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McMullen County (Texas/McMullen County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 26, 2026 18 min read
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Hazing Victim Legal Representation in McMullen County, Texas

Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse — Nationwide Legal Support for McMullen County Families

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near McMullen County, Texas — you have legal rights. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for you.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This same fraternity operates at universities near McMullen County, and this same negligence exists at institutions across Texas.

We serve hazing victims in McMullen County and nationwide — no matter where the incident occurred.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

Why McMullen County Families Need Hazing Attorneys

Hazing Isn’t “Tradition” — It’s Abuse. And It’s Illegal in Texas.

Hazing is not harmless fun. It’s not “building character.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s physical and psychological abuse — and it’s against Texas law.

Under Texas Education Code § 37.151, hazing includes:

  • Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
  • Forced consumption (alcohol, food, drugs)
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Exposure to extreme weather
  • Psychological abuse and humiliation

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law says that doesn’t matter. If they were hazed, they were wronged — and you can sue.

The Hazing Crisis in Texas — It’s Happening Near McMullen County

Our Current Case: A Warning for McMullen County Families

Leonel Bermudez was a transfer student who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston in Fall 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure — requiring four days of inpatient care.

What Happened to Him?

  • Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to keep running
  • Stripped to underwear in cold weather
  • Carried a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times
  • Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour

He wasn’t even a UH student yet. He was a “ghost rush” — expected to transfer for Spring 2026. They hazed him before he was even enrolled.

This Same Fraternity Operates Near McMullen County

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including at universities near McMullen County. If they’re doing this at UH, how many other chapters are doing the same?

The same national organization that waterboarded our client is active near McMullen County. The same culture exists. The same negligence exists.

And the University of Houston? They owned the fraternity house where this happened. They knew about hazing risks. They did nothing to stop it.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near McMullen County — they face the same risks.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in McMullen County?

Hazing cases aren’t just about suing individual students. We go after the institutions that allow it to happen.

We Sue Everyone Responsible:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowing about “hazing crisis”
University/College Owns fraternity houses, has duty to protect students, often ignores prior hazing incidents
Chapter Officers Leadership who allowed or directed hazing (president, pledgemaster, etc.)
Individual Members Those who participated in hazing
Housing Corporations Own the property where hazing occurred
Alumni/Hosts Allowed hazing at their homes
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for institutional liability

In our current case, we’re suing:
Pi Kappa Phi National
Beta Nu Chapter at UH
University of Houston (they owned the house)
UH Board of Regents
Individual fraternity members
Former members and their spouses (hazing occurred at their home)

McMullen County families get the same aggressive representation.

What Can McMullen County Hazing Victims Recover?

Hazing isn’t just a moral issue — it’s a legal one. Victims and their families can recover millions in compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses (Past & Future)

  • Hospital bills
  • Emergency room treatment
  • Rehabilitation (physical therapy, mental health counseling)
  • Future medical care (kidney monitoring, potential dialysis/transplant)

Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure. Medical bills for hazing injuries can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.

2. Pain and Suffering

  • Physical pain from beatings, forced exercise, waterboarding
  • Emotional trauma from humiliation, fear, PTSD
  • Psychological harm (anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation)

Waterboarding is torture. Forced exercise until collapse is abuse. These aren’t “pranks” — they’re serious injuries that can last a lifetime.

3. Lost Wages & Future Earning Capacity

  • Time missed from work during recovery
  • Impact on academic performance (dropped classes, failed courses)
  • Delayed graduation or career setbacks

Hazing doesn’t just hurt students physically — it derails their futures.

4. Punitive Damages (Punishing the Defendants)

Texas allows punitive damages when conduct is grossly negligent or intentional.

In our case, the fraternity:
Knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing
Waterboarded a student (torture)
Forced exercise until he couldn’t stand
Had a prior hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey) and still didn’t change

This isn’t negligence — it’s deliberate indifference. And it deserves punishment.

5. Wrongful Death (If Hazing Kills)

If hazing results in death, families can sue for:

  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of companionship
  • Lost future earnings
  • Pain and suffering before death

Hazing kills. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S. Don’t let your child be next.

Precedent Cases Prove McMullen County Victims Can Win

Hazing Cases That Won Millions for Victims

Case Fraternity University Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz (2021) Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State Settlement $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver (2017) Phi Delta Theta Louisiana State Jury Verdict $6.1 million
Timothy Piazza (2017) Beta Theta Pi Penn State Settlement $110+ million
Andrew Coffey (2017) Pi Kappa Phi Florida State Settlement Confidential (multi-million)
Our Case (2025) Pi Kappa Phi University of Houston $10 million lawsuit pending

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win — and win big.

The same legal strategies apply to McMullen County victims.

