If you’re reading this, your family in Stewart County may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, build a future. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. They were hospitalized, or worse, taken from you forever. We understand the fear, the anger, and the desperation that can drive a parent to search for answers at 2 AM. We’re here to help families in Stewart County fight back against hazing, and we’re doing it right now with an active $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university.

Hazing isn’t a rite of passage; it’s a crime. It’s not about building camaraderie; it’s about systematically breaking down young men and women through physical, psychological, and sometimes sexual abuse. In Stewart County, just like in Houston, parents send their children off to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to thrive. When that trust is shattered by senseless acts of hazing, the institutions and individuals responsible must be held accountable. And we, Attorney911, are here to ensure they are.

The Haunting Echoes of Modern Hazing: Our $10 Million Fight for Leonel Bermudez

The nightmare faced by families in Stewart County is a reality we confront daily in the courts. We are not just talking about hazing; we are actively fighting it. Our firm, Attorney911, is currently engaged in a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 13 individual fraternity members. This isn’t theoretical; this is real, ongoing litigation in Harris County Civil District Court, and it perfectly illustrates the kind of aggressive, data-driven, and relentless representation we bring to every hazing case, including those we pursue for families in Stewart County.

This isn’t just another case to us; it is the embodiment of everything we stand for. It represents a promise to every parent in Stewart County that when hazing strikes, we will be there to fight for justice.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez – A “Ghost Rush” Tortured

Leonel Bermudez was a young man with dreams, hoping to transfer to the University of Houston for the spring 2026 semester. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective fraternity member who wasn’t even formally enrolled at UH yet. Yet, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was a weeks-long ordeal of systematic abuse, psychological torture, and physical hazing that left him hospitalized for three nights and four days. He suffered from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure – his muscles breaking down, his kidneys failing.

His story is a stark warning to every family in Stewart County. This is what hazing looks like, not in some distant past, but right now, at major universities. It could happen to someone you know, sending waves of fear and anger through our community. Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital, observing his urine had turned brown – a terrifying symptom of his body breaking down. He spent days fighting for his life, facing the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. His only “crime” was wanting to be part of a brotherhood.

The Unthinkable Acts: What Happened to Leonel

The hazing Leonel endured was not harmless pranks; it was a catalog of unimaginable cruelty:

• Waterboarding with a Garden Hose: He was subjected to simulated waterboarding, sprayed in the face with a garden hose while forced to do calisthenics. This is torture, plain and simple, a technique the U.S. government condemns as a war crime when used against enemy combatants. It happened to a college student simply seeking acceptance.
• Hog-Tying and Humiliation: In one chilling incident, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour, all while fraternity members prepared for a meeting. This level of degradation reflects a deeply twisted culture of abuse.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel and other pledges were forced to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited. Then, they were compelled to continue running sprints through their own vomit and lie in vomit-soaked grass, a horrific act designed to push them past physical and psychological breaking points.
• Extreme Physical Exertion: Leonel was forced to perform over 100 pushups and 500 squats, along with “high-volume suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls. He was made to recite the fraternity creed during these grueling exercises, under threat of immediate expulsion. It was this brutal regimen that led to his collapse and subsequent kidney failure.
• Paddling and Exposure: He was struck with wooden paddles and forced to strip down to his underwear in cold weather, then sprayed with a garden hose – acts of physical brutality and exposure that further demonstrate the depravity of the hazing.
• Sleep Deprivation and Psychological Torture: Leonel was forced to drive fraternity members in the early morning hours, causing severe exhaustion. The constant threats, the fanny pack filled with sexually explicit objects he had to carry, and the enforced schedules were all designed to create a state of psychological subjugation.

Within weeks of these atrocities being reported, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston was swiftly suspended. The members, facing public and legal scrutiny, voted to surrender their charter, leading to the chapter’s permanent closure. Criminal referrals were initiated, and our firm filed the $10 million lawsuit, targeting not just the individual members, but also the national fraternity, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents.

The Media Stands with Us

The story of Leonel Bermudez and the fight for justice has garnered significant media attention, validating the egregious nature of the hazing and the importance of our aggressive legal action:

• ABC13 Houston: Reported on November 21-22, 2025, detailing “abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge.” Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena were quoted, sharing critical details of Leonel’s ordeal. Read the ABC13 coverage here.
• KHOU 11: On November 21, 2025, KHOU 11 noted the $10 million lawsuit, explicitly naming Leonel Bermudez and alleging hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” The report highlighted critical allegations that Pi Kappa Phi and its housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” Access the KHOU 11 report here.
• Houston Chronicle: The Houston Chronicle’s coverage on November 22, 2025, provided a chilling list of physical hazing activities, including “high-volume suicides,” “bear crawls,” “wheelbarrows,” and “being struck with wooden paddles.” See the Houston Chronicle’s details here.
• Houston Public Media: On November 24, 2025, this outlet confirmed the $10 million figure and further elucidated Leonel’s status as a “ghost rush.” Significantly, they quoted a University of Houston spokesperson calling the events “deeply disturbing” and mentioning “potential criminal charges.” Find the Houston Public Media article here.

