🛡️ Mitchell County Hazing Lawyers — Fraternity Abuse Attorneys Serving Mitchell County, Texas
Hazing in Mitchell County? We Fight Back. $10 Million Proven.
Mitchell County families: If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Mitchell County, we can help. Our attorneys are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re ready to bring that same fight to Mitchell County.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Serving Mitchell County from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices — with video consultations and travel to Mitchell County available.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Mitchell County — It’s Happening Here Too
Mitchell County may be a small community, but the same national fraternities that waterboarded a student in Houston operate at universities near Mitchell County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Mitchell County-area institutions.
Mitchell County families need to know:
- Hazing is not “boys being boys” — It’s assault, battery, and sometimes torture
- Universities near Mitchell County have the same liability failures as UH
- The same fraternities with hazing deaths nationwide have chapters near Mitchell County
- Consent is not a defense under Texas law — even if your child “agreed” to participate
- You have legal rights — and we know how to enforce them
💰 $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit — We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
This Case Is Why Mitchell County Families Need Us
Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025 — Harris County, Texas
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Attorney 911
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student not yet enrolled at UH, was subjected to weeks of systematic hazing by Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The abuse included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to continue exercising
- Hog-tied face-down on a table (another pledge, not Bermudez)
- Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, causing sleep deprivation
The Result:
Bermudez was hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His muscles broke down from the extreme physical abuse, releasing toxins that nearly destroyed his kidneys.
Why This Matters to Mitchell County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Mitchell County — the same organization that did this
- The same national fraternities with hazing deaths operate near Mitchell County
- Universities near Mitchell County have the same oversight failures as UH
- If it happened in Houston, it’s happening near Mitchell County — and we will fight for Mitchell County victims
From Ralph Manginello to ABC13:
“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”
From Lupe Pena to ABC13:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Mitchell County Hazing?
We Sue Everyone Responsible
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Mitchell County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same chapters operate near Mitchell County |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” | Same nationals oversee Mitchell County chapters |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; owned property where hazing occurred | Mitchell County universities have same duty |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Mitchell County chapter leaders face same exposure |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Mitchell County members can be sued personally |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred | Mitchell County fraternity houses may be owned by universities or corporations |
| Former Members/Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Mitchell County alumni may be involved |
Mitchell County families: We know how to identify and pursue every liable party — even if they’re not in Mitchell County.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Mitchell County Hazing Victim
Texas Law Protects You
Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 — Anti-Hazing Law
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, or affiliation with an organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, waterboarding)
- Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food items)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse and humiliation
Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing | Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine |
| Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death | 180 days – 2 years in jail, $10,000 fine |
Most Importantly:
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing.”
— Texas Education Code § 37.154
Mitchell County families: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, consent is not a defense under Texas law.
💰 What Mitchell County Hazing Victims Can Recover
We Fight for Maximum Compensation
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Mitchell County Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future treatment | ER visit, kidney monitoring, therapy for PTSD |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injury or recovery | Part-time job missed, internship lost |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns |
| Mental Anguish | Emotional trauma from hazing | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Disfigurement | Permanent scarring or disability | Scars from branding, burns, or injuries |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities | Missed college experiences, social isolation |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse |
Mitchell County families: Our current $10 million hazing case proves these damages are real and recoverable.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Mitchell County
Step-by-Step Action Guide
-
Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document all symptoms and treatments
- Mitchell County hospitals: Scurry County Hospital District, nearby regional hospitals
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any messages, photos, or videos
- Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Document the location where hazing occurred
- Get names and contact info of witnesses
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do NOT confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do NOT give statements to university administrators
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media
-
Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)
- Consider filing a police report with Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office
- File a Title IX report with the university
- Report to the national organization
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free, confidential consultations
- We can help preserve evidence and protect your rights
- Statute of limitations is 2 years — don’t wait
⏳ Why Mitchell County Families Can’t Wait
The Clock Is Ticking
- Texas statute of limitations: 2 years from date of injury
- Evidence disappears quickly — texts get deleted, witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records — they’ll try to cover it up
- Your rights expire — if you don’t act in time, you lose your ability to sue
Mitchell County families: Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately — hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.