What Should McMullen County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

  • Go to the ER if needed — some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away
  • Document everything — take photos of injuries, save medical records
  • Mental health matters — hazing causes PTSD, anxiety, depression. Get counseling.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
  • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, items used
  • Get witness names — other pledges, bystanders
  • Keep academic/employment records (showing impact on grades, work)

⚠️ Do NOT delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing. It’s evidence.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

  • They will try to control the narrative
  • They may offer a lowball settlement
  • They may pressure you to sign away your rights
  • Anything you say can be used against you

📞 Call us first: 1-888-ATTY-911

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

  • Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations — don’t wait
  • Evidence disappears quickly — witnesses forget, messages get deleted
  • We offer free, confidential consultations — no upfront cost
  • We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win

Why McMullen County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now

  • We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
  • We know the legal strategies that work
  • We know the defenses fraternities and universities will use
  • We know how to win

2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know:

  • How they try to minimize claims
  • How they pressure victims to settle cheaply
  • How to dismantle their defenses

When you hire us, you’re not just getting a lawyer — you’re getting an insider who knows how to beat them.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority — We Can Sue Anywhere

  • Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • Licensed in Texas AND New York (strategic for national fraternities)
  • We serve hazing victims nationwide — including McMullen County

Distance doesn’t matter. We will fight for you.

4. We Travel to McMullen County for Your Case

  • We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials
  • We offer video consultations if you can’t travel
  • We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies

You don’t have to face this alone.

5. We Work on Contingency — No Upfront Cost for McMullen County Families

  • You pay $0 unless we win
  • No hourly fees, no retainers
  • We only get paid if you get paid

We take the risk so you don’t have to.

6. We Care About More Than Money — We Care About Justice

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”Lupe Pena

We’re not just in this for settlements. We want to:

  • Stop hazing culture
  • Hold institutions accountable
  • Protect future students near McMullen County

Your case could save lives.

What Happens If McMullen County Families Don’t Act?

1. The Fraternity Will Try to Cover It Up

  • They’ll delete messages
  • They’ll pressure witnesses to stay silent
  • They’ll blame the victim

2. The University Will Protect Its Reputation

  • They’ll minimize the incident
  • They’ll offer a lowball settlement
  • They’ll make you sign away your rights

3. The Statute of Limitations Will Expire

  • Texas gives you only 2 years to sue
  • If you wait, you lose your right to compensation forever

4. Another Student Will Get Hurt

  • If no one holds them accountable, they’ll do it again
  • Your silence could lead to another hospitalization — or worse, a death

Don’t let that happen. Call us now.

Common Defenses — And How We Crush Them

Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”

Our Response:

  • Texas law says consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code § 37.154)
  • Peer pressure and threats negate true consent
  • Victims often don’t know what they’re agreeing to

Defense 2: “It Was Just a Prank/Tradition”

Our Response:

  • Waterboarding is torture — not a prank
  • Forced exercise until collapse is abuse — not tradition
  • Hazing is illegal in Texas — tradition doesn’t justify crime

Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know”

Our Response:

  • They own the fraternity houses — they have a duty to inspect
  • They have prior hazing incidents on record (UH had a 2017 case)
  • They have the power to shut down dangerous chapters — and they don’t

Defense 4: “It Was Just a Few Bad Apples”

Our Response:

  • Hazing is systemic — not isolated
  • The national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing
  • The university had oversight responsibility — and failed

Hazing Isn’t Just a Greek Life Problem — It’s Everywhere Near McMullen County

Hazing happens in:
Fraternities & sororities (most common)
Sports teams (football, baseball, soccer)
Marching bands
ROTC programs
Honor societies
Clubs and organizations

If your child has been hazed in any organization near McMullen County — we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions for McMullen County Families

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

A: We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear speaking out — that’s why we handle all communications with the fraternity and university. Your safety and privacy are our priority.

Q: The fraternity offered us a settlement. Should we take it?

A: Never accept a settlement without consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies and fraternities always offer lowball settlements to make the problem go away. We negotiate to get you what you truly deserve.

Q: My child attends a university near McMullen County — can you help?

A: Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including McMullen County and surrounding areas. We offer video consultations and travel to you for meetings and depositions.

Q: How much is my hazing case worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts (see our precedent cases above). Factors include:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical bills
  • Psychological trauma
  • Institutional negligence
  • Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If it was part of fraternity/sorority activities, the university and national organization can still be held liable.

Q: My child signed a waiver. Does that mean they can’t sue?

A: No. Waivers do not protect fraternities or universities from liability for illegal conduct. Hazing is against Texas law — waivers don’t apply.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

A: Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait — evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

McMullen County Families: This Ends Now

To Fraternities and Sororities Operating Near McMullen County:

We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students near McMullen County, we will pursue:
Your national organization
Your local chapter
Your chapter officers
Your individual members
Your housing corporation
Your insurance policies

The Beta Nu chapter at UH learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

To Universities Near McMullen County:

You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to inspect. You have the duty to protect students. If you fail, you will pay.

To McMullen County Families:

You are not alone. What happened to your child was not their fault. It was not “tradition.” It was not “brotherhood.” It was abuse. And it’s time to stop it.

🚨 Contact Attorney 911 Now — Free Consultation for McMullen County Hazing Victims

📞 Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com

We offer:
Free, confidential case evaluation
No upfront costs — we work on contingency
Video consultations for McMullen County families
Aggressive representation against fraternities, universities, and insurance companies

The consultation is free. The call could save your child’s life.

McMullen County Hazing Lawyers — Fighting for Justice, One Case at a Time

Attorney 911
📍 Serving McMullen County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
🌐 attorney911.com

We don’t just talk about justice. We fight for it.

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