The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing for Families in City of Paris, Texas

For Parents in City of Paris: When Campus “Traditions” Turn Dangerous

It starts with a phone call home that feels off. Your son or daughter at Texas A&M-Commerce, Texas A&M University, or another Texas campus sounds exhausted, anxious, or secretive about their new fraternity or sorority activities. They mention “mandatory” late-night meetings, mysterious injuries they dismiss as “just workouts,” or sudden changes in personality you can’t explain. For families right here in City of Paris, Lamar County, this troubling scenario is unfolding across Texas campuses—including at our own Paris Junior College and regional universities where our children pursue their education.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911—the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Right now, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: the Leonel Bermudez $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This case embodies exactly what City of Paris families need to understand about modern hazing: it’s not just “boys being boys” but systematic abuse that can cause permanent kidney failure, psychological trauma, and lifelong consequences.

In this comprehensive guide written specifically for families in City of Paris, Lamar County, and throughout Northeast Texas, we explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at universities where Paris families send their children, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect students.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN CITY OF PARIS:

If Your Child is in Danger RIGHT NOW:
- Call 911 for medical emergencies
- Then Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) – Immediate legal guidance
First 48 Hours Are Critical:
- Get medical attention immediately
- Preserve Evidence BEFORE deletion:
  - Screenshot group chats (GroupMe, texts, WhatsApp)
  - Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  - Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used)
- Write down everything (who, what, when, where) while memory is fresh
- 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 Specialized Hazing Attorneys Within 24-48 Hours:
- Evidence disappears rapidly (deleted group chats, coached witnesses)
- Universities often move quickly to control narratives
- We help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for Immediate Consultation

The Active Texas Case Every Paris Family Should Know: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

Before discussing hazing in abstract terms, understand this is happening right now in Texas. In late 2025, our firm filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit in Harris County on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died from fraternity hazing. This case serves as the definitive example of what City of Paris families must recognize as modern, dangerous hazing.

What Actually Happened at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi Chapter

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter in September 2025. What followed was not brotherhood but systematic abuse documented in media reports including the Click2Houston investigation and ABC13 coverage:

Humiliation as Policy: Pledges carried a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other degrading items. Failure to comply meant punishment or expulsion threats.
Systematic Physical Abuse: Scheduled hazing included sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills, and cold-weather exposure in underwear at locations including the Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park.
Waterboarding-Style Torture: Bermudez was sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding.
Forced Consumption Rituals: He was made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint.
Extreme Physical Demands: On November 3, 2025, he was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion from the fraternity.

The Medical Catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis & Acute Kidney Failure

The physical abuse caused Bermudez’s skeletal muscles to break down severely—a condition called rhabdomyolysis. His urine turned brown, he couldn’t stand without help, and he was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels confirming both rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and requires continuing medical and psychological care.

Institutional Response & Chapter Closure

The fallout was swift but came only after catastrophic harm:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter after receiving hazing reports
November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter; the chapter was shut down
University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and pledged cooperation with law enforcement

This case demonstrates that hazing isn’t about isolated pranks but institutional failures involving national fraternities, university housing corporations, and individual members who create and perpetuate dangerous systems.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for City of Paris Families

For parents in City of Paris who may not be familiar with modern Greek life, understanding today’s hazing requires moving beyond stereotypes. Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for purposes of initiation or affiliation with any organization.

Modern Hazing Methods Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing (Most Common & Deadly):

Forced consumption games (“lineups,” “century club,” “Big/Little nights”)
Coerced drinking until unconsciousness or alcohol poisoning
Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances

Physical Hazing (Increasingly Severe):

Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) beyond safe limits
Paddling, beatings, or physical assaults
Sleep deprivation through all-night “meetings”
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting substances
Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments

Psychological & Digital Hazing (24/7 Through Phones):

Constant group chat monitoring and immediate response demands
Public humiliation on social media (TikTok challenges, Instagram dares)
Verbal abuse, threats, and isolation from non-members
Geo-tracking requirements via sharing apps

Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones

Where Hazing Happens Beyond “Just Fraternities”

City of Paris families should recognize hazing occurs in multiple campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly relevant for Texas A&M families)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, etc.)
Spirit Squads & Tradition Clubs
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common thread is power imbalance, secrecy, and tradition used to justify dangerous behavior.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What City of Paris Families Are Actually Dealing With

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local social club. They’re entering a complex network of legally recognized organizations with insurance policies, national oversight, and substantial assets. Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations built from public records. This investigative tool is crucial for holding all responsible parties accountable.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving City of Paris Families

If you are a parent in City of Paris, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are just 20 examples from over 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations documented in IRS B83 public filings. These entities—house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies—often hold insurance policies and bear legal responsibility when hazing occurs.

Texas-Based Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Public Filings):

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc | EIN: 161675890 | 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822 | IRS B83 filing
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc | EIN: 201237505 | 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210-4202 | Beta Chapter | IRS B83 filing
Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chap of Kappa Alpha Psi Frat Inc | EIN: 232452759 | PO Box 542901, Grand Prairie, TX 75054-2901 | IRS B83 filing
Zeta Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc | EIN: 237098953 | PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446-2142 | IRS B83 filing
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity | EIN: 262025321 | 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201-5816 | Mu Gamma Chapter | IRS B83 filing
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi | EIN: 263170920 | 411 Texas St Room 219, Denton, TX 76204-0000 | Texas Woman’s University | IRS B83 filing
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc | EIN: 273662583 | 1416 Sleepy Hollow Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904-4805 | IRS B83 filing
Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter | EIN: 300517788 | 316 E Lakewood St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-2521 | IRS B83 filing
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority | EIN: 364091267 | 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710-4154 | Xi Chi | IRS B83 filing
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820 | IRS B83 filing
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi | EIN: 383742830 | 500 W University Ave, El Paso, TX 79968-8900 | University of Texas at El Paso | IRS B83 filing
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter | EIN: 392352450 | PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254-0026 | IRS B83 filing
Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter | EIN: 452729519 | 1936 N St SFA Station Box 6159, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-0000 | IRS B83 filing
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 filing
Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter | EIN: 473967233 | 4640 Erskine St Apt B, Lubbock, TX 79416-2464 | IRS B83 filing
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204-7005 | Theta Delta | IRS B83 filing
Iota Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc | EIN: 510225632 | 300 W First St Lower Level B120, Arlington, TX 76019-1000 | IRS B83 filing
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity | EIN: 521278573 | 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd, Dallas, TX 75241-4331 | Lambda Lambda | IRS B83 filing
Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated | EIN: 521345182 | PO Box 51168, Fort Worth, TX 76105-8168 | IRS B83 filing

Metro-Level Greek Presence in Regions Relevant to Paris Families

Our database tracks 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. For families in City of Paris, these regional concentrations matter when tracing organizational responsibility:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations
Waco Metro: 27 Greek organizations

These organizations form interconnected networks where national patterns of hazing repeat across chapters. When we investigate a hazing case for a Paris family, we don’t start from scratch—we already know how to trace the organizational structure behind the Greek letters.

Where City of Paris Families Send Their Children: Campus Connections & Real Risks

Parents in City of Paris, Lamar County, typically have children attending universities across several categories: local/regional campuses, major Texas university hubs, and out-of-state schools with significant Greek life. Understanding the hazing landscape at each is crucial.

Local & Regional Campuses for Paris Families

Paris Junior College (Paris, TX): While primarily a two-year institution, students may participate in organizations that have affiliations with university chapters
Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, TX): Approximately 60 miles from Paris with active Greek life including Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic chapters
University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, TX): About 120 miles from Paris with growing Greek community
Texas A&M University-Texarkana (Texarkana, TX): Approximately 100 miles from Paris

For Paris families with students at these regional campuses: Hazing incidents may involve local chapters of national organizations with prior histories at larger campuses. Investigations must consider both the local chapter conduct and national organization patterns.

