🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving Matagorda County, TX — Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Attorneys

When tradition becomes torture, we fight back.

Matagorda County families: if your child was hazed, abused, or injured in a fraternity or sorority near Matagorda County, you’re not alone. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston operate right here in Texas. The same universities that failed to stop hazing in Houston have chapters near Matagorda County. And the same legal team that just filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi is ready to fight for Matagorda County victims.

We are Attorney 911 — the hazing litigation experts who don’t back down from powerful institutions.

📞 Matagorda County Hazing Victims: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now

⚠️ This Happens Near Matagorda County Too

Matagorda County parents: you send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust universities to protect them. You trust fraternities and sororities to build character, not break bones.

But what happened at University of Houston could happen at any university near Matagorda County. And it probably already has.

The Same Fraternities Operate Near Matagorda County

Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity that waterboarded a student and caused kidney failure at UH, has 150+ chapters across America. The same Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter that paid millions for hazing deaths has chapters in Texas. The same Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, and Sigma Chi organizations that have killed students nationwide maintain active chapters at universities near Matagorda County.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Matagorda County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

🔥 What Happened at UH Could Happen Here — And Probably Already Has

In November 2025, our attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for what they did to Leonel Bermudez.

This wasn’t “tradition.” This wasn’t “building character.” This was torture.

The Hazing That Hospitalized Our Client

Leonel Bermudez, a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. What they did to him included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups — until he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting — then forced to keep running through his own vomit
• Another pledge lost consciousness — they kept going
• Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth — for over an hour

He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital with kidney failure.

This happened in Houston. It could happen in Matagorda County.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Matagorda County?

When hazing happens, everyone who allowed it is responsible. In our UH case, we’re suing:

Matagorda County families: the same liability applies to every fraternity and sorority near Matagorda County.

💰 Hazing Cases Win Millions — Matagorda County Victims Can Too

Hazing cases don’t just result in apologies. They result in millions of dollars in compensation. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in recent hazing cases:

Our $10 million demand for Leonel Bermudez is in line with these precedents. Matagorda County hazing victims deserve the same justice.

📅 Matagorda County Families: Time Is Running Out

Texas law gives you only 2 YEARS from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.

That means:

• If your child was hazed in Fall 2023, you may already be out of time
• If your child was hazed in Spring 2024, you have until Spring 2026
• If your child is being hazed right now, you need to act immediately

Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Universities and fraternities destroy records. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case.

🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Matagorda County Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It causes real, lasting medical harm. Our client suffered:

• Rhabdomyolysis — muscles break down, releasing toxic proteins into the bloodstream
• Acute kidney failure — life-threatening complication requiring hospitalization
• Permanent kidney damage — potential need for dialysis or transplant
• PTSD, anxiety, depression — psychological trauma from abuse

Other common hazing injuries include:

• Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injury from beatings or falls
• Broken bones from physical abuse
• Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
• Sexual assault injuries
• Death

If your child is showing signs of physical or psychological distress after hazing, seek medical attention immediately — and call us.

🔍 How to Know If Your Child Is Being Hazed Near Matagorda County

Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs:

If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Matagorda County

If you suspect hazing, follow these steps immediately:

1. Ensure your child’s safety — remove them from the situation
2. Seek medical attention — document all injuries
3. Preserve all evidence — texts, photos, videos, social media
4. Do not let your child talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university alone — they will try to control the narrative
5. Do not let your child sign anything from the organization
6. Do not post on social media about the incident
7. Call Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911

We will guide you through every step and protect your rights.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Matagorda County Hazing Victim

Texas law is clear: hazing is illegal, and consent is not a defense.

Texas Education Code § 37.154:

“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 means:

• Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter
• Even if they “knew what they were getting into,” it doesn’t matter
• Even if they “could have left,” it doesn’t matter

Hazing is against the law. Period.

🛡️ Why Matagorda County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases because we’re doing it right now.

