Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Bellville Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone

For parents in Bellville, Austin County, watching your child head off to college represents a proud milestone. You’ve imagined their bright future at Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, or another Texas campus. What you haven’t imagined—what no parent ever expects—is the phone call telling you your child has been hospitalized after a fraternity hazing event. Or the text messages showing humiliating demands from sorority leaders. Or the crushing realization that the university where you entrusted your child’s safety has allowed dangerous traditions to continue despite prior warnings.

Right now, just hours from Bellville in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu chapter house corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The details are stark: forced 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion, a “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and ultimately rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure that turned his urine brown and required four days of hospitalization. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage to Leonel continues.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, what national patterns tell us about institutional accountability, and what legal options Bellville families have when hazing injures their children. Whether your student attends a university near Bellville like Texas A&M or one further away like UT Austin or Baylor, the same dangerous patterns exist—and the same legal protections apply.

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Bellville families unfamiliar with modern Greek life dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “harmless pranks” of earlier generations. Today’s hazing combines psychological manipulation, digital control, physical endangerment, and institutional cover-ups that make detection and accountability increasingly difficult.

The Three Categories of Modern Hazing

Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)
This includes behaviors that emphasize power imbalance but are frequently excused as harmless: mandatory servitude (cleaning older members’ rooms, 24/7 driving duty), social isolation from non-members, sleep disruption through late-night meetings, forced attendance at events that interfere with academics, and deceptive practices like making pledges lie to parents about their activities. The “pledge fanny pack” rule in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case—requiring constant carrying of humiliating items—falls squarely in this category.

Harassment Hazing (Creating Hostile Environments)
These behaviors cause measurable physical or emotional distress: verbal abuse and degradation, food/water restriction, extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) beyond safe limits, public humiliation including forced embarrassing performances, and exposure to disgusting conditions. The forced milk and hot dog consumption followed by immediate sprints in the UH case exemplifies this category.

Violent Hazing (High Injury/Death Risk)
Activities with imminent danger: forced alcohol consumption (lineup drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor), physical beatings and paddling, dangerous “tests” like blindfolded tackles, sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts, and exposure to extreme environments. The hose spraying “similar to waterboarding” and the 100+ push-up/500 squat workout that caused rhabdomyolysis in the UH case demonstrate this most dangerous category.

Digital Hazing: The 2025 Reality

Modern hazing now extends into digital spaces that Bellville parents might not monitor:

24/7 Group Chat Control: Pledges required to respond instantly to GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord messages at all hours
Location Tracking: Mandatory use of Find My Friends or Life360 so members can monitor pledges’ movements
Social Media Humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, public shaming in digital spaces
Evidence Destruction Coaching: Instructions on how to delete incriminating messages and what to say if questioned

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Fraternities

While fraternities dominate headlines, Bellville students face hazing risks in multiple organizations:

Sororities: Increasing reports of alcohol hazing, sleep deprivation, and psychological manipulation
Corps of Cadets Programs: Military-style discipline crossing into abuse
Athletic Teams: From football to swimming, team initiation rituals can become dangerous
Spirit Organizations: Texas Cowboys, Cheer teams, and other tradition-heavy groups
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread is power imbalance: older members controlling new members through tradition, social pressure, and fear of exclusion.

Texas Hazing Law: What Bellville Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that protect students across the state, including those from Bellville attending Texas universities. Understanding these laws is crucial for families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student

Key Provisions for Bellville Families:

Location Doesn’t Matter: Applies on-campus, off-campus, at retreats, or private residences
Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Good-Faith Reporter Protection (Section 37.154): Those who report hazing or call for help in emergencies may have immunity
Organizational Liability (Section 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can face criminal prosecution and fines

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Hazing Cases:

Prosecuted by the state (district attorney’s office)
Possible penalties: Fines, probation, jail time (up to state jail felony for serious injury/death)
Burden of proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”
Recent Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal charges remain possible as investigations continue

Civil Hazing Lawsuits:

Filed by victims or families seeking compensation and accountability
Can proceed regardless of criminal case outcome
Targets multiple defendants: individuals, chapters, nationals, universities, property owners
Burden of proof: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
Our Current Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi seeks over $10 million for medical expenses, pain/suffering, and punitive damages

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

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

Title IX Implications:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Creates additional liability for universities that fail to respond properly
Can bypass some sovereign immunity defenses for public schools

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

Our experience handling the UH Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates the comprehensive approach needed:

1. Individual Students:

Chapter presidents, pledge educators, active members who planned or participated
UH Case Defendants: 13 named individuals including chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager

2. Local Chapter Entities:

Chapter housing corporations (often separate legal entities)
UH Case Defendant: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc

3. National Organizations:

Headquarters that collect dues, set policies, oversee chapters
UH Case Defendant: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters

4. Universities and Governing Boards:

For negligent supervision, premises liability, Title IX violations
UH Case Defendants: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents

5. Third Parties:

Property owners of off-campus houses
Alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragic cases that have made national headlines follow predictable patterns that Bellville families should recognize. These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re blueprints that repeat at Texas campuses.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021):

Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night
Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
Died from alcohol poisoning
Outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from university)

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017):

Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game
Forced drinking for wrong answers, BAC 0.495%
Died from alcohol toxicity
Outcome: Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” felony hazing statute

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017):

Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night”
Pledge given handle of liquor, died from alcohol poisoning
Outcome: FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021):

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) pledge event
Forced excessive drinking leading to permanent brain damage
Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants, multi-million dollar total

Texas A&M SAE Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges covered in industrial cleaner
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Outcome: Chapter suspended, $1 million lawsuit filed

Institutional Cover-Ups and Delayed Response

The common thread in nearly every fatal hazing case: delayed medical care due to fear of consequences. In Timothy Piazza’s death at Penn State, fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. This pattern of prioritizing chapter protection over student safety is exactly what we’re fighting in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, where despite obvious medical emergency signs, proper intervention was delayed.

Texas Universities: Where Bellville Students Face Hazing Risks

Bellville families commonly send students to several key Texas universities, each with its own hazing challenges and institutional responses.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Bellville Families: Located just over an hour from Bellville, Texas A&M represents both academic opportunity and significant hazing risks that Bellville parents should understand deeply.

Corps of Cadets Hazing History:

2023 lawsuit alleging cadet bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts as part of initiation
Tradition-heavy environment where hazing can be disguised as “discipline”
Bellville Connection: Many Central Texas students join the Corps for scholarship opportunities

Fraternity Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): 2021 chemical burns case requiring skin grafts
Multiple alcohol hazing incidents resulting in hospitalizations
Pattern: Physical endurance tests combined with substance hazing

University Response:

Separate conduct systems for Corps and Greek life
Public transparency limited compared to UT Austin
Bellville Parent Action: Document everything, request prior incident reports through open records

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Recurring Problems

For Bellville Families: While farther from Bellville, UT Austin attracts many Texas students and maintains the state’s most transparent hazing reporting system.

Public Hazing Violations Portal:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Forced milk consumption and extreme calisthenics, probation imposed
Texas Wranglers (2022): Alcohol hazing and forced physical activities
Multiple fraternities: Repeated violations despite sanctions

Notable Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student assaulted, suffering broken bones
Pattern of elite spirit organizations crossing into hazing

What UT’s Transparency Means for Bellville Families:

Prior violations are publicly documented
Creates strong evidence of “notice” and “pattern”
Our Approach: We use these public records to show universities knew risks existed

University of Houston: Our Current Battlefield

For Bellville Families: UH serves many Greater Houston area students and currently represents ground zero in Texas hazing litigation through our Leonel Bermudez case.

The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case (Our Current Litigation):

Hazing Methods: Fanny pack humiliation, forced consumption rituals, waterboarding simulation, extreme workouts
Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025, charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed against 17 defendants
Media Coverage: Featured in Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline

UH’s Historical Pattern:

Prior Pi Kappa Alpha incident involving lacerated spleen
Multiple fraternity suspensions for alcohol hazing
Significance for Bellville Families: Demonstrates even urban commuter schools face serious hazing risks

Baylor University: Private School Challenges

For Bellville Families: Baylor’s religious identity doesn’t immunize it from hazing problems, as Central Texas families have discovered.

Baseball Hazing Incident (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Staggered suspensions during season
Pattern: Athletic team hazing often overlooked as “team bonding”

Fraternity Environment:

Significant Greek life presence despite religious affiliation
Limited public transparency as private institution
Bellville Parent Consideration: Different legal standards apply to private vs. public universities

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Greek Culture

For Bellville Families: SMU’s reputation for affluent student body doesn’t eliminate hazing risks.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Chapter suspended for multiple years
Pattern: Tradition-heavy organizations repeating dangerous rituals

SMU’s Response System:

Anonymous reporting through Real Response system
Private university discretion in disclosure
Legal Strategy: We use discovery to obtain internal reports donors never see

The Greek Organization Landscape: National Patterns in Bellville’s Backyard

Bellville families should understand that the fraternities and sororities at Texas universities aren’t isolated local clubs—they’re chapters of national organizations with documented hazing histories that repeat across campuses.

