The Complete Guide to Hazing & Greek Life Litigation for Families in City of Ross, Texas

If Your Child Was Hazed in College, You Are Not Alone

Imagine your child, a student from City of Ross attending a Texas university, is at an off-campus fraternity house for what’s billed as a “Big/Little reveal night.” The mood shifts from celebration to coercion. They’re handed a bottle of liquor and told, “Finish this or you’re out.” Around them, phones record every humiliating moment. When they collapse hours later, vomiting and disoriented, the first concern among the older members isn’t calling 911—it’s “Don’t get the chapter in trouble.” This is not a hypothetical scenario. It’s happening right now at campuses across Texas, including universities where families from McLennan County and City of Ross send their children.

In November 2025, our firm filed one of the most serious hazing lawsuits in recent Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are horrific: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under expulsion threats; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; and carrying a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items. He spent four days in the hospital with critically elevated creatine kinase levels. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage to Leonel—and the institutional accountability we’re demanding—remains ongoing.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in City of Ross, McLennan County, and across Central Texas. Whether your child attends Baylor University right here in Waco, commutes to Texas State, or studies at UT Austin, Texas A&M, or any other Texas campus, you need to understand:

• What modern hazing really looks like in 2025 (far beyond outdated stereotypes)
• How Texas law and federal statutes protect—or fail—your child
• The documented history of hazing at Baylor University, University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU
• Which national fraternities and sororities have the most dangerous track records
• Your legal options for seeking accountability, compensation, and reform
• Why choosing an attorney with specific hazing litigation experience matters

If you’re reading this during a crisis, here’s what to do immediately:

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW: Call 911 for medical emergencies. Then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.
• In the first 48 hours: Get medical attention immediately. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted—screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items. Write down everything while memory is fresh. Do NOT confront the organization, sign anything from the university, or post details on social media.
• Contact an experienced hazing attorney: Evidence disappears fast. Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Today

For families in City of Ross sending students to Baylor or other Texas campuses, understanding modern hazing is critical. It’s no longer just about paddling or silly pranks. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, digitally-enabled, and often disguised as “tradition,” “team building,” or “bonding.”

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – The Gateway
This creates power imbalances and sets the stage for escalation. It includes mandatory chores (cleaning, errands), social isolation from non-members, enforced dress codes, and “always on” group chat monitoring. At Baylor, this might manifest as pledges being “on call” 24/7 for upperclassmen, required to respond instantly to GroupMe messages, or forced to chauffeur members around Waco at all hours.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – The Abuse
This causes measurable physical or emotional harm. Think sleep deprivation through 3 AM “meetings,” forced consumption of unpleasant foods (like the milk and hot dogs in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case), extreme calisthenics framed as “workouts,” and public humiliation via social media. We’ve seen cases where Baylor students were forced to participate in late-night “study sessions” that were actually verbal abuse marathons.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – The Catastrophe
This has high potential for serious injury or death. It includes forced alcohol consumption (the #1 cause of hazing deaths), physical beatings, dangerous physical “tests,” sexualized hazing, and exposure to extreme elements. The rhabdomyolysis suffered by Leonel Bermudez at UH—severe muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure—is a classic example of Tier 3 physical hazing disguised as “conditioning.”

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today’s hazing lives on smartphones:

• Group Chat Tyranny: Pledges monitored 24/7 on GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord with instant response demands
• Social Media Humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, embarrassing Instagram stories, coordinated “roasting” in group chats
• Location Tracking: Required sharing of live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Evidence & Cover-Up: Hazing recorded on video, then messages deleted after events

For City of Ross parents, this means your child’s phone might contain both the evidence of their abuse AND the proof of who ordered it. Preserving this digital evidence is often the difference between a successful case and a frustrating dead end.

Texas Hazing Law: What McLennan County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, but they’re often misunderstood by students and parents alike. Here’s what matters for families in City of Ross and across Texas.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Definition (Plain English): Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for purposes of joining, maintaining membership in, or holding office in any student organization.

