🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving Lamar County, Texas — Justice for Victims of Fraternity and Sorority Abuse
When your child is hazed, tortured, or hospitalized at a Lamar County college or university, you have legal rights — and powerful allies in the fight for justice.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just a case — it’s a crusade to stop hazing culture in Texas and nationwide. Lamar County families deserve the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to Houston.
If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured at a Lamar County college or university — whether at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization — we can help you hold the perpetrators and institutions accountable, no matter where in Lamar County or Texas the incident occurred.
📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing
We serve hazing victims throughout Lamar County and across Texas — with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and the ability to travel to Lamar County for your case.
🏛️ Hazing in Lamar County: What Parents and Students Need to Know
Lamar County is home to a strong community of families who value education, safety, and opportunity. When you send your child to college — whether at a Lamar County institution or a university elsewhere — you trust that they will be protected. But hazing is happening in Lamar County, and it’s happening at universities across Texas.
⚠️ Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
The same fraternities and sororities that operate at University of Houston, Texas A&M, and universities across Texas also have chapters at or near Lamar County institutions. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others — these are the same organizations that have paid millions of dollars in hazing settlements nationwide, including the $10 million case we’re fighting right now.
If your child is attending or planning to attend college near Lamar County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Lamar County
Our Current Case: A Warning for Lamar County Families
In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure due to extreme hazing.
What they did to him:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulating drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls — until his muscles broke down
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising
- Humiliated and degraded — forced to carry sexual objects, strip in cold weather
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious on October 15 — they kept going
The result: Bermudez was hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with kidney failure. He couldn’t walk. He couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital after he passed brown urine — a classic sign of muscle breakdown.
Why this matters to Lamar County families:
- This happened at a Texas university. It could happen at a Lamar County institution.
- The same fraternities operate near Lamar County. Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America.
- The same negligence exists at Lamar County universities. Institutions fail to protect students.
- We are fighting this battle right now. Lamar County families get the same aggressive representation.
📚 Hazing at Lamar County-Area Colleges and Universities
While Lamar County itself may not have large universities, many Lamar County students attend colleges across Texas — and many universities near Lamar County have active Greek life chapters where hazing occurs.
🎓 Colleges and Universities Near Lamar County with Greek Life:
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-Commerce | Commerce, TX (~30 miles from Lamar County) | Strong Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities | High |
| Paris Junior College | Paris, TX (in Lamar County) | Greek organizations present | Moderate |
| Grayson College | Denison, TX (~40 miles) | Greek organizations present | Moderate |
| Northeast Texas Community College | Mount Pleasant, TX (~60 miles) | Greek organizations present | Moderate |
| University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler, TX (~120 miles) | Active Greek life | High |
| Texas A&M University-Texarkana | Texarkana, TX (~100 miles) | Greek organizations present | High |
| University of North Texas | Denton, TX (~130 miles) | Large Greek life system | High |
| Texas Woman’s University | Denton, TX | Active Greek life | High |
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others — have active chapters at universities near Lamar County.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Lamar County Hazing Victim
Texas Law Protects Hazing Victims — No Matter Where the Incident Occurred
If your child was hazed at a Lamar County college, a university near Lamar County, or any institution in Texas, Texas law gives you powerful legal tools to seek justice.
📜 Texas Hazing Law (Education Code § 37.151-37.157)
Definition of Hazing:
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:
- Physical brutality (beating, paddling, waterboarding)
- Forced consumption (food, alcohol, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to the elements (stripping in cold weather)
- Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100-yard crawls)
- Psychological abuse and humiliation
Key Legal Principle for Lamar County Families:
“Consent is NOT a defense.” — Texas Education Code § 37.154
This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they cannot be held responsible for being hazed. The law explicitly states that consent does not matter. The perpetrators and institutions are liable regardless.
💰 Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Lamar County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible. In our current $10 million case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Lamar County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Any Lamar County-area chapter that hazes is liable |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowledge of hazing culture | Nationals like Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike are liable nationwide |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability | Lamar County institutions and nearby universities are liable |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Every member who hazes can be sued personally |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes | Alumni near Lamar County can be liable |
| Housing Corporations | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Housing entities near Lamar County are liable |
Lamar County families: You can sue all responsible parties, regardless of where the hazing occurred. We have the experience and resources to pursue every liable entity.
💸 Compensation Available for Lamar County Hazing Victims
Hazing causes real harm — physically, emotionally, and financially. Texas law allows victims to recover compensation for all of these damages.
Economic Damages (Financial Losses):
| Damage Type | Examples | Lamar County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, specialists, therapy | Lamar County victims can recover all medical costs |
| Future Medical Costs | Ongoing treatment, dialysis, kidney transplant | Life-altering injuries require long-term care |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | Applies to Lamar County student workers |
| Educational Impact | Tuition lost, delayed graduation, scholarship loss | Hazing disrupts education for Lamar County students |
| Property Damage | Clothing destroyed, personal items damaged | Relevant for any hazing victim |
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):
| Damage Type | Examples | Lamar County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Pain | Pain from injuries, medical treatment | Rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns |
| Mental Anguish | Trauma from waterboarding, humiliation | PTSD, anxiety, depression common after hazing |
| Emotional Distress | Shame, embarrassment, loss of trust | Hazing is designed to degrade |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities | Social life, sports, hobbies disrupted |
| Disfigurement | Scars, burns, permanent injuries | Branding, paddling, physical abuse |
Punitive Damages (Punishing Egregious Conduct):
When hazing is particularly outrageous — like waterboarding, 500 squats causing kidney failure, or striking with wooden paddles — courts can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
Our current case involves conduct that clearly warrants punitive damages. If your child was subjected to extreme or dangerous hazing in Lamar County, punitive damages may be available.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Lamar County
If your child has been hazed at a Lamar County college, a nearby university, or any institution in Texas, take these steps immediately to protect their health and legal rights.
