If you’re reading this in Bacon County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, hoping to find new friends and a sense of belonging. Instead, they were subjected to abuse, degradation, and violence, all under the guise of “brotherhood” or “tradition.” We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the confusion – it’s overwhelming. We’re here to tell you that you are not alone, and we are here to help families in Bacon County fight back against the insidious problem of hazing.
We are Attorney911, and we are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it in court right now. Just weeks ago, in November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against one of the largest national fraternities in America, Pi Kappa Phi, along with the University of Houston and numerous individual fraternity members. This isn’t just another case; it’s a living, ongoing example of our aggressive, data-driven strategy to hold every responsible entity accountable for the horrors of hazing. If your child has been subjected to hazing in Bacon County or anywhere else, we bring that same relentless advocacy directly to your family.
The Nightmare in Houston: A Warning for Bacon County Families
What happened to Leonel Bermudez in Houston is a horrifying warning to every parent in Bacon County sending their child off to college. Leonel was a young man with dreams of a college education, a “ghost rush” planning to transfer to the University of Houston in the spring of 2026. He sought friendship and camaraderie, but instead, he found himself in a living hell. Within weeks of accepting a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, he was subjected to a systematic campaign of physical and psychological torture that would land him in the hospital for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
Imagine your child. Imagine them being waterboarded with a garden hose, hog-tied with an object in their mouth, or forced to eat until they vomited, only to be made to run sprints while lying in their own puke-soaked grass. Leonel Bermudez endured all of this and more. He was forced to perform over 100 push-ups and 500 squats while reciting the fraternity creed, all under threat of expulsion if he stopped. He was made to do bear crawls, wheelbarrows, high-volume “suicides,” two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls until his body literally broke down. He was even struck with wooden paddles. The physical exertion was so extreme that he collapsed and could not stand without help.
“When he finally made it home,” our managing partner Ralph Manginello told ABC13, “he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and 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.” Leonel was passing brown urine, a classic sign of his muscles breaking down and poisoning his kidneys. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, fighting for his life, facing an ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.
This isn’t an isolated incident, and it’s not unique to Houston. The same national fraternities that operate at the University of Houston have chapters at colleges and universities near Bacon County. The same dangerous traditions, the same culture of secrecy and abuse, are prevalent across the country. And the painful truth is, the same type of negligence and failure of oversight that occurred at the University of Houston can happen at any institution. We filed this $10 million lawsuit not just for Leonel, but to send a clear message: this kind of abuse will not be tolerated. As our attorney Lupe Pena stated 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.”
The chapter was suspended within days of the hazing being reported. The members then voted to surrender their charter, and the chapter was permanently closed. Criminal referrals were initiated. The University of Houston itself called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” tacitly admitting their institutional failures. Attorney911 acts decisively, and we pursue every entity responsible. This is the level of aggressive advocacy we bring to every hazing case, including those for families in Bacon County.
Beyond the Stereotypes: What Hazing Really Looks Like Today
Many parents in Bacon County might associate hazing with harmless pranks or silly rituals, a “boys will be boys” mentality. The stark reality, however, is far more sinister. Hazing today, as evidenced by Leonel Bermudez’s case, is systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological manipulation that endangers mental and physical health. It is coercion, not consent.
What Leonel endured was not a game; it was torture. Waterboarding, a practice universally condemned as inhumane, was inflicted upon him. Forced consumption of food and liquids to the point of vomiting, followed by continued physical exertion, is an act of deliberate cruelty. The incessant physical demands, including hundreds of squats and push-ups, bear crawls, and “suicides” until one’s body breaks down, are designed to strip individuals of their dignity and self-worth. Being struck with wooden paddles is physical assault. These acts are crimes, plain and simple, and they happened just weeks ago in Texas.
Hazing is often surrounded by a culture of secrecy, fear, and intimidation. Victims, like Leonel, are often “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” as Ralph Manginello noted to ABC13. This fear is a testament to the psychological hold these organizations exert, making it incredibly difficult for students to come forward. Hazing commonly involves:
- Physical Abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced extreme exercise, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, and consumption of harmful substances.
- Psychological Torture: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and forced servitude, creating an environment of fear and anxiety. This can lead to long-lasting trauma, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders, even if there are no visible physical scars.
- Forced Consumption: Binge drinking, eating until vomiting, or consuming non-food items, all of which can lead to severe medical emergencies like alcohol poisoning, choking, or, as in Leonel’s case, severe rhabdomyolysis.
