The Hazing Crisis in Texas: A Complete Guide for Laguna Vista Families Seeking Justice and Accountability

When Tradition Turns Tragic: The Reality Facing Texas Families

Imagine receiving a phone call no parent in Laguna Vista should ever get. Your child, who you sent to a respected Texas university with dreams of achievement and belonging, is in the emergency room. What began as the excitement of joining a campus organization has ended with severe injury, trauma, or worse. The details emerge slowly: forced drinking, humiliating rituals, extreme physical exertion, and a culture that valued tradition over safety. For families throughout Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley, this nightmare became reality for University of Houston student Leonel Bermudez, whose story represents a systemic problem affecting Texas campuses where our children study.

Right now, we are actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, their Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This case, filed in Harris County in late 2025, alleges systematic abuse that left Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization and threatening permanent organ damage. The documented hazing included degrading “pledge fanny packs” containing humiliating items, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, hours-long physical workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”

This comprehensive guide exists because families in Laguna Vista, Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, and throughout the Rio Grande Valley deserve to understand what their children may face in Greek life and campus organizations at Texas universities. We will explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects victims, what has happened at major universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, and most importantly—what legal rights and options exist when institutions fail to protect our children.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention 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 evidence, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

The Modern Definition: Coercion Disguised as Tradition

For Laguna Vista families whose children may be considering Greek life at UTRGV, Texas A&M, or other universities, understanding contemporary hazing is critical. Hazing is no longer just “pranks” or “initiation rituals”—it’s any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group that endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The power dynamic is key: when a student fears social exclusion, retaliation, or being labeled “not committed,” their “consent” becomes legally meaningless under Texas law.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadliest form. What begins as “social drinking” becomes coercion: pledges forced to consume entire bottles of liquor during “Big/Little” nights, participate in “Bible study” drinking games where wrong answers mean excessive consumption, or endure “lineup” challenges requiring rapid consumption of dangerous amounts. In the Bermudez case at UH, forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting was followed immediately by sprints—a combination that led directly to his kidney failure.

Physical Hazing Beyond “Conditioning”
What organizations call “workouts” or “physical conditioning” often crosses into abuse: hundreds of push-ups and squats until collapse (as in Bermudez’s Nov 3 workout), paddling with wooden boards, exposure to extreme cold in minimal clothing, sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions,” or food/water restriction. The physical toll can be immediate and permanent—rhabdomyolysis, the condition Bermudez developed, causes muscle tissue to break down and flood the kidneys with toxins.

Psychological and Digital Hazing
The smartphone era has created new forms of abuse: 24/7 group chat monitoring where pledges must respond instantly at all hours, public humiliation via TikTok or Instagram challenges, forced sharing of compromising photos, and social isolation from non-members. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case—containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items that had to be carried everywhere—represents psychological warfare designed to break down dignity and resistance.

Sexualized and Degrading Hazing
This includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, racial or sexist role-playing, and humiliating costumes or positions. While less discussed publicly, these practices persist and represent some of the most traumatic forms of hazing, often leaving lasting psychological damage.

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternity Houses

Laguna Vista families should understand that hazing extends beyond social fraternities:

Sororities: While often less physically violent, psychological hazing, forced drinking, and degrading rituals occur
Corps of Cadets and ROTC Programs: Military-style organizations with tradition-heavy cultures
Athletic Teams: From football to cheerleading, “team bonding” can become abusive
Spirit and Tradition Groups: Organizations like Texas Cowboys or similar groups at other universities
Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Known for rigorous initiation rituals
Academic and Service Organizations: Even groups with noble missions can develop harmful traditions

The common thread across all organizations is power imbalance, secrecy, and tradition justifying behavior that would be unacceptable in any other context.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Laguna Vista Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that govern cases involving students at both public and private universities. For families in Cameron County considering legal action, understanding these statutes is essential.

§ 37.151: The Definition That Matters
Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety AND
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization with student members

This broad definition means location doesn’t matter (off-campus houses, retreats, or rental properties are included), and “reckless” conduct—not just intentional harm—qualifies. The hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez at UH clearly meets this standard.

