The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Every City of Goodlow Family Needs to Know

If you are a parent in City of Goodlow, your worst nightmare might not be a car accident or a campus crime—it might be the phone call revealing your child has been brutally hazed by the very organization they joined to find community. Imagine receiving a panicked call from your student at Texas A&M University, the University of Texas, or any of the campuses across our state. Their voice is weak, their words slurred. They’ve been forced to drink until they vomited, put through torturous workouts, or subjected to humiliating rituals—all while older members laughed and filmed on their phones. They’re injured, scared, and telling you they can’t speak up because “everyone else got through it” and they don’t want to “get the chapter shut down.”

This isn’t hypothetical. Right now, in Houston, we’re actively fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country representing Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. In this $10 million lawsuit, our client suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring what court documents describe as extreme workouts, forced eating, and simulated waterboarding. His urine turned brown, he required four days of hospitalization, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The chapter was shut down, but the institutional failures that enabled this abuse demand accountability.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in City of Goodlow and throughout Navarro County. Whether your child attends a local community college, commutes to a nearby university, or studies at one of Texas’s flagship campuses, you need to understand what modern hazing looks like, how Texas law protects your child, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to prevent abuse. We’ll walk you through documented cases at Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, SMU, and Baylor; explain the national patterns behind these incidents; and show why experience matters when holding powerful organizations accountable.

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.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

For families in City of Goodlow, understanding hazing requires looking beyond outdated stereotypes. Today’s hazing combines traditional abuse with digital coercion and psychological manipulation. What begins as “team building” or “tradition” often escalates into systematic abuse.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing remains the deadliest form. At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter, Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to sprint immediately afterward—a documented pattern in the ABC13 coverage of his case. The “Big/Little” drinking nights that killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University and Max Gruver at LSU follow the same script that plays out at Texas parties.

Physical Hazing has evolved beyond simple paddling. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez endured:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation with degrading contents
100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion
Cold-weather exposure in underwear
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Sprints, bear crawls, and wheelbarrow races until collapse

Digital Hazing represents the newest frontier. Pledges in City of Goodlow might experience:

24/7 GroupMe monitoring with required instant responses
Geo-tracking through Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Forced social media humiliation via TikTok challenges
Recorded degradation shared in private group chats

Psychological Hazing creates lasting trauma through:

Systematic sleep deprivation with 3 AM “mandatory meetings”
Social isolation from non-members and family
Threat of expulsion for non-compliance
Public “roasting” sessions and verbal abuse

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternity Row

City of Goodlow families should understand that hazing extends beyond Greek life:

Athletic Programs: Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets has faced allegations including the “roasted pig” binding incident. Northwestern University’s $75+ million athletic hazing scandal shows this isn’t just a Texas problem.

Spirit and Tradition Groups: UT Austin’s Texas Cowboys and similar organizations have faced sanctions for hazing violations. These groups often operate with less oversight than recognized Greek organizations.

Marching Bands and Performance Groups: The Florida A&M band hazing death that resulted in a $1 million settlement against the university demonstrates that any group with initiation rituals carries risk.

Academic and Cultural Organizations: Even honor societies and cultural clubs have documented hazing incidents when power imbalances exist between new and established members.

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

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protections

Under Texas law—which governs cases affecting City of Goodlow families—hazing is defined broadly and punished severely. Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership.

Critical Provisions for City of Goodlow Families:

§ 37.155 – Consent is NOT a Defense: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states this does not excuse the hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion create coercive environments where true consent cannot exist.

§ 37.152 – Criminal Penalties Escalate with Harm:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing medical treatment injury
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.153 – Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face criminal prosecution and fines up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report.

§ 37.154 – Good-Faith Reporting Immunity: Individuals who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability. This protection is crucial for witnesses who fear retaliation.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases are brought by the state (Harris County prosecutors for UH cases, Travis County for UT, etc.). These aim for punishment: jail time, fines, probation. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were made alongside our civil lawsuit.

