The Definitive Guide for Refugio County Families: Understanding Hazing, Texas Law, and Your Legal Rights

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

For parents in Refugio, Woodsboro, Bayside, and across Refugio County, the college journey often begins with pride as your student heads off to pursue their dreams at a Texas university. What you don’t expect is the late-night phone call, the unexplained injuries, or the shadow of fear that falls over your child when they whisper about what’s really happening in their fraternity, sorority, or campus organization. Right now, in a Harris County courtroom, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—a case that shows exactly how quickly “tradition” can turn into life-threatening abuse.

We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, and 13 fraternity leaders. According to detailed media reports from Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez’s fall 2025 pledge period involved forced carrying of a humiliating “pledge fanny pack,” hours-long chauffeuring duties, extreme physical workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. The physical hazing culminated on November 3, 2025, with 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. He developed rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring a four-day hospitalization with critically high creatine kinase levels indicating permanent kidney risk.

This is happening in Texas right now. And it’s why we created this comprehensive guide for Refugio County families. Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any other Texas campus, you deserve to know the truth about hazing, the law that protects your child, and how experienced legal counsel can help your family find answers and accountability.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN REFUGIO COUNTY

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 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 for Texas Students

Many Refugio County parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiations,” but modern hazing has evolved into systematic abuse that often leaves permanent physical and psychological scars. Today’s hazing crosses all organizational lines—fraternities, sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, spirit groups, and even academic clubs.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

In Texas legal terms, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization. What matters most for Refugio families is this: if your child feels coerced, pressured, or endangered to join or stay in a group, it’s likely hazing—and “they agreed to it” is not a defense under Texas law.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadly form. It includes forced drinking games, “lineups” where pledges must consume alcohol rapidly, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, and coerced consumption of unknown substances. The Leonel Bermudez case involved forced eating and drinking until vomiting—a pattern we see across Texas campuses.

Physical Hazing
This includes paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements. The physical abuse in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case—bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear—fits this pattern precisely.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and racial or sexist role-playing fall into this category. These acts create deep psychological trauma that often requires years of therapy.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, isolation from friends and family, threats of expulsion from the group, and public shaming—including on social media—constitute psychological hazing that can lead to depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Digital/Online Hazing
Today’s hazing lives on smartphones: group chat dares, forced TikTok challenges, location tracking via apps, and public humiliation on Instagram or Snapchat. These digital footprints often become crucial evidence in lawsuits.

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

Fraternities and Sororities (Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC (particularly at Texas A&M and other military-style programs)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and Tradition Groups (like Texas Cowboys at UT Austin)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread across all these groups is power imbalance, tradition justification, and secrecy enforcement that keeps dangerous practices hidden from university officials and parents.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Refugio County Families Need to Know

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that every Refugio County parent should understand:

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

Key Points for Refugio Families:

Location doesn’t matter—on or off campus
Mental OR physical harm qualifies
“Reckless” conduct is enough (they knew the risk and did it anyway)
“Consent is not a defense” (Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states this)

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face criminal prosecution and fines up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Students who report hazing in good faith receive immunity from civil or criminal liability. This “amnesty” provision encourages calling 911 in medical emergencies, even if underage drinking was involved.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: The criminal prosecutions in the Penn State Timothy Piazza case

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Example: The $10 million lawsuit in the Leonel Bermudez UH case

Both can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required for a civil case. Many Refugio County families pursue civil cases to recover medical expenses, therapy costs, and compensation for their child’s pain and suffering.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026). This will give Refugio families better information about campus safety records.

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting of certain campus crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself
National Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Universities & Governing Boards: Schools may be liable for negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
Third Parties: Property owners, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, defendants include 13 individual members, the Beta Nu housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Refugio County Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance event with forced drinking led to Piazza’s death from traumatic brain injuries after multiple falls. Security cameras captured hours of delayed medical care. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.”

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event, Foltz died from alcohol poisoning. The case settled for approximately $10 million total ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking led to Gruver’s death from acute alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Louisiana enacted the “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony.

What This Means for Refugio Families: Forced drinking rituals follow predictable scripts. When Texas chapters repeat these known-dangerous patterns, national organizations cannot claim “we didn’t know.”

