The Complete Guide for San Patricio County Families: Hazing Prevention, Law, and Accountability at Texas Universities

A Message to Parents in City of San Patricio, Portland, Odem & Across San Patricio County

As parents in San Patricio County, you’ve worked hard to give your children opportunities, including the chance to attend college. Many of our local students head to universities across Texas, joining campus organizations that promise friendship and leadership. But right now, in our own state, a horrific case reveals what can happen when those organizations turn toxic.

We are currently fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations are staggering: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; extreme physical workouts that led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure; hospitalization for four days; and ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This happened at a major Texas university. This is happening in our state. And if it can happen at UH, it can happen anywhere Texas students gather—including at schools where San Patricio County families send their children.

This comprehensive guide explains what modern hazing really looks like, what Texas law says about it, what’s happening at major Texas universities, and what families in Portland, Odem, Sinton, Mathis, Taft, Gregory, Ingleside, Aransas Pass and across San Patricio County can do if their child is affected.

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 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

What Modern Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. Today’s hazing operates on multiple levels, often disguised as bonding or training.

The Three Tiers of Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – These behaviors emphasize power imbalance and create psychological harm:

Required servitude (acting as 24/7 chauffeurs, running errands for older members)
Social isolation from non-members
Mandatory “check-ins” via group chat at all hours
Geographic tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
“Optional” events that are socially mandatory

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Behaviors causing emotional or physical discomfort:

Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Verbal abuse, yelling, and humiliation sessions
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Extreme physical “workouts” framed as conditioning
Public embarrassment through social media challenges

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – Activities with high potential for serious injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption games (“lineups,” “bible study,” bid acceptance nights)
Physical beatings and paddling
Dangerous physical tests (“glass ceiling” blindfolded tackles, forced fights)
Sexualized hazing and forced nudity
Chemical exposure (like the Texas A&M SAE case where industrial cleaner caused burns)

The Digital Evolution of Hazing

Modern hazing has adapted to technology:

24/7 Digital Control: GroupMe chats demand immediate responses at all hours
Social Media Humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares
Evidence Suppression: Training on what to say if investigated, encrypted apps
Location Tracking: Required sharing of live location via apps
“Unofficial” Channels: Moving planning to secondary chat groups to avoid detection

For San Patricio County parents whose children may be hours away at school, this digital layer means hazing can follow your child everywhere, even during holiday breaks back home in Portland or Odem.

Texas Hazing Law: What San Patricio County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, found in the Education Code Chapter 37. Understanding these laws is crucial for families throughout San Patricio County, whether your child attends school locally or elsewhere in Texas.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 – The Basics

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

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization

Plain English Translation:
If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group—and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk—that’s hazing under Texas law regardless of location.

Key Points for San Patricio County Families:

Location Doesn’t Matter: On-campus, off-campus, at retreats, in private homes—all covered
Mental OR Physical Harm: Psychological abuse counts just as much as physical injury
“Reckless” is Enough: Doesn’t require malicious intent
“Consent” is NOT a Defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152)

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause 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

Additional Criminal Provisions:

Failure to Report: Members/officers who know about hazing and don’t report it face misdemeanor charges
Retaliation: Against reporters is also a crime
Organizational Liability: Fraternities/sororities can be fined up to $10,000 per violation

Critical Protections for Your Child

Good-Faith Reporting Immunity (Section 37.154):
Your child WON’T face civil or criminal liability for reporting hazing in good faith. Many universities extend this to alcohol amnesty in medical emergencies.

Organizational Accountability (Section 37.153):
The organization itself can be prosecuted if it authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report.

