The Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation for Burnet County & Central Texas Families

If your child attends college in Texas, the phone call you dread most isn’t about poor grades or homesickness. It’s the call where they describe being forced to drink until they vomit, being beaten with paddles as “tradition,” or collapsing from exhaustion during a mandatory “workout” in the middle of the night. For families in City of Burnet, Burnet County, and across Central Texas—Marble Falls, Bertram, Horseshoe Bay, Cottonwood Shores, and surrounding communities—this nightmare became reality for one Houston family. Right now, their case shows exactly how dangerous Texas hazing has become.

When University of Houston transfer student Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025, he didn’t know he was entering a system that would nearly destroy his kidneys and change his life forever. The lawsuit we filed on his behalf details a relentless campaign of humiliation and abuse: 24/7 monitoring via “pledge fanny packs” containing condoms and sex toys, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and extreme physical workouts that gave him rhabdomyolysis—a severe muscle breakdown that led to acute kidney failure and four days of hospitalization. His urine turned brown. His body shut down. And despite Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters knowing about serious hazing allegations, the abuse continued until a pledge nearly died.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s the pattern we see across Texas—from the University of Houston to Texas A&M, from UT Austin to Baylor. And for parents in Burnet County, whose children might attend nearby Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, or travel to major universities across the state, understanding this reality is critical.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN BURNET COUNTY

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 from anywhere in Burnet County

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

For Burnet County families sending children to college, understanding modern hazing is crucial. The old stereotypes of “harmless pranks” have been replaced by systematic abuse that leaves permanent physical and psychological scars.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
These behaviors establish power imbalances while seeming “harmless”:

24/7 group chat monitoring with mandatory immediate responses
Geographic tracking via apps like Find My Friends or Life360
Required servitude as designated drivers at all hours
Social isolation from non-members and family
“Optional” events that carry severe social consequences if missed

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)
This is where hazing becomes dangerous:

Sleep deprivation through 3 AM “meetings” or tasks
Food and water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting foods
Extreme calisthenics beyond safe limits (the “100 push-ups, 500 squats” pattern seen in the UH case)
Public humiliation in costumes or performances
Digital shame via forced social media posts or TikTok challenges

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)
This is what nearly killed Leonel Bermudez:

Forced alcohol consumption during “Big/Little” nights or drinking games
Physical beatings with paddles, fists, or objects
Dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles or “glass ceiling” rituals
Sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts
Exposure to extreme temperatures or hazardous conditions

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

What makes 2025 hazing particularly dangerous is how technology enables 24/7 control:

GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord for constant communication and humiliation
Snapchat and Instagram for sharing compromising content that disappears
Find My Friends and Life360 for tracking pledges’ every movement
Encrypted apps for planning and covering up abuse

For Burnet County parents, the warning signs are often digital: your child constantly checking their phone with anxiety, deleting message histories, or receiving messages at all hours.

Texas Hazing Law: What Burnet County Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing statutes, but understanding how they work is essential for families facing this crisis.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Framework

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Elements for Burnet County Cases:

Location doesn’t matter – hazing at off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or retreats is still illegal
Consent is NOT a defense (Section 37.155) – even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Mental health harm counts – psychological abuse qualifies as hazing
Recklessness is enough – they don’t need to have intended harm specifically

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional charges: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153)

This is critical for Burnet County families considering legal action:

Fraternities/sororities can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus
Individual officers can face charges for failing to report hazing they knew about

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154)

Texas law protects those who report hazing:

Immunity from liability for good-faith reports to universities or law enforcement
Medical amnesty in many university policies for those calling 911 in emergencies
This is why we tell Burnet County families: call for help first, worry about consequences later

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (The State’s Case):

Brought by prosecutors (Burnet County District Attorney, Travis County DA, etc.)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt”
Common charges: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in deaths

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Case):

Brought by victims or surviving families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Standard: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
Can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed
Can continue even if criminal charges are dismissed

Federal Law Overlay: What Every Texas Family Should Know

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires universities receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Mandates public hazing data by approximately 2026
Strengthens prevention education requirements

Title IX Application:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Creates additional reporting and investigation requirements
Can provide additional legal avenues for accountability

Clery Act Requirements:

Mandates reporting of certain crimes in annual security reports
Hazing incidents involving assaults or alcohol crimes often trigger Clery reporting

National Hazing Patterns: What Texas Families Are Up Against

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH follows patterns we’ve seen nationwide. Understanding these patterns helps Burnet County families recognize how systemic this problem is.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):

Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

Forced drinking during “Bible study” game
BAC reached 0.495% – six times the legal limit
Died from alcohol toxicity
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

Pledge given handle of liquor during “Big Brother Night”
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily

The Physical Abuse Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):

Extreme drinking during bid acceptance
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
12-hour delay before calling 911
18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

The Athletic Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

Sexualized and racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Shows hazing extends far beyond Greek life

What These Patterns Mean for Burnet County Families

Forced drinking nights are predictable and preventable – nationals know this pattern
Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes – calling 911 immediately saves lives
National organizations have seen this before – their “surprise” is often legally indefensible
Multi-million dollar settlements are common in serious injury and death cases
Individual officers can face personal liability – not just organizational liability

Texas Universities: Where Burnet County Students Face Hazing Risks

Burnet County families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the landscape at each campus is crucial.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis

For Burnet County Families: While UH is several hours from Burnet, its patterns reflect what happens statewide. Many Central Texas students choose UH for its programs and urban opportunities.

The Leonel Bermudez Case – Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter:
Our current case demonstrates the extreme dangers:

September-October 2025: Systematic hazing including 24/7 “pledge fanny packs,” mandatory chauffeuring, weekly humiliating interviews
November 3, 2025: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
November 6-9, 2025: Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual members
Outcome: Chapter suspended November 6, voted to surrender charter November 14

UH’s Greek Landscape:

Interfraternity Council: 17+ fraternities including Alpha Epsilon Pi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Phi
Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities
NPHC (Divine Nine): All historically Black organizations present
Multicultural Greek Council: Multiple culturally-based organizations

UH’s Response Pattern:

Publicly calls conduct “deeply disturbing”
Promises cooperation with law enforcement
Cites chapter closure as evidence of action
Yet systematic abuse continued for weeks under their watch

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

For Burnet County Families: Many Central Texas students choose A&M for its reputation and proximity. The culture of tradition creates unique hazing risks.

Recent A&M Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Chemical Burns (2021):

Pledges covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued for $1 million
Chapter suspended for two years

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations

Texas A&M’s Unique Challenges:

Corps of Cadets culture with military-style discipline traditions
Extensive Greek life with 50+ fraternities and sororities
“Tradition” often used to justify abusive practices
Network of off-campus “unofficial” houses for hazing

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

For Burnet County Families: UT Austin attracts top students from across Texas, including Burnet County. Its public hazing log provides unique visibility.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent systems:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Found to be hazing
Sanction: Probation, mandatory hazing prevention education

Texas Wranglers (2022):

Spirit organization violations including alcohol/drug misconduct
Sanction: Suspension, mandatory reforms

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024):

Australian exchange student assaulted at party
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Student sued for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

UT’s Greek Landscape:

One of Texas’ largest Greek systems
University Panhellenic Council: 14 sororities
Interfraternity Council: 16+ fraternities
Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council: Multiple Asian-interest organizations
NPHC: Historically Black organizations

Southern Methodist University: Affluence and Secrecy

For Burnet County Families: SMU’s private status and affluent student body create different dynamics, but similar risks.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended
Restrictions on recruiting until 2021

SMU’s Response Systems:

Real Response anonymous reporting system
Private university = less public transparency
Often resolves issues through closed administrative processes
Civil lawsuits may be necessary to uncover full truth

Baylor University: Faith, Football, and Fallout

For Burnet County Families: Baylor’s religious identity appeals to many Central Texas families, but its history shows institutional failings.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Pattern of minimizing public disclosure

Broader Baylor Context:

History of sexual assault scandal cover-ups
Religious branding vs. institutional protection
“Zero tolerance” rhetoric vs. repeated misconduct

Closer to Home: Texas A&M University-Central Texas & UMHB

For Burnet County Families: These closer options have their own Greek life and hazing risks.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen):

Growing Greek presence
Similar traditions to main A&M campus
Proximity to Fort Hood military culture influences

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton):

Christian university with Greek organizations
Smaller scale but similar power dynamics
Religious context may affect reporting and response

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Meet Local Chapters

For Burnet County families, understanding that local chapters are part of national organizations is crucial. These nationals have seen hazing deaths and injuries repeatedly.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Track

We maintain what may be Texas’ most comprehensive database of Greek organizations. For Burnet County families, this means we already know the entities behind the letters.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Burnet County Families

From IRS B83 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (Sample):

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN 273662583 – Lufkin, TX 75904 (IRS B83 filing)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing)
— Housing corporation for Epsilon Kappa Chapter at Lamar University
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – Houston, TX 77254 (IRS B83 filing)

