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Kendall County (Texas/Kendall County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | 125+ Greek Organizations Tracked with IRS Records | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 26, 2026 17 min read
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🚨 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.

πŸ“ž Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

πŸ”₯ 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.

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Texas β€” It’s 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. Mary’s 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.

πŸ’” 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 doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It destroys lives β€” and the effects can last a lifetime.

βš–οΈ 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 They’re 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.

πŸ’° 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.

πŸ₯ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Kendall County

Immediate Steps:

  1. Get Medical Attention β€” Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
  2. Preserve Evidence β€” Save all text messages, social media posts, photos, videos, and witness contact information.
  3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization β€” They will try to control the narrative. Anything you say can be used against you.
  4. Do NOT Post on Social Media β€” Anything you post can be used as evidence.
  5. 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)

πŸ›‘οΈ Why Kendall County Families Choose Attorney 911

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now β€” And We’ll 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 We’re Different:

βœ… Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β€” We know how insurance companies think. We’ve seen their playbook β€” and now we use it against them.
βœ… Federal Court Authority β€” We can pursue cases in federal court, giving us more leverage against national organizations.
βœ… Dual-State Licensed β€” Texas AND New York β€” strategic advantage against national fraternities.
βœ… 25+ Years of Litigation Experience β€” Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas.
βœ… Proven Results β€” We’ve won millions for personal injury victims.
βœ… Se Habla EspaΓ±ol β€” Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families.
βœ… We Come to Kendall County β€” For depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier.
βœ… Contingency Fee β€” $0 upfront. We don’t 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 don’t 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.

πŸ“ž 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:

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com

🌐 attorney911.com

We work on contingency β€” $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.

🎯 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 didn’t. 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.

πŸ† 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.

Don’t stay silent. Don’t let them intimidate you. Stand up. Speak out. Hold them accountable.

πŸ“’ 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 don’t 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

❓ 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. We’re 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 don’t get paid unless you win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there’s 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 doesn’t 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.

πŸ”š 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 don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t have to accept excuses. You don’t have to let them get away with it.

Call Attorney 911 now. Let’s hold them accountable. Let’s protect the next student. Let’s end the cycle.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com

🌐 attorney911.com

Kendall County hazing victims: We are Attorney 911. We are your first responders to this legal emergency.

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