The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Parents in City of Grandview, Texas

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: Your Child Calls From Campus, Injured and Afraid

It starts with a phone call no parent in City of Grandview ever wants to receive. Your child, excited about joining a fraternity, sorority, or campus organization at their Texas university, now sounds different—exhausted, scared, maybe injured. They talk about “mandatory” events that keep them up until 3 AM, mysterious bruises they can’t explain, or pressure to drink far beyond their limits. When you ask questions, they become evasive: “I can’t talk about it,” or “It’s just tradition.”

This scenario isn’t hypothetical. Right now, less than three hours from City of Grandview in Johnson County, our firm, Attorney911, is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This $10 million lawsuit—filed in Harris County in late 2025—exposes a pattern of abuse happening across Texas campuses, including schools where Johnson County families send their children.

If you’re a parent in City of Grandview, Cleburne, Alvarado, or anywhere in Johnson County, this comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, and what legal options exist when universities and fraternities fail in their duty to keep students safe.

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 parents in City of Grandview who didn’t experience modern Greek life, today’s hazing bears little resemblance to movie portrayals. It’s more calculated, better hidden, and increasingly digital. Hazing in 2025 is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits.

The Modern Haking Toolkit: Five Categories Every Grandview Parent Should Recognize

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. It includes forced chugging competitions, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor, and trivia games where wrong answers mean taking shots. In the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating, Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to run sprints.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, this now includes “wellness disguised” abuse: extreme calisthenics framed as “workouts,” sleep deprivation through 3 AM “meetings,” food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements. Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session, made to lie in vomit-soaked grass, and sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“roasted pig” positions, “elephant walks”), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. In the UH case, pledges carried “pledge fanny packs” 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items, with non-compliance threatening expulsion.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, isolation from non-members, threats of expulsion for speaking out, and manipulation through “confession” sessions. Modern hazing psychologically traps victims by making them feel they’ve invested too much to quit.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
This is the newest frontier: 24/7 group chat monitoring, geo-tracking demands, social media humiliation dares, forced TikTok challenges, and pressure to share compromising content. Deleting messages or not responding instantly brings punishment.

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just “Frat Boys”

While fraternities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Sororities (Panhellenic and multicultural)
Corps of Cadets/ROTC/military-style groups
Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit organizations and tradition clubs
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, cultural, and service organizations

The common thread is power imbalance, tradition justification, and secrecy—exactly what we see in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case where members voted to surrender their charter only after hospitalization and media exposure.

Texas Hazing Law: What Johnson County Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code: Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that apply to your child whether they’re at a university in Houston, College Station, Austin, or out of state. The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Points for Grandview Parents:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb or private house is still hazing
Mental harm counts: Psychological abuse qualifies alongside physical injury
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need malicious intent—just disregard for known risks
Consent is not a defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State)

Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing (misdemeanor or felony), furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Who files: District Attorney or County Attorney
Your role: Victim or witness

Civil Cases (Brought by Your Family)

Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Typical claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Who files: You, with an attorney like Attorney911
Your role: Plaintiff seeking damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, future care

Critical Insight: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue a civil case, and many hazing cases settle confidentially in civil court while criminal proceedings continue.

Texas Penalties: From Misdemeanors to Felonies

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death (this applies in cases like Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure)
Organizational fines: Up to $10,000 per violation for fraternities/sororities

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently, strengthen prevention efforts, and maintain public hazing data by 2026. This means more visibility for parents researching campus safety.

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Clery requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with assault or alcohol crimes requiring disclosure.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students
The members who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders are named defendants.

2. Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself if it’s a legal entity. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is a defendant in our UH lawsuit.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is named in the Bermudez case based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents.

4. University or Governing Board
Schools may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in our ongoing litigation.

5. Third Parties
Landlords of event spaces, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies—anyone whose negligence contributed.

Every case is fact-specific, which is why immediate legal consultation is critical for Johnson County families.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

The tragedies below aren’t just national news—they establish legal precedents that protect your child and shape how courts view Texas cases.

The Deadly Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance event with forced drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter cameras. Help was delayed for hours. Multiple criminal convictions and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law followed. Takeaway for Grandview parents: Delay in calling 911 creates devastating liability.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey died from alcohol poisoning. Criminal convictions plus a $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from BGSU). Takeaway: Universities pay substantial settlements alongside fraternities.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking led to death from 0.495% BAC. The Max Gruver Act made hazing a felony in Louisiana. Takeaway: Legislative change follows tragedy—Texas may see similar reforms after cases like UH.

