24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Bell County

Nolanville & Bell County Fraternity Hazing Wrongful Death Attorneys | Texas A&M, UMHB, Baylor, UT Austin & UH Cases | Attorney911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ | Former Insurance Defense Attorney Knows Fraternity Insurance Tactics | Federal Court Institutional Litigation | BP Explosion Experience Fighting Billion-Dollar Defendants | HCCLA Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise | Multi-Million Dollar Results | Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

February 12, 2026 56 min read
city-of-nolanville-featured-image.png

The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits and Fraternity Accountability for Nolanville, Bell County Families

If your child leaves for the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus with dreams of brotherhood, sisterhood, and tradition, you trust they’ll be safe. You trust the university’s promises, the fraternity’s policies, and the basic human decency of those in charge.

Then the phone call comes. Your child is in the hospital. They’ve been forced to drink until they’re unconscious. They’ve been beaten during a “pledge workout.” They’ve been subjected to humiliating, degrading acts by the very organization they hoped to join. The university says they’re “investigating.” The fraternity says it was “just tradition” or “voluntary.” You’re told to be patient, to trust the process, while your child suffers physically and emotionally.

This is not hypothetical. Right now, in Harris County, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the $10 million lawsuit we filed in late 2025, Bermudez was subjected to forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, hours-long workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack” 24/7. He was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. The chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14.

This happened at a major Texas university with national fraternity oversight. It’s happening now. And if it can happen there, it can happen anywhere Texas students gather—including the campuses where Nolanville, Bell County families send their children.

This comprehensive guide answers the questions we hear daily from Texas parents:

  • What does modern hazing really look like?
  • What are your legal rights under Texas law?
  • What has happened at Texas universities where Nolanville students attend?
  • How do national fraternity histories create liability?
  • What should you do immediately if your child is being hazed?
  • Why choose Attorney911 as your Texas hazing litigation firm?

We’ll provide the facts, the law, the patterns, and the practical guidance families in Nolanville and throughout Bell County need to protect their children and hold accountable those who violate their safety.

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 directly
    • 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 It Really Looks Like in Texas

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “pranks” or “initiation rituals” of decades past. For Nolanville families with children at Texas universities, understanding modern hazing is critical to recognizing danger.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing means any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The key element is power imbalance—new members versus established members, pledges versus active brothers/sisters, freshmen athletes versus team veterans.

Crucially: “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal. Texas law recognizes that “consent” given under peer pressure, fear of exclusion, or desire for belonging is not true voluntary consent. As we’ll discuss in Section 3, Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing (Most Common and Deadliest)

  • Forced or coerced drinking: “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, “lineup” drinking games, “century club” challenges (100 shots of beer)
  • Pressure to consume unknown substances: Mixed drinks with unknown alcohol content, “punch” with multiple liquors, spiked drinks
  • Games with drinking penalties: “Bible study” where wrong answers mean shots, trivia with alcohol consequences

In the Leonel Bermudez case at UH, forced consumption was central—milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints. This pattern repeats nationally: Stone Foltz at Bowling Green (entire bottle of alcohol), Max Gruver at LSU (“Bible study” drinking game), Andrew Coffey at FSU (handle of liquor).

Physical Hazing

  • Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” or workouts far beyond normal conditioning—100+ push-ups, 500 squats (as alleged in Bermudez case), wall-sits until collapse
  • Paddling and beatings: Still prevalent despite national prohibitions
  • Sleep/food/water deprivation: Multi-day events with minimal rest, “hell week” traditions
  • Exposure to elements: Cold-weather workouts in underwear (alleged at UH), extreme heat exposure

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

  • Forced nudity or partial nudity: “Roasted pig” positions, underwear-only events
  • Simulated sexual acts: “Elephant walks,” degrading costumes and role-playing
  • Humiliating tasks: “Pledge fanny packs” with condoms and sex toys (alleged at UH), public performances, scavenger hunts for embarrassing items

Psychological Hazing

  • Verbal abuse and intimidation: Yelling, screaming, threats of expulsion from the organization
  • Isolation and control: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for social activities
  • Public shaming: “Roasts” in meetings, humiliation in group chats

Digital/Online Hazing (The New Frontier)

