Texas Hazing Lawsuit Guide for Sherman County Families: Protecting Your Student at Texas Tech, West Texas A&M & Beyond

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, This Guide Is For You

We understand the quiet panic that sets in when your phone rings late at night and it’s your child from college, their voice trembling with fear or shame. Perhaps they’ve mentioned “pledge activities” that sound excessive, or you’ve noticed unexplained bruises during a visit home to Stratford, Texhoma, or Gruver. Maybe they’ve withdrawn completely, their grades have plummeted, or they’re hiding their phone when you enter the room. In the tight-knit, hardworking communities of Sherman County—where we look out for our neighbors and value integrity—the thought that your child might be suffering abuse while pursuing an education can feel like a profound betrayal.

Right now, our firm is actively litigating 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 national fraternity, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations are harrowing: 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, requiring four days of hospitalization. This happened here in Texas, at a major public university. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage to Mr. Bermudez continues. The Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit provide chilling details of what Texas students are enduring.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families across Sherman County—from Stratford to Texhoma, from Gruver to the farms and ranches that define our region. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at universities where Sherman County students enroll, and what legal options exist when institutions fail our children. Whether your student attends Texas Tech University in Lubbock, West Texas A&M in Canyon, or any Texas campus, the principles of accountability remain the same.

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 in hazing cases—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. Universities move quickly to control narratives. Our firm can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights starting with a free consultation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Many Sherman County parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals,” but modern hazing has evolved into systematic abuse that exploits digital tools and psychological coercion. The Pi Kappa Phi case at UH reveals the brutal reality: “pledge fanny packs” containing condoms and sex toys, forced dress codes, overnight driving duties, and physical torture disguised as “workouts” at Yellowstone Boulevard Park in Houston.

Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)

Digital control: 24/7 GroupMe monitoring, required location sharing via Snapchat Maps, instant response demands
Servitude: Acting as designated drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
Psychological manipulation: Being told to lie to parents and university officials, social isolation from non-members
Sleep and academic interference: Mandatory late-night meetings during exam periods, “study blocks” that are actually punishment sessions

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Clear Abuse)

Physical exhaustion: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups or squats (like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats forced on Leonel Bermudez)
Public humiliation: Forced to wear degrading costumes in public, “roasting” sessions with verbal abuse
Substance coercion: Forced consumption of unpleasant foods (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns in the UH case) or excessive amounts of bland items
Environmental abuse: Lying in vomit-soaked grass, exposure to cold weather in underwear

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Criminal Conduct)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mean chugging
Physical assault: Paddling, beatings, “glass ceiling” tackle rituals, hog-tying (as alleged against another pledge in the UH case)
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “elephant walks”
Dangerous environments: Being set on fire (San Diego State Phi Kappa Psi case), chemical burns from industrial cleaners (Texas A&M SAE case)

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

For Sherman County families whose children may be hours away at college, understanding digital hazing patterns is crucial:

Group chat coercion: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours; failure means punishment
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, public shaming
Evidence destruction culture: Messages set to auto-delete, coaching on what to say if questioned
Retreat hazing: Moving abuse to Airbnbs or rural properties to avoid campus security cameras

What many Sherman County parents don’t realize is that consent is not a defense under Texas law. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion create coercion that the law recognizes as invalid consent.

Texas Hazing Law: What Sherman County Families Must Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code that apply whether your child attends Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, or any university in the state. Understanding these laws is the first step toward protecting your child’s rights.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Framework

Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that:

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

Key Provisions for Sherman County Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house in Lubbock or a retreat in the Texas Panhandle is still illegal
Consent is irrelevant (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
Serious injury escalates crimes: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death becomes a state jail felony
Organizational liability (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can face fines up to $10,000 and campus bans
Immunity for reporters (§37.154): Good-faith reporting of hazing provides protection from liability

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Dual Pathways

When hazing occurs, two parallel legal processes often unfold:

