Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for City of China Families

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: When College Tradition Becomes Trauma

For families in City of China, Texas, the journey to watching your child go off to college often includes excitement about new opportunities—including joining campus organizations that promise friendship and tradition. But what happens when those traditions cross the line into abuse? Picture this: A student from Southeast Texas, perhaps from right here in Jefferson County, arrives at their chosen university. During “pledge week,” they’re told to carry a degrading “fanny pack” at all times, subjected to late-night workouts until they vomit, and forced through humiliating rituals by older members who call it “building brotherhood.” The student becomes seriously injured—their urine turns brown from muscle breakdown—but fears reporting it because “everyone before them did it.”

This isn’t hypothetical. Right now, in Houston, our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the Click2Houston report, Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring what attorneys described as abuse “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of food until vomiting, and extreme physical workouts. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage remains.

If you’re a parent in City of China, Port Arthur, Beaumont, or anywhere in Jefferson County and Southeast Texas, this comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, and what legal options exist when universities and fraternities fail their duty of care.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS:

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: Modern Hazing Tactics

Many City of China families have outdated perceptions of hazing as “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. Today’s hazing is more sophisticated, more dangerous, and better hidden than ever. It’s not just about drinking games—it’s about power, control, and systematic abuse that can leave permanent physical and psychological damage.

Three Categories Every Southeast Texas Parent Should Recognize:

1. Digital Hazing & 24/7 Control
What used to happen only in basements now happens in group chats. Pledges are required to:

Respond instantly to messages at all hours (3 AM check-ins are common)
Share live location via Find My Friends or Life360
Post humiliating content on TikTok or Instagram as “challenges”
Maintain constant communication in apps like GroupMe, Discord, or Snapchat
Failure to comply results in punishment, often framed as “additional bonding exercises”

2. Disguised Abuse Masquerading as Tradition
Organizations have learned to rebrand dangerous activities:

“Wellness challenges” that are actually sleep deprivation
“Team building” that involves dangerous physical tests
“Character development” through public humiliation
“Historical reenactments” that involve racial or sexual degradation

3. Geographic Evasion
Hazing has moved off-campus to avoid detection:

Airbnb rentals in remote areas
Private homes of alumni or members’ families
Camping trips or “retreats” outside university jurisdiction
Multiple location rotations to avoid pattern recognition

The Medical Realities: When “Tradition” Causes Permanent Harm

The Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston illustrates the severe medical consequences modern hazing can cause. According to the ABC13 coverage, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, then made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. He developed rhabdomyolysis—a condition where muscle tissue breaks down and floods the bloodstream with toxins—leading to acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Other medical consequences we’ve seen in Texas hazing cases include:

Traumatic brain injuries from falls during intoxication
Chemical burns from substances poured on skin (as in a Texas A&M SAE case)
PTSD, depression, and anxiety requiring long-term treatment
Alcohol poisoning with permanent neurological damage
Physical disabilities from extreme calisthenics or beatings

Texas Hazing Law: What City of China Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code: Your Child’s Legal Protection

Texas has some of the nation’s clearer anti-hazing statutes, found in Chapter 37 of the Education Code. For families in Jefferson County and throughout Southeast Texas, understanding these laws is crucial for protecting your children.

§ 37.151: The Definition That Matters
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety of a student
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership
Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
“Consent is not a defense”—even if your child agreed, it’s still illegal

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties That Apply

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: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

§ 37.155: The “Consent” Protection
This is critical for Southeast Texas families to understand: Texas law explicitly states that the victim’s consent is not a defense to hazing charges. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

When hazing occurs, two separate legal processes may unfold:

Criminal Cases (The State’s Response)

Prosecuted by district attorneys (in Jefferson County, that’s the County Attorney’s Office)
Goal: Punishment (fines, jail, probation)
Charges can include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Your role: Victim/witness, not plaintiff

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Response)

Filed by victims or families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Targets: Individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities
Damages can include: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, wrongful death

Important: A criminal case is not required to file a civil lawsuit. Even if no criminal charges are filed, your family may have a strong civil case.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Protections

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

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

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger, requiring universities to:

Conduct prompt, thorough investigations
Protect victims from retaliation
Implement preventative measures

Clery Act Requirements
Universities must report certain crimes in annual security reports; hazing incidents often overlap with reportable offenses like assault, alcohol crimes, or sexual offenses.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Southeast Texas Hazing Case?

One of the most important lessons from the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case is that multiple parties share responsibility when hazing occurs. For City of China families considering legal action, understanding this “defendant universe” is crucial.

