The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawsuits for Texarkana Families: Your Path to Accountability

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

For parents in Texarkana, the dream of sending your child off to college can transform into a nightmare with a single phone call. That call might come in the middle of the night—your child is in the emergency room, their urine is brown, they can’t stand, and doctors are talking about kidney failure. Or perhaps the changes have been more subtle: your once-vibrant student has become withdrawn, anxious, and secretive about their fraternity or sorority activities. They’re losing weight, their grades are dropping, and they flinch when their phone buzzes with another demand from a group chat.

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country on behalf of a family just like yours. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 fraternity leaders. This case reveals exactly what modern hazing looks like: not harmless pranks, but systematic abuse that nearly killed a young man.

The allegations in our lawsuit, detailed in Click2Houston’s investigation and ABC13’s coverage, include forced carrying of humiliating “pledge fanny packs,” sleep deprivation, overnight chauffeuring duties, extreme physical workouts, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and a November 3rd workout of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that caused Bermudez to develop rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This is happening at major Texas universities. This is happening to students from communities like Texarkana. And it doesn’t have to be your family’s burden to bear alone.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies in Texarkana

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Understanding the Greek Ecosystem Serving Texarkana Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority, they’re not just joining a campus club. They’re entering a complex network of legal entities, insurance policies, and national organizations—all of which can share liability when hazing occurs. For parents in Texarkana, understanding this ecosystem is the first step toward holding the right parties accountable.

Where Texarkana Families Send Their Children to College

Texarkana sits at a unique crossroads, with families sending students to institutions across state lines and throughout Texas. The educational pathways from our community include:

Local & Regional Campuses:

Texas A&M University-Texarkana – Right here in Bowie County, providing local access to higher education
University of Arkansas – Just minutes across the state line in Fayetteville, a major destination for Texarkana students
Texarkana College – Serving our immediate community with associate degrees and transfer programs
East Texas Baptist University – In nearby Marshall, Texas
Southern Arkansas University – In Magnolia, Arkansas

Major Texas Universities Where Texarkana Students Often Enroll:

Texas A&M University – College Station (many Texarkana students follow the A&M tradition)
University of Texas at Austin – The flagship campus draws students from across Texas
University of Houston – Attracting students from throughout East Texas
Texas Tech University – Lubbock campus serving West Texas interests
Baylor University – Waco’s private university option
Southern Methodist University – Dallas-based private institution

Arkansas & Regional Institutions:

Arkansas State University – Jonesboro campus
Louisiana State University – Within driving distance for some families
University of Mississippi – Another regional option

This geographic spread means Texarkana families need counsel that understands multiple state laws and interstate jurisdictional issues when hazing occurs.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Texarkana

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive data on Greek organizations operating in Texas. This investigative work begins with public records—the same information we use to build cases for families like yours.

Greek Organizations in the Texarkana Metro Area

Based on Cause IQ metro data, the Texarkana metropolitan area (spanning Texas and Arkansas) contains approximately 7 Greek-related organizations. These include local chapters of national fraternities and sororities, alumni associations, and honor societies serving students at Texas A&M University-Texarkana and surrounding institutions.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings)

The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations registered in Texas. These entities often hold insurance policies and assets that can be crucial for victim recovery. Here are examples of the types of organizations we track:

Sample IRS B83 Organization Listings:

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 237279532 – PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 263170920 – 411 Texas St Room 219, Denton, TX 76204
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627
Kappa Sigma Fraternity – EIN 756067776 – 3128 Waits Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76109
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581 – 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705
Beta Upsilon Chi – EIN 742911848 – 12650 N Beach St Ste 114 PMB 305, Fort Worth, TX 76244
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – EIN 900927378 – 13211 Lost Lake Dr, San Antonio, TX 78249

Additional Texas Greek Entities:

Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc – EIN 161675890 – 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – EIN 741130606 – 1908 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Texas Eta – EIN 824398421 – 1305 FM 359 Rd, Richmond, TX 77406
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity – EIN 262025321 – 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201
Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Inc – EIN 800209640 – PO Box 7334, Houston, TX 77248

These organizations represent just a fraction of the 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities we track through IRS B83 filings. Each has an Employer Identification Number (EIN), legal name, and Texas mailing address—critical information for identifying responsible parties and their insurance coverage.

Major Texas Metro Greek Organization Counts

To understand the scale of Greek life in Texas, consider these metro-area totals from our Cause IQ data:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86 Greek organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations
Waco Metro: 27 Greek organizations
Texarkana Metro: 7 Greek organizations

Statewide, we track 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This data forms the backbone of our investigative approach when we take on a hazing case for a Texarkana family.

Texas Hazing Law: What Texarkana Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing statutes, but understanding how they work is crucial for protecting your child’s rights.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 (The Hazing Statute)

Definition of Hazing (Plain English):
Under Texas law, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act (whether on or off campus) directed against a student that:

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

Key Provisions Every Texarkana Parent Should Know:

§ 37.152 – Criminal Penalties:

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

§ 37.155 – Consent Is NOT a Defense:
This is critical: It is not a defense to prosecution that the person being hazed consented to the activity. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, under the pressure of wanting to belong, the law still protects them.

§ 37.154 – Good-Faith Reporter Immunity:
A person who in good faith reports hazing to university officials or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. This encourages bystanders to come forward.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

When hazing occurs, two parallel legal paths may unfold:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges may include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the Pi Kappa Phi case at UH, individual members face potential criminal charges

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Our Leonel Bermudez lawsuit is a civil case seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages

These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, we often file civil suits while criminal investigations are ongoing to preserve evidence and establish liability.