- Sexual Abuse and Humiliation: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexually suggestive objects, which can inflict profound and lasting psychological damage. Leonel Bermudez was compelled to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times.
The medical consequences of modern hazing are often life-altering or fatal. Rhabdomyolysis, the condition Leonel suffered, causes severe muscle breakdown and can lead to acute kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, and even death. Other severe medical issues resulting from hazing include alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and in the most tragic cases, wrongful death.
This is not the hazing of movies or television. This is the reality your child could face at any university or college near Bacon County, or anywhere further afield. It’s happening right now, and it demands aggressive, uncompromising action.
Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable
The question that often arises for parents in Bacon County after a hazing incident is, “Who can be held responsible?” The answer is comprehensive and far-reaching because hazing is rarely the act of just one individual. Our lawsuit in the Bermudez case demonstrates precisely who we pursue and why, ensuring that every entity that participated in or allowed the abuse to occur is held accountable.
- The Local Fraternity or Sorority Chapter: This is the most direct perpetrator. The students who plan, execute, and participate in hazing rituals are directly liable for their actions. This includes chapter officers, such as the president and pledgemaster, who often direct these activities, as well as individual members who take part or fail to intervene. In the Bermudez case, we named 13 individual fraternity members, including the president and pledgemaster, as defendants.
- The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization: National organizations claim to have anti-hazing policies and risk management guidelines. However, if they fail to adequately supervise their local chapters, enforce their own rules, or act on knowledge of systemic hazing issues, they are liable. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters is a major defendant in Leonel’s case. As KHOU 11 reported based on our lawsuit, the national organization and housing corporation allegedly “enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” Our lawsuit further alleges “a pattern of similar hazing and policy violations by the fraternity, locally and nationally.” This is critical because Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including those affiliated with institutions near Bacon County, and a documented history of severe hazing incidents, including the death of Andrew Coffey in 2017. Their public statement acknowledged “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy,” further solidifying their culpability.
- The University or College: Educational institutions have a fundamental duty to protect their students, foster a safe learning environment, and provide adequate oversight of student organizations, especially those they recognize and house. In Leonel’s case, the University of Houston and its Board of Regents are codefendants. This is particularly significant because, as KHOU 11 highlighted, the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” This establishes a direct premises liability claim against the university. Furthermore, the University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 involving another fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, demonstrating institutional knowledge of the problem. This means they knew or should have known of the risks and failed to implement adequate preventative measures.
- Housing Corporations: Many fraternities and sororities have separate housing corporations that own or manage the properties where hazing often takes place. These entities can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment and for allowing dangerous activities on their premises.
- Alumni and Other Individuals: As we saw in the Bermudez case, even former members and their spouses can be named as defendants if hazing occurred at their private residences. This extends liability beyond the active student members, reaching individuals who facilitate or enable such dangerous behavior.
- Insurance Carriers: Ultimately, financial compensation typically comes from the insurance policies held by these various defendants. National fraternities and universities have substantial liability insurance, making them “deep pockets” capable of covering multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Our firm, with attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena having extensive experience as former insurance defense lawyers, possesses unique insider knowledge to effectively navigate these complex insurance landscapes and maximize recovery for our clients in Bacon County.
When hazing occurs, it’s not simply about punishing a few bad actors. It’s about dismantling a culture of negligence and holding powerful institutions and individuals accountable. We work tirelessly to identify every potentially liable party so that families in Bacon County can receive the full compensation they deserve and help ensure that such tragedies do not happen again.
What These Cases Win: A Path to Justice for Bacon County Families
For worried parents in Bacon County, facing the aftermath of hazing can feel like an impossible battle against powerful institutions. But we want you to know that families absolutely can win these cases, and the victories can be substantial. Hazing litigation has resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements across the country, sending a clear message that this behavior carries a heavy price. These precedent-setting cases form the foundation of our strategy for every family we represent, including those in Bacon County.
1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+
Stone Foltz died in 2021 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event at Bowling Green State University. His family received over $10.1 million in settlements, including $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University and $7.2 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national organization and associated individuals. This is the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is directly in line with this precedent, demonstrating the significant value that can be placed on non-fatal but life-altering injuries and institutional failures. In December 2024, the former chapter president was also ordered to pay $6.5 million personally, showing that individuals, not just institutions, are held liable.
