The Definitive Texas Hazing Guide for Families in Kendleton & Fort Bend County

A Letter to Kendleton Parents: When “Tradition” Turns to Trauma in Texas

If you’re a parent in Kendleton, Fort Bend County, watching your child head off to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, you hold a mix of pride and natural worry. You’ve worked hard, supported their dreams, and trust they’ll find community and success. But what happens when the very groups promising “brotherhood,” “sisterhood,” or “tradition” become sources of trauma instead?

Right now, in Harris County just a short drive from Kendleton, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, is our client in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. According to the lawsuit and Click2Houston coverage, Bermudez’s fall 2025 pledge period allegedly included forced physical abuse, humiliation tactics “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme workouts that led to rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t happening in some distant state—it’s happening right here in our Houston metro area, affecting a student whose family trusted a major Texas university and a national fraternity to keep him safe. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm to Bermudez continues.

This comprehensive guide exists because families in Kendleton, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, and across Fort Bend County deserve to understand the real risks their students face in Texas Greek life, athletic programs, Corps organizations, and campus groups. We’ll show you what hazing looks like in 2025, explain Texas and federal law, reveal patterns from national cases, and provide actionable steps if your family faces this nightmare.

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 using techniques from our evidence documentation video
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 Attorney911 within 24–48 hours: Evidence disappears fast. Universities move quickly to control narratives. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights from our Houston office, serving Kendleton families throughout Fort Bend County.

Hazing in 2025: What Kendleton Families Need to Recognize

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

Many Kendleton parents remember hazing as paddling or silly pranks. Today’s hazing has evolved into sophisticated, psychologically manipulative, and digitally enabled abuse. The Texas Education Code defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. What does that actually look like on Texas campuses?

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

TIER 1: SUBTLE HAZING (Often Dismissed as “Just Tradition”)

24/7 digital control: Mandatory GroupMe responses at all hours, location tracking via Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers at 3 AM, cleaning members’ apartments, running personal errands
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize with family or old friends
“Voluntary” but mandatory events: Late-night “study sessions” that interfere with academics during exam periods

TIER 2: HARASSMENT HAZING (Creating Hostile Environments)

Sleep deprivation: “Wake-up calls” at 2 AM for meaningless tasks, multi-day events with minimal rest
Forced consumption: Eating excessive amounts of bland food (milk, bread, hot dogs) until vomiting, then forced exercise
Public humiliation: Wearing degrading costumes around campus, performing embarrassing acts in public
Extreme “workouts”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, sprints in extreme weather

TIER 3: VIOLENT HAZING (High Risk of Injury or Death)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “gladiator” fights between pledges
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “elephant walks”
Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme heat, “kidnapping” transports

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Texas-Specific Example

The allegations against UH’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter illustrate how these tiers combine into catastrophic harm:

Subtle Elements: The “pledge fanny pack” requirement—pledges carried condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items 24/7. Mandatory “interviews” and overnight chauffeuring duties.

Harassment Elements: Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. Cold-weather exposure in underwear. Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”

Violent Elements: The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Another pledge allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. The result: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Kendleton families should understand hazing extends beyond fraternity houses:

Fraternities & Sororities: All councils—IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural
Corps of Cadets / ROTC: Military-style traditions at Texas A&M and other schools
Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheer—high-profile cases at Northwestern show this risk
Spirit & Tradition Groups: Texas Cowboys, Aggie Band, and similar organizations
Marching Bands & Performance Groups: Nationwide cases show hazing in arts organizations
Academic & Service Clubs: Even honor societies and professional organizations

Texas Hazing Law: What Kendleton Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Here’s what matters for Kendleton families:

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health AND occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

Key Points for Parents:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, Airbnb rentals, remote retreats all count
Mental OR physical harm qualifies—PTSD from humiliation is as valid as physical injury
“Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to intend harm, just ignore obvious risks
§ 37.155: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE – Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (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 Crimes: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals):

Brought by prosecutors (Harris County DA, Brazos County DA, etc.)
Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Standard: Beyond reasonable doubt
Outcome: Criminal record, potential incarceration

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties):

Brought by victims or surviving families
Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Standard: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)
Outcome: Financial recovery for medical bills, pain/suffering, future care

CRITICAL POINT: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil recovery. In fact, many hazing cases settle civilly before criminal trials conclude.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Mandates public hazing data by approximately 2026
Strengthens prevention education requirements
Impact for Kendleton families: More transparency about which Texas organizations have violations

Title IX & Clery Act:

Title IX triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Impact: Universities that fail to address sexualized hazing may face federal investigations

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Chapter officers (presidents, pledge educators, risk managers)
Members who participated or failed to intervene

2. Local Chapters:

The chapter as a legal entity (if incorporated)
Housing corporations owning fraternity houses

3. National Fraternities/Sororities:

Headquarters that set policies, collect dues, supervise chapters
Particularly liable when they had prior notice of similar conduct

4. Universities:

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) with possible sovereign immunity limitations
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) with fewer immunity protections
Liability based on knowledge, response, and control over organizations

5. Third Parties:

Landlords of off-campus houses who ignore dangerous activities
Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
Security companies failing to protect students

The Bermudez Case Defendant Universe Shows This Scope:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members (president, pledgemaster, risk manager, etc.)

