The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability for Abernathy, Texas Families

A Message to Parents in Abernathy and Across the Texas Panhandle

Your child left for college with dreams of friendship, education, and new beginnings. Then the phone call comes—or perhaps the silence stretches too long. Your once-vibrant student now sounds exhausted, secretive, or is coming home with unexplained injuries. In the quiet moments, you wonder: is this just “college stress,” or has my child been hazed?

Right here in Texas, we’re confronting this nightmare head-on. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders on behalf of Leonel Bermudez. His story—detailing forced humiliation, physical torture, and life-threatening medical consequences—is not an isolated incident. It’s proof that dangerous hazing cultures persist on Texas campuses, institutions often fail to protect students, and families right here in our state need advocates who understand how to fight back.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Abernathy, Plainview, and throughout Hale County and the Texas Panhandle. Whether your child attends Wayland Baptist University right here in Plainview, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or any Texas campus from College Station to Austin, you deserve to know the truth about hazing, your legal rights under Texas law, and how experienced hazing attorneys can help your family seek accountability and prevent this from happening to another student.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

The Leonel Bermudez Case: Texas Hazing in 2025—A Warning for Abernathy Families

Before we discuss general patterns, let’s examine what’s happening right now at a major Texas university—because this could happen to any Texas student, including those from Abernathy attending schools across our state.

The Hazing That Nearly Killed a UH Student

In fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. What followed wasn’t “bonding” or “tradition”—it was systematic abuse that nearly killed him.

The Humiliation: Bermudez was forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items. Failure to comply meant punishment or expulsion threats.

The Physical Torture: At locations including the Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park, Bermudez endured:

Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills
Cold-weather exposure in only his underwear
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints
The “Nov 3 workout”: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion

The Medical Catastrophe: After the November 3rd abuse, Bermudez deteriorated for days. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and was rushed to the hospital by his mother. Medical tests confirmed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure with critically high creatine kinase levels. He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

The Institutional Response: The chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures and cooperation with law enforcement.

Why This Matters to Abernathy Families: This case—which we’re actively litigating—proves that universities and national fraternities continue to fail Texas students. The same national organizations present at UH also operate at Texas Tech, Wayland Baptist, and universities across Texas where Panhandle students enroll. The playbook is the same; only the campus changes.

Read the detailed media coverage of this case:

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Panhandle Students

Many Abernathy parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals.” Today’s hazing is more sophisticated, more dangerous, and often digitally documented.

Modern Definition: Beyond “Just Tradition”

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially: “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

Main Categories Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: The most common—and deadliest—form. This includes forced chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges drink in rapid succession, “Big/Little” nights where handles of liquor are consumed, and games requiring consumption for wrong answers.

Physical Hazing: Paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics (“smokings”), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous “tests” like blindfolded tackles.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, racial or sexist role-play, and public shaming rituals.

Psychological Hazing: Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and systematic humiliation designed to break down identity.

Digital/Online Hazing: Group chat dares on GroupMe or Discord, TikTok “challenges,” forced social media posts, location tracking via apps, and requirement to respond instantly to messages 24/7.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing occurs in:

Corps of Cadets/ROTC/military-style groups
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Marching bands and performance groups
Spirit squads and “tradition” organizations
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common thread: social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas-Specific Laws for Abernathy Families

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for Panhandle families considering legal action.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Definition: Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization

Plain English for Abernathy Parents: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group—and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk—that’s hazing under Texas law.

Key Texas Provisions:

Location doesn’t matter: Can happen on or off campus
Mental or physical harm: Both are covered
“Reckless” is enough: Doesn’t require malicious intent
Consent is NOT a defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (DA’s office)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Penalties in Texas: Class B misdemeanor (default), Class A if injury requires medical treatment, State Jail Felony if serious bodily injury or death

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Key point: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case

Federal Overlay Affecting Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026).

Title IX/Clery Act: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Clery requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up.

Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if a legal entity).

National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents.

University or Governing Board: Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories, especially if there were prior warnings, poor policy enforcement, or deliberate indifference.

Third Parties: Landlords/owners of houses/event spaces, bars/alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), security companies.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Precedents That Protect Texas Students

Major national cases have shaped the legal landscape and provide powerful precedents for Texas families.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking, severe falls captured on chapter cameras, hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law resulted.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Multiple members charged, one convicted of negligent homicide. Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute).

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during pledge night. Died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions, $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Takeaway for Abernathy Families: These cases prove that forced drinking rituals are predictable, deadly, and result in significant liability for organizations and universities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Pledge at fraternity retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual, suffered fatal head injuries, help was delayed. Multiple members convicted, national fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national organizations face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Abernathy Families

Common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing are not alone and operate in a landscape shaped by these national lessons.