2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict
Maxwell Gruver was an 18-year-old freshman at LSU who died in 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual where he was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. A jury awarded his family a $6.1 million verdict, and the tragedy led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana. This case powerfully illustrates that juries will not tolerate hazing and are willing to award substantial damages, even against individual perpetrators.
3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ Million (Estimated)
Timothy Piazza died in 2017 after consuming 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State. He fell multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, while fraternity members waited over 12 hours before calling 911. The settlements in this case were reportedly over $110 million, with multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members, including involuntary manslaughter. The tragedy also spurred the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania. The sheer scale of this settlement underscores that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious, as in Leonel’s case with waterboarding and kidney failure, the financial consequences for responsible parties can be immense.
4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity as Bermudez Case
Andrew Coffey died in 2017 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at Florida State University. This is critically important for Leonel’s case because it involves the same national organization, Pi Kappa Phi, that our firm is currently suing. Andrew Coffey’s death proved that Pi Kappa Phi National was on actual notice in 2017 regarding the deadly hazing culture within their chapters. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized under similar circumstances at another one of their chapters. This undeniable pattern of negligence by Pi Kappa Phi National significantly strengthens our argument for substantial damages and accountability in Leonel’s case, and it shows the foreseeability for any Pi Kappa Phi chapter operating near Bacon County.
These cases, among many others, demonstrate a clear pattern: universities, national fraternities, and individual perpetrators face severe financial and legal consequences when hazing results in injury or death. The legal strategies that secured these multi-million dollar outcomes — focusing on institutional negligence, pattern evidence, cover-ups, and the sheer egregiousness of the conduct — are precisely the strategies Attorney911 employs. We leverage this proven track record to fight for justice for Bacon County families, making sure that your child’s suffering is recognized and compensated, and that a powerful message is sent to those who enable hazing. For Attorney911, the multi-million dollar outcomes aren’t just about compensation; they’re about ensuring accountability and preventing future tragedies.
Texas Law Protects You: Understanding Your Rights in Bacon County
For families in Bacon County navigating the trauma of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Texas law, where our firm is headquartered and where the Bermudez case is actively being fought, provides robust protections for hazing victims. These laws are frequently mirrored in other states, and Attorney911’s federal court authority means we can apply similar principles nationwide, bringing our expertise directly to Bacon County families.
The Texas Anti-Hazing Law: Education Code § 37.151-37.157
Texas has a comprehensive anti-hazing statute that clearly defines hazing and outlines severe penalties. This law is fundamental to establishing accountability in civil lawsuits:
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Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law defines “hazing” as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization, if the act:
- Involves physical brutality: Such as striking, beating, branding, or similar activities. Leonel Bermudez was struck with wooden paddles, directly fitting this definition.
- Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, or calisthenics: That subjects a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects their health. Leonel’s forced early morning drives leading to exhaustion, being stripped in cold weather, and continuous grueling calisthenics like 500 squats and 100 push-ups, which led to his rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, are clear violations.
- Involves consumption of food, liquid, or alcohol: That subjects a student to unreasonable risk of harm. Leonel being forced to eat hot dogs, milk, and peppercorns until vomiting clearly falls under this.
- Involves violating the Penal Code: Any activity requiring a student to perform a task involving a criminal offense.
- Involves coercing consumption of drugs or intoxicating amounts of alcohol: Which could lead a reasonable person to believe the student is intoxicated. While alcohol was not the primary issue in Leonel’s case, many hazing incidents involve this.
What Leonel Bermudez endured unequivocally fits multiple elements of this statutory definition, making it a clear case of hazing under Texas law.
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Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing that causes serious bodily injury can be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. If the hazing causes death, it’s a State Jail Felony, carrying 180 days to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. Leonel’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure constitute serious bodily injury, meaning the individual perpetrators in his case face criminal charges—a consequence the University of Houston’s spokesperson openly acknowledged as “potential criminal charges.”
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Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be held criminally liable if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their officers, members, pledges, or alumni commit or assist in hazing. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000, and denial of permission to operate on campus.
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Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of the Texas anti-hazing law. It 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 directly combats the common defense often used by fraternities and universities, which claims the victim willingly participated. The Texas Legislature removed that argument years ago, recognizing that true consent is often impossible in hazing environments because of power dynamics, coercion, and social pressure.