  • 24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
  • Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, compromising photos
  • Location tracking: Required sharing of live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
  • Digital “tasks” and “challenges”: Online dares that escalate to in-person hazing

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

  • Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils)
  • Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (Particularly relevant near Fort Hood and at Texas A&M)
  • Athletic Teams (Football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming—as seen at Northwestern University)
  • Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (Texas Cowboys, Marching bands, performance groups)
  • Academic and Service Organizations (Honor societies, pre-professional clubs)

The common thread: social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. For Nolanville families, this means vigilance extends beyond Greek life to any organization where your child seeks belonging.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Hazing Laws

Texas has specific legal frameworks for hazing, and understanding them is crucial for Nolanville families considering legal action.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F)

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

  • Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
  • Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Plain English for Nolanville Parents: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreats all count.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment
  • State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Also Criminal: Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer and knew about it) and retaliating against someone who reports hazing.

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability: Organizations can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if they authorized or encouraged it, or if an officer/member acting officially knew about it and failed to report. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation and university revocation of recognition.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. This includes medical emergency situations—Texas law and university policies often provide amnesty for those who call 911, even if they were drinking underage.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense: It is not a defense to prosecution that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This directly rebuts the most common defense—”they wanted to do it.”

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions: Texas colleges must provide hazing prevention education, publish policies, and maintain annual public reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions. This creates crucial public records for families.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

  • Brought by: The State of Texas (prosecutor’s office)
  • Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
  • Typical Charges: Hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
  • Outcome: Guilt or innocence, criminal record

Civil Cases:

  • Brought by: Victims or surviving families (like the Bermudez family in the UH case)
  • Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
  • Claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
  • Outcome: Financial compensation for damages

Crucial Point: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many hazing cases proceed civilly even when criminal charges aren’t filed or result in acquittal.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026). This will increase pressure on Texas universities to address hazing systematically.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must investigate and address these complaints under federal guidelines.

Clery Act: Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing often overlaps with assault or alcohol/drug crimes requiring disclosure.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students:

  • Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up
  • Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager—all named in the UH lawsuit)

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

  • The fraternity/sorority or club itself as a legal entity
  • Housing corporations (like the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation named in the UH case)

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

  • Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
  • Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. University or Governing Board:

  • The school or regents (UH System Board of Regents named in Bermudez case)
  • Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

5. Third Parties:

  • Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
  • Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories)
  • Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys like Attorney911 investigate all potential defendants to ensure full accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Nolanville Families

National cases aren’t just headlines—they establish patterns, legal precedents, and settlement values that directly impact Texas cases. Here’s what Nolanville families need to know.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid-acceptance event with forced drinking, severe falls captured on chapter cameras, hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway: Delay in calling 911 and culture of silence prove legally devastating.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): “Big/little” event with handle of liquor, alcohol poisoning death. Criminal hazing charges, FSU suspended Greek life. Takeaway: Formulaic drinking traditions are scripts for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): “Bible study” drinking game with forced consumption when answering incorrectly. Death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing). Takeaway: Legislative change follows public outrage and clear evidence.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey, alcohol poisoning death. Multiple criminal convictions, $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Takeaway: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat, fatal head injuries, delayed help. Multiple convictions, fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus retreats are dangerous; national orgs face severe sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlement. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Nolanville Families

Common threads in fatal hazing cases:

  1. Forced drinking as central component
  2. Humiliation and degradation beyond “pranks”
  3. Violence or extreme physical stress
  4. Delayed or denied medical care
  5. Cover-ups and code of silence

These national cases establish foreseeability—the legal concept that certain risks should have been anticipated. When a Texas chapter repeats patterns seen nationally, it strengthens negligence claims against nationals and universities.

Multi-million dollar settlements ($1M–$14M range for fatalities) set benchmarks for Texas cases. The $10 million demand in the Bermudez UH case reflects these national precedents.

Texas Focus: Universities Where Nolanville Families Send Students

Bell County families have strong connections to multiple Texas universities. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at campuses your children may attend.

Local Campuses Serving Nolanville, Bell County Students

Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen, Bell County)

For Nolanville families: Located just minutes away in neighboring Killeen, TAMU-CT serves many Bell County students as a commuter campus with growing residential options.

Hazing Context: While smaller than flagship campuses, any student organization can harbor hazing risks. The proximity to Fort Hood means significant military-affiliated student population, with associated organization risks.