Major Texas University Hubs for Paris Students

Paris families commonly send children to these major Texas universities with substantial Greek life:

University of Houston (UH):

Location: Houston, TX (approximately 300 miles from Paris)
Greek Life: 17 IFC fraternities, 6 Panhellenic sororities, NPHC, MGC, and United Greek Council
Recent Major Case: The ongoing Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating demonstrates severe systemic hazing
Paris Family Connection: Many Northeast Texas students attend UH for specific programs; hazing cases may involve Harris County courts but affect Paris families directly

Texas A&M University:

Location: College Station, TX (approximately 280 miles from Paris)
Greek Life: 19 IFC fraternities, 14 Panhellenic sororities, plus Corps of Cadets with its own tradition culture
Notable Hazing History: Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021), Corps of Cadets “roasted pig” lawsuit (2023)
Paris Family Connection: Strong Northeast Texas recruitment; Corps hazing particularly relevant for military families

University of Texas at Austin:

Location: Austin, TX (approximately 280 miles from Paris)
Greek Life: ~60 fraternity/sorority chapters with public hazing violations log
Transparency Model: UT publishes hazing violations at hazing.utexas.edu
Recent Cases: Pi Kappa Alpha sanctions (2023), SAE assault case (2024)

Other Major Texas Schools with Paris Students:

Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – Approximately 340 miles
Baylor University (Waco) – Approximately 200 miles
Southern Methodist University (Dallas) – Approximately 120 miles

Why Multiple Campus Connections Matter

When we represent a Paris family in a hazing case, we investigate not just the specific incident but the organizational ecosystem:

National Fraternity/Sorority Histories: Patterns repeat across campuses
Alumni & Housing Corporation Networks: Financial and oversight connections
University System Relationships: Shared policies and prior knowledge between campuses
Insurance Coverage Tracing: Multiple entities may share liability

Texas Hazing Law: What City of Paris Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code that protect students across our state, including those from City of Paris attending Texas universities.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Hazing Provisions

Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any organization that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Involves brutality, physical activity, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, or other similar activity
Involves consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
Involves physical brutality, whipping, beating, branding, or calisthenics
Involves exposure, confinement, or other similar activity that adversely affects mental health or dignity
Involves compelling prohibited activities that adversely affect mental health or dignity

Key Protections for Paris Families:

Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize power imbalances in Greek organizations.
Good-Faith Reporting Immunity (§37.154): Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability.
Organizational Liability (§37.153): The organization itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation.
Criminal Penalties Scale with Harm (§37.152):
- Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing bodily injury
- State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the State of Texas (local district attorney)
Goal: Punishment (fines, probation, jail time)
Charges can include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Paris jurisdiction note: Cases may be prosecuted in the county where hazing occurred or where defendants reside

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families (like the Bermudez case we’re litigating)
Goal: Compensation for damages and institutional accountability
Claims can include: negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
For Paris families: Civil cases can be filed in appropriate Texas courts regardless of where the family lives

Federal Law Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act & Title IX

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Mandates hazing prevention education and public data (phased in by 2026)
Impact for Paris families: Creates better tracking of organizational patterns

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery Act requires reporting certain campus crimes
For Paris families: Additional avenues for accountability when universities fail to address gendered violence in hazing

National Hazing Patterns: What History Tells Us About Texas Cases

The tragic cases we reference aren’t just statistics—they’re patterns that repeat because national organizations fail to change their cultures. For Paris families, understanding these patterns helps recognize that what happens to their child isn’t “isolated” but part of documented, preventable systems.

