Asked Questions – Dallam County Hazing Cases
Q: My child was hazed, but they’re afraid to come forward. What should we do?
A: We understand the fear. Many hazing victims are intimidated by fraternities, sororities, and universities. You don’t have to go through this alone. We can:
- Protect your child’s identity during the initial consultation
- Advise on how to document evidence safely
- File a lawsuit without immediate public exposure
- Work with you to decide when and how to come forward
The most important thing is to preserve evidence now. Even if your child isn’t ready to sue, we can help you document what happened so you don’t lose your rights.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Texas law explicitly states:
“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
Consent is not a defense in Texas. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university are still liable for the harm they caused.
Q: We’re in Dallam County. You’re in Houston. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We can:
- Evaluate your case through video consultation
- Travel to Dallam County for depositions and meetings
- Pursue your case in federal court (we’re admitted to U.S. District Court)
- Work with local counsel if needed
Distance is not a barrier to justice. We’ve represented clients across Texas and the country.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so:
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
- If we win, our fee comes out of the settlement/verdict
- You never pay out of pocket
This allows Dallam County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a university near Dallam County, but not in Dallam County itself?
A: It doesn’t matter where the hazing occurred. If your child was hazed at a Texas university – whether in Amarillo, Lubbock, College Station, or anywhere else – we can help. Texas law applies statewide, and we can pursue your case regardless of location.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?
A: Yes. Universities near Dallam County have a duty to protect students. Even if they claim they didn’t know, they can be held liable if:
- They owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
- They had prior hazing incidents at their fraternities (like UH did in 2017)
- They failed to implement meaningful oversight of Greek life
- They ignored warning signs or complaints
Universities are responsible for what happens on their campuses – even if they claim ignorance.
Q: What if my child is an international student or from an immigrant family?
A: Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation. We’ve helped many immigrant families navigate the legal system. We offer:
- Bilingual staff (Se habla español)
- Confidential consultations
- Assistance with language barriers
- Guidance on how legal action may impact visa status (it typically doesn’t)
You have the same rights as any other student. Don’t let fear of immigration status prevent you from seeking justice.
Q: How long will a hazing lawsuit take?
A: Every case is different. Some cases settle within months; others take years. Factors that affect timeline:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Willingness of defendants to settle
- Need for litigation and trial
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation. Many hazing cases settle before trial, but we’re prepared to go to court if needed.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
A: Psychological trauma is just as real as physical injury. If your child suffered:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Loss of trust
- Academic decline
They may still have a valid claim. Psychological harm from hazing can be severe and long-lasting. We work with mental health experts to document and prove these damages.
Q: Can we sue even if the fraternity has been suspended or closed?
A: Yes. Even if the chapter has been suspended or closed, you can still sue:
- The national fraternity organization (they have deep pockets and insurance)
- The individual members who participated
- The university that allowed the hazing to occur
- The insurance companies that cover these entities
Closing a chapter is often a damage control tactic – not an admission of responsibility. We know how to pursue the real parties at fault.
Dallam County Families: The Choice Is Clear
Option 1: Do Nothing
- The fraternity continues hazing other students
- The university continues to ignore the problem
- Your child’s trauma goes unaddressed
- The people who hurt your child face no consequences
- Another family’s child could be next
Option 2: Fight Back
- Hold the fraternity, university, and individuals accountable
- Get compensation for medical bills, therapy, and pain and suffering
- Send a message that hazing will not be tolerated
- Protect other students from going through the same abuse
- Make them change
We choose to fight. We choose justice. We choose to protect the next student.
🚨 Final Warning to Dallam County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Dallam County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. We’re tracking your chapters.
To the universities near Dallam County:
We know you own the fraternity houses. We know you have the power to stop hazing. We know you choose not to.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and every other national organization:
If your chapters near Dallam County harm students, we will pursue every liable entity. We have the receipts from your past settlements. We know what you’re capable of.
The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
Your chapter near Dallam County could be next.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now – Free Consultation for Dallam County Hazing Victims
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless you get paid. No upfront costs. No financial risk. Just justice.
Dallam County Families: Enough Is Enough
Your child trusted these institutions. They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that they would be safe.
That trust was betrayed.
But you have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold them accountable. You have the power to protect the next student.
We’re Attorney 911. We’re Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we’re ready to fight for your family.
Call now. The clock is ticking.