Criminal Prosecution (State brings charges):

Typical charges: Hazing (misdemeanor or felony), furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Jurisdiction: Local police where incident occurred (Lubbock PD for Texas Tech, Canyon PD for WTAMU)
Purpose: Punishment through jail time, fines, probation

Civil Lawsuit (Family brings claim):

Typical claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Jurisdiction: County where incident occurred or defendants are located
Purpose: Compensation for medical bills, lost education, pain and suffering, and accountability

These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action—in fact, most hazing civil cases settle before criminal proceedings conclude.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act & Title IX

Beyond Texas law, federal statutes provide additional protections:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires universities receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates hazing prevention education
Phased implementation through 2026
Creates national database of hazing violations

Title IX & Clery Act:

Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Requires universities to investigate and address hostile environments
Mandates reporting of certain crimes in annual security reports

For Sherman County families, this means your child’s university—whether Texas Tech, WTAMU, or others—has federal obligations to address hazing beyond just state law requirements.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Tell Us

The tragedy at University of Houston isn’t an isolated incident. National patterns show how hazing claims unfold and what families can expect. These cases provide the legal foundation that supports claims for Sherman County families.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021):

Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night forced consumption of entire bottle of alcohol
$10 million settlement: $7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU
Takeaway for Texas families: National fraternities pay substantial settlements even when chapters are “rogue”

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017):

Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game with forced consumption
Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act created felony hazing statute
Takeaway: Legislative change often follows tragedy and litigation

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017):

Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” with handle of liquor
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Takeaway: Universities face tremendous pressure to act after fatalities

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013):

Pi Delta Psi “glass ceiling” ritual with blindfolded tackling
National fraternity criminally convicted – organization banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: National organizations face direct criminal liability

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021):

Phi Gamma Delta pledge suffered permanent brain damage from forced drinking
Settlements with 22 defendants for lifelong care needs
Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can require multi-million dollar life care plans

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
-multiple lawsuits alleging sexualized, racist hazing
-head coach fired, confidential settlements reached

Takeaway: Hazing permeates athletic programs with similar institutional cover-up patterns

What These Cases Mean for Sherman County Families

These national precedents establish crucial legal principles:

Foreseeability: National fraternities know their traditions are dangerous
Institutional liability: Universities bear responsibility for campus culture
Substantial compensation: Juries award millions for preventable tragedies
Pattern evidence matters: What happened at LSU or FSU helps prove what should have been prevented at Texas Tech or WTAMU

Texas Universities: Where Sherman County Families Send Their Children

Sherman County students primarily attend Panhandle and West Texas universities, though some venture to major hubs. Understanding the hazing landscape at each campus helps families recognize risks and responses.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – The Primary Destination

For many Sherman County families, Texas Tech represents opportunity and tradition. As a major research university with active Greek life, it presents both promise and risk.

Greek Life Presence:

Interfraternity Council (IFC): 20+ fraternities including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta
Panhellenic Council: 14+ sororities
National Pan-Hellenic Council: All nine historically Black organizations
Multicultural Greek Council: Various culturally-based organizations

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Chi (2023): Allegations of forced drinking and physical hazing resulting in hospitalization
Multiple IFC chapters on probation for alcohol violations and “undisclosed new member activities”
Corps of Cadets (historical): Tradition-heavy environment with documented discipline issues

Texas Tech’s Hazing Response Protocol:

Reports to Office of Student Conduct or Risk Intervention & Safety Education (RISE)
Interim measures may include chapter suspension during investigation
Student conduct hearings with possible outcomes from warning to expulsion
Parent notification for serious incidents (varies by circumstance)

What Sherman County Parents Should Know:

Texas Tech’s Greek life is concentrated in “Greek Circle” near campus
Lubbock Police Department often handles off-campus incidents
University typically cooperates with criminal investigations but protects institutional interests
Prior violations create pattern evidence crucial for civil cases

West Texas A&M University (Canyon) – The Regional Choice

For Sherman County students seeking closer proximity, WTAMU represents practical education with growing Greek presence.