Alcohol Hazing Death Pattern (The Most Common Killer)

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Paris family relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and Texas Tech

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

“Bible study” drinking game with forced consumption for wrong answers
Died with 0.495% BAC
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Paris family relevance: Phi Delta Theta at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

“Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Paris family relevance: Same national organization as the Bermudez case we’re litigating

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):

Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at remote retreat
Fatal traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Paris family relevance: Shows off-campus retreat hazing dangers

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):

Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Settlements with 22 defendants (multi-million dollar total)
Paris family relevance: Phi Gamma Delta at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor

Athletic & Corps Hazing Patterns (Particularly Relevant for Texas)

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):

Cadet alleged being bound between beds with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts and degrading treatment
Lawsuit sought over $1 million
Direct Paris relevance: Many Northeast Texas students join Corps

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns – Texas A&M (2021):

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe burns
Required skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit; chapter suspended
Paris relevance: SAE has chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Realistic Expectations for Paris Families

When hazing causes serious harm, building a successful case requires systematic investigation, preservation of rapidly disappearing evidence, and strategic navigation of multiple liable parties. This is where our experience with complex institutional litigation becomes critical for Paris families.

Evidence That Matters in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical Evidence):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads, Discord servers
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok videos of events
Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappeared” content
Paris family action step: Screenshot EVERYTHING immediately. Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence

Medical Documentation:

ER records, hospitalization reports, lab results (especially for rhabdomyolysis or toxicology)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Photographs of injuries over time (bruises evolve)

Organizational Records:

National fraternity/sorority incident reports on this chapter
University conduct files and prior violations
Housing corporation documents and insurance policies
Pledge manuals, ritual books, “tradition” documents

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges experiencing same hazing
Former members willing to speak about patterns
Roommates, RAs, bystanders who observed changes or events

Damages: What Hazing Actually Costs Families

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Past and future care (including lifelong needs for catastrophic injuries)
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Lost earning capacity: Diminished future earnings from disability or trauma

Non-Economic Damages (Significant in Hazing Cases):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in college experience)
Wrongful death damages when hazing proves fatal: funeral costs, loss of companionship, grief

Punitive Damages (When Defendants’ Conduct is Egregious):

Awarded to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
In the Bermudez case we’re litigating: The systematic, torturous nature of hazing supports punitive arguments

How Insurance Coverage Works (And How Defendants Try to Avoid It)

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance policies meant to cover such claims. However, insurers frequently argue:

“Intentional Acts Exclusion”: Claiming hazing is intentional, not negligent
“Criminal Acts Exclusion”: Arguing criminal hazing isn’t covered
“No Duty to Defend”: Refusing to provide legal representation

Our Insider Advantage: Attorney Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies value claims, use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements, and employ delay tactics. This insider knowledge is invaluable when navigating coverage disputes for Paris families. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background.

Practical Guide for City of Paris Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight loss or gain
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use (if not typical for your child)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

New secrecy about organizational activities
Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Financial Patterns:

Unexpected large expenses (“fines,” forced purchases)
Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members
Frequent requests for money without clear explanation

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing: 48-Hour Action Plan

Hours 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

Medical First: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
Safety: Remove from dangerous situation
Evidence: Screenshot messages shown to you; photograph injuries
Notes: Write down everything your child tells you (date, time, details)
Legal Contact: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

Hours 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

Digital Preservation: Help your child preserve ALL group chats, texts, DMs (do NOT delete)
Physical Evidence: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
Medical Records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
Witness List: Write down names/contact info for other pledges, bystanders
University Communications: Note any school contacts but don’t respond yet

Hours 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

Legal Consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorneys
Reporting Decision: With lawyer’s guidance, decide on reporting to campus/local police
University Response: Refer school administrators to your attorney
Insurance: Do NOT speak to insurance adjusters without counsel
Evidence Backup: Upload all screenshots/photos to cloud storage

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy a Hazing Case

Based on our experience with cases like Bermudez’s, these errors can compromise claims:

Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” group chats looks like obstruction of justice
Direct Confrontation: Alerting the fraternity/sorority leads to evidence destruction and witness coaching
Signing University Agreements: Administrative resolutions often waive legal rights
Social Media Posts: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements get used against you
Letting Your Child Return for “One Last Meeting”: Intimidation and pressure occur

Learn more about common client mistakes in injury cases.