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: The Deadliest Script

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): Pi Kappa Alpha pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night. $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pike, $3M from BGSU). Takeaway for Texas: The same “Big/Little” script occurs at Texas chapters.

Max Gruver – LSU (2017): Phi Delta Theta pledge in “Bible study” drinking game. Wrong answers = forced drinking. Died with 0.495% BAC. Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Takeaway: Drinking games framed as “education” are still lethal hazing.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Pi Kappa Phi pledge died during “Big Brother Night.” FSU suspended all Greek life. Takeaway: National Pi Kappa Phi has this pattern—relevant to Texas chapters.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013): Pi Delta Psi pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual. National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: “Cultural” rituals don’t excuse violence.

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing spanning years. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Takeaway: Hazing isn’t just Greek life—big-money athletic programs harbor abuse.

What These Cases Mean for Kendleton Families

Patterns repeat: The same scenarios (Big/Little nights, drinking games, physical rituals) recur nationally
Nationals have notice: Organizations know these patterns cause harm
Universities often fail: Institutional responses frequently prioritize reputation over safety
Litigation drives change: Major reforms often follow only after tragedies and lawsuits

Texas University Focus: Where Kendleton Students Attend

Understanding the Kendleton-to-Campus Pipeline

Kendleton families in Fort Bend County typically send students to:

Primary Destinations:

University of Houston (25-mile drive from Kendleton) – Major commuter campus
Texas A&M University (90 miles) – Popular for Corps and traditional college experience
University of Texas at Austin (165 miles) – Flagship academic destination
Prairie View A&M University (15 miles) – Historically Black university with strong Greek life
Blinn College (transition to Texas A&M) – Common pathway school
Houston Community College/Lone Star College – Local options before transfer

Secondary Destinations: Baylor, SMU, Texas State, Texas Tech, and other Texas schools

University of Houston: Your Neighbor Campus

Campus Profile: Large urban commuter campus with active Greek life. 50+ fraternity/sorority chapters across four councils.

Recent Hazing History:

2025: Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case – Our active $10 million lawsuit alleging catastrophic injury
2016: Pi Kappa Alpha – Pledge suffered lacerated spleen; chapter faced misdemeanor charges
Multiple other chapters on disciplinary probation for alcohol, coercion, and hazing violations

UH Hazing Policy: Prohibits hazing on and off campus. Reporting through Dean of Students, UHPD, online forms. Some transparency but less than UT Austin’s public database.

For Kendleton Families:

Jurisdiction: Cases may involve UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
Courts: Harris County district courts typically handle civil litigation
Evidence: Houston-based digital forensics experts crucial for recovering deleted messages
Local Advantage: We’re based in Houston with deep UH and Harris County experience

Texas A&M University: Corps and Greek Life Intersection

Campus Profile: Tradition-heavy campus with strong Corps of Cadets and Greek systems.

Notable Hazing Incidents:

2023: Corps of Cadets Lawsuit – Cadet alleged “roasted pig” bondage, simulated sexual acts, sought over $1 million
2021: Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Pledges allegedly covered in industrial cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Multiple fraternity suspensions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse

Unique Factors for Kendleton Families:

Corps traditions sometimes blur line between discipline and hazing
Brazos County jurisdiction (College Station)
A&M’s “Family” culture can complicate reporting
Our Approach: Experience with both Greek and Corps cases

Prairie View A&M University: Fort Bend’s HBCU Neighbor

Campus Profile: Historically Black university with strong NPHC (Divine Nine) presence.

Greek Life Significance: NPHC organizations have different traditions but face similar hazing risks. Paddling, though prohibited by nationals, persists in some chapters.

For Kendleton Families:

15-mile proximity makes PV a common choice
Understanding NPHC dynamics versus IFC/Panhellenic
Cultural considerations in investigation and litigation

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency Leader

Campus Profile: Flagship campus with detailed public hazing database.

Public Hazing Violations (Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk, perform strenuous calisthenics – probation
Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit group sanctions for forced workouts
Multiple organizations showing repeat violations

UT Advantage for Families: Public database helps establish pattern evidence. Shows which organizations have prior violations.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor: Private School Dynamics

SMU Profile: Private, affluent campus with strong Greek presence.

