🚨 Hazing Justice for Somervell County Families: Aggressive Legal Representation When Your Child Is Abused
Attorney 911 — Now Serving Somervell County, Texas
“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.”
— Ralph Manginello, describing what happened to our hazing client at University of Houston
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
— Lupe Pena, Attorney 911
⚠️ Somervillle County Parents: Your Child Is At Risk
Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston have chapters at universities near Somervell County. The same culture of abuse exists right here in Texas. And the same negligence that sent our client to the hospital with kidney failure is happening at institutions your children attend.
You trusted them to keep your child safe. They betrayed that trust.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now — and we’re bringing the same aggressive representation to Somervell County families.
🏢 The Hazing Crisis Hits Home in Somervell County
This Happened in Houston. It’s Happening Near Somervell County Too.
In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from weeks of systematic hazing.
What they did to him:
✔ Waterboarded him with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
✔ Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✔ Struck him with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
✔ Forced him to eat until vomiting, then made him keep running
✔ Humiliated him — carried sexual objects, stripped in cold weather
✔ Another pledge lost consciousness — they kept going
The result: Bermudez spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
The outrage: This wasn’t the first time. Pi Kappa Phi killed a student in 2017. They had eight years to fix their culture. They did nothing. University of Houston had a hazing hospitalization in 2017. They had eight years to implement real oversight. They did nothing.
And now, the same fraternities are operating at universities near Somervell County.
🔍 Hazing in Somervell County: What Parents Need to Know
1. The Same Fraternities Are Here
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta — these are the same national organizations involved in hazing deaths and hospitalizations across America. They have chapters at universities near Somervell County, including:
- Tarleton State University (Stephenville)
- Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)
- University of North Texas (Denton)
- Southern Methodist University (Dallas)
- Texas A&M University (College Station)
If your child is pledging a fraternity near Somervell County, they face the same risks.
2. Universities Near Somervell County Are Failing Too
University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
Universities near Somervell County have the same power — and the same liability — when they fail to protect students.
3. Hazing Is Not “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
This is what hazing looks like near Somervell County:
- Extreme physical punishment
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological torture
- Sexual humiliation
- Life-threatening medical emergencies
This is not “building character.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is abuse. This is assault. This is sometimes manslaughter.
4. Victims Are Afraid to Speak Up
Our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” Somervell County victims face the same fear. Fraternities intimidate students into silence. They threaten expulsion from Greek life. They pressure victims to “let it go.”
You don’t have to let it go. We protect our clients.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights: Somervell County Families Can Sue
Texas Law Protects Hazing Victims
Under Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157, hazing is illegal. The law defines hazing as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
Important: The law explicitly states:
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, consent is not a defense. The fraternity is still liable.
Who Can Be Sued?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University | Owns fraternity houses; failed to protect students |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
What Can You Recover?
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries; emotional trauma |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Impact on college experience and life |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct (like waterboarding) |
Precedent Cases Show Millions Are Possible:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million jury verdict — Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
Our $10 million demand for the University of Houston case is in line with these precedents — and Somervell County families can seek the same justice.
🛡️ How Attorney 911 Protects Somervell County Families
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re in the courtroom fighting it. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston is active litigation. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. Somervell County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Nationwide Reach — We Come to You
We’re based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), but we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Somervell County.
- Federal court authority — U.S. District Court admission
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
- We travel to Somervell County — For depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they think. We know their tactics. We know how to dismantle their defenses.
When insurance companies try to lowball your claim, we fight back with:
- Insider knowledge of their valuation methods
- Aggressive negotiation strategies
- Willingness to go to trial if they won’t offer fair compensation
4. We Protect You From Retaliation
Hazing victims are often intimidated into silence. We protect our clients by:
- Handling all communications with the fraternity/university
- Preventing direct contact with defendants
- Shielding you from intimidation tactics
- Ensuring your privacy is protected
You don’t have to face them alone.
5. $0 Upfront — We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win
We understand the financial burden of pursuing justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- No upfront fees — $0 to hire us
- No hourly billing — We don’t charge by the hour
- We take the risk — If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
- We only get paid if you get paid — Percentage of your recovery
Justice should not be limited by financial means.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Somervell County
Immediate Action Steps:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything — medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve Evidence
- Do not delete anything — texts, photos, videos, social media
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save clothing, objects used in hazing
- Get names and contact info of witnesses
-
Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure you to sign documents
- Anything you say can be used against you
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Avoid posting about the incident
- Avoid posting about being “fine” or “okay”
- Avoid engaging with Greek life members online
-
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email ralph@atty911.com
- Time is critical — 2-year statute of limitations applies
⏳ Time Is Running Out — Act Now
Texas law gives you only 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Somervell County hazing emergencies
🎯 Our Message to Fraternities Near Somervell County
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and all other fraternities operating near Somervell County:
We are watching. We are building cases. We are coming for every chapter that thinks it can torture students and walk away.
Waterboarding? We’re suing.
500 squats? We’re suing.
Wooden paddles? We’re suing.
Forced drinking? We’re suing.
Any abuse? We’re suing.
The $10 million verdicts are coming. The chapter closures are coming. The criminal charges are coming.
Clean up your chapters. Or we will clean them out in court.
🏆 Why Somervell County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. Proven Results in Hazing Cases
- Currently litigating $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases, Kappa Sigma litigation, and Texas A&M hazing incidents
- Track record of multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Know how insurance companies value claims
- Know how they try to deny or minimize payouts
- Use that knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. Aggressive Litigation Strategy
- We don’t just settle — we fight for maximum compensation
- We name all liable parties — individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- We pursue punitive damages for egregious conduct
4. Nationwide Service for Somervell County Families
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases anywhere
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- We travel to Somervell County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings
5. Compassionate, Personalized Representation
- We treat you like family
- We understand the trauma you’re going through
- We fight for you like we would for our own children
📚 Frequently Asked Questions for Somervell County Families
Q: My child was hazed but didn’t go to the hospital. Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Even without hospitalization, hazing can cause:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Academic disruption
- Loss of scholarships
- Emotional trauma
We can pursue compensation for these non-physical injuries.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Texas law explicitly states:
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
Consent is not a defense. The fraternity is still liable.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue them?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:
- Own or control fraternity property
- Have oversight authority over Greek life
- Knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Failed to implement adequate safeguards
They can be held liable for negligent supervision.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How do you protect them?
A: We:
- Handle all communications with the fraternity/university
- Prevent direct contact between defendants and our clients
- Shield your identity when possible
- Advise on safety measures
- Pursue legal remedies if retaliation occurs
You don’t have to face them alone.
Q: We’re in Somervell County. Can you still represent us?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Somervell County.
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- We travel to Somervell County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much will hiring a lawyer cost?
A: $0 upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly billing
- We only get paid if you win
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
Justice should not be limited by financial means.
Q: What’s the first step?
A: Call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Somervell County hazing emergencies
🔥 Enough Is Enough — Join the Fight
Somervell County families: You are not alone.
Hazing has gone on for too long. Universities have looked the other way. National fraternities have failed to act. Students have been tortured. Lives have been lost.
But the tide is turning.
Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston is just the beginning. The Stone Foltz family won $10.1 million. The Maxwell Gruver family won a $6.1 million jury verdict. The Timothy Piazza family settled for over $110 million.
The message is clear: Hazing costs millions. And we will make sure every fraternity near Somervell County knows it.
If your child has been hazed, call us. If you know someone who’s been hazed, tell them to call us. If you want to prevent hazing from happening to another Somervell County family, call us.
Together, we can stop this.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Hazing Justice in Somervell County and Beyond
