If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a community, and embark on a new chapter. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hazed. We know this nightmare firsthand because we are fighting this very battle right now for families just like yours. We’re here to help families in Harris County fight back against the fraternities, sororities, and universities that turn a blind eye to the suffering of our students.

We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the confusion – it’s overwhelming. You’re searching for answers at 2 AM, wondering how this could have happened. You’re trying to make sense of what “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” has become. Hazing isn’t a harmless prank; it’s a deeply disturbing pattern of abuse that can lead to severe injury, lasting trauma, and even death. It happens more often than you think, even at institutions right here in Georgia and across the country.

Our firm, Attorney911, is dedicated to protecting victims of hazing. We don’t just talk about the problem; we actively confront it. We are currently engaged in a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston for the horrific hazing of our client, Leonel Bermudez. This case, filed in November 2025, represents everything we stand for: aggressive representation, data-driven litigation, and unwavering accountability for every entity responsible for hazing injuries. We bring this same fire and expertise to every family we represent, including those right here in Harris County, Georgia.

At Attorney911, we are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. When your child suffers the unthinkable due to hazing, we move first, fast, and decisively. We want you to know that you are not alone, and you have powerful legal allies ready to fight by your side. Although we are headquartered in Houston, we serve hazing victims in Harris County, Georgia, and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice when your child’s future, and potentially their life, is on the line.

The Hazing Crisis: It Could Happen to Your Child Attending College Near Harris County

The stories of hazing victims fill us with a righteous fury. These are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a systemic crisis within collegiate organizations. Parents in Harris County trust that when their children leave for college – whether it’s to a university in Georgia, across the South, or anywhere in the country – they will be safe, nurtured, and allowed to thrive. Instead, far too many find themselves caught in a terrifying cycle of abuse.

Hazing is often shrouded in secrecy, fueled by peer pressure, and perpetuated by a twisted sense of “tradition.” It preys on young people’s desire to belong, to fit in, and to be accepted into a new community. But what starts as a desire for connection can quickly devolve into psychological torment, brutal physical abuse, and life-threatening situations.

The statistics paint a grim picture:

• Over half of students (55%) involved in fraternities and sororities experience hazing.
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed.
• Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every single year in the United States. These aren’t just numbers; they are young lives tragically cut short.
• A staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it. This silence is a product of fear—fear of retaliation, fear of social ostracization, or a belief that nothing will change. This silence empowers the abusers and protects the institutions that allow it to fester.

Hazing isn’t confined to fraternities and sororities. It plagues sports teams, ROTC units, marching bands, academic clubs, and other student organizations. The common thread? A power dynamic exploited, where new members are subjected to degrading or dangerous rituals as a rite of passage.

Universities and national organizations often know, or should know, that hazing is happening. They have policies in place, but these policies are frequently unenforced or circumvented. It often takes a tragedy – a hospitalization or a death – for them to act, usually by temporarily suspending a chapter, only to allow it to return later. This cycle of denial and inadequate response must end.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 is Fighting This Battle Right Now – And We’ll Bring the Same Fight to Harris County

We believe that the most powerful way to explain what we do, and who we are, is to show you. The case of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is a chilling example of modern hazing and our relentless pursuit of justice. This case is not theoretical; it is happening right now in civil court, and it defines our commitment to ending hazing.

This is what happened in Houston, Texas, a major metropolitan hub that draws students from across the state and beyond, just like many colleges that students from Harris County attend. But similar hazing happens at universities near Harris County, too. The same national fraternities operate in Georgia. The same institutional negligence exists at colleges and universities students from Harris County attend. And we will fight for Harris County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.

Our Client: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member who was not even officially a University of Houston student. He planned to transfer to UH for the upcoming spring semester. They did this to someone who wasn’t even enrolled yet, highlighting the sheer disregard for human safety and student well-being.

On September 16, 2025, Leonel accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. What followed was an agonizing several weeks of systematic physical and psychological torment that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, and he continues to face the specter of long-term health complications.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, spoke to ABC13 about Leonel’s harrowing ordeal: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, emphasized the firm’s mission in the same report: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This is not just a lawsuit; it’s a mission to protect every student, including those in Harris County, from suffering a similar fate.