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled, suffering fatal head injuries. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

What This Means for Refugio Families: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability. Nationals remain responsible for dangerous rituals they’ve allowed to continue.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits led to the head coach’s firing and confidential settlements.

What This Means for Refugio Families: Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Major athletic programs with significant resources can harbor systemic abuse requiring experienced legal challenge.

The Common Threads for Texas Families

Forced consumption of alcohol or substances
Physical endurance tests beyond safe limits
Delayed medical care due to fear of consequences
Institutional knowledge of patterns without adequate intervention
Cover-up culture and evidence destruction

These patterns repeat across the country—and they’re happening at Texas universities where Refugio County students enroll.

Texas Focus: Where Refugio County Families Send Their Students

Refugio County families have deep educational connections across Texas. Many students attend regional universities while others head to major statewide hubs. Understanding the landscape at each campus helps parents recognize risks and responses.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Refugio County Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive data on Greek organizations across the state. This directory shows the complex network of entities that may share liability in hazing cases. Below are examples from public IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ metro data relevant to Texas families:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Examples):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta Chapter)
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 746084905 | 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 741380362 | PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147

Corpus Christi Metro Area Organizations (Near Refugio County):

Delta Zeta Sorority – Corpus Christi Alumnae | Corpus Christi, TX
Alpha Sigma Phi – Iota Phi Chapter (Texas A&M–CC) | Corpus Christi, TX
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Zeta Pi (Texas A&M–Kingsville) | Kingsville, TX
Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M Kingsville Chapter | Kingsville, TX

Texas Universities Refugio County Students Attend:

Regional Campuses: Texas A&M University–Kingsville (86 miles), University of Houston–Victoria (58 miles), Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (78 miles)
Major Statewide Hubs: Texas A&M University (College Station), University of Texas at Austin, University of Houston, Baylor University (Waco), Texas State University (San Marcos)
Other Common Choices: Texas Tech University (Lubbock), University of North Texas (Denton), Sam Houston State University (Huntsville)

This network matters because when hazing occurs, multiple entities—local chapters, housing corporations, alumni associations, and national headquarters—may share responsibility. Our data engine helps identify all potentially liable parties.

University of Houston: A Case Study in Institutional Response

Campus & Culture Snapshot
As a large urban institution with significant Greek life, UH attracts students from across Texas, including Refugio County. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates both the severity of hazing risks and institutional response patterns.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting
UH prohibits hazing on and off campus, with reporting through the Dean of Students and campus police. Following the Bermudez case, UH called the conduct “deepely disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement.

Documented Incident & Response
The November 2025 Pi Kappa Phi case resulted in:

November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspends Beta Nu chapter
November 14: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter closed
Multi-defendant $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County
University acknowledges need for improved oversight

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed for Refugio Families

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (where UH is located)
Involved agencies: UHPD, Houston Police Department
Potential defendants: Individuals, chapter, housing corporation, national HQ, university
Evidence sources: Group chats, medical records, chapter documents, university disciplinary files

What Refugio County Students & Parents Should Know

Report to both UH Dean of Students AND Houston Police if crimes occurred
Document everything—screenshot messages before they’re deleted
Understand that UH’s response may prioritize institutional protection
Consult counsel experienced in Houston-based hazing litigation

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersection

Campus & Culture Snapshot
With its strong Corps of Cadets tradition and extensive Greek system, Texas A&M presents unique hazing risks. Refugio County students often choose A&M for its reputation and tradition.

Documented Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. Sought over $1 million in damages.

What Refugio Families Should Know
The intersection of Corps tradition and Greek life can create environments where hazing is normalized as “building character.” Documentation and early legal intervention are crucial.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Pattern

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin’s public hazing violations page provides more transparency than many schools, showing repeated patterns of misconduct.

Documented Violations (From UT Public Log)

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education.
Multiple Organizations: Various sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.

What This Means for Refugio Families
UT’s public record can help establish “notice” in lawsuits—showing the university knew about patterns of misconduct. Prior violations strengthen negligence claims.

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

Private Institution Considerations
As private universities, SMU and Baylor have different reporting requirements but face similar hazing challenges. Documented incidents include Kappa Alpha Order paddling cases at SMU and baseball team hazing suspensions at Baylor.

