The Ultimate Guide to Hazing Litigation for Cinco Ranch, Texas Families: Understanding Rights, Risks, and Recovery

If you’re a parent in Cinco Ranch or the surrounding Katy area, watching your child leave for college is a moment filled with pride and hope. You’ve prepared them for academic challenges, but nothing prepares you for the phone call that changes everything. The call that says your son or daughter is in the hospital after a “pledge event.” That they were forced to drink until they collapsed. That they were subjected to humiliating, dangerous rituals in the name of “tradition.” This isn’t just a story from somewhere else—it’s happening right now at Texas universities where Cinco Ranch families send their children.

In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations are harrowing: a “pledge fanny pack” containing humiliating items, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park that led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. When Bermudez’s urine turned brown and he could no longer stand, he was hospitalized for four days. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended and then voted to surrender its charter, but the physical and psychological damage remains—and it could have been prevented.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Cinco Ranch, Fort Bend County, and across the Greater Houston area who need to understand the reality of modern hazing, Texas law, and what to do when the unthinkable happens. Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, the patterns are disturbingly similar. We’ll walk you through what hazing really looks like in 2025, the legal framework that governs these cases, and how families in our community can pursue accountability and recovery.

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 families in Cinco Ranch and the Katy area, understanding modern hazing means recognizing that it’s not just “boys being boys” or harmless initiation. Today’s hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often digitally-enabled abuse that leaves lasting physical and psychological scars.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – Often dismissed as “tradition” but designed to establish power imbalance:

Constant “on-call” status via GroupMe or WhatsApp
Forced chauffeuring of older members at all hours
Mandatory attendance at events that interfere with academics
Social isolation from non-members
Humiliating “scavenger hunts” or tasks

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Creates hostile, abusive environments:

Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings”
Verbal abuse and degradation in “interview” sessions
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Public humiliation via social media or group chats
“Voluntary” but coerced participation in degrading acts

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – High potential for serious injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption games (“Big/Little” nights, “Bible study”)
Physical beatings, paddling, or “workouts” beyond safe limits
Sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts
Dangerous physical tests (“glass ceiling” tackles, blindfolded challenges)
Chemical exposure (industrial cleaners poured on skin)
Off-campus “retreat” hazing at Airbnbs or remote locations

Digital Hazing: The 24/7 Control System

What makes 2025 hazing particularly dangerous is its digital component. For Cinco Ranch students at Texas universities, this often means:

Group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
Location tracking: Forced sharing of real-time location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media control: Dictated posting requirements, forced participation in humiliating “challenges”
Evidence destruction culture: Instructions to delete messages, coached responses if questioned
Cyber-harassment: Threats and intimidation continuing long after in-person events

Texas Hazing Law: What Cinco Ranch Families Need to Know

Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Here’s what this means for families in our community:

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

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: Furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Critical Legal Protections for Victims

Consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code §37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law.
Good-faith reporter immunity: Those who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith are protected from liability.
Organizational liability: Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be criminally and civilly liable.

Civil Liability Framework

When hazing causes injury or death, multiple parties can be held accountable:

Individual perpetrators: Those who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
Chapter/local organization: The fraternity/sorority chapter as an entity
National headquarters: For failing to supervise or enforce anti-hazing policies
Universities: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations
Property owners: Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurs
Alcohol providers: Under Texas dram shop laws

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Texas Hazing Tragedy Unfolding Now

For Cinco Ranch families, the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case isn’t just news—it’s a stark warning of what can happen at Texas universities. Here are the documented facts from the November 2025 lawsuit:

The Hazing Timeline

September 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
September-October: Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties
“Pledge fanny pack” requirement: Must carry 24/7 containing condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices, humiliating items
October 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
November 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
Multiple locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park for dawn/late-night workouts
Additional abuse: Stripped to underwear in cold weather, lying in vomit-soaked grass, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting followed by immediate sprints

Medical Catastrophe

Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure
Passed brown urine, unable to stand without help
Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels
Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response

November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspends Beta Nu chapter
November 14: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
University of Houston statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” cooperation with law enforcement promised, disciplinary measures up to expulsion
13 individual defendants named: Chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, and others
Organizational defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation

This case demonstrates exactly how quickly hazing can escalate from “tradition” to life-threatening injury—and why immediate legal intervention is crucial.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Cinco Ranch Families Are Up Against

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive data on Greek organizations across Texas. This isn’t theoretical—it’s real data that helps us build cases for families like yours.