The Horrific Hazing Activities Exposed:

The details of Leonel’s hazing are a stark reminder that “tradition” is often a euphemism for torture:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” where water was sprayed directly into his face while he performed calisthenics. He was forced to run repeatedly under the constant threat of being waterboarded again. This tactic, recognized internationally as torture, was inflicted on a young student desperate for acceptance.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: He was made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns to the point of vomiting. After vomiting, he was forced to continue running sprints while clearly in physical distress and made to lie in his own vomit-soaked grass.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: This included performing over 100 push-ups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was forced to recite the fraternity creed while enduring these exercises, threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped. This relentless exertion continued until his muscles broke down, leading to his severe medical condition. He was also subjected to being struck with wooden paddles.
• Psychological Torture & Humiliation: Leonel was stripped to his underwear in cold weather and made to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts are designed to degrade, humiliate, and mentally break pledges.
• Sleep Deprivation & Forced Servitude: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion. He endured enforced dress codes, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews, all designed to control and break his will.

The Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis

The forced physical exertion led to a life-threatening condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which can severely damage the kidneys. Leonel passed brown urine, a classic sign of muscle breakdown, and was diagnosed with acute kidney failure. He required intensive medical observation for four days in the hospital, facing the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. His condition was so severe he could not stand or walk without assistance for days.

This is the exact type of severe physical injury and debilitating illness that Attorney911 has experience litigating. Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making us uniquely qualified to handle cases of this nature across the nation, including for students from Harris County.

The Defendants and Our $10 Million Lawsuit

Our lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil District Court, names a comprehensive list of defendants to ensure maximum accountability:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (Beta Nu Chapter): The local chapter that directly organized and executed the hazing.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters: For its failure to supervise, enforce policies, and address a known “hazing crisis” despite a documented history of severe incidents.
• Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation: The entity responsible for the fraternity property where some hazing occurred.
• University of Houston: For its institutional negligence, particularly since it owned the fraternity house where the hazing took place, and failed in its duty to protect students after prior hazing incidents on campus.
• UH Board of Regents: As the governing body, for institutional oversight failures.
• 13 Individual Fraternity Members: Including the Chapter President, Pledgemaster, and other active and former members who directly participated in, directed, or enabled the hazing. This even includes a former member and their spouse who allowed hazing to occur at their private residence.

This lawsuit seeks $10 million in damages, a figure validated by multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in similar hazing cases nationwide. It aims to compensate Leonel for his immense suffering, medical expenses, and future challenges, while also sending a clear, unequivocal message to all fraternities and universities: hazing will not be tolerated, and the culprits will pay.

Media Coverage & Institutional Responses

The Bermudez case garnered immediate media attention, with reports from ABC13 Houston, KHOU 11 News, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media. The details of the lawsuit and the victim’s harrowing experience are publicly documented, serving as a stark warning to students and parents nationwide, including those in Harris County.

Following the investigation, the University of Houston acknowledged the severity of the situation, with a spokesperson stating that the events were “deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” They also noted the potential for criminal charges, adding further weight to the allegations. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters quickly moved to officially close its Beta Nu Chapter, making the decision effective November 14, 2025 – a full seven days before Attorney911 officially filed our $10 million lawsuit. Their public statement, citing “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards,” is an admission of wrongdoing, albeit couched in corporate PR. Crucially, their statement also said, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” demonstrating a concerning lack of genuine remorse and an intent to eventually re-establish their presence, rather than truly address the root causes of their systemic issues.

These institutional responses, quick to appear in the face of public scrutiny and impending litigation, underscore a pattern we see often: acknowledgement only after harm, public statements crafted for damage control, and promises of future change that ring hollow given past failures.

Why This Case Matters to Harris County Families

The Bermudez case is a crucial touchstone for any family in Harris County whose child is considering Greek life or other student organizations.