What Nolanville Parents Should Know:

  • Report hazing to TAMU-CT Student Conduct office
  • Document any incidents with Bell County law enforcement jurisdiction
  • Note that smaller campuses may have less robust Greek life oversight

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton, Bell County)

For Nolanville families: Located in Belton, UMHB serves many local students with its Christian liberal arts focus.

Hazing Context: Despite religious affiliation, Greek organizations and athletic teams can still engage in hazing. Christian fraternities/sororities aren’t immune.

What Nolanville Parents Should Know:

  • UMHB has its own conduct policies prohibiting hazing
  • Religious context may affect reporting dynamics
  • Local Bell County legal jurisdiction applies

Major Statewide Universities Nolanville Students Attend

Nolanville families commonly send children to these major Texas universities for traditional college experiences.

University of Houston (UH)

For Nolanville families: Many Bell County students choose UH for its strong programs and Houston opportunities. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case shows serious risks exist.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot:

  • Large urban campus with mix of commuter and residential students
  • Active Greek life with 50+ fraternity/sorority chapters
  • Multiple governing councils: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Greek Council

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting:

  • UH prohibits hazing on and off campus
  • Reporting through Dean of Students, Conduct Office, UHPD
  • Public hazing statement on UH website

5.1.3 Example Incidents & Responses:

  • 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after alleged multi-day hazing with food/water/sleep deprivation. Chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension.
  • 2025 Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case (Leonel Bermudez): $10M lawsuit alleging extreme physical hazing, forced consumption, “waterboarding” with hose, hospitalization with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Chapter suspended Nov 6, charter surrendered Nov 14.
  • UH’s statement on Bermudez case: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” cooperating with law enforcement, disciplinary measures up to expulsion.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed:

  • Jurisdiction: Harris County courts, Houston Police Department or UHPD
  • Potential Defendants: Individuals, chapter, national headquarters (Pi Kappa Phi), UH, UH System Board of Regents, housing corporations
  • Strategic Considerations: Houston-based legal counsel understands local courts and procedures

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents from Nolanville Should Do:

  • Document everything immediately (screenshots, photos, medical records)
  • Report to UH Dean of Students AND local Houston police if crimes occurred
  • Contact Texas hazing attorney familiar with Houston jurisdiction
  • Preserve evidence before UH or fraternity secures it
  • Understand that UH may prioritize institutional protection over individual justice

Texas A&M University (College Station)

For Nolanville families: Many Bell County students choose Texas A&M for its traditions, engineering programs, and Corps of Cadets. Physical proximity makes it accessible for families.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot:

  • Strong tradition culture with deep-rooted organizations
  • Active Corps of Cadets with military-style structure
  • Large Greek community with historical significance

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting:

  • Student Conduct office handles hazing complaints
  • Corps has separate regulations and chain of command
  • Anonymous reporting options available

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Responses:

  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. $1M lawsuit, fraternity suspended two years.
  • Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts, being bound between beds with apple in mouth. $1M+ lawsuit, A&M stated handled under internal rules.
  • Multiple Greek Organization Suspensions: Various chapters suspended for alcohol, physical, or psychological hazing over past decade.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed:

  • Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts, College Station PD or University Police
  • Unique Factors: Corps cases involve military-style chain of command issues
  • Strategic Considerations: Need counsel experienced with both Greek life AND Corps dynamics

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents from Nolanville Should Do:

  • Distinguish between “tradition” and illegal hazing
  • Understand Corps reporting goes through military-style chain (may delay external reporting)
  • Document injuries immediately—Corps “toughness” culture may discourage medical care
  • Contact attorney familiar with both Texas A&M systems and Brazos County jurisdiction
  • Recognize that university may protect Corps reputation aggressively

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

For Nolanville families: UT Austin attracts Bell County students for academia, prestige, and Austin experience. Transparency is better than most schools.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot:

  • Large Greek system with historical significance
  • Strong athletic programs with associated risks
  • Transparent hazing violation reporting

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting:

  • Public Hazing Violations Page: UT maintains searchable database of organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions
  • Clear reporting channels through Dean of Students
  • Anonymous reporting available

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Responses:

  • Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Found to be hazing, chapter probation, required hazing-prevention education.
  • Texas Wranglers & Spirit Groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices.
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. $1M+ lawsuit, chapter already under suspension.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed:

  • Jurisdiction: Travis County courts, UTPD or Austin PD
  • Strategic Advantage: UT’s public violation database provides pattern evidence
  • Considerations: Austin legal community familiarity with UT systems

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents from Nolanville Should Do:

  • Check UT’s public hazing database for organization’s history before joining
  • Document incidents with date/time details for pattern evidence
  • Report through official channels but assume information goes to defense
  • Contact attorney who can use UT’s transparency to your advantage
  • Understand that even “probation” sanctions may not prevent recurrence

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

For Nolanville families: SMU attracts students for private education, Dallas connections, and prestigious reputation.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot:

  • Affluent student body with strong Greek participation
  • Private university with different transparency standards
  • Historical hazing incidents despite anti-hazing policies

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting:

  • SMU prohibits hazing in student organization policies
  • Reporting through Dean of Students, anonymous systems
  • Less public disclosure than public universities

5.4.3 Example Incidents & Responses:

  • Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived. Chapter suspended, recruiting restrictions until 2021.
  • Multiple Greek Investigations: Various chapters investigated for alcohol, physical, psychological hazing over years.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed:

  • Jurisdiction: Dallas County courts, SMU PD or Dallas PD
  • Strategic Considerations: Private university means less public record access initially
  • Discovery Importance: Need attorney skilled at compelling discovery from private institutions

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents from Nolanville Should Do:

  • Understand SMU may protect institutional reputation aggressively
  • Document everything—fewer public records means your evidence is crucial
  • Consider both campus conduct process AND external legal action
  • Contact attorney experienced with private university defense tactics
  • Recognize SMU’s affluent defendant resources require equal legal firepower

Baylor University (Waco)

For Nolanville families: Baylor’s religious identity and Waco location attract many Texas students. History of institutional scandal informs current approach.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot:

  • Christian university with religious branding
  • History of football/Title IX scandal affecting institutional response
  • Greek life integrated with religious identity

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting:

  • “Zero tolerance” hazing policy in student handbook
  • Reporting through Student Conduct, Title IX office if applicable
  • Religious context may affect reporting dynamics

5.5.3 Example Incidents & Responses:

  • Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation, staggered suspensions.
  • Various Greek Investigations: Multiple organizations investigated for alcohol, physical hazing over years.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed:

  • Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts, Baylor PD or Waco PD
  • Unique Factors: Religious institution defenses possible
  • Historical Context: Post-sexual assault scandal, Baylor may be sensitive to institutional liability

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents from Nolanville Should Do:

  • Don’t assume religious affiliation prevents hazing
  • Document incidents despite potential pressure to “forgive” or “move on”
  • Consider how religious context affects internal reporting
  • Contact attorney familiar with both hazing law and religious institution defenses
  • Recognize Baylor’s recent history may make them cautious about liability

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Nolanville, Bell County Families

If you are a parent in Nolanville, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Attorney911 maintains an unmatched Texas Greek-life data engine tracking over 1,423 organizations statewide. Below are verified public records of organizations relevant to Bell County families.

Texas Greek Organizations with Bell County Connections

These organizations operate in or near Bell County, serving students from Nolanville, Killeen, Belton, and surrounding areas:

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Mu Delta Zeta Chapter

  • EIN: 521345951
  • Address: 6013 Brandy Dr, Nolanville, TX 76559
  • Type: Sorority chapter
  • Data Source: IRS B83 Filing

Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc

  • EIN: 273662583
  • Address: 1416 Sleepy Hollow Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904
  • Type: Fraternity chapter
  • Data Source: IRS B83 Filing

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Xi Chi Chapter

  • EIN: 364091267
  • Address: 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710
  • Type: Sorority chapter (serving Central Texas including Bell County)
  • Data Source: IRS B83 Filing

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University Chapter

  • EIN: 900293166
  • Address: 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843
  • Type: Academic honor society
  • Data Source: IRS B83 Filing

Beta Upsilon Chi (BUX) – Christian Fraternity

  • EIN: 742911848
  • Address: 12650 N Beach St Ste 114 PMB 305, Fort Worth, TX 76244
  • Type: Christian fraternity with Texas chapters
  • Data Source: IRS B83 Filing