From Cause IQ Metro Organizations (Austin-Round Rock Metro):

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX (University of Texas chapter house corporation)
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter – Austin, TX (University of Texas chapter house)
Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma – Austin, TX (University of Texas chapter house corporation)
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta) – Austin, TX (University of Texas chapter property)

National Brands with Texas Presence (IRS-Cause IQ Overlap):

Beta Upsilon Chi – Fort Worth, TX 76244 (both IRS B83 and Cause IQ listings)
Texas Kappa Sigma – Fort Worth, TX 76147 (educational foundation in both systems)
Pi Kappa Alpha – Multiple Texas locations (national pattern of hazing incidents)
Sigma Gamma Rho – Multiple Texas chapters (Waco, Commerce, Houston in both systems)

Why This Directory Matters for Burnet County Families:

Shows the financial and legal structures behind Greek organizations
Reveals insurance entities that may provide coverage
Demonstrates national networks that share patterns and risks
Provides starting points for investigation when hazing occurs

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University, alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
Texas Pattern: Multiple chapters at UT, Texas A&M, Texas Tech with hazing violations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Traumatic Brain Injury Case: University of Alabama, ongoing litigation
Chemical Burns Case: Texas A&M, $1M lawsuit, skin grafts required
Assault Case: UT Austin, exchange student with multiple fractures
National: Eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 due to pattern of deaths

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey: Florida State University, alcohol poisoning death
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (our current case)
Pattern: Systematic physical and psychological abuse across chapters

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver: LSU, alcohol poisoning death during “Bible study” game
Louisiana Response: Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, SMU

Beta Theta Pi:

Timothy Piazza: Penn State, alcohol poisoning death with delayed care
Pennsylvania Response: Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Criminal Outcome: 18 members charged with 1,000+ counts

Why National Histories Matter in Your Burnet County Case

Foreseeability: Nationals knew these patterns from other states
Pattern Evidence: Similar methods used across chapters
Negligent Supervision: Failure to implement effective prevention
Punitive Damages: Knowledge + inaction = potential for enhanced penalties
Insurance Coverage: National policies may provide additional recovery sources

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery for Burnet County Families

When hazing harms your child, building a strong case requires immediate action and strategic thinking.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos, Facebook posts
Deleted messages: Digital forensics can often recover them
Location data: Find My Friends, Life360, Snapchat Maps histories
Planning communications: Emails, texts about “traditions” or “initiation”

Medical Documentation:

Emergency room records: First medical contact after incident
Hospitalization records: Detailed treatment documentation
Lab results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function tests
Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs of injuries
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

Physical Evidence:

Injuries: Photographs from multiple angles over time
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, “pledge packs”
Clothing: Stained or damaged items from the incident
Receipts: For alcohol purchases or required items

Institutional Records:

University files: Prior conduct violations, probation records
National fraternity records: Risk management files, prior incident reports
Police reports: Campus and local law enforcement documentation
Witness statements: Roommates, other pledges, bystanders

Damages: What Burnet County Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
Lost income: Wages lost during recovery
Educational costs: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
Future earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings from disability

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma and embarrassment

Wrongful Death Damages (For Fatal Cases):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support: Deceased’s expected lifetime contributions
Loss of companionship: For parents, siblings, spouse
Parental grief and suffering

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel acts, cover-up attempts
Texas caps: Generally limited but can be substantial in gross negligence cases

The Defendant Universe: Who Can Be Held Accountable

Individual Students:
- Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
- Chapter officers with supervisory responsibility
Local Chapter:
- As a legal entity (if incorporated)
- Housing corporations that own chapter houses
National Fraternity/Sorority:
- Headquarters that set policies and collect dues
- Insurance entities that provide coverage
University/College:
- For negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
- Title IX violations if sexual harassment involved
Third Parties:
- Property owners of off-campus hazing locations
- Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
- Security companies that failed to protect

Insurance Coverage: The Hidden Battle

Why This Matters for Burnet County Families:
Fraternity and university insurers often fight coverage using:

Intentional act exclusions: Claiming hazing was intentional, not negligent
Criminal act exclusions: Arguing criminal behavior isn’t covered
Policy limit games: Multiple policies with overlapping coverage disputes

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

How insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Their delay tactics and settlement strategies
How to fight coverage denials and bad faith claims

Practical Guides for Burnet County Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Burnet County Student May Be Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Chemical burns or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning (slurred speech, vomiting, unconsciousness)

