The Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation for Navarro County Families: Protecting Your Student at Texas Campuses

An Urgent Message for Parents in Emhouse, Corsicana, and Across Navarro County

Imagine you’re a parent in Emhouse. Your child, full of potential, headed off to college—maybe to Texas A&M University, the University of Texas, or somewhere closer like Navarro College. They wanted to find community, so they joined a fraternity, sorority, or the Corps of Cadets. Then, the late-night calls start. They’re exhausted. They have unexplained bruises. They’re whispering about “traditions” they can’t discuss. One day, they come home from a “pledge event” with brown urine, unable to stand, and you rush them to the emergency room in Corsicana or Dallas. Doctors diagnose rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from extreme physical hazing. Your family’s world shatters.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. Right now, in Texas, we are actively litigating this exact case.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic kidney damage after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and 13 individual members involves allegations of forced consumption of food until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and a degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm to our client may last a lifetime.

If you are a parent in Emhouse, Corsicana, Blooming Grove, or anywhere in Navarro County, this guide is for you. Your child might attend school locally, at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, or any Texas campus. Hazing does not respect county lines or university prestige. We wrote this comprehensive resource to help you understand what hazing looks like today, what Texas law says, and how families in our community can seek accountability and protect their children.

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: Go to the ER immediately, even if they insist they’re “fine.” Tell doctors they were hazed.
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, texts, Discord) immediately—before they’re deleted. Photograph injuries from multiple angles. Save any physical items.
Document Everything: Write down names, dates, locations, and what happened while memories are fresh.
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly.
- Sign anything from a university or insurance company.
- Post details on social media.
- Let your child delete messages.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney: Evidence disappears fast. We can help you secure it. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, immediate consultation. We serve families throughout Texas, including all of Navarro County.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like at Texas Schools

For Navarro County families, the image of hazing might be outdated—paddling, silly pranks. Modern hazing is more insidious, digitally coordinated, and often disguised as “team building” or “tradition.” It is any activity, on or off campus, that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers someone joining or maintaining membership in a group. Crucially, under Texas law, a student’s “consent” is not a defense.

The Three Tiers of Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – Often dismissed as “harmless,” but establishes power imbalance.

Servitude: Being on-call 24/7 as a designated driver, for errands, or cleaning.
Social Control: Mandatory events that interfere with sleep or academics; being told who you can or cannot socialize with.
Deception: Being forced to lie to parents, RAs, or university officials.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Causes emotional or physical discomfort.

Sleep Deprivation: Late-night or 3 AM “meetings” and tasks.
Verbal Abuse: Yelling, insults, threats, and degrading language.
Forced Physical Activity: “Smokings” or extreme calisthenics beyond safe limits.
Humiliation: Wearing embarrassing costumes in public; being “grilled” by members.

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

Forced Alcohol/Substance Consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, coerced drug use.
Physical Assault: Paddling, beatings, tackling rituals (like the “glass ceiling” that killed Chun Deng at a Pi Delta Psi retreat).
Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts.
Dangerous Environments: Exposure to extreme cold/heat; being restrained.

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today, hazing is coordinated and documented on smartphones. Navarro County students are pressured via:

24/7 Group Chats: Platforms like GroupMe and Discord where pledges must respond instantly at all hours. Failure means punishment.
Social Media Humiliation: Being forced to post embarrassing TikToks or Instagram stories.
Location Tracking: Required to share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps.
Digital Evidence Destruction: Members are coached to delete incriminating messages after events.

Groups involved extend beyond Greek life to athletic teams, spirit organizations (like Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets), marching bands, and academic clubs. The common thread is power imbalance, secrecy, and tradition used to justify abuse.