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University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities in Texas are legally mandated to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board within 30 days of becoming aware of them. Failure to report is a Class B Misdemeanor. This provision ensures institutions cannot simply ignore or cover up hazing.
Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges
While criminal charges can bring justice, civil lawsuits are how hazing victims in Bacon County and their families recover financial compensation for their suffering and losses. Our firm pursues multiple theories of civil liability:
- Negligence (Duty of Care): We argue that fraternities, national organizations, and universities owe a duty of care to their students to protect them from harm. Their breach of this duty through inaction or permissive behavior, directly causing injuries, makes them liable for damages.
- Premises Liability: When hazing occurs on property owned, leased, or controlled by the university or fraternity, as in Leonel’s case where hazing occurred at a University-owned fraternity house, they can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
- Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations or universities fail to adequately supervise chapters or Greek life, allowing a culture of hazing to flourish.
- Assault and Battery: Individual fraternity members who physically harm or threaten victims can be held personally liable for assault (threat) and battery (physical contact). This includes acts like waterboarding, paddling, or forced physical exertion.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Hazing acts, particularly those involving torture, extreme humiliation, or severe psychological manipulation, can be so outrageous as to cause profound emotional distress, leading to significant damages.
- Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, hazing deaths allow families to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future financial contributions that were tragically cut short.
For Bacon County families, it’s vital to recognize that these civil-law frameworks exist regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or how local university policies are framed. Our firm uses the full force of these laws to ensure justice is served, aggressively pursuing compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages against all responsible parties.
Why Attorney911: Your Advocates in Bacon County
When your family in Bacon County is facing the unimaginable trauma of a hazing incident, choosing the right legal representation is the most critical decision you will make. Attorney911 stands apart as the definitive choice for hazing victims and their families, bringing unparalleled experience, unwavering aggression, and a deeply compassionate approach to every case. We are not just lawyers; we are relentless advocates, and we bring our proven expertise directly to Bacon County.
1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW:
Unlike firms that might claim general personal injury experience, we are currently in the trenches. The Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, a $10 million lawsuit filed in November 2025 against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi, is our flagship hazing litigation. We are actively collecting evidence, preparing for depositions, and building one of the strongest hazing cases in the nation. This isn’t theoretical; it’s tangible proof that we have the dedication and skill necessary to tackle powerful institutions. Bacon County families benefit from a firm that is literally shaping the future of hazing litigation as we speak.
2. Unequaled Insider Knowledge from Former Insurance Defense:
Both of our lead attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense lawyers. This is a strategic advantage that few firms can match. Mr. Manginello honed his skills fighting for insurance companies for years before dedicating his practice to victims. Mr. Pena worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, where he learned the playbook of large insurance carriers. This means we know precisely how the opposition thinks. We understand their valuation methods, their delay tactics, their lowball offers, and their defense strategies because we used to employ them. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves, dismantle their arguments, and negotiate from a position of strength, protecting Bacon County families from the very tactics designed to deny them justice.
3. Proven Track Record Against Massive Defendants:
Fighting a national fraternity or a major university requires a firm experienced in high-stakes litigation against well-funded defendants. Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City Explosion litigation, which killed 15 workers and injured over 180, demonstrates our capacity to take on and win against the largest corporations. This experience is directly transferable to hazing cases, where institutional negligence often involves complex corporate structures and aggressive defense teams. When we say we will hold powerful entities accountable for Bacon County families, we have the battle scars to prove we can do it.
4. Nationwide Reach with Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Licenses:
While our roots are in Texas (with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont), our capacity to serve hazing victims extends far beyond. We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and have experience in federal appellate courts. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello holds dual bar admissions in Texas and New York. This federal authority and dual-state licensing provide strategic advantages when pursuing national fraternities and sororities, whose headquarters and operational structures often span multiple states. For Bacon County families, this means that regardless of where the hazing incident occurred—whether at a local institution or a far-flung university—we have the legal reach and capability to represent you.
5. Comprehensive Hazing-Specific Expertise:
Our experience goes beyond general personal injury. We have specific expertise in hazing litigation, including:
* Rhabdomyolysis Injury: We understand the complex medical and legal aspects of injuries like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
* Institutional Negligence: We delve deep into university and national fraternity oversight failures.
* Pattern Evidence: We leverage national hazing incident data and prior cases, like the Andrew Coffey death with Pi Kappa Phi, to establish foreseeability and demand punitive damages. (See our section on “Attorney911’s Texas Hazing Intelligence Database” below for more on this data-driven approach.)