Key Provisions for City of Ross Families:

• Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing at an off-campus house, an Airbnb retreat, or even a venue in another city still falls under Texas law if Texas students are involved.
• “Consent is NOT a Defense” (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that peer pressure and power imbalance negate true consent.
• Criminal Penalties Escalate with Harm:
  • 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
• Organizational Liability (§37.153): The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and lose campus recognition.
• Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154): Those who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith have immunity from certain liabilities.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by: The State of Texas (prosecutor)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common Charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Reality: Criminal convictions are rare unless there’s death or severe injury. Many cases plead down to misdemeanors.

Civil Cases:

• Brought by: Victims and their families
• Goal: Compensation and institutional accountability
• Claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Reality: This is where real accountability often happens—through financial consequences that force organizations to change.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs. By 2026, families in City of Ross should be able to check standardized hazing data for any Texas campus.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX requires universities to investigate and respond. Baylor’s history with Title IX compliance is particularly relevant here.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes on campus; hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, and drug violations.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Precedents That Matter for Texas Families

The hazing cases making national news aren’t just tragic stories—they’re legal precedents that shape what’s possible for Texas families seeking justice. Here are the patterns we see repeating across the country, including here in Texas.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event; died from alcohol poisoning. $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Relevance to City of Ross: The same Pi Kappa Alpha organization has chapters at Baylor, UT Austin, and Texas A&M.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Died during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Blood alcohol level: 0.495%. $6.1 million verdict against individual members. Relevance: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at Baylor, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): The most documented hazing death in history. Security cameras captured his falls and the 12-hour delay in calling for help. 18 members charged with over 1,000 counts. Relevance: Beta Theta Pi operates at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and SMU.

The Physical Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Died from traumatic brain injury during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability. Relevance: Shows off-campus retreats are high-risk environments.

Collin Wiant – Ohio University, Sigma Pi (2018): Died after alleged hazing involving nitrous oxide. Led to “Collin’s Law” in Ohio, upgrading hazing to a felony when drugs/alcohol cause harm. Relevance: Sigma Pi has chapters at multiple Texas schools.

The Athletic Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing spanning years. Multiple lawsuits against university; head coach fired. Confidential settlement reached in 2025. Relevance: Hazing isn’t just Greek life—it’s in athletic programs too, including potentially at Texas universities.

What These Cases Mean for City of Ross Families

1. Patterns are everything. When the same fraternity uses the same dangerous “traditions” across states, it shows national headquarters knew or should have known the risks.
2. Delayed medical care multiplies liability. The cover-up is often legally worse than the hazing itself.
3. Universities pay when they fail. BGSU’s $3 million settlement shows public universities aren’t immune to financial consequences.
4. Individual officers face personal liability. The Pi Kappa Alpha chapter president in the Foltz case was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

Texas University Focus: Where City of Ross Students Face Hazing Risks

Families in City of Ross and McLennan County typically have students at a mix of local campuses and major statewide universities. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at institutions most relevant to our community.

Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)

For City of Ross families, Baylor is in our backyard—literally. When hazing happens at Baylor, it involves our neighbors, our community, and often students who graduated from local high schools.

Campus Culture & Greek Life:
Baylor has approximately 30 fraternity and sorority chapters with about 4,000 students participating. As a private Christian university, Baylor markets itself as having higher standards, but hazing incidents still occur. The university’s Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council oversee recognized groups, but unofficial “underground” organizations sometimes operate outside this oversight.

Documented Incidents:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation. While details weren’t fully publicized, such widespread discipline indicates systemic issues.
• Disciplinary Records: Baylor typically handles hazing through internal conduct processes rather than public court records, making pattern analysis challenging without litigation discovery.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts, potentially federal court if Title IX or constitutional claims are involved
• Potential Defendants: Individual students, the local chapter, national fraternity/sorority, Baylor University
• Unique Factors: Baylor’s religious affiliation doesn’t immunize it from negligence claims; insurance coverage may be through religious-affiliated insurers

What Baylor Parents in City of Ross Should Do:

1. Report through multiple channels: Dean of Students, Baylor Police Department, AND local Waco police if crimes occurred off-campus
2. Request disciplinary history: Through discovery in a lawsuit, we can obtain Baylor’s internal records on prior incidents involving the same organization
3. Don’t assume “Christian environment” means safety: Our experience shows hazing occurs at religious-affiliated schools just as elsewhere

University of Houston (UH)

UH serves as our current flagship case example. While Houston is hours from City of Ross, the legal principles from the Bermudez case apply directly to Baylor or any Texas campus.

The Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Case (2025):

• What happened: Extreme physical hazing led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Key details: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced overeating until vomiting, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” 100+ push-ups/500 squats
• Medical outcome: Four-day hospitalization, brown urine indicating muscle breakdown, ongoing kidney damage risk
• Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual members
• Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

Why This Matters for City of Ross Families:

1. Proves hazing causes catastrophic injury without alcohol involvement
2. Shows universities can be sued successfully even when they “take action” after the fact
3. Demonstrates our firm’s active hazing litigation capability—we’re not just theorizing about hazing law; we’re practicing it right now

Texas A&M University

Many Central Texas families have Aggie traditions. Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets culture creates additional hazing risks beyond Greek life.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges allegedly doused with industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe burns requiring skin grafts. $1 million lawsuit filed.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged being bound between beds with an apple in his mouth in a sexually humiliating position. Lawsuit sought over $1 million.
• Corps Investigation (2022): University confirmed hazing investigation involving “inappropriate behavior” within the Corps.

Unique A&M Factors for City of Ross Families:

• Corps of Cadets adds complexity: Military-style hierarchy can intensify hazing and complicate reporting
• University station tradition: The “University Station” publication has documented multiple hazing investigations over years
• Geographic consideration: College Station is a manageable drive for City of Ross families needing to meet with attorneys or attend proceedings

University of Texas at Austin

UT’s transparency sets it apart. Their public hazing violations database provides unique insight into patterns.

Public Hazing Violations (Examples):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation, hazing prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit group sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
• Multiple organizations listed for alcohol hazing, sleep deprivation, physical misconduct.

Why UT’s Transparency Matters:

1. Pattern evidence is public: We can show juries that organizations had prior violations
2. University knowledge is documented: UT can’t claim ignorance when violations are publicly posted
3. City of Ross families can research: Before your child joins an organization at UT, check https://hazing.utexas.edu

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

SMU’s affluent Greek culture presents specific dynamics. As a private university, SMU has different reporting requirements but similar legal liabilities.

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Chapter suspended for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation. Restrictions lasted until approximately 2021.
• Multiple anonymous reports through SMU’s Real Response system indicate ongoing concerns.

Considerations for City of Ross Families:

• Private university status: May mean less public information, but discovery in litigation can uncover internal reports
• National pattern awareness: SMU chapters belong to the same national organizations with problematic histories elsewhere
• Dallas jurisdiction: May involve different courts and procedures than Central Texas venues

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving City of Ross Families

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas built from IRS filings, university records, and public registrations. This isn’t theoretical research; it’s the investigative foundation we use to identify every potentially liable entity in a hazing case.

For families in City of Ross and McLennan County, here are examples of the types of organizations operating in our area and across Texas:

Baylor University & McLennan County Area Entities

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN: 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710 – IRS B83 filing
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Nu Iota Chapter Baylor University – EIN: 521346485 – Waco, TX 76703 – IRS B83 filing
• Texas Rho Chapter of The Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity – EIN: 741942292 – Waco, TX 76706 – IRS B83 filing
• Baylor Panhellenic Alumnae Association – Waco, TX – Cause IQ Waco Metro listing
• Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter – Waco, TX – Cause IQ Waco Metro listing (Baylor University chapter)

Central Texas & Statewide Greek Entities Relevant to City of Ross Families

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN: 463831593 – Austin, TX 78723 – Texas State University chapter (IRS B83)
• Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta) – Austin, TX – Cause IQ Austin Metro listing (UT chapter property)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter – College Station, TX – Cause IQ College Station Metro listing (Texas A&M chapter)
• Frank Heflin Foundation – EIN: 203507402 – Canyon, TX 79015 – Phi Delta Theta alumni fund (IRS B83)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN: 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147 – IRS B83 filing