Civil Cases are what our firm handles for families. We seek compensation for:

Medical expenses and future care
Lost educational opportunities
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and psychological harm
Wrongful death damages when applicable

The two tracks can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil success—we prove our case by a “preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not), not “beyond reasonable doubt.”

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires Texas universities receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents by 2026. This will bring much-needed transparency to patterns City of Goodlow families currently struggle to see.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, universities have additional obligations. Our firm’s federal court experience helps navigate these complex overlapping frameworks.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes—including assaults and alcohol incidents that often accompany hazing. Failure to properly report can create additional liability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Deadly Traditions Repeat

Stone Foltz – Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State (2021): Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning. $10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university). For City of Goodlow families, this shows how national organizations with known patterns still fail to protect pledges.

Max Gruver – Phi Delta Theta, LSU (2017): Died during “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Blood alcohol concentration: 0.495%. Resulted in Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. The same fraternity operates chapters across Texas.

Timothy Piazza – Beta Theta Pi, Penn State (2017): Consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol during bid acceptance; fell multiple times on chapter cameras; help delayed for hours. 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts total. Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Andrew Coffey – Pi Kappa Phi, Florida State (2017): Died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” This is the same national fraternity involved in our active UH case, demonstrating how dangerous patterns persist across chapters.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Brutality Disguised as Tradition

Chun “Michael” Deng – Pi Delta Psi, Baruch College (2013): Died from traumatic brain injury during blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at remote retreat. National fraternity criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case proves off-campus hazing creates even greater danger.

Danny Santulli – Phi Gamma Delta, University of Missouri (2021): Suffered permanent brain damage from forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal.” Now requires 24/7 care. Settlements with 22 defendants show how multiple parties share liability when systems fail.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Systemic sexualized and racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, confidential settlements, and coach termination. Shows that big-money athletic programs pose similar risks to Greek organizations.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets: Multiple lawsuits alleging degrading hazing including binding and humiliation. These cases demonstrate that military-style tradition doesn’t excuse abuse.

What These National Cases Mean for City of Goodlow Families

These aren’t distant tragedies—they’re blueprints for what we see at Texas campuses:

Patterns repeat because national organizations fail to reform
Universities often prioritize reputation over student safety
Only litigation and substantial settlements force real change
Texas families have legal rights when these patterns harm their children

Texas University Focus: Where City of Goodlow Students Face Risk

University of Houston: Our Active Case Ground Zero

For City of Goodlow families with students at UH, our active Pi Kappa Phi case reveals systemic issues:

Case Details from Media Coverage:
The Click2Houston and ABC13 reports detail how Bermudez endured:
A “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices required 24/7
Forced overnight driving duties and strict dress codes
The November 3 workout that caused rhabdomyolysis: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats
Hospitalization with critically high creatine kinase levels indicating acute kidney failure

UH’s Response:
Called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Promised cooperation with law enforcement
Credited Pi Kappa Phi HQ for suspending chapter (Nov 6) and accepting charter surrender (Nov 14)
But the lawsuit alleges UH knew or should have known about systemic hazing

What City of Goodlow UH Families Should Know:

UHPD and Houston Police Department share jurisdiction depending on location
Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
Prior incidents at UH create pattern evidence supporting negligence claims
Immediate evidence preservation is critical before group chats are deleted

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Risks

For City of Goodlow families in the Brazos Valley region, Texas A&M presents unique risks:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit
Severe chemical burns required skin graft surgeries
Fraternity suspended for two years
Lawsuit sought $1 million in damages

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Allegations (2023):
Cadet alleged being bound between beds with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts and degradation
Sought over $1 million in damages
University stated it handled matter under its rules

Texas A&M’s Hazing Landscape:
Corps traditions intersect with Greek life in dangerous ways
Public university status creates sovereign immunity challenges
But exceptions exist for gross negligence and individual liability
Evidence collection must account for military-style discipline and secrecy