• Proof That “Tradition” is Torture: This case vividly demonstrates that modern hazing practices are not harmless rites of passage but acts of physical and psychological torture. This kind of abuse can and does happen at institutions students from Harris County attend, whether in Georgia or elsewhere.
• Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of the hazing took place. This highlights a critical, often overlooked aspect of university negligence: when institutions own or control the property where hazing occurs, their responsibility is amplified. Colleges and universities near Harris County have the same power to stop hazing—and the same liability when they fail to do so.
• National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters quickly dissolved the chapter, an implicit acknowledgment of severe misconduct. This action, following the death of Andrew Coffey at an FSU Pi Kappa Phi chapter in 2017, reveals a history of problems and a national organization that acts only when forced to. The same national organizations with similar oversight issues operate chapters at universities throughout Georgia.
• Victims Are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a fear common among hazing victims in Harris County and elsewhere. Our firm understands this intimidation and works tirelessly to protect our clients while still pursuing aggressive legal action.
• One Brave Victim Can Protect Others: As Lupe Peña stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Leonel’s courage to come forward, backed by Attorney911, can make a difference and potentially save lives among students, including those from Harris County, who might otherwise face similar abuse.
• $10 Million Sends a Message: The magnitude of this lawsuit is designed to get the attention of institutions that prioritize reputation over safety. This is the price for torturing our kids. Harris County families, by pursuing similar legal avenues, can send the same powerful message.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Harris County might imagine hazing as innocent pranks or mild inconveniences. But the reality, as exemplified by Leonel Bermudez’s experience, is far more sinister. This is not about “boys being boys” or “building character.” This is about deliberate physical and psychological abuse, often crossing the line into criminal assault and battery.

It is:

• Assault and Battery: The physical striking, forced exertion to the point of collapse, and waterboarding are not benign activities; they are acts of violence.
• Torture: Simulated drowning and prolonged psychological torment fit the definition of torture.
• Reckless Endangerment: Forcing individuals to ingest dangerous substances, endure extreme physical duress, or suffer sleep deprivation puts their lives at severe risk.
• Sometimes Manslaughter or Murder: Tragically, many hazing incidents end in death due as a direct result of these dangerous activities.

The tactics employed in hazing are designed to break down an individual’s will, create subservience, and enforce loyalty through fear and suffering.

• Physical Abuse: This can range from beatings, paddling, and branding to forced and excessive exercise, often leading to injuries like broken bones, internal organ damage, severe bruising, and even rhabdomyolysis, as seen in Leonel’s case.
• Forced Consumption: Binge drinking, often with high-proof alcohol, is a common and deadly hazing activity, leading to alcohol poisoning and death. But it also includes forced eating of unpleasant or dangerous substances until vomiting, as Leonel suffered.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days, forced to perform tasks, study, or endure rituals, leading to extreme fatigue, impaired judgment, and susceptibility to further abuse.
• Psychological Torture: This involves any act designed to humiliate, degrade, verbally abuse, isolate, or instill fear. Threats, insults, public shaming, and demeaning rituals can leave deep, lasting psychological scars, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Sexual Abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexually explicit objects (as in Leonel’s case) are abhorrent forms of hazing that constitute sexual assault and can be profoundly traumatizing.
• Exposure: Leaving pledges in extreme cold or heat, or confining them in small, dark spaces, are dangerous practices that can lead to hypothermia, heatstroke, or severe panic attacks.
• Servitude & Degradation: Making pledges perform menial or demeaning tasks for active members, such as cleaning, driving, or running errands, strips them of their dignity and reinforces the power imbalance.

The medical consequences of these acts are often severe:

• Rhabdomyolysis & Kidney Failure: As Leonel Bermudez experienced, extreme physical exertion can cause muscle breakdown, leading to kidney damage and potentially life-threatening organ failure.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, resulting from forced binge drinking.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: From falls, beatings, or head trauma during hazing rituals.
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: From exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Cardiac Arrest: From physical overexertion, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions.
• PTSD, Anxiety, Depression: Long-term psychological damage is almost universal among hazing survivors.
• DEATH: The ultimate, tragic outcome that far too many families have faced.

This is the grim reality of modern hazing. It is not a game. It is abuse, and we are determined to hold those responsible accountable for the unimaginable harm they inflict.

Who is Responsible: Holding Everyone Accountable

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead, it’s rarely just one person or one organization at fault. Attorney911 operates on the principle of holding every single liable entity accountable. This comprehensive approach is crucial for maximizing compensation for victims and ensuring that no one responsible can evade justice. From the individual who inflicted the harm to the national organization that enabled the culture, and the university that failed to protect its students, we cast a wide net.