What This Directory Means for Your Case

When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

• The legal names and EINs of organizations that might carry insurance
• The network of related entities (housing corporations, alumni chapters, educational foundations)
• How to trace liability from the local chapter to the national headquarters
• Which insurance policies might provide coverage

This is why having attorneys who specialize in hazing matters. General personal injury lawyers won’t have this organizational intelligence or know how to use it to maximize recovery.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Create Texas Liability

The national organization behind your child’s local chapter matters tremendously in hazing litigation. When a fraternity or sorority has a history of hazing incidents across the country, that “pattern evidence” can prove the national headquarters knew the risks and failed to prevent them.

High-Risk Organizations with Texas Presence

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

• National history: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), multiple other alcohol hazing deaths
• Texas incidents: UT Austin probation (2023) for milk consumption and calisthenics hazing
• Legal significance: Pattern of “Big/Little” alcohol hazing creates foreseeable risk

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

• National history: Multiple deaths nationwide; eliminated traditional pledging in 2014 due to pattern
• Texas incidents: Texas A&M chemical burns lawsuit (2021); UT Austin assault lawsuit (2024)
• Legal significance: National’s knowledge of dangerous practices strengthens negligence claims

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

• National history: Andrew Coffey death (FSU, alcohol poisoning)
• Texas incidents: Our Leonel Bermudez case (UH, 2025) – rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Legal significance: Physical hazing patterns beyond just alcohol

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

• National history: Max Gruver death (LSU, $6.1M verdict)
• Legal significance: “Bible study” drinking game pattern recognized as dangerous

Kappa Alpha Order – Present at SMU, Texas Tech

• National history: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU (2017)
• Legal significance: Paddling and physical abuse traditions well-documented

Why National Histories Matter in Court

1. Foreseeability: We can prove the national organization knew certain activities were dangerous because they’d caused injuries or deaths elsewhere
2. Negligent Supervision: Nationals have duty to supervise chapters; prior incidents show they failed to implement effective controls
3. Punitive Damages: Reckless disregard for known risks can justify punishment beyond compensation
4. Insurance Coverage: National organizations often have insurance that local chapters lack

For City of Ross families, this means your Baylor or Texas A&M hazing case isn’t just about the students in Waco or College Station—it’s connected to a national pattern that strengthens your legal position.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Successfully pursuing a hazing case requires specific expertise beyond general personal injury law. Here’s how we approach these complex matters for families in City of Ross and across Texas.

Critical Evidence Collection

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord screenshots with timestamps
• Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat memories showing events
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” content
• Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts

Medical Documentation:

• Immediate care: ER reports, ambulance records, hospitalization summaries
• Lab results: Blood alcohol content, toxicology, creatine kinase levels (for rhabdomyolysis)
• Psychological evaluation: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from mental health professionals
• Ongoing treatment: Therapy notes, medication records, specialist referrals

Organizational Records (Obtained via Discovery):

• Chapter minutes and communications
• National fraternity/sorority risk management files
• University disciplinary history for the organization
• Insurance policies and coverage information

Witness Information:

• Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
• Former members who quit due to hazing
• Roommates and friends who observed changes or injuries
• Medical providers who treated the injuries

Categories of Recoverable Damages

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
• Lost educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed or withdrawn
• Lost earning capacity: Reduced future earnings due to trauma or injury
• Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong support

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in college experiences
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and isolation

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Mental anguish of surviving family members
• Lost financial support the deceased would have provided

Our Litigation Strategy

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation: We send evidence preservation letters to all potential parties (university, fraternity, individuals) putting them on notice of their duty to preserve all relevant materials.

2. Comprehensive Party Identification: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we identify every potentially liable entity—local chapter, housing corporation, alumni association, national headquarters, university, individual members.

3. Insurance Coverage Analysis: Mr. Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. We identify all potential insurance policies and navigate coverage disputes.

4. Expert Collaboration: We work with medical experts, toxicologists, psychologists, economists, and Greek life culture experts to build an undeniable case.

