Hazing Lawsuits in Wilson, Texas: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now.

Picture this: Your child—a bright student from Wilson who worked hard to get into Texas A&M University or Texas Tech—is now lying in a hospital bed in Lubbock. Their urine is brown, a sign of severe muscle breakdown called rhabdomyolysis. Doctors say their kidneys are failing. They can’t stand without help. When you ask what happened, they whisper about “pledge workouts,” forced drinking, and threats of expulsion if they didn’t participate. They show you a group chat where fraternity brothers joke about making pledges “earn their letters.” You’re in shock. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Your child went to college for an education, not to be abused.

For families in Wilson, Lynn County, and across West Texas, this nightmare became reality for University of Houston student Leonel Bermudez in late 2025. Right now, we’re actively litigating his $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. This isn’t historical research—it’s what we’re doing today. The hazing included degrading “pledge fanny packs” containing condoms and sex toys, physical abuse like being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring four days of hospitalization.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your family, and what we’re doing right now to hold universities and fraternities accountable. We serve families throughout Texas, including here in Wilson and across Lynn County—whether your child attends Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas A&M in College Station, or any other Texas campus.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Wilson families who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life dynamics, today’s hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “just partying.” What was once overt physical abuse has often been replaced with more subtle but equally dangerous tactics designed to evade detection while maintaining control.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Digital Control and Psychological Manipulation
What many parents miss is that hazing now starts on your child’s phone. Group chats on GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord become instruments of 24/7 control. Pledges in Wilson might be required to:

Respond to messages within minutes, regardless of time (3 AM texts are common)
Share their location via Find My Friends or Life360
Post humiliating content on social media as “challenges”
Endure “roasts” in digital spaces where members verbally attack them
Maintain perfect social media personas that hide the reality of their experience

These tactics create psychological dependence and isolation, cutting students off from their support systems back home in Wilson while making them believe “this is just how it’s done.”

Tier 2: Disguised Abuse and Coerced “Consent”
Today’s hazing often comes wrapped in acceptable packaging. What parents hear about:

“Mandatory study sessions” that last until 4 AM
“Voluntary workouts” that cause rhabdomyolysis (like in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
“Team building exercises” involving extreme physical challenges
“Nutrition challenges” forcing consumption of dangerous amounts of food or drink
“Leadership development” that’s actually sleep deprivation and psychological warfare

The critical shift is language: everything is framed as “optional,” but the social consequences of refusal—being cut from the group, denied a “big,” facing ridicule—make it functionally mandatory. This creates legal cover for organizations while maintaining coercive control.

Tier 3: The Physical and Sexual Violence That Still Exists
Despite increased scrutiny, traditional violent hazing persists, often moved to off-campus locations. This includes:

Forced alcohol consumption (the leading cause of hazing deaths nationally)
Physical beatings and paddling (still prevalent despite national prohibitions)
Sexualized hazing including forced nudity and simulated sexual acts
Dangerous environments (exposure to extreme cold, restraint, hazardous substances)
“Retreat” hazing at remote Airbnbs or rural properties away from campus oversight

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH demonstrates how Tier 2 and Tier 3 overlap: forced workouts causing kidney failure, humiliation with “pledge fanny packs,” and waterboarding-like abuse, all while maintaining the facade of “pledge education.”

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While Greek organizations receive most attention, Wilson families should know hazing occurs in:

Sororities: Often more psychological than physical but equally damaging
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs: Particularly at Texas A&M
Athletic teams: From football to cheerleading
Spirit organizations: Like Texas Cowboys at UT or similar groups
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and cultural organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization but the dynamics of power, tradition, and secrecy that enable abuse.

Texas Hazing Law: What Wilson Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing statutes, but understanding how they work is crucial for families in Wilson seeking accountability.

The Texas Education Code Chapter 37 Framework

Definition That Protects Your Child
Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of joining or maintaining membership in an organization that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Involves brutality, physical or psychological stress
Involves exposure to the elements
Involves excessive exercise or sleep deprivation
Involves forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances

Critical Protections for Wilson Families:

Consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code §37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization remains liable. Courts recognize that power imbalances and fear of exclusion negate true consent.
Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at off-campus houses, retreats, or events still falls under Texas law. The Pi Kappa Phi case involved abuse at multiple Houston locations including Yellowstone Boulevard Park and a Culmore Drive residence—all covered.
Good-faith reporter immunity: Students who report hazing or call for medical help generally receive protection from university discipline, even if they were drinking underage.

