Hazing Victims in Panola County, Texas: Your Rights, Your Recourse
If your child was hazed in Panola County, East Texas, or anywhere in Texas — you are not alone. The same fraternities that hospitalized our client in Houston have active chapters at universities near Panola County. The same negligence exists. And we will fight for Panola County families with the same aggression.
The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home
Panola County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their students. But that trust is being betrayed.
This isn’t happening “somewhere else.” This is happening near Panola County.
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and hospitalizations nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta — have active chapters at universities throughout East Texas and across the state. The same “traditions” that sent our client to the hospital with kidney failure exist at institutions your children attend.
The University of Houston case is a warning to every Panola County parent: hazing doesn’t stop at state lines.
What Happened at University of Houston — And What It Means for Panola County
In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join the fraternity as a “ghost rush” — meaning he wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet.
Over seven weeks, Bermudez was subjected to systematic abuse that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The activities included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
- Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a workout — yet the hazing continued
This didn’t happen in a back alley. It happened in a fraternity house owned by the University of Houston. And it could happen to your child at a university near Panola County.
Why This Case Matters to Panola County Families
1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Panola County
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including at major Texas universities. The same national organization that waterboarded our client oversees chapters where your children may be pledging.
Universities near Panola County with Greek life include:
- Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches) — 45 miles from Panola County
- University of Texas at Tyler — 60 miles away
- Texas A&M University (College Station) — 150 miles away
- Sam Houston State University (Huntsville) — 130 miles away
- University of North Texas (Denton) — 200 miles away
The same fraternities. The same “traditions.” The same risks.
2. Universities Near Panola County Have the Same Liability Problems
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Bermudez was tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter at any time. They chose not to act — even though they had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017.
Universities near Panola County face the same liability:
- They recognize and regulate Greek organizations
- They have the power to inspect fraternity houses
- They can suspend or expel chapters
- When they fail to act, they are complicit in the harm
3. National Organizations Know — And Do Nothing
Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” across their chapters. They had eight years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event in 2017. They did nothing.
In 2025, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. Same fraternity. Same negligence. Eight years apart.
National fraternities have the power to stop hazing. They choose not to.
4. The Law Protects Panola County Victims
Texas has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to Panola County students:
- Hazing is illegal — regardless of “consent” (Texas Education Code § 37.154)
- Universities can be held liable for failing to protect students
- National organizations can be held liable for failing to supervise chapters
- Individuals can be held personally liable — and face criminal charges
Panola County families have the same legal rights as Houston families. We will fight for you with the same aggressive representation.
What Panola County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing Isn’t “Tradition” — It’s Abuse
Hazing is not about “building brotherhood.” It’s not “harmless fun.” It’s not “boys being boys.”
Hazing is:
- Assault — physical abuse, forced activities
- Battery — unwanted physical contact
- Torture — waterboarding, sleep deprivation
- Reckless endangerment — forcing activities that cause serious injury
- Sometimes manslaughter or murder — when it goes too far
This is not tradition. This is abuse.
2. The Medical Consequences Are Real — And Life-Threatening
Our client suffered rhabdomyolysis — the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood. It can cause:
- Acute kidney failure (as happened to our client)
- Cardiac arrest — from electrolyte imbalances
- Permanent kidney damage — requiring dialysis or transplant
- Death — rhabdomyolysis can be fatal
Other medical consequences of hazing include:
- Alcohol poisoning (common in forced drinking hazing)
- Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
- Hypothermia or heat stroke (from exposure)
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide)
3. The Psychological Trauma Lasts Long After the Physical Injuries Heal
Our client is fearful of retribution for speaking out. This fear is real and common among hazing victims.
Hazing causes lasting psychological harm:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — from torture, humiliation, physical abuse
- Anxiety and depression — from the trauma and betrayal
- Trust issues — difficulty forming relationships after being abused by “brothers”
- Academic decline — inability to focus, dropping out
- Suicidal ideation — hazing victims are at increased risk
This isn’t just a “rough week.” This is trauma that can last a lifetime.