Physical & Ritualized Abuse Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
A blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat caused fatal head injuries. Multiple convictions and the fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” are particularly dangerous and create organizational liability.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
A “pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking caused permanent, severe brain damage. Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar. Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can result in lifetime care costs and substantial recoveries.

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, coach termination, and confidential settlements. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to athletic programs with similar liability patterns.

What These Cases Mean for Johnson County Families

These national precedents matter because:

They establish foreseeability—courts recognize these patterns are predictable
They show organizational knowledge—national fraternities know these risks exist
They create legal leverage—settlement amounts set expectations for Texas cases
They demonstrate institutional accountability—universities pay alongside fraternities

When your child is hazed at a Texas school, you’re not starting from zero—you’re building on established legal principles proven across the country.

Texas University Focus: Where Grandview Families Send Their Kids

Understanding the Johnson County College Pipeline

Parents in City of Grandview, Cleburne, Keene, and across Johnson County typically have children at:

Nearby Regional Campuses:

Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Erath County) – 50 miles west
Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, Hunt County) – 70 miles northeast
Hill College (Hillsboro, Johnson/Hill counties) – Local community college
Southwestern Adventist University (Keene, Johnson County) – Right in our community

Major Statewide Hubs (Common for Johnson County Students):

University of Texas at Austin (170 miles south)
Texas A&M University (College Station, 150 miles southeast)
University of North Texas (Denton, 60 miles north)
Texas Tech University (Lubbock, 280 miles west)
Baylor University (Waco, 50 miles south)
Southern Methodist University (Dallas, 60 miles northeast)
University of Houston (Houston, 230 miles southeast)

This geographic spread means Johnson County families need attorneys who understand multiple university systems, jurisdictions, and Greek life cultures across Texas.

University-Specific Hazing Environments

Texas A&M University (Relevant for Corps of Cadets Families)
The Corps culture presents unique hazing risks. In 2023, a cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth, seeking over $1 million. Texas A&M’s response highlighted their internal handling process. For Johnson County families with children in the Corps: Document everything and understand both university disciplinary systems and civil liability options.

University of Texas at Austin (High Transparency Model)
UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page showing organizational sanctions. Recent entries include Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) for forcing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This transparency helps prove pattern evidence in lawsuits. For Johnson County students at UT: This public database can strengthen your case.

Baylor University (Private School Considerations)
Baylor’s religious identity and past scandals create complex liability landscapes. The 2020 baseball hazing incident (14 players suspended) shows hazing persists even with “zero tolerance” policies. Private university status affects legal strategies—experienced counsel is essential.

University of Houston (Current Active Litigation)
Our firm’s ongoing $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi represents the most serious active hazing case in Texas. The details—forced consumption leading to rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, four-day hospitalization—show how quickly “tradition” becomes medical catastrophe. This case directly informs how we approach hazing litigation for all Texas families.

Campus Reporting Channels Every Grandview Parent Should Know

Each Texas university has specific reporting systems:

Dean of Students/Student Conduct Offices: Formal disciplinary channels
Campus Police: For criminal conduct (assault, alcohol crimes)
Title IX Offices: For gender-based harassment aspects
Anonymous Hotlines: Many schools offer confidential reporting
Greek Life Advisors: Mixed effectiveness—some prioritize system protection

Critical Advice: Report through official channels BUT consult an attorney first. Universities often control narratives to minimize institutional liability.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Johnson County Families

If you’re a parent in City of Grandview, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below is a sampling from our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—public records we maintain to investigate hazing cases for families across Texas.