The Defendants’ Own Admissions: No Room for Denial

Even the defendants couldn’t escape public admission of wrongdoing. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, on November 21, 2025, issued a statement announcing the closure of its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This closure occurred before our lawsuit was even filed, a clear sign they knew the severity of the situation. Their statement went on to say, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” a chilling lack of remorse that motivates our fight for full accountability. The University of Houston spokesperson’s remarks about “deeply disturbing” events and “clear violation of our community standards” underscore the institutional knowledge of egregious hazing.

These media reports, combined with the defendants’ own statements, illustrate that:

• This wasn’t an isolated incident: The lawsuit alleges a “pattern of similar hazing and policy violations by the fraternity, locally and nationally.”
• Institutions knew: Pi Kappa Phi National had “knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis'” yet failed to enforce rules. The University of Houston has a history of hazing incidents (a student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen from hazing at UH in 2017), revealing a pattern of institutional negligence.
• The University’s Complicity: The hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house,” placing direct responsibility on UH for conditions on its property.

The Bermudez case is the definitive proof that Attorney911 isn’t theoretical. We are actively fighting these battles in the courts, making powerful institutions pay for their negligence. For families in Stewart County, this case is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that justice for hazing victims is not just possible, but being actively pursued by our firm.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Stewart County, hazing might conjure images of silly pranks or embarrassing rituals from movies. However, the reality of modern hazing, as tragically illustrated by Leonel Bermudez’s experience, is far more sinister. This is not harmless fun; it is calculated abuse, humiliation, and often, torture that can lead to severe injury, psychological trauma, and even death.

If you’re a parent in Stewart County whose child has been impacted by hazing, you need to understand the true nature of what’s happening. This isn’t part of college; it’s a dangerous betrayal of trust.

The Dark Reality of Hazing Tactics

Hazing tactics have evolved, becoming increasingly dangerous and sadistic. They often involve a combination of physical, psychological, and sometimes sexual abuse, designed to break down a pledge’s will, assert dominance, and enforce conformity through fear.

1. Physical Abuse and Extreme Exertion:
This category goes far beyond harmless push-ups. It involves:

• Beatings and Assault: As in the Bermudez case, pledges are struck with wooden paddles or other objects, leaving them bruised and injured.
• Forced Calisthenics to Exhaustion: Endless push-ups, squats, “suicide” runs, bear crawls, and wheelbarrow drills push bodies past their limits, leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis, muscle breakdown, and kidney failure.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, perform late-night tasks, or drive fraternity members in the early hours. This significantly impairs physical and mental function, making them more vulnerable to accidents and coercion.
• Exposure to Elements: Forcing pledges outdoors in extreme cold or heat, stripping them to minimal clothing, or spraying them with water in freezing temperatures, risking hypothermia or heat stroke.
• Branding and Scarring: Using hot objects, chemicals, or other means to permanently mark pledges.

2. Forced Consumption:
This tactic is particularly dangerous and often leads to the most severe medical emergencies and deaths:

• Alcohol Poisoning: Pledges are often forced to rapidly consume dangerous quantities of alcohol, leading to blackout, unconsciousness, and organ failure, as seen in numerous hazing deaths like Max Gruver and Andrew Coffey.
• Food Consumption to Vomiting: Forcing individuals to eat large amounts of disgusting or overwhelming food until they vomit, as Leonel Bermudez experienced. This highlights the complete disregard for human dignity and health.
• Ingestion of Non-Food Substances: Making pledges eat or drink non-food items, ranging from pet food to bodily fluids, is a grotesque and dangerous form of abuse.

3. Psychological Torture and Humiliation:
These tactics leave lasting scars that often run deeper than physical injuries:

• Waterboarding/Simulated Drowning: As Leonel Bermudez endured, being sprayed with a hose to simulate drowning is a terrifying experience designed to induce panic and helplessness. It is a recognized form of torture.
• Degradation and Dehumanization: Forcing pledges to wear humiliating attire (like Leonel’s fanny pack with sexual objects) or perform demeaning acts strip them of their self-respect and dignity.
• Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant yelling, insults, intimidation, and threats of physical punishment or expulsion create an environment of fear and anxiety.
• Isolation and Ostracism: Pledges might be isolated from friends, family, or even fellow pledges, enhancing their dependence on the fraternity for social connection and reinforcing compliance.
• Mock Kidnappings or Interrogations: These incidents can be incredibly traumatizing, blurring the lines between reality and simulation, leading to severe psychological distress.

4. Sexual Harassment and Abuse:
While often less visible, sexual hazing is a horrifying reality that is frequently underreported:

• Forced Nudity: Requiring pledges to be naked or perform sexualized acts.
• Sexual Assault: This can range from unwanted touching to forced sexual acts, leaving victims with profound trauma.
• Carrying Sexually Explicit Objects: As in Leonel’s case, forcing pledges to carry items of a sexual nature as a form of public humiliation.