5. Strategic Negotiation vs. Trial Readiness: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which maximizes settlement leverage. Universities and national fraternities know which lawyers will actually try cases versus those who always settle cheaply.

Practical Guides for City of Ross Families Facing Hazing

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding

Warning Signs Your Baylor or Texas Student May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organizational activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal from family
• Financial irregularities: unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards
• Constant phone monitoring/panic about missing group chat messages

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “What does your new member process actually involve?”
2. “Have you ever felt pressured to do something that made you uncomfortable?”
3. “Are you getting enough sleep and keeping up with your classes?”
4. “What would happen if you decided this organization wasn’t for you?”

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Prioritize safety: If injured or intoxicated, get medical care immediately
2. Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
3. Document everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates and names
4. Consult an attorney BEFORE reporting: We can help you navigate the reporting process to maximize protection and evidence preservation
5. Do NOT confront the organization: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coordination

For Students: Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?
• Am I being told to keep secrets from university officials or my parents?

If You Want to Leave Safely:

• You have the legal right to quit at any time
• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
• Send a written resignation (email/text) to chapter leadership
• Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
• Report any threats or harassment to campus police and the Dean of Students

Your Rights Under Texas Law:

• Consent is not a defense to hazing charges
• Good-faith reporters have immunity from certain liabilities
• Universities cannot retaliate against you for reporting
• You can sue civilly even if no criminal charges are filed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; digital forensics can often recover deleted content anyway
• Better approach: Preserve everything immediately. If already deleted, consult digital forensics experts.

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

• Why it’s wrong: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching, and defensive legal posturing
• Better approach: Document everything quietly, then let your attorney handle communications

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” agreements without legal review

• Why it’s wrong: Universities often offer quick, low-dollar settlements that waive your right to sue
• Better approach: Have an attorney review ANY document before signing

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media

• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys monitor social media; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Better approach: Maintain privacy until your attorney advises on public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting to see “how the university handles it”

• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
• Better approach: Consult an attorney immediately while evidence is fresh

Why Attorney911 for City of Ross Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies fight these cases—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background):
Mr. 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
• Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential signals elite capability
• 25+ Years Practice: Handling high-stakes cases since 1998

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
Our proprietary database tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. We don’t start investigations from scratch—we already know the organizational landscape.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
With Ralph’s HCCLA membership, we understand both criminal hazing charges and civil litigation strategies. We can advise on:

• Witness cooperation agreements
• Parallel criminal/civil proceedings
• Protecting your child from self-incrimination
• Navigating university conduct processes alongside legal actions

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response: We’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 because evidence disappears quickly.

2. Comprehensive Investigation: We deploy digital forensics experts, private investigators, and organizational researchers to build an undeniable case.

3. Expert Collaboration: We work with medical specialists, toxicologists, psychologists, economists, and Greek life experts.

4. Strategic Accountability: We identify every potentially liable party—from individual members to national headquarters.

5. Victim-Centered Advocacy: We prioritize your child’s recovery and privacy while pursuing maximum accountability.

Contingency Fee Basis

We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This makes quality legal representation accessible regardless of your family’s financial situation.

Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Hazing Consultation

If your child has been hazed at Baylor University, any Texas campus, or any university nationwide, we can help. Our firm serves families throughout Texas, including City of Ross, McLennan County, and all surrounding communities.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We listen without judgment to understand what happened
2. We review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
3. We explain your legal options clearly and realistically
4. We answer all your questions about process, timing, and potential outcomes
5. No pressure to hire us—take time to make the right decision for your family

Contact Us Today:

• 24/7 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288 9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Hablamos Español: Mr. Peña provides consultations in Spanish

Serving Families From Our Texas Offices:

• Houston (Harris County)
• Austin (Travis County)
• Beaumont (Jefferson County)
• And throughout Texas, including City of Ross and McLennan County

Whether you’re in City of Ross or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. You deserve the same level of representation protecting your child.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

• Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing 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/
• ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary of the $10M UH hazing lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Educational Resources:

• Attorney911 video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Attorney911 video on Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Attorney911 video on client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Attorney911 video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

• 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