Law & Liability: What Navarro County Families Need to Know About Texas Hazing Law

When your child is hazed at a Texas university, multiple layers of law apply. Understanding this framework is crucial for holding the right parties accountable.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Texas Hazing Statute

This is the primary Texas law governing hazing. Key provisions for Navarro County families:

Definition (Sec. 37.151): Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with a group. This applies on or off campus.
Criminal Penalties (Sec. 37.152):
- Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury needing medical attention.
- State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death.
- It is also a crime to fail to report hazing you have knowledge of.
Consent is NOT a Defense (Sec. 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize coercion and peer pressure.
Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Sec. 37.154): Students who report hazing or call 911 in an emergency are protected from disciplinary action by the university related to the incident (like underage drinking). This is critical: emphasize to your child that calling for help will not get them in trouble.

Civil Liability vs. Criminal Charges

It’s vital to understand the two parallel paths:

Criminal Case: Brought by the state (DA’s office) to punish offenders with jail, fines, probation. Outcomes do not provide financial compensation to your family.
Civil Lawsuit: Brought by the victim/family to recover damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, etc.) and hold institutions accountable. You can pursue a civil case even if no criminal charges are filed.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
The Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority chapter as an entity.
The National Organization: Headquarters that collect dues, set policies, and oversee chapters. Their knowledge of prior incidents at other schools is crucial.
The University: Schools can be liable for negligent supervision if they knew or should have known about a dangerous pattern and failed to act. This applies to public universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M, and private ones like Baylor and SMU.
Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, alumni advisors, or alcohol providers.

Federal Laws Overlay

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently and maintain public hazing data.
Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, the university has specific federal obligations to respond.
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes, which can include hazing-related assaults.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Script That Repeats in Texas

The tragic hazing incidents at Texas schools are not isolated. They follow documented national patterns. Understanding these “scripts” shows how foreseeable and preventable these injuries are.

The Alcohol Poisoning Script: “Big/Little” Nights

Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Pledge forced to drink a bottle of alcohol; died. $10 million settlement from national fraternity and university.
Max Gruver, LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died during “Bible study” drinking game. Led to Louisiana’s felony hazing “Max Gruver Act.”
Andrew Coffey, Florida State (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Died after “Big Brother” night. FSU suspended all Greek life.

Texas Connection: This is the exact pattern of forced consumption alleged in the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case.

The Physical Assault & “Ritual” Script

Chun “Michael” Deng, Baruch College (Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Pledge died from traumatic brain injury after a blindfolded tackling ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted.
Timothy Piazza, Penn State (Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died after falls during a bid-acceptance night; brothers delayed calling 911. Dozens faced criminal charges.

The Athletic Team Hazing Script

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Widespread sexualized and racist hazing allegations led to multiple lawsuits, coach firings, and confidential settlements.
Baylor Baseball (2020): 14 players suspended following a hazing investigation.

What This Means for Navarro County Families

These national cases create legal precedents and show clear patterns. When a fraternity at Texas A&M uses the same forced drinking game that killed a student at LSU, the national organization cannot claim it was “unforeseeable.” This pattern evidence is powerful in civil litigation. It demonstrates that universities and national fraternities have been on notice for years about these deadly traditions.

Texas Campus Focus: Where Navarro County Students Are at Risk

Navarro County families send their children to a diverse set of schools. Many attend local institutions like Navarro College or Texas A&M University-Commerce. Many others head to the major Greek life hubs: Texas A&M University in College Station, the University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University in Waco, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and the University of Houston. Hazing risks exist across this spectrum.

For Families with Students at Texas A&M University (College Station)

Culture & Context: A&M’s unique culture, with its strong Corps of Cadets and deep tradition, can sometimes mask abusive behaviors as “character building.” The sheer size and school spirit can make students reluctant to report.

Documented Incidents & High-Risk Areas:

Corps of Cadets: In a 2023 lawsuit, a cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): In a 2021 case, pledges alleged being doused with industrial-strength cleaner and other substances, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended; a $1 million lawsuit was filed.
Kappa Sigma: Ongoing litigation involving allegations of extreme physical hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis (the same muscle-damaging condition suffered by Leonel Bermudez at UH).