Frequently Asked Questions from Paris Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific 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. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case requires specific analysis—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (fatal retreat hazing) and our Bermudez case (multiple off-campus locations) show off-campus hazing still carries full liability.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up situations, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call immediately for preservation guidance. Watch our statute of limitations explanation.

“Will this be confidential or public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability. Public trials only occur when settlements fail—which is why having trial-ready attorneys matters for settlement leverage.

“How much does legal representation cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Learn how contingency fees work.

Why Attorney911 for City of Paris Hazing Cases

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation: The Bermudez Case

We’re not theoretical experts—we’re currently litigating one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases. The Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit involves:

13 individual defendants (chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager, others)
Institutional defendants: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation
Complex legal issues: University liability, national fraternity oversight, insurance coverage disputes
Substantial damages: $10 million demand for medical care, pain/suffering, punitive damages

This active litigation means we’re already immersed in the exact legal strategies, defense tactics, and institutional knowledge needed for Paris families’ hazing cases.

Attorney Credentials & Specific Hazing Expertise

Ralph Manginello – Managing Partner:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar corporate defendants
Federal Court Experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas admission
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ Years Complex Litigation: Wrongful death, catastrophic injury, institutional accountability cases
Learn more about Ralph’s background and credentials

Lupe Peña – Associate Attorney (Insurance Insider Advantage):

Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Years at national defense firm learning insurer tactics
Knows the Playbook: Understands how fraternity/university insurers value claims and fight coverage
Plaintiff-Side Results: Recovered millions for injury victims after switching sides
Spanish Language Services: Fluent Spanish for Hispanic families (Se habla Español)
Learn more about Mr. Peña’s insurance defense background

Investigative Resources & Expert Network

When we take a hazing case for a Paris family, we deploy:

Digital Forensics Experts: Recover deleted messages, social media evidence
Medical Specialists: Document rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD, other hazing injuries
Greek Life Culture Experts: Understand organizational dynamics and tradition patterns
Economists & Life Care Planners: Calculate lifetime costs for catastrophic injuries
Institutional Policy Experts: Analyze university and national fraternity oversight failures

Our Philosophy: Accountability & Prevention

We approach hazing cases with two interconnected goals:

Full Compensation: Maximizing recovery for medical care, lifelong needs, and intangible harms
Real Accountability: Changing systems so no other family endures what yours has
Institutional Reform: Using litigation to force policy changes, training improvements, and oversight

The Bermudez case exemplifies this approach—we’re seeking both compensation for Leonel and systemic changes so Pi Kappa Phi and UH cannot repeat these failures.

For City of Paris Families: Your Next Steps

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Immediate Consultation Available:

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 emergency line)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com (Spanish available)
Website: https://attorney911.com

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

Confidential Discussion: Everything you share is protected
Evidence Review: We’ll examine what you’ve preserved
Legal Options Explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic Assessment: Timelines, challenges, potential outcomes
No Pressure Decision: Take time to decide about representation
Cost Explanation: Contingency fee basis—no recovery, no fee

Why Time Is Critical

Evidence Disappears: Group chats get deleted, witnesses get coached
Statutes of Limitations: Texas generally allows 2 years from injury/death
University Processes: Internal investigations often prioritize institutional protection
Medical Documentation: Early evidence of injuries is crucial
Witness Memory: Details fade quickly

Serving Paris & All of Texas

While based in Houston with offices in Austin and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims and families throughout Texas, including:

City of Paris & Lamar County
Northeast Texas Region
All Texas university communities
Families with students at out-of-state schools when Texas connections exist (national headquarters, insurance, etc.)

Plain Text Resources for Paris Families

News Coverage of Active Texas Hazing Case We’re Litigating:

Click2Houston investigation of UH Pi Kappa Phi case: 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 coverage of Leonel Bermudez hazing lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Website & Contact:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
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 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 | lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services available)