In the Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi case, we are pursuing:

• Local Chapter (Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu): This is the direct perpetrator. The students and recent alumni who planned, organized, and executed the hazing rituals are directly liable for their actions. This includes the chapter’s leadership—the President, Pledgemaster, and Risk Manager—who either directed the abuse or allowed it to happen under their watch.
• Individual Members: Every participant in the hazing activities can be held personally liable for assault, battery, and negligence. This extends beyond the primary actors to anyone who coerced, encouraged, or failed to intervene. Importantly, this can include former members who hosted hazing at their residences, and even their spouses who permitted dangerous activities on their property, as we’ve alleged in the Bermudez case. Individual liability is a powerful deterrent, sending a clear message that college students are not immune from the legal consequences of their actions.
• National Fraternity/Sorority Organization (Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): These are the “deep pockets.” National organizations have a fundamental duty to supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure a safe environment. When they fail to do so, especially after previous incidents or a known “hazing crisis” (as alleged in Leonel’s case, and undeniably true after Andrew Coffey’s death), they are directly negligent. They possess substantial assets, extensive insurance policies, and a brand reputation worth protecting, all of which become targets in our litigation.
• The University (University of Houston, UH Board of Regents): Universities have a legal and moral obligation to protect their students from hazing. Their liability can stem from:
  • Failure to Supervise: Negligently overseeing Greek life and other student organizations.
  • Failure to Enforce Policies: Having anti-hazing policies but not actively enforcing them.
  • Institutional Knowledge: Knowing about prior hazing incidents (like the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing at UH) but failing to implement effective preventive measures.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, the university has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment, as is the case with the university-owned Pi Kappa Phi house in Bermudez.
  • Deliberate Indifference: Consciously disregarding known risks or patterns of dangerous behavior within student organizations.
• Chapter Advisors/Alumni Boards: These individuals or groups often act as conduits between the national organization, the university, and the local chapter. They frequently hold significant influence and oversight responsibilities. If they were aware of hazing or contributed to a culture where it could thrive, they too can be held liable.
• Insurance Carriers: The substantial monetary recoveries in hazing cases typically come from the liability insurance policies held by the national organization, the university, local chapters, and sometimes even individual homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña possess invaluable insider knowledge of how these carriers assess, value, and defend against claims, allowing us to anticipate their strategies and maximize our clients’ recovery.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that every responsible party is brought before the court, maximizing the potential for significant compensation and, crucially, driving systemic change. We don’t just sue the “fraternity;” we sue everyone involved, from the college kid who held the hose to the university president and the national board of directors, ensuring that true accountability is achieved for Harris County victims.

What These Cases Win: Proof That Justice is Possible for Harris County Families

Facing powerful institutions like national fraternities and major universities can feel daunting for families in Harris County. Many worry they can’t possibly stand up to them. But the truth, proven repeatedly in courtrooms across America, is that hazing victims and their families can, and do, win multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These precedents are not just numbers; they are powerful affirmations that justice is achievable, and they provide a strong foundation for the cases we pursue.

These landmark cases send an undeniable message: hazing costs millions. We use these precedents to inform our litigation strategy and to demonstrate that our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is not just warranted, but often conservative given the egregious nature of the abuse. The same legal strategies and determination apply to cases for victims in Harris County.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

• Total Recovery: $10.1 MILLION+
• The Tragedy: In March 2021, Stone Foltz, a pledge at BGSU’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during an initiation event. He was found unresponsive the next morning and died from acute alcohol poisoning.
• The Accountability: Bowling Green State University settled with the Foltz family for $2.9 million. Pi Kappa Alpha National and other individuals settled for an additional $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a jury delivered a $6.5 million judgment against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, for his role in Foltz’s death. This case represents the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.
• Why it Matters for Harris County: This case provides direct precedent for our $10 million demand, demonstrating that both universities and national fraternities face multi-million dollar liabilities, even when a public university is involved. It also proves that individual officers can be held personally liable for millions.

Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• Total Recovery: $6.1 MILLION Jury Verdict
• The Tragedy: In September 2017, Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning after a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. His BAC was 0.495, over six times the legal limit.
• The Accountability: A jury returned a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity and its members. Key individuals faced criminal charges, with one former member convicted of negligent homicide. The severe public backlash prompted Louisiana to pass the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.
• Why it Matters for Harris County: This verdict powerfully illustrates that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths, even against individual members. It underscores how hazing cases can drive significant legislative reform, signaling a zero-tolerance societal stance that would resonate in Harris County as well.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)