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds: Investigations may involve Texas A&M University Police, the Dean of Students, and the Commandant of the Corps. Civil suits would typically be filed in Brazos County. Defendants can include individual cadets/members, the Corps unit or chapter, the national organization, and Texas A&M University System.

What A&M Parents in Navarro County Should Do:

Report to both the University Student Conduct Office and the Office of the Commandant (if Corps-related).
Understand that A&M’s deep tradition can create institutional resistance. Having an attorney who has faced large Texas institutions (like our firm with BP Texas City litigation) is critical.
Seek medical care at St. Joseph Health or in Bryan/College Station, and ensure the medical record states “injuries from hazing.”

For Families with Students at the University of Texas at Austin

Culture & Context: UT Austin boasts one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems in the country via its public “Hazing Violations” log. This transparency itself reveals an ongoing problem.

Documented Incidents from the Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Sanctioned for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): In January 2024, an Australian exchange student sued the UT chapter for over $1 million, alleging an assault that caused a dislocated leg, broken nose, and fractures.

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Proceeds: Jurisdiction may involve UT Police (UTPD) and Austin Police. Travis County courts would handle civil filings. UT’s public log of prior violations is a treasure trove of evidence to show the university’s prior knowledge of specific organizations’ patterns.

What UT Austin Parents Should Do:

Check the public hazing violation log to see if your child’s organization has a prior record.
Report to the Office of the Dean of Students.
Document everything; the university’s own transparency can be used to support your case.

For Families with Students at Baylor University (Waco)

Culture & Context: Baylor’s recent history with institutional failure regarding sexual assault has led to increased scrutiny. Hazing within both Greek life and athletic programs remains a concern.

Documented Incidents:

Baylor Baseball (2020): 14 players suspended following a hazing investigation.
As a private university, Baylor’s disciplinary records are less public, but lawsuits and NCAA reports have revealed systemic issues.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds: As a private institution in McLennan County, Baylor has fewer sovereign immunity hurdles than public schools. Civil cases can target the university, athletic department, and national fraternities.

What Baylor Parents Should Do:

Report through Baylor’s Student Conduct Administration.
Be aware that the university may be sensitive to negative publicity, which can impact settlement negotiations.
Seek medical documentation in Waco that explicitly links injuries to hazing events.

For Families with Students at Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

Culture & Context: SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek life presence create an environment where hazing can be shrouded in secrecy and social pressure.

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Chapter suspended after reports of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.
SMU utilizes anonymous reporting tools like “Real Response,” indicating an understanding of the fear that prevents reporting.

How an SMU Hazing Case Proceeds: Dallas County courts would handle litigation. As a private university, SMU can be sued for negligent supervision. Its national fraternity chapters have deep-pocketed insurance carriers.

What SMU Parents Should Do:

Utilize SMU’s anonymous reporting options to start a paper trail without immediate identification.
Understand that social pressure and reputation are powerful forces at SMU; your child may fear social exile.
Consult an attorney early to navigate the intersection of private university policies and Texas civil law.

For Families with Students at the University of Houston

Culture & Context: As the flagship of our firm’s landmark case, UH represents a large, diverse, urban campus where off-campus hazing in houses and parks is common.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
We are actively litigating this $10 million lawsuit. The allegations against the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter include:

The “pledge fanny pack” rule carrying humiliating items.
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”
A November 3rd workout of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
The chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and voted to surrender its charter on November 14, 2025.

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds: Our case is filed in Harris County. It names 13 individual members, the UH Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, and the chapter housing corporation. It demonstrates the comprehensive approach needed: suing every entity with responsibility.

What UH Parents Should Do:

Report to UH’s Dean of Students Office and UHPD.
Recognize that urban hazing often moves to off-campus locations (like the Culmore Drive residence and Yellowstone Boulevard Park in our case) to avoid university oversight.
Understand that a university calling conduct “deeply disturbing” (as UH did) is not accountability. Accountability comes through legal action.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: The Data Behind the Letters

For a parent in Navarro County, a fraternity is just a set of Greek letters. For our litigation team, it is a network of legal entities, insurance policies, and historical data. We maintain a proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from public records to track the true structure of Greek life in Texas.