National Organizations with Documented Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

National Incidents: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green), multiple alcohol hazing deaths
Texas Presence: Active at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights with forced consumption
Bellville Relevance: Same national organization, same risky traditions

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National Incidents: Traumatic brain injury case (Alabama), chemical burns (Texas A&M)
Texas Presence: Chapters across all major Texas universities
Pattern: Physical endurance combined with substance hazing
Our Experience: We’ve litigated against SAE chapters in Texas

Pi Kappa Phi:

National Incidents: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State)
Texas Presence: University of Houston (now closed), other campuses
Pattern: Physical workout hazing leading to medical emergencies
Current Case: We’re actively litigating against their national headquarters

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations

Our firm maintains comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations that informs our litigation strategy. For Bellville families, this means we don’t start from scratch—we already know the organizational structures and histories.

Texas Greek Organization Landscape:

1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metros
125+ Texas-registered organizations in IRS B83 filings
188 Greek organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro alone

Sample Organizations Near Bellville’s Region:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX 76244
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Nederland, TX 77627 (housing corporation)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Waco, TX 76710
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple Texas campuses

Why This Data Matters for Bellville Families:

We identify all potentially liable entities from day one
We understand organizational structures and insurance arrangements
We track patterns across chapters and campuses
Result: Faster, more comprehensive case development

How National Histories Create Legal Liability

When we take a case like the UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we don’t just look at what happened in Houston. We investigate:

Prior incidents at other Pi Kappa Phi chapters
National headquarters’ knowledge of risky traditions
Whether training and policies were effectively implemented
Pattern of similar conduct across the organization

This “notice” and “foreseeability” analysis is crucial for holding national organizations accountable. They can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen” when the same patterns have caused injuries and deaths at other chapters.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Compensation

When Bellville families come to us after a hazing incident, we implement a structured approach developed through cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi litigation and our broader complex litigation experience.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Frequently Destroyed):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord conversations with timestamps
Deleted message recovery through digital forensics
Social media posts, stories, and deleted content
Location data and timestamps from smartphone forensics
UH Case Example: Chapter group chats showed planning and coordination

Medical Documentation:

Emergency room records showing cause of injury
Toxicology reports for alcohol/drug hazing
Specialist evaluations for ongoing conditions
Psychological assessments for PTSD and trauma
UH Case Example: Hospital records confirmed rhabdomyolysis diagnosis

Institutional Records:

University conduct files on prior incidents
National fraternity/sorority risk management reports
Property ownership and insurance documents
Training materials and policy manuals
Our Approach: We subpoena these records early before they’re “lost”

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
Former members willing to break silence
Medical personnel who treated injuries
University officials with knowledge of prior issues

The Damages Bellville Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational opportunity (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity for permanent injuries
UH Case Example: Ongoing kidney treatment costs, potential lifelong monitoring

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real):

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, depression
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and reputational harm
Our Valuation: We work with psychologists and economists to properly value these losses

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support and inheritance
Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
Parents’ and siblings’ grief and mental anguish

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

For particularly reckless or intentional conduct
To punish defendants and deter future hazing
Legal Standard: Gross negligence or willful misconduct

Our Litigation Strategy: Inside Knowledge Matters

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

Value and reserve hazing claims
Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
Delay settlements to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Result: We counter their playbook because we wrote parts of it

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
From our BP Texas City explosion litigation to multi-million dollar wrongful death cases, we’ve faced billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. We apply these same skills to hazing cases:

Trace institutional knowledge through document discovery
Use expert networks to establish standards of care
Navigate federal and state court procedures
Manage cases against multiple coordinated defendants

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability:
With Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), we understand:

How criminal hazing charges affect civil cases
Witness cooperation and immunity agreements
Protecting clients with potential dual exposure
Coordinating with criminal defense counsel when needed

Practical Guide for Bellville Parents and Students

Warning Signs Your Bellville Student Is Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restrictions
Signs of alcohol poisoning even if your child doesn’t typically drink

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive reactions to questions about the group
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during instruction
Lost scholarships or academic standing

Digital Patterns:

Geo-location apps suddenly installed (Life360, Find My Friends)
Social media posts showing humiliating activities
Rapid message deletion when you approach

If You Suspect Hazing: Immediate Action Steps

First 24 Hours:

Medical Priority: Get professional evaluation even if injuries seem minor
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot everything before deletion
Documentation: Write down everything your child tells you with dates/times
Secure Items: Preserve clothing, objects, receipts related to the incident
Legal Consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university officials

Communicating with Your Student:

Use open questions: “Help me understand what they’re asking you to do”
Avoid judgment: “I’m concerned about your safety, not disappointed in you”
Emphasize support: “Nothing you tell me will change my love for you”
Safety first: “Your health matters more than any organization”

Navigating University Systems

What Bellville Parents Should Know:

Universities often prioritize controlling narratives over student welfare
“Internal resolution” processes may pressure you to waive legal rights
Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have different rules than private (SMU, Baylor)
Document every communication with university officials

Questions to Ask Universities:

“How many prior incidents has this organization had?”
“What specific steps did you take after those prior incidents?”
“Will you preserve all evidence during your investigation?”
“What interim protections will you provide my child from retaliation?”