🚨 Immediate Actions:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Photos: Injuries at all stages of healing; hazing locations; items used
- Texts/Social Media: Screenshots of all communications about hazing
- Witnesses: Names and contact info of other victims or witnesses
- Documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
- Clothing/Items: Save any clothing or items involved in hazing
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- They will try to control the narrative and intimidate witnesses
- Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders or university officials without legal counsel
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Do not delete old posts — this is destruction of evidence
-
Call an Attorney Immediately
- 1-888-ATTY-911
- The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be
- Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply
⏳ Why Time Is Critical for Lamar County Hazing Victims
Texas Statute of Limitations:
- Personal Injury: 2 years from date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. If your child was hazed in Lamar County or anywhere in Texas, call us immediately.
🏆 Why Lamar County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
- We know how to build these cases and win
- Lamar County families get the same aggressive representation
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to deny liability
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue Lamar County cases in federal court when appropriate
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York) — strategic advantage for national fraternity litigation
4. Nationwide Service for Lamar County Families
- We serve hazing victims throughout Texas, including Lamar County
- Video consultations available for Lamar County families
- We travel to Lamar County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
5. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront
- We don’t get paid unless you get paid
- No upfront costs for Lamar County families
- We take the risk so you can seek justice
6. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)
- We serve Spanish-speaking families in Lamar County
- No language barriers to justice
7. Proven Results
- Recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis, Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M hazing cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience applicable to hazing cases
8. Media and Public Pressure
- Our current case has been covered by ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
- We know how to use media to pressure defendants and institutions
- Lamar County cases deserve the same attention and accountability
9. We Care About Your Child
- We’re not just fighting for money — we’re fighting for justice
- We see your child as a person, not a paycheck
- We want to prevent this from happening to other Lamar County families
📞 Lamar County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Immediate Help
If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured at a Lamar County college, a nearby university, or any institution in Texas, you need experienced legal representation — and you need it now.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing
We serve hazing victims throughout Lamar County and across Texas — with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and the ability to travel to Lamar County for your case.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Lamar County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Lamar County. Can you help us even though we’re not in Houston?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims throughout Texas and nationwide. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America. Distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations for Lamar County families and will travel to Lamar County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that matter?
A: No. Under Texas law (Education Code § 37.154), consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the perpetrators and institutions are still liable. This is a critical legal protection for hazing victims in Lamar County and across Texas.
Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury? Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Hazing causes serious harm even without hospitalization. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression), humiliation, and emotional distress are all compensable injuries. We pursue all valid claims for Lamar County victims, regardless of injury severity.
Q: The university near Lamar County says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight, ignored prior incidents, or allowed dangerous conditions to exist, they can be held liable. In our current case, UH owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred — they had full control and responsibility.
Q: How much is my Lamar County hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in substantial compensation, especially when:
- Physical injuries occurred (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
- Psychological trauma is documented (therapy, PTSD)
- The university or national organization knew about prior hazing
- The conduct was particularly egregious (waterboarding, paddling, etc.)
- Multiple victims are involved
Our current case seeks $10 million — and we have precedent for multi-million dollar hazing verdicts and settlements.
Q: What if my child is afraid to come forward because of retaliation?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. We protect our clients. Many hazing victims are afraid to speak out — our client in the current case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We will ensure your child’s safety and privacy throughout the legal process.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
A: The timeline varies, but most cases settle within 12-24 months. More complex cases with multiple defendants (like our current $10 million lawsuit) may take longer. We work efficiently to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing recovery.
Q: Do we have to pay anything upfront?
A: No. We work on a contingency fee basis — we don’t get paid unless you get paid. Lamar County families pay $0 upfront. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so we only get paid when you win.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a Lamar County community college or smaller school?
A: We handle hazing cases at all types of institutions — large universities, community colleges, private schools, and more. If hazing occurred, we can help you pursue justice, regardless of the size of the school.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Texas hazing law applies to activities on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, a Lamar County hotel, or any other location, the perpetrators and organizations can still be held liable.
🔥 A Message to Lamar County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating in and near Lamar County:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapters. The same national organizations that paid millions for hazing deaths are overseeing your activities.
If you haze students in Lamar County, we will find every liable entity — the national organization, the local chapter, the housing corporation, the individual members, and the university that failed to stop you.
Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston?
- SHUT DOWN after our lawsuit
- Charter surrendered
- Criminal referrals initiated
- $10 million lawsuit pending
That’s what happens when you haze in Texas.
Your chapter could be next.
🏆 Our Commitment to Lamar County Families
At Attorney 911, we believe that hazing is not tradition — it’s torture. It’s not brotherhood — it’s abuse. It’s not initiation — it’s assault.
We are committed to:
- Protecting Lamar County students from hazing culture
- Holding institutions accountable for failing to protect students
- Securing justice for victims and their families
- Preventing future tragedies by sending a clear message: Hazing will not be tolerated
If your child has been hazed in Lamar County or anywhere in Texas, we will fight for you with the same passion and determination we’re bringing to our current $10 million case.
📞 Lamar County Families: Call Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your legal rights expire.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Lamar County hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com/hazing
We serve hazing victims throughout Lamar County and across Texas — with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and the ability to travel to Lamar County for your case.
Lamar County families deserve justice. We deliver it.
