The Definitive Guide to Hazing & the Law for O’Donnell, Texas Families

1. Hook & Overview

For families in O’Donnell, the promise of higher education often comes with complex realities. Your child leaves our close-knit community for a major Texas campus, seeking connection and tradition. You trust that the university and its organizations will keep them safe. Yet a phone call at 2 a.m. changes everything. Your son describes crawling upstairs, his body decimated from a “workout.” Your daughter whispers about humiliating rituals she’s sworn to keep secret. The cheerful recruitment brochures didn’t mention forced binge drinking, extreme sleep deprivation, or being sprayed with a hose “like waterboarding.”

Right now, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas at the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after pledging Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. The details are horrific: forced consumption until vomiting, cold-weather exposure in underwear, 100+ push-ups under expulsion threats. His urine turned brown before a four-day hospitalization. This isn’t some distant news story—this is happening at Texas universities where O’Donnell families send their children.

This guide exists because O’Donnell parents deserve truth and Texas students deserve safety. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at major universities, and what legal options exist when institutions fail. Whether your child attends nearby Texas Tech University in Lubbock or heads to the University of Texas at Austin, this information could save a life.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed evidence, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For O’Donnell families unfamiliar with modern Greek life, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of harmless pranks. What was once portrayed as “boys will be boys” has become systematic abuse with devastating consequences. Our ongoing case at the University of Houston demonstrates exactly what we’re fighting.

The Bermudez Case: A Real-Time Example

Leonel Bermudez’s experience at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter illustrates every dangerous element of modern hazing. The “pledge fanny pack” rule forced him to carry condoms, a sex toy, and humiliating items 24/7. Mandatory late-night driving duties, weekly interviews under threat, and enforced dress codes created constant control. Physical abuse included sprints, bear crawls, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”

The November 3rd “workout” involved 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under expulsion threats. This extreme exertion triggered rhabdomyolysis – severe skeletal muscle breakdown that flooded his system with toxins. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and required four days of hospitalization for acute kidney failure, with ongoing risk of permanent damage.

This case shows how hazing operates in layers:

Digital Control & Humiliation
Modern hazing extends into every digital space. Pledges in 2025 face:

24/7 group chat monitoring: Required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, with punishments for delayed responses
Location tracking: Forced to share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media policing: Control over what they can post, forced participation in humiliating “challenges”
Evidence destruction coaching: Members instructing pledges on how to delete incriminating messages

“Voluntary” Coercion
Organizations have adapted their language to create legal cover. Activities are framed as “optional” while making clear that refusal means social exclusion, denial of “big/little” pairings, or being labeled “not committed.” This psychological manipulation is particularly effective with students from tight-knit communities like O’Donnell, where social belonging carries significant weight.

Off-Campus & “Retreat” Hazing
To avoid university oversight, hazing increasingly moves to:

Private residences owned by alumni or members’ families
Airbnb rentals in remote locations
“Retreats” at rural properties or lake houses
Unofficial chapter houses not recognized by the university

Disguised as Legitimate Activities
Hazing now hides behind acceptable-sounding labels:

“Fitness challenges” that are actually extreme physical punishment
“Team building” exercises involving dangerous activities
“Wellness checks” that are sleep deprivation
“Service projects” that are actually humiliating public acts

For West Texas families sending students to campuses, understanding these evolving tactics is crucial. What might sound like normal college activities could mask systematic abuse.

3. Texas Law & Liability Framework: What O’Donnell Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and understanding them is essential for families across Lynn County. The legal framework provides both protections and avenues for accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas law defines hazing broadly as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act” directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. Key elements include:

Location Doesn’t Matter
The law applies whether hazing occurs on-campus, off-campus, at a private residence in O’Donnell where an alumni might host, or during a retreat hours away. This is crucial for cases where organizations try to avoid liability by moving activities off university property.

Mental OR Physical Harm
Texas recognizes that hazing causes both types of harm. The forced humiliation of the “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case constitutes mental harm, while the physical exertion causing rhabdomyolysis represents physical harm. Both are illegal.