Baylor Profile: Religious identity with history of scrutiny over institutional responses.

Private vs. Public Differences:

Less transparency requirements
Different insurance structures
Religious considerations at Baylor
Still subject to Texas hazing law

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas

Why National Patterns Matter for Kendleton Cases

When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused deaths elsewhere, that shows foreseeability—the national knew or should have known this would cause harm. This strengthens negligence claims and can support punitive damages.

Major National Organizations at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

National History: Stone Foltz death (2021), multiple other alcohol hazing deaths
Pattern: “Big/Little” nights with forced excessive drinking
Texas Relevance: Same script used at Texas chapters

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT

National History: Multiple deaths nationwide; “traumatic brain injury” lawsuit at Alabama (2023)
Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021), assault lawsuit at UT (2024)
Pattern: Physical hazing combined with substances

Pi Kappa Phi – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT

National History: Andrew Coffey death at FSU (2017)
Current Texas Case: Our Leonel Bermudez lawsuit at UH
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing leading to medical crisis

Phi Delta Theta – Present at Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

National History: Max Gruver death at LSU (2017)
Pattern: “Education”-themed drinking games

Kappa Alpha Order – Present at Texas A&M, SMU

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions
SMU Incident: 2017 paddling and alcohol hazing suspension

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

At Attorney911, we maintain a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from public records. This isn’t theoretical—we use this data to identify all potentially liable entities in hazing cases. For Kendleton families, this means we start investigations with knowledge, not guesswork.

Sample Texas Greek Organizations from Public Records:

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 – THETA DELTA chapter
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – Houston, TX 77254
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 900293166 – College Station, TX 77843 – Texas A&M University chapter

Houston Metro Greek Landscape:

188+ Greek-related organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area
125+ Texas-registered organizations in IRS B83 filings (fraternity/sorority tax category)
Cross-referenced data showing national brands across multiple entity types

Why This Matters for Your Case:

Identifies housing corporations that may carry insurance
Reveals alumni associations that control chapter properties
Shows national organization footprints across Texas
Provides leverage in discovery and settlement negotiations

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery

The Evidence That Wins Texas Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Critical Category):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage – screenshot immediately before deletion
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchats, TikTok videos showing events
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends logs, Uber/Lyft receipts
Deleted Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages
Our Video Resource: Using your phone to document evidence

Medical Documentation:

ER records stating “patient reports hazing incident”
Toxicology reports showing blood alcohol levels
Specialist evaluations for rhabdomyolysis, kidney injury, PTSD
Critical: Tell medical providers the truth – “I was hazed”

Physical Evidence:

Photograph injuries immediately and over several days (shows progression)
Save clothing with stains, paddles, alcohol bottles, props
Do NOT wash or discard anything

Institutional Records:

University conduct files (obtained via discovery)
National fraternity risk management reports
Prior incident reports and disciplinary history

Witness Information:

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate later)
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who left the organization

Damages: What Kendleton Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical Expenses: ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing therapy, future care needs
Lost Educational Opportunity: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished Earning Capacity: If injuries affect career trajectory
Example: Life care plans for brain injury victims can exceed $10 million

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in college experience or activities

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of companionship and financial support
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional trauma

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

To punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
Available in Texas under certain conditions
Often tied to cover-ups or ignoring prior warnings

Insurance Coverage Battles: Where Experience Matters

Fraternity and university insurers routinely argue:

“Hazing is an intentional act excluded from coverage”
“The national organization didn’t know about local chapter conduct”
“The university has sovereign immunity”

Our Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how these companies fight claims, set reserves, and use delay tactics. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurers.

Settlement vs. Trial Realities

Most Cases Settle Confidentially:

Protects victim privacy
Avoids lengthy trial process
Still achieves accountability through financial impact

When Trials Happen:

Defendants refuse reasonable offers
Public accountability is prioritized
Setting legal precedent is important
Our Readiness: We prepare every case for trial—this improves settlement leverage

Recent National Settlement Benchmarks:

Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10 million total
Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1 million verdict
Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10+ million
Northwestern football cases: Confidential but substantial

Practical Guides for Kendleton Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Financial requests for unexplained “fines” or purchases
Academic performance plummeting
Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting brothers in trouble”

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose timing: Private, calm setting without distractions
Open questions: “How are things with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: They may feel shame or loyalty conflict
Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any group”
Offer support: “We’ll figure this out together”

48-Hour Crisis Checklist:

Medical care: ER evaluation even if they resist
Evidence preservation: Screenshot everything before deletion
Documentation: Write down everything they tell you with dates
Legal consultation: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before confronting anyone
University reporting: Consider timing with legal advice

For Students: Is This Hazing? What Are My Rights?