1. Individual Students & Chapter Officers

Those who planned, executed, or supervised hazing
Those who supplied alcohol or drugs
Those who delayed medical care
Those who destroyed evidence or coached witnesses

2. The Local Chapter

− As a legal entity (if incorporated)
− Through its housing corporation (if separate)
− Through its leadership structure

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Our investigation in the UH case revealed that national organizations often have:

Prior knowledge of similar incidents at other chapters
Inadequate enforcement of their own anti-hazing policies
Financial benefit from chapter operations despite known risks
Insurance coverage that should respond to claims

4. Universities & Their Governing Boards

Texas public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations but can still be liable for:

Gross negligence in supervision
Deliberate indifference to known patterns
Title IX violations when hazing involves sexual elements
Premises liability for on-campus incidents

5. Third Parties

Property owners where hazing occurred
Alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
Security companies that failed to intervene
Alumni advisors who knew or should have known

National Hazing Cases: Patterns Every Texas Family Should Recognize

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Lessons from Fatal Cases

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

Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)
Takeaway for City of China families: The “Big/Little” tradition is a recurring deadly script

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game: wrong answers = forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
$6.1 million verdict for family
Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” strengthening hazing laws
Takeaway: Drinking games aren’t games—they’re Russian roulette

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
Hours delayed before calling 911
Dozens of criminal charges against members
Pennsylvania passed “Timothy’s Law” enhancing penalties
Takeaway: Delayed medical care dramatically increases liability

Physical Hazing Patterns: Beyond Alcohol

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

Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Fatal traumatic brain injury
National fraternity criminally convicted
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway for Southeast Texas families: Off-campus retreats can be particularly dangerous

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed against chapter
Takeaway: Hazing methods evolve to include new forms of cruelty

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit
Takeaway: Big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse

Texas Universities: Where City of China Families Send Their Children

The Southeast Texas Connection: Universities That Matter to Our Community

Families in City of China, Port Arthur, Beaumont, and throughout Jefferson County typically send students to several types of institutions:

Local & Regional Options:

Lamar University (Beaumont, Jefferson County) – Many local students
Texas A&M University at Galveston – Coastal option
University of Houston – Major urban university drawing Southeast Texas students

Statewide Powerhouses:

Texas A&M University (College Station) – Traditional choice for many Texas families
University of Texas at Austin – Flagship academic institution
Baylor University (Waco) – Private option with strong Texas ties
Southern Methodist University (Dallas) – Private university with national reputation

University of Houston: A Case Study in Institutional Response

The Bermudez Case: What Happened and What It Means
According to the Hoodline summary, Leonel Bermudez’s ordeal included:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Extreme physical workouts culminating in rhabdomyolysis
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
Chapter suspension (Nov 6, 2025) and charter surrender (Nov 14, 2025)
University calling conduct “deeply disturbing” and promising cooperation with law enforcement

UH’s Greek Life Landscape:
UH hosts approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters across multiple councils:

Interfraternity Council (IFC): 17+ fraternities
Houston Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities
National Pan-Hellenic Council: All nine Divine Nine organizations
Multicultural Greek Council: Numerous culturally-based groups

UH’s Hazing Response System:

Reports to Dean of Students Office or Campus Activities
Investigations through Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
Possible outcomes: chapter probation, suspension, permanent removal
Critical insight: UH’s response to the Pi Kappa Phi case shows they will act when evidence is clear, but families often need legal help to ensure thorough investigation

Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps, and Accountability

The Corps of Cadets Context
For Southeast Texas families with children in or considering the Corps:

Military-style structure with intense tradition
History of hazing allegations despite official prohibitions
2023 lawsuit alleging “roasted pig” binding and other degrading acts
Important: Corps hazing cases involve both university and military-style chain of command issues

Recent Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021) – $1 million lawsuit
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol-related hazing
Ongoing monitoring of high-risk organizations

A&M’s Geographic Reach to Southeast Texas:
Many Jefferson County students choose A&M for its engineering, agriculture, and business programs. The university’s size (70,000+ students) means hazing incidents may not receive immediate attention without family advocacy.

Lamar University: Our Local Institution

Jefferson County’s Own University:

Main campus in Beaumont, serving City of China and surrounding communities
Greek life includes NPHC chapters and some IFC/Panhellenic groups
Smaller scale but similar risks as larger institutions

Local Jurisdiction Matters:
Hazing cases involving Lamar students may be investigated by:

Lamar University Police Department
Beaumont Police Department
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Our firm’s familiarity with Southeast Texas courts provides advantage in these cases

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Why Data Matters for City of China Families

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Southeast Texas Families

As part of our investigative approach, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. For families in City of China and Jefferson County, understanding this landscape is crucial.

