The Texas Hazing Crisis: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Stafford Families

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

Imagine receiving a call in the middle of the night. Your son, a student at the University of Houston, is in the emergency room. His urine is brown. Doctors say he has acute kidney failure from severe muscle breakdown—a condition called rhabdomyolysis. Through tears and pain, he describes being forced to do hundreds of push-ups and squats, sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding,” made to consume milk and hot dogs until he vomited, then forced to sprint immediately after. He carried a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” everywhere. He was hazed.

This isn’t hypothetical. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge in fall 2025. His story—and our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders—represents the brutal reality facing Texas students today.

If you’re a parent in Stafford, Fort Bend County, or anywhere in Greater Houston, this scenario hits close to home. Your child might attend UH just 20 miles north, Texas A&M a few hours away, or any of Texas’s major universities. The dangerous traditions, institutional cover-ups, and life-altering injuries we see in the Bermudez case exist across our state’s campuses.

This comprehensive guide exists for you. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, break down Texas hazing law in plain English, show how national fraternity patterns repeat here in Texas, and provide actionable steps for protecting your child’s rights. We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), and we’re currently leading some of Texas’s most serious hazing litigation. We serve families throughout Texas, including right here in Stafford and across Fort Bend County.

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 your child insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact 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 Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025 (Beyond the Stereotypes)

For Stafford families, understanding modern hazing means moving beyond “boys will be boys” stereotypes. Today’s hazing is systematized, digitally documented, and often disguised as “tradition” or “team building.”

Three Categories Every Parent Should Know

1. Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
These behaviors emphasize power imbalance and often get dismissed as harmless:

24/7 digital control: Constant GroupMe demands, required location sharing, instant response expectations
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize outside the group
“Optional” mandatory events: Late-night meetings during exam weeks, weekend retreats framed as voluntary but socially required

2. Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)
This creates hostile, abusive environments:

Sleep deprivation: Wake-up calls at 3 AM for “meetings,” multi-day events with minimal sleep
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of unpleasant substances (hot sauce, spoiled food, excessive milk)
Extreme physical “conditioning”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, “smokings” framed as workouts
Public humiliation: Forced embarrassing performances, degrading costumes, “roasting” sessions

3. Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)
Activities with high potential for injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mean chugging
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking—often in NPHC traditions though officially prohibited
Dangerous physical tests: Blindfolded tackles (“glass ceiling” rituals), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
Chemical hazing: Industrial cleaners poured on skin causing chemical burns (as seen in Texas A&M SAE cases)

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today’s hazing leaves digital fingerprints everywhere:

Group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord) planning events and coordinating cover-ups
Social media evidence (Instagram stories, TikTok challenges, Snapchat videos) documenting humiliation
Geo-tracking demands requiring pledges to share live location via Find My Friends
Deleted message recovery through digital forensics—even “disappearing” messages can often be retrieved

For Stafford parents whose children might be at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or other Texas schools, recognizing these patterns early can prevent catastrophe.

Texas Hazing Law: Your Family’s Legal Framework

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for Stafford families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Core Statute

Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key Provisions for Stafford Families:

Location doesn’t matter: On-campus, off-campus, at retreats—all covered
“Consent is not a defense”: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing (Texas Education Code §37.155)
Criminal penalties escalate with harm:
- Class B misdemeanor (default)
- Class A misdemeanor if injury requires medical treatment
- State jail felony if serious bodily injury or death occurs
Organizational liability: Fraternities/sororities can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
Good-faith reporter immunity: Those who report hazing or call for medical help have protection

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (The State’s Role)

Brought by prosecutors (Harris County, Travis County, Brazos County, etc.)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Reality: Many hazing cases plead down to misdemeanors; criminal resolution doesn’t compensate your family

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Path to Justice)

Brought by victims/surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Critical fact: You don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue civil action

Federal Laws That Apply in Texas

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Mandates public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
Creates national prevention standards

Title IX & Clery Act

Title IX applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery requires reporting certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault/alcohol crimes
Both create additional university obligations and potential liability

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Local Chapters: The fraternity/sorority as an entity
National Organizations: Headquarters that set policies and receive dues
Universities: For negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
Property Owners: Landlords of chapter houses or event venues
Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws in alcohol-related cases

For a Stafford family with a child at UH, this means potential claims against: the individual members who hazed your child, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, the chapter housing corporation, and possibly the owners of properties where hazing occurred.

National Hazing Cases: The Patterns Repeating in Texas

The hazing your child experienced isn’t unique—it’s part of documented national patterns. Understanding these cases helps Stafford families recognize how systematic these abuses are.