Major University Housing Corporations & Alumni Chapters

These organizations own properties, provide housing, or support chapters at universities Nolanville students attend:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc

  • EIN: 462267515
  • Address: 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
  • Type: Fraternity housing corporation
  • Data Source: IRS B83 Filing
  • Note: This is the housing corporation for the same Pi Kappa Phi chapter involved in UH lawsuit

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter (Lamar University)

  • EIN: 746064445
  • Address: 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627
  • Type: Fraternity chapter housing/alumni association
  • Data Source: IRS B83 Filing

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter

  • EIN: 392352450
  • Address: PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254
  • Type: Sorority graduate chapter
  • Data Source: IRS B83 Filing

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae Chapter

  • Organization: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae
  • Location: Houston, TX
  • Type: Graduate sorority chapter
  • Data Source: Cause IQ Metro Listing (Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro)

Professional & Honor Societies with Texas Presence

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple Texas Chapters

  • Multiple EINs across Texas campuses
    0
  • Type: Academic honor society present at most Texas universities
  • Data Source: IRS B83 Filing (multiple locations)

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc

  • EIN: 760221936
  • Address: PO Box 271704, Houston, TX 77277
  • Type: Professional organization
  • Data Source: IRS B83 Filing

Why This Directory Matters for Nolanville Families

These public records show the complex network of organizations behind campus Greek life. When hazing occurs, liability may extend to:

  • Local chapters (undergraduate organizations)
  • Housing corporations (property owners)
  • Alumni chapters (graduate organizations providing support)
  • National headquarters (policy-setting entities)
  • Honor/professional societies (academic organizations)

Attorney911 maintains this directory so families never start from zero. We already know the names, EINs, and mailing addresses of the organizations that may hold insurance and responsibility.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

National fraternity histories matter because they show patterns and foreseeability—key legal concepts in hazing cases.

Why National Histories Matter for Nolanville Families

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, it demonstrates that:

  1. The national organization knew the risks (from prior incidents)
  2. Their policies failed to prevent recurrence
  3. They had constructive notice of dangerous traditions

This strengthens negligence claims against national headquarters and increases potential damages.

Organization Mapping: National Histories with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

  • Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, Texas State, Texas Tech
  • National History:
    • Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol, died from poisoning. $10M settlement ($7M from national, ~$3M from university)
    • David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death. $14M settlement
  • Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption traditions
  • Texas Incidents: UH chapter suspended 2016 for hazing causing lacerated spleen

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

  • Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Texas Tech, many others
  • National History:
    • Traumatic Brain Injury Case (Alabama, 2023): Pledge suffered TBI during ritual
    • Multiple Alcohol Deaths: Nationwide pattern of hazing fatalities
    • 2014 Policy Change: Eliminated traditional pledge process nationally due to deaths
  • Texas Incidents:
    • Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns from industrial cleaner, skin grafts required. $1M lawsuit
    • UT Austin (2024): Assault causing multiple fractures, $1M+ lawsuit

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

  • Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu, now closed), other Texas campuses
  • National History:
    • Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): “Big Brother Night” with forced drinking, alcohol poisoning death
    • Multiple Chapter Closures: Nationwide for hazing violations
  • Texas Incident: Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): $10M lawsuit alleging forced consumption, extreme workouts, “waterboarding,” rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

  • Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Texas Tech
  • National History:
    • Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game, alcohol poisoning death. Max Gruver Act (Louisiana felony hazing law)
    • Multiple Chapter Suspensions: Nationwide for alcohol hazing
  • Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education” or “tradition”

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

  • Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Texas Tech
  • National History: Multiple hazing suspensions nationwide
  • Texas Incident: SMU (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation. Chapter suspended

Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)

  • Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, Texas Tech
  • National History:
    • College of Charleston (2024): Physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption. $10M+ settlement
    • University of Texas at Arlington (2020): Hospitalization from alcohol poisoning hazing
  • Pattern: Physical violence combined with substance coercion

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) “Divine Nine” Organizations

African-American fraternities and sororities also face hazing issues, often involving physical paddling traditions:

Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ)

  • National History: University of Southern Mississippi (2023) lawsuit alleging beatings with paddle causing emergency surgery
  • Pattern: Physical hazing despite national prohibitions

Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ)

  • National History: Multiple incidents including Cornell (1995) paddling causing infection, Morehouse (1989) death
  • Pattern: Physical violence in initiation traditions

Kappa Alpha Psi (ΚΑΨ)

  • Texas Presence: Multiple Texas alumni and undergraduate chapters
  • National History: Physical hazing incidents nationwide
  • Public Records Examples from Texas:
    • Zeta Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi (EIN: 237098953) – Prairie View, TX
    • Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter (EIN: 232452759) – Grand Prairie, TX
    • Fort Worth Alumni Chapter (EIN: 752755600) – Fort Worth, TX

What These Histories Mean for Nolanville Cases

Pattern Evidence: When the same organization has similar hazing incidents across multiple campuses, it shows:

  • The methods are foreseeable
  • National policies are inadequate
  • The organization had constructive notice

Liability Expansion: National headquarters can be liable for:

  • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor chapters)
  • Negligent training (inadequate hazing prevention)
  • Ratification (accepting benefits despite knowledge)

Insurance Implications: National organizations typically have deeper insurance coverage than local chapters, making them crucial defendants for recovery.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Nolanville Families

Building a successful hazing case requires systematic evidence collection, understanding of damages, and strategic navigation of institutional defenses.

Critical Evidence Categories for Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (MOST IMPORTANT)

  • Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups, Discord servers
  • Social Media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
    • Preservation Method: Screenshot immediately with timestamps and participant names visible
    • Attorney911 Video Resource: Watch our guide on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
  • Fraternity/Sorority Apps: Organization-specific communication platforms
  • Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages

2. Photos & Videos

  • Injury Documentation: Multiple angles, include scale reference (coin/ruler), progress photos
  • Event Footage: Photos/videos from hazing events (often shared in group chats)
  • Location Evidence: House exteriors, room interiors, specific locations mentioned
  • Object Evidence: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, costumes

3. Internal Organization Documents

  • Pledge Manuals/Tradition Documents: Often reference prohibited activities
  • Chapter Meeting Minutes: May discuss “traditions” or “education”
  • National Policy Manuals: Show what should have been prevented
  • Risk Management Files: National organization oversight records

4. University Records (via Discovery or Public Records)

  • Prior Conduct Files: Previous hazing violations by same organization
  • Campus Police Reports: Incident documentation
  • Clery Act Reports: Required crime statistics
  • Internal Emails: University administrator communications about the organization

5. Medical & Psychological Records

  • Emergency Records: ER visits, ambulance reports, hospitalization
  • Lab Results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney/liver function (critical for rhabdomyolysis like Bermudez case)
  • Imaging: X-rays, CT scans for injuries
  • Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
  • Therapy Records: Document emotional harm

6. Witness Testimony

  • Other Pledges/Victims: Often afraid initially but may cooperate with protection
  • Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled
  • Roommates/Friends: Observed changes or heard details
  • Medical Personnel: Treatment providers documenting injuries
  • Emergency Responders: First on scene observations

Damages in Hazing Cases: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

  • Medical Expenses:
    • Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries
    • Ongoing treatment, physical therapy, medications
    • Future medical needs (especially for permanent injuries)
  • Lost Income & Earning Capacity:
    • Missed work (victim or caregiving parent)
    • Lost educational time (withdrawn semesters)
    • Reduced future earnings (permanent disability)
  • Other Economic Losses:
    • Property damage (destroyed items during hazing)
    • Relocation costs (transferring schools)

Non-Economic Damages (Compensable Harm)

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Injury pain, recovery discomfort
  • Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, fear
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t participate in activities, withdrawn from college experience
  • Reputational Harm: Social stigma, public identification

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

  • Economic: Funeral/burial costs, loss of financial support
  • Non-Economic: Loss of companionship, parental grief, siblings’ trauma

Punitive Damages (When Available)

  • Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
  • When Awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts
  • Texas Caps: Statutory limitations except in certain intentional tort cases

Institutional Defense Strategies & How We Overcome Them

Fraternities, sororities, and universities use sophisticated defenses. Here’s how experienced hazing attorneys counter them:

Defense #1: “The Pledge Consented / It Was Voluntary”

  • Their Argument: “They wanted to join, they knew what they were signing up for”
  • Our Response: Texas law § 37.155 makes consent irrelevant. Power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion negate true consent. Group chat evidence shows coercion.