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Greek Ecosystem (510+ Organizations)

Johnson County sits within this massive Greek life network. Relevant entities include:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Cause IQ Metro listing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362, PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter – Fort Worth, TX (Chapter at TCU, Cause IQ listing)
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter – Dallas, TX (Cause IQ listing)
Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Denton, TX (Chapter at Texas Woman’s University, Cause IQ listing)

Major University Greek Entities (Where Grandview Students Attend)

For Texas A&M University Families:
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786, 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681 (IRS B83)
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp. – College Station, TX (Cause IQ College Station metro)
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter – College Station, TX (Texas A&M chapter, Cause IQ listing)

For University of Texas at Austin Families:
Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581, 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705-4018 (IRS B83, Chi Omega house corporation)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX (UT chapter house corporation, Cause IQ listing)
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta) – Austin, TX (UT chapter property, Cause IQ listing)

For University of North Texas Families (Common for Johnson County Commuters):
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity – EIN 262025321, 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201-5816 (IRS B83, Mu Gamma Chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 263170920, 411 Texas St Rm 219, Denton, TX 76204-0000 (IRS B83, Texas Woman’s University chapter)

Texas-Wide Organizational Snapshot (1,423 Greek Entities Across 25 Metros)

Additional entities illustrating statewide reach:
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445, 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627-8843 (IRS B83, Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267, 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710-4154 (IRS B83, Xi Chi chapter)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 237279532, PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446-2142 (IRS B83, Prairie View alumni)

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case:
When hazing occurs, we don’t start from zero. We already know the legal names, EINs, and mailing addresses of organizations that may hold insurance and responsibility. This investigative headstart is crucial when evidence disappears quickly.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Create Texas Liability

Why National Patterns Matter in Johnson County Courtrooms

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths elsewhere, courts recognize foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known this could happen. This strengthens negligence claims and can support punitive damages.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ/Pike)

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): $14M settlement
UH Connection: Present at University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ/SAE)

Multiple deaths nationwide leading to 2014 pledge process elimination
Texas A&M lawsuit (2021): Chemical burns from industrial cleaner
UT Austin lawsuit (2024): Assault causing fractures
UH Connection: Active chapter at University of Houston
Pattern: Physical abuse and dangerous substances

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Death from Big Brother night
Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, 2025): Our active $10M lawsuit
Pattern: Forced consumption and extreme physical hazing

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death
Texas campus presence: Multiple Texas universities
Pattern: Alcohol games disguised as “study”

How National Histories Strengthen Your Texas Case

Proving Foreseeability: Shows national knew risks existed
Establishing Pattern: Demonstrates this wasn’t an isolated “rogue” incident
Supporting Punitive Damages: Shows reckless disregard for known dangers
Overcoming “We Didn’t Know” Defenses: Prior incidents prove they should have known

When we litigate hazing cases for Johnson County families, we subpoena national organizations’ internal records to prove they had notice of these patterns but failed to implement effective prevention.

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

The Evidence That Wins Cases (Preserve This Immediately)

Digital Communications (Most Critical)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Screenshot ENTIRE conversations with timestamps
Social media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends sharing, Snapchat maps

Photos & Videos

Injury documentation: Multiple angles, include coin/ruler for scale, photograph over days as bruises develop
Event footage: Any videos of hazing activities, even those framed as “fun”
Property evidence: Damaged items, alcohol bottles, paddles, costumes

Medical Records

ER/hospital records: Specifically state “hazing” as cause to create medical documentation
Lab results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function (critical in rhabdomyolysis cases)
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Future care plans: For permanent injuries like brain damage or organ impairment

Institutional Records (We Obtain via Discovery)

University conduct files: Prior incidents involving same organization
National fraternity records: Risk management files, prior complaints
Insurance policies: Coverage details for all potential defendants
Police reports: Campus and local law enforcement documents

Witness Information

Other pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled may testify
Roommates/RA’s: Observed behavioral changes or injuries
Medical providers: ER staff, therapists who treated your child

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (permanent disability reducing lifetime earnings)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial but Subjective)

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in activities they loved)

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support for family
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

To punish defendants for reckless or malicious conduct
To deter future hazing
Available when defendants knew dangers but proceeded anyway

The Insurance Coverage Battle (Where Insider Knowledge Matters)

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance, but insurers often argue:

“Hazing is intentional, so it’s excluded”
“This policy doesn’t cover that defendant”
“Your claim exceeds policy limits”

Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. We navigate these battles daily for Johnson County families.