🏢 Who We Sue for Mitchell County Hazing Victims
We Hold Every Responsible Party Accountable
| Defendant | Mitchell County Examples | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Texas Tech, Angelo State, Hardin-Simmons, McMurry | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University/College | Texas Tech, Angelo State, Hardin-Simmons, McMurry | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity houses |
| Chapter Officers | President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager | Leadership responsibility |
| Individual Members | Active members who participated | Personal liability for assault/battery |
| Housing Corporation | Entities that own fraternity houses | Premises liability for hazing on their property |
| Former Members/Alumni | Alumni who host events | Hosted hazing at their homes |
Mitchell County families: We know how to identify and pursue every liable party — even if they’re not in Mitchell County.
🎓 Fraternities Near Mitchell County With Hazing Histories
The Same Organizations That Hazed Our Client Operate Near Mitchell County
| Fraternity | Hazing History | Mitchell County-Area Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Our current $10M lawsuit — waterboarding, 500 squats, kidney failure; Andrew Coffey death (2017) | Texas Tech, Angelo State |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz death (2021) — $10.1M settlement; UH hazing case (2017) | Texas Tech, Angelo State |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver death (2017) — $6.1M jury verdict | Texas Tech, Hardin-Simmons |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death (2017) — $110M+ settlement | Texas Tech |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing deaths; UT Austin TBI case (2023) | Texas Tech, Angelo State |
| Sigma Chi | UT Austin suicide case (2025) — lawsuit filed | Texas Tech |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths; Miami death (2001) — $12.6M verdict | Texas Tech |
Mitchell County families: These are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. They have chapters at universities near Mitchell County. If your child is pledging one of these fraternities, they face the same risks.
🏆 Proven Results for Hazing Victims
We Know How to Win These Cases
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi | Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit pending | $10,000,000 |
| Stone Foltz Case | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10,100,000+ |
| Maxwell Gruver Case | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6,100,000 |
| Timothy Piazza Case | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110,000,000+ |
| Andrew Coffey Case | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (multi-million) |
Mitchell County families: These results prove that hazing cases win — and win big. The same legal strategies apply to Mitchell County cases.
🔍 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Mitchell County Hazing Cases
We’re Not Just Mitchell County Lawyers — We’re Hazing Litigation Experts
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Mitchell County Families |
|---|---|
| $10M Hazing Lawsuit Pending | We’re actively fighting this battle RIGHT NOW — Mitchell County families get the same aggressive representation |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think and fight — and we know how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Mitchell County cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for national fraternity cases |
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts |
| Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience | BP Texas City explosion litigation (15 deaths, 180+ injuries) — we can handle complex cases |
| Hazing-Specific Expertise | Specific experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university accountability |
| Bilingual Staff | Se habla español — Mitchell County Hispanic families welcome |
| Nationwide Service | We represent hazing victims across America — Mitchell County is no exception |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless you win |
| Willing to Travel | We come to Mitchell County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
Mitchell County families: We’re not just personal injury lawyers. We’re hazing litigation specialists. We know the culture, the tactics, and the law. And we know how to win.
📞 Mitchell County Hazing Victims — Contact Us Now
Free Consultation — Confidential — 24/7
If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Mitchell County, you have legal rights. We can help.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
💻 Video consultation available for Mitchell County families
📍 We travel to Mitchell County for client meetings and depositions
Serving Mitchell County from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices.
$0 upfront — we work on contingency. We don’t get paid unless you win.