Greek Life at WTAMU:

Smaller but active Greek community compared to Texas Tech
Frank Heflin Foundation (Phi Delta Theta alumni fund based in Canyon) appears in IRS B83 records (EIN 203507402)
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter in Canyon per Cause IQ metro data

Hazing Landscape:

Less public reporting than larger universities
Closer faculty oversight due to smaller campus
Stronger community ties can complicate reporting

Practical Considerations for Sherman County Families:

Proximity allows for more direct parental involvement
Campus police and Canyon PD jurisdiction overlaps
University may be more responsive to local family concerns

Other Texas Universities with Sherman County Connections

University of Texas at Austin:

Sherman County’s most ambitious students often target UT Austin
UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log reveals ongoing issues:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Forced milk consumption and extreme calisthenics
- Texas Cowboys spirit group incidents
Transparency advantage: UT publishes violations, creating discoverable evidence for lawsuits

Texas A&M University:

Corps of Cadets litigation (2023): $1M+ lawsuit alleging “roasted pig” binding with apple in mouth
Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021): Industrial cleaner causing skin grafts
Institutional response: Often defends traditions while addressing extreme cases

University of Houston:

Our active litigation: Leonel Bermudez vs. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
Pattern evidence: Prior Pi Kappa Alpha incident (2016) with lacerated spleen
University response: Called conduct “deeply disturbing” but faces $10M lawsuit

The Panhandle’s Unique Position in Texas Hazing Litigation

Sherman County families enjoy certain advantages in hazing cases:

Community credibility: Juries respect Panhandle values and work ethic
Regional court familiarity: Federal and state courts in Amarillo/Lubbock understand local contexts
Practical damages assessment: Agricultural community understands lifelong injury impacts
Institutional accountability expectations: Texans expect organizations to take responsibility

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Meet Texas Campuses

The Greek organizations present at Texas Tech, WTAMU, and other universities have national histories that create legal foreseeability. When Sherman County students suffer harm, these national patterns become crucial evidence.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Active in Our UH Case:

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University (2017)
National pattern: Big Brother nights with forced alcohol consumption
Texas presence: At UH (our case), Texas A&M, other campuses
Legal significance: Nationals knew the risks when they chartered Beta Nu chapter at UH

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ/ “Pike”):

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State (2021) – $10M settlement
Texas Tech chapter on probation for hazing violations
National foreseeability: Multiple alcohol poisoning deaths establish clear danger pattern

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ/ “SAE”):

Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021) – industrial cleaner injuries
Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama (2023)
National response: Eliminated pledge program in 2014 after multiple deaths

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver death at LSU (2017) – led to Louisiana felony hazing law
Multiple Texas chapters including Texas Tech
Insurance insight: Nationals carry substantial liability coverage for known risks

How National Histories Create Legal Liability

When a Sherman County student is hazed, we investigate two crucial questions:

What did the national organization know about this chapter?
- Prior complaints or violations
- Advisor reports
- Risk management visits
What patterns existed nationally that made this foreseeable?
- Similar incidents at other chapters
- Internal documents acknowledging risks
- Inadequate policy enforcement

Our access to The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros—helps answer these questions quickly. For example, we can identify all Texas-registered entities related to specific nationals:

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (Relevant Examples):

Frank Heflin Foundation (EIN 203507402) – Canyon, TX 79015 – Phi Delta Theta alumni fund
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) – College Station, TX 77845
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 364091267) – Waco, TX 76710
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN 746064445) – Nederland, TX 77627

Cause IQ Metro Organizations in Relevant Areas:

Amarillo Metro: 18 Greek organizations including Frank Heflin Foundation, Chi Omega Upsilon Zeta Building Association, Lambda Chi Alpha chapters
Lubbock Metro: 59 organizations including Texas Tech Greek chapters
Dallas-Fort Worth Metro: 510 organizations housing many national headquarters