The Immediate and Long-Term Consequences

The impact of hazing is devastating, both physically and mentally:

• Physical Injuries: Brain injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, severe burns, lacerations, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and death are all direct physical consequences.
• Alcohol Poisoning: A leading cause of hazing deaths, leading to brain damage, coma, or death.
• Psychological Trauma: Many victims suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and trust issues that can last a lifetime. Leonel’s fear of retribution, despite his severe injuries, is a testament to this psychological hold.
• Academic Decline: Hazing often leads to sleep deprivation, stress, and missed classes, resulting in falling grades, probation, or dropping out of college.
• Substance Abuse: Victims may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the trauma.
• Loss of Future Opportunities: Physical injuries or psychological scars can impact career aspirations, personal relationships, and overall quality of life.

When your child leaves Stewart County for college, the expectation is that they will discover themselves, not endure torture. We want every parent in Stewart County to understand that what we’re fighting against are not harmless traditions, but truly life-altering acts of abuse that demand full accountability.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Enabler Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s never just the actions of a few individuals. It’s often the result of systemic failures, a culture of silence, and a deliberate turning of a blind eye by multiple parties who possess the power and duty to prevent such atrocities. For families in Stewart County, understanding the full scope of liability is key to holding everyone responsible.

Our approach at Attorney911 is comprehensive. We aggressively pursue every entity that contributed to the harm, ensuring that victims, regardless of whether they are in Stewart County or another community, receive full justice. In the Bermudez case, our $10 million lawsuit targets a multitude of defendants, each with their own distinct layer of culpability.

1. The Individual Perpetrators: The Direct Abusers

These are the people who actively participated in, directed, or oversaw the hazing activities. They are often the most visible perpetrators, but rarely the only ones responsible.

• Chapter Officers: Individuals like the fraternity president and pledgemaster in the Bermudez case are key defendants. They hold positions of power within the chapter and are directly responsible for the activities and welfare of pledges. They actively plan, approve, and execute hazing rituals.
• Active Members: Any fraternity or sorority member who participated in the hazing, even if they weren’t leaders, can be held liable. Their actions, whether physical or psychological, constitute assault and battery under the law.
• Former Members: As seen in the Bermudez case, former members who host hazing events at their residences are explicitly liable. Their premise becomes the scene of the crime, and they are responsible for creating or allowing the dangerous environment. This extends to their spouses who permit such activities on their property.

Why They Are Liable: Their direct actions constitute assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and often, criminal hazing under state laws like the one in Texas. They cannot hide behind the “fraternity” veil; personal accountability is paramount.

2. The Local Chapter: A Corporate Entity

Beyond the individual members, the local chapter itself is a responsible entity.

• Organizational Responsibility: The chapter effectively “employs” or directs its members and is responsible for its collective culture and the events it organizes.
• Failure to Supervise: The chapter, as an entity, fails to supervise its members and prevent illegal activities.

Why They Are Liable: The chapter directly organizes and conducts hazing. Under Texas Education Code § 37.153, organizations can be found liable if they condone or encourage hazing, or if an officer or member commits or assists in hazing. The closure of the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter demonstrates this organizational liability.

3. The National Organization: The “Deep Pockets” Behind the Letters

National fraternities and sororities are powerful, multi-million dollar corporations with vast resources, insurance policies, and legal teams. They are often the primary target in hazing litigation because they have the means to pay substantial damages.

• Failure to Supervise Local Chapters: Nationals have a duty to oversee their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and ensure member safety. Widespread hazing indicates a failure in this supervisory duty.
• Knowledge of Hazing Crisis: As alleged in the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi National had “knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis'” yet allegedly failed to take effective action. In the case of Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017, the national Pi Kappa Phi organization had concrete proof of deadly hazing within its chapters. Their failure to learn from that tragedy and prevent the hospitalization of Leonel Bermudez demonstrates a profound pattern of negligence and deliberate indifference.
• Inadequate Policies and Training: While most nationals have anti-hazing policies on paper, their failure to implement and enforce them effectively makes them culpable.
• Vicarious Liability: Nationals can be held liable for the actions of their chapters and members, especially if their brand encourages loyalty and submission that facilitates hazing.

Why They Are Liable: They control the brand, the rules, and the resources. When they fail to protect students, they are directly liable. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National immediately closed the UH chapter after the incident, before our lawsuit was even filed, is a clear admission of guilt on their part against their own policies and conduct standards.

4. The University: The Ultimate Authority

Universities have an undeniable responsibility for the safety and welfare of their students, especially when they recognize and often provide facilities for Greek organizations.