Alcohol Poisoning: The Deadliest Pattern

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

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

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers meant forced drinking
BAC of 0.495% at death
Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” creating felony hazing statute
Texas Connection: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at all five major Texas universities

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

“Big Brother Night” with handles of liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
Texas Connection: Same national organization hazing Leonel Bermudez at UH

Physical & Ritualized Violence

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

Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Fatal head injuries; delayed medical care
National fraternity criminally convicted
Takeaway: Retreats are common hazing locations

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

Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; needs 24/7 care)
Settlements with 22 defendants
Texas Connection: Phi Gamma Delta has chapters at Texas A&M and UT Austin

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Systemic sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired
Takeaway: Hazing extends far beyond Greek life

What These Cases Mean for Stafford Families

These national patterns matter because:

They show foreseeability: Nationals knew these rituals were dangerous
They establish precedent: Similar cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements
They reveal cover-up patterns: Delayed medical care, destroyed evidence, witness intimidation
They demonstrate institutional failure: Universities and nationals often fail to act on prior warnings

When your child at UH experiences forced drinking similar to Stone Foltz’s case, or extreme workouts like Danny Santulli endured, these national cases become critical evidence in proving negligence.

Texas University Focus: Where Stafford Families Send Their Children

Stafford families have deep connections to Texas’s university systems. Whether your child attends nearby UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or other Texas schools, understanding each campus’s hazing landscape is crucial.

University of Houston: Houston’s Home Campus

For Stafford Families: UH is just 20 miles north via Highway 90 and I-69. Many Stafford students commute or live on campus. Hazing incidents here involve local hospitals (Memorial Hermann, HCA Houston Healthcare), Harris County courts, and Houston police jurisdictions.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: Texas’s Current Hazing Crisis

Right now, we’re litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases at UH. Here are the documented facts:

The Hazing Timeline (Fall 2025):

Sept 16: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
Sept-Oct: Forced dress codes, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties, mandatory “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices
Oct 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
Nov 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Nov 6-9: Hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

Medical Catastrophe:

Brown urine indicating muscle breakdown
Critically high creatine kinase levels
Acute kidney failure requiring hospitalization
Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Defendants in Our Lawsuit:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Institutional Response:

Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
UH calls conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary action and cooperation with law enforcement

Why This Matters for Stafford Families:
This isn’t a historical case—it’s happening right now in our community. The patterns seen here (forced exercise leading to rhabdomyolysis, humiliation rituals, institutional knowledge) exist across Texas campuses.

UH’s Greek Ecosystem: What Stafford Parents Should Know

UH hosts approximately 40 Greek organizations across four councils:

Interfraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities Include:

Alpha Sigma Phi (ΑΣΦ)
Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – currently suspended
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)
Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)
And 12+ others

Panhellenic Council Sororities Include:

Alpha Chi Omega (ΑΧΩ)
Chi Omega (ΧΩ)
Delta Gamma (ΔΓ)
Zeta Tau Alpha (ΖΤΑ)

Documented UH Hazing Incidents:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during event; chapter faced misdemeanor charges
Multiple organizational suspensions for “conduct likely to produce mental or physical discomfort”
Pattern: Alcohol misuse, forced physical activities, violation of university policies

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (downtown Houston)
Police: UHPD for on-campus; HPD for off-campus incidents
Medical Facilities: Memorial Hermann, HCA Houston Healthcare, Baylor St. Luke’s
Reporting: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms

Texas A&M University: The Corps & Greek Life Nexus

For Stafford Families: Many Stafford students attend A&M (90 miles northwest). The Corps of Cadets culture and aggressive Greek life create unique hazing risks.

Documented A&M Hazing Cases

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed; chapter suspended
Pattern: Physical abuse disguised as “initiation”

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
Pattern: Tradition-based abuse within military-style programs

Texas A&M’s Greek Landscape:

Corps of Cadets: Approximately 2,400 cadets with tradition-heavy culture
IFC Fraternities: 20+ chapters including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta
Panhellenic Sororities: 15+ chapters

What Stafford Parents Should Know:

A&M’s “traditions” can mask abusive behaviors
Corps and Greek life often intersect in social events
University’s response has varied—some cases result in serious discipline, others minimal action

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Ongoing Issues

For Stafford Families: UT Austin (150 miles west) draws many Texas students. Their public hazing violations database provides unique insight.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database

UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing records at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Sanction: Probation, mandatory hazing prevention education
Pattern: Forced consumption and physical abuse

Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization):

Multiple violations for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Pattern: Athletic/spirit groups replicating Greek hazing behaviors

UT’s Greek Life Scope:

Approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters
Major nationals with hazing histories: Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma
Public database advantage: Families can check organizations’ histories

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

For Stafford Families: SMU (240 miles north) represents private university dynamics—different transparency standards, similar risks.