Defense #2: “Rogue Chapter / National Didn’t Know”

  • Their Argument: “We have policies against this; it was individuals violating rules”
  • Our Response: Pattern evidence from other chapters shows foreseeability. Discovery reveals prior complaints nationals ignored. Policy without enforcement is negligence.

Defense #3: “It Happened Off-Campus / Not Our Property”

  • Their Argument: “We don’t control what happens at private houses”
  • Our Response: Location irrelevant to duty. Nationals collect dues and exercise control regardless of location. Universities sponsor organizations knowing activities occur off-campus.

Defense #4: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

  • Their Argument: Point to thick policy manuals as proof they prohibit hazing
  • Our Response: “Paper policies” without enforcement are meaningless. Show prior violations with minimal consequences, proving policies weren’t taken seriously.

Defense #5: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

  • Their Argument: Hazing is “intentional” so insurance excludes coverage
  • Our Response: Negligent supervision by nationals/universities is covered. Multiple insurance policies may apply. Bad faith claims if insurers wrongfully deny.

Defense #6: “University Sovereign Immunity” (Public Schools)

  • Their Argument: Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have immunity protection
  • Our Response: Exceptions for gross negligence, willful misconduct, Title IX violations. Sue individuals in personal capacity. Settlements still occur (BGSU paid $3M despite immunity arguments).

The Strategic Advantage of Early Legal Intervention

Why Waiting “To See What the University Does” Is Dangerous:

  1. Evidence Disappears: Group chats deleted, witnesses coached, physical evidence destroyed
  2. Statute of Limitations Clock Ticks: Generally 2 years from injury in Texas, but complexities apply
  3. University Controls Narrative: Internal investigations protect institution first
  4. Witness Memories Fade: Details become less clear over time
  5. Defense Preparation Time: Organizations use delay to build defenses

What Early Legal Intervention Achieves:

  1. Evidence Preservation: Legal holds on communications, immediate documentation
  2. Strategic Investigation: Controlled information gathering before defenses prepare
  3. Witness Protection: Legal advice for cooperating witnesses
  4. Settlement Leverage: Strong early case improves negotiation position
  5. Accountability Focus: Prevents institutional “wait it out” strategy

Practical Guides & FAQs for Nolanville Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

  • Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
  • Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
  • Weight loss/gain from food/water restriction or stress
  • Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
  • Injuries to hands/back/legs from paddling or exercise
  • Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
  • Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

  • Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
  • Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-organization activities
  • Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
  • Defensive when asked about the organization
  • Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
  • Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
  • Talking about “just having to get through this”

Academic Red Flags:

  • Grades dropping suddenly
  • Missing classes or falling asleep in class
  • Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
  • Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital/Social Behavior:

  • Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
  • Anxiety when phone buzzes
  • Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
  • Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
  • Social media posts showing concerning activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

  1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
  2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
  3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
  4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
  5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
  6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
  7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):
Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):
Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
Medical Records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):
Legal Consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (1-888-ATTY-911)
Reporting Decision: Decide whether to report to campus/local police (with lawyer’s guidance)
University Response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
Evidence Backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
  • Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
  • Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
  • Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
  • Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

If you’re in immediate danger:

  • Call 911 or campus police
  • Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
  • Good-faith reporter protections typically apply for emergency calls

If you want to quit/de-pledge:

  • You have the legal right to leave at any time
  • Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) for record
  • Send email/text to chapter president: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately”
  • Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation may occur
  • If fearing retaliation, report that fear to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students

While happening or immediately after:

  1. Screenshots of group chats: Full conversations with timestamps, participant names
  2. Voice memos/recordings: Texas is one-party consent state for recordings you’re part of
  3. Photos/videos: Injuries (multiple angles), locations, objects used
  4. Save everything digital: Don’t delete anything even if embarrassed
  5. Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
  6. Witness information: Names/contacts for others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

  • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
  • Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, makes case nearly impossible
  • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

  • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
  • Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
  • What to do instead: Document everything, call lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

  • What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
  • Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements often below true value
  • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

  • What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
  • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
  • What to do instead: Document privately; let lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

  • What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
  • Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract damaging statements
  • What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

MISTAKE #6: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

  • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
  • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
  • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #7: Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

  • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
  • Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
  • What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Short FAQ for Nolanville Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Watch our video on statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much will this cost? We can’t afford a lawyer.”
Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win your case. No upfront costs, no hourly fees. We cover case expenses and only get paid from the recovery. This makes justice accessible regardless of financial situation. Watch our contingency fee explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“What if my child was drinking underage? Will they get in trouble?”
Texas law and university policies typically provide amnesty or protections for those who report hazing or seek medical help, even if underage drinking was involved. The priority is health and safety. Never delay medical care for fear of underage drinking consequences.