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Based on our experience with cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi litigation, we’ve seen these errors compromise otherwise strong cases:

1. Deleting Digital Evidence

What happens: Parents tell children to “clean up” embarrassing messages
The consequence: Looks like evidence destruction, can be obstruction of justice
Better approach: Preserve everything, even if embarrassing

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What happens: Angry parents contact fraternity leaders
The consequence: They immediately lawyer up and coordinate defenses
Better approach: Let your attorney control all communications

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

What happens: Universities offer quick settlements with confidentiality clauses
The consequence: You waive rights to pursue full compensation
Better approach: No signatures without attorney review

4. Public Social Media Posts

What happens: Families post details to “warn others”
The consequence: Defense attorneys use inconsistencies against you
Better approach: Private documentation only

5. Waiting for University Investigations

What happens: “Let us handle this internally” promises
The consequence: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Better approach: Parallel preservation and investigation

Why Attorney911 for Bellville Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how fraternities, sororities, and universities operate—and how to hold them accountable. From our Houston office, we serve Bellville families throughout Texas with specialized hazing litigation expertise.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Knowledge That Changes Outcomes
Our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value and undervalue hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Result: We anticipate their moves and counter them effectively

Proven Experience Against Massive Institutions
We’ve taken on billion-dollar defendants and won. Our BP Texas City explosion litigation experience means we’re not intimidated by:

National fraternity legal teams
University general counsel offices
Coordinated multi-defendant defenses
Current Proof: Our active $10 million UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience
We’ve recovered substantial compensation for families in catastrophic cases through:

Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Comprehensive damages analysis beyond medical bills
Trial readiness that forces fair settlements
Bellville Families Deserve: The same rigorous approach we apply to all serious injury cases

Dual Criminal/Civil Hazing Expertise
With Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership and criminal defense background, we understand:

How criminal hazing charges affect civil litigation
Protecting witnesses with potential exposure
Navigating parallel proceedings
Unique Advantage: Few firms understand both sides of hazing cases

Investigative Depth and Resource Network
We deploy resources typically reserved for catastrophic injury cases:

Digital forensics experts for deleted message recovery
Medical specialists for injury documentation
Greek life culture experts for institutional analysis
UH Case Application: Comprehensive investigation revealing multiple liable parties

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Response:

Evidence preservation protocols within hours
Digital forensics referrals before deletion
Medical evaluation coordination
For Bellville Families: Quick action regardless of distance

Comprehensive Investigation:

Identify all potential defendants early
Subpoena university and national organization records
Track pattern evidence across chapters
Texas Advantage: Our statewide data on Greek organizations

Strategic Litigation:

Insurance coverage analysis from day one
Expert network deployment for standards of care
Settlement vs. trial evaluation based on facts
Client Focus: Your family’s priorities guide our strategy

Accountability Focus:

We pursue policy changes, not just compensation
Push for transparent reporting systems
Work to prevent future injuries
Current Impact: Our UH case already shut down a dangerous chapter

Take Action: Your Bellville Family Deserves Answers and Accountability

If your child has been hazed at any Texas university—whether near Bellville at Texas A&M or farther away at UT Austin, UH, Baylor, or SMU—you have legal rights and options. The patterns we’ve seen in our UH Pi Kappa Phi case repeat across campuses, and the institutions responsible must be held accountable.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Free, Confidential Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain legal options clearly
Answer questions about process and timing
No pressure to hire us immediately

Case Evaluation Process:

Initial Review: We assess the facts and potential claims
Evidence Preservation: Immediate steps to protect critical evidence
Defendant Identification: Who can be held accountable
Strategy Development: Custom approach based on your goals
Clear Recommendations: Your options with realistic expectations

Our Fee Structure:

Contingency basis: No upfront costs
We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
Transparent expenses: We explain all costs clearly
Accessible justice: Financial barriers shouldn’t prevent accountability

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Immediate Assistance:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781

Online Contact:

Website: https://attorney911.com
Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Email Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services available)

Service Areas:

Offices: Houston, Austin, Beaumont
Statewide Service: We represent Bellville families across Texas
National Coordination: Co-counsel arrangements for out-of-state cases

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español: Contact Mr. Lupe Peña directamente para consultas en español. Entendemos las barreras culturales y lingüísticas que enfrentan las familias hispanas en casos de hostigamiento.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) — “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
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 Eyewitness News (KTRK) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline — “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

“📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

“Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

“📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:
https://attorney911.com

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