The Public Records Reality: Who Actually Owns the House?

When hazing occurs, liability extends beyond the students in the room. We identify and investigate:

Chapter Housing Corporations: Separate legal entities that own fraternity houses. Example from IRS records: “Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc,” EIN 46-2267515, based in Frisco, TX.
Alumni Building Associations: Groups of graduates who hold assets for the chapter.
National Headquarters: The central organization that charters the chapter and collects national dues.
University Recognition: The school that provides the chapter with official status.

Our database tracks over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. For example, we have records on 188 such entities in the Houston metro area alone. This means when we take a case, we don’t start from zero. We already know how to find the organizations that may hold insurance coverage and ultimate responsibility.

National Histories Matter: Patterns of Foreseeability

The national organization of your child’s fraternity or sorority has almost certainly dealt with hazing before. This history is critical to proving they should have known better.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ): National named in the $10 million Stone Foltz settlement at Bowling Green and the $14 million David Bogenberger settlement at Northern Illinois.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ): Faced lawsuits for traumatic brain injury at Alabama, chemical burns at Texas A&M, and assault at UT Austin.
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): The fraternity involved in the Max Gruver hazing death at LSU.
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): The national we are currently suing in the UH case; also involved in the Andrew Coffey death at Florida State.

When we litigate, we subpoena the national’s internal records to show how many times they’ve been warned, suspended, or sued for the exact same conduct. This “pattern and practice” evidence is devastating to their defense.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Navarro County Families

Pursuing a hazing case is a complex, multi-front investigation. It requires experience not just in personal injury law, but in institutional litigation, digital forensics, and insurance coverage battles.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications: The #1 source of evidence. We recover and analyze:
- GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, and iMessage chats planning events.
- Social media posts (Instagram stories, TikToks) showing the hazing.
- Deleted messages recovered through digital forensics.
Photographs & Videos: From phones and security cameras showing injuries, locations, and participants.
Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab tests (like creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), and psychiatric evaluations for PTSD.
University & National Records: Prior disciplinary files, risk management reports, and emails obtained through discovery or public records requests.
Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and bystanders.

Recoverable Damages for Victims and Families

A civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim whole and hold defendants accountable. Recoverable damages include:

Economic Damages:
- All past and future medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy).
- Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity if injuries are disabling.
- Educational costs for missed semesters or forced transfers.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, and PTSD.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
In Cases of Wrongful Death:
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and financial support for the family.
- Emotional anguish of the parents and siblings.

Significant hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, such as the $10 million in the Foltz case, $6.1 million for Max Gruver’s family, and $12.6 million in the Chad Meredith case against Kappa Sigma.

The Insurance Coverage Fight

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance. Their insurers often argue hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage. Our unique advantage is Mr. Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how these insurers value claims, fight coverage, and use delay tactics. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Navarro County Parents and Students

A Parent’s Action Plan

Warning Signs Your Child is Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or drastic weight change.
Becoming secretive or withdrawn; sudden anxiety about phone messages.
Personality changes: anger, depression, irritability.
Constant need for money for unexplained “fines” or “dues.”

If You Suspect Hazing:

Talk Calmly: Ask open-ended questions. “I’m worried about you. Is anything happening that makes you feel unsafe or humiliated?”
Prioritize Safety: If they are injured or intoxicated, get medical help immediately.
Preserve Evidence: Help them screenshot group chats and photograph injuries.
Contact an Attorney: Before reporting to the university, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We can guide you on how to report while protecting evidence and your rights.

A Student’s Guide to Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I truly had a free choice, without fear of being kicked out?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Am I being told to keep it a secret?
If the answer is “yes,” it is hazing.

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You have the right to leave any organization at any time.
You have immunity under Texas law for reporting hazing or calling 911 in a good-faith emergency.
“Consent” is not a legal defense for the people hazing you.

