The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Fraternity Accountability for Terrell County, Texas Families

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

We understand the fear that grips a Terrell County parent when the call comes in—the vague mentions of “pledge activities,” the unexplained injuries, the sudden withdrawal from everything they used to enjoy. Out here, where our communities are built on trust and looking out for one another, the idea that our children could face systematic abuse at the very institutions we entrusted with their safety feels like a profound betrayal.

Right now, just a few hours east of Terrell County in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. We represent Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in a $10 million lawsuit. The details are harrowing: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; extreme workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats; and the humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rule. The result? Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he required four days of hospitalization, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This comprehensive guide exists for you—the families of Terrell County—whether your student attends Sul Ross State University just up the road in Alpine, has ventured to Texas Tech in Lubbock, or is at any of Texas’s major universities. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, your legal rights under Texas law, the sobering national patterns that make these incidents predictable, and most importantly, what you can do right now to protect your child and hold institutions accountable.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies in West Texas

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, or athletic team 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 in Terrell County cases—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For Terrell County families who may be unfamiliar with modern campus dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of simple pranks or isolated incidents. Today’s hazing is systematic, digitally coordinated, and designed to evade detection while creating maximum physical and psychological control over new members.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
What many dismiss as “harmless tradition” actually sets the stage for escalation. This includes enforced servitude like 24/7 driving duties for older members, mandatory “study blocks” that interfere with academics, social isolation from non-members, and geographic tracking via apps like Find My Friends. The psychological message is clear: your autonomy belongs to the organization.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Test)
This is where physical and psychological discomfort becomes systematic. Think sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls, forced consumption of unpalatable foods, “smokings” with extreme calisthenics, public humiliation in degrading costumes, and verbal abuse framed as “character building.” In the Bermudez case at UH, this included the humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirement and overnight chauffeuring duties.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)
These activities have high potential for serious injury or death. They include forced alcohol consumption games, physical beatings, dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles, sexualized hazing including forced nudity, and exposure to extreme environments. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case included being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced overeating until vomiting, and workouts so extreme they caused kidney failure.

Digital Hazing: The New Frontier

What particularly concerns us for Terrell County students, who may be experiencing hazing far from home, is the rise of digital coercion:

24/7 Group Chat Monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
Social Media Humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, public shaming
Location Tracking: Mandatory sharing of real-time location via Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends
Evidence Destruction: Instructions to use disappearing messages and delete evidence

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
Corps of Cadets & ROTC Programs (military-style groups with tradition-heavy cultures)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit & Tradition Groups (like the Texas Cowboys at UT)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic & Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization, but the power imbalance between new and existing members, and the use of coercion to prove loyalty.

Texas Hazing Law: What Terrell County Families Need to Know

Understanding the legal framework is crucial for Terrell County families, as Texas has specific statutes that govern hazing both on and off campus.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Provisions for Terrell County Families:

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense:
This is crucial for families who hear “but they agreed to it.” Texas law explicitly states that the victim’s consent does not excuse hazing. Courts recognize that true consent cannot exist under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion.

§ 37.154 Good-Faith Reporter Immunity:
Individuals who report hazing in good faith receive immunity from civil or criminal liability that might result from the report. This protection is essential for encouraging bystanders to come forward.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (DA’s office)
Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Typical claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

These cases can proceed simultaneously. Importantly, you do not need a criminal conviction to pursue a civil case. Many hazing cases are civil-only, as prosecutors may decline to file criminal charges for various reasons.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently and strengthen prevention programs. Full implementation phases in through 2026.

Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Terrell County Families

The tragedies at other universities aren’t distant news—they establish patterns that help prove negligence in Texas cases. Here’s what national cases teach us:

Alcohol Poisoning & Death 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)
Lesson: Formulaic drinking nights are predictable and preventable

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC
$6.1 million verdict against individual members
Lesson: Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Lesson: Delayed medical care dramatically increases liability

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

“Glass ceiling” ritual: blindfolded, weighted down, repeatedly tackled
Fatal head injuries; help delayed
National fraternity criminally convicted
Lesson: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability

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

“Pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage
Settlements with 22 defendants
Lesson: Non-fatal injuries can still be catastrophic

Texas-Specific Incidents with National Parallels

The patterns repeating in Texas mirror those nationwide:

Forced drinking games during bid nights
Extreme physical “workouts” causing injury
Humiliation rituals disguised as tradition
Systematic cover-ups and evidence destruction

For Terrell County families, these patterns matter because they establish foreseeability—the legal concept that organizations should have anticipated and prevented harm based on prior known incidents.