• Premises Liability: In Leonel’s case, the hazing occurred in a “University-owned fraternity house.” This is a crucial detail, as the University of Houston, as the property owner, has a legal duty to maintain a safe environment and prevent illegal activities on its premises. They collected rent while students were being tortured.
• Failure to Supervise Greek Life: Universities regulate Greek organizations and have a duty to monitor their activities, investigate complaints, and enforce anti-hazing policies. When they fail to do so, and even worse, when they have a documented history of prior hazing incidents (like UH in 2017), their negligence is undeniable.
• Failure to Adhere to Their Own Policies: Most universities have strict anti-hazing policies. Their failure to enforce these policies, or their decision to prioritize Greek life enrollment and donations over student safety, creates direct liability.
• In Loco Parentis (In Place of a Parent): While changing over time, universities still bear a significant responsibility for the well-being of their students, particularly minors, or those in environments fully controlled by the institution.

Why They Are Liable: Universities collect tuition, provide housing, and hold themselves out as safe learning environments. When they turn a blind eye to or enable hazing, they betray that trust. The University of Houston’s spokesperson calling the events “deeply disturbing” and acknowledging “potential criminal charges” reveals their recognition of the severity and implications of their failure.

5. Housing Corporations: The Physical Enablers

Often, separate housing corporations (sometimes tied to the national organization, sometimes local alumni groups) own or manage the fraternity houses where hazing frequently occurs.

• Property Ownership/Management: They are responsible for the safety and conditions of the properties they manage.
• Knowledge of Activities: If hazing is occurring on their property, they either knew or should have known and acted to stop it.

Why They Are Liable: The Beta Nu Housing Corporation in the Bermudez case is a defendant because it facilitated the dangerous environment on its property. We track tax-exempt listings of these corporations, which are tied to the properties where dangerous events occur.

The “Deep Pockets” Principle

For families in Stewart County, this deep dive into who is responsible highlights a critical principle in hazing litigation: the “deep pockets.” While individual perpetratros may have limited assets, the national fraternities, universities, and their associated housing corporations possess substantial insurance policies and financial reserves. Our firm, Attorney911, understands how to navigate these complex corporate structures and insurance policies to ensure maximum compensation for our clients. We work relentlessly to pierce through layers of bureaucracy and legal maneuvering to hold every single entity accountable. This isn’t just about justice; it’s about holding the powerful accountable for the harm they allow to flourish.

What These Cases Win: Millions for Victims and Families in Stewart County

When a child in Stewart County is severely injured or dies due to hazing, the financial and emotional toll is immense. While no amount of money can truly compensate for such a devastating loss, civil litigation offers a crucial avenue for justice, accountability, and the financial resources necessary for a victim’s recovery or a family’s future. Our track record, and the precedents set by other landmark hazing cases across the nation, demonstrate that these cases can – and do – result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.

For families in Stewart County, these awards send a powerful message: hazing will not be tolerated, and those responsible will pay dearly.

Landmark Cases: A Blueprint for Justice

We leverage the success of past hazing litigations to set the stage for our clients, including families in Stewart County. These cases prove that aggressive legal action can force powerful institutions to pay for their negligence:

1. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021) – Over $10.1 Million:

   • What Happened: Stone Foltz, a pledge at BGSU, was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.
   • The Outcome: The university paid $2.9 million, and the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity (along with individuals) paid over $7.2 million. Most recently, in December 2024, a judgment of $6.5 million was awarded against a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, personally.
   • Message for Stewart County: This case directly validates our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case. It demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are found liable and that individual culpability carries a massive price. The combination of university and fraternity settlements, plus a personal judgment against a chapter officer, shows comprehensive accountability.

2. Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017) – $6.1 Million Verdict:

   • What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” hazing event.
   • The Outcome: A jury awarded the Gruver family $6.1 million. This case also led to the “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
   • Message for Stewart County: This jury verdict underscores that ordinary citizens, when presented with the horrific facts of hazing, will deliver substantial financial judgments against responsible parties. It shows that courts, and society, will not tolerate such abuse.

3. Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017) – Over $110 Million (Estimated):

   • What Happened: Timothy Piazza, a pledge, was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a “gauntlet” ritual. He fell down stairs repeatedly, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911, and he died. Security cameras captured the entire horror.
   • The Outcome: The family reached confidential settlements estimated at over $110 million with various parties. The case led to multiple criminal convictions and the far-reaching “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” in Pennsylvania.
   • Message for Stewart County: This case, with its astronomical settlement, proves that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious (as in Leonel Bermudez’s waterboarding and brutal physical hazing), the financial repercussions for negligent institutions can be staggering. It motivates us to gather every piece of evidence to build an unassailable case.

4. Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017) – Confidential Settlement:

   • What Happened: Andrew Coffey died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
   • The Outcome: Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges, and FSU permanently closed the chapter. The family reached a confidential civil settlement.
   • Message for Stewart County: This case is particularly damning for the national Pi Kappa Phi organization, the same one sued in the Bermudez case. It establishes a pattern: Pi Kappa Phi knew deadly hazing was occurring within its chapters in 2017. Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This blatant failure to learn and act strengthens our demand for substantial punitive damages against this national organization.