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeat Violations

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page provides unprecedented transparency that benefits City of Goodlow families:

Documented Patterns:
Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → probation and required education
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts and alcohol hazing
Various fraternities and sororities with repeat violations

Why This Matters for City of Goodlow Families:
Public records create pattern evidence supporting negligence claims
Prior violations show universities knew or should have known about risks
UTPD and Austin PD jurisdictional issues require experienced navigation
Transparency doesn’t equal prevention—violations continue despite public reporting

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

SMU’s Greek Life Culture presents distinct challenges:

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
Chapter suspended until approximately 2021
Private university investigation records harder to obtain

SMU’s Response Systems:
Anonymous reporting through Real Response
Private university status affects transparency
Civil discovery becomes crucial to uncover internal reports

For City of Goodlow Families Considering SMU:
Higher tuition doesn’t guarantee better protection
Private status affects legal strategies but doesn’t eliminate liability
Aggressive discovery often needed to obtain internal documents universities withhold

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Systemic Challenges

Baylor’s History with Institutional Accountability informs hazing response:

Baseball Hazing Incident (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Staggered suspensions over season
Part of broader cultural scrutiny following Title IX issues

Baylor’s Unique Position:
Religious identity influences disciplinary approach
History of institutional protection challenges transparency
Civil litigation often necessary to overcome internal resistance

What City of Goodlow Baylor Families Should Know:
“Zero tolerance” policies often mask inconsistent enforcement
Religious branding doesn’t eliminate legal liability
Experienced counsel needed to navigate Baylor’s particular institutional culture

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Liability Across Texas

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

If you are a parent in City of Goodlow, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Our firm maintains an unmatched Texas Greek-life data engine tracking 1,423 organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t theoretical—it’s concrete public records that form the backbone of our investigative strategy.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Backbone Samples):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845-6681
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 EASTSHORE ST, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459-1820
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035-6629
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 746084905 | 4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-3067
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 741380362 | PO BOX 470061, FORT WORTH, TX 76147-0061

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro (510 Greek Organizations Tracked):
Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity | Fort Worth, TX – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation | Fort Worth, TX – fraternity housing foundation
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter | Dallas, TX – serving DFW area

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro (188 Organizations):
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity | Houston, TX – alumni/house corporation
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae | Houston, TX – graduate chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter | Houston, TX – undergraduate chapter

Where City of Goodlow Families Send Their Children:

How This Directory Powers Cases for City of Goodlow Families

When we take a case like the UH Pi Kappa Phi matter, this data lets us identify every entity behind the letters:

Local chapter and its officers
Chapter housing corporation (like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation EIN: 462267515)
Alumni organizations and support foundations
National headquarters with insurance policies
University entities and their insurers

This isn’t academic—it’s how we ensure no responsible party escapes accountability. While the national may claim “rogue chapter,” we trace the money, the oversight, and the patterns that show systemic failure.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Patterns Meet Texas Campuses

Why National Histories Matter for City of Goodlow Families

When your child is hazed at a Texas campus, you’re not just fighting a local chapter—you’re facing a national organization with decades of documented patterns, expensive lawyers, and sophisticated insurance coverage. Our experience shows that the same dangerous scripts play out across the country:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Stone Foltz Pattern
National history: $10 million settlement in Foltz death | Multiple chapter closures
Texas presence: Chapters at UT, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing despite national “awareness”

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Systemic Issues
National history: Eliminated pledging in 2014 after multiple deaths | Still faces ongoing lawsuits
Texas presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities
Texas incidents: Chemical burns at Texas A&M | TBI lawsuit at University of Alabama
Pattern: Physical abuse and dangerous initiations persist despite policy changes

Phi Delta Theta – Max Gruver Legacy
National history: Gruver death led to Louisiana felony hazing law
Texas presence: Active at UT, Texas A&M, other campuses
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education” or “tradition”

Pi Kappa Phi – Our Active UH Case
National history: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
Texas presence: Now-closed UH chapter | Other Texas chapters
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with psychological abuse

How We Use National Patterns in Texas Cases

For City of Goodlow families, these national histories create powerful evidence:

Foreseeability: When the same national organization has faced nearly identical incidents elsewhere, they can’t claim “unforeseeable accident.”