Why We Share This Public Information:
If your child has been hazed, you deserve to know who stands behind the organizations connected to their campus. These aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities with insurance, assets, and organizational structures that matter for accountability.

Southeast Texas & Golden Triangle Greek Organizations (From IRS B83 Filings)

Our research of public IRS records shows these Texas-registered Greek organizations operating in our region:

Beaumont & Jefferson County Area:

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing – alumni/housing corporation)
Alpha Omega Epsilon – EIN 562652714 – Beaumont, TX 77710 (IRS B83 filing)
Numerous honor societies and professional Greek organizations at Lamar University

Greater Houston Area (Where Many SE Texas Students Attend):

Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing – alumni/house corp.)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing – undergrad chapter)

Statewide Organizations with Southeast Texas Connections:

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Beaumont Alumni – Beaumont, TX (Cause IQ listing – graduate chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Epsilon Chapter – Beaumont, TX (Cause IQ listing – Lamar Univ. undergrad chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Lamar Univ. – Beaumont, TX (Cause IQ listing – academic honor society)

Metro-Level Insight: Why This Matters for Your Case

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area (which influences much of Southeast Texas) contains 188 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These include:

Undergraduate chapters at UH, Rice, Texas Southern, and other Houston-area schools
Alumni chapters serving graduates in our region
Housing corporations that own property where hazing may occur
Honor societies and professional organizations

Cross-Validated Brands We Track:
Organizations appearing in both IRS data and metro listings include:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (appears in Beaumont, Houston, and statewide)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Nederland IRS filing + Houston metro listing)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (multiple Texas filings + Beaumont alumni chapter)

Why This Data Intelligence Matters:
When we investigate a hazing case for a Southeast Texas family, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

The legal names and EINs of organizations that may carry insurance
The network of related entities (nationals, housing corps, alumni groups)
Historical patterns of which organizations have faced prior allegations
How to trace liability through complex organizational structures

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations for City of China Families

Critical Evidence That Makes or Breaks Cases

Digital Evidence (The Most Important Category):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, execution, or cover-up
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat snaps capturing events
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts establishing where events occurred

Medical Documentation:

ER reports stating “patient reports hazing incident”
Lab results showing alcohol/drug levels, muscle enzyme elevations (like Bermudez’s CK levels)
Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, anxiety, depression
Crucial: Have medical professionals document the hazing connection in their notes

Physical Evidence:

Clothing with stains, tears, or substances
Paddles, props, or objects used in hazing
Receipts for alcohol purchases or “fines” paid
Preservation tip: Place items in paper bags (not plastic) to preserve evidence

Institutional Records:

University conduct files on the organization
Campus police incident reports
National fraternity/sorority risk management files
Insurance policies covering the organization

The Damages Framework: What Southeast Texas Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, including therapy, medications, surgeries
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarship value
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects
Out-of-pocket costs: Travel for treatment, adaptive equipment, tutoring

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective But Real Harm):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they once loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support your child would have provided
Loss of love, companionship, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Bad):

Awarded to punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
Requires showing gross negligence or intentional harm
Subject to Texas caps in many cases

Realistic Timeline: What to Expect

First 30 Days: Crisis Management & Evidence Preservation

Immediate medical care and documentation
Evidence preservation before deletion
Initial attorney investigation
Decisions about university reporting

Months 2-6: Investigation & Demand Phase

Comprehensive evidence gathering
Expert consultations (medical, psychological, economic)
Settlement demand preparation
Negotiation with insurers and universities

Months 7-24: Litigation Phase (If Necessary)

Formal lawsuit filing
Discovery process (document requests, depositions)
Mediation attempts
Trial preparation

Important Reality: Most cases settle before trial, but preparation for trial is what drives fair settlements. Universities and national fraternities know which law firms are trial-ready.