Damages that Stewart County Families Can Recover

When we pursue a hazing case for a family in Stewart County, we fight for comprehensive damages designed to cover every aspect of the victim’s suffering and loss. Texas law allows for significant compensation, and we leave no stone unturned in documenting these costs.

1. Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

   • Medical Expenses: This includes past and future costs for hospital stays (like Leonel’s four days in the hospital), emergency room visits, specialist consultations, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term care for permanent injuries.
   • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost due to injury and recovery, as well as the potential future income a victim may lose if their injuries (physical or psychological) impact their ability to work long-term.
   • Educational Damages: Costs for tuition, fees, and other academic investments lost due to withdrawal from school or failure to maintain grades, as well as the impact on future educational and career opportunities.
   • Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Travel for medical appointments, special equipment, and other costs incurred due to the hazing.

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):

   • Physical Pain and Suffering: The actual physical agony endured during and after the hazing, during medical treatment, and from ongoing chronic conditions.
   • Mental Anguish and Emotional Distress: This is crucial in hazing cases. It covers the profound psychological impact—PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, humiliation, terror (from waterboarding), and the emotional scars that can last a lifetime.
   • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, and social interactions that the victim enjoyed before the hazing.
   • Disfigurement: If hazing leaves permanent scars from branding, burns, or injuries.

3. Punitive Damages (Punishment and Deterrence):

   • These damages are awarded to punish the wrongdoers for their egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. Hazing, with its intentional cruelty and conscious disregard for safety, is a prime candidate for punitive damages under Texas law.
   • In the Bermudez case, the waterboarding, the forced physical exertion leading to kidney failure, and the wooden paddles are all acts that demonstrate the kind of gross negligence and malice that warrant significant punitive damages.
   • Texas law caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000 per defendant. With multiple defendants in a hazing case, this can add up quickly.

We tell families in every community, including Stewart County, that these cases are about more than just money; they are about demanding accountability from every single individual and institution comfortable with the culture of hazing. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is not a random number; it’s a carefully considered demand grounded in the severe harm he suffered and backed by a history of multi-million dollar judgments and settlements that send an unmistakable message: hazing will cost you dearly.

Texas Law Protects You: Dispelling the Myth of “Consent”

For families in Stewart County whose children have endured hazing, one of the most insidious myths perpetuated by fraternities and universities is the idea that the victim “consented” to the activities. This often-repeated excuse attempts to shift blame, silence victims, and shield perpetrators from accountability. However, under Texas law, this defense holds no water. Period.

We want every parent in Stewart County to understand that the law is on their side, clearly and unambiguously.

The Texas Anti-Hazing Law: A Shield for Students

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing laws in the nation, codified in the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 through 37.157. These statutes define hazing broadly, criminalize it, assign penalties, and—critically—strip away the “consent” defense.

1. What Constitutes Hazing Under Texas Law (§ 37.151):
The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining an organization, if the act:

• Involves Physical Brutality: Such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing harmful substances on the body. (Leonel’s paddling, extreme exercise, and hose-spraying fall squarely here).
• Involves Sleep Deprivation, Exposure, or Calisthenics with Unreasonable Risk: This includes confinement, exposure to elements, or physical exercises that subject a student to unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect their mental or physical health. (Leonel’s extreme workouts leading to kidney failure, his sleep deprivation, and being stripped in cold weather are direct examples).
• Involves Forced Consumption of Harmful Substances: This includes food, liquid, alcohol, or drugs. (Leonel’s forced eating until vomiting falls under this).
• Involves Criminal Acts: Any activity that forces a student to violate the Penal Code.
• Involves Coercion to Consume Drugs or Excessive Alcohol: (While Leonel’s case didn’t primarily involve alcohol, many do).

Significance for Stewart County: The horrific acts perpetrated against Leonel Bermudez, including simulated waterboarding, extreme calisthenics, forced eating to the point of vomiting, paddling, and exposure, unequivocally meet multiple definitions of hazing under Texas law. This provides a strong legal foundation for civil claims and criminal referrals.

2. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154):
This is arguably the most crucial provision for victims and their families in Stewart County. Texas law explicitly states:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

What this means for Stewart County families:

• No Blame-Shifting: Fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators cannot legally claim that your child “asked for it” or “willingly participated.”
• Coercion Invalidates Consent: Even if a student physically participates, the intense peer pressure, fear of social rejection, fear of retaliation, and desire to belong inherent in hazing environments negate any true “consent.”
• Crimes Cannot Be Consented To: Hazing often involves acts—like assault, battery, and reckless endangerment—that are crimes. You cannot legally consent to be a victim of a crime.
• Legislative Intent: The Texas legislature specifically included this provision to protect students and prevent perpetrators from escaping justice using this weak argument.

3. Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152):
Texas law isn’t just about fines; it carries significant criminal consequences:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, or even having firsthand knowledge and failing to report it.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes serious bodily injury (which Leonel’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure certainly qualify as), perpetrators can face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death, it’s a felony, carrying 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.

Significance for Stewart County: The University of Houston spokesperson’s mention of “potential criminal charges” in the Bermudez case directly aligns with these statutes. Civil litigation can proceed in parallel with criminal investigations, and a finding of criminal culpability significantly strengthens a civil claim for damages.

4. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law also ensures that organizations, not just individuals, are held accountable:

• An organization commits an offense if it condones or encourages hazing.
• An organization is liable if an officer, member, pledge, or alumnus commits hazing.
• Penalties include fines up to $10,000, denial of permission to operate on campus, and forfeiture of property.

Significance for Stewart County: This provision is why we can sue the local chapter, and why organizations like Pi Kappa Phi National and the University of Houston are held responsible for creating or allowing a culture where hazing thrives. It’s not just “bad apples”; it’s systemic failure.

Federal Civil Rights and Negligence Claims

Beyond Texas state law, hazing victims in Stewart County may also have claims under federal civil rights statutes, particularly if the hazing involves gender or racial discrimination or occurs in an environment where the university receives federal funding. Furthermore, general negligence principles apply across all states, holding any party accountable for injuries caused by their failure to exercise reasonable care.

Our dual-state bar admissions (Texas and New York) and federal court authority mean that we are not confined by state lines. We can pursue justice for Stewart County families through any relevant legal framework, whether state or federal, ensuring that every possible avenue for accountability is explored.

For parents in Stewart County, the message is clear: the law is your ally. Your child cannot legally consent to being tortured, dehumanized, or severely injured. This fundamental legal protection is why you don’t have to face this nightmare alone. We are here to fight for these rights on your behalf.

Why Attorney911: Your Unseen Advantage in the Fight Against Hazing

When your child in Stewart County becomes a victim of hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a force. The institutions you’re up against—powerful national fraternities, large universities, and their formidable legal and insurance teams—are designed to minimize their liability and make your case disappear. At Attorney911, we don’t just understand this landscape; we’ve been on the other side of it, and we use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

We are not just litigators; we are strategists, investigators, and relentless advocates. For families in Stewart County, our firm offers an unparalleled combination of expertise, aggression, and compassion that makes us the definitive choice for hazing litigation.

Our Proven Edge: Insiders Who Know the Opponent’s Playbook

1. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent years defending insurance companies and large corporations. This is not a common pedigree for plaintiff attorneys, and it is a massive advantage for our clients in Stewart County.
* Ralph Manginello: With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph knows intimately how defense firms and insurance adjusters think, evaluate claims, and strategize to deny or minimize payouts. He’s seen their internal playbooks.
* Lupe Peña: Lupe worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm, handling diverse cases for insurance carriers and corporate defendants. He learned firsthand their valuation methods, delay tactics, and how they fight to protect their bottom line.
* Your Benefit for Stewart County: This “insurance counter-intelligence system” means we anticipate their moves, deflect their lowball offers, and build cases explicitly designed to expose their weaknesses and maximize your recovery. We dismantle their defenses because we helped build similar ones.

2. Battle-Tested Trial Experience Against Corporate Goliaths: Our attorneys have a proven track record of taking on massive defendants and winning.
* BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Ralph Manginello was deeply involved in this multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following a catastrophic refinery explosion. This experience demonstrates our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes cases against multi-national corporations—a direct parallel to facing national fraternities and universities.
* Federal Court Admissions: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Ralph also has experience in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This federal authority is crucial for hazing cases, as national fraternities are often headquartered in different states, and federal civil rights claims may apply. This means we can represent Stewart County families in the federal system, adding another layer of legal power.
* Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides a strategic advantage for national hazing litigation, as many national fraternity headquarters are in states outside of Texas, allowing us to pursue cases with broader jurisdiction and tactical flexibility. We serve Stewart County victims nationwide.

Expertise in Hazing-Specific Injuries and Law

1. Current, Active Hazing Litigation: We aren’t just reading about hazing; we’re in the trenches right now. The $10 million Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston lawsuit is concrete proof of our aggressive, front-line approach to fighting hazing. For Stewart County families, this means we bring real-time experience and evolving strategies to your case.
* Rhabdomyolysis Expertise: Ralph Manginello has specific expertise in rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making our firm uniquely qualified to handle medical evidence like Leonel Bermudez’s kidney failure and prepare comprehensive damage calculations for such severe injuries.
* Wrongful Death Experience: Our firm has extensive experience in wrongful death claims, providing compassionate yet aggressive representation for the most tragic hazing outcomes.