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they try to minimize claims, deny liability, and lowball victims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside — now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

Nationwide Reach — We Serve Matagorda County Victims Everywhere

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We have:

• Federal court authority — can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
• Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
• Willingness to travel — we come to Matagorda County for depositions and trials
• Remote consultation technology — Matagorda County families can meet with us virtually

We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims are from Hispanic families. We provide full bilingual services so language is never a barrier to justice.

Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront for Matagorda County Families

We understand that cost can be a barrier to seeking justice. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Matagorda County Families

Q: My child was hazed, but they’re afraid of retaliation. What can we do?

A: We understand the fear of retaliation is real. That’s why we:

• Handle all communications with the fraternity and university
• Protect your child’s identity when possible
• Build cases that don’t rely solely on victim testimony
• Work with law enforcement when criminal charges are appropriate

In our UH case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” — we take this fear seriously and protect our clients.

Q: The fraternity says it was “just tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. The Texas legislature specifically eliminated the “consent” defense in hazing cases. Waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse — these are not traditions. They’re crimes.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue them?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they have Greek organizations on campus, they have a responsibility to oversee them. In our UH case:

• The university owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• They had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 at a different fraternity
• They failed to implement real oversight despite knowing the risks

Matagorda County universities face the same liability when they fail to protect students.

Q: My child was hazed at a university near Matagorda County, but we don’t live there. Can you still help?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims regardless of where they live or where the hazing occurred. Whether your child attends Texas A&M, University of Houston, Rice, or any other university near Matagorda County, we can help.

Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases typically result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of physical injuries
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
• Whether there was a cover-up attempt
• The egregiousness of the conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, etc.)

In our UH case, we’re seeking $10 million — and we believe that’s conservative given the severity of the conduct.

Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?

A: Psychological trauma is compensable. PTSD, anxiety, depression — these are real injuries that deserve compensation. Many hazing victims suffer long-term psychological harm even without physical injuries.

Q: The fraternity already suspended the chapter. Isn’t that enough?

A: No. Suspending a chapter after someone is hospitalized is damage control, not accountability. In our UH case:

• Pi Kappa Phi suspended the chapter after our client was hospitalized
• They did it to limit their liability, not to prevent future harm
• Their own statement says they “look forward to returning to campus”

Real accountability means compensation for victims and systemic change — not just a temporary suspension.

📚 Hazing Resources for Matagorda County Families

National Organizations:

• HazingPrevention.Org — hazingprevention.org
• StopHazing — stophazing.org
• Gordie Center — gordie.org (alcohol education and hazing prevention)

Texas-Specific Resources:

• Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F — Texas Hazing Law
• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board — Report Hazing

Crisis Support:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988
• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

🎯 Our Message to Matagorda County Fraternities and Sororities

To every fraternity and sorority operating near Matagorda County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Matagorda County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.

If you haze students, we will pursue every liable entity — your chapter, your national organization, your housing corporation, your alumni, and your individual members.

We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

🏆 Our Track Record — Proven Results for Victims

While our hazing litigation practice is growing, our firm has a proven track record of fighting for victims against powerful institutions:

• BP Texas City Explosion — Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation
• Multi-million dollar settlements for personal injury victims
• Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
• Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how to dismantle their defenses

Now we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to hazing victims nationwide — including Matagorda County.

📞 Matagorda County Hazing Victims: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now

We are Attorney 911 — the hazing litigation experts who don’t back down.

If your child was hazed, abused, or injured by a fraternity or sorority near Matagorda County, call us immediately:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation. $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win.

We serve Matagorda County and all of Texas. We travel to you. We fight for you.

🔥 Matagorda County Families: Enough Is Enough

Hazing has claimed too many lives. It has destroyed too many futures. It has traumatized too many families.

The culture must change. The institutions must be held accountable. The victims must be compensated.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are the hazing lawyers who don’t back down.

If your child was hazed near Matagorda County, call us now. Let’s fight back together.