Hazing Lawyer in Brown County, TX | Attorney 911 Fights for Hazing Victims

Brown County Families: Your Child Was Tortured. We Will Fight Back.

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s sometimes a crime. And when it happens to your child at a university near Brown County, Texas, you need a law firm that knows how to hold powerful institutions accountable — no matter where they are.

At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical. We’re in the fight right now. And we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to hazing victims and families in Brown County, TX, and across Texas.

Brown County Parents: This Could Be Your Child

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer for the upcoming semester. Pi Kappa Phi recruited him, hazed him, and hospitalized him with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme physical abuse.

The same fraternities operate at universities near Brown County. The same “traditions” exist. The same negligence allows hazing to continue. And the same legal rights apply to your child.

What Happened to Our Client — And What’s Happening to Students Near Brown County

The Hazing That Hospitalized Our Client

In Fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The hazing activities included:

✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
✅ Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
✅ Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to keep running
✅ Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
✅ A pledge lost consciousness during a workout — fraternity members had to elevate his legs until he recovered
✅ Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather
✅ Carry a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature at all times
✅ Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion if he didn’t comply

The result? Leonel couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. His mother rushed him to the hospital with brown urine — a classic sign of muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.

This Isn’t Just Happening in Houston. It’s Happening Near Brown County.

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including at universities near Brown County. The same national organization that failed to stop this in Houston is overseeing chapters where your child might be pledging.

And universities near Brown County have the same power — and the same failure — as UH.

• They know hazing happens.
• They have the authority to stop it.
• They choose not to act until someone gets hurt or killed.

Your child could be next.

Why Brown County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & UH

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, how to pressure institutions, and how to win.

This isn’t our first hazing case. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases and has successfully represented victims of fraternity abuse.

2. We Know How to Sue Powerful Institutions

Fraternities and universities have teams of lawyers, insurance companies, and PR firms working to silence victims. We know their playbook because both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers.

• Ralph Manginello — Former insurance defense attorney; knows how insurers minimize claims
• Lupe Peña — Former national defense firm attorney (Litchfield Cavo LLP); knows how corporations fight liability

We use their tactics against them.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere

While based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Brown County, TX.

• Federal court admission — U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
• Willingness to travel — We come to Brown County for depositions, meetings, and trials
• Remote consultations — Brown County families can meet with us via video

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and families in Brown County are Spanish-speaking. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:

• Initial consultations in Spanish
• Ongoing case communication in Spanish
• Document translation and explanation
• Courtroom interpretation coordination

No language barriers to justice.

5. $0 Upfront — We Only Get Paid If You Win

We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront.

• No hourly fees
• No retainers
• No financial risk
• We don’t get paid unless you get paid

Brown County families pay $0 to hire us. We only get paid when we win your case.

Who We Sue in Brown County Hazing Cases

Hazing cases involve multiple defendants — we sue everyone who played a role in the abuse.

We don’t just sue broke college students. We go after the deep pockets: national organizations, universities, and insurance companies.

What Brown County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing causes physical, psychological, and financial harm. We fight for full and fair compensation, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills — hospital stays, ER visits, specialists, medications, future treatment
• Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
• Educational costs — tuition, fees, lost scholarships
• Future earning capacity — if injuries cause long-term limitations

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering — the agony of rhabdomyolysis, forced exercise, paddling
• Mental anguish — trauma from waterboarding, humiliation, threats
• Emotional distress — PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
• Loss of enjoyment of life — impact on college experience, social life, activities

Punitive Damages

• For egregious conduct — waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse
• To punish the institution — send a message that hazing won’t be tolerated
• To prevent future harm — deter other chapters from engaging in hazing

Precedent cases show that hazing victims recover MILLIONS:

Brown County families can recover the same compensation.

Texas Hazing Law — Your Legal Rights

Texas Law Says: Consent Is Not a Defense

Fraternities will argue: “He agreed to participate. He knew what he was signing up for.”

Texas law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.

Texas Education Code § 37.154:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

The legislature specifically eliminated this defense. Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim “consented.”