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties with Teeth

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—exactly what happened in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case

§ 37.155: The Consent Defense That Doesn’t Work
This critical provision states: Consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, Texas law recognizes that peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion invalidate true consent. This statutory language directly rebuts the first defense fraternities and universities typically raise.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Prosecution

Brought by the State of Texas (prosecutors)
Focus: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
In the UH case, the conduct described warrants felony hazing charges

Civil Lawsuits

Brought by victims or surviving families
Focus: Compensation and institutional accountability
Claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
No criminal conviction required to pursue civil action

These paths can proceed simultaneously. In fact, the civil discovery process in lawsuits like Bermudez’s often uncovers evidence that strengthens criminal investigations.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal legislation requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthen prevention education
Maintain public hazing data (phased in through 2026)
This creates additional accountability layers for universities like UH and Texas A&M.

Title IX and Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable: The Full Chain of Responsibility

Families in Laguna Vista pursuing justice should understand that multiple parties may share liability:

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or participated in cover-ups. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders are named defendants.

Local Chapter Organizations
The fraternity/sorority chapter itself, if incorporated. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is a defendant in the UH lawsuit.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
National organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is named in the UH case because they had oversight responsibility.

Universities and Governing Boards
Schools may be liable for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or premises liability. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants because they owned/controlled the chapter house and failed to intervene despite clear patterns.

Third Parties
Property owners, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies, or event organizers who facilitated or failed to prevent hazing.

Each case requires careful analysis, but the UH litigation demonstrates how experienced hazing attorneys identify every potentially liable entity.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Why History Repeats Itself

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: A Preventable Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A 20-year-old pledge died after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event—a nearly identical pattern to what we see in Texas cases. The $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU) demonstrates the financial consequences when organizations ignore known risks.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
The “Bible study” drinking game that killed Gruver mirrors the quiz-and-punishment dynamics found in many fraternity hazings. This case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, proving that tragedy can drive legislative reform.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Security cameras captured the hours of delay before calling 911 after Piazza’s fatal falls—a cover-up mentality we see repeatedly in hazing cases, including attempts to conceal evidence in the UH investigation.

Physical and Ritualized Violence

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
The blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual that caused fatal head injuries demonstrates how physical violence disguised as tradition can kill. The fraternity’s criminal conviction and 10-year ban from Pennsylvania show that organizations themselves can face severe consequences.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Santulli’s permanent brain damage from forced drinking shows that non-fatal outcomes can still be catastrophic, requiring lifelong care and multi-million dollar settlements.

What These Cases Mean for Laguna Vista Families

These national precedents matter because:

Pattern Evidence: The same fraternities operating at Texas universities have already demonstrated dangerous behaviors elsewhere
Foreseeability: Nationals cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen” when identical conduct caused deaths at other chapters
Settlement Values: Multi-million dollar outcomes establish what serious hazing cases are worth
Legal Strategies: Successful approaches in other states inform Texas litigation

The Pi Kappa Phi national organization suspended the UH Beta Nu chapter within days of the Bermudez hospitalization—suggesting they recognized this fit their known risk patterns.

Texas University Focus: Where Laguna Vista Students Actually Attend

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV): Your Local Campus

Campus Culture and Proximity
For many Laguna Vista families, UTRGV represents the most accessible university option, with campuses in Brownsville and Edinburg just miles from home. While UTRGV’s Greek life is smaller than at larger universities, the same national organizations found at UH and Texas A&M maintain chapters here, importing their national cultures and risk patterns to the Rio Grande Valley.

Hazing Policies and Reporting
UTRGV maintains anti-hazing policies consistent with Texas law, prohibiting “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act… that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.” Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, campus police, and online reporting systems. However, as with all universities, policy existence doesn’t guarantee enforcement or prevention.