Documented SMU Incidents

Kappa Alpha Order (2017):

New members paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
Chapter suspended for multiple years
Pattern: Physical hazing in affluent Greek culture

SMU’s Greek Reality:

Strong Greek presence among affluent student body
Private university status means less public reporting
Hazing cases often resolve through internal processes unless litigation forces disclosure

Baylor University: Religious Identity & Accountability Challenges

For Stafford Families: Baylor (180 miles northwest) combines religious identity with Greek life and athletic cultures.

Baylor Hazing Incidents

Baseball Team Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Pattern: Athletic team hazing mirroring Greek behaviors

Baylor’s Complex Landscape:

Religious branding creates unique accountability dynamics
Prior sexual assault scandal informs current oversight approaches
Greek life exists within conservative Christian context

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data-Driven Accountability

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations built from public records. For Stafford families, this means we don’t start from scratch when investigating hazing incidents.

Texas’s Greek Organizational Landscape

By the Numbers:

1,423+ Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
188 organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro alone
125+ Texas-registered organizations in IRS B83 filings
96 Texas universities with campus Greek life

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Relevant to Stafford Families

As Stafford parents, you deserve to know who stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are examples from our public records directory—real organizations with IRS Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) and Texas addresses.

Houston Metro Area Organizations (Relevant to UH & Houston-Area Schools):

Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation
- EIN: 371768785
- Missouri City, TX 77459
- IRS B83 filing – housing corporation
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter
- EIN: 746084905
- Houston, TX 77204
- IRS B83 filing – chapter entity
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc.
- EIN: 462267515
- Frisco, TX 75035
- IRS B83 filing – housing corporation (connected to UH case)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc. – Theta Delta Chapter
- EIN: 475370943
- Houston, TX 77204
- IRS B83 filing – chapter at UH
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter
- EIN: 392352450
- Houston, TX 77254
- IRS B83 filing – graduate chapter

Statewide & National Organizations with Texas Presence:

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter
- EIN: 746064445
- Nederland, TX 77627
- IRS B83 filing – alumni/housing corporation
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated
- EIN: 882755427
- San Marcos, TX 78666
- IRS B83 filing – chapter corporation
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc.
- EIN: 133048786
- College Station, TX 77845
- IRS B83 filing – Texas A&M chapter
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc.
- EIN: 741380362
- Fort Worth, TX 76147
- IRS B83 filing – foundation supporting multiple chapters
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – Texas Xi Chapter
- EIN: 900927378
- San Antonio, TX 78249
- IRS B83 filing – alumni/housing organization

Honor Societies & Related Organizations:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Houston Chapter
- EIN: Multiple (varies by campus)
- Campus-specific chapters across Texas
- IRS B83 filing – academic honor society
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc.
- EIN: 760221936
- Houston, TX 77277
- IRS B83 filing – professional organization

What This Directory Means for Your Case

When we take a hazing case for a Stafford family, we already know:

The legal names and EINs of potentially liable organizations
Where to find their registered agents and insurance information
How national organizations structure their Texas entities
Which housing corporations own chapter properties

This isn’t theoretical—in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, identifying the Beta Nu housing corporation (EIN: 462267515) was crucial for establishing additional insurance coverage and liability.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Realistic Expectations

For Stafford families navigating a hazing crisis, understanding how cases get built is crucial. Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

1. Digital Communications (The Modern Smoking Gun)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord messages showing planning and coordination
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat evidence of events
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can retrieve “disappearing” messages
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends histories, Uber/Lyft receipts

2. Medical Documentation

ER records: Initial treatment notes mentioning hazing
Lab results: Toxicology reports, creatine kinase levels (for rhabdomyolysis)
Specialist evaluations: Nephrologist reports for kidney damage, psychologist notes for PTSD
Ongoing treatment records: Documenting long-term impact

3. Organizational Records

Chapter minutes/materials: Pledge education manuals, ritual scripts
National communications: Emails between chapter and headquarters
University discipline files: Prior violations involving same organization
Insurance policies: Identifying coverage across multiple entities

4. Witness Networks

Other pledges: Often afraid initially but may cooperate as group
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled frequently have crucial evidence
Roommates/partners: Observers who noticed changes or heard details
Medical personnel: ER staff, nurses who documented statements

The Damages Reality: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, including lifelong care for catastrophic injuries
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: For permanent disabilities affecting career prospects

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts):

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families Who Lose a Child):

Funeral/burial expenses
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parental grief and mental anguish

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional harm
Designed to punish and deter similar conduct
Example: Stone Foltz case included punitive elements

Insurance Coverage Realities

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry multiple insurance policies. The fight often involves:

Primary liability policies covering chapters
National organization umbrella policies
University liability coverage
Individual members’ homeowners policies
Property owners’ insurance

Insurance companies frequently argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys (Mr. Lupe Peña spent years on that side) gives us unique insight into overcoming these arguments.