Criminal vs. Civil Liability: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (State Prosecution)

Class B misdemeanor: Basic hazing offenses
Class A misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State jail felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional charges: Often include assault, providing alcohol to minors, and obstruction

Criminal cases are prosecuted by the state (county or district attorney) and focus on punishment through fines and potential jail time.

Civil Lawsuits (What Families File)
This is where we help Wilson families seek justice and compensation. Civil cases focus on:

Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care
Gross negligence: Conscious indifference to others’ safety
Wrongful death: When hazing causes fatal injuries
Negligent supervision: Universities and nationals failing to oversee chapters
Premises liability: Property owners allowing dangerous activities
Intentional infliction of emotional distress

The Bermudez lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates comprehensive civil strategy: suing the university, national fraternity, housing corporation, board of regents, and 13 individual members to ensure full accountability.

The Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal funding to:

Publicly report hazing incidents
Maintain hazing violation records
Implement evidence-based prevention programs
Phase in transparency by 2026

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based discrimination, Title IX requires universities to investigate and take appropriate action. This adds another layer of potential liability and reporting requirements.

Clery Act Requirements
Campuses must report certain crimes including assaults and alcohol violations that often accompany hazing incidents.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragedies at other universities aren’t abstract news stories—they’re blueprints for what can and does happen here in Texas. Wilson families should understand these patterns because the same national organizations operate at our Texas campuses.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: A Preventable Tragedy

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event and died from alcohol poisoning. The resulting $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU) demonstrates the financial consequences universities and fraternities face. Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, and other Texas schools.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol, Gruver died with a 0.495% BAC. His case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act strengthening hazing penalties. Phi Delta Theta operates at Texas A&M, UT, UH, and Baylor.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
The notorious case captured on fraternity security cameras showed hours of delayed medical care after Piazza suffered fatal injuries from falls during alcohol-heavy hazing. The resulting Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania shows how tragedy drives legislative change.

Physical and Ritualized Abuse: Not Just “Tradition”

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Blindfolded and subjected to violent “glass ceiling” ritual tackles at a Pennsylvania retreat, Deng died from traumatic brain injuries. His case resulted in criminal convictions for the national fraternity itself—proving organizations can face direct criminal liability.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Forced drinking during a “pledge dad reveal” left Santulli with permanent brain damage, unable to walk, talk, or see. His family’s settlements with 22 defendants show the comprehensive approach needed in catastrophic injury cases.

What These Cases Mean for Wilson Families

These national patterns matter because:

Same organizations, same risks: The Pi Kappa Alpha chapter that killed Stone Foltz shares national leadership with Pi Kappa Alpha chapters at Texas schools
Foreseeability: When nationals know certain “traditions” cause harm elsewhere, they have responsibility to prevent them everywhere
Settlement precedents: Multi-million dollar outcomes in other states set expectations for Texas cases
Legal strategies: Successful approaches in other jurisdictions inform our Texas litigation

Texas Universities: Where Wilson Students Attend and What Parents Must Know

Wilson families typically send students to universities within reasonable distance while also considering major state schools. Understanding the hazing landscape at these institutions is crucial.

Texas Tech University: The Closest Major Campus to Wilson

Campus Culture and Greek Life
As the nearest major university to Wilson in Lubbock (approximately 60 miles away), Texas Tech serves many Lynn County students. With over 40 fraternities and sororities and a strong Greek tradition, the campus has faced repeated hazing challenges.

Documented Incidents and Patterns

Kappa Sigma investigations: Multiple hazing allegations involving forced drinking and physical abuse
Corps of Cadets scrutiny: Military-style programs with documented discipline issues
Athletic program oversight: Recent increased monitoring of team initiation practices

Texas Tech’s Anti-Hazing Framework
The university maintains reporting systems through the Office of Student Conduct, but like many institutions, struggles with underreporting and organizational resistance to transparency.

What Wilson Families Should Know

Jurisdiction matters: Hazing incidents at Texas Tech would typically involve Lubbock County courts and Texas Tech police
Commuting considerations: Wilson students living at home may face pressure to participate in overnight “retreats” or late-night events
Local connections: Many Texas Tech alumni live in Wilson and surrounding areas, creating community ties to Greek organizations

Texas A&M University: A Traditional Destination

The Corps of Cadets Dynamic
For Wilson families with military traditions, the Corps presents unique hazing risks. Recent lawsuits allege:

Physical restraint and binding (“roasted pig” positions)
Simulated sexual acts as humiliation
Extreme physical exertion beyond training purposes
Systematic cover-up cultures

Greek Life Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case: Pledges allegedly doused with industrial-strength cleaner causing injuries requiring skin grafts
Multiple chapter suspensions: Ongoing disciplinary actions for alcohol hazing and physical abuse

Texas A&M’s Response Framework
The university utilizes the Student Conduct office and Corps-specific oversight, but families often encounter institutional resistance when challenging tradition-heavy systems.

