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Jackson County (Earth/North America/United States/Texas/Jackson County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 26, 2026 17 min read
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🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Jackson County, Texas β€” Attorney 911 Fights for Victims

Jackson County, Texas families: Your child was hazed. We can help.

At Attorney 911, we are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will fight for Jackson County, Texas families with the same aggression.

If your child was hazed at a Jackson County college, university, or Greek organization, call us now.
πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing

πŸ”₯ The Hazing Crisis in Jackson County, Texas

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s happening at colleges and universities near Jackson County, Texas.

What is hazing?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them β€” regardless of their willingness to participate.

Common hazing activities in Jackson County-area schools:

  • Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging)
  • Extreme physical punishment (beatings, paddling)
  • Waterboarding or simulated drowning
  • Forced eating until vomiting
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Psychological abuse and humiliation
  • Sexual assault or harassment
  • Dangerous physical challenges (500 squats, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls)

The consequences:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) β€” like our client who was hospitalized with kidney failure
  • Alcohol poisoning β€” which can be fatal
  • Traumatic brain injury β€” from beatings or falls
  • PTSD, anxiety, depression β€” long-term psychological damage
  • Death β€” at least one hazing death occurs every year in America

Jackson County, Texas parents: If your child is joining a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, or any student organization, they are at risk.

⚠️ Our Landmark $10 Million Hazing Case β€” The Same Fight We’ll Bring to Jackson County

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena β€” Attorney 911

What Happened to Our Client:

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse and torture that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The hazing included:

  • Waterboarding β€” simulated drowning with a garden hose
  • Forced eating β€” milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
  • Extreme physical punishment β€” 100+ pushups, 500 squats, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls, wooden paddles
  • Psychological torture β€” threats of expulsion, humiliation, carrying sexual objects
  • Sleep deprivation β€” forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours

The result:

  • November 3, 2025 β€” Forced to exercise until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
  • November 6, 2025 β€” Rushed to hospital with kidney failure
  • Three nights, four days hospitalized β€” fighting for his life

Why this matters to Jackson County, Texas families:

  • Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America β€” including near Jackson County
  • The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Jackson County-area fraternities
  • Universities near Jackson County face the same liability failures as UH
  • If your child is being hazed in Jackson County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston

πŸ’° Multi-Million Dollar Proof β€” Hazing Cases Win Big

Jackson County, Texas families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases win. The same legal strategies apply to Jackson County cases.

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+
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Settlement $4+ million

Our $10 million demand is in line with these precedents β€” and Jackson County, Texas victims deserve the same justice.

βš–οΈ Your Legal Rights as a Jackson County, Texas Hazing Victim

Texas Hazing Law β€” What You Need to Know

Texas Education Code Β§ 37.151-37.157 defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging or maintaining membership in an organization.

Key points for Jackson County, Texas families:

  • Consent is NOT a defense β€” Texas law explicitly says you cannot consent to hazing
  • Hazing is a CRIME β€” punishable by jail time and fines
  • Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 and lose permission to operate
  • Universities can be held liable for failing to protect students

Who can be sued in Jackson County, Texas hazing cases:

  • The local fraternity/sorority chapter
  • The national fraternity/sorority organization
  • The university or college
  • Individual members who participated
  • Chapter officers and leaders
  • Housing corporations that own fraternity/sorority property

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Jackson County, Texas

If your child has been hazed, follow these steps IMMEDIATELY:

  1. Seek medical attention β€” Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
  2. Preserve all evidence β€” Save all text messages, social media posts, photos, videos, and witness contact information.
  3. DO NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel β€” They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability.
  4. DO NOT post on social media about the incident β€” Anything you post can be used against you.
  5. Contact an experienced hazing attorney β€” Free consultations are available. Know your rights.

Jackson County, Texas families: We offer free, confidential consultations for hazing victims. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

πŸ›οΈ Who We Sue for Jackson County, Texas Hazing Victims

When we represent hazing victims in Jackson County, Texas, we pursue every liable party to maximize compensation and send a message that hazing will not be tolerated.

1. The Local Chapter

  • Directly organized and conducted hazing activities
  • Chapter officers (president, pledge master) face personal liability
  • Current members who participated

2. The National Organization

  • Failed to supervise local chapters
  • Knew or should have known about hazing culture
  • Have deep pockets and insurance policies

3. The University or College

  • Failed to protect students from known hazards
  • Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
  • Had power to regulate or shut down dangerous organizations

4. Individual Perpetrators

  • Each person who participated in hazing can be sued individually
  • Personal assets and homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage

5. Housing Corporations

  • Own the fraternity/sorority house where hazing occurred
  • Premises liability for allowing dangerous activities

πŸ’” Why Jackson County, Texas Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting This Battle β€” Right Now

  • We are representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
  • We know how to build these cases and win
  • Jackson County, Texas families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

  • Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
  • We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims
  • We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses

3. Nationwide Reach β€” We Serve Jackson County, Texas

  • Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide
  • Federal court authority allows us to pursue cases anywhere
  • We travel to Jackson County, Texas for depositions, meetings, and trials

4. Contingency Fee β€” $0 Upfront for Jackson County, Texas Families

  • We work on contingency β€” you don’t pay us unless we win your case
  • No upfront costs, no hourly fees
  • We take the risk so you can seek justice