* Wrongful Death Hazing: We have a deep understanding of these tragic cases. Lupe Pena’s experience with wrongful death claims is critical in these scenarios. We’re well-versed in dram shop liability, which is crucial in cases involving forced alcohol consumption, a common hazing tactic.
6. Empathetic, Client-Centered Approach:
We know that hazing victims and their families in Bacon County are experiencing immense emotional distress. Our approach is warm, educational, and deeply compassionate. We speak to you directly, not in legal jargon, and we treat every Bacon County family like our own. Our 4.9-star Google rating with over 250 reviews is a testament to our commitment to client satisfaction, with testimonials like “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such” from Chad Harris and “They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person” from Ambur Hamilton.
7. “Se Habla Español” – Bilingual Services for Bacon County’s Diverse Families:
Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish, and our team is bilingual, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice for Hispanic families in Bacon County and across America. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, from initial consultations to ongoing case communication and document explanation.
8. Contingency Fee Basis – No Upfront Cost for Bacon County Families:
We understand that the financial burden of a hazing injury is immense. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This commitment levels the playing field, allowing Bacon County families to fight powerful institutions without worrying about hourly fees or mounting legal costs. We invest in your case, taking on all the financial risk, so you can focus on healing and recovery.
9. Aggressive Advocacy and Media Leverage:
When institutions try to silence victims, we amplify their voices. Ralph Manginello’s journalism background trains him to investigate, uncover facts, and tell compelling stories. His experience handling high-profile, media-intensive cases—like the Ryan Mitchell Smith case covered by ABC13—demonstrates our ability to leverage media attention to create public pressure and drive accountability. We ensure that Bacon County’s hazing stories are heard.
10. We Come to You, or Meet Remotely:
We recognize that Bacon County may not be immediately close to our Houston, Austin, or Beaumont offices. Distance is never a barrier to justice. We offer video consultations for Bacon County families, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Bacon County for depositions, meetings, and trials as needed. Your convenience and peace of mind are paramount.
When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining a team that is not only actively fighting the same fight right now but also possesses the unique blend of insider knowledge, aggressive advocacy, and genuine compassion to bring true accountability to hazing perpetrators and institutions. For Bacon County hazing victims, we are your legal emergency first responders.
Attorney911’s Texas Hazing Intelligence Database: Our Data-Driven Advantage for Bacon County
To effectively combat hazing, you need to know your enemy. Attorney911 doesn’t guess; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, a crucial tool we deploy in every hazing lawsuit to ensure every responsible party is identified and held accountable. This deep intelligence serves as a powerful weapon when fighting for Bacon County families.
Our database is built from meticulously compiled public records, providing a granular view of the intricate corporate structures behind the Greek letters. This is not just a list; it is a strategic asset.
Here’s what our intelligence database includes:
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IRS B83 Texas Organizations (125+ Entries): We track over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas, identifying their exact legal names, Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), and mailing addresses. These entities include undergraduate chapter corporations, housing corporations, and alumni associations. For example:
- Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc: EIN 462267515, located in Frisco, Texas. This is the exact organization behind the UH chapter we are currently suing. We knew their corporate structure and EIN before we filed suit.
- Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation: EIN 371768785, located in Missouri City, Texas.
- Kappa Sigma Mu Gamma Chapter Inc: EIN 133048786, located in College Station, Texas.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Sigma Incorporated: EIN 882755427, located in San Marcos, Texas.
- Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc Theta Delta: EIN 475370943, located in Houston, Texas.
- Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Epsilon Kappa: EIN 746064445, located in Nederland, Texas.
When hazing happens in Bacon County, fraternities often claim they’re just “college kids.” But these entities are sophisticated, tax-exempt corporations with EINs, bank accounts, real estate holdings, and insurance policies. We track them all, so we know exactly who to sue.
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Texas Universities (96 Campuses): Our database cross-references these Greek organizations with Texas’s 96 public and private university campuses. This allows us to quickly identify where specific fraternities operate and to understand the context of Greek life at institutions attended by students from Bacon County. Families in Bacon County often send their children to major statewide hubs such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, and the University of North Texas, all of which host numerous Greek organizations.