Houston Metro Greek Organizations (188 Total)

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area, which includes Cinco Ranch and Fort Bend County, contains 188 Greek-related organizations. These include:

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Cinco Ranch Families

Houston-Area Greek Entities from IRS B83 Filings:

Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni, Houston, TX (IRS B83 public filing)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX (IRS B83 public filing)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, Houston, TX (graduate chapter, IRS B83)
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma Chapter, Houston, TX (graduate chapter, IRS B83)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter, Houston, TX (undergraduate chapter, Cause IQ metro listing)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Theta Chi Chapter, Houston, TX (graduate chapter, Cause IQ metro listing)
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX (alumni/house corporation, Cause IQ metro listing)
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – TX Lambda Chapter, Houston, TX (educators’ society, Cause IQ metro listing)
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459 (house corporation, IRS B83)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (house corporation, IRS B83)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204 (chapter entity, IRS B83)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter, EIN 392352450, Houston, TX 77254 (graduate chapter, IRS B83)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc, EIN 760221936, Houston, TX 77277 (professional society, IRS B83)
Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Inc, EIN 800209640, Houston, TX 77248 (grand chapter, IRS B83)
Hellenic Professional Society of Texas, EIN 742020182, Houston, TX 77266 (professional society, IRS B83)

Texas Statewide Greek Hubs Relevant to Cinco Ranch Families:

University of Houston Greek Organizations (from official roster):

Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu chapter – now closed due to Bermudez case)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma
Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma sororities
NPHC Divine Nine organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi

Other Major Texas Campuses Where Cinco Ranch Students Attend:

Texas A&M University: 42 Greek organizations in College Station-Bryan metro
UT Austin: 154 Greek organizations in Austin-Round Rock metro
Baylor University: Active Greek life in Waco metro (27 organizations)
Southern Methodist University: Strong Greek presence in Dallas-Fort Worth metro (510 organizations total)

How National Patterns Play Out Locally

The same national fraternities involved in high-profile deaths nationwide operate chapters at Texas universities attended by Cinco Ranch students:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement)

Texas chapters: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Local history: UH chapter previously sanctioned for hazing violations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama

Texas chapters: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Local incident: Texas A&M chemical burns case (pledges covered in industrial cleaner)

Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver death at LSU ($6.1M verdict)

Texas chapters: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor

Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State

Texas chapters: UH (Beta Nu now closed), Texas A&M, UT Austin

This pattern evidence is crucial for establishing that national organizations knew or should have known about hazing risks but failed to take adequate preventive measures.

Texas University Hazing Environments: Where Cinco Ranch Students Are at Risk

University of Houston: Our Backyard Reality

For Cinco Ranch families, UH is often the closest major university—just a 30-minute drive away. Our deep knowledge of UH’s Greek ecosystem comes from both the Bermudez case and years of monitoring campus safety issues.

UH Hazing Landscape:

50+ recognized Greek organizations
Multiple governing councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC, UGC)
Documented hazing incidents across multiple organizations
Public reporting through UH conduct system (though less transparent than UT’s)

Recent UH Hazing History:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha incident: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during hazing event
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse violations
2025 Pi Kappa Phi case: Resulted in chapter closure, $10M lawsuit
Pattern of off-campus hazing at houses in surrounding neighborhoods

What Cinco Ranch Parents Need to Know About UH:

UHPD jurisdiction limited on off-campus properties where much hazing occurs
Houston Police Department often first responders to off-campus incidents
Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
University may assert sovereign immunity as public institution
Prior conduct records obtainable through discovery in litigation

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Many Cinco Ranch students choose Texas A&M, drawn by its reputation and traditions. However, those traditions sometimes mask dangerous behaviors.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Reality:

2023 lawsuit alleging cadet bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Culture of “proper hazing” vs. “improper hazing” normalization
Military-style discipline sometimes crosses into abuse

Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (industrial cleaner on pledges)
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol hazing
Tradition-heavy environment that can enable abuse

Practical Considerations for Cinco Ranch Families:

Brazos County jurisdiction for on-campus incidents
A&M’s extensive alumni network can complicate reporting
Corps cases involve unique military-style chain of command issues

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

UT’s relative transparency through its public hazing violations page reveals patterns Cinco Ranch families should recognize.