4. Universities and Fraternities Will Try to Silence You
When hazing is exposed, institutions respond with:
- Denials — “That’s not what happened”
- Minimization — “It was just a prank”
- Victim-blaming — “He consented”
- Cover-ups — Destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses
- Quick settlements — To make the problem go away
They do this to protect their reputation — not your child.
We protect your child. We hold them accountable.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Panola County
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications: Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Take photos/videos: Injuries at all stages, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Document everything: Write down what happened, when, who was involved
- Get witness information: Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- Fraternity/sorority leadership will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure your child to stay quiet
- They may offer “apologies” or “compensation” — these are often attempts to avoid real accountability
- Anything your child says can be used against them
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Insurance companies and lawyers will monitor your child’s social media
- Posts showing them “fine” or at parties can be used to minimize injuries
- Stay off social media until the case is resolved
-
Report to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report
- Hazing is a crime in Texas (up to State Jail Felony for death)
- Reporting creates official documentation
-
Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email ralph@atty911.com
- We offer free consultations for Panola County families
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
TIME IS CRITICAL:
- Evidence disappears — Texts get deleted, witnesses forget
- Statute of limitations — You typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
- Institutions act quickly — They will try to cover up and minimize liability
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
Why Panola County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight.
Panola County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to the UH case.
2. We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions
We have:
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how they think and how to beat them
- Federal court admission — We can pursue cases anywhere in the country
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York) — Strategic advantage against national fraternities
- Experience with mass tort litigation — BP Texas City explosion case
We’ve taken on massive corporations and won. Universities and national fraternities are no different.
3. We Understand the Unique Challenges of Hazing Cases
Hazing cases require specialized knowledge:
- Greek life culture — We understand fraternity/sorority dynamics
- University administrative processes — We know how they operate
- Title IX intersection — Many hazing cases also involve Title IX violations
- Criminal vs. civil liability — We coordinate with law enforcement when appropriate
- Pattern evidence — We know how to uncover systemic problems
4. We Serve Panola County Families — No Matter the Distance
While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Panola County.
We make it easy for Panola County families:
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment — We come to Panola County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- 24/7 availability — Hazing emergencies don’t wait for business hours
- Bilingual services — Se habla español
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. We Work on Contingency — No Upfront Cost for Panola County Families
We understand that cost can be a concern. We eliminate that barrier:
- $0 upfront — You pay nothing to hire us
- $0 unless we win — We don’t get paid unless you get paid
- No hourly fees — We don’t bill by the hour
- No hidden costs — We’re transparent about expenses
Our fee is a percentage of your recovery. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
6. We Treat Panola County Families Like Family
Our clients say it best:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato
Panola County families are treated with the same care and respect.
What Panola County Families Can Recover
Hazing victims are entitled to full and fair compensation for all harm caused. This includes:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses — Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future treatment
- Lost wages — Time missed from work during recovery
- Lost earning capacity — If injuries cause permanent limitations
- Educational expenses — Tuition for disrupted semesters, lost scholarships
- Rehabilitation costs — Physical therapy, ongoing treatment
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering — The agony of rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, physical abuse
- Mental anguish — Trauma from waterboarding, forced activities, hospitalization
- Emotional distress — Humiliation, shame, impact on relationships
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
- Disfigurement — Scars from branding, burns, or injuries
Punitive Damages:
When conduct is egregious, reckless, or intentional, courts award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
In our UH case, punitive damages are appropriate because:
- Waterboarding is torture
- They continued hazing after another pledge collapsed
- They knew about the “hazing crisis” and did nothing
- They had eight years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died
Texas law allows punitive damages for gross negligence — and hazing often meets that standard.