This data infrastructure means we don’t start from scratch when a Sherman County family comes to us. We already know the organizational landscape and can quickly identify all potentially liable entities.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Sherman County Families

When hazing occurs, the first 48 hours are critical. Evidence disappears rapidly as organizations circle wagons. Our systematic approach preserves claims and maximizes accountability.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts
Location data: Geotags, Find My Friends logs, Uber/Lyft receipts
Recovery capability: Digital forensics can retrieve deleted messages

Medical Documentation:

Emergency records: ER reports, ambulance run sheets, toxicology results
Specialist evaluations: Nephrology (kidney damage), psychiatry (PTSD), orthopedics (fractures)
Ongoing treatment: Physical therapy, psychological counseling, medication records

Organizational Records:

University files: Prior conduct violations, Clery Act reports, internal investigations
National fraternity documents: Risk management reports, insurance policies, membership records
Chapter materials: Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, meeting minutes

Witness Networks:

Other pledges: Often afraid but willing to cooperate with protection
Former members: May have left due to similar experiences
Neighbors/roommates: Heard or saw concerning activities
Medical personnel: Documented injuries and patient statements

Damages Framework for Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Current bills + future care (kidney dialysis, therapy, medications)
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: Lifelong impact of physical or psychological injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

Physical pain: From injuries like rhabdomyolysis (as in our UH case)
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can no longer participate in sports, social activities, normal college life

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of companionship: For parents and siblings
Grief and mental anguish

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

Texas allows punitive damages for gross negligence or malice
Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future conduct
Examples: When organizations had prior warnings and failed to act

Multi-Defendant Strategy

Hazing cases typically involve multiple defendants, each with different insurance coverage and liability exposure:

Individual Members:

Personal liability insurance (parents’ homeowner policies)
Individual assets (rarely sufficient for serious injuries)

Local Chapters:

Chapter insurance policies (often limited)
House corporation assets
Alumni association funds

National Organizations:

Substantial liability coverage ($1M+ common)
Endowment funds
Headquarters assets

Universities:

Sovereign immunity issues for public universities
Substantial insurance coverage
Reputation protection priorities

Third Parties:

Property owners (negligent security)
Alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
Security companies (failure to protect)

Our experience with BP Texas City explosion litigation taught us how to coordinate complex multi-defendant cases against well-funded opponents. We apply those same skills to hazing litigation.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Sherman County Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Response

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal academic stress
Sudden personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Secretive phone use, deleting messages, clearing browser history
Financial stress from unexplained expenses or “fines”
Academic decline from missing classes or sleep deprivation

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose neutral timing: Not when they’re rushing to an “event”
Use open questions: “How are things with your new members?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: They may minimize from fear or shame
Emphasize safety: “My job is to keep you safe, not get you in trouble”

48-Hour Action Plan:

Hour 1-6: Medical attention if injured, screenshot evidence, write detailed notes
Hour 6-24: Contact attorney, preserve digital evidence, document witnesses
Hour 24-48: Strategic decisions about reporting, medical follow-up, university contact

For Students: Recognizing & Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Simple Test:

Would you do this if you truly had a choice (no social consequences)?
Would your parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
Are older members making you do things they don’t do themselves?
Are you being told to keep secrets or lie?