How Texas Law Compares

Texas sits in the middle among state hazing laws:

Stronger than some: Clear consent-is-not-a-defense provision, organizational liability
Weaker than others: Doesn’t have the felony enhancements of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act or Ohio’s Collin’s Law
Unique Texas feature: Sovereign immunity complications with public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT)

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

The heartbreaking cases below aren’t just distant news—they’re patterns that repeat across campuses, including here in Texas.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Bid acceptance event with forced drinking
Fell multiple times on chapter security cameras; 12-hour delay before medical help
Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”
Texas Connection: Beta Theta Pi has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools

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

Forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from university)
Texas Connection: Pi Kappa Alpha operates at UH, UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game – wrong answers = forced drinking
BAC 0.495% at death
Result: Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” (felony hazing statute)
Texas Connection: Phi Delta Theta has Texas chapters including at UT Austin

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Fatal head injuries; delayed medical care
Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Texas Connection: Shows off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability

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

Forced excessive alcohol consumption during “pledge dad reveal”
Severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; needs 24/7 care)
Result: Settlements with 22 defendants
Texas Connection: Phi Gamma Delta operates at Texas A&M

What These Patterns Mean for San Patricio County Families

These aren’t accidents – They’re predictable outcomes of known practices
Delayed medical care kills – The “cover-up” mentality is deadly
National organizations know the risks – Their policies exist because of prior incidents
Multi-million dollar accountability is possible – From $375,000 to $14 million in verified cases

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What San Patricio County Families Are Actually Dealing With

When your child joins Greek life at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local club. They’re connecting to a complex network of legal entities, insurance policies, and national organizations. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks this ecosystem to hold all responsible parties accountable.

San Patricio County’s University Connections

Local and Regional Campuses:

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (Nueces County) – 45 minutes from most San Patricio County communities
Coastal Bend College (Beeville, Alice) – Serving the wider Coastal Bend region
Del Mar College (Corpus Christi) – Major community college serving the area

Major Statewide Hubs Where San Patricio County Students Attend:

University of Houston (where our Leonel Bermudez case is unfolding)
Texas A&M University (College Station)
University of Texas at Austin
Texas State University (San Marcos)
Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
University of North Texas (Denton)

The Corpus Christi Metro Greek Network

The Corpus Christi metropolitan area, which includes San Patricio County, has its own Greek organizational network that our data tracks:

From IRS B83 Public Filings – Corpus Christi Area Entities:

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Iota Phi Chapter, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (EIN: 831418972) – IRS B83 filing
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Zeta Pi Chapter, Kingsville, TX 78363 (TAMU-Kingsville) – IRS B83 filing
Alpha Gamma Delta – Kappa Gamma Chapter, Kingsville, TX 78363 – IRS B83 filing
Kappa Sigma Fraternity – Rho-Psi Colony, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 – IRS B83 filing
Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M Corpus Christi Chapter, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 – IRS B83 filing

From Cause IQ Metro Data – Additional Coastal Bend Organizations:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Corpus Christi Alumnae Chapter (Graduate chapter, founded 1952)
Delta Zeta Sorority – Corpus Christi Alumnae Chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Multiple Coastal Bend chapters
Kappa Alpha Psi – Corpus Christi alumni networks

The Big 5 Texas Universities: Detailed Breakdown

University of Houston (UH) – Current Crisis Ground Zero

Campus Context:

Large urban commuter/residential mix
Active Greek life with 50+ chapters
Current location of our Leonel Bermudez/Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu case

The Bermudez Case – What Happened:

September 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
September-October: Forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, “pledge fanny pack” humiliation (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices)
October 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth for over an hour
November 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
November 6: Chapter suspended by Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
November 6-9: Bermudez hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
November 14: Chapter votes to surrender charter
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, 13 individual members

UH’s Greek Landscape (Selected Chapters):

Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu) – currently shut down
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – national pattern of hazing incidents
Pi Kappa Alpha – national history including Stone Foltz death
Multiple NPHC (Divine Nine) organizations

For San Patricio County Students at UH:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts
Reporting: UHPD and Houston Police Department
Evidence collection crucial before deleted

Texas A&M University – Tradition and Risk

Unique Factors:

Corps of Cadets culture with military-style discipline
Strong Greek tradition
Recent high-profile hazing lawsuits

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns
Required skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed; chapter suspended

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):

Cadet allegedly bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts, degradation
Over $1 million lawsuit filed

A&M’s Approach:

Separate conduct systems for Corps and Greek life
Public reporting less transparent than UT Austin
Strong institutional protection tendencies

For San Patricio County Students at Texas A&M:

Brazos County jurisdiction
Dual systems can complicate reporting
Corps cases involve military-style chain of command issues

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency and Patterns

National Model for Transparency:

Public hazing violations website (hazing.utexas.edu)
Detailed listings of organizations, conduct, sanctions
Shows repeating patterns despite consequences

Documented Violations (Selected):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Sanction: Probation, required hazing prevention education

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024):

Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Over $1 million lawsuit filed

Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group):

Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing
Pattern continues across years

Why UT’s Transparency Matters for San Patricio County Families:

Pattern Evidence: Prior violations support negligence claims
Notice to University: They knew or should have known risks
Settlement Leverage: Public records strengthen negotiation position

Southern Methodist University – Private School Dynamics

Private University Considerations:

Less public reporting than state schools
Affluent student body with strong Greek presence
Different liability considerations than public universities

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
Chapter suspended until 2021
Restrictions on recruiting

SMU’s Systems:

Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
Less public data available
Private settlement tendencies

For San Patricio County Students at SMU:

Dallas County jurisdiction
Discovery process crucial for uncovering internal documents
Different sovereign immunity considerations

Baylor University – Religious Context and History

Complex Institutional History:

Ongoing reforms following athletic scandal
Religious identity affecting approach
Multiple hazing incidents across programs

Baseball Hazing Incident (2020):

14 players suspended following investigation
Staggered suspensions during season
Limited public details

Baylor’s Challenges:

Balancing religious mission with accountability
History of institutional protection
Evolving policies post-scandal

National Fraternity and Sorority Histories: Why They Matter for Texas Cases

When your child joins a chapter at a Texas university, they’re joining an organization with a national history. That history matters in court.

Organizations with Documented National Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, 2021 – alcohol poisoning death, $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, 2012 – alcohol poisoning death, $14 million settlement
Texas Chapters: UH, UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, Texas State, Texas Tech
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Pattern of Incidents: Multiple deaths and severe injuries nationwide
University of Alabama: 2023 traumatic brain injury lawsuit
Texas A&M: 2021 chemical burns lawsuit
UT Austin: 2024 assault lawsuit
National Response: Eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 (but incidents continue)

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver: LSU, 2017 – drinking game death, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
Criminal Convictions: Multiple members
Texas Presence: UT Austin, other campuses

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey: Florida State, 2017 – Big Brother night death
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, 2025 – our current case
Pattern: Physical hazing combined with alcohol

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

Foreseeability: National knew or should have known risks based on prior incidents
Negligent Supervision: Failure to properly monitor chapters
Punitive Damages: Repeated patterns show conscious indifference
Insurance Coverage: Prior notice affects policy interpretations

For San Patricio County families, this means a hazing incident at Texas A&M or UT isn’t evaluated in isolation. The national organization’s entire history becomes relevant.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

When hazing causes serious injury or death, families need more than sympathy—they need a strategic approach to accountability.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social Media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat snaps
Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often recover them
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history
Planning Messages: Evidence of premeditation

Physical Evidence:

Injuries documented with dated photographs
Medical records explicitly noting “hazing” as cause
Objects used (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)
Clothing from incident

Institutional Records:

University conduct files (via discovery or public records requests)
National fraternity risk management files
Prior incident reports
Insurance policies

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate with protection)
Former members (frequently willing to testify)
Roommates, RAs, bystanders

The Damages Framework

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing care)
Future medical needs (lifetime care for catastrophic injuries)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (permanent disability affecting career)

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, guidance
Parental and sibling grief

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

Punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
Deter future hazing
Available when defendants show conscious indifference

Settlement vs. Trial Realities

Most Cases Settle:

Confidential terms common
Amounts from $375,000 to $14 million in verified cases
Universities and nationals often want to avoid public trials

When Trials Happen:

Defendants refuse reasonable offers
Families want public accountability
Need for legal precedent

Our Approach:
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That preparation maximizes settlement value and ensures we’re ready if negotiations fail.

Practical Guide for San Patricio County Parents

Warning Signs Your College Student May Be Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM “meetings”)
Chemical burns or skin damage

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the group
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events

Digital Behavior:

Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages obsessively
New location-tracking apps installed
Social media showing concerning activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontational Approach)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do new members typically do?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets?”