Local Legal Considerations
Hazing incidents at UTRGV would involve:

Jurisdiction: Cameron County courts (Brownsville campus) or Hidalgo County courts (Edinburg campus)
Law Enforcement: UTRGV Police Department working with local municipal police
Legal Venues: The same courthouses serving Laguna Vista families for other matters

The geographic proximity means Laguna Vista families affected by UTRGV hazing wouldn’t face the travel challenges of cases at distant universities.

University of Houston: The Bermudez Case Ground Zero

The Flagship Litigation
Our active representation of Leonel Bermudez gives us unique insight into UH’s Greek life environment. The specific allegations in his case reveal systemic issues:

Multiple hazing locations (chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park)
Extended duration (September through November 2025)
Involvement of numerous chapter officers
Clear medical causation linking hazing to kidney failure

UH’s Institutional Response
The university’s statement calling the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promising cooperation with law enforcement represents standard crisis response. However, the lawsuit alleges UH had prior knowledge of hazing patterns and failed to intervene effectively.

Implications for All Texas Universities
The UH case establishes precedent that:

Universities can be sued successfully for hazing on their campuses
National fraternities will be held accountable for chapter conduct
Individual members face personal liability
Rhabdomyolysis and kidney damage constitute serious bodily injury under Texas law

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Unique Dual Environment
Texas A&M presents two distinct hazing environments: traditional Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. Both have faced serious allegations:

Corps of Cadets Litigation
The 2023 lawsuit alleging cadets were bound in “roasted pig” positions with apples in their mouths demonstrates that military-style organizations aren’t immune to abusive traditions. The Corps’ culture of discipline and hierarchy can sometimes enable rather than prevent hazing.

Greek Life Incidents
Sigma Alpha Epsilon faced a 2021 lawsuit after pledges suffered chemical burns requiring skin grafts from industrial cleaner poured on them—a case that settled with substantial compensation. This pattern of physical abuse beyond alcohol hazing appears at multiple Texas campuses.

Implications for South Texas Families
Many Rio Grande Valley students choose Texas A&M for its reputation and value. Families should understand that both the academic and Corps environments require vigilance regarding initiation practices.

Other Major Texas Universities

University of Texas at Austin
UT’s public hazing violations website provides transparency other universities lack. Documented cases show patterns similar to those at UH, including forced calisthenics and alcohol consumption. UT’s size means more chapters and potentially more incidents, but their disclosure practice represents a model other Texas schools should follow.

Southern Methodist University
As a private institution, SMU has different legal considerations but similar Greek life risks. Their affluent student population doesn’t immunize them from hazing—a 2017 Kappa Alpha Order incident involving paddling and forced drinking resulted in chapter suspension.

Baylor University
Baylor’s religious identity and recent history of institutional scandal create complex dynamics for hazing cases. Their 2020 baseball team hazing suspensions demonstrate that athletic programs face the same risks as Greek organizations.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Accountability

Public Records Directory: The Organizations Behind the Letters

For Laguna Vista families, understanding that fraternities and sororities are legal entities with trackable assets is crucial. Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every Greek organization registered in Texas. This includes:

IRS B83 Registered Organizations
These 125+ Texas entities include house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies—each with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), legal names, and physical addresses. For example:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515), Frisco, TX 75035
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN: 746064445), Nederland, TX 77627
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN: 364091267), Waco, TX 76710

Cause IQ Metro Organizations
Our tracking extends to 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros, including those operating in the Rio Grande Valley region. This data helps us identify all potentially liable entities when investigating hazing cases.

Why This Data Matters for Your Case

When we represent a family like the Bermudezes, this intelligence allows us to:

Identify All Insurance Coverage: Every registered entity typically carries insurance
Trace Organizational Relationships: Connect local chapters to nationals and housing corporations
Establish Pattern Evidence: Show prior incidents within the same organization
Locate Assets for Recovery: Ensure responsible parties cannot hide behind corporate structures

For a Laguna Vista family dealing with a hazing incident at UTRGV or any Texas university, this investigative depth means we don’t start from zero—we already understand the organizational landscape.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage chats among members
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok content
Fraternity-specific apps and communication platforms
Screen capture immediately—these disappear fastest

In the UH case, group chats likely contained planning discussions, witness accounts, and attempts to coordinate stories after the hospitalization.

