π¨ Hazing Victims in Kendall County, Texas β You Are Not Alone
If you or your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Kendall County β we can help.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This same abuse happens at universities near Kendall County β and we will fight for Kendall County families with the same aggression.
You have legal rights. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to hold those who harmed you accountable.
π Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
π₯ What Is Hazing? β Kendall County Parents Need to Know
Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “building character.” It is not “harmless fun.”
Hazing is abuse. Hazing is torture. Hazing can kill.
In Texas, hazing is illegal β and it happens right here in Kendall County.
Common Hazing Activities in Texas (Including Kendall County):
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, burning
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, non-food substances until vomiting
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning (yes, this happens)
- Extreme physical punishment: Hundreds of pushups, squats, bear crawls
- Sleep deprivation: Forced late nights, early mornings
- Psychological torture: Humiliation, degradation, threats
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Exposure to elements: Forced to strip in cold weather, confined spaces
This is not a list of possibilities. This is a list of documented hazing activities that have hospitalized and killed students across Texas β including near Kendall County.
β οΈ The Hazing Crisis in Texas β Itβs Closer to Kendall County Than You Think
Recent Texas Hazing Cases:
| Year | Victim | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit filed β hospitalized with kidney failure |
| 2025 | UT Austin Student | University of Texas | Sigma Chi | Lawsuit filed β hazing led to death by suicide |
| 2017 | Jared Munoz | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Alpha | $1M lawsuit β hospitalized with lacerated spleen |
These cases prove that hazing is not limited to one school or one fraternity. It is a statewide crisis β and it happens at universities near Kendall County.
Universities Near Kendall County with Greek Life:
- University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) β 30 minutes from Kendall County
- Texas State University (San Marcos) β 45 minutes from Kendall County
- University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) β 1 hour from Kendall County
- Trinity University (San Antonio) β 30 minutes from Kendall County
- St. Maryβs University (San Antonio) β 30 minutes from Kendall County
The same national fraternities and sororities operate at these universities β and the same hazing culture exists.
π What Hazing Does to Victims β Kendall County Families Should Be Aware
Physical Consequences:
- Rhabdomyolysis β Muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure (like our client)
- Acute kidney failure β Life-threatening, requires hospitalization
- Alcohol poisoning β Can be fatal (multiple Texas hazing deaths)
- Traumatic brain injury β From beatings or falls
- Broken bones β From physical abuse
- Burns β From branding or hot objects
- Hypothermia or heat stroke β From exposure
- Death β Texas has had multiple hazing deaths in recent years
Psychological Consequences:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) β From torture and abuse
- Anxiety and depression β Long-term mental health struggles
- Suicidal ideation β Hazing victims are at high risk
- Trust issues β Difficulty forming relationships
- Academic decline β Inability to focus, dropping out
- Substance abuse β Self-medicating to cope with trauma
Hazing doesnβt just cause physical injuries. It destroys lives β and the effects can last a lifetime.
βοΈ Your Legal Rights as a Kendall County Hazing Victim
Texas Law Protects You:
Texas has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all schools β including those near Kendall County.
Texas Education Code Β§ 37.151-37.157:
- Hazing is illegal β even if the victim “consented”
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 for hazing
- Individuals can face jail time β up to 2 years for serious bodily injury
- Universities can be held liable for failing to protect students
Most importantly: Consent is NOT a defense.
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” β Texas Education Code Β§ 37.154
This means that even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In hazing cases, multiple parties can be sued for millions of dollars:
| Defendant | Why Theyβre Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity house |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Advisors | Failed to prevent hazing |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for hazing incidents |
Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH names:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The university
- The housing corporation
- Individual members (including the president and pledgemaster)
- A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)
Kendall County families can pursue the same defendants in their cases.
π° Hazing Cases Win Millions β Kendall County Victims Can Too
Recent Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Verdicts & Settlements:
| 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 | $10M lawsuit pending | β |
These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win millions in compensation. Kendall County victims have the same legal rights.
π₯ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Kendall County
Immediate Steps:
- Get Medical Attention β Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
- Preserve Evidence β Save all text messages, social media posts, photos, videos, and witness contact information.
- Do NOT Talk to the Organization β They will try to control the narrative. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Do NOT Post on Social Media β Anything you post can be used as evidence.
- Contact an Attorney Immediately β The sooner you involve a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
Evidence to Preserve:
- Medical records from hospital visits
- Photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Text messages, emails, GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages
- Photos or videos of hazing activities
- Witness names and contact information
- Any documents given to pledges (pledge manuals, schedules, etc.)
- Financial records (medical bills, lost wages)
π‘οΈ Why Kendall County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now β And Weβll Fight for Kendall County Families Too
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. Kendall County families get the same aggressive representation.
Why Weβre Different:
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Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We know how insurance companies think. Weβve seen their playbook β and now we use it against them.
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Federal Court Authority β We can pursue cases in federal court, giving us more leverage against national organizations.
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Dual-State Licensed β Texas AND New York β strategic advantage against national fraternities.
