A Highland Village Parent’s Guide to Hazing Lawsuits at Texas Universities

If Your Child Was Hazed at UT, Texas A&M, UNT, or Any Texas Campus—You Are Not Alone

For parents in Highland Village, the journey to college often begins right here at home. Your child may have walked the halls of Marcus High School before heading to the University of North Texas in nearby Denton, or perhaps they ventured further to become a Longhorn at UT Austin or an Aggie at Texas A&M. As a family in our beautiful lakeside community, you’ve invested in their future with the expectation of safety and growth. The unthinkable happens when a phone call or text reveals your child is being abused in the name of “tradition” or “brotherhood.”

Right now, just a few hours south of us in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly lost his life to hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. What began as typical pledging escalated to forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, extreme physical workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” He developed rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine before being hospitalized for four days. The chapter has been shut down, and we’ve filed a $10 million lawsuit.

This is happening in Texas. This could affect Highland Village families. Whether your child is at UNT just minutes away or at a major university across the state, the patterns are disturbingly similar. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Highland Village parents and families to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how to protect your child when institutions fail them.

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 Highland Village Families Need to Recognize

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “boys will be boys” or harmless initiation pranks. For Highland Village parents whose children may be experiencing this at UNT, Texas Woman’s University, or further from home, understanding modern hazing patterns is critical to early intervention.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – Often dismissed as “tradition” but creates power imbalances

Constant group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Mandatory chauffeuring and errand-running at all hours
Social isolation from non-members and family
“Voluntary” activities that are socially mandatory

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Causes measurable physical and psychological harm

Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Forced consumption of unpleasant substances (spoiled food, excessive milk, hot sauce)
Extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning” but actually punitive
Public humiliation through embarrassing costumes or performances

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

Forced alcohol consumption games (“Bible study,” “family tree,” lineup drinking)
Physical beatings with paddles or other objects
Dangerous physical tests (“glass ceiling” tackles, blindfolded challenges)
Sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts
Exposure to extreme environments (locked in cold rooms, left outside)

Digital Hazing: The 24/7 harassment cycle

What makes modern hazing particularly insidious is its constant, digital nature. Highland Village parents might notice:

Your child’s phone constantly buzzing with GroupMe or WhatsApp messages
Anxiety when they can’t immediately respond to group chats
Being required to share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Forced participation in humiliating TikTok challenges or Instagram dares
Social media policing – controlling what they can post or share

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Fraternities

While Greek life receives most attention, Highland Village students face risks in:

Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs at Texas A&M and other schools
Athletic teams including football, basketball, baseball, and cheer
Spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys at UT or similar groups
Marching bands and performance ensembles
Academic and honor societies that have adopted harmful traditions

Texas Hazing Law: What Highland Village Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, and understanding these is crucial for families in Highland Village and throughout Denton County. The rules that govern cases at UNT also apply to incidents at universities across the state.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Highland Village students—hazing is defined 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
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization

Key provisions for Highland Village families:

Consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code § 37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that peer pressure and power imbalance negate true consent.
Criminal penalties escalate with harm:
- Class B misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury
- Class A misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State jail felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Organizational liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other groups can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face university expulsion.
Good-faith reporter protection: Students who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith receive immunity from certain liabilities.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (Denton County DA, Travis County DA, etc.)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families (like the Bermudez case we’re handling)
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress

Both can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue civil justice. In fact, many families in cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi matter pursue civil action even while criminal investigations proceed.

Federal Laws Protecting Your Child

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently and maintain public hazing data by 2026.
Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, additional federal protections apply.
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes—many hazing incidents trigger these reporting requirements.

Who Can Be Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

For Highland Village families pursuing justice, multiple parties may share liability:

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing
Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority itself as a legal entity
National Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
Universities: Schools that knew or should have known about risks
Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses or event venues
Alcohol Providers: Bars or individuals who furnished alcohol to minors

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragic cases making national headlines aren’t isolated incidents—they represent patterns that repeat at Texas universities, including those attended by Highland Village students. Understanding these patterns helps prove institutional knowledge and foreseeability in court.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: The Deadliest Script

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking, delayed medical care, fatal falls captured on chapter cameras. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil settlements, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. Blood alcohol level: 0.495%. Result: Felony hazing convictions and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from national fraternity, $3M from university).