West Texas A&M University and Regional Options

Closer-to-Home Considerations
For Wilson families preferring regional campuses:

West Texas A&M in Canyon (approximately 45 miles) has active Greek life with documented hazing violations
Smaller campus dynamics don’t eliminate risks—sometimes intensifying them through reduced oversight
Commuter student vulnerability: Students driving from Wilson may face pressure to prove commitment through excessive participation

Other Major Texas Universities Wilson Families Consider

University of Texas at Austin
UT’s public hazing violations database reveals ongoing issues despite transparency efforts:

Pi Kappa Alpha probation for forced milk consumption and extreme calisthenics
Multiple spirit group sanctions for physical and psychological hazing
Transparency advantage: Public records can strengthen civil cases

University of Houston
The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating reveals systemic issues:

Multiple location abuse: Chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Medical consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure requiring hospitalization
Rapid chapter closure: Shows national responsiveness when liability becomes clear

Texas State, University of North Texas, and Other Regionals
Each campus has documented hazing histories with organizations that also operate at schools Wilson students attend.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Every Organization Connected to Wilson Students

Most families don’t realize that behind every fraternity or sorority chapter are multiple legal entities—house corporations, alumni associations, national organizations—each with potential liability and insurance coverage. Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: a comprehensive database tracking every Greek organization in Texas to ensure we can identify all responsible parties when Wilson students are harmed.

IRS B83 Data: The Corporate Backbone

Public IRS records show 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs). These aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities that can be sued and often carry insurance. Examples relevant to Wilson families include:

Texas Tech Area Organizations:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (recorded in IRS B83 filings)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc, EIN 273662583, Lufkin, TX 75904
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 820644459, Lubbock, TX 79430 (Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center)

Statewide Entities Serving Multiple Campuses:

Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147

These entities matter because when a chapter at Texas Tech hazes a Wilson student, we can potentially pursue not just the local members but the housing corporation that owns the property, the alumni association that funds operations, and the national organization that sets policies.

Cause IQ Metro Analysis: Tracking Organizational Networks

Our data shows how Greek organizations cluster in metro areas, creating networks of interconnected liability:

Lubbock Metro Area (Relevant to Texas Tech):

59 Greek-related organizations in the Lubbock metro area
Examples include Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing, Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi chapter), and Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter
These interconnected organizations share members, advisors, and often liability

Statewide Patterns Affecting Wilson Students:

1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro: 510 organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro: 188 organizations
Austin-Round Rock metro: 154 organizations

When a Wilson student is hazed, we use this intelligence to identify:

All related entities that might share liability
Insurance coverage across multiple organizations
Prior incident patterns within the same national brand
Alumni networks that might influence chapter behavior

Why This Intelligence Matters for Wilson Families

Most families approach hazing cases thinking they’re up against a single fraternity chapter. In reality, they’re facing:

The local chapter and its members
The housing corporation (separate legal entity often with insurance)
The alumni association (funding and oversight)
The national organization (policies and prior knowledge)
The university (oversight and control)
Multiple insurance policies across these entities

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine ensures Wilson families don’t start from zero. We already know the organizational landscape, the key players, and where to find the evidence needed to build a strong case.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and What Wilson Families Can Expect

When your child from Wilson has been hazed, building a successful case requires systematic evidence collection, strategic legal positioning, and understanding the reality of litigation against powerful institutions.

Critical Evidence Categories in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications: The 24/7 Paper Trail
Today’s hazing lives on smartphones. Critical evidence includes:

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, coordination, and admissions
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos capturing events
Location data: GPS evidence from phones showing where hazing occurred
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” messages

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chats would have shown coordination of the “pledge fanny pack” rules, workout schedules, and threats about expulsion for non-compliance.