Photographic and Video Evidence

Injuries documented from multiple angles
Event locations and conditions
Social media posts showing hazing activities
Security camera footage from houses or venues

Medical Documentation

Emergency room records (critical for establishing causation)
Laboratory results (like the elevated creatine kinase showing Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis)
Psychological evaluations for trauma/PTSD
Ongoing treatment records

Organizational Documents

Pledge manuals or “tradition” documents
Chapter meeting minutes
National fraternity policies and training materials
University conduct records for prior incidents

Witness Information

Other pledges experiencing similar treatment
Former members willing to testify
Roommates, friends, or bystanders
Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages
If hazing proves fatal, families can recover:

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

Punitive Damages
In cases involving extreme recklessness or cover-ups, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future conduct. The allegations in the UH case—including threats of waterboarding and systematic abuse—could support such claims.

The Defense Playbook (And How We Counter It)

Through Mr. Lupe Peña’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney, we know exactly how fraternities and universities will fight hazing claims:

Defense 1: “The Student Consented”

Their Argument: “They wanted to join; they participated voluntarily”
Our Counter: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. We demonstrate coercion through group chat evidence, power dynamics, and fear of exclusion.

Defense 2: “This Was Rogue Individuals”

Their Argument: “The national organization didn’t know; this wasn’t approved”
Our Counter: We show pattern evidence from other chapters, inadequate supervision, and prior warnings ignored. In the UH case, Pi Kappa Phi nationals had suspended other chapters for similar conduct.

Defense 3: “It Happened Off-Campus”

Their Argument: “We don’t control private residences or retreats”
Our Counter: Texas law explicitly covers off-campus hazing. Universities and nationals maintain control over recognized organizations regardless of location.

Defense 4: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

Their Argument: “Hazing is intentional, so our policy excludes it”
Our Counter: We argue negligent supervision claims remain covered. Mr. Peña’s insurance defense background helps navigate complex coverage issues.

The Strategic Advantage of Early Action

The first 48 hours determine case outcomes:

Evidence Preservation: Messages get deleted, witnesses get coached, physical evidence disappears
Medical Documentation: Early ER visits establish immediate causation
Witness Identification: Other pledges may still be willing to talk before group loyalty solidifies
Legal Positioning: Early attorney involvement prevents victims from making statements that hurt their case

For Laguna Vista families, this means calling us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911, not waiting to “see how the university handles it.”

Practical Guidance for Laguna Vista Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion or sleep deprivation
Sudden personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal, defensiveness)
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Financial strains (forced purchases, unexpected expenses)
Academic decline from missed classes or exhaustion

How to Talk to Your Student

Ask open questions: “How are the new member activities going?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’m worried about how tired you seem”
Emphasize safety over loyalty: “Your health matters more than any organization”
If they disclose hazing: Listen, document, and contact us immediately

If Your Child Is Injured

Medical Care First: Go to the ER even for seemingly “minor” injuries
Document Everything: Photos, screenshots, notes of what happened
Preserve Evidence: Don’t wash clothing, don’t delete messages
Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university officials

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Simple Test

Would you do this if you truly had a choice (no social consequences)?
Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would university officials approve if they knew the details?
Are you being told to keep secrets?

Safe Exit Strategies

Immediate Danger: Call 911, then call your parents and Attorney911
Planning to Quit: Tell someone outside the organization first, then send a clear written resignation
Avoid “One Last Meeting”: Organizations may pressure or threaten you
Document Retaliation: Save any threatening messages or communications

Your Legal Rights in Texas

Good Faith Reporting Protection: You won’t get in trouble for calling 911 in an emergency
Anti-Retaliation Laws: Organizations cannot punish you for reporting hazing
Civil Lawsuit Rights: You can sue even if criminal charges aren’t filed
Confidentiality Options: Many cases settle with privacy protections

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Cases

1. Deleting Digital Evidence
“What seems embarrassing now becomes crucial evidence later. Those group chats show coercion, planning, and cover-up attempts.”