Why this matters for Highland Village families: These same fraternities have chapters at UT, Texas A&M, UNT, and other Texas schools. The “Big/Little” drinking tradition that killed Stone Foltz is practiced nationwide, including in Texas.

Physical Hazing Pattern: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at off-campus retreat. Fatal head injury, delayed medical care. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal.” Suffered permanent brain damage—cannot walk, talk, or see, requires 24/7 care. Result: Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar.

Why this matters: Off-campus retreats and houses don’t eliminate liability. The same dangerous rituals migrate between states and campuses.

Athletic Hazing Pattern: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Sexualized and racist hazing within the football program. Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements.

Why this matters for Highland Village athletes: Texas has seen similar issues in athletic programs. The mentality that “this is how we build toughness” leads to actionable abuse.

Texas University Focus: Where Highland Village Students Face Risk

Highland Village families send students to universities across Texas. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at institutions our community is connected to.

University of North Texas (Denton) – In Our Backyard

For Highland Village families, UNT represents the closest major university, just minutes from home. With over 40,000 students and active Greek life spanning Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Multicultural Greek Council organizations, the potential for hazing exists alongside educational opportunity.

UNT’s Hazing Policy: The university prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law, requiring all student organizations to comply. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, UNT Police Department, and online reporting forms.

Recent Context: Like many universities, UNT has faced hazing allegations across various organizations. The proximity to Highland Village means affected students often return home to recover, bringing the trauma literally to our doorstep.

How UNT Cases Proceed: Hazing incidents may involve UNT Police, Denton Police Department, or both. Civil cases typically file in Denton County courts where Highland Village families would participate in proceedings. The university’s internal conduct process runs parallel to potential criminal and civil actions.

What Highland Village UNT Families Should Do:

Document everything with timestamps
Report to both UNT authorities and local Denton police if crimes occurred
Preserve digital evidence from GroupMe, Instagram, Snapchat
Seek medical care at Texas Health Presbyterian or other local facilities
Contact an attorney familiar with Denton County courts and UNT procedures

Texas Woman’s University (Denton) – Another Local Option

Just across from UNT, TWU serves many Highland Village students, particularly in nursing, health sciences, and education programs. While historically less Greek-focused, TWU has sororities and student organizations where hazing can occur.

TWU’s Approach: The university maintains anti-hazing policies aligned with Texas law, with reporting through Student Life and campus police.

Special Considerations: As a primarily commuter campus, some hazing may occur in off-campus housing or during organization retreats. Highland Village families should be particularly vigilant about activities occurring away from university supervision.

University of Texas at Austin – Where Many Highland Village Students Aspire

UT’s Public Transparency: UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing disclosure systems at hazing.utexas.edu, listing organizations, violations, and sanctions.

Documented Incidents Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Ongoing investigations and lawsuits alleging assault and injury.
Various spirit groups: Sanctions for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.

How UT Cases Affect Highland Village Families: Students traveling from Highland Village to UT may be hours from home when hazed. Evidence preservation becomes challenging, and families need attorneys who can navigate Travis County courts and UT’s complex institutional response.

What to Know About UT Hazing Lawsuits:

Prior violations on UT’s public log strengthen civil cases by showing pattern
Multiple defendants typically include individuals, chapters, nationals, and often the university
Travis County juries have awarded significant damages in injury cases

Texas A&M University – Corps of Cadets Considerations

Unique Culture, Familiar Patterns: The Corps of Cadets represents both a proud tradition and a potential hazing risk environment. Recent lawsuits have alleged degrading treatment including simulated sexual acts and binding.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Result: Chapter suspension, $1 million lawsuit.

What Highland Village A&M Families Should Know:

Corps hazing may involve different reporting chains within military-style hierarchy
Both university conduct systems and Corps regulations apply
Civil cases can target both individual cadets and institutional failures

Southern Methodist University – Greek Life Prominence

SMU’s Affluent Greek Culture: With strong fraternity and sorority presence, SMU has faced hazing incidents including Kappa Alpha Order paddle hazing (2017) resulting in multi-year suspension.

Private University Dynamics: SMU’s private status affects transparency but not liability. Civil discovery can uncover internal reports not publicly available.