Federal Laws That Protect Your Child

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol crimes that must be disclosed.

National Hazing Patterns: What History Teaches Us About Texas Cases

The hazing that nearly killed Leonel Bermudez at UH follows patterns we’ve seen nationwide. Understanding these patterns helps us build stronger cases for Texarkana families.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Multiple fraternity members convicted of hazing-related charges

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

Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Family received confidential settlement

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

Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Family filed wrongful death suit with confidential terms

What This Means for Texarkana Families: The forced drinking that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez follows this exact pattern. National fraternities know these risks but often fail to prevent them.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed
National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Family settled with 22 defendants for multi-million-dollar amounts

What This Means for Texarkana Families: The physical abuse in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case—forced workouts causing rhabdomyolysis, hose spraying “like waterboarding”—shows how physical hazing continues despite national awareness.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):

Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing
Multiple lawsuits against university and coaching staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs

What This Means for Texarkana Families: If your child is hazed in a sports program, Corps of Cadets, or spirit group, the same legal principles apply. These organizations can be held accountable.

Texas University Hazing Realities: Where Texarkana Students Face Risk

University of Houston: The Current Front Line

Our Active Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
As detailed in the Hoodline summary, this case represents the severe end of the hazing spectrum. For Texarkana families with students at UH, understanding this case is crucial:

Timeline of Institutional Response:

November 3, 2025: Bermudez undergoes extreme workout causing rhabdomyolysis
November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter after receiving reports
November 6-9, 2025: Bermudez hospitalized with acute kidney failure
November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender their charter; chapter shut down
November 21-22, 2025: Media reports break; UH calls conduct “deeply disturbing”

Key Legal Issues for UH Families:

University Duty: Did UH know or should it have known about systematic hazing?
Property Control: UH owned/controlled the chapter house where some abuse occurred
Title IX Implications: Some hazing methods had sexualized elements
Pattern Evidence: Previous hazing incidents at UH establish foreseeability

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

For many Texarkana families, Texas A&M represents a proud tradition. But that tradition sometimes masks dangerous behaviors.

Recent Texas A&M Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
Fraternity suspended for two years by university

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Claimed being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

What Texarkana A&M Families Should Know:

The Corps has its own disciplinary system, but civil liability exists separately
Off-campus hazing still creates university liability if there’s sponsorship or knowledge
Evidence preservation is critical: Corps traditions often rely on secrecy

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing violation databases—which ironically shows how pervasive the problem remains.

Recent UT Hazing Violations (Public Records):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Found to be hazing
Chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024):

Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at party
Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior hazing violations

What This Transparency Means for Texarkana Families:

Pattern Evidence: Prior violations help prove negligence in new cases
Notice to University: Public records show UT knew about problems
Settlement Leverage: Organizations with multiple violations face higher exposure

Baylor University: Private University Challenges

Baylor’s religious identity doesn’t immunize it from hazing problems. Texarkana families with students at Baylor should understand:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
University faced scrutiny about systemic issues

Legal Considerations for Baylor Families:

Private University Status: Fewer sovereign immunity protections than public schools
Religious Freedom Arguments: Sometimes raised, but courts generally reject them in hazing cases
Title IX Issues: Baylor’s history with sexual assault cases creates additional liability pathways

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Campus Realities

SMU’s reputation as an affluent campus doesn’t eliminate hazing risks. Recent incidents include:

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until around 2021
Pattern consistent with national KA issues

SMU’s Response Systems:

Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
Private university control over internal records
Potential for confidential settlements

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When we take on a hazing case for a Texarkana family, we follow a systematic approach honed through cases like Leonel Bermudez’s and our national experience.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group chats
Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok messages
Fraternity-specific apps and communication platforms
Recovered deleted messages via digital forensics

Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence for proper preservation techniques.

2. Medical Documentation:

Emergency room records (must state “hazing” or “forced”)
Toxicology reports showing alcohol/drug levels
Specialist evaluations (nephrologists for kidney damage, etc.)
Psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, anxiety, depression

3. Organizational Records (Obtained via Discovery):

Chapter meeting minutes
Pledge education materials
National fraternity risk management files
Prior incident reports and disciplinary records

4. Witness Testimony:

Other pledges (often initially reluctant but crucial)
Former members who quit
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Calculable):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

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

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragically Applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship and support
Parental and sibling grief
Punitive damages (when conduct is especially egregious)

Learn about how contingency fees work so you understand there’s no upfront cost for our representation.

Overcoming Common Defense Strategies

Fraternities, universities, and their insurers use predictable defenses. Here’s how we counter them:

Defense: “The Victim Consented”

Our Response: Texas law § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. We show coercion through group dynamics evidence.

Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter”

Our Response: We subpoena national records showing pattern of similar incidents across chapters. In the Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re showing national knew about hazing risks.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate liability when organizations sponsor, benefit from, or know about activities.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: We show policies weren’t enforced, training was perfunctory, or prior incidents were ignored.

Practical Guide for Texarkana Parents

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight loss/gain from food/water restriction or stress eating
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning even if your child doesn’t normally drink

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-Greek activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic & Financial Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Unexpected large expenses (forced purchases, “fines”)
Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members

Digital Behavior:

Constant phone monitoring of group chats
Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
Social media posts showing humiliating activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontational Approach)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

Immediate Action Steps

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: If your child is in immediate danger, call 911
Medical Attention: Get professional medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor
Document Everything:
- Write down what your child tells you (date, time, details)
- Photograph visible injuries from multiple angles
- Screenshot any concerning messages they show you
Contact an Attorney: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before taking other actions
Do NOT:
- Confront the organization directly
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on social