Documented UT Violations Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Multiple fraternities: Probation for “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort” activities

UT’s System Provides:

Public hazing violations log (hazing.utexas.edu)
Clearer pattern evidence for civil cases
Documentation of prior knowledge by university

For Cinco Ranch Families with UT Students:

Travis County jurisdiction for Austin incidents
UTPD and Austin PD may both be involved
Prior violations on public log strengthen negligence claims

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

While fewer Cinco Ranch students may attend these private universities, the patterns remain relevant for families considering all Texas options.

SMU Considerations:

Private university status affects transparency
Affluent Greek culture with significant social pressure
Kappa Alpha Order suspension for paddling, forced drinking

Baylor Considerations:

Religious context complicating reporting dynamics
Baseball team hazing suspensions (2020)
History of institutional protection concerns

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence Collection for Cinco Ranch Families

When hazing occurs, evidence disappears rapidly. Here’s what families in our community need to preserve:

Digital Evidence Priorities

Group Chats (Most Critical):
- GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads
- Screenshot ENTIRE conversations with timestamps visible
- Include before/after context, not just incriminating lines
- Backup to cloud storage immediately
Social Media Evidence:
- Instagram stories/posts showing events
- Snapchat content (screenshot before disappearance)
- TikTok videos of “challenges” or rituals
- Facebook events/planning discussions
Location Data:
- Google Maps timeline
- Find My Friends history
- Uber/Lyft receipts showing event locations

Medical Documentation Protocol

Immediate Steps:

Go to ER or urgent care IMMEDIATELY
Tell medical providers: “This was hazing”
Request copies of ALL records:
- ER report and ambulance report
- Lab results (blood alcohol, kidney function, toxicology)
- Imaging (X-rays, CT scans)
- Discharge instructions

Follow-up Care:

Primary care documentation of ongoing issues
Specialist referrals (nephrology for kidney issues, psychiatry for PTSD)
Physical therapy records for injuries
Psychological evaluation for trauma diagnosis

Physical Evidence Preservation

Do NOT wash clothing worn during hazing
Preserve any objects used (paddles, bottles, props)
Save receipts for forced purchases
Photograph injuries from multiple angles daily (bruising evolves)

Witness Identification

Other pledges’ contact information
Roommates who observed changes
RAs or dorm staff who noticed issues
Former members willing to testify
Emergency responders’ names and agencies

Damages and Recovery: What Cinco Ranch Families Can Pursue

Hazing cases seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses:

Past medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery)
Future medical care (ongoing therapy, medications)
Life care plans for catastrophic injuries
Medical equipment and assistive devices

Financial Losses:

Lost wages for student or parent caretakers
Lost educational investment (tuition for withdrawn semesters)
Diminished earning capacity (permanent disability impact)
Future educational costs (transfer expenses)

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Physical Pain and Suffering:

Pain from injuries
Ongoing discomfort from permanent damage
Loss of physical abilities

Emotional Distress:

PTSD diagnosis and treatment
Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of trust in institutions

Loss of Enjoyment of Life:

Inability to participate in college experience
Damaged relationships and social isolation
Lost opportunities for normal development

Wrongful Death Damages

When hazing proves fatal, families can seek:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages

In cases involving particularly reckless or malicious conduct, Texas law may permit punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future behavior.

Practical Guide for Cinco Ranch Parents: Step-by-Step Response

First 48 Hours: Crisis Management

Hour 0-6: Immediate Safety

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Remove child from dangerous environment
Document visible injuries with photographs
Write down everything child says (memory fades)

Hour 6-24: Evidence Preservation

Screenshot ALL digital communications
Save clothing and physical evidence
Request medical records
Identify potential witnesses

Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions

Consult attorney before talking to university
Decide on reporting to police (with legal guidance)
Secure evidence backups (cloud storage, external drives)
Begin witness outreach (through attorney)

Working with Universities: What to Expect

University Response Patterns:

Initial concern followed by risk management
Pressure for “internal resolution”
Delays while “investigating”
Minimization of severity
Protection of institutional reputation

What NOT to Do:

Don’t sign university settlement offers without attorney review
Don’t let child participate in “informal resolution” meetings alone
Don’t accept confidentiality agreements that protect perpetrators
Don’t trust verbal promises without written documentation

Finding the Right Legal Representation

Look for Attorneys With:

Specific hazing case experience (not just personal injury)
Knowledge of Texas Education Code Chapter 37
Experience against universities and national fraternities
Resources for complex investigation (digital forensics, expert networks)
Understanding of both criminal and civil aspects

Why Local Texas Counsel Matters for Cinco Ranch Families:

Knowledge of Texas-specific laws and procedures
Relationships with local courts and experts
Understanding of Texas university systems and cultures
Ability to respond quickly to developments

Why Attorney911 for Cinco Ranch Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Advantage

We maintain the most comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations in the state, tracking 1,423 fraternities and sororities across 25 Texas metros. For Cinco Ranch families, this means we don’t start from scratch—we already know the organizational landscape behind the letters.