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas

Universities near Brown County can also face penalties, including fines and loss of recognition.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Brown County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and other hazing injuries can be life-threatening
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Photos/videos — injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
• Text messages/emails — GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, iMessage
• Social media posts — screenshots of any posts about hazing
• Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Documents — pledge manuals, schedules, any written rules

DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Do Not Talk to the University or Fraternity Alone

• Universities and fraternities will try to control the narrative
• Their goal is to protect the institution, not your child
• Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — available 24/7
• Email ralph@atty911.com
• Schedule a free, confidential consultation

The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:

• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Prevent the organization from intimidating witnesses
• Build a strong case for maximum compensation
• Protect your child’s rights

Brown County Hazing Cases We Handle

We represent victims of hazing in all types of organizations, including:

• Fraternities and sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others)
• Sports teams (football, basketball, baseball, etc.)
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Military academies
• Honor societies
• Student clubs and organizations

If your child was hazed in Brown County or at a university near Brown County, we can help.

Hazing at Universities Near Brown County, TX

Brown County is home to strong community values and family traditions. But those same values are betrayed when universities near Brown County allow hazing to continue.

Universities near Brown County with active Greek life include:

• Howard Payne University (Brownwood, TX) — just minutes from Brown County
• Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX) — 1 hour from Brown County
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX) — 2 hours from Brown County
• University of Texas at Austin — 3 hours from Brown County
• Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) — 3.5 hours from Brown County

These institutions have a duty to protect your child. When they fail, we hold them accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Brown County

1. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Texas hazing law applies on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a fraternity house, private residence, or any other location, you can still pursue legal action.

2. What if my child participated in the hazing? Can we still sue?

Yes. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense. Even if your child participated in some activities, the organization is still liable for any abuse or harm.

3. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

2 years from the date of the hazing incident. This is called the statute of limitations. If you don’t file within this time, you lose your right to sue.

DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

4. Can we sue the national fraternity organization?

Yes. National organizations have substantial assets and insurance policies. They are often the deepest pockets in hazing cases.

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The housing corporation
• The university
• Individual members

5. What if the fraternity says it was “just tradition”?

“Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse. Waterboarding, forced consumption, and physical abuse are not traditions — they’re crimes.

6. Can we sue if no one was hospitalized?

Yes. You don’t have to be hospitalized to have a valid case. Hazing causes psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression — all of which are compensable.

7. What if the university already punished the fraternity?

University discipline is not enough. Many universities suspend or close chapters only after someone is hurt or killed. This is damage control, not justice.

We pursue financial compensation to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and to send a message that hazing won’t be tolerated.

8. Can we sue if the hazing happened at a private university near Brown County?

Yes. Both public and private universities can be held liable for hazing. Private universities often have substantial insurance policies that cover these claims.

9. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We protect our clients. Hazing victims often fear retribution for speaking out. We ensure your child’s safety and privacy throughout the legal process.

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” — we understand this fear and work to minimize risk.

10. How much is our case worth?

Every case is unique. Factors that affect case value include:

• Severity of physical injuries
• Extent of psychological trauma
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Impact on education
• Egregiousness of the conduct
• Whether the university knew about prior hazing

Precedent cases show that hazing victims recover millions. We fight for full and fair compensation for Brown County families.

Brown County Hazing Lawyer — Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child was hazed at a university near Brown County, you need aggressive legal representation. The fraternity, the national organization, and the university have teams of lawyers working to silence you. You need a team that will fight back.

Contact Us Now — Free, Confidential Consultation

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — Available 24/7
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims in Brown County, TX, and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier — we offer video consultations and travel to Brown County for your case.

Why Brown County Families Trust Attorney 911

✅ We’re actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit — we know how to win
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
✅ Federal court authority — we can pursue your case anywhere
✅ $0 upfront — we only get paid if you win
✅ Se habla español — no language barriers
✅ We come to Brown County — for depositions, meetings, and trials

Don’t let powerful institutions silence your child. Hold them accountable. Get the compensation your family deserves.

Brown County Parents: This Ends Now

For too long, universities and fraternities have hidden behind “tradition” while abusing our children. They’ve claimed ignorance while students were waterboarded, forced to exercise until they collapsed, and hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

But now, Brown County families have a choice.

• Stay silent and let the abuse continue?
• Or fight back and protect the next student?

We choose to fight.

Call Attorney 911 today. Let’s send a message that Brown County won’t tolerate hazing.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Justice for Brown County hazing victims starts now.