“Consent Is Not a Defense” – Texas Education Code § 37.155
This is the most important protection for victims. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, Texas law explicitly states this does not excuse the conduct. Courts recognize that peer pressure, desire for belonging, and fear of exclusion create coercive environments where true consent cannot exist.

Criminal Penalties in Texas

Hazing violations carry serious consequences:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing violations (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Additionally, failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters are separate misdemeanors. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, multiple criminal referrals were made to law enforcement alongside the civil lawsuit we filed.

Civil Liability: Who Can Be Held Accountable

When hazing causes injury or death, multiple parties may face civil liability:

Individual Students
Those who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing can be personally liable. In some cases, individual officers have faced multi-million dollar judgments, such as the Pi Kappa Alpha president ordered to pay $6.5 million in the Stone Foltz case.

Local Chapters & Housing Corporations
The chapter itself, if incorporated, and its housing corporation (which often owns the physical house) can be sued. Our investigation into the UH case revealed the Beta Nu housing corporation as a defendant with its own assets and insurance.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi’s headquarters can be liable when they:

Had prior knowledge of similar conduct at other chapters
Failed to adequately supervise or train local chapters
Maintained inadequate anti-hazing policies
Collected dues and maintained relationships despite known risks

Universities & Governing Boards
Texas public universities (including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and certain other circumstances. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections.

Third Parties
Property owners, alcohol providers, security companies, and other entities that contribute to dangerous conditions may also face liability.

Federal Law Overlay

Several federal laws intersect with hazing cases:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs by 2026. This increasing transparency helps families understand organizational patterns.

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting requirements and potential liability.

Clery Act
Requires reporting of certain crimes on campus; hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, or drug violations that must be disclosed.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Major national cases have shaped the legal landscape and provide critical lessons for O’Donnell families. These aren’t just distant tragedies—they’re patterns that repeat at Texas schools.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Patterns

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning, leading to criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case shows how formulaic drinking rituals become deadly.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant drinking, Gruver died with a 0.495% BAC. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Multiple members faced criminal charges, and the family received a $6.1 million verdict.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
The bid acceptance night involved dangerous drinking, severe falls captured on chapter cameras, and delayed medical care. Dozens faced criminal charges, and Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. The case demonstrates how security footage can become critical evidence.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat, the blindfolded pledge was repeatedly tackled while weighted down. He suffered fatal head injuries, and help was deliberately delayed. The national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This shows how off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability.

Collin Wiant – Ohio University, Sigma Pi (2018)
The freshman died after collapsing at an off-campus Sigma Pi house following alleged hazing-related drug use. His parents’ advocacy led to “Collin’s Law: The Anti-Hazing Act” in Ohio, upgrading hazing to a felony when drugs/alcohol cause harm.

Severe Injury & Catastrophic Cases

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
During a “pledge dad reveal” night, the 18-year-old was forced to drink excessively, suffering permanent, catastrophic brain damage. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants, showing how many parties can share liability.

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021)
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million, and the chapter was suspended for two years. This demonstrates that hazing isn’t limited to alcohol.

What These Cases Mean for O’Donnell Families

These national patterns matter because:

The same organizations operate at Texas schools – Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and others named in these cases have chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other Texas universities
Legal precedents established elsewhere apply in Texas courts – Arguments that succeeded in Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Louisiana can be used in Texas
National organizations have established patterns – When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused deaths elsewhere, it strengthens negligence claims against nationals
Settlement amounts set expectations – Multi-million dollar recoveries in other states demonstrate what serious cases can achieve

5. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Organizations Serving O’Donnell Families

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine – a comprehensive database tracking Greek organizations across the state. This investigative depth is why we can move quickly when O’Donnell families need help.

The Greek Ecosystem Near O’Donnell

O’Donnell sits within the Lubbock metropolitan area, which according to our Cause IQ data contains 59 Greek-related organizations. These range from undergraduate chapters to alumni associations, housing corporations, and honor societies. When your child joins an organization at Texas Tech or another university, they’re connecting to this broader network.