Practical Guide: What Grandview Parents and Students Should Do Right Now

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries with inconsistent “accident” stories
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Financial mysteries: unexplained charges, requests for money
Academic decline: missed classes, dropping grades

How to Talk to Your Child (Without Confrontation):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment
Prioritize safety over “not making waves”
Document everything they tell you
Preserve evidence immediately (screenshots before deletion)
Contact an attorney BEFORE contacting the university

For Students: Is This Hazing? Your Rights and Options

Questions to Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You Answer “Yes” – It’s Hazing. Your Options:

Immediate Safety Steps:

If in danger: CALL 911 or campus police
Get medical attention immediately
Tell medical providers you were hazed for documentation
Go to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, home)

Preserving Evidence:

Screenshot ALL group chats (full threads with timestamps)
Photograph injuries from multiple angles
Save any physical evidence (clothing, objects)
Write down everything you remember (who, what, when, where)

Reporting Options:

Campus police or local police (for criminal conduct)
Dean of Students/Student Conduct (university disciplinary)
Title IX office (if sexual elements involved)
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
An attorney who can protect your rights during reporting

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith
Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
You can pursue civil damages even without criminal charges
You can request no-contact orders if harassed after reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence “To Protect Your Child”
What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys case, can be obstruction
What to do: Preserve EVERYTHING, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What parents think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do: Document everything, call attorney first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure quick settlements with liability waivers
Why it’s wrong: You may waive rights for minimal compensation
What to do: NEVER sign without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media Before Legal Advice
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do: Document privately, let attorney control messaging

5. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”
What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do: Preserve evidence NOW, consult attorney immediately

Why Attorney911 for Johnson County Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At Attorney911, we bring unique qualifications to hazing cases for Johnson County families.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

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

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ Years Practice: Since 1998, founded firm in 2001
“We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or universities.”

Active Texas Hazing Case Leadership
Right now, we’re leading the $10 million Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 individual members. This isn’t hypothetical—we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases, developing strategies that benefit all our clients.

Spanish Language Services (Se Habla Español)
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Hispanic families in Johnson County receive clear communication and compassionate representation.

Our Investigative Approach for Johnson County Families

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We act within hours to secure:

Deleted message recovery via digital forensics
Witness interviews before memories fade or intimidation occurs
Preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
Medical record collection with proper hazing documentation

2. Multi-Defendant Investigation
We identify ALL potentially liable parties:

Individual members (including those who’ve graduated)
Local chapter and housing corporations
National headquarters and insurance carriers
University departments and administrators
Third-party property owners and alcohol providers

3. Pattern Evidence Development
We subpoena records showing:

Prior incidents at same chapter
Similar incidents at other chapters nationwide
National organization knowledge of risks
University prior warnings and inadequate responses

4. Damage Maximization Strategy
We work with experts to document:

Lifetime medical needs for permanent injuries
Economic losses from educational disruption
Psychological trauma requiring long-term therapy
Family impact in wrongful death cases

What Sets Us Apart for Grandview Families

Geographic Understanding: We know Johnson County courts, Texas university systems, and the DFW metro Greek life landscape where your children participate.

Communication Commitment: We update clients every 2-3 weeks because families deserve to know what’s happening with their case.

No Fee Unless We Win: Contingency fee basis means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Empathy with Accountability: We know this is traumatic for families. Our job is to carry the legal burden while you focus on healing.

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation for Johnson County Families

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Free, No-Obligation Consultation Includes:

Listening to Your Story: We’ll hear what happened without judgment
Evidence Review: We’ll examine what you’ve preserved and advise on next steps
Legal Options Explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic Timeline: What to expect in coming weeks and months
Cost Discussion: Contingency fee explanation—no win, no fee
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

We Serve Families Throughout Texas, Including:

City of Grandview and all of Johnson County
Cleburne, Alvarado, Keene, Burleson, and surrounding communities
Students at Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, UNT, Baylor, SMU, and all Texas campuses
Cases with Texas connections, even if your child attends school out of state

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services available)

Office Locations:

Houston, Texas (Primary)
Austin, Texas
Beaumont, Texas

Hablamos Español: Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Final Message to Grandview Families

Whether you’re in City of Grandview, Cleburne, Alvarado, or anywhere in Johnson County, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers protecting their interests—you deserve the same advocacy.

We’ve seen firsthand how quickly “tradition” becomes tragedy, from the University of Houston case we’re litigating to matters across Texas. Don’t let embarrassment, fear, or institutional pressure prevent you from seeking accountability.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you protect your child’s rights, secure evidence before it disappears, and pursue the accountability that can prevent this from happening to another family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Educational Videos from Attorney911:

How to document evidence with your phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Firm Website and Practice Areas:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

News Coverage of Our Active UH Hazing Case:

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.

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