The Hazing Crisis in Fort Bend County: How Attorney 911 Fights for Victims and Families

🚨 Hazing in Fort Bend County: A Silent Epidemic

Fort Bend County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to provide positive experiences, not torture chambers. But behind the Greek letters and campus traditions, a dangerous culture of hazing thrives at universities near Fort Bend County – and it’s destroying young lives.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston could happen to any Fort Bend County student. The same fraternities operate at universities across Texas. The same “traditions” of abuse exist. The same institutional failures to protect students persist. And the same devastating consequences – hospitalizations, permanent injuries, and even deaths – continue to occur.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis right now. We’ve filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the systematic hazing that hospitalized our client with kidney failure. This isn’t just about one case – it’s about protecting every Fort Bend County student from becoming the next victim.

⚠️ The Shocking Reality of Hazing Near Fort Bend County

Hazing isn’t harmless pranks or innocent initiation rituals. It’s systematic abuse that crosses the line into torture. In our current case, we’ve documented:

• Waterboarding with garden hoses – simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until muscles broke down
• Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting – then made to continue exercising while covered in vomit
• Sleep deprivation – forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Psychological torture – carried sexual objects, stripped in cold weather, hog-tied for hours
• Another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts – and they kept going

This happened at the University of Houston’s own fraternity house – a property they owned and controlled. The university had the power to stop this. They had the responsibility to protect students. They failed.

And this isn’t an isolated incident. It’s happening at universities near Fort Bend County right now.

🏛️ Universities Near Fort Bend County: The Institutions Failing Our Students

Fort Bend County is home to outstanding educational institutions, and many of our students attend universities across Texas where Greek life thrives. These include:

• University of Houston (just 20 miles from Fort Bend County)
• Texas A&M University (College Station)
• University of Texas at Austin
• Texas State University (San Marcos)
• Rice University (Houston)
• Prairie View A&M University
• Houston Baptist University
• University of Houston-Downtown
• Texas Southern University

At each of these institutions, the same national fraternities operate that have been involved in hazing deaths and hospitalizations across America. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – these organizations have chapters at universities near Fort Bend County, and they bring their culture of abuse with them.

The University of Houston’s failure to protect Leonel Bermudez is a warning to every institution near Fort Bend County. If they can’t stop waterboarding and physical torture at their own fraternity house, what’s happening at other universities that Fort Bend County students attend?

📚 The Greek Life Culture That Enables Abuse

Greek organizations near Fort Bend County operate under a dangerous code of silence. They call it “brotherhood” or “sisterhood,” but it’s really a system that protects abusers and silences victims. The same patterns repeat at every university:

1. The Recruitment Lie – They promise friendship, leadership, and opportunity. What they deliver is abuse.
2. The Normalization of Abuse – “Everyone goes through it.” “It builds character.” These are excuses for torture.
3. The Fear of Retaliation – Victims stay silent because they fear being ostracized or physically harmed.
4. The Institutional Cover-Up – Universities and national organizations close ranks to protect their reputations.
5. The Cycle Continues – When one chapter is shut down, they simply reopen under a new name.

This culture exists at universities near Fort Bend County. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client at UH have chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other schools that Fort Bend County students attend. The same “traditions” are being passed down. The same students are being abused.

🏥 The Medical Consequences: What Hazing Does to Fort Bend County Students

Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It causes permanent physical damage that can follow students for the rest of their lives. In our current case, Leonel Bermudez suffered:

• Rhabdomyolysis – muscle tissue breakdown that releases toxic proteins into the bloodstream
• Acute kidney failure – life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Four days in the hospital – fighting for his life
• Permanent kidney damage – potential need for lifelong monitoring or dialysis

These aren’t rare complications. Hazing regularly causes:

• Alcohol poisoning – from forced binge drinking
• Traumatic brain injuries – from beatings or falls
• Heat stroke or hypothermia – from exposure to extreme temperatures
• Broken bones and internal injuries – from physical abuse
• Sexual assault – from “initiation rituals”
• Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide

Every year, students near Fort Bend County are being hospitalized – or worse – because of hazing. And every year, universities and Greek organizations claim they’re “shocked” when it happens again.