Example Organizations Recorded in Public Filings:

From IRS B83 records and other public sources, we track entities like:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (recorded in IRS filings)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN 273662583, Lufkin, TX 75904 (IRS B83 entity)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (educational foundation)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (housing corporation for the UH chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple EINs across Texas campuses including Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (EIN 820644459)

These aren’t just social clubs – they’re legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers, registered addresses, and often substantial assets. When hazing occurs, we know how to identify every potentially liable organization behind the letters.

Where O’Donnell Families Send Their Children

Realistically, students from O’Donnell and Lynn County attend a range of Texas institutions:

Regional Campuses (Within 2-3 Hours):

Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – 65 miles from O’Donnell, major Greek life presence
West Texas A&M University (Canyon) – 100 miles, active Greek community
Angelo State University (San Angelo) – 150 miles, growing Greek system

Major Statewide Hubs (Common Destinations):

University of Texas at Austin – Many top students from West Texas attend
Texas A&M University (College Station) – Strong Corps of Cadets and Greek life
University of Houston – Urban campus attracting students statewide
Baylor University (Waco) – Private option with religious affiliation
Texas State University (San Marcos) – Growing in popularity

The University Connection Matters
Each university maintains its own relationship with Greek organizations. Some, like UT Austin, publish detailed hazing violation reports. Others are less transparent. Our experience navigating these different institutional cultures helps us build strongest cases regardless of campus.

6. Texas University Focus: Where O’Donnell Students Face Hazing Risks

While the Leonel Bermudez case at the University of Houston represents our most current litigation, hazing patterns exist across Texas campuses where O’Donnell students enroll.

University of Houston: Current Crisis & Response

The Bermudez Case Timeline:

September 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
October 2025: Systematic hazing begins including “pledge fanny pack” humiliation
November 3, 2025: Extreme workout causes initial injury
November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends chapter
November 6-9, 2025: Bermudez hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
November 21-22, 2025: Media coverage breaks via Click2Houston and ABC13

UH’s Response Pattern:
The university labeled the conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and credited Pi Kappa Phi HQ for decisive action. This mixed response—condemning the conduct while praising the organization that allowed it—is typical of institutional balancing acts.

Texas Tech University: The Closest Major Campus

For O’Donnell families, Texas Tech represents the most accessible major university. Its Greek system includes:

Documented Concerns:

Multiple fraternities have faced disciplinary action over the years
The urban Lubbock environment includes many off-campus houses where hazing can occur
As a public university, Texas Tech must comply with Texas hazing reporting requirements

Practical Considerations for O’Donnell Families:

Jurisdiction: Hazing cases might involve Lubbock Police Department alongside campus police
Medical Care: University Medical Center in Lubbock would likely treat serious injuries
Legal Venue: Cases would typically be filed in Lubbock County courts

Texas A&M University: Corps & Greek Life Risks

Corps of Cadets Hazing Lawsuit (2023):
A former cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million, highlighting that hazing extends beyond Greek life to military-style programs.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
As mentioned earlier, this case involved industrial cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended for two years.

For O’Donnell Families:
The Corps tradition appeals to many West Texas students with military aspirations. Understanding that hazing risks exist in both Greek and Corps environments is crucial.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Continued Problems

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries include:

Documented Violations:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Multiple violations for alcohol-related hazing
Various fraternities: Sanctions for forced workouts, sleep deprivation, humiliation

Why UT’s Transparency Matters:
Public violation records create discoverable evidence for future cases. When an organization has prior violations, it becomes harder for them to claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

SMU’s Private Status:
As a private university, SMU has different reporting requirements than public institutions. However, documented incidents like the Kappa Alpha Order paddling case (2017) show similar patterns.

Baylor’s Complex History:
Following the football sexual assault scandal, Baylor faces particular scrutiny around institutional responses to misconduct. The baseball hazing suspensions (2020) involving 14 players demonstrate that hazing permeates athletic programs too.

7. Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Risk

National organizations don’t operate in isolation. Their histories at other campuses create patterns of risk that O’Donnell families should understand.

Organizations with Documented Hazing Deaths

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021) – $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012) – $14 million settlement
Multiple chapters at Texas schools including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Carson Starkey (Cal Poly, 2008) – Foundation established from settlement
Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021) – $1 million lawsuit
University of Alabama traumatic brain injury case (2023)
Chapters at all major Texas universities

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017) – $6.1 million verdict, Louisiana felony law
Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, other Texas schools

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017) – Death led to Greek system suspension
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) – Our current $10 million lawsuit
Active at multiple Texas campuses

Why National Histories Matter Legally

These patterns create what lawyers call “foreseeability.” When a national organization has seen deaths from forced drinking at other chapters, they can’t plausibly claim surprise when similar conduct occurs at a Texas chapter. This strengthens negligence claims and can support punitive damages arguments.

Discovery Strategy:
When we take a hazing case, we subpoena national headquarters for:

Prior incident reports from other chapters
Risk management manuals and training materials
Communications about known problematic traditions
Evidence of how they responded to past violations

This national pattern evidence often proves more valuable than local chapter records alone.

8. Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Realistic Expectations

When hazing causes serious injury or death, building a successful case requires specific expertise. Here’s how we approach these complex matters for Texas families.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, coordination, admissions
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok showing events or injuries
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
Location data: Geo-tags showing where events occurred

Medical Documentation:

Immediate care: ER records, ambulance reports, toxicology results
Specialist care: Follow-up with nephrologists (for kidney damage), psychologists (for PTSD), other specialists
Long-term prognosis: Documentation of permanent injuries or ongoing treatment needs

Institutional Records:

University files: Prior disciplinary actions, incident reports, Clery Act disclosures
National organization records: Risk management files, training materials, prior chapter sanctions
Insurance policies: Identifying all potential coverage sources

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges: Often reluctant initially but may cooperate as case progresses
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled often have valuable information
Medical personnel: Doctors, nurses, EMTs who treated injuries
University staff: Advisors, coaches, administrators with relevant knowledge

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, including potential lifelong care for catastrophic injuries
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: For permanent injuries affecting career prospects

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries sustained
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance for family members

Realistic Timelines & Expectations

Initial Phase (First 60 Days):

Evidence preservation and witness interviews
Medical treatment and documentation
Preliminary investigation into potentially liable parties

Pre-Litigation (2-6 Months):

Comprehensive investigation
Demand package preparation
Negotiation with insurance companies and institutions

Litigation (1-3+ Years if Case Doesn’t Settle):

Formal discovery process
Depositions of key witnesses
Expert witness preparation
Mediation attempts
Potential trial preparation

Most cases settle during litigation, but preparation for trial is essential for achieving fair settlements. Universities and national fraternities know which lawyers will actually try cases versus those who routinely settle cheaply.

9. Practical Guidance for O’Donnell Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Physical Warning Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Significant weight loss or gain
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use in a previously sober child

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organizational activities
Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive reactions to questions about the organization
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages

Academic Red Flags:

Sudden grade declines
Missing classes or assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize safety: If immediate danger exists, call 911
Document everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates and details
Preserve evidence: Help your child screenshot messages before deletion
Seek medical care: Even if injuries seem minor, get professional evaluation
Consult an attorney early: Before talking to university or insurance representatives

For Students: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I truly had a free choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or the university approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You’re Being Hazed:

Your safety comes first: Call 911 in medical emergencies
Texas law protects reporters: Good-faith reporting provides some immunity
Document discreetly: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries if safe
Talk to someone: RA, trusted professor, counseling center, or parent

Exiting Safely:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Send written resignation to chapter leadership
Avoid “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Report any threats or harassment to campus authorities

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage Your Case

Based on our experience handling these cases, families often make these errors:

1. Letting Evidence Disappear
Mistake: Allowing your child to delete “embarrassing” messages or photos
Why It’s Wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys crucial evidence
Better Approach: Preserve everything immediately; let attorneys determine relevance