Texas Focus: Where Abernathy Families Send Their Kids—And What They Face

Understanding the Educational Landscape for Panhandle Families

Families in Abernathy, Plainview, and throughout Hale County typically see their students attend:

Local & Regional Options:

Wayland Baptist University (Plainview, Hale County) – Right here in our community
Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County) – Major regional university 60 miles from Abernathy
West Texas A&M University (Canyon, Randall County) – Another Panhandle option
Amarillo College & Texas A&M University–Central Texas – Additional regional choices

Major Texas Universities (Common Destinations):

University of Texas at Austin – Flagship campus
Texas A&M University – College Station flagship
University of Houston – Where the Bermudez case occurred
Baylor University – Waco private university
Southern Methodist University – Dallas private university
Texas State University – San Marcos

The Reality: Whether your child stays close to home at Wayland Baptist or ventures to UT Austin, hazing risks exist. The organizations involved are often the same national groups with documented histories of abuse.

Texas University Hazing Transparency Varies

University of Texas at Austin: Maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. This transparency helps families see patterns.

Other Texas Schools: Vary in public disclosure. Some provide minimal information unless forced through litigation or public records requests.

Our Investigative Advantage: We maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine that tracks organizations across Texas campuses, helping us identify patterns even when universities aren’t transparent.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Matter for Abernathy Students

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Cases

Many fraternities/sororities at Texas schools are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories. When a Texas chapter repeats patterns seen in other states, that shows foreseeability—a key legal concept meaning the organization should have known this could happen.

National HQs typically:

Have extensive anti-hazing policies because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries
Know the dangerous patterns: forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, humiliating rituals
Have been sued, fined, or had chapters closed elsewhere

Organization Patterns Seen at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ/Pike): Stone Foltz hazing death (BGSU, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement). Present at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other Texas campuses.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ/SAE): Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama, chemical burns case at Texas A&M, assault case at UT Austin. One of the most frequently sanctioned nationals.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Max Gruver hazing death (LSU) leading to Louisiana felony statute. Present at multiple Texas schools.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Andrew Coffey hazing death (FSU), and now the Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston that we’re litigating.

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Hazing suspensions including SMU chapter (2017 paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation incident).

These patterns matter because they show national organizations had prior warnings. Courts consider whether nationals meaningfully enforced policies or responded aggressively enough to prior incidents—affecting settlement leverage, insurance coverage disputes, and potential for punitive damages.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Abernathy Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records of Greek organizations across Texas. This directory helps families understand the complex network behind campus Greek life.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Data)

The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations. Examples relevant to Panhandle families include:

Wayland Baptist University & Texas Panhandle Organizations:

Frank Heflin Foundation, EIN 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015 – Phi Delta Theta alumni fund supporting West Texas A&M University
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association, EIN 752290669, Amarillo, TX 79118 – Chi Omega chapter housing entity
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Delta Chapter, Amarillo, TX – Educators’ society chapter
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter, Canyon, TX – West Texas A&M University chapter

Texas Tech University & Lubbock Organizations:

Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation, EIN 237359384, Lubbock, TX 79401
Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter, EIN 473967233, Lubbock, TX 79416
TKE OP Housing, EIN 475033161, Lubbock, TX 79423
Gamma Phi House Corporation of Kappa Alpha Theta, EIN 751283953, Lubbock, TX 79423
Farm House Fraternity Inc., EIN 751565336, Lubbock, TX 79416 – Texas Tech University chapter

Statewide Honor Societies (Present at Multiple Campuses):

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 263170920, Denton, TX 76204 – Texas Woman’s University chapter
The same national brands appear across Texas metros and campuses—we track these connections to understand organizational networks and liability structures.

Texas Universities Where Abernathy Students Enroll

From our comprehensive Texas university database:

Hale County & Immediate Area:

Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Hale County

Regional Panhandle Campuses:

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Lubbock County
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Lubbock County
West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Randall County
Amarillo College, Amarillo, Potter County
Clarendon College, Clarendon, Donley County

Major Texas Universities (Common Destinations):

University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Travis County
Texas A&M University, College Station, Brazos County
University of Houston, Houston, Harris County
Baylor University, Waco, McLennan County
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Dallas County

Metro-Level Greek Presence in Panhandle Texas

Lubbock Metro Area: 59+ Greek organizations serve Texas Tech University and surrounding campuses, including undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, and honor societies.

Amarillo Metro Area: 18+ Greek organizations supporting West Texas A&M University and Amarillo College students.

Why This Directory Matters: When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability—the local chapter, alumni housing corporations, national headquarters, and insurance policies. We investigate all connected organizations to ensure full accountability.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Texas Families

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments (even disappearing content)
Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains preservation techniques: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed by members during events
Footage shared in group chats or posted socially
Security camera/doorbell footage at houses and venues

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials

University Records:

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension records
Incident reports to campus police/student conduct
Clery Act reports and similar disclosures

Medical & Psychological Records:

ER/hospitalization records (critical for injury documentation)
Surgery/rehab notes, toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled

Damages Recoverable in Texas Hazing Cases

Medical Bills & Future Care:

Immediate care (ER, ICU, ambulance)
Surgeries, ongoing treatment, physical therapy
Long-term care for brain injuries or organ damage (like Bermudez’s kidney issues)

Lost Earnings/Educational Impact:

Missed semesters/withdrawal costs
Setbacks entering workforce
Reduced earning capacity from permanent injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to parents and siblings

Case-Specific Note: We describe damage categories, not predict amounts. Each case has unique facts affecting recovery.

Insurance Coverage & Defendant Strategy

National fraternities and universities often have insurance policies that may cover claims, but insurers frequently argue:

Hazing/intentional acts are excluded
Certain defendants aren’t covered
Policy limits apply

Our Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurers.

Practical Guides for Abernathy Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Abernathy Parents: Recognizing & Responding

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue/exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes, sleep deprivation, constant late-night activities
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal
Academic decline, missed classes, dropping grades
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, requests for money

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

If You Suspect Hazing:

Immediate safety first: If in physical danger, call 911
Document everything: Write down dates/times/details, screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Reporting options: Campus authorities (Dean of Students), local police, National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE)
Legal consultation: Contact experienced hazing attorneys early—we help preserve evidence before it’s destroyed

What NOT to Do:

Don’t confront the organization directly (they may destroy evidence)
Don’t sign university/insurance documents without legal review
Don’t post details on social media before consulting a lawyer
Don’t let the university convince you “this is being handled internally” if you want real accountability

For Texas Panhandle Students: Self-Assessment & Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If You Need to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
To quit/de-pledge: Tell someone outside the org first, then send written resignation
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If fearing retaliation, report that fear to Dean of Students and campus police

Your Texas Legal Rights:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in medical emergencies (good-faith reporter immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you are the victim, not perpetrator (even if you “agreed”)
You can request no-contact orders through university if harassed after reporting

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

We understand the complex position of former members who participated in or witnessed hazing. You may feel guilt, fear, or conflict about coming forward. Consider:

Your testimony and evidence may prevent future harm to other students
Cooperating can be an important step toward accountability
You may want your own legal advice about potential exposure
We can help navigate your role as a witness while protecting your rights

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms

Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements often below true value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer

Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Abernathy Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, Texas Tech) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (Baylor, SMU, Wayland Baptist) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm/cause wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Learn about Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much will this cost? We’re not wealthy.”
We work on contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. This makes justice accessible to all families, not just wealthy ones.

Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: Our Panhandle Promise

When your Abernathy family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful Texas institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity/university insurers value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
Economist collaboration for accurate damage assessment
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 data, university rosters, metro organization mapping
“We investigate the organizations behind the letters before we even meet you.”

Spanish-Language Services:

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles
Serving Texas Hispanic families with cultural understanding

Our Investigative Approach: How We Build Hazing Cases

Digital Forensics: Recovery of deleted group chats, social media evidence, geolocation data.

Organizational Investigation: Subpoenaing national fraternity records showing prior incidents, uncovering university files through discovery, tracking insurance coverage across entities.

Expert Collaboration: Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD), toxicologists, Greek life culture experts, institutional policy experts, economists, life-care planners.

Texas-Specific Strategy: Understanding Texas sovereign immunity issues, Chapter 37 hazing statutes, local court procedures across Texas counties.

What Makes Hazing Cases Different—And Why Experience Matters

Powerful Institutional Defendants: Universities and national fraternities have unlimited legal budgets, experienced defense teams, and strong incentives to minimize liability.

Insurance Coverage Fights: Insurers routinely deny coverage for “intentional acts,” requiring sophisticated arguments about negligent supervision vs. intentional conduct.

Evidence Preservation Challenges: Digital evidence disappears quickly; organizations coach members on what to say; universities control internal investigations.

Balancing Acts: Victim privacy vs. public accountability, criminal vs. civil tracks, settlement vs. trial considerations.

We’ve navigated these complexities before. The Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi is proof we’re actively litigating high-stakes Texas hazing cases right now.

Call to Action for Abernathy & Texas Panhandle Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at Wayland Baptist University, Texas Tech, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Abernathy, Plainview, and throughout Hale County and the Texas Panhandle have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for Confidential Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct: (713) 528-9070

Cell: (713) 443-4781

Website: https://attorney911.com

Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services: Hablamos Español—Contact Mr. Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Our Promise to Abernathy Families

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another Texas student. Whether you’re in Abernathy or anywhere across the Texas Panhandle, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com