How to Exit Safely:

Tell a trusted person outside the group (parent, RA, counselor) first.
Send a brief, written resignation to the chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately.”
Do NOT go to a “final meeting” where they may pressure or threaten you.
If you fear retaliation, report it to campus police and the Dean of Students.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Hazing Case

Deleting Evidence: Do NOT let your child delete texts or group chats. This looks like a cover-up and destroys your case.
Confronting the Fraternity First: This gives them time to lawyer up, destroy evidence, and coach witnesses.
Signing University Paperwork Alone: Universities may offer a quick “internal resolution” that waives your right to sue. Do not sign anything without an attorney.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistent statements can hurt credibility.
Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the Texas statute of limitations (generally 2 years from injury) continues to run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we sue a public university like Texas A&M or UT?
A: Yes, but with complexities. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees. We navigate these hurdles regularly.

Q: What if the hazing happened at an off-campus house or Airbnb?
A: Location does not defeat liability. Universities and national organizations can still be responsible based on their supervision and knowledge. Major cases, like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death, succeeded despite off-campus locations.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, exceptions exist. Do not wait. Call us immediately to protect your rights.

Q: Will my child’s name be public?
A: Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can often file court documents under seal to protect privacy. Our goal is to get you justice while minimizing further trauma.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. This means you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win a settlement or verdict for you. Learn more about how contingency fees work.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Navarro County Hazing Cases

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys with specific, proven expertise in taking on powerful institutions. Here is why our firm is uniquely qualified:

1. We Are Currently Litigating a Major Texas Hazing Case

We are not theorizing about hazing law; we are in the fight right now. Our active representation of Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi national means we have current, firsthand experience with the tactics used by university and fraternity defense teams.

2. Insider Insurance Knowledge

Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies evaluate claims, fight coverage, and employ delay tactics. We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable in maximizing your recovery.

3. Experience Against Billion-Dollar Defendants

Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on one of the world’s largest corporations. We are not intimidated by the deep pockets of national fraternities or university systems. We have the resources and tenacity for complex, document-intensive institutional litigation.

4. Comprehensive Investigative Resources

We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database of over 1,423 Greek organizations in Texas built from public records. We have a network of experts: digital forensics specialists to recover deleted messages, medical experts to explain lifelong injuries like rhabdomyolysis, and economists to calculate future damages. We investigate thoroughly because your child’s future depends on it.

5. Dual Civil & Criminal Understanding

Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense capability. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil lawsuits. We can advise witnesses with potential exposure and navigate the dual-track legal system effectively.

6. We Serve All of Texas, Including Navarro County

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas. We understand the communities we work in. Whether your child attends school in College Station, Austin, Waco, Dallas, or Houston, we have the geographic knowledge and legal experience to help. Se habla Español—Mr. Peña provides fluent Spanish-language legal services.

Call to Action for Emhouse and Navarro County Families

If you are reading this guide because you fear your child has been hazed, trust that instinct. The dread in your stomach is a warning signal you should not ignore.

You do not have to navigate this crisis alone. The university may seem supportive initially, but its primary interest is often institutional risk management. The fraternity or sorority will circle the wagons. Insurance companies will look for ways to minimize or deny responsibility.

We offer a different path: relentless advocacy for your child and your family.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) today for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation.

In your consultation, we will:

Listen compassionately to your story.
Review any evidence you have gathered.
Explain your legal options in clear, straightforward terms.
Discuss the realistic timeline and process.
Answer all your questions about costs, privacy, and what to expect next.
There is no pressure to hire us—we provide the information you need to make the best decision for your family.

You can reach us 24/7:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

For Spanish-speaking families, contact Mr. Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com.

Do not let evidence disappear. Do not let the institution control the narrative. Do not let your family bear this burden alone. Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you fight for accountability, recovery, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you took a stand to protect your child and prevent this from happening to another family in our community.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

Click2Houston coverage of the 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/
ABC13 coverage of the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Attorney911 video on documenting evidence with your phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Attorney911 video on statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Attorney911 video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Attorney911 video on contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com