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February 13, 2026 27 min read
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Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Legal Guide for Bardwell Families

If you’re a parent in Bardwell, Texas, and you’ve recently noticed your college student coming home with unexplained injuries, extreme exhaustion, or a sudden change in personality after joining a campus organization, you’re not alone. Right here in Ellis County, we’ve helped families navigate the devastating aftermath of hazing incidents that begin as “harmless tradition” and end with hospitalization, lifelong trauma, or worse.

Just hours from Bardwell at the University of Houston, we’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. His story isn’t an isolated incident—it’s a pattern repeating across Texas campuses where your children may be studying. As Bardwell families send students to nearby universities and major Texas institutions, understanding hazing’s modern reality, your legal rights under Texas law, and how to protect your child has never been more critical.

When Every Minute Counts: Immediate Help for Bardwell Families

If your child is in danger or injured RIGHT NOW:

  • Call 911 for medical emergencies
  • Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
  • We provide immediate help 24/7—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours after discovering hazing:

  1. Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
  2. Preserve evidence BEFORE it disappears:
    • Screenshot all group chats, texts, and DMs immediately
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles with good lighting
    • Save physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
  3. Write down everything while memory is fresh
  4. Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours

Do NOT:

  • Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
  • Post details on public social media

Evidence disappears rapidly in hazing cases—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. Universities move quickly to control narratives. We help Bardwell families preserve evidence and protect their child’s rights from day one.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Bardwell parents who may not have experienced modern Greek life themselves, hazing has evolved far beyond “pranks” or “initiation rituals.” Today’s hazing involves sophisticated psychological manipulation, digital control, and carefully hidden abuse that often escapes university detection until it’s too late.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)

  • 24/7 digital control through GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord
  • Mandatory “on-call” status for errands at all hours
  • Geographic tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
  • Social media policing and forced content sharing
  • “Optional” events that carry severe social consequences for non-attendance

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creating Hostile Environments)

  • Sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls for “mandatory meetings”
  • Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive bland foods
  • “Smokings”—extreme calisthenics like hundreds of push-ups until collapse
  • Public humiliation through embarrassing costumes or performances
  • Verbal abuse and degradation framed as “character building”

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

  • Forced alcohol consumption games like “Big/Little” nights or “Bible study”
  • Physical beatings with paddles, belts, or hands
  • Dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles or “glass ceiling” rituals
  • Sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts
  • Chemical exposure like the Texas A&M SAE case where pledges suffered severe burns from industrial cleaner

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Texas Wake-Up Call

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—and it happened just a short drive from Bardwell at the University of Houston. Leonel Bermudez, a UH student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter subjected him to:

  • The “pledge fanny pack” rule: Carrying condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items 24/7
  • Extreme physical abuse: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, and wheelbarrow races
  • Simulated waterboarding: Being sprayed in the face with a hose while threats were made
  • Forced consumption rituals: Drinking milk and eating hot dogs with peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
  • Cold-weather exposure: Working out in underwear during cold weather
  • Medical catastrophe: Hospitalization for four days with brown urine indicating kidney failure

This isn’t an isolated “bad apple” case. As detailed in the Click2Houston report and ABC13 coverage, this was a systematic pattern of abuse that the university and national fraternity failed to prevent despite clear warning signs.

Texas Hazing Law: What Bardwell Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing laws, but understanding how they apply to your child’s situation is crucial for protecting their rights.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization.

Key takeaways for Bardwell families:

  • Location doesn’t matter: Off-campus houses, remote retreats, or private properties are all covered
  • “Consent is not a defense” (§ 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
  • Criminal penalties escalate with injury: From Class B misdemeanor to state jail felony for serious bodily injury or death
  • Organizations can be prosecuted too: Fraternities can face fines up to $10,000 per violation

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State)

  • Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
  • Typical charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
  • Prosecuted by: District Attorney’s office in the county where incident occurred
  • Standard: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families)

  • Purpose: Compensation and accountability
  • Typical claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
  • Filed by: Your attorney on behalf of your family
  • Standard: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action—in fact, many hazing cases settle civilly before criminal proceedings conclude.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

  • Requires universities receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
  • Mandates improved prevention programs
  • Phased implementation through 2026 creates new transparency

Title IX Application

  • When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
  • Triggers additional university investigation requirements
  • Can provide additional legal pathways for accountability

Clery Act Requirements

  • Mandates reporting of certain crimes occurring on or near campus
  • Hazing incidents involving assault or alcohol crimes often trigger Clery reporting

Where Bardwell Families Send Their Kids: Texas University Realities

Bardwell students often attend nearby schools while also heading to major Texas universities. Understanding the hazing landscape at each campus is essential for prevention and early intervention.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Waxahachie, Ellis County)

Just minutes from Bardwell, SAGU represents the most local option for many Ellis County families. While smaller than state schools, campus organizations still carry hazing risks that Bardwell parents should monitor.