Where Terrell County Families Send Their Children: Campus-Specific Realities

Understanding the specific landscape at Texas universities helps Terrell County parents recognize risks and responses.

The Local Connection: Sul Ross State University

For many Terrell County families, Alpine’s Sul Ross State University represents the closest major campus. While smaller than flagship schools, it still maintains Greek life and campus organizations where hazing can occur.

What Terrell County Parents Should Know About Sul Ross:

Greek organizations exist alongside strong rodeo and agricultural programs
Small campus dynamics can increase social pressure and decrease reporting
Geographic isolation means medical response times matter
Local law enforcement (Brewster County Sheriff) may have jurisdiction for off-campus incidents

Major Texas Universities Terrell County Students Attend

While Sul Ross serves local needs, many Terrell County families send students to larger institutions across Texas. Our firm maintains investigative data on all these campuses.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock)

Why Terrell County Students Attend: Strong engineering, agricultural, and pre-professional programs within reasonable distance.

Greek Life Reality: Over 40 fraternities and sororities with established housing near campus. Recent years have seen hazing investigations involving forced drinking and physical endurance tests.

Notable Case Patterns: Texas Tech chapters of national fraternities with hazing histories have faced suspensions and lawsuits. The university maintains conduct records that often reveal prior warnings.

Terrell County-Specific Considerations: For families traveling from Terrell County to Lubbock (approximately 4 hours), evidence preservation before arrival is crucial. Local counsel familiar with West Texas legal venues can be advantageous.

University of Texas at Austin

Why Terrell County Students Attend: Flagship academic programs, despite the distance.

Transparency Advantage: UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—one of the most transparent in Texas.

Recent Sanctions Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Various Spirit Groups: Sanctions for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing

Investigation Insight: Our review of UT’s public records shows repeat violations by some organizations, establishing pattern evidence valuable in civil cases.

Texas A&M University

Why Terrell County Students Attend: Agricultural sciences, engineering, and Corps of Cadets opportunities.

Dual Risk Environment: Both Greek life and Corps of Cadets have documented hazing issues.

Recent Litigation:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit: Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position

Terrell County Perspective: The Corps culture, while different from Greek life, presents similar power dynamics and tradition-based coercion risks.

University of Houston

Our Active Litigation Site: The Leonel Bermudez case demonstrates severe hazing can occur at commuter-focused urban campuses.

Specific Conduct from Bermudez Case:

“Pledge fanny pack” with degrading contents required 24/7
Forced consumption leading to vomiting followed by immediate sprints
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
Result: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi chapter suspended then voted to surrender charter. UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” but faces claims it knew or should have known about systemic hazing.

Other Universities with Terrell County Connections

University of Texas at El Paso: Many West Texas families choose UTEP for proximity and specific programs. Greek life exists alongside commuter culture.

Texas State University: Growing destination with active Greek system and documented hazing incidents.

Angelo State University: Regional option with Greek life and athletic programs where hazing risks exist.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping Organizational Liability

For Terrell County families, understanding who can be held accountable requires seeing beyond individual members to the organizations behind them. Our firm maintains a proprietary database tracking Greek organizations across Texas—here’s what this means for your case.

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

If your child was hazed, you deserve to know who really stands behind the organizations connected to them. Below are examples from our Texas-wide database of Greek organizations recorded in public filings. These entities often hold insurance coverage and legal responsibility.

West Texas & Regional Organizations:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi | EIN: 383742830 | El Paso, TX 79968 | Academic honor society at University of Texas at El Paso
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority | EIN: 364091267 | Waco, TX 76710 | Greek-letter sorority with Texas chapters
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc | EIN: 273662583 | Lufkin, TX 75904 | Fraternity chapter organization
Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter | EIN: 300517788 | Nacogdoches, TX 75965 | Chapter housing corporation
Frank Heflin Foundation | EIN: 203507402 | Canyon, TX 79015 | Phi Delta Theta alumni fund affiliated with West Texas A&M

Major University Hub Organizations (Where Terrell County Students Often Attend):

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc | EIN: 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147 | Kappa Sigma housing foundation
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc | EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035 | Housing corporation for the fraternity involved in UH case
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi | EIN: 900293166 | College Station, TX 77843 | Texas A&M University chapter
Chi Omega Fraternity | EIN: 740555581 | Austin, TX 78705 | Chi Omega house corporation at UT Austin
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity | EIN: 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627 | Epsilon Kappa chapter alumni organization