💰 The Financial Cost: Who Pays When Hazing Destroys Lives?

The physical and emotional toll of hazing is devastating, but the financial consequences are also life-altering. When a Fort Bend County student is hazed:

• Medical bills can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars
• Therapy costs continue for years
• Lost wages from missed work or career derailment
• Educational disruption – delayed graduation, lost scholarships
• Future earning potential is permanently reduced

Who pays these costs? Too often, it’s the victims and their families. Universities and Greek organizations have deep pockets, but they fight hard to avoid responsibility. That’s where Attorney 911 comes in.

We make sure the institutions that allowed the abuse pay the price – not the victims.

👨⚖️ How Texas Law Protects Fort Bend County Hazing Victims

Texas has strong laws against hazing, but they’re only effective when victims come forward. Fort Bend County families need to know their rights:

Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 – Anti-Hazing Law

Definition of Hazing:
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 definition covers:

• Physical brutality (beating, striking, paddling)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to the elements
• Extreme physical exercise (like 500 squats causing rhabdomyolysis)
• Psychological abuse
• Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm

Important: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas

Organizations can also be penalized:

• Fines up to $10,000
• Denial of permission to operate
• Forfeiture of property

Civil Liability: Holding Institutions Accountable

Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for:

• Negligence – Failure to protect students
• Premises liability – Dangerous conditions on university-owned property
• Assault and battery – Intentional harmful contact
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress – Extreme and outrageous conduct
• Wrongful death – If hazing results in fatality

Universities and national organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that can provide significant compensation for victims.

📜 The Landmark Case: How Attorney 911 Is Fighting for Fort Bend County Students

We’re not just talking about hazing – we’re actively fighting it in court. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the systematic hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student who wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse:

• Waterboarded with garden hoses – simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – until he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting – then made to continue exercising while covered in vomit
• Another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts – they kept going
• Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, causing exhaustion
• Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply

On November 3, 2025, after being punished for missing an event, Bermudez was forced to perform extreme exercises until he collapsed. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His condition worsened until his mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6.

Diagnosis: Severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.

Why This Case Matters to Fort Bend County

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Fort Bend County – Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other universities that Fort Bend County students attend.
2. The Same “Traditions” Exist Near Fort Bend County – The hazing that hospitalized Bermudez happens at other chapters too.
3. Universities Near Fort Bend County Have the Same Failures – UH owned the fraternity house where the abuse occurred. Other universities have the same power – and the same liability.
4. This Could Happen to Any Fort Bend County Student – Bermudez wasn’t even a UH student yet. They hazed someone who wasn’t enrolled. How many other “ghost rushes” are being abused near Fort Bend County?
5. They Knew It Was Dangerous – Pi Kappa Phi had a member die from hazing in 2017. UH had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They had eight years to fix the culture. They did nothing.

The Defendants We’re Holding Accountable

In our lawsuit, we’re pursuing everyone responsible:

• Pi Kappa Phi National Organization – Failed to supervise despite knowing about “a hazing crisis”
• Beta Nu Chapter at UH – Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• University of Houston – Owned the fraternity house; failed to protect students
• UH Board of Regents – Institutional oversight failure
• Individual Members – Participated in and facilitated the abuse
• Former Members and Their Spouse – Allowed hazing at their residence

This comprehensive approach ensures that every entity that enabled the abuse shares responsibility.

💵 Precedent Cases: What Hazing Cases Are Worth

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements when victims have strong legal representation. These precedents show what’s possible for Fort Bend County victims:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021)

Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
Injury: Death from forced alcohol consumption
Outcome: $10.1 million total recovery

• $2.9 million from the university
• $7.2 million from the fraternity and individuals
  Significance: Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent.

Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017)

Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
Injury: Death from forced drinking (BAC 0.495 – more than 6x legal limit)
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict
Significance: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (2017)

Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
Injury: Death from traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs
Outcome: $110+ million estimated settlement
Significance: When evidence is strong, settlements reach nine figures.