Timeline Realities for Stafford Families

First 48 Hours: Evidence preservation crisis management
Week 1-2: Initial investigation, witness interviews, medical record collection
Month 1-3: Comprehensive evidence gathering, expert consultations
Month 3-6: Pre-suit negotiations, settlement discussions
Month 6-24: Litigation phase if settlement fails
Year 2+: Trial if necessary

Most cases settle during litigation phase, but preparing for trial is what drives fair settlements.

Practical Guides: What Stafford Families Should Do Right Now

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if they don’t normally drink)

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone checking/responding to group chats
Financial stress from unexplained expenses

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment
Prioritize safety—remove from dangerous situations
Document everything they tell you
Preserve evidence before it disappears
Contact an attorney before confronting the organization

For Students: Your Rights & Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Am I being told to keep secrets from the university or my parents?
Are only new members required to do this?

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, trusted friend, RA)
Send written resignation to chapter president (email/text for documentation)
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Document any threats or harassment that follows
Report retaliation to university and police if necessary

Texas Law Protects You:

Good-faith reporter immunity: You won’t get in trouble for calling 911 in an emergency
Consent is not a defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Retaliation is illegal: Threats or harassment after you report are separate crimes

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages

Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; destroys crucial evidence
What to do instead: Screenshot everything immediately

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the organization directly

Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document quietly, consult attorney first

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” forms

Why it’s wrong: May waive your right to sue; settlements are often lowball
What to do instead: “I need my attorney to review this first”

MISTAKE #4: Posting on social media

Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE #7: Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract damaging statements
What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through your lawyer

Why Attorney911 for Texas 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 (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Current Hazing Case Leadership

Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case
Active litigation against university, national fraternity, and 13 individuals
Real-time experience with hazing evidence preservation and institutional pushback
“We’re not talking theory—we’re in the courtroom fighting these cases now.”

Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
Economist collaboration for calculating true lifetime impacts
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
“We see the whole legal battlefield, not just one side.”

Investigative Depth & Expert Networks

Digital forensics for recovering deleted messages
Medical experts specializing in rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD
Greek life culture experts who understand organizational dynamics
Economists for calculating lifetime damages
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine Difference

While other firms start from zero, we begin with:

1,423+ Texas Greek organizations already mapped in our database
IRS EINs and legal entities for potentially liable organizations
Chapter-national relationship understanding from public records
Prior incident pattern recognition across Texas campuses

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, this meant immediately identifying:

The Beta Nu housing corporation (EIN: 462267515)
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters’ structure
Additional insurance policies and assets
Prior similar incidents in Pi Kappa Phi’s national history

Our Philosophy: Accountability & Prevention

We approach hazing cases with two goals:

Full accountability for those who harmed your child
Systemic change to prevent future injuries

The Bermudez case exemplifies this—we’re seeking compensation for his catastrophic injuries while also pushing for institutional reforms that might prevent the next kidney failure, the next brain injury, the next death.

Serving Stafford & Texas Families

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

Stafford and Fort Bend County
Greater Houston area
Texas A&M/College Station region
UT Austin/Central Texas
Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
San Antonio and South Texas

Whether your child was hazed at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus, we have the geographical knowledge, legal experience, and investigative resources to help.

Your Next Steps: Consultation & Case Evaluation

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Here’s what happens when you contact us:

Free, Confidential Consultation

What to expect when you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in your own words
Initial evidence review: We’ll discuss what evidence exists and how to preserve it
Legal options explained: We’ll outline potential paths forward
Realistic expectations: We discuss timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes
No pressure to hire: Take time to decide what’s right for your family
Everything is confidential: Protected by attorney-client privilege

What to bring to your consultation:

Any medical records or bills
Screenshots of texts/group chats
Photos of injuries or events
Names of witnesses or involved individuals
University communications
Your questions and concerns

Our Fee Structure: No Recovery, No Fee

We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases:

No upfront costs for our services
No hourly bills piling up
We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
Percentage comes from recovery—you keep the majority
Case expenses advanced by our firm, repaid from recovery

This means:

You can pursue justice regardless of financial situation
Our interests align completely with yours
We’re motivated to maximize your recovery

Spanish Language Services Available

Hablamos Español. Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can conduct consultations, meetings, and case updates in Spanish. Contact him directly at lupe@atty911.com for Spanish-language services.

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com

Email:

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

Service Areas: Houston, Stafford, Fort Bend County, and throughout Texas

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Click2Houston investigation: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 coverage with detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary of $10M lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

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 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