Metro-Level Organizational Density (From Our Cause IQ Data):

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro: 510+ Greek-related organizations
Houston Metro: 188+ Greek-related organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ Greek-related organizations
Lubbock Metro: 59+ Greek-related organizations (relevant for Texas Tech families)
Statewide: 1,423 fraternities and sororities across 25 Texas metros

Why This Directory Matters for Terrell County Cases

When hazing occurs, liability often extends beyond individual students to:

Local Chapter Corporations (like those listed above)
National Headquarters with deep-pocket insurance
Alumni Housing Corporations that own properties
University-Affiliated Entities

Our database helps identify every potentially liable entity immediately, rather than discovering them months into litigation. This comprehensive approach maximizes insurance coverage and accountability.

National Organizations with Texas Chapters and Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), David Bogenberger death (NIU)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, others
Pattern: Big/Little drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury case at Alabama
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT, Texas A&M (chemical burns case), others
Pattern: Physical abuse disguised as “conditioning”

Phi Delta Theta:

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU)
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas chapters
Pattern: Drinking games with academic themes

Pi Kappa Phi:

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
Texas Presence: University of Houston chapter (our Bermudez case)
Pattern: Physical endurance tests leading to medical crisis

Kappa Alpha Order:

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions
Texas Presence: SMU chapter suspended for paddling and forced drinking
Pattern: Tradition-based physical hazing

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

When hazing occurs, building a strong case requires immediate, strategic action. Here’s what we do for Terrell County families from day one.

Critical Evidence Collection Timeline

First 24 Hours:

Medical documentation of injuries (ER records often crucial)
Screenshots of ALL group chats before deletion
Photographs of injuries, locations, and objects
Written statements from victim while memory fresh
Preservation of physical evidence (clothing, paddles, bottles)

Days 2-7:

Contact and initial interviews with other pledges/witnesses
Preservation of social media content before it disappears
Formal medical follow-up documenting ongoing issues
Public records requests for prior organization violations
Strategic decision on reporting to authorities

Week 2 and Beyond:

Digital forensics for deleted messages
Subpoenas for organization records
Expert consultations (medical, psychological, economic)
Comprehensive damages assessment

The Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord conversations showing planning and coercion
Social media posts and stories documenting events
Location data and timestamp evidence
Deleted message recovery through digital forensics

Medical Documentation:

ER records showing cause of injury
Lab results (blood alcohol, CPK levels for rhabdo)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, anxiety, depression
Long-term prognosis from specialists

Organizational Records:

Prior incident reports from same chapter
National organization risk management files
University disciplinary records
Insurance policies and coverage details

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges experiencing similar treatment
Former members willing to break silence
Roommates, friends, RAs who observed changes
Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages: What Terrell County Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost income and diminished earning capacity
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to relationships and social standing

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

Available for reckless, willful, or malicious conduct
Designed to punish and deter future hazing
Often tied to prior knowledge and cover-up attempts

Insurance Coverage Battles: Why Experience Matters

Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically have insurance policies that may cover hazing claims, but insurers frequently argue:

Intentional Acts Exclusion: Claiming hazing is intentional and therefore excluded
Criminal Acts Exclusion: Arguing criminal behavior isn’t covered
Notice Defenses: Claiming late reporting voids coverage

Our insurance insider advantage comes from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney. He knows how these companies fight claims and how to overcome their defenses by arguing:

Negligent Supervision Claims: Even if hazing was intentional, failure to supervise was negligent
Bad Faith Arguments: Insurers who wrongfully deny coverage face additional liability
Multiple Policy Strategies: Identifying all potential coverage sources across individuals, chapters, nationals, and universities

Practical Guides for Terrell County Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Terrell County Student May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t typically drink)

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and non-organization friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone checking for group chat messages

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during instruction
Talk of “mandatory” events conflicting with academics

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: If immediate danger, call 911
Document Everything: Write down dates, times, details while fresh
Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot messages before deletion
Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, documentation matters
Consult an Attorney Early: Before talking to university or insurance representatives

Terrell County-Specific Considerations:

Geographic distance from campus may delay your ability to assess the situation
Local medical providers in Alpine or surrounding areas can document injuries
West Texas legal venues may differ from campus locations
Our firm can coordinate investigation across multiple jurisdictions