2. Deep Understanding of Hazing Dynamics:
* Journalism Background: Ralph Manginello holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. This background trains him to investigate, uncover hidden facts, and construct compelling narratives—skills invaluable in exposing the truth behind hazing and presenting it persuasively to a jury. Hazing thrives on secrecy; we excel at revelation.
* Youth Mentorship and Sports: Ralph’s involvement as a basketball player for a championship team in high school and later as a youth sports coach gives him an insider’s understanding of team dynamics, peer pressure, and the environments where hazing can insidiously take root. He understands the cultural nuances that allow hazing to persist.

Compassionate Advocacy with Unwavering Support for Stewart County Families

1. Contingency Fees: No Upfront Cost, Shared Risk: We understand that families in Stewart County facing a hazing crisis are already under immense emotional and financial strain. Therefore, we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
* You pay $0 upfront.
* We only get paid if we win your case. Our fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure.
* This aligns our goals: your success is our success. You won’t hesitate to pursue justice due to financial concerns. Learn more about contingency fees here.

2. Client-Centric Communication: Our testimonials consistently praise our responsiveness and clear communication.
* “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett.
* We treat our clients like family, ensuring you are informed and supported every step of the way, no matter where you are in Stewart County. Watch our video on client communication here.

3. Nationwide Reach with a Local Touch for Stewart County: While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve hazing victims in Stewart County and across the nation.
* Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will travel to Stewart County for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary.
* Remote Consultations: We offer video consultations for Stewart County families, making it easy to connect with us from your home.
* Se Habla Español: Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Stewart County receive comprehensive legal services without language barriers. Lupe Pena, a third-generation Texan fluent in Spanish, is particularly dedicated to serving the diverse communities in our state.

4. Reputation and Social Proof: With a Google My Business rating of 4.9 stars from over 250 reviews, our reputation for aggressive, effective, and compassionate legal representation speaks for itself. We are truly Legal Emergency Lawyers™ here to provide immediate, decisive help to a world that feels like it’s falling apart.

For any parent in Stewart County staring down the terrifying reality of hazing, Attorney911 offers not just legal representation, but a full-scale legal emergency response. We bring decades of experience, insider knowledge, and unwavering dedication to every case, fighting for maximum accountability and compensation. We’re here to be your ultimate advantage in this critical fight.

What to Do Right Now: Your Urgent Steps Towards Justice in Stewart County

If your child in Stewart County has been a victim of hazing, whether it happened recently or some time ago, immediate and strategic action is critical. The window for justice can close quickly, and every piece of evidence matters. We understand you may be overwhelmed, scared, or angry, but waiting only benefits those who harmed your child. We are here to guide families in Stewart County through every crucial step.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount.

• Seek Immediate Medical Care: If your child has sustained physical injuries, get them to an emergency room or doctor immediately. Even if injuries seem minor or hidden (like rhabdomyolysis, which has delayed symptoms), a full medical evaluation is crucial. Adrenaline can mask pain, so never assume they are “fine.” This creates an official record of the injuries. For psychological trauma, seek counseling or therapy from a qualified professional.
• Insist on Documentation: Ensure all medical personnel document the injuries thoroughly, noting any statements made about how the injuries occurred (e.g., “sustained during fraternity hazing”). Request copies of all medical records, imaging results, and bills.
• Remove from Harm: If your child is still in an environment where hazing is occurring or they fear retaliation, remove them immediately. Their safety is non-negotiable.

Step 2: Preserve ALL Evidence – “Document Everything!”

Hazing often leaves a trail, but it can disappear quickly. Your phone is your most powerful tool. As Ralph Manginello always says, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.” Watch our video on documenting evidence with your phone here.

• Photographs and Videos:
  • Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos and videos of all injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) as soon as they are discovered. Continue to photograph their healing progression over days and weeks.
  • Hazing Locations: If safe, discreetly photograph or video relevant locations (fraternity house, off-campus residences, fields, common areas).
  • Physical Evidence: Capture images of any items used in hazing (paddles, specific clothing, degrading objects, empty alcohol bottles).
• Digital Communications: THIS IS CRITICAL!
  • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, Facebook message, email, or any other digital communication relevant to the hazing. Screenshot group chats, individual messages, and posts. These often contain explicit instructions, threats, or admissions of hazing.
  • Preserve photos and videos shared in group chats.
• Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact details for anyone who witnessed the hazing, other pledges, or people who have knowledge of prior hazing incidents. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Documents: Keep copies of any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or fraternity/sorority documents provided to your child. Save any emails or letters from the university or national organization.
• Financial Records: Maintain records of all medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and receipts for any expenses incurred due to the hazing.

Step 3: Do NOT Communicate with the Perpetrators or Institutions

This is a critical mistake many families make that can severely damage their case.

• DO NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Members or Leadership: Any discussion can be twisted and used against your child. They may attempt to coerce, intimidate, or pressure your child into silence.
• DO NOT Talk to University Administration Alone: Universities have their own legal teams and priorities, which often involve protecting the institution’s reputation, not your child. Avoid giving statements or signing documents without legal counsel. The University of Houston’s stated “internal investigation” might seem supportive, but it’s ultimately for their own liability assessment.
• DO NOT Talk to Insurance Companies: National fraternities and universities have liability insurance. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement given without an attorney present can be used to deny or reduce your claim.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Any posts, photos, or comments about the incident, your child’s well-being, or even general complaints can be discovered and used by the defense to argue your child isn’t as injured as claimed, or to discredit their version of events. As our Attorney911 video advises, “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident.”