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
“This triggers their defense machinery: lawyers, evidence destruction, witness coaching. Let us handle communication.”

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
“Universities often offer quick settlements that waive your right to sue. Never sign anything without legal review.”

4. Waiting for Internal Investigations
“Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run. Universities protect themselves first.”

5. Talking to Insurance Adjusters
“Recorded statements get used against you. ‘My attorney will contact you’ is the only response.”

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Laguna Vista Connection and Texas-Wide Service

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley. The same national fraternities and insurance companies operate whether the hazing occurs in Houston, College Station, or Brownsville. Our experience with the UH Pi Kappa Phi case gives us direct insight into how these organizations operate across Texas.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm gives us unparalleled insight into how fraternity and university insurers fight claims. He knows their valuation methods, delay tactics, and coverage arguments—because he used to make those arguments. This insider knowledge is why we recover maximum compensation when others settle for less.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on one of the world’s largest corporations—proves we’re not intimidated by powerful defendants. National fraternities and universities have deep pockets and aggressive defense teams; we’ve faced worse and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that reflect true lifetime costs, not just immediate expenses.

Criminal and Civil Dual Capability
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise on criminal exposure while pursuing civil accountability—a rare combination in personal injury firms.

Spanish Language Services (Se Habla Español)
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can communicate directly with Spanish-speaking families throughout the Rio Grande Valley. We understand the cultural considerations that may affect reporting and recovery in Hispanic communities.

Our Approach: Investigation, Accountability, Prevention

When we take a hazing case like Leonel Bermudez’s, we pursue three goals simultaneously:

Full Investigation: We use digital forensics, public records requests, and witness interviews to build an unassailable factual record
Maximum Accountability: We identify every potentially liable party—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities, insurers
Systemic Prevention: Through litigation and public accountability, we force changes that protect future students

The UH lawsuit isn’t just about compensation for one student; it’s about forcing Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and all Texas universities to take hazing prevention seriously.

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Free, No-Obligation Evaluation
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak directly with our team. We’ll:

Listen carefully to your situation
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and outcomes
Answer all your questions about costs and process

Our Contingency Fee Structure
We work on a contingency basis: no fee unless we recover compensation. This means:

No upfront costs or hourly bills
We advance all investigation and litigation expenses
Our fee comes only from successful recovery
If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

Immediate Action to Protect Your Rights
If we take your case, we immediately:

Send evidence preservation letters to prevent destruction
Begin gathering medical records and documentation
Identify all potentially liable parties
Develop a strategic approach tailored to your situation

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue if the hazing happened at UTRGV?”
Yes. Texas hazing law applies equally to all universities in the state. The location within Texas affects which courts have jurisdiction but doesn’t change your legal rights.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally two years from the date of injury in Texas, but exceptions and complexities exist. Do not wait—evidence disappears quickly, and early action strengthens your case.

“Will my child’s name become public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize client privacy and can often negotiate protective orders and sealed settlements.

“What if my child was drinking underage?”
Texas’ good faith reporting laws provide protections for those seeking medical help in emergencies. Underage drinking doesn’t justify hazing or eliminate your right to sue.

“Can we afford a lawsuit against a university or national fraternity?”
Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing upfront. We invest our resources because we believe in your case. The organizations we sue have insurance and assets; we ensure they bear the litigation costs, not your family.

Call to Action for Laguna Vista Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether at UTRGV, UH, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to navigate this crisis alone. The organizations responsible for these abuses count on silence and fear. We provide the legal strength to break that silence and demand accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Spanish Services: Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. Whether you’re in Laguna Vista, Brownsville, Harlingen, or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, we can help. Your consultation is confidential, free, and carries no obligation. Let us help you turn this trauma into accountability and prevention for future students.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

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