Why Attorney911 for Nolanville Hazing Cases

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

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

  • Former Insurance Defense Attorney at national defense firm
  • Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
  • Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
  • “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”
  • Learn about Mr. Peña’s background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

  • One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
  • Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
  • Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
  • “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”
  • View Ralph Manginello’s credentials: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

  • Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
  • Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
  • Economist collaboration for accurate damage calculation
  • “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”
  • Our wrongful death experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Investigative Depth & Resources

  • Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists, Greek life culture experts
  • Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
  • Systematic approach to evidence preservation and analysis
  • “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Texas Geographic Mastery

  • Offices in Houston, Austin, Beaumont—covering key Texas regions
  • Understanding of local courts, procedures, and jurisdictional nuances
  • Experience with universities statewide: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor, Texas State, Texas Tech, and others

Our Approach: Empathy, Accountability, Prevention

We recognize that hazing cases involve more than legal claims—they’re about:

  • Family trauma during what should be an exciting college experience
  • Violated trust in institutions meant to protect students
  • Physical and psychological harm with lasting effects
  • Institutional failure to prevent known dangers

Our approach balances:

  1. Empathetic client care during difficult times
  2. Aggressive investigation to uncover truth
  3. Strategic litigation to maximize accountability
  4. Prevention focus to protect future students

We’ve seen the patterns: the forced drinking traditions, the physical “workouts,” the humiliating rituals, the cover-ups. We know how organizations hide behind “tradition” and “consent.” And we know how to prove what really happened.

The Attorney911 Difference for Nolanville Families

For Nolanville parents dealing with hazing at any Texas campus:

  1. We Understand Bell County Connections: Whether your child attends local schools like TAMU-Central Texas or UMHB, or travels to UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, we understand the geographic and jurisdictional considerations.

  2. We Speak Your Language: Clear explanations without legalese. Regular updates without constant legal bills (contingency fee means we’re invested in your success).

  3. We Respect Your Privacy: Confidential consultations, protected communications, discretion in public filings.

  4. We Fight Institutional Power: We’re not intimidated by university legal departments or national fraternity defense teams. Our BP Texas City experience proves we can face billion-dollar defendants.

  5. We Prioritize Prevention: Through accountability, we aim to prevent future hazing. Many families use recoveries to establish scholarships or prevention programs in their child’s name.

Call to Action for Nolanville, Bell County Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—from local Bell County schools to major universities across the state—we want to hear from you.

Families in Nolanville and throughout Bell County have the right to:

  • Answers about what really happened
  • Accountability for those who endangered your child
  • Compensation for medical bills, trauma, and life disruption
  • Prevention so no other family suffers similarly

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to expect in your free consultation:

  1. We listen to your story without judgment
  2. We review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
  3. We explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
  4. We discuss realistic timelines and expectations
  5. We answer your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
  6. No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
  7. 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 (Mr. Lupe Peña)

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

Office Locations

  • Houston, Texas (Primary Office) – Harris County
  • Austin, Texas – Travis County
  • Beaumont, Texas – Jefferson County

We serve families throughout Texas, including Nolanville, Bell County, and surrounding communities. Distance is not a barrier—we handle cases statewide.

Act Now—Time Is Critical

Every day matters in hazing cases:

  • Evidence disappears (deleted messages, coached witnesses)
  • Memories fade
  • Statute of limitations ticks
  • Universities and organizations build defenses

Don’t wait “to see what happens.” Protect your rights now. The call is free. The consultation is confidential. The decision to proceed is always yours.

For immediate help, call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now.

Whether you’re in Nolanville or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2): 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/

ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK): https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

Using Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas

Main Website: https://attorney911.com

Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal Defense Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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 specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many 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, lupe@atty911.com

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911