• Total Recovery: $110 MILLION+ (Estimated Settlements)
• The Tragedy: In February 2017, Timothy Piazza, a pledge at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi chapter, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a near-fatal BAC of 0.36. Severely intoxicated, he suffered multiple falls down a flight of stairs, sustaining a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 agonizing hours before calling 911. He died days later. The entire event was captured on security cameras.
• The Accountability: Multiple settlements resulted in an estimated total recovery exceeding $110 million. Numerous fraternity members faced criminal charges, with several convicted of involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and other offenses. Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law to strengthen anti-hazing regulations.
• Why it Matters for Harris County: This case, with its massive settlement, proves that strong evidence of egregious conduct leads to monumental financial accountability. The fact that the hazing was caught on video was crucial, and we strive to gather equally compelling evidence in our cases, including those for Harris County victims.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

• The Tragedy: In November 2017, Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after a “Big Brother Night” event at Florida State University’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
• The Accountability: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the FSU chapter was permanently closed. A civil suit filed by his family resulted in a confidential settlement.
• Why it Matters for Harris County: This case is particularly damning for Pi Kappa Phi because it involves the SAME NATIONAL ORGANIZATION as the Bermudez case. Andrew Coffey’s death eight years prior provided national Pi Kappa Phi with undeniable notice of deadly hazing within its chapters. Their failure to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization eight years later demonstrates a pattern of deliberate indifference that significantly strengthens our claims for punitive damages for any Harris County victim.

These cases are not isolated tragedies; they are a national pattern. They demonstrate that victims and their families, with aggressive legal representation, can secure substantial compensation, force institutional change, and help prevent future harm. For families in Harris County confronting the horror of hazing, these precedents show that while the pain may be unfathomable, justice is within reach.

Texas Law Protects You: A Strong Legal Framework for Hazing Victims

When hazing impacts a family in Harris County, Georgia, understanding the underpinning legal framework is critical. While our firm is based in Texas, where we are actively litigating the Bermudez case, the principles of accountability and the types of claims available to hazing victims are largely consistent across states, including Georgia, and are often reinforced by federal law. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue these claims wherever justice leads.

The State of Texas has robust anti-hazing laws designed to protect students and hold perpetrators and institutions accountable. These laws provide a powerful foundation for civil lawsuits, even in severe hazing cases like Leonel Bermudez’s where criminal charges may also be pursued.

Texas Hazing Laws (Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157)

These statutes are particularly critical because they explicitly define hazing, outline criminal penalties, establish organizational liability, and, crucially, eliminate claims of consent as a defense.

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization, that endangers their mental or physical health or safety. The law specifically lists:

  • Physical brutality: Whipping, beating, striking, branding, etc. (Leonel was struck with wooden paddles.)
  • Activities causing unreasonable risk of harm: Sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, calisthenics (Leonel suffered from forced exercise leading to kidney failure, sleep deprivation, and exposure to cold water from the hose.)
  • Forced consumption: Food, liquid, alcohol that subjects the student to unreasonable risk. (Leonel was forced to eat until vomiting.)
  • Violations of the Penal Code: Any activity that involves a criminal act. (Assault, egregious abuse leading to severe injury typically falls under this.)
  • Coercion to consume drugs or excessive alcohol.
    The fact that Leonel Bermudez’s hazing included waterboarding, forced extreme exercise leading to organ failure, forced eating until vomiting, physical paddlings, and psychological torment means it easily satisfies multiple elements of Texas’s statutory definition.

• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law imposes serious criminal penalties for hazing:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: For merely engaging in hazing, or having firsthand knowledge and failing to report. (Up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine.)
  • Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing that causes serious bodily injury. (Up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine.) This squarely applies to Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
  • State Jail Felony: For hazing that causes death. (180 days to 2 years state jail, $10,000 fine.) This is precisely what accused individuals face in hazing deaths like Max Gruver’s case.
    The University of Houston spokesperson even mentioned “potential criminal charges” in their statement about the Bermudez case, confirming the criminal implications of the conduct.

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): A critical aspect for Harris County families is that organizations themselves can be found guilty of an offense if they “condone or encourage hazing” or if their members commit hazing. Penalties include fines up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate, and forfeiture of property. This means local chapters and even national organizations can be held directly liable, not just the individuals.

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most powerful aspect of Texas hazing law. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
  This completely undermines the common defense strategy used by fraternities and universities: “He could have left,” or “He agreed to participate.” The Texas Legislature recognized that the power dynamics and coercive nature of hazing mean true consent is often impossible. This legal principle resonates across the nation, making “consent” a flimsy shield against justice, whether in Texas or for a student attending college in Georgia.