Practical Guide for Southeast Texas Parents & Students

Warning Signs Every City of China Parent Should Recognize

Physical Red Flags:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight loss or gain
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use in a child who doesn’t normally partake

Behavioral Changes:

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

Academic Impacts:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Withdrawing from academic commitments for “mandatory” events

Financial Irregularities:

Unexpected large expenses or “fines”
Requests for money without clear explanation
Receipts for bulk alcohol purchases

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

If You Suspect But Aren’t Sure:

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Do you feel like you can say no if something doesn’t feel right?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment
Thank them for trusting you
Focus on safety first, consequences later
Avoid “why did you let this happen?” language
Contact an attorney together for guidance

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Based on our experience representing Texas families, these errors compromise otherwise strong cases:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

What happens: Messages are deleted, photos erased, digital trail destroyed
The consequence: “He said/she said” situation where organizations claim nothing happened
Better approach: Screenshot everything immediately; use screen recording for disappearing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What happens: Members circle wagons, destroy evidence, lawyer up
The consequence: Investigation becomes exponentially harder
Better approach: Document everything quietly, let your attorney make first contact

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

What happens: Families sign away rights for quick apology or minimal punishment
The consequence: Waiving right to sue for adequate compensation
Better approach: “We need to consult with our attorney before signing anything”

4. Posting on Social Media

What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot posts, find inconsistencies
The consequence: Damaged credibility, waived privacy rights
Better approach: Keep everything private until case resolves

5. Waiting for University to “Handle It”

What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
The consequence: Case becomes unwinnable
Better approach: Parallel tracks: university process AND legal preservation

Southeast Texas-Specific Resources

Local Reporting Options:

Lamar University Police: (409) 880-7777
Beaumont Police Department: (409) 832-1234
Jefferson County Sheriff: (409) 835-8411
University of Houston Police: (713) 743-3333

Medical Resources:

Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas (Beaumont)
Christus Southeast Texas Health System
Houston Medical Center (for specialized care)

Legal Considerations Specific to Our Region:

Jefferson County courts have specific procedures we navigate regularly
Local relationships with opposing counsel can facilitate settlement
Understanding Southeast Texas community values helps in case presentation

Why Attorney911 for Southeast Texas Hazing Cases

Our Local & Statewide Perspective

While we’re based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of China, Port Arthur, Beaumont, and all of Jefferson County. We understand that hazing doesn’t respect county lines—a student from Southeast Texas can be hazed at UH, Texas A&M, or any campus, and they need attorneys who understand both the legal landscape and their home community.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña’s Defense Background)
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”
His insider knowledge is invaluable for Southeast Texas families facing well-funded opponents.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello’s BP Credential)
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation taught us how to take on billion-dollar defendants. National fraternities and universities have similar resources and defense strategies. We’re not intimidated by their size or legal budgets.

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

Advise on criminal exposure for involved students
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Work with prosecutors while protecting your civil rights

Spanish-Language Services for Our Community
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families in Southeast Texas who prefer consultations in Spanish. (Se habla Español – contacte a Lupe Peña a lupe@atty911.com).

Our Investigative Approach: The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine in Action

When we take a case for a Southeast Texas family, we deploy what we’ve learned from the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi investigation:

Step 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation

Digital forensics for deleted messages
Witness interviews before memories fade
Medical record collection with hazing context documented

Step 2: Organizational Mapping

Identify all potentially liable entities: chapter, housing corp, national, alumni groups
Trace insurance coverage through complex structures
Research prior incidents using our database of 1,423 Texas Greek organizations

Step 3: Strategic Demand & Negotiation

Calculate full economic and non-economic damages
Present compelling narrative backed by evidence
Negotiate from trial-ready position

Step 4: Litigation When Necessary

File in appropriate venue (often home county of victim or organization)
Conduct thorough discovery
Prepare for trial while seeking fair settlement

Call to Action for City of China & Southeast Texas Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Lamar University here in Jefferson County, University of Houston, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers; you deserve experienced advocates too.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen Without Judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
Evidence Review: We’ll look at any photos, messages, or documents you’ve preserved
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline criminal reporting, civil litigation, university processes
Realistic Assessment: We’ll give honest feedback on case strengths and challenges
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Us Today:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Local: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Spanish Services: Se habla Español – contacte a Lupe Peña

Our Commitment to Southeast Texas:
We serve families throughout our region, including City of China, Port Arthur, Beaumont, Nederland, Port Neches, Orange, and all of Jefferson County. We understand the unique dynamics of our community and are committed to holding powerful institutions accountable when they fail to protect our children.

Remember the Lesson from the UH Case:
Leonel Bermudez’s ordeal shows that even in 2025, severe hazing continues at Texas universities. But it also shows that with proper legal representation, victims can secure accountability, compensation, and institutional change. Your family deserves the same opportunity for justice.

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 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:
年 Documenting evidence with your phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
年 Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
年 Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
年 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 | lupe@atty911.com