Negligent Supervision: Nationals with thick policy manuals but poor enforcement create liability when local chapters repeat banned behaviors.

Punitive Damages: Willful disregard of known dangers can justify punishment beyond compensation.

Insurance Coverage: National policies often cover local chapters—if you know how to navigate the exclusions and arguments insurers use.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Evidence Collection: The 48-Hour Window for City of Goodlow Families

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord—screenshot EVERYTHING before deletion
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok—even disappearing content can be preserved
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts
Deleted Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “permanently” deleted messages

Medical Documentation:

ER Records: Must explicitly mention “hazing” or “forced” consumption
Lab Results: Blood alcohol, creatine kinase (rhabdomyolysis), kidney function
Psychological Evaluation: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Photographs: Injuries over time showing progression

Institutional Records (Obtained via Discovery):

University conduct files on same organization
National fraternity incident reports
Insurance policies and coverage documents
Prior complaint records

Witness Identification:

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate later)
Former members who quit
Roommates and significant others
Emergency responders and hospital staff

Damages: What City of Goodlow Families Can Recover

Economic Damages:

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, ongoing care)
Future medical needs (therapy, medications, specialists)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and suffering (physical pain from injuries)
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in activities)
Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (when applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages:

When conduct is particularly reckless or malicious
To punish and deter future behavior
Available in Texas under certain circumstances

Our Strategic Approach for City of Goodlow Cases

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-7 Days)

Evidence preservation before deletion
Medical documentation establishment
Initial witness interviews
Strategic reporting decisions (campus police, local PD, Title IX)

Phase 2: Investigation (1-3 Months)

Digital forensics on phones and devices
Public records requests to university
Chapter and national research using Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
Expert consultation (medical, psychological, economic)

Phase 3: Litigation Preparation (3-9 Months)

Demand package to all identified parties
Insurance coverage analysis and challenges
Settlement negotiation from position of strength
Trial preparation for cases that don’t settle

Phase 4: Resolution

Settlement at full value
Trial when necessary for accountability
Structured resolution ensuring future protection
Legacy considerations (policy changes, memorials)

Practical Guides for City of Goodlow Parents and Students

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your City of Goodlow Student May Be Hazed:

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation patterns (consistently up at odd hours)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance issues in non-users

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Sudden obsession with pleasing older members

Digital Red Flags:

Constant phone monitoring for group chats
Anxiety when messages arrive
Deleting message histories obsessively
Social media showing concerning activities
Location tracking suddenly enabled

Questions to Ask Your Student:

“What do new members actually do in your organization?”
“Are there activities that make you uncomfortable?”
“Has anyone been hurt or gotten too drunk at events?”
“Do you feel like you could quit if you wanted to?”
“Are you told to keep secrets from the university or parents?”

Immediate Steps if You Suspect Hazing:

Medical First: ER visit for any injury or intoxication
Document Everything: Photos, notes, screenshots
Preserve Digital Evidence: Don’t let them delete anything
Contact Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 before making decisions
Avoid Confrontation: Don’t approach the organization directly

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment:

Would I do this without social pressure?
Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university approve if they knew?
Am I told to keep it secret?