• University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Educational institutions, like the University of Houston, are legally required to report hazing incidents to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor. These reporting requirements create a paper trail that can be invaluable in discovery.

Civil Liability for Hazing: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges address retribution, civil lawsuits are how hazing victims and their families in Harris County recover compensation for their immense losses. Our firm leverages multiple civil liability theories to build an unassailable case:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the most common path. We argue that the defendants (individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities) owed a duty of care to the victim (e.g., to provide a safe environment, to enforce anti-hazing policies), they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries, and those injuries resulted in quantifiable damages. This theory applies whether the hazing occurs in Texas or if your child attends a university in Georgia.
2. Premises Liability: If the hazing takes place on property owned or controlled by the university (as with the University of Houston in the Bermudez case) or a fraternity’s housing corporation, the property owners have a duty to ensure a safe environment. Their failure to address dangerous conditions (i.e., known hazing practices) on their property can lead to liability.
3. Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters, or when universities fail to monitor Greek life and other student organizations effectively. If they knew, or should have known, about patterns of dangerous behavior and did nothing, they can be held responsible.
4. Assault and Battery: These are intentional torts, meaning liability falls directly on individuals who inflict harmful or offensive contact. Every individual who participated in the physical abuse of a student can be sued personally.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This claim is applicable when the defendants’ conduct is so extreme and outrageous as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency, and it causes severe emotional distress. The psychological torment involved in many hazing rituals, particularly those involving humiliation, degradation, or simulated torture, often qualifies.
6. Vicarious Liability: This legal principle holds an entity responsible for the actions of another. For example, a national fraternity can be held vicariously liable for the actions of its local chapter members if those members were acting within the scope of their fraternity duties.

For Harris County families, it’s vital to recognize that your rights are robust. Civil remedies exist independently of any criminal prosecution decisions. Even if criminal charges are not pursued locally in Georgia, your civil case can still move forward to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Why Attorney911 Is the Obvious Choice for Harris County’s Hazing Victims

When you’re searching for help for your child, perhaps at 2 AM after a terrifying revelation, you need lawyers you can trust. Lawyers who are not just competent but genuinely empathetic and relentlessly aggressive on your behalf. For families in Harris County facing the devastation of hazing, Attorney911 offers an unmatched combination of experience, insider knowledge, and unwavering dedication.

Many firms claim to handle personal injury, but hazing litigation is a complex and emotionally charged niche that requires specific expertise. We don’t just dabble in hazing cases; we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now. This isn’t theoretical; this is real-world, in-the-trenches fighting. This means we have unparalleled, up-to-the-minute knowledge of the evolving strategies of national fraternities, universities, and their insurers—knowledge that we deploy for every Harris County family we represent.

Here’s why families in Harris County choose Attorney911:

1. 25+ Years of Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over two and a half decades of aggressive litigation experience. He’s a trial attorney who isn’t afraid to take on the biggest defendants, from major corporations to national organizations. This extensive experience translates into proven expertise for families in Harris County.
2. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked as insurance defense attorneys before founding Attorney911. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic advantage. They have literally sat on the other side of the table, learned the insurance companies’ entire playbook, and know exactly how they value claims, strategize defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts. Now, they use that insider knowledge to dismantle those defenses and maximize recovery for victims, including those from Harris County. We know how the Harris County defendants will fight back, and we know how to counter every move.
3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Admissions: Hazing cases often involve national organizations and multi-state issues. Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, including the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, providing the authority to pursue complex federal claims if needed. Ralph Manginello is also licensed in both Texas and New York, a crucial strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and universities headquartered in different states, or for students from Harris County attending schools nationwide. This means we can effectively pursue cases against national fraternities no matter their state of incorporation.
4. Specialized Hazing Litigation Expertise: We have direct, specific experience with rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, fraternity litigation, and holding universities accountable. Our current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston isn’t just a case; it’s a living database of strategies and insights we bring to bear for every client, including those in Harris County.
5. Multi-Billion Dollar Case Experience: Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City Explosion Litigation (a multi-billion dollar mass tort case with 15 deaths and 180+ injuries) demonstrates his capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants. The same skills, investigation techniques, and aggressive approach used to take on BP are now applied to hazing cases involving powerful national fraternities and well-funded universities.
6. “Se Habla Español”: Our bilingual staff, including Lupe Peña who is fluent in Spanish, ensures that Hispanic families in Harris County are fully represented and understood. We eliminate language barriers to justice, making sure every client feels comfortable and confident in their legal journey. For families whose children are attending nearby institutions, such as smaller regional schools, we ensure they receive the same high caliber of representation.
7. Data-Driven Litigation Strategy: We maintain an extensive private directory of Greek organizations across Texas, including their EINs, legal names, addresses, and corporate structures. When hazing occurs, we don’t guess who to sue; we know precisely every related entity, from house corporations to alumni chapters and insurance structures. This intelligence-led approach allows us to immediately identify all liable parties and build an airtight case, regardless of where the hazing occurred, including for victims in Harris County.
8. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: We understand the profound trauma hazing inflicts. Our goal is not just legal victory, but also supporting your family through this difficult time. Our client testimonials consistently praise our empathy, responsiveness, and how we treat clients “like family.” We provide remote consultations and are willing to travel to Harris County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary, ensuring you receive personalized attention.
9. Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Costs: We know that families dealing with medical bills and emotional distress shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees. We take hazing cases on contingency, meaning you pay us $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid. This levels the playing field, making justice accessible even against well-resourced opponents.
10. A Father’s Dedication: Ralph Manginello, a father of three, personally understands the fear and devastation a parent experiences when their child is harmed. This deep personal connection fuels our firm’s passion and aggressive advocacy for hazing victims.