Adam Oakes – Virginia Commonwealth University (2021)

Fraternity: Delta Chi
Injury: Death from forced alcohol consumption
Outcome: $4+ million settlement
Significance: Even without a trial, substantial compensation is possible.

These cases prove that Fort Bend County hazing victims can and do win significant compensation. The same legal strategies that secured these verdicts apply to cases near Fort Bend County.

👨‍⚖️ Why Fort Bend County Families Choose Attorney 911

When your child is hazed, you need attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the human tragedy. At Attorney 911, we bring unique advantages to Fort Bend County hazing cases:

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. Fort Bend County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in our current case.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they think, how they strategize, and how they try to deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside – and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This allows us to pursue Fort Bend County cases in federal court when appropriate, giving us additional leverage against national organizations.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

We’re licensed in both Texas and New York. This is crucial for hazing cases because:

• Many national fraternities are headquartered in New York
• We can pursue them in their home jurisdiction
• We understand both states’ legal landscapes

5. Proven Track Record in Complex Litigation

• BP Texas City Explosion – Mass tort litigation experience
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
• Criminal defense experience – We know how to counter “consent” arguments

6. Hazing-Specific Expertise

• Rhabdomyolysis cases – We understand the medical complexities
• Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation – Experience with Greek organizations
• Texas A&M hazing cases – Familiar with Texas university systems
• Life-threatening hazing incidents – We know how to document and prove them

7. We Speak Spanish

Many Fort Bend County families are Spanish-speaking. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, eliminating language barriers to justice.

8. We Travel to Fort Bend County

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve Fort Bend County families through:

• Video consultations
• Travel to Fort Bend County for meetings and depositions
• Remote communication technology
• Willingness to come to you

9. Contingency Fee Representation

Fort Bend County families pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that every family can afford top-tier legal representation, regardless of financial circumstances.

10. We Treat Fort Bend County Families Like Family

We understand what’s at stake when your child is hazed. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. And we fight hard for Fort Bend County families because we truly care.

📋 What Fort Bend County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

If your child has been hazed at a university near Fort Bend County, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do:

Immediate Steps:

1. Ensure Safety – Get your child out of the dangerous situation immediately.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation.
   • Rhabdomyolysis symptoms may be delayed
   • Psychological trauma may not be immediately apparent
   • Medical records create critical documentation
3. Preserve Evidence – Collect and save:
   • Text messages and social media communications
   • Photos or videos of injuries or hazing activities
   • Names and contact information of witnesses
   • Any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
   • Medical records and bills
4. Do NOT Confront the Organization – Let your attorney handle all communication.
5. Do NOT Post on Social Media – Anything you post can be used against you.
6. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

What NOT to Do:

❌ Don’t delete any messages or posts – This is destruction of evidence.
❌ Don’t sign anything from the fraternity or university – You may be waiving your rights.
❌ Don’t give statements to university administrators – They protect the institution, not you.
❌ Don’t talk to the fraternity’s lawyers or insurance company – They will use your words against you.
❌ Don’t assume it’s “not that bad” – What seems minor now may have serious long-term consequences.

The Attorney 911 Process for Fort Bend County Families:

1. Free Consultation – We evaluate your case at no cost.
2. Evidence Preservation – We send preservation letters to all defendants.
3. Medical Documentation – We work with medical experts to document injuries.
4. Investigation – We gather all available evidence.
5. Demand Package – We compile your damages and send demand to defendants.
6. Negotiation – We aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation.
7. Litigation – If necessary, we file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.
8. Resolution – We secure the compensation you deserve.