Immediate Action Steps

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: If in danger, call 911
Medical Attention: Even if they insist they’re “fine”
Evidence Preservation:
- Screenshot group chats immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
- Save physical evidence (don’t wash clothing)
Document Everything: Contemporaneous notes are powerful evidence
Consult an Attorney Early: Before talking to university or insurance

Working with the University

What to Expect:

Initial concern, then possible minimization
“We’re investigating internally” responses
Pressure to let them handle it
Settlement offers that may waive future rights

What to Do:

Document all communications
Ask about prior incidents with same organization
Request written policies and procedures
Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy a Hazing Case

Based on our experience with the Bermudez case and others, these errors can severely damage or destroy legitimate claims:

1. Deleting Evidence

What Happens: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
The Reality: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction, makes case nearly impossible
Better Approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Direct Confrontation

What Happens: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
The Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better Approach: Document everything, call attorney first

3. Signing University Papers

What Happens: University pressures “resolution” agreements
The Reality: May waive right to sue; settlements often far below value
Better Approach: NO signatures without attorney review

4. Social Media Posting

What Happens: “I want people to know what happened”
The Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt
Better Approach: Document privately; let attorney control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigation

What Happens: “They said they’ll handle it internally”
The Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Better Approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

What Happens: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
The Reality: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
Better Approach: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for San Patricio County Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity challenges, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee actions. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Our current UH case shows public universities can be held accountable.

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

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to it?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states: consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the discovery rule may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms to protect your family’s privacy.

Why The Manginello Law Firm for San Patricio County 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 Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña):
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
Set reserves and negotiate settlements
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Experience (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
25+ Years Experience: Handling high-stakes cases since 1998
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
“We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or universities.”

Current Hazing Case Leadership:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case:

$10 million lawsuit filed November 2025
Client suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Fighting University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national, 13 individual members
Media coverage in Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline
“We’re not talking about theory. We’re in court right now on one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases.”

Dual Civil + Criminal Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership means we understand criminal hazing charges
Can advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure
Know how criminal and civil cases interact
Experience with constitutional challenges to searches

Investigative Depth:

Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted group chats, social media evidence
Expert Network: Medical experts, economists, psychologists, Greek life culture experts
Public Records Mastery: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas
Evidence Preservation: Immediate action to prevent destruction

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Wrongful death settlements in the millions
Catastrophic injury cases with lifetime care planning
Experience working with economists to value young lives
Proven track record against institutional defendants

How We Apply These Skills to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation:
Within hours of contacting us, we initiate evidence preservation protocols:

Guide screenshot collection
Contact digital forensics experts if needed
Send preservation letters to prevent destruction

2. Identifying All Responsible Parties:
Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we identify:

Individual members and officers
Local chapter entities
National headquarters
Housing corporations
Alumni organizations
University departments and administrators
Third-party property owners
Insurance carriers

3. Building the Negligence Case:
We prove:

Foreseeability: National knew risks from prior incidents
Notice to University: Prior complaints or violations
Causation: Hazing directly caused injuries
Damages: Comprehensive economic and non-economic harm

4. Navigating Insurance Coverage Fights:
Mr. Peña’s defense background is invaluable when insurers argue:

“Hazing is excluded as intentional conduct”
“That defendant isn’t covered”
“Policy limits are insufficient”
We identify all potential coverage and fight wrongful denials.

5. Protecting Your Family’s Privacy:
While pursuing accountability, we:

Request sealed court records when possible
Negotiate confidential settlement terms
Control public messaging
Shield your child from additional trauma

Call to Action for San Patricio County Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, UH, Texas A&M College Station, UT Austin, or any other school—we want to help.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

We Listen: Without judgment, without interruption
We Review: Any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
We Explain: Your legal options clearly and honestly
We Answer: Every question about process, timing, and realistic expectations
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family
Confidentiality: Everything you tell us is protected

Our Commitment to San Patricio County

We serve families throughout Texas, including here in San Patricio County. We understand:

The unique concerns of families with students away at college
The complex dynamics of Texas university systems
The importance of both accountability and prevention
The need for both justice and healing

Contact Us Today

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas

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 Contacts:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

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

Whether you’re in Portland, Odem, Sinton, Mathis, Taft, Gregory, Ingleside, Aransas Pass, or anywhere in San Patricio County, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, accountability, and justice.

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

Attorney911 Main Website

https://attorney911.com

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
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