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside first: Parent, RA, trusted professor
Send written notice: Email chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Avoid “one last meeting”: That’s when pressure and retaliation occur
Document threats: Save any retaliation evidence for protective orders

Evidence Preservation Guide:

Group chats: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps
Injuries: Photograph daily progression with coin for scale
Medical care: Tell providers “I was hazed” for documentation
Witnesses: Record names and contact information

Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

We understand the complexity of coming forward. Former members may feel guilt, fear, or loyalty conflicts. We can help navigate:

Protection from retaliation: Legal strategies to prevent harassment
Criminal exposure concerns: Understanding your rights and risks
Moral resolution: Many find peace in preventing future harm
Confidentiality options: Various levels of disclosure protection

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete evidence

Why wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys crucial digital evidence
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity directly

Why wrong: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Better approach: Document first, let attorney make contact

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” forms

Why wrong: Often includes liability waivers and confidentiality clauses
Better approach: “I need my attorney to review this first”

MISTAKE #4: Posting on social media

Why wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Private documentation only until case resolves

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for university investigation

Why wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Better approach: Parallel preservation while university investigates

MISTAKE #6: Talking to insurance adjusters alone

Why wrong: Recorded statements are used against you
Better approach: “Please contact my attorney”

Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Sherman County Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes. Public universities (Texas Tech, WTAMU) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee actions. Private universities have fewer immunity protections. Our active case against University of Houston demonstrates that public universities can face substantial liability.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death is a state jail felony under Texas Education Code §37.152. Serious bodily injury means “injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of any bodily member or organ.” The kidney failure in our UH case potentially qualifies.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to it?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” Courts recognize that consent under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t valid.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally two years from date of injury in Texas, but exceptions apply:

Discovery rule: If injury wasn’t immediately apparent
Fraudulent concealment: If defendants hid evidence
Minority tolling: Different rules if victim was under 18

Watch our statute of limitations video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, unofficial house parties) occurred off-campus.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. Settlement terms often include confidentiality clauses that protect your child’s identity.

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency fee basis for hazing cases: no fee unless we recover compensation. Initial consultations are always free.

Watch our contingency fee explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Why Attorney911 for Sherman 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 defend themselves—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Sherman County and the entire Panhandle region.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. In his words: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” His Spanish-language fluency ensures Hispanic families in Sherman County receive culturally competent representation.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):
Ralph is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation, facing billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That experience translates directly to hazing cases against national fraternities and universities. His federal court admission (Southern District of Texas) and HCCLA membership signal serious trial capability that changes how defendants negotiate.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain proprietary databases tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, including:

125+ Texas-registered entities from IRS B83 filings
Metro-specific organization networks
Cross-referenced national brand patterns

When a Sherman County family comes to us, we don’t start from zero. We already understand the organizational landscape surrounding Texas Tech, WTAMU, or whichever campus is involved.

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases:

Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation in brain injury cases
Digital forensics capability to recover deleted messages and social media evidence
Expert networks including medical specialists, psychologists, and Greek life culture experts

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand that hazing cases involve trauma, shame, and institutional betrayal. Our approach balances:

Compassionate client care: We listen without judgment and move at your family’s pace
Thorough investigation: We leave no stone unturned in evidence preservation
Strategic intensity: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, because that’s what forces fair settlements
Prevention focus: We believe accountability today prevents tragedies tomorrow

In the words of Mr. Peña from the UH case: “If this prevents harm to another person… Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Call to Action for Sherman County Families

If you suspect your child is being hazed at Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, or any Texas university, time is critical. Evidence disappears daily as groups coordinate stories and destroy digital trails.

We offer Sherman County families:

Free confidential consultation: No obligation, just information and options
Immediate evidence preservation guidance: What to save and how
University navigation strategy: How to interact with administrators
Comprehensive case evaluation: All potential claims and defendants
Contingency fee representation: No cost unless we recover compensation

Contact The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Availability: We understand emergencies don’t keep business hours
Spanish Services: Lupe Peña – lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

During your free consultation, we’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment or interruption
Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly and realistically
Discuss potential timelines and outcomes
Answer all your questions about process and costs
Help you decide next steps at your pace

Whether you’re in Stratford, Texhoma, Gruver, or anywhere in Sherman County, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers protecting their interests—your family deserves the same protection.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s ensure what happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH doesn’t happen to another Texas student without accountability.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / 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/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence Documentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency Fees: 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
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
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com