Medical Documentation: Connecting Harm to Hazing

Emergency room records: Must explicitly mention hazing as cause of injury
Lab results: Toxicology reports, kidney function tests (like the elevated creatine kinase showing rhabdomyolysis in the Bermudez case)
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Photographic evidence: Injuries documented over time showing progression

Institutional Records: The University’s Paper Trail
Through discovery and public records requests, we obtain:

Prior conduct violations by the same organization
Campus police incident reports
Internal emails among administrators
Training materials and policy documents
Insurance coverage information

Witness Networks: Beyond the Immediate Participants

Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
Former members who left over hazing concerns
Roommates, partners, or friends who observed changes
Medical personnel who treated injuries
Advisors or faculty who had concerns

Damages: What Wilson Families Can Recover

Texas law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages in hazing cases:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifelong needs for catastrophic injuries
Lost educational opportunities: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: For permanent injuries affecting career prospects
Therapy and counseling: Often needed for years after traumatic hazing

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts)

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

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support and companionship
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering
Punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct

The $10 million demand in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case reflects comprehensive assessment of both economic impacts (medical costs, ongoing care for potential permanent kidney damage) and non-economic harm (trauma, humiliation, loss of educational experience).

Strategic Considerations for Wilson Families

Timeline Awareness
Texas generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but:

The clock may start when the harm is discovered, not when hazing occurred
Cover-ups and fraud can toll (pause) the limitations period
Immediate action preserves options

Insurance Coverage Complexities
Fraternities and universities often have multiple insurance layers:

Chapter liability policies
National organization coverage
University umbrella policies
Individual homeowner’s policies of members
We navigate coverage disputes and “intentional act” exclusions that insurers often raise.

Settlement vs. Trial Realities
Most cases settle confidentially, but:

Settlement values depend on evidence strength and trial readiness
Confidentiality can protect family privacy
Some families choose public trials to drive systemic change
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to maximize leverage

Practical Guide for Wilson Parents: Recognizing, Responding, and Recovering

Warning Signs Your Wilson Student May Be Being Hazed

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone checking and anxiety about messages
Defensiveness when asked about the group

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or limping
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Signs of alcohol or substance abuse in previously moderate students

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during visits home
Loss of academic scholarships or standing

Financial Patterns:

Unexpected large expenses for “dues,” “fines,” or alcohol
Maxed credit cards or frequent requests for money
Purchases of specific items (paddles, costumes, large alcohol quantities)

Immediate Response Protocol for Wilson Families

First 24 Hours: Crisis Management

Medical priority: Get immediate care regardless of protest
Evidence preservation:
- Screenshot ALL digital communications before deletion
- Photograph injuries with scale reference (coin in frame)
- Save physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
Documentation: Write detailed notes including dates, names, locations
Legal consultation: Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before making statements

Week One: Strategic Positioning

Medical follow-up: Comprehensive evaluation including psychological assessment
Evidence organization: Create chronological timeline with documentation
University communication: Document all interactions but avoid substantive discussions without counsel
Witness identification: List others who may have information
Media strategy: Consult before any public statements

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy a Hazing Case

What Wilson Families Must Avoid:

Letting your child delete evidence: “Cleaning up” digital communications looks like cover-up and destroys the case
Confronting the organization directly: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Signing university resolution agreements: Often include liability waivers and inadequate compensation
Posting on social media: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies harm credibility
Delaying legal consultation: Evidence disappears, witnesses scatter, statutes run
Accepting early insurance settlements: First offers are typically lowball tactics
Letting the university control the narrative: Institutions prioritize reputation protection over victim justice

Special Considerations for Wilson’s Community Context

Small-Town Dynamics:

Many Wilson students attend regional universities together
Social connections can complicate reporting and testimony
Community pressure to “not make waves” may emerge
Local alumni of Greek organizations may exert influence

Agricultural and Family Business Considerations:

Students often balance school with family responsibilities
Hazing-related injuries can impact ability to contribute to family enterprises
Unique economic damages may apply for those in farming, ranching, or family businesses

Multi-Generational University Attendance:

Family legacies at certain schools create additional pressure to participate in traditions
Alumni parents may minimize concerns based on their different experiences
Intergenerational perspectives require sensitive navigation

Why Attorney911 for Wilson Hazing Cases: Texas-Based Experts Fighting for West Texas Families

When your family in Wilson faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand both the institutional dynamics of Texas universities and the community context of West Texas. Here’s why families throughout Lynn County choose us:

Insurance Insider Advantage: We Know How Fraternities Fight

Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background
As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña brings critical insider knowledge:

He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
Anticipates defense moves before they’re made
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

This experience proved invaluable in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, where we’re navigating multiple insurance layers across the university, national fraternity, and housing corporation.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions

Ralph Manginello’s BP Texas City Experience
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability against billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal resources. The same skills apply when suing:

National fraternities with deep-pocketed insurance
University systems with sovereign immunity defenses
Corporate networks of housing and alumni entities

Federal Court Experience
Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, we’re equipped for Title IX claims, civil rights litigation, and complex multi-defendant cases.