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate Danger: Call 911, then campus police
Planning to Quit: Tell someone outside the organization first, then send written resignation
Avoid “One Last Meeting”: These often involve pressure or retaliation
Document Retaliation: Save all threats or harassment evidence

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith (immunity protections)
Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
You can request no-contact orders through the university
Civil claims can proceed even without criminal charges

For Witnesses & Former Members

If you participated in or witnessed hazing and now regret it:

You’re Not Alone: Many former members come forward to prevent future harm
Legal Protection: Consult an attorney about your potential exposure
Cooperation Value: Your testimony could save lives and bring accountability
Ethical Path Forward: Breaking the silence is the first step toward healing

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Terrell County Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting evidence be deleted
What happens: Your child deletes “embarrassing” group chats
The consequence: Looks like a cover-up; makes case nearly impossible to prove
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately—even embarrassing content is crucial evidence

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the organization directly
What happens: Parents drive to campus to “give them a piece of my mind”
The consequence: Organization immediately lawyers up, destroys evidence, coaches witnesses
Better approach: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” forms
What happens: University pressures you to sign internal resolution agreements
The consequence: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often minimal
Better approach: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media
What happens: Emotional posts about the incident on Facebook
The consequence: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for the university investigation
What happens: University says “we’re handling it internally”
The consequence: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
Better approach: Preserve evidence NOW; university process ≠ real accountability

MISTAKE #6: Talking to insurance adjusters alone
What happens: Adjuster calls saying “we just need your statement”
The consequence: Recorded statement used against you; early lowball settlement
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE #7: Letting your child return for “closure”
What happens: Organization promises “one last meeting to talk things out”
The consequence: Pressure, intimidation, or extracted damaging statements
Better approach: Once legal action is considered, all communication goes through counsel

About Attorney911: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Our Firm

When your Terrell County family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. Here’s why Texas families choose us:

Our Active Hazing Litigation: The Bermudez Case

Right now, we’re leading one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical—it’s active, ongoing litigation that demonstrates our current capability against major universities and national fraternities.

What we’re proving in that case:

National fraternities can be held accountable for chapter conduct
Universities have duties to protect students from foreseeable harm
Severe physical and psychological injuries warrant substantial accountability
Insurance coverage battles can be won with the right strategy

Competitive Advantages for Terrell County Families

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña):

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

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (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
Translation for families: We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs for brain injury and permanent disability cases
Economist collaboration for accurate damages calculation
Translation for families: We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise:

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
Translation for families: We see the whole legal picture, not just one piece.

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery:

Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
Understanding of different Texas legal venues and procedures
Experience with sovereign immunity arguments against public universities
Translation for families: We know Texas law, Texas courts, and Texas institutions.

Investigative Depth & Digital Forensics:

Digital Evidence Recovery: Obtaining deleted group chats and social media
Organizational Records: Subpoenaing national fraternity files showing prior incidents
University Discovery: Uncovering internal files through public records requests
Expert Network: Medical experts, psychologists, economists, digital forensics specialists
Pattern Evidence: Connecting Texas incidents to national histories

Translation for families: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Our Contingency Fee Commitment

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

No upfront costs for our legal services
No fees unless we recover money for you
Free initial consultation to evaluate your case
Transparent expense explanation throughout the process

This model ensures every Terrell County family, regardless of financial means, can access quality legal representation against well-funded institutions.

Call to Action for Terrell County Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether Sul Ross State University here in West Texas or any university across the state—we want to hear from you. The isolation of Terrell County shouldn’t mean facing institutional silence alone.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911:

We Listen Without Judgment: Your story matters, and we’ll hear all of it
Evidence Review: We’ll examine any evidence you’ve preserved
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline criminal reporting, civil lawsuits, or other paths
Realistic Expectations: We’ll discuss timelines, potential outcomes, and challenges
Cost Transparency: We’ll explain our contingency fee structure clearly
No Pressure Decision: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

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

Serving Terrell County & All of Texas

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Terrell County and all West Texas communities. Distance doesn’t diminish your rights or our commitment to your case.

Whether your student attends Sul Ross State University here in our region, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or any campus across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for your child’s safety must be held accountable—not just for what happened to your family, but to prevent it from happening to another Terrell County family.

Call us today. Let’s get answers, accountability, and justice for your child.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) Coverage:
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) Coverage:
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Using Your Cellphone 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 & Practice Areas:

Main Website & Contact:
https://attorney911.com
Wrongful Death Practice Area:
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense Practice Area:
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

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