Self-Assessment Questions:

Would I do this if I could truly say no without consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?
Are older members making me do things they don’t do themselves?

Your Texas Legal Rights:

Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
Good-faith reporter protection if you call 911 for medical emergencies
Right to leave any organization at any time
Protection from retaliation after reporting
Civil lawsuit option regardless of criminal charges

Safe Exit Strategies:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted professor)
Send written resignation to chapter president (email/text for record)
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” – that’s when pressure intensifies
If threatened, document and report to campus police immediately

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Deleting Evidence

What happens: “I’m embarrassed, I want this to disappear”
Result: Looks like cover-up, destroys case, may be obstruction of justice
Solution: Preserve everything—embarrassing evidence often proves coercion

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization

What happens: Parents demand answers directly from fraternity
Result: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Solution: Let your attorney make first contact after evidence is secured

MISTAKE #3: Signing University Agreements

What happens: University offers “quick resolution” with waiver forms
Result: You may sign away right to sue for inadequate compensation
Solution: Never sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Social Media Posts

What happens: “I want people to know what they did!”
Result: Defense attorneys screenshot inconsistencies, use against you
Solution: Let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting Too Long

What happens: “Let’s see how the university handles it first”
Result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Solution: Consult attorney immediately—university process ≠ real accountability

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your case for more guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions for Kendleton Families

“Can we sue a Texas public university for hazing?”
Yes, with strategic approaches. Sovereign immunity has exceptions for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. We’ve successfully pursued claims against Texas institutions.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or discovery of harm in Texas, but exceptions exist. Time is critical—learn about statutes of limitations.

“Will our name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially. We prioritize client privacy while pursuing accountability.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t matter under Texas law. Many major cases involve off-campus houses, Airbnb rentals, or remote retreats.

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation. Learn how contingency fees work.

“Our child ‘agreed’ to it—do we have a case?”
YES. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize power imbalances and coercion.

Why Attorney911 for Kendleton Hazing Cases

Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Experience

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office serving Kendleton and all of Fort Bend County, we bring unique qualifications to Texas hazing cases.

Our Competitive Advantages

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation (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, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Active Texas Hazing Case Experience:

Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi
This isn’t theoretical—we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases
Direct experience with Texas courts, procedures, and institutional defendants

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Proven wrongful death and catastrophic injury settlements
Experience collaborating with economists on lifetime care valuations
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Dual Criminal+Civil Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense expertise
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth & Resources:

Network of experts: medical specialists, digital forensics, psychologists, economists
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—proprietary database of Greek organizations
Experience obtaining hidden evidence: deleted messages, chapter records, university files

Spanish Language Services:

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Servicios legales disponibles en español para familias hispanas
Cultural understanding of Texas’s diverse communities

The Manginello Law Firm Difference

We approach hazing cases differently because we understand what families really need:

Immediate Crisis Response: We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason—when you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get immediate help, not a voicemail.
Evidence Preservation First: Before strategy sessions, we focus on securing evidence before it disappears. Deleted group chats, coached witnesses, destroyed paddles—we know how organizations cover their tracks.
Institutional Knowledge: We understand how universities, national fraternities, and insurance companies operate. We’ve seen their playbooks from both sides.
Victim-Centered Advocacy: We prioritize your child’s recovery and your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing accountability.
Prevention Focus: While seeking compensation, we aim for institutional changes that prevent future harm. The Bermudez case has already shut down a dangerous chapter—that matters.

Serving Kendleton & Fort Bend County

Though based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Kendleton, Needville, Fairchilds, and all Fort Bend communities. Whether your student attends UH, Prairie View A&M, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, we have the experience and resources to help.

Local Advantages for Kendleton Families:

Houston-based firm understands Harris and Fort Bend County courts
Relationships with local medical providers and experts
Familiarity with Greater Houston Greek life landscape
Ability to meet in person when needed
Understanding of regional campus dynamics

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family—whether at UH, Texas A&M, Prairie View, or any Texas campus—we want to hear from you. Families in Kendleton and throughout Fort Bend County have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen Without Judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
Evidence Review: We’ll examine any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
Options Explained: We’ll outline legal paths—criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic Expectations: We discuss timelines, potential outcomes, and challenges
No Pressure: Take time to decide—we never push immediate retention
Cost Transparency: Contingency fee explanation—no recovery, no fee

Contact Attorney911 Today:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Availability: We answer emergencies when they happen
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello) or lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
Spanish Services: Se habla Español – contacte a Lupe Peña

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

News Coverage of UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
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/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
Evidence Documentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency Fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Firm 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 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