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone checking with visible anxiety
Defensive when asked about the group

Academic Red Flags:

Grades plummeting suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are they respecting your time?”
“What do they ask new members to do?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Burnet County Parents:

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

Get medical attention if injured or intoxicated
Remove from dangerous situation
Screenshot any messages shown
Photograph visible injuries
Write down everything they tell you
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for legal guidance

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

Preserve all digital communications (don’t delete anything)
Secure physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
Request medical records
Document witness names and contact information
Note university communications (don’t respond yet)

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

Consult with experienced hazing attorney
Decide on reporting to authorities (with legal guidance)
Refer university contacts to your attorney
Avoid insurance adjuster conversations
Backup all evidence to cloud storage

For Students: Safety Planning & Evidence Collection

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

Are you being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are you being told to keep secrets or lie about it?

How to Exit Safely:

In immediate danger: Call 911 first
Tell someone outside the group before resigning
Email resignation to chapter leadership (creates record)
Avoid “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Report retaliation to university and police immediately

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Full conversations with timestamps visible
Voice memos: Texas is one-party consent for recordings
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with scale reference
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed for record
Witness information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Your Texas Legal Rights:

Good-faith reporter immunity: Protected for calling 911 in emergencies
Consent is not a defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Civil lawsuit option: Available even without criminal charges
No-contact orders: Can be obtained through university or courts

For Witnesses & Former Members: Cooperation and Accountability

If you witnessed hazing or participated and now regret it:

Why Your Cooperation Matters:

Can prevent future injuries or deaths
Helps achieve real accountability, not just punishment
May provide legal protections through cooperation agreements
Allows you to make amends and prevent further harm

How to Cooperate Safely:

Get your own legal advice first (we can refer you to appropriate counsel)
Preserve any evidence you have (messages, photos, documents)
Document what you saw while memory is fresh
Understand your legal exposure and potential protections
Work with investigators through proper channels

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

MISTAKES BURNET COUNTY FAMILIES MUST AVOID:

Letting evidence be deleted: “Cleaning up” looks like cover-up and destroys cases
Confronting the organization directly: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Signing university “resolution” forms: Often includes liability waivers or lowball settlements
Posting on social media: Creates inconsistencies and helps defense attorneys
Letting your child attend “one last meeting”: Where pressure and intimidation occur
Waiting for university investigation: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Talking to insurance adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you

Why Attorney911 for Burnet County 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 Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”
Spanish-language services for Hispanic families (Se habla Español)

Complex Institution Experience (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams
25+ years of complex litigation experience
HCCLA membership (elite criminal defense credential)

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
125+ IRS-registered Texas Greek entities in our database
96 Texas university campuses mapped with Greek presence
Public records directory that starts investigations ahead of defense teams

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases:

Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
Brain injury cases with lifetime care planning
Rhabdomyolysis and kidney injury expertise (critical for cases like Leonel Bermudez’s)
Experience against billion-dollar institutional defendants

Our Investigation Process for Burnet County Families

Immediate Evidence Preservation:
- Digital forensics for deleted messages
- Social media evidence collection
- Witness interviews before memories fade
Institutional Discovery:
- Subpoena university conduct files
- Obtain national fraternity risk management records
- Uncover prior incidents and pattern evidence
Expert Collaboration:
- Medical experts for injury assessment
- Economists for damage calculation
- Greek life culture experts for context
- Digital forensics specialists for evidence recovery
Strategic Litigation:
- Multiple defendant identification
- Insurance coverage analysis
- Settlement vs. trial strategy development
- Privacy protection for your family

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases:

No upfront costs for our services
No fee unless we recover money for your family
Free initial consultation to evaluate your case
Transparent expense structure explained clearly upfront

Call to Action for Burnet County Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends school in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, Waco, or anywhere in Texas—you don’t have to face this alone.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911, we’ll provide:

Confidential Listening: We’ll hear your story without judgment
Case Evaluation: Explain your legal options based on Texas law
Evidence Review: Assess what you have and what we need to obtain
Strategy Discussion: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, or both?
Realistic Expectations: Timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today

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 or lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Services Available:
Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Serving Burnet County & All of Texas:
From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Burnet, Marble Falls, Bertram, Horseshoe Bay, Cottonwood Shores, and all Central Texas communities.

Whether your child was hazed at a major university or a smaller Texas campus, whether the abuse was physical, psychological, or sexualized, whether they were injured or “just” traumatized—we want to help you get answers, achieve accountability, and prevent this from happening to another family.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees explained: 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)
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