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25+ Years of Litigation Experience β Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas.
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Proven Results β Weβve won millions for personal injury victims.
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Se Habla EspaΓ±ol β Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families.
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We Come to Kendall County β For depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier.
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Contingency Fee β $0 upfront. We donβt get paid unless you get paid.
Our Approach for Kendall County Hazing Victims:
- Immediate action β We move fast to preserve evidence.
- Aggressive representation β We donβt back down from powerful institutions.
- Comprehensive case building β Medical experts, hazing experts, economic experts.
- Travel to Kendall County β We meet you where you are.
- Remote consultations β Video calls available for Kendall County families.
π Kendall County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a university near Kendall County β you need to act fast.
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
We work on contingency β $0 upfront. We donβt get paid unless you win.
π― Our Message to Kendall County Fraternities and Universities:
To the fraternities operating near Kendall County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Kendall County, we will find every liable entity.
To the national organizations with chapters near Kendall County:
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β if your chapter operates near Kendall County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. The $10 million lawsuit we filed is just the beginning.
To the universities near Kendall County:
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where torture occurred. They collected rent while students were abused. They had the power to stop it β and they didnβt. If your university owns or controls fraternity properties, you are next.
The message is clear: Hazing will cost you millions. We will not stop until every institution that enables this abuse is held accountable.
π Kendall County Families: You Can Be the One Who Stops the Cycle
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. He is afraid to speak out because of retribution.
But his case is making a difference.
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 save lives. Your courage could protect the next Kendall County student.
Donβt stay silent. Donβt let them intimidate you. Stand up. Speak out. Hold them accountable.
π’ Kendall County Parents: Talk to Your Children About Hazing
Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:
- Sudden reluctance to talk about their organization
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Sudden decline in academic performance
- Signs of depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Unexplained exhaustion or illness
- Secretive behavior about their schedule
What to Tell Your Child:
- Hazing is not normal. It is not required. It is not tradition. It is abuse.
- You have the right to say no. No one can force you to participate in illegal or dangerous activities.
- You will not get in trouble for reporting hazing. Texas law protects victims and whistleblowers.
- If you feel unsafe, leave immediately. Your safety is more important than any organization.
- Talk to someone you trust. If you donβt feel comfortable talking to us, talk to a counselor, teacher, or friend.
Resources for Kendall County Families:
- StopHazing.org β Research, education, and prevention resources
- HazingPrevention.org β National organization dedicated to hazing prevention
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) β 1-800-656-HOPE β Support for sexual abuse victims
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline β 1-800-273-TALK (8255) β Support for mental health crises
β Frequently Asked Questions β Kendall County Hazing Victims
1. My child was hazed, but they “consented.” Can we still sue?
YES. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.
2. Weβre in Kendall County β can you still help us?
Absolutely. While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We offer:
- Video consultations for Kendall County families
- Willingness to travel to Kendall County for meetings and depositions
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
3. How much does it cost to hire you?
$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis β we donβt get paid unless you win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so thereβs no financial risk to you.
4. What if my child is afraid of retribution?
We understand the fear of retaliation. Many hazing victims are intimidated into silence. We protect our clients:
- We handle all communications with the organization
- We ensure your identity is protected when possible
- We pursue claims against individuals and institutions β not just the chapter
- We work with law enforcement when criminal charges are appropriate
5. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
In Texas, you typically have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, some exceptions may apply. Do not wait β evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.
6. What if my child was hazed at a private university near Kendall County?
Private universities have the same legal obligations to protect students. We can pursue claims against private institutions for:
- Negligent supervision
- Premises liability
- Failure to protect students
- Institutional negligence
7. Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
YES. National organizations have deep pockets and substantial insurance coverage. They are often liable for:
- Failing to supervise local chapters
- Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Knowing about hazing culture and doing nothing
- Providing inadequate training
8. What if my child was hazed off-campus?
Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If hazing occurred at a private residence, we can pursue:
- The homeowner (premises liability)
- The individual who hosted the event
- The organization that sanctioned the activity
9. Can we still sue if the university already punished the fraternity?
YES. University disciplinary actions (suspensions, expulsions) are separate from civil lawsuits. You can still pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages
10. What if my child doesnβt want to sue? Can I sue on their behalf?
In Texas, parents can sue on behalf of their minor children. For adult children, they must consent to the lawsuit. However, we can provide legal advice to help them understand their rights.
π Kendall County Families: This Ends Now
Hazing has gone on for too long. Students have been hospitalized. Students have died. Universities and fraternities have looked the other way.
But now, the tide is turning.
Our $10 million lawsuit is sending a message: Hazing will cost you millions.
Kendall County families: You donβt have to suffer in silence. You donβt have to accept excuses. You donβt have to let them get away with it.
Call Attorney 911 now. Letβs hold them accountable. Letβs protect the next student. Letβs end the cycle.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
Kendall County hazing victims: We are Attorney 911. We are your first responders to this legal emergency.