🎯 Who We Can Sue for Fort Bend County Hazing Victims

When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility. We pursue all of them to maximize compensation for Fort Bend County families:

1. Local Chapter

• Directly organized and conducted the hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) have leadership responsibility
• Individual members who participated

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Failed to supervise local chapters
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Knew about hazing risks (pattern evidence)
• Have deep pockets and insurance coverage

3. University/College

• Failed to protect students
• Failed to monitor Greek organizations
• Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
• Knew about hazing risks (prior incidents)

4. Individual Members

• Participated in hazing activities
• Failed to stop the abuse
• Can be held personally liable

5. Alumni and Hosts

• Allowed hazing at their residences
• Premises liability for dangerous conditions
• May have homeowner’s insurance coverage

6. Insurance Companies

• National organizations have liability insurance
• Universities have institutional insurance
• Homeowners may have coverage
• We know how to pursue these policies

By pursuing all responsible parties, we ensure that Fort Bend County victims receive maximum compensation.

💼 What Fort Bend County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing victims are entitled to compensation for all the harm they’ve suffered. We pursue:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Therapy costs (physical and psychological)
• Lost wages (from missed work or career disruption)
• Educational expenses (tuition, lost scholarships)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)

Punitive Damages:

• Awarded when conduct is particularly egregious
• Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
• Appropriate when institutions knew about risks and did nothing

In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million – an amount supported by precedent cases and the severity of the abuse.

⏳ The Urgency: Why Fort Bend County Families Must Act Now

Hazing victims often delay seeking help due to shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. But time is not on your side:

• Evidence disappears – Texts are deleted, social media posts are removed, witnesses forget.
• Statutes of limitations expire – In Texas, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
• Organizations destroy records – Fraternities and universities have been known to “lose” incriminating documents.
• Other victims come forward – The longer you wait, the harder it is to build a strong case.

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately – hospitalized on November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.

🛡️ How Attorney 911 Protects Fort Bend County Hazing Victims

When you hire Attorney 911, we become your shield against the powerful institutions that allowed the abuse to occur:

1. We Handle All Communication

• We deal with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
• You never have to talk to them directly
• We protect you from their manipulation tactics

2. We Preserve Evidence

• We send immediate preservation letters
• We collect and secure all available evidence
• We work with experts to document your injuries

3. We Build the Strongest Case

• We gather medical records and expert testimony
• We interview witnesses
• We reconstruct the timeline of events
• We prove liability and damages

4. We Negotiate from Strength

• We know the true value of your case
• We don’t accept lowball offers
• We’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary

5. We Protect Your Privacy

• We keep your identity confidential when requested
• We shield you from media attention
• We ensure your academic and professional future isn’t harmed

6. We Fight for Systemic Change

• We don’t just settle cases – we change cultures
• Our cases have led to chapter closures and policy changes
• We work with legislators to strengthen anti-hazing laws

📞 Fort Bend County Families: You’re Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a university near Fort Bend County, you don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney 911, we’re fighting for hazing victims every day. We understand what you’re going through, and we know how to get justice.

Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Fort Bend County families with the same aggressive representation we’re providing in our current $10 million hazing case. Distance is not a barrier – we offer video consultations and travel to Fort Bend County as needed.

Remember: You pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

🚀 The Message to Fort Bend County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Fort Bend County:
We are watching. We are coming for you.

The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same national organizations that paid $10 million, $6 million, and $110 million will pay again if you haze students.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi – if your chapter operates near Fort Bend County, know this: Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

To the universities near Fort Bend County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the responsibility to protect. Act now or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership at Fort Bend County institutions:
The Bermudez case is your warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

🎓 A Final Message to Fort Bend County Parents

Fort Bend County is known for its excellent schools and strong sense of community. We send our children to college expecting them to be safe, to make friends, to grow as individuals. We don’t expect them to be waterboarded. We don’t expect them to be forced to do 500 squats until their kidneys fail. We don’t expect them to come home traumatized – or worse, not come home at all.

The hazing crisis is real. It’s happening at universities near Fort Bend County. And it’s time to stop it.

At Attorney 911, we’re committed to protecting Fort Bend County students. We’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez. We’re fighting for every hazing victim. And we’re fighting to ensure that no Fort Bend County family has to go through what his family is experiencing.

If your child has been hazed, call us. We’re ready to fight for you.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

Attorney 911 – Fighting for Fort Bend County Hazing Victims