5. Bilingual Services β€” Se Habla EspaΓ±ol

  • We have Spanish-speaking staff to serve Jackson County, Texas Hispanic families
  • All consultations available in Spanish
  • Eliminate language barriers to justice

6. Compassionate, Aggressive Representation

  • We understand the trauma hazing causes
  • We treat Jackson County, Texas families with respect and compassion
  • But in court, we are aggressive, relentless, and unapologetic

🎯 The Attorney 911 Difference β€” How We Win for Jackson County, Texas Victims

1. Immediate Action

  • We move fast to preserve evidence before it disappears
  • Send preservation letters to all defendants
  • Secure witness statements and medical records

2. Comprehensive Investigation

  • Work with medical experts to document injuries
  • Hire investigators to gather evidence
  • Reconstruct the hazing timeline in detail

3. Multi-Defendant Strategy

  • Sue every liable party β€” individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
  • Maximize compensation by pursuing all available insurance policies
  • Prevent defendants from hiding behind each other

4. Pattern Evidence

  • Document prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
  • Show the national organization knew about systemic problems
  • Prove the university had notice and failed to act

5. Media and Public Pressure

  • Use media coverage to hold institutions accountable
  • Work with legislators on hazing reform
  • Create public pressure to force fair settlements

6. Trial-Ready Preparation

  • Prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
  • Build compelling narratives that resonate with juries
  • Don’t accept lowball settlement offers

πŸ“ž Jackson County, Texas Hazing Victims β€” Call Now for Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed in Jackson County, Texas, call us immediately.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing

We offer:

  • Free, confidential consultations
  • No upfront costs β€” we work on contingency
  • Video consultations available for Jackson County, Texas families
  • Willingness to travel to Jackson County, Texas for your case

Don’t wait β€” evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations run out.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions β€” Jackson County, Texas Hazing Cases

Q: What is considered hazing in Texas?

A: Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act 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 forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, psychological torture, and dangerous physical challenges.

Q: Can I sue if my child consented to participate?

A: YES. Texas law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

Q: How much is my Jackson County, Texas hazing case worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:

  • Severity of physical injuries
  • Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • Wrongful death
  • Pattern of prior hazing incidents
  • Institutional knowledge and failure to act
  • Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical abuse)

Q: Who can be sued in a Jackson County, Texas hazing case?

A: We pursue every liable party, including:

  • The local fraternity/sorority chapter
  • The national fraternity/sorority organization
  • The university or college
  • Individual members who participated
  • Chapter officers and leaders
  • Housing corporations that own fraternity/sorority property

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of injury. For wrongful death cases, it’s 2 years from the date of death. DO NOT WAIT β€” evidence disappears and witnesses forget.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand the fear of retaliation. We protect our clients’ identities and take steps to ensure their safety. Many hazing victims fear coming forward, but your child’s story can save others.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency β€” you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and you pay nothing if we don’t win.

Q: My child wasn’t physically injured β€” can we still sue?

A: YES. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is a serious injury that can support a lawsuit. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a valid claim.

Q: What should I do if my child is currently being hazed?

A: Get them out immediately. Then:

  1. Seek medical attention
  2. Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, videos, witness info)
  3. Contact an attorney
  4. Consider filing a police report

Q: Can you help if the hazing happened outside Jackson County, Texas?

A: YES. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases anywhere in the country.

🏫 Greek Life Near Jackson County, Texas β€” Know the Risks

Jackson County, Texas is home to several colleges and universities with active Greek life. The same fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits operate near Jackson County.

Major Greek organizations with chapters near Jackson County, Texas:

Organization Hazing History Nearby Schools
Pi Kappa Phi Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 β€” death); Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 β€” kidney failure) University of Houston, Texas A&M, others
Pi Kappa Alpha Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 β€” death); Jared Munoz (UH, 2017 β€” lacerated spleen) University of Houston, others
Phi Delta Theta Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 β€” death) Texas A&M, others
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 β€” death) University of Texas, others
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Multiple hazing incidents and lawsuits Texas A&M, others
Sigma Chi Recent lawsuit at University of Texas (2025) University of Texas, others

Jackson County, Texas parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a nearby university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

πŸ“’ A Message to Jackson County, Texas Fraternities and Universities

To fraternities operating near Jackson County, Texas:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

If your chapter engages in hazing, we will pursue:

  • The national organization
  • The local chapter
  • The housing corporation
  • Every individual member who participated
  • Every officer who allowed it to happen

We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.

The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN after our lawsuit. Your chapter could be next.

To universities near Jackson County, Texas:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you own fraternity houses, you have a duty to ensure they are safe. When you know hazing is happening and do nothing, you are liable.

The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded. They are now a defendant in our $10 million lawsuit.

If your university owns Greek housing, you are at risk. Act now or face the same accountability.

πŸ”₯ Enough Is Enough β€” Jackson County, Texas Deserves Justice

Hazing has claimed too many lives. It has ruined too many futures. It has traumatized too many families.

Jackson County, Texas families: Your child deserves to be safe on campus. They deserve to join organizations without being tortured. They deserve justice when institutions fail to protect them.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting to end hazing in Jackson County, Texas β€” and across America.

If your child has been hazed, call us now.
πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing

We will fight for your family. We will hold them accountable. Enough is enough.

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