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
Mistake: Angry calls or meetings with fraternity leadership
Why It’s Wrong: They immediately lawyer up and prepare defenses
Better Approach: Quiet documentation followed by legal action

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements
Mistake: Accepting quick settlements from university risk management
Why It’s Wrong: Typically far below true case value, may waive future rights
Better Approach: “Thank you, I’ll have my attorney review this”

4. Posting on Social Media
Mistake: Venting frustration publicly about what happened
Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better Approach: Private documentation only; let attorneys handle public messaging

5. Waiting Too Long
Mistake: “Let’s see how the university handles it first”
Why It’s Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
Better Approach: Simultaneous preservation and legal consultation

10. Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, 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 Proven Hazing Litigation Advantage

Current Active Case Leadership:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—a $10 million hazing case involving rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and systematic abuse. This isn’t historical experience; it’s current, active litigation against a major Texas university and national fraternity.

Insurance Insider Knowledge:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy independent medical exams to reduce settlements

As Mr. Peña says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider perspective is invaluable when negotiating with well-funded institutional defendants.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello’s experience with BP Texas City explosion litigation proves our capability against billion-dollar defendants. Universities and national fraternities have similarly deep pockets and aggressive defense teams. We’re not intimidated because we’ve faced worse.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides rare dual perspective. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation and can advise witnesses or former members facing potential exposure.

Texas-Wide Investigation Network:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. When we take your case, we don’t start from zero—we already understand the organizational landscape, know how to identify potentially liable entities, and have experience with specific universities’ internal processes.

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

Immediate Evidence Preservation:
Within hours of your call, we implement protocols to preserve disappearing digital evidence. We know which cloud backups might contain deleted messages and which forensic experts can recover “permanently” deleted content.

Comprehensive Defendant Identification:
We look beyond the obvious. In the UH case, we sued 13 individual members plus the chapter, housing corporation, national headquarters, university, and board of regents. This comprehensive approach maximizes recovery and accountability.

Expert Collaboration:
We work with specialized experts including:

Nephrologists for rhabdomyolysis cases
Toxicologists for alcohol poisoning matters
Psychologists for PTSD and trauma evaluation
Digital forensics specialists for message recovery
Greek life culture experts for institutional pattern evidence
Economists for lifetime care cost calculations

Trial-Ready Preparation:
Universities and national fraternities know which lawyers settle cheaply versus those who will actually try cases. Our federal court experience and trial history change negotiation dynamics from the start.

Serving O’Donnell & West Texas Families

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including O’Donnell and all of Lynn County. We understand the particular concerns of West Texas families sending students to major universities and the values that make hazing’s betrayal especially painful.

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—Se habla Español. He can consult directly with Spanish-speaking families about hazing concerns.

Contingency Fee Basis:
Like all our personal injury cases, hazing litigation is handled on contingency—we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you. This makes quality representation accessible regardless of family resources.

11. Call to Action: Your Next Steps

If hazing has impacted your family, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this crisis without guidance.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll connect directly with our team. In your confidential consultation, we’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment or interruption
Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
Explain your legal options in plain English
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer all your questions about process, costs, and potential outcomes
Provide immediate guidance on protecting your child’s rights

There’s no pressure to hire us on the spot. Take time to process the information, discuss with family, and make the decision that’s right for you.

Critical Time Considerations

Texas generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but:

The “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent
In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the clock may be paused
Evidence disappears quickly—messages get deleted, witnesses graduate, memories fade

The single most important step you can take is preserving evidence now. Even if you’re unsure about legal action, safeguard:

Screenshots of all relevant messages
Photos of injuries or locations
Medical records and bills
Names and contact information for witnesses

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Immediate Assistance:

24/7 Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish Language Services:
Contact Mr. Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Whether you’re in O’Donnell, Lubbock, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, we can help. Call us today for the immediate, aggressive, professional help that defines Attorney911 as the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) – “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
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) – “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline – “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”
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

“📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

“Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

“📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

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Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com