Protecting Your Child: Hazing Lawsuits in Morris County, Texas
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — And Neither Do We
Morris County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their students from harm. But tragically, that trust is all too often betrayed.
If your child has been the victim of hazing in or near Morris County, Texas — whether at a local university, a nearby college, or even across the state — you have legal rights. And you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of hazing cases and is prepared to fight for justice, no matter where the incident occurred.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to families in Morris County and across Texas.
The Hazing Crisis in Texas — It’s Closer Than You Think
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities like UT Austin or Texas A&M. It happens at smaller colleges, community colleges, and even high schools across the state — including near Morris County.
Universities Near Morris County with Active Greek Life:
- Texas A&M University-Texarkana (Texarkana, TX — ~30 miles from Morris County)
- East Texas Baptist University (Marshall, TX — ~50 miles)
- LeTourneau University (Longview, TX — ~60 miles)
- University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, TX — ~75 miles)
- Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, TX — ~100 miles)
These same fraternities and sororities operate near Morris County — and they bring the same hazing culture with them.
The Reality of Hazing in Texas:
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S.
- 95% of hazing victims do not report it — often due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the group
- Texas law makes hazing a crime — but universities and Greek organizations often fail to enforce their own rules
Morris County families deserve to know: If your child is joining a fraternity or sorority, they could be at risk.
Our Current Case: A Warning for Morris County Families
We’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez — And What Could Happen to Your Child
Leonel accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse, including:
- Waterboarding 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 he vomited, then made to lie in the vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout — but the hazing continued
- Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, leading to exhaustion
On November 3, 2025, Leonel was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme physical exercises until he couldn’t stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was so sore he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure.
He spent four days in the hospital — fighting for his life.
Why This Case Matters for Morris County Families
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide — including near Morris County.
- The same national organization that failed Leonel Bermudez oversees chapters where your child might be pledging.
- Universities near Morris County face the same liability failures as the University of Houston.
- If it can happen at UH, it can happen at Texas A&M-Texarkana, UT Tyler, or any other school near Morris County.
- We’re fighting this battle right now — and we’ll fight for Morris County families too.
Texas Hazing Laws: What Morris County Families Need to Know
Texas Law is Clear: Hazing is Illegal — And Consent is NOT a Defense
Under Texas Education Code § 37.151, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, or other substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Any activity that creates an unreasonable risk of harm
Most importantly: Texas law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense.
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” — Texas Education Code § 37.154
This means that even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held legally responsible.
Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas
Hazing is a crime in Texas, with penalties ranging from Class B misdemeanors to state jail felonies:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Class B Misdemeanor | Engaging in hazing | Up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 fine |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Up to 1 year in jail and $4,000 fine |
| State Jail Felony | Hazing causing death | 180 days to 2 years in state jail and $10,000 fine |
Organizations can also be penalized, including:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Denial of permission to operate on campus
- Forfeiture of property
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible. In our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, we are pursuing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew about “hazing crisis” but did nothing |
| University | Owned the fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing to occur at their residence |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
Morris County families: If your child was hazed, we will pursue every liable party — no matter where they are.
What Can Morris County Families Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages (Measurable Financial Losses)
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
- Educational costs (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries affect long-term career prospects)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain from injuries (rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns, etc.)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution)
- Humiliation and shame from hazing activities
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
- Disfigurement or permanent impairment
Punitive Damages (Punishing Egregious Conduct)
In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million in damages — and we’ll pursue the same level of compensation for Morris County families.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Lawsuits Win Millions
Hazing cases do not have to end in tragedy to result in significant compensation. Even non-fatal hazing injuries can lead to multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts.
Recent Hazing Case Outcomes:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement (largest in Ohio history) |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | LSU | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110 million+ estimated settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement (same fraternity as our case) |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Delta Chi | VCU | $4+ million settlement |
Morris County families: These results prove that hazing cases win — and that universities and fraternities will pay when they fail to protect students.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Morris County
If your child has been the victim of hazing, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can have delayed symptoms.
- Medical records are crucial evidence in your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete any text messages, social media posts, or emails about hazing.
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
- Document all hazing activities (dates, times, locations, participants).
- Get witness names and contact information (other pledges, bystanders).
Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
- Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership, university officials, or insurance companies without an attorney.
- Do NOT sign any documents from the organization.
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media.
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
- We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the process.
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Morris County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.
2. We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims, and we know how to counter their tactics.
3. We Serve Morris County Families — No Matter Where the Hazing Occurred
While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Morris County and across Texas. We offer:
- Video consultations for Morris County families
- Willingness to travel to Morris County for depositions and meetings
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
4. We Work on Contingency — No Upfront Costs for Morris County Families
We understand that the cost of hiring an attorney can be a barrier — especially when your child is recovering from trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- $0 upfront — You pay nothing to hire us.
- We only get paid if we win your case.
- No hourly fees — Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.
5. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for victims of personal injury, including:
- $10+ million in our current hazing case
- Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death, trucking accidents, and workplace injuries
- Hundreds of successful cases against insurance companies and corporate defendants
6. We Understand the Unique Culture of Hazing
- Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach — he understands team dynamics and the pressures young people face.
- We’ve handled hazing cases involving Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, and rhabdomyolysis injuries.
- We know how to expose the institutional failures that allow hazing to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions for Morris County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Morris County. Can you still help us?
A: Yes. While we’re based in Houston, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Morris County and across Texas. We have federal court authority and are admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, allowing us to pursue cases anywhere in the country.
Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing?
A: Consent is NOT a defense under Texas law. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable. The Texas Legislature explicitly eliminated the consent defense in hazing cases because they recognized that peer pressure, coercion, and fear negate true consent.
Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases can result in significant compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm)
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million — and we’ll pursue the same level of compensation for Morris County families.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. If the hazing happened at a private residence, a fraternity house, or any other location, the organization and individuals involved can still be held liable.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most hazing cases settle out of court, meaning your child may not have to testify. However, if the case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and ensure they are supported every step of the way.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We will protect your child’s identity to the fullest extent possible and take steps to prevent any form of intimidation or harassment.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hazing cases. This means you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Morris County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “harmless fun.”
It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture.
And it does not have to happen to another Morris County family.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable — not just in Houston, but across Texas, including in Morris County.
If your child has been hazed, we will fight for you.
Contact Attorney 911 Today — Free Consultation for Morris County Families
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Morris County hazing emergencies.
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Serving Morris County and All of Texas
Houston Office: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Austin Office: Serving Central Texas
Beaumont Office: Serving East Texas
We will travel to Morris County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Morris County Families: The Time to Act is Now
Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations runs out.
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
We’re fighting this battle right now — and we’ll fight for you.