Our Data-Driven Approach Includes:

IRS B83 records of 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities
Campus-specific rosters from UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Metro-level organizational tracking (188 in Houston metro alone)
National incident database with pattern evidence

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity/university insurers fight claims
Understands coverage exclusion arguments and valuation tactics
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City explosion litigation experience
Federal court practice (Southern District of Texas)
25+ years handling high-stakes cases against powerful defendants
Not intimidated by university or national fraternity legal teams

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership provides criminal defense insight
Understanding of how criminal charges interact with civil claims
Ability to advise witnesses with potential exposure

Our Investigative Resources

Digital Forensics Expertise:

Recovery of deleted messages and social media content
Analysis of group chat patterns and planning evidence
Geolocation data examination
Social media behavior tracking

Expert Network:

Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, toxicology, psychiatry)
Greek life culture and tradition experts
Economists for damage calculation
Digital forensics specialists
Life care planners for catastrophic injuries

Proven Results in Complex Cases

While every case is different, our firm has recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. Our involvement in the BP Texas City litigation demonstrates our capability against institutional defendants with unlimited resources.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

What happens: Messages disappear, case becomes “he said/she said”
Our advice: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Fraternity Directly

What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Our advice: Document quietly, contact attorney before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What happens: You may waive legal rights for inadequate compensation
Our advice: NO signatures without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Social Media Posts About the Case

What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot inconsistencies, attack credibility
Our advice: Complete social media blackout, let attorney control messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University “Investigation”

What happens: Statute of limitations runs, evidence disappears, witnesses graduate
Our advice: Parallel track: preserve evidence while university investigates

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone

What happens: Recorded statements used against you, lowball settlements offered
Our advice: “My attorney will contact you” is the only response

Frequently Asked Questions for Cinco Ranch Families

Q: Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?
A: Yes, but public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity considerations. Exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee actions. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Each case requires specific analysis—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss your situation.

Q: Is hazing a felony in Texas?
A: It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.

Q: What if my child “agreed” to the activities?
A: Consent is NOT a defense to hazing under Texas law (Education Code §37.155). Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, fraud, or minor victims, different rules apply. TIME IS CRITICAL—call us immediately.

Q: Will my child’s name be public?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with successful outcomes.

Q: How much does it cost to hire your firm?
A: We work on contingency for personal injury cases—no fee unless we recover money for you. We advance all case costs and only get paid if we win. Initial consultations are always free.

Call to Action for Cinco Ranch Families Facing Hazing

If you’re reading this because hazing has touched your family, we want you to know two things: You’re not alone, and there is a path forward.

For Families in Cinco Ranch and Fort Bend County:
We understand the unique concerns of our community. Whether your child attends the University of Houston just down the road or any other Texas campus, we’re here to help. Our Houston office allows us to respond quickly when time matters most.

What to Expect When You Call Us:

Compassionate Listening: We’ll hear your story without judgment
Evidence Review: We’ll look at what you’ve preserved and advise on next steps
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline criminal reporting, civil litigation, or other paths
Realistic Assessment: We’ll give honest feedback about your case’s strengths and challenges
No Pressure: Take time to decide—we never push immediate decisions

Our Commitment to Your Family:

Immediate response when you call (24/7 availability)
Regular updates every 2-3 weeks on your case status
Aggressive evidence preservation and investigation
Strategic approach balancing accountability with privacy
Transparent communication about costs and process

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today:

Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Spanish Services: Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Serving Families Throughout Texas From Our Houston Office:
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

If hazing has impacted your family in Cinco Ranch, Katy, or anywhere in Texas, don’t wait for evidence to disappear or witnesses to scatter. Call us right now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll help you protect your child’s rights and pursue the accountability that can prevent this from happening to another family.

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 detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline case summary: 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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: 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