West Texas Understanding and Connectivity

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas and understand West Texas dynamics:

Familiarity with Texas Tech and regional campus cultures
Understanding of agricultural community economic realities
Recognition of small-town social pressures and considerations
Ability to work effectively with local counsel when needed

Comprehensive Investigative Resources

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
Our proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas means we don’t start from zero. When a Wilson student is hazed, we already know:

The organizational structure behind the chapter
Prior incidents within the same national brand
Insurance coverage patterns
Key decision-makers and influencers

Expert Network Integration
We collaborate with specialists including:

Medical experts to document injuries like rhabdomyolysis
Digital forensics specialists to recover deleted evidence
Economists to calculate lifetime impacts
Psychologists to assess trauma
Greek life culture experts to explain organizational dynamics

Practical, Family-Focused Approach

We recognize that hazing cases involve:

Medical crisis management: Immediate and long-term care needs
Educational continuity: Helping students resume academic progress
Family trauma: Supporting parents and siblings through the process
Community navigation: Managing small-town relationships and perceptions
Privacy preservation: Protecting families from unnecessary publicity

Your Next Steps: How Wilson Families Can Seek Accountability

If You Suspect Hazing Is Occurring

For Parents:

Open conversation: Ask specific questions about activities, not just “how’s the fraternity?”
Document concerns: Keep notes of behavioral changes and concerning comments
Research the organization: Check university hazing violation databases
Consult confidentially: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 without obligation

For Students:

Trust your discomfort: If something feels wrong, it probably is
Preserve evidence: Screenshot concerning communications
Identify allies: Find other concerned members or advisors
Know your rights: Texas law protects those who report hazing

If Hazing Has Already Caused Harm

Immediate Actions:

Medical attention: Priority one, regardless of consequences
Evidence preservation: Digital, physical, and photographic documentation
Legal consultation: Contact us within 48 hours if possible
University reporting: Consider timing with legal guidance

Strategic Decisions (With Legal Counsel):

Criminal reporting evaluation: Whether to involve law enforcement
Civil litigation assessment: Viability of claims and potential defendants
University process navigation: How to engage with campus systems
Public communication strategy: Protecting privacy while seeking accountability

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Initial Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve gathered
Explain legal options in plain English
Discuss realistic timelines and outcomes
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee basis)
No pressure to hire us immediately

If We Take Your Case:

Immediate evidence preservation: Securing digital and physical evidence
Comprehensive investigation: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
Strategic planning: Identifying all potentially liable parties
Regular communication: You’ll know what’s happening at every stage
Family support: We help navigate medical, educational, and personal challenges

Call to Action for Wilson Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, Texas A&M, or any other Texas campus—you don’t have to face this crisis alone. The institutional forces behind hazing are powerful, but so is the law when strategically applied.

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
Our active litigation in the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case shows we’re not just talking about hazing prevention—we’re in court holding institutions accountable today. The patterns we see in that case—systemic abuse, medical crises, institutional knowledge—repeat across Texas campuses.

Wilson-Specific Understanding
We recognize that families in Wilson and Lynn County face unique considerations: proximity to Texas Tech, West Texas community dynamics, agricultural economic realities, and multi-generational university connections. Our approach respects these factors while aggressively pursuing accountability.

Free, Confidential Consultation
Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a no-obligation evaluation of your situation. We’ll help you understand:

Your legal rights under Texas law
The realistic outcomes you can expect
The evidence needed to build a strong case
How to protect your child’s educational future
What accountability might look like for your family

Contact Information:

24/7 Hazing Helpline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com (Se habla Español)
Website: https://attorney911.com

Remember: Early action preserves evidence, protects rights, and maximizes options. The first 48 hours are critical for evidence preservation. The first consultation is free and confidential. There’s no cost unless we recover compensation for your family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

NEWS COVERAGE OF THE LEONEL BERMUDEZ / UH PI KAPPA PHI HAZING LAWSUIT

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) — “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
Published November 21, 2025. Details the “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, physical abuse including hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” and medical findings of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
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 Eyewitness News (KTRK) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
Published November 22, 2025. Most detailed timeline including Nov 3 workout forcing 100+ push-ups and 500 squats leading to hospitalization.
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

ATTORNEY911 EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case”
Attorney911 video explaining common errors that damage personal injury claims, critical for hazing victims to avoid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

“Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”
Attorney Ralph Manginello explains Texas filing deadlines and why timing is critical.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”
How to properly use smartphones to document evidence after hazing incidents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

“How Do Contingency Fees Work?”
Explanation of no-upfront-cost contingency fee structure.
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