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first
Send written resignation (email/text for record)
Avoid “one last meeting” where pressure occurs
Report retaliation immediately to university and police
Seek support from campus counseling services

Your Texas Legal Rights:

Good-faith reporter immunity for calling 911
Consent is NOT a defense to hazing
Protection from retaliation under Texas law
Right to pursue civil compensation regardless of criminal outcome

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

City of Goodlow Families: Avoid These Errors

Letting Evidence Be Destroyed
Mistake: Allowing deletion of group chats “to avoid more trouble”
Consequence: Case becomes nearly impossible to prove
Solution: Screenshot everything immediately
Confronting the Organization Directly
Mistake: “Giving them a piece of your mind”
Consequence: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Solution: Document quietly, then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
Signing University “Resolution” Papers
Mistake: Trusting internal processes for fair outcomes
Consequence: Waiving right to sue for inadequate compensation
Solution: Never sign anything without attorney review
Posting on Social Media
Mistake: Venting publicly for support
Consequence: Defense attorneys use inconsistencies against you
Solution: Keep details private until case resolves
Waiting for University Investigation
Mistake: “Letting the school handle it”
Consequence: Statute of limitations runs, evidence disappears
Solution: Parallel track—preserve evidence while university investigates

About Attorney911: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Our Firm

Our Unique Qualifications for City of Goodlow 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 back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (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 insurers:

Value claims and set reserves
Use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements
Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)
Our managing partner was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same capability applies when suing national fraternities and major universities. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we’re not intimidated by institutional defendants.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Results
We’ve recovered millions for families in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lost lives and future care needs. For hazing cases involving permanent injuries like traumatic brain damage or organ failure, we have the experience to ensure full compensation.

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

Advise on criminal exposure for involved students
Navigate parallel civil and criminal proceedings
Protect witnesses and cooperate strategically with prosecutors

Investigative Depth and Expert Network
For the UH Pi Kappa Phi case and others, we deploy:

Digital forensics experts to recover deleted evidence
Medical specialists to document rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD
Greek life culture experts to explain coercion dynamics
Economists to calculate lifetime impact of injuries
Psychologists to assess trauma and emotional harm

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand:

Local court procedures across Texas counties
University cultures at each major campus
Jurisdictional issues between campus and city police
Venue strategies for maximum impact

Our Active Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

Why This Matters for City of Goodlow Families:
This isn’t a historical case study—it’s what we’re fighting right now. The details from the Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage show our approach:

Evidence Collection: Group chats showing planning and coordination
Medical Documentation: Hospital records proving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Pattern Evidence: National Pi Kappa Phi history of similar incidents
Institutional Knowledge: University awareness of chapter issues
Multi-Defendant Strategy: Suing 13 individuals plus organizations and university

This case demonstrates our commitment to holding every responsible party accountable, no matter how powerful.

Your Next Steps: A City of Goodlow Family’s Action Plan

Immediate Consultation Process

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Initial Assessment (First Call)
We’ll listen to what happened without judgment
Explain immediate steps to protect your child
Answer your most pressing questions
Schedule detailed case review

Step 2: Evidence Evaluation (First Meeting)
Review whatever evidence you’ve preserved
Explain legal options clearly and realistically
Discuss timelines, costs, and expectations
No pressure to hire—take time to decide

Step 3: Strategic Planning
Develop investigation plan based on your facts
Identify all potential defendants using our Texas database
Preserve evidence before it disappears
Coordinate with medical care and counseling

Step 4: Case Management
Regular updates every 2-3 weeks
Clear explanation of each legal step
Family involvement in major decisions
Focus on both compensation and accountability

Why Timing is Critical for City of Goodlow Families

Statute of Limitations: Generally 2 years in Texas, but earlier action is always better
Evidence Disappears: Group chats deleted, witnesses graduate, memories fade
University Control: Schools quickly shape narratives to limit liability
Insurance Tactics: Early lowball settlements target vulnerable families

Contact Attorney911 Today

For City of Goodlow Families Dealing with Hazing:

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

Spanish Language Services Available:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Service Areas: We represent hazing victims and families throughout Texas, including City of Goodlow, Corsicana, Navarro County, and across the state. Whether your student attends a local college or a flagship university, we have the experience and resources to help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
Using phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:
https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com