Key Insight for Refugio Parents
Private status doesn’t eliminate liability. Discovery in lawsuits can uncover internal reports and patterns that aren’t publicly available.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories and Texas Patterns

Why National Histories Matter for Refugio County Cases

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, that pattern shows “foreseeability”—the national organization knew or should have known the risks. This strengthens negligence claims and can support punitive damages.

Organization Mapping: National Patterns in Texas Chapters

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021), David Bogenberger death (NIU, 2012)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama, 2023)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin
Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021), assault lawsuit (UT Austin, 2024)
Pattern: Physical abuse, dangerous substance exposure

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017)
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu, now closed)
Current Case: Leonel Bermudez rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (UH, 2025)
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption, humiliation rituals

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017)
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas chapters
Pattern: Drinking game hazing, alcohol coercion

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

National History: Multiple paddling and hazing suspensions
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, SMU
Pattern: Physical punishment, tradition-based abuse

How National Patterns Strengthen Texas Cases

Foreseeability Evidence: Showing nationals knew certain rituals were dangerous
Negligent Supervision Claims: Demonstrating failure to enforce anti-hazing policies
Punitive Damage Arguments: Proving reckless disregard for known risks
Insurance Coverage Disputes: Countering “unforeseeable accident” defenses

For Refugio County families, this means your child’s case isn’t isolated. It’s part of a national pattern that experienced attorneys can leverage for accountability.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Refugio Families

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing leaves digital footprints that become crucial evidence. Our investigative approach includes:

Digital Communications Recovery

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord chats
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (with forensic recovery when deleted)
Fraternity-specific apps and communication platforms
Email correspondence between members and nationals

Photo & Video Evidence

Content filmed during hazing events
Social media posts and stories documenting activities
Security camera footage from houses and venues
Medical documentation of injuries

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals and initiation scripts
Chapter meeting minutes and risk management reports
National policies and training materials
Communications with alumni advisors

University Records

Prior conduct violations and disciplinary history
Campus police incident reports
Clery Act reports and Title IX files
Internal emails about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records

ER reports and hospitalization records
Toxicology and lab results (like creatine kinase levels in rhabdomyolysis)
Surgical notes and rehabilitation records
Psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, digital evidence included messages about the “pledge fanny pack” rules, photos of workouts at Yellowstone Park, and medical records showing critically elevated enzyme levels.

Damages: What Refugio County Families Can Recover

Economic Damages

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and counseling costs

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and psychological trauma
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (when applicable)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional suffering of family members
Loss of guidance for younger siblings

Punitive Damages
In cases of particularly reckless or intentional conduct, Texas law may allow punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future hazing.

Strategic Considerations for Texas Cases

Insurance Coverage Challenges
Fraternity and university insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney helps navigate these disputes and identify all available coverage sources.

Multi-Defendant Approach
Following the model of the UH case, we typically name all potentially liable parties:

Individual perpetrators
Chapter officers
Local housing corporations
National headquarters
University and regents
Third-party property owners

Preserving Evidence Quickly
We guide families through immediate evidence preservation, as outlined in our video on using your phone to document a legal case. Within 48 hours, we work to secure digital evidence before it’s deleted and identify key witnesses before they’re coached.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Refugio County Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
Constant phone anxiety (checking group chats, fear of missing messages)
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Academic decline or missed classes for “mandatory” events
Financial requests for unexplained “fines” or purchases

How to Talk to Your Child

Start gently: “How are things going with [organization]? Are they respecting your time?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, focus on safety first
Ask specific questions: “Have you been asked to do anything that made you uncomfortable?”
Emphasize support: “We’re here for you no matter what—your safety comes first.”

If You Suspect Hazing

Prioritize medical care if injuries exist
Document everything your child tells you (dates, times, names)
Preserve digital evidence—screenshot messages before deletion
Contact an attorney before reporting to understand your options
Do NOT confront the organization directly (they may destroy evidence)

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights

Is This Hazing? A Quick Self-Assessment

Are you being pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do?
Are you told to keep secrets from parents or university officials?
Does the activity violate university policy or state law?