Who Is Liable for Panola County Hazing Cases
In hazing cases, we sue everyone responsible. This typically includes:
1. The Local Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) are personally liable
- Individual members who participated
2. The National Organization
- Failed to supervise the local chapter
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing
- Deep pockets — substantial assets and insurance
3. The University
- Failed to protect students from foreseeable harm
- Failed to monitor Greek life activities
- Premises liability — if they own or control the property where hazing occurred
- Had prior knowledge of hazing risks
4. Individual Perpetrators
- Each person who participated in or facilitated hazing
- Personal liability — can be sued individually
- Criminal liability — can face charges
5. Insurance Companies
- National organizations have liability insurance
- Universities have institutional insurance
- Homeowner’s insurance may cover off-campus locations
- We know how to pursue these policies
The Legal Process for Panola County Families
1. Free Consultation
- We evaluate your case at no cost
- We explain your legal rights and options
- We answer all your questions
2. Investigation
- Gather evidence (medical records, communications, photos)
- Interview witnesses
- Identify all liable parties
- Build your case
3. Medical Treatment
- Complete all necessary medical treatment
- Reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
- Document all injuries and expenses
4. Demand and Negotiation
- Send demand letter to defendants
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Fight for fair settlement
5. Litigation (If Necessary)
- File lawsuit
- Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- Prepare for trial
6. Resolution
- Settlement or jury verdict
- Receive compensation
- Hold defendants accountable
Common Defenses — And How We Defeat Them
Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”
Their Argument: “The victim knew what he was getting into. He could have left at any time.”
Our Response:
- Texas law explicitly says consent is not a defense (Texas Education Code § 37.154)
- Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent — social exclusion, threats, power dynamics
- Victims rarely know what they’re consenting to — hazing is hidden until it happens
- “Tradition” doesn’t legitimize illegal activity — assault is assault
Defense 2: “It Was Just a Prank / Boys Being Boys”
Their Argument: “This is just how fraternities work. It’s not serious.”
Our Response:
- Waterboarding is torture — not a prank
- 500 squats causing kidney failure is not “boys being boys”
- Forced eating until vomiting is not harmless fun
- The medical consequences prove it’s serious
Defense 3: “We Didn’t Know It Was Happening”
Their Argument: “The national organization didn’t know. The university didn’t know.”
Our Response:
- Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017 — they knew
- UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 — they knew
- They admitted knowing about “a hazing crisis” — they knew
- They had eight years to fix it — they failed
- Their own policies were violated — they should have known
Defense 4: “We’ve Already Punished the Chapter”
Their Argument: “We closed the chapter. That’s enough.”
Our Response:
- Closing the chapter is damage control — not accountability
- They’re already planning to come back — no real remorse
- Punitive damages are needed to send a message
- Closing one chapter doesn’t fix the culture
The Message We Send to Panola County Fraternities
To every fraternity with chapters near Panola County:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts in other hazing cases apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Panola County, know this:
- We track your house corporations — EINs, legal names, addresses
- We track your alumni chapters — who’s funding and influencing you
- We track your hazing history — every incident, every settlement
- We know your insurance structures — and we know how to pursue them
If your chapter harms students in Panola County, we will pursue every liable entity. We will sue the chapter, the nationals, the university, and every individual involved.
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. Your chapter could be next.
What Panola County Families Can Do Right Now
If your child is currently being hazed:
- Get them to safety immediately
- Seek medical attention
- Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, witness info)
- Do NOT talk to the organization without legal counsel
- Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
If your child was hazed in the past:
- Preserve any remaining evidence
- Document your memories of what happened
- Call us to discuss your legal options
- Don’t assume it’s too late — we can evaluate your case
If you’re not sure whether it’s hazing:
Ask yourself:
- Was your child forced to do something that made them uncomfortable?
- Were they threatened with social exclusion or expulsion if they didn’t comply?
- Did the activity involve physical risk, humiliation, or illegal behavior?
- Did it go beyond what was described to them during recruitment?
If the answer to any of these is yes, it may be hazing. Call us for a free consultation.
Panola County Hazing Victims Deserve Justice
Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not harmless.
It is abuse. It is assault. It is sometimes torture. And it is always wrong.
Panola County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. When that trust is betrayed, the institutions responsible must be held accountable.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we fight for Panola County families.
Contact Us Today
Panola County families can reach us 24/7:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you win.
We will travel to Panola County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
The Time to Act Is Now
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Don’t let the institutions that hurt your child get away with it.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