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Cause IQ Metro Organizations (1,423 Across 25 Metros): We analyze Greek-related organizations across 25 metropolitan areas in Texas. For instance, the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area alone contains 188 Greek-related organizations. The Austin–Round Rock metro area, where many Bacon County students attend college, has 154 Greek organizations. This data helps us understand the scale of Greek activity in different regions and identify all the various types of organizations—from undergraduate chapters to alumni groups, honor societies, and professional sororities—that might be involved in hazing and its cover-up.
- Examples in the Houston metro include the Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (alumni/house corp), Alpha Phi Omega Bayou City Alumni (service fraternity), and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Beta Sigma Chapter (undergraduate).
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IRS and Cause IQ Brand Overlap: We identify “brands” that appear in both IRS B83 data and Cause IQ metro data, such as Pi Kappa Phi. This cross-validation confirms how national brands manifest across undergraduate chapters, graduate chapters, and alumni groups. It proves Attorney911 can track specific national brands across Texas metros and campuses without guessing.
What Our Intelligence Means for Bacon County Families:
When a hazing incident occurs, every minute counts for preserving evidence and identifying defendants. Our intelligence database means we hit the ground running. We don’t spend weeks researching corporate structures; we already have them mapped. We knew the corporate structure of Pi Kappa Phi’s housing corporation and national organization before we filed the $10 million lawsuit against them. We knew the university owned the property. This data-driven approach allows us to:
- Identify Deep Pockets: Pinpoint national organizations and housing corporations with substantial assets and insurance, ensuring victims have a real chance at significant compensation.
- Establish Pattern Evidence: Connect local incidents to broader national patterns of hazing within specific fraternities, strengthening claims of institutional indifference and negligence.
- Streamline Litigation: Accelerate the process of identifying defendants, serving legal notices, and pursuing accountability, from the local chapter in Bacon County to national headquarters wherever they might be.
- Uncover Hidden Relationships: Unmask complex organizational ties, such as the relationship between a chapter, its housing corporation, and the national entity, preventing them from deflecting responsibility.
For fraternities operating at institutions near Bacon County, this is a clear warning: We know who you are. We know your corporate structure. We know your national organization’s hazing death record. We know how much they have paid in settlements. And when you haze students, we will use every piece of this intelligence to hold you accountable. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter learned this the hard way; the next chapter could be yours.
What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Bacon County Families
If your child in Bacon County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. It can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps can make a profound difference in protecting your child’s legal rights and building a strong case. We are here to guide you through this difficult time.
Immediate Steps After a Hazing Incident:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: This is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, or if they are primarily psychological, get professional medical help. Do not delay. Leonel Bermudez’s condition worsened over days before his mother rushed him to the hospital, leading to acute kidney failure. Prompt medical attention creates a vital record of your child’s injuries and ensures they receive the care they need. Make sure to tell medical providers exactly how the injuries occurred, if possible.
- Preserve All Evidence: Hazing often leaves a digital trail. This is the most crucial step after ensuring safety and seeking medical care. Every piece of evidence matters in building your case.
- Medical Records: Keep all hospital records, emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, therapy records, and billing statements. Document every symptom and complaint consistently. If your child passed brown urine, as Leonel did, ensure it is noted.
- Photos and Videos: Take clear, timestamped photos and videos of all physical injuries (bruises, marks, burns, swelling) as they appear and as they heal. If safe to do so, document the hazing location, any related paraphernalia (e.g., alcohol bottles, degrading items), and event invitations. If your child is incapacitated, ask a trusted friend or family member to take these photos. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes in our video, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
- Communications: This includes every single text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, email, or social media post related to the hazing. Crucially, do not delete anything. These communications often contain direct evidence of instructions, threats, coercion, and the hazing itself. Screenshots are powerful.
- Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or anyone who might have information. Their testimony can be invaluable.
- Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or communications distributed by the fraternity, sorority, or organization.
- Financial Records: Keep track of all medical bills, any missed work or educational opportunities (lost wages), and tuition/fees paid.
- Academic Records: Document any impact on your child’s grades, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.
- DO NOT Communicate with the Fraternity/University Alone: Do not talk to fraternity or sorority leadership, university administrators, their attorneys, or their insurance representatives without legal counsel. They are not on your side; their priority is to protect the institution, not your child. They may try to obtain a statement, get you to sign documents that waive your rights, or offer a lowball settlement. Let us handle all communications.
- DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting anything about the incident on social media. Anything your child posts, or that you post, can and will be used against them by the defense to discredit their injuries or claims. Avoid any digital footprints that could undermine the case.