Baylor University – Religious Context, Similar Risks

Baseball Hazing Incident (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation, highlighting that even religious-affiliated institutions face these issues.

Baylor’s History: Past sexual assault scandals demonstrate institutional pattern issues that can parallel hazing response failures.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Risk

For Highland Village families, understanding national organizations’ histories isn’t about stereotyping—it’s about recognizing patterns that courts consider when establishing foreseeability and negligence.

Organizations with Documented National Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021) – $10M settlement
David Bogenberger death (NIU, 2012) – $14M settlement
UH incident (2016) – lacerated spleen from physical hazing
Texas Chapters: Active at UT, Texas A&M, UNT, SMU, Baylor

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Multiple hazing deaths nationwide leading to 2014 pledge process elimination
Texas A&M chemical burns lawsuit (2021)
UT Austin assault lawsuit (2024)
Texas Chapters: Present at all major Texas universities

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017)
Leonel Bermudez kidney failure (UH, 2025) – our active $10M lawsuit
Texas Chapters: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) – $6.1M verdict
Texas Chapters: Present at UT, Texas A&M, UNT

Why National Histories Matter in Court

When we represent Highland Village families, we use national pattern evidence to establish:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
Negligence: Failure to enforce policies or intervene despite prior incidents
Punitive Damages Basis: Reckless disregard for known dangers

For example, in our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re demonstrating that the national organization had ample warning from the Coffey death at FSU yet failed to implement adequate safeguards at UH.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence Preservation for Highland Village Families

The first 48 hours after discovering hazing are critical. Here’s what Highland Village families need to preserve.

Digital Evidence: The Modern Paper Trail

Group Chats (Most Critical):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups, Discord servers
Screenshot ENTIRE conversations with timestamps visible
Capture before/after context, not just incriminating lines
Back up to cloud storage immediately

Social Media:

Instagram Stories and posts (disappear after 24 hours)
Snapchat messages and stories
TikTok videos and comments
Facebook events and Messenger threads

Recovering Deleted Evidence:
Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but original screenshots are strongest. Don’t reset phones or delete apps before consulting experts.

Medical Documentation Protocol

Immediate Steps:

Seek medical care at local facilities like Texas Health Presbyterian Denton or emergency rooms near campus
Tell providers “I was hazed” – this becomes part of the medical record
Request copies of ALL records:
- ER reports and ambulance records
- Lab results (blood alcohol, kidney function, toxicology)
- Imaging (X-rays, CT scans)
- Discharge instructions

Ongoing Care:

Follow up with primary care physicians
Document all symptoms and limitations
Consider psychological evaluation for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Physical Evidence Preservation

Do NOT:

Wash clothing worn during hazing
Clean or dispose of objects used
Return any items to the organization

Do:

Photograph injuries daily to show progression
Save all receipts for related expenses
Preserve any “pledge manuals” or instructions

Witness Identification

Document names and contact information for:

Other pledges or new members
Roommates or hall mates
Organization members who expressed concern
Emergency responders
Medical personnel

Damages: What Highland Village Families Can Recover

Understanding potential recovery helps families make informed decisions about pursuing legal action.

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses:

Past: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medications
Future: Ongoing therapy, future surgeries, lifelong care for permanent injuries

Lost Income & Earning Capacity:

Current lost wages (parent or student)
Future earning reduction from permanent disability
Educational setbacks (delayed graduation, lost scholarships)

Other Economic Losses:

Property damage
Relocation expenses
Therapy and counseling costs

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Harm)

Physical Pain & Suffering:

Acute pain from injuries
Chronic pain from permanent conditions
Loss of physical abilities

Emotional Distress:

PTSD diagnosis and treatment
Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damaged relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

For families who lose a child to hazing:

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

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Warrants Punishment)

In cases involving particularly reckless or malicious conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future behavior. These require showing:

Prior warnings ignored
Particularly cruel conduct
Cover-up attempts or lying under oath
Callous indifference to known risks

Practical Guide for Highland Village Parents

Recognizing Hazing Warning Signs

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation patterns

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the group
Constant phone anxiety from group chat demands

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during instruction
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events

Digital Patterns:

24/7 phone attachment for GroupMe monitoring
Geo-tracking apps installed under pressure
Social media content showing concerning activities

How to Talk to Your Child

Open-Ended Questions:

“How are things going with [organization]? Are they respecting your time?”
“What kinds of activities do they ask new members to do?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

If They Open Up:

Listen without judgment
Emphasize their safety over “not rocking the boat”
Avoid blaming or shaming language
Thank them for trusting you

Steps to Take Immediately

Safety First:

If in immediate danger, call 911
Remove from dangerous situations
Seek medical attention regardless of protests

Evidence Preservation:

Screenshot everything before deletion
Photograph injuries from multiple angles
Write detailed notes with dates/times
Save physical evidence

Strategic Reporting:

Consult an attorney BEFORE reporting
Consider both campus and local police reporting
Document all communications with university

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Letting your child delete evidence – Preserve everything, even if embarrassing
Confronting the organization directly – They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence
Signing university “resolution” forms – Often waive legal rights for minimal compensation
Posting details on social media – Defense attorneys monitor everything
Waiting for university investigation – Evidence disappears, statutes run

For Highland Village Students: Your Rights & Resources

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment

Ask yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice without social consequences?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or university approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

Safe Exit Strategies

If in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 – you won’t get in trouble for seeking help
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
Contact parents or trusted adult

If You Want to Quit:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Send a clear email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” – this is often a pressure tactic
Report any retaliation immediately

Evidence Collection for Students

While It’s Happening:

Use Texas’s one-party consent law to record conversations
Screenshot group chats as they occur
Note names, dates, locations

Afterward:

Seek medical care and mention hazing
Document injuries with daily photos
Preserve all digital communications
Identify witnesses who saw what happened

Where to Report

At UNT/TWU (Local Options):

Dean of Students Office
Campus Police Department
Online reporting forms

Additional Resources:

Denton Police Department for criminal conduct
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
Texas DFPS if under 18

Why Attorney911 for Highland Village Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities and national fraternities fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation

Right now, we’re leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and individual fraternity leaders. We’ve detailed the forced consumption, extreme workouts, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” and the resulting kidney failure that nearly killed him.

This isn’t theoretical expertise—it’s active, current litigation experience we bring to every case, including those involving Highland Village families.

Insurance Insider Advantage

Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, 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”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers who believe families will settle cheap out of frustration.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Managing Partner Ralph Manginello brings experience few Texas attorneys can match:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation – One of few firms involved, facing billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admitted – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
25+ Years Practice – Since 1998, founded his firm in 2001
HCCLA Membership – Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability

We’re not intimidated by national fraternities with unlimited legal budgets or university legal teams. We’ve taken on the biggest defendants and won.

Investigative Depth for Digital Evidence

Modern hazing lives in:

GroupMe and WhatsApp chats
Instagram Stories and Snapchat
Discord servers and hidden apps
Deleted messages and hidden files

Our network includes digital forensics experts who can recover what organizations try to hide. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Economic Analysis for Maximum Recovery

For serious injuries or wrongful death, we work with economists to quantify:

Lifetime earning capacity loss
Future medical and care needs
Educational disruption costs
Full family impact

We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability and adequate compensation.

Spanish Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—serving Hispanic families in Highland Village and throughout Texas with cultural understanding and clear communication.

Call to Action for Highland Village Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at UNT, Texas A&M, UT, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Highland Village and throughout Denton County have the right to answers and accountability.

Your Free, Confidential Consultation

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (we work on contingency—no fee unless we win)

No pressure to hire us on the spot. Take time to decide. Everything you tell us is confidential.

Contact Information

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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

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

What Makes Our Approach Different

We Prioritize:

Your family’s privacy and emotional wellbeing
Thorough investigation over quick settlement
Accountability that prevents future harm
Clear communication every step of the way

We Understand:

The unique dynamics of Texas universities
How Highland Village families experience these crises
The balance between pursuing justice and protecting your child
The institutional resistance you’ll face

Whether your child was hazed at UNT just minutes from home or at a university across Texas, you don’t have to face this alone. The same organizations, the same insurance companies, the same institutional cover-ups occur everywhere. We have the experience, resources, and determination to help your family through this.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, accountability, and the resources needed for healing.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency Fees Explained: 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