🚨 Mitchell County Parents: What You Need to Know About Hazing
The Truth About Greek Life Near Mitchell County
-
Hazing is Rampant
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- 95% of hazing victims do NOT report it
-
It’s Not Just “Harmless Fun”
- Hazing includes waterboarding, forced drinking, physical beatings, sexual humiliation, extreme exercise
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) is a common result of forced exercise
- Alcohol poisoning is a leading cause of hazing deaths
-
Universities Near Mitchell County Know — And Do Nothing
- Our UH case proves universities fail to protect students
- The same failures exist at Mitchell County-area institutions
- They have the power to stop hazing — they choose not to
-
National Organizations Enable the Culture
- Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years between Andrew Coffey’s death and our client’s hospitalization
- They knew about the “hazing crisis” — and did nothing
- The same nationals operate near Mitchell County
-
Your Child Is at Risk
- If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Mitchell County, they face the same risks
- It doesn’t matter if they “consented” — Texas law says consent is not a defense
- It doesn’t matter if they’re not enrolled yet — our client wasn’t a UH student
-
You Have Legal Options
- You can sue the fraternity, the national organization, the university, and individual members
- You can recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- You can help prevent this from happening to another Mitchell County family
🎯 Mitchell County Hazing Lawyers — Our Promise to You
What Mitchell County Families Can Expect When They Hire Us
-
Immediate Response
- We answer calls 24/7
- Free consultation within 24 hours
- Immediate evidence preservation strategy
-
Aggressive Representation
- We sue everyone responsible — no exceptions
- We don’t back down from powerful institutions
- We fight for maximum compensation
-
Comprehensive Case Building
- Medical expert coordination
- Evidence collection and preservation
- Witness interviews
- Pattern evidence research
-
Transparent Communication
- Regular updates on your case
- Clear explanations of legal process
- Honest assessment of case value
- Direct access to your attorneys
-
Nationwide Reach
- We represent Mitchell County victims regardless of where hazing occurred
- Federal court authority for out-of-state defendants
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
-
No Upfront Cost
- $0 to hire us
- We work on contingency — we don’t get paid unless you win
- No financial risk to you
📢 To Fraternities Operating Near Mitchell County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — and all others:
We are tracking your chapters near Mitchell County. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.
If you haze students near Mitchell County, we will find out. And we will sue you for everything you’re worth.
The Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down.
The fraternity president? Personally liable for $6.5 million in the Stone Foltz case.
The national organization? Paid $10 million in our current case.
Your chapter near Mitchell County could be next.
Clean up your act. Now.
🏛️ To Universities Near Mitchell County: You Are Liable
Texas Tech, Angelo State, Hardin-Simmons, McMurry — and all others:
You own the fraternity houses. You recognize the chapters. You collect the fees. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down.
When you fail to protect students from hazing, you are liable.
University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where a student was waterboarded. They’re being sued for $10 million.
Your university near Mitchell County could be next.
Act now. Implement real oversight. Or face the consequences.
📚 Mitchell County Hazing Resources
Knowledge Is Power — Protect Your Child
-
Hazing Prevention Network
- Website: hazingprevention.org
- Resources for students, parents, and educators
-
Clery Center
- Website: clerycenter.org
- Information on campus safety and reporting
-
StopHazing.org
- Website: stophazing.org
- Research, education, and advocacy
-
Gordie Center
- Website: gordie.org
- Focuses on alcohol overdose prevention
-
Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157
- Full text: Texas Statutes
- Texas anti-hazing laws
-
Attorney 911 Hazing Education Center
- Website: attorney911.com/hazing
- Guides, FAQs, and legal resources for hazing victims
📞 Mitchell County Hazing Victims — Call Now Before It’s Too Late
The clock is ticking. Evidence is disappearing. Your rights are expiring.
If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Mitchell County, call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Serving Mitchell County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — with video consultations and travel to Mitchell County available.
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
🛡️ Mitchell County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is isolating. The shame, the fear, the pressure to stay quiet — it’s designed to keep victims silent. But you don’t have to face this alone.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Mitchell County hazing victims.
We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we will fight for your Mitchell County family.
Call us. Let’s bring them to justice. Let’s protect the next Mitchell County student.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com
Mitchell County hazing victims deserve justice. We deliver it.