Step 4: Contact Attorney911 – Immediately

Time is always of the essence in a legal emergency. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and build a strong case.

• Call Us 24/7: Our legal emergency hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911, is available around the clock. Your initial consultation is absolutely free, with no obligation. We will listen to your story with empathy and provide an immediate assessment of your legal options.
• Understand Your Rights and Deadlines: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is typically two years from the date of injury or death. This may seem like a long time, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and perpetrators graduate and move on. Delaying can mean losing your right to justice forever. Watch our video on the Statute of Limitations here.
• We Come to You / Remote Consultations: For families in Stewart County, distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations for convenience, and our attorneys are prepared to travel to Stewart County for depositions, meetings, and trials when necessary.
• Zero Upfront Cost: Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. This eliminates any financial barrier to aggressive legal representation.

For parents nationwide, including those in Stewart County, choosing the right legal partner is the most critical decision you can make after a hazing incident. We are here not just as legal advocates, but as a lifeline, ready to turn your family’s pain into powerful action against those who allowed this to happen. Let’s work together to secure justice for your child and ensure no other student in Stewart County faces such a horrific ordeal.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline in Stewart County

If your child in Stewart County has suffered from hazing, you are in a legal emergency. A legal emergency demands immediate, aggressive, and professional help. It demands the expertise of attorneys who understand the hidden tactics of powerful institutions and know how to fight back. It demands Attorney911.

We understand that reaching out for legal help during such a traumatic time can be daunting. You might feel overwhelmed, unsure where to turn, or worried about the cost. Let us assure you: we are here to make this process as clear, straightforward, and supportive as possible.

Your Direct Line to Justice: 1-888-ATTY-911

This is not a general inquiry line; this is your legal emergency hotline. When you call, you’ll connect with a team ready to listen, understand, and act.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

• 24/7 Availability: Our hotline is staffed around the clock specifically for legal emergencies like hazing. Day or night, we are here for you.
• Free, Confidential Consultation: Your first conversation with us is always free. It’s an opportunity for you to tell us your story, understand your legal options, and get clear answers without any financial obligation. Everything you share is completely confidential.
• Immediate Action: We know that time is critical in hazing cases. The moment you contact us, we can begin taking steps to preserve vital evidence, identify liable parties, and protect your child’s rights.

Beyond the Phone: Other Ways to Connect

• Email Us Directly: For less urgent inquiries, or if you prefer to write down the details of your situation, you can email us at ralph@atty911.com. Ralph Manginello is personally involved in our hazing litigation and is dedicated to responding promptly.
• Visit Our Website: Learn more about our firm, our approach, and our commitment to hazing victims by visiting attorney911.com. Here you can find additional resources and information.
• Video Consultations for Stewart County Families: We understand that visiting our Houston, Austin, or Beaumont offices might not be immediately feasible for Stewart County families. We regularly conduct secure, confidential video consultations, allowing you to meet with our attorneys face-to-face from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Stewart County Hazing Case?

• We Are Actively Fighting This Battle NOW: Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston isn’t just theory; it’s proof of our current, aggressive fight against hazing. We bring this same level of dedication and expertise to every case, including yours in Stewart County.
• No Upfront Fees, No Risk to You: Our contingency fee model means you pay absolutely nothing out-of-pocket. We cover all litigation costs, and we only get paid if we secure compensation for your family.
• Insider Knowledge of the Defense: With both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena having worked for insurance defense firms, we know exactly how fraternities, universities, and their insurers will try to deny or minimize your claim. We use this insider perspective to build an impenetrable case for you.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Commitment: While based in Texas, our federal court authority and dual-state bar admissions allow us to represent hazing victims across the country, including those in Stewart County. We are prepared to travel to meet your needs and ensure justice is served. Your location in Stewart County will not be a barrier to our aggressive representation.
• Se Habla Español: Our bilingual team ensures that Spanish-speaking families in Stewart County can fully understand their rights and legal options, eliminating language as a barrier to justice.

Stewart County Families: Don’t Wait. Act Now.

The window for justice after a hazing incident can vanish quickly. Evidence can be lost, memories can fade, and legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) can expire. The powerful institutions responsible for hazing count on victims and their families being too afraid, too overwhelmed, or too late to act.

Don’t let them win.

Your call to 1-888-ATTY-911 is the first step towards not just justice and compensation for your child, but also towards preventing other students in Stewart County and beyond from enduring the same horrific abuse. Let us be your legal emergency responders. Let us fight for you.

Attorney911: Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We protect hazing victims. We hold institutions accountable. We fight for you.