- Contact Attorney911 Immediately: The sooner you contact an experienced hazing lawyer, the better. Memories fade, evidence can disappear or be destroyed, and critical legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) impose strict time limits on filing a lawsuit. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of injury or death. Waiting too long means you could lose your right to sue forever. Our initial consultation is free and confidential.
Why Immediate Action is Critical for Bacon County Families:
- Evidence Preservation: The critical window for gathering crucial evidence—social media posts, witness statements, medical records—can close quickly. Sending preservation letters is a key early step we take.
- Legal Deadlines: The statute of limitations, typically two years in most states like Texas, can pass quickly. Don’t let your legal rights expire.
- Protecting Your Child’s Rights: Institutions are powerful. Having an aggressive legal team from the outset ensures their rights are protected and that they are not further taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.
- Sending a Message: Prompt, decisive legal action sends a powerful message to the fraternity and university that you will not tolerate this abuse and will hold them fully accountable.
Even if you are in Bacon County, distance is not a barrier to receiving our expert legal representation. We offer convenient video consultations for families who cannot travel, and we are prepared to travel to Bacon County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary. Your legal emergency is our call to action.
Bacon County Families: You Have Legal Rights. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now.
If you are a parent in Bacon County whose child has been hazed, you are at a critical juncture. The path to justice can seem daunting, but you do not have to walk it alone. We are Attorney911, and our commitment to fighting for hazing victims is not just theoretical; it’s a battle we are actively waging right now in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, we know how to hold institutions accountable, and we know how to win. We bring that same aggressive, data-driven representation directly to Bacon County families.
Bacon County Families – Call Now for a FREE Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We are available 24/7 for Bacon County hazing emergencies.
We understand the financial burden that comes with a medical crisis and the need for legal action. That’s why we work on a CONTINGENCY BASIS – meaning $0 upfront for Bacon County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid. This ensures that every family, regardless of financial capacity, has access to top-tier legal representation against powerful institutions.
What Bacon County Hazing Victims and Families Should Do Right Now:
- GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: Prioritize your child’s well-being. Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Document everything.
- PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE: Texts, photos, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails, witness contacts, any physical items—save it all. This digital and physical trail is crucial. Remember to use your phone to document everything, as Ralph Manginello stresses.
- DO NOT TALK TO THE ORGANIZATION OR UNIVERSITY: Do not communicate with the fraternity, sorority, university officials, or their lawyers without consulting with us first. They are not looking out for your best interests.
- DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Any posts about the incident, or even general posts about being “fine,” can be used against you. As we often advise, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.”
- CALL US IMMEDIATELY: Time is of the essence. Critical evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines like the two-year statute of limitations in most states (including Texas) can expire. As Attorney Manginello explains in our ‘Texas Statute of Limitations’ video, “the clock is ticking.”
We Serve Bacon County Hazing Victims – And Hazing Victims Nationwide
While our headquarters are in Houston, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, our reach and commitment to hazing victims extend far beyond Texas borders. Hazing is a national crisis, affecting colleges and universities in Bacon County and across America. We are equipped to handle your case regardless of geographic location through:
- Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue cases in federal jurisdictions nationwide, including those that challenge institutional practices beyond state lines.
- Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds active bar licenses in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when litigating against national fraternities and sororities whose corporate structures and operations often span multiple states.
- Video Consultations: Bacon County families can meet with us remotely via video conference, allowing for convenient access to expert legal advice without the need for travel.
- Travel Commitment: We are prepared to travel to Bacon County for depositions, client meetings, and trials as needed. Distance will not be a barrier to justice for your family.
- Bilingual Services: Mr. Pena is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier for diverse families in Bacon County seeking legal assistance.
Hazing is unfortunately not limited to fraternities and sororities. We represent victims of hazing in a wide array of problematic organizations, including:
- Fraternities and sororities at institutions near Bacon County
- Sports teams at colleges and high schools
- Marching bands and other performing arts groups
- ROTC programs and military academies
- Clubs and student organizations
- Any group that uses abuse, coercion, or ritualistic humiliation as a condition of membership
To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:
We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Our lawsuit details how another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts on October 15, and another was hog-tied face-down. You, too, were subjected to waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical punishment, and psychological abuse. You have rights, and we can represent you. As Lupe Pena emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Call us; let’s bring all responsible parties to justice.