If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

In immediate danger: Call 911, then a trusted adult
To resign membership: Send a clear written resignation (email/text)
Document retaliation: Save any threatening messages
Seek support: University counseling centers are confidential

Your Legal Rights in Texas

Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
Good-faith reporters have immunity protections
You can pursue civil claims even without criminal charges
Universities must investigate reported hazing

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Hazing Case

Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” messages looks like obstruction of justice
Delaying Medical Care: Injuries worsen and documentation gaps appear
Confronting the Organization: They lawyer up and destroy evidence
Signing University Agreements: May waive your right to sue
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys use inconsistencies against you
Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used to minimize claims

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions for Refugio County Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual capacity suits. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity barriers. The key is building evidence of institutional knowledge and failure to act.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure would qualify as serious bodily injury.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that “agreement” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally two years from the date of injury in Texas, but exceptions exist for minors, delayed discovery of harm, and fraudulent concealment. Given how quickly evidence disappears, we recommend consulting counsel immediately. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be responsible based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case that led to a national fraternity ban occurred at a remote retreat.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability through sealed records and confidential settlements when possible.

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911: Why Refugio County Families Choose Us

Our Unique Qualifications for 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. Here’s why Refugio County families choose us:

Insurance Insider Advantage
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”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

As Mr. Peña says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when facing well-funded defense teams.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same experience applies when suing national fraternities and university systems. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we’re not intimidated by institutional defendants.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results
We have recovered millions for families in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to fully value:

Lifetime care needs for brain injuries or permanent disabilities
Lost earning capacity over a career
Comprehensive pain and suffering damages

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise on criminal exposure for involved students
Navigate dual-track criminal and civil proceedings
Protect witness rights during investigations

Investigative Depth with Expert Networks
We deploy comprehensive investigation strategies:

Digital forensics to recover deleted messages
Expert networks including medical specialists, Greek life culture experts, economists
Public records research using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
Witness interviews to build corroborating evidence chains

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, our investigation uncovered the network of responsible parties—from individual members to the national headquarters—ensuring all accountable entities were named in the lawsuit.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand this is one of the hardest experiences a family can face. Our approach balances:

Compassionate Support

We listen without judgment
We explain options in plain English
We respect your family’s privacy
We move at your comfort pace

Aggressive Investigation

We preserve evidence within hours, not days
We identify all potentially liable parties
We leverage national pattern evidence
We prepare every case for trial

Ethical Representation

Contingency fees only—no recovery, no fee (learn more in our video on how contingency fees work)
Clear communication every 2-3 weeks
Realistic expectations about timelines and outcomes
Your family’s wellbeing as our priority

Serving Refugio County and All of Texas

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Refugio County and the surrounding Coastal Bend region. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Refugio, Woodsboro, Bayside, and across the county. Whether your student attends a regional campus like Texas A&M-Kingsville or a major hub like UT Austin, we have the experience and resources to help.

Spanish Language Services Available
¿Habla Español? Contacte a Lupe Peña directamente a lupe@atty911.com para una consulta confidencial en español.

Call to Action for Refugio County Families

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas university, we encourage you to take these steps:

Prioritize Safety: Ensure immediate medical care if needed
Preserve Evidence: Document everything before it disappears
Understand Your Rights: Texas law provides protections and remedies
Consult Experienced Counsel: Get case-specific guidance before making decisions

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential Consultation

We offer free, confidential consultations to Refugio County families. In your consultation, we will:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options in plain English
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs and process
Provide a clear recommendation for next steps

Contact Information:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
Practice Areas: Learn more about our wrongful death practice at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

When You Call, You’ll Speak Directly with an Attorney
We don’t use intake staff or paralegals for initial consultations. When you call about a hazing case, you’ll speak directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña.

No Pressure, Just Information
We never pressure families to hire us immediately. We provide clear information so you can make the best decision for your family. Whether you choose to work with us or not, we’ll give you honest guidance about protecting your child’s rights.

Final Message to Refugio County Parents

The college years should be about growth, learning, and building independence—not surviving abuse disguised as tradition. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston shows how quickly hazing can turn life-threatening. But it also shows that accountability is possible when families have experienced legal representation.

If hazing has touched your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. You have rights under Texas law. You have options for accountability. And you have advocates who understand both the legal complexities and the human trauma of these cases.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, achieve accountability, and prevent this from happening to another student.

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