For Harris County families, choosing Attorney911 means choosing a firm that combines aggressive legal strategy, insider knowledge, and genuine compassion. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates, investigators, and relentless fighters for justice.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Harris County Families Facing Hazing Trauma

If you or your child in Harris County has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the shock and emotional distress can be overwhelming, taking swift, decisive action is crucial to preserving evidence, protecting legal rights, and ultimately achieving justice. We understand this is an incredibly difficult time, but please follow these steps carefully. They are designed to empower you during a traumatic period.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

• Remove Your Child from the Situation: First and foremost, ensure your child’s immediate physical and psychological safety. If they are still in a dangerous environment, get them out.
• Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, or if your child claims they are “fine,” insist on a thorough medical evaluation by a doctor or at an emergency room. As Leonel Bermudez’s case shows, severe injuries like rhabdomyolysis can have delayed symptoms. Explain to medical professionals that the injuries are a result of hazing. This creates an official, documented record of the injuries, which is paramount for any future legal action. Be detailed about all symptoms, physical and psychological.
• Document Everything Medical: Keep every hospital record, ER report, doctor’s note, therapy record, and prescription. Photograph all visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as they appear and as they heal. This visual progression is invaluable evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence (The Power of “Document Everything!”)

• Digital Communications are King: Hazing is often facilitated and documented digitally.
  • Text Messages: Do NOT delete any text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, or other social media messages. Screenshots are crucial. Back up entire chat histories.
  • Photos and Videos: Save any photos or videos related to hazing activities, the group involved, or any injuries.
  • Social Media Posts: Take screenshots of any relevant social media posts by the organization or its members.
• Physical Evidence:
  • Clothing: Preserve any clothing worn during hazing, especially if damaged or soiled.
  • Items: If any physical objects were used in the hazing (like paddles, unusual food, etc.), document them if possible.
  • Location Photos/Video: If it’s safe to do so, document the locations where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, park, remote area).
• Documents: Keep pledge manuals, calendars, schedules, rules given to your child, or any communications from the organization.
• Financial Records: Start compiling medical bills, receipts for any related expenses (travel to treatment, medications), and document any lost wages or academic fees incurred due to the hazing.
• Academic Records: Note any impact on grades, enrollment status, or scholarships.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOT” Actions

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Once an incident occurs, preserve all digital and physical evidence. Deleting messages or posts can be perceived as spoliation of evidence and severely harm your case.
• DO NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone: Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administrators, their lawyers, or risk management personnel without legal counsel present. They are not on your side; they represent the institution and will seek to protect its interests, not your child’s.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, sorority, or university administration before speaking with an attorney. You could inadvertently waive your legal rights.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Refrain from posting about the incident, your feelings about the hazing, or even unrelated “happy” posts that could be used by the defense to argue your child wasn’t truly harmed. Everything you post can be used against you.
• DO NOT Threaten or Confront: While anger is natural, avoid direct confrontation with the individuals or organization responsible. This can escalate the situation and potentially jeopardize your legal strategy.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY

• Time is of the Essence: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is typically two years from the date of injury (or death). While this may seem like a long time, evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and crucial documents can be “lost.” Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately—hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This immediate action is how you protect your rights.
• Free and Confidential Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation for Harris County families. This is your chance to understand your legal options without any financial commitment. We will listen to your story with compassion and provide an honest assessment of your case.
• Remote Consultations Available: For families in Harris County, distance is not a barrier. We can conduct comprehensive video consultations, allowing you to speak with us from the comfort and privacy of your home.
• We Travel for Your Case: While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we are prepared to travel to Harris County, Georgia, for depositions, client meetings, and trial when necessary. Our commitment to justice for hazing victims knows no geographical bounds.

Step 5: Document Witness Information

• If your child can identify other pledges, active members, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing, discreetly gather their names and contact information. These individuals can provide crucial testimony.

Following these steps will build the strongest possible foundation for your legal case. Remember, you do not have to endure this alone. We are here to guide you through every step of the process, providing aggressive advocacy and compassionate support.

Call Us Now: Your First Responder to a Legal Emergency in Harris County

If your family in Harris County has been touched by the horror of hazing, you are not alone. Your child’s pain and trauma are real, and the institutions responsible must be held accountable. At Attorney911, we are your first responders to this legal emergency. We bring a blend of legal expertise, insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics, and a deep emotional commitment to every hazing case we handle, including those for families in Harris County.

Our attorneys are currently representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 MILLION lawsuit. This isn’t just a claim of what we can do; it’s documented proof of what we are doing right now. We know how to build these cases from the ground up, identifying every liable party from the individual perpetrators to the national organization and the university itself. We know how to hold these powerful institutions accountable, and we know how to WIN. Harris County families deserve this same aggressive representation.

Don’t let fear, shame, or the intimidation tactics of fraternities and universities keep you from seeking justice. Every day you wait, crucial evidence may disappear, and your legal rights could be impacted. Your window to act is limited.

Harris County Families — Call Now for a Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Connect with us anytime, 24/7:

• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: attorney911.com

We work exclusively on CONTINGENCY for hazing cases. This means:

• $0 Upfront for Harris County Families: You pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket to hire us.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless YOU Get Paid: Our success is directly tied to yours. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
• Leveling the Playing Field: This fee structure ensures that any Harris County family, regardless of their financial situation, can afford to take on powerful university and national fraternity defendants.

What to Expect When You Call Us:

1. A Compassionate Ear: We understand this is a difficult call. We will listen to your story with empathy, without judgment.
2. Expert Guidance: We will provide an immediate, honest assessment of your legal options and how we can help.
3. Clear Next Steps: You will leave the consultation knowing exactly what actions you need to take and what we can do for you.
4. Confidentiality: Your initial consultation is completely confidential.

We Serve Harris County Hazing Victims — And Hazing Victims Nationwide

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, hazing is a national scourge. We are fully equipped and committed to assisting victims in Harris County, Georgia, and across the United States.

• Federal Court Authority: Our attorneys are admitted to federal courts, allowing us to pursue claims against national organizations anywhere in the country.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with multi-state defendants common in hazing litigation.
• Video Consultations: For your convenience and to overcome geographical barriers, we offer secure and confidential video consultations, allowing Harris County families to meet with us remotely.
• We Come to You: When necessary for depositions, client meetings, or trial, our team is prepared to travel to Harris County, ensuring you have face-to-face support. Distance is not a barrier when seeking justice.

Hazing is not limited to Greek life. We represent victims of hazing in a wide array of student organizations:

• Fraternities and sororities at universities near Harris County, Georgia.
• Sports teams, from high school to college, including those in Harris County.
• Marching bands, academic clubs, and other student organizations.
• ROTC programs and military academies.
• Any organization that uses abuse as a twisted form of “initiation” or “team building.”

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing:

We know there are more of you. Leonel Bermudez was not the only one subjected to this horrific abuse. Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15. Others endured the waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical punishment, and psychological torment. You also have legal rights. We can represent you and help you hold every wrongdoer accountable.

As Lupe Peña so powerfully stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Your courage can not only bring you justice but also protect countless others.

Call us. Let’s bring them all to justice. Your call to 1-888-ATTY-911 is the first step toward reclaiming your future and sending a clear message that hazing’s reign of terror is over.