Key considerations:

  • Religious affiliation doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
  • Smaller campuses can mean less oversight of unofficial groups
  • Close-knit communities sometimes enable “this is just how we do things” mentalities

What SAGU families should know:

  • Document any pressure to participate in “character-building” activities that feel abusive
  • Religious framing (“spiritual discipline”) doesn’t justify dangerous practices
  • Even faith-based organizations must comply with Texas hazing laws

Major Texas Universities Bardwell Students Attend

University of Houston (60 miles from Bardwell)
The Bermudez case proves UH faces serious hazing challenges. With over 40 Greek organizations and a mix of commuter/residential students, hazing often moves off-campus to avoid detection.

Recent UH incidents include:

  • Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu: Systematic abuse leading to kidney failure and chapter closure
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during initiation events
  • Multiple other fraternities suspended for alcohol-related hazing and policy violations

Texas A&M University (140 miles from Bardwell)
The Corps of Cadets culture and strong Greek system create unique hazing risks that many Bardwell families encounter.

Notable A&M cases:

  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Pledges suffered severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts after being covered in industrial-strength cleaner
  • Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet allegedly bound between beds with apple in mouth during degrading hazing ritual
  • Multiple fraternity suspensions for alcohol hazing and physical abuse

University of Texas at Austin (190 miles from Bardwell)
UT’s public hazing violations database provides unprecedented transparency—and reveals ongoing patterns.

Documented UT violations include:

  • Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members forced to consume milk and perform extreme calisthenics
  • Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol hazing and forced physical activities
  • Various fraternities and sororities disciplined for humiliation-based initiation practices

Southern Methodist University (30 miles from Bardwell)
SMU’s affluent campus and strong Greek presence create environments where tradition sometimes overrides safety.

SMU hazing history:

  • Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Chapter suspended for paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation
  • Ongoing challenges with “unofficial” initiation events at off-campus houses
  • Private university status can limit public transparency about incidents

Baylor University (95 miles from Bardwell)
Following major athletic scandals, Baylor remains under scrutiny for organizational accountability.

Baylor incidents:

  • Baseball team hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
  • Ongoing concerns about athletic program cultures
  • Religious identity sometimes complicates reporting and accountability

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What’s Really Behind the Letters

When Bardwell parents see Greek letters on their child’s sweatshirt, they’re seeing just the tip of an organizational iceberg. Understanding the full structure is crucial for holding the right parties accountable.

Public Records Reality: Texas Fraternity/Sorority Organizations

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. For Bardwell families, this means we can identify every entity that might share liability in a hazing case.

Local Ellis County/North Texas Organizations Include:

  • Sigma Phi Lambda Inc (EIN: 201237505) – 4251 FM 2181 STE 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210 – Multiple chapter support organization
  • Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (EIN: 263170920) – 411 Texas St Room 219, Denton, TX 76204 – Academic honor society with campus chapters
  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (EIN: 237279532) – PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446 – National fraternity with Texas operations
  • Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN: 475370943) – 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204 – National fraternity housing corporation
  • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN: 364091267) – 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710 – National sorority chapter operations

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro (188+ organizations serving North Texas students):

  • Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth headquarters serving multiple campuses
  • Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth-based foundation supporting chapters statewide
  • Multiple Delta Kappa Gamma Society chapters for educators throughout the region

Why this matters for Bardwell families: When hazing occurs, liability often extends beyond the individual students to include housing corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations, and national headquarters. Our comprehensive directory ensures we identify every potentially responsible party from the start.

National Patterns That Predict Local Risk

The same national fraternities and sororities operating at Texas universities have established hazing patterns nationwide. These histories create “foreseeability” that strengthens civil cases.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Multiple Deaths Nationwide

  • Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): $10 million settlement after alcohol hazing death
  • David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): $14 million settlement
  • Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights consistently cause alcohol poisoning deaths

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Chemical Burns at Texas A&M

  • University of Alabama (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
  • Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns requiring skin grafts
  • UT Austin (2024): Assault lawsuit with severe injuries
  • Pattern: Physical abuse combined with substance hazards

Phi Delta Theta – Max Gruver Act Inspiration

  • Max Gruver – LSU (2017): Drinking game death led to Louisiana felony hazing law
  • Pattern: “Bible study” and trivia drinking games with lethal consequences

Pi Kappa Phi – Currently Fighting Them at UH

  • Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Big Brother night alcohol poisoning death
  • Leonel Bermudez – UH (2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure case we’re litigating
  • Pattern: Systematic physical and psychological abuse during pledging

These national patterns matter because they show universities and national headquarters knew or should have known about the risks. When the same dangerous practices occur at Texas campuses, that prior knowledge strengthens negligence claims.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

When Bardwell families come to us after a hazing incident, we follow a proven investigative framework developed through years of complex litigation against powerful institutions.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Frontier

Group Chats and Messaging Apps (Most Critical Evidence)

  • GroupMe: The most common fraternity/sorority communication platform
  • WhatsApp/Signal/Telegram: Encrypted apps increasingly used to avoid detection
  • iMessage/SMS Group Texts: Often contain planning discussions
  • Discord/Slack: Used for organizational coordination
  • Preservation Protocol: Screenshot entire threads immediately with timestamps visible

Social Media Evidence

  • Instagram/Snapchat Stories: Often show hazing in “real time” before deletion
  • TikTok Challenges: Sometimes used for humiliation or dares
  • Facebook Events/Photos: Can prove who organized and attended
  • Key Strategy: Capture before deletion; use digital forensics if already deleted

Medical Documentation

  • Emergency Room Records: Must explicitly state “hazing” as cause
  • Toxicology Reports: Blood alcohol levels prove forced consumption
  • Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
  • Specialist Reports: Kidney function tests, injury assessments

Institutional Records

  • University Conduct Files: Prior incidents involving same organization
  • National Fraternity Records: Risk management files and prior complaints
  • Police Reports: Both campus and local department filings
  • Obtained Via: Public records requests, discovery, and subpoenas

Damages: What Bardwell Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

  • Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment, including lifelong care for severe injuries
  • Lost Educational Opportunity: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
  • Diminished Earning Capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings for permanent disabilities
  • Example: In rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez’s, future kidney treatment costs can exceed $1 million

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts)

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: Documented through medical records and testimony
  • Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety requiring ongoing therapy
  • Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life or former activities
  • Humiliation and Reputational Harm: Especially when incidents become public

Wrongful Death Damages

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Immediate financial burden on families
  • Loss of Companionship: Particularly devastating for parents of only children
  • Emotional Suffering: Grief counseling and therapy for surviving family
  • Lost Financial Support: When deceased would have contributed to family

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate)

  • Purpose: Punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
  • Trigger: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts
  • Texas Caps: Generally limited but can be substantial in gross negligence cases

Insurance Coverage Realities

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry multiple insurance policies that often become battlefields in hazing cases.

Common Coverage Issues:

  • Intentional Acts Exclusions: Insurers argue hazing is intentional and thus excluded
  • Multiple Policy Layers: Chapter, national, university, and homeowner policies may all apply
  • Bad Faith Denials: When insurers wrongfully refuse coverage

Our Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers:

  • Value and undervalue hazing claims
  • Use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements
  • Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
  • Fight coverage under various exclusions

This insider knowledge means we negotiate from strength and prepare for coverage battles from day one.

Practical Guide for Bardwell Parents: From Suspicion to Action

Warning Signs Your Bardwell Student May Be Being Hazed

Physical Red Flags:

  • Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
  • Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
  • Sudden weight changes from food/water manipulation
  • Chemical burns or rashes from substance exposure
  • Signs of alcohol poisoning even if your child doesn’t typically drink

Behavioral Changes:

  • New secrecy about organization activities
  • Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
  • Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
  • Defensive reactions when asked about the group
  • Constant phone checking for “mandatory” messages

Academic Impacts:

  • Grades dropping suddenly
  • Missing classes or falling asleep during instruction
  • Losing scholarships or academic standing
  • Spending excessive time on “organization business”

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Open with Empathy, Not Accusation:

  • “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted/stressed lately. Is everything okay with your group?”
  • “Some college organizations have traditions that can get out of hand. Has anything made you uncomfortable?”
  • “No matter what you’ve agreed to or participated in, your safety comes first.”

Ask Specific but Non-Threatening Questions:

  • “What exactly do new members have to do in your organization?”
  • “Are there activities you wish you didn’t have to participate in?”
  • “What happens if someone says no to an activity?”
  • “Have you or anyone you know been hurt during initiation events?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

  • Listen without judgment
  • Validate their feelings and experience
  • Emphasize their safety over “loyalty”
  • Develop a safety plan together

The 48-Hour Action Plan for Bardwell Families

Hour 1-6: Immediate Crisis Response

  • Get medical attention for any injuries or intoxication
  • Remove your child from dangerous situations
  • Screenshot any messages they show you
  • Photograph visible injuries with good lighting
    Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?]

Hour 6-24: Evidence Preservation

  • Help your child preserve ALL digital communications
  • Secure physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
  • Request medical records from any treatment
  • Document witness names and contact information
  • Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence

Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions

  • Consult with an experienced hazing attorney
  • Decide on reporting to campus/local police with legal guidance
  • Refer all university/insurance contacts to your attorney
  • Create secure backups of all evidence
  • Begin documenting the emotional impact on your family

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Disappear

  • Mistake: Allowing your child to delete “embarrassing” messages
  • Reality: Looks like cover-up; digital forensics can often recover, but originals are strongest
  • Solution: Preserve everything immediately—even content that seems harmless

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

  • Mistake: Calling the chapter president or showing up at the house
  • Reality: Triggers immediate evidence destruction and witness coaching
  • Solution: All communication goes through your attorney once you suspect hazing

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

  • Mistake: Accepting quick settlements from university risk management
  • Reality: Often includes waivers of your right to sue
  • Solution: No signatures without attorney review

4. Public Social Media Posting

  • Mistake: Venting on Facebook about what happened
  • Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
  • Solution: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting for University “Internal Process”

  • Mistake: Believing the university will handle it fairly
  • Reality: Evidence disappears during “investigation”; witnesses graduate
  • Solution: Preserve evidence now; consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video on client mistakes for more detailed guidance on protecting your case.

Why Attorney911 for Bardwell Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Active University of Houston Case Leadership
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical—we’re in active litigation against the exact types of defendants Bardwell families face. We know their defenses, their delays, and their pressure tactics because we’re fighting them today.

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

  • Value and undervalue hazing claims
  • Use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements
  • Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
  • Fight coverage under intentional act exclusions

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Mr. Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants before. National fraternities and major universities don’t intimidate us—we know how to trace failures to policy, training, and institutional knowledge that juries believe.

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability
Mr. Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise:

  • Victims navigating criminal investigations
  • Witnesses with potential exposure
  • Families managing parallel criminal and civil proceedings

Texas Geographic Mastery
From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Bardwell and all of Ellis County. We understand:

  • North Texas university landscapes
  • Ellis County court procedures and jurisdictions
  • How cases flow through Texas’ legal system

Our Investigative Framework for Bardwell Cases

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation

  • Digital forensics for deleted messages
  • Medical record collection and analysis
  • Witness identification and interviews
  • Prior incident research through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Phase 2: Institutional Pattern Development

  • Subpoena university conduct records
  • Obtain national fraternity risk management files
  • Research prior similar incidents nationwide
  • Build foreseeability arguments based on organizational history

Phase 3: Expert Collaboration

  • Medical experts for injury causation and future care needs
  • Economists for lifetime cost calculations
  • Greek life culture experts for coercion analysis
  • Digital forensic specialists for evidence recovery

Phase 4: Strategic Litigation

  • Insurance coverage battles from day one
  • Defendant identification beyond obvious parties
  • Settlement vs. trial analysis based on full case valuation
  • Privacy protection throughout process

What Bardwell Families Can Expect Working With Us

Your First Call: Immediate Guidance

  • We listen to your story without judgment
  • Provide immediate evidence preservation instructions
  • Explain your legal options in plain English
  • No pressure to hire us on the spot

Case Evaluation: Realistic Assessment

  • Review all evidence you’ve collected
  • Research the organization’s history
  • Explain potential challenges and strengths
  • Provide preliminary damage assessment
  • Clear explanation of contingency fees

Investigation Phase: Building Your Case

  • Regular updates every 2-3 weeks
  • Collaborative approach—you’re part of the team
  • Respect for your family’s privacy needs
  • Strategic decisions made together

Resolution: Your Goals, Our Strategy

  • Settlement when it serves your interests
  • Trial readiness that forces fair offers
  • Privacy protections throughout
  • Accountability beyond financial compensation

Contact Attorney911 Today for a Confidential Bardwell Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends school in Ellis County or anywhere in Texas—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced legal teams; you deserve the same advantage.

Free, No-Obligation Consultation:

  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) 24/7
  • Direct line: (713) 528-9070
  • Email: ralph@atty911.com

Spanish Language Services Available:

  • Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com
  • Hablamos Español – consultas confidenciales en español

What to Expect in Your Consultation:

  1. We listen to your story without judgment
  2. Review any evidence you’ve collected
  3. Explain your legal options clearly
  4. Discuss realistic timelines and outcomes
  5. Answer all your questions about process and costs
  6. No pressure to hire us—take time to decide

We Serve All of Texas from Our Houston Office:
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Website: https://attorney911.com

Remember:

  • Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly
  • Early legal guidance protects your rights
  • You pay nothing unless we recover for you
  • Everything you tell us is completely confidential

Whether your child attends school in Ellis County or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has caused injury, trauma, or worse, call us today. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent this from happening to another Bardwell family.

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 | Spanish: lupe@atty911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez/UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

  • Click2Houston investigation: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
  • ABC13 coverage with detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
  • Hoodline summary of $10M lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

  • Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
  • Texas statutes of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
  • Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
  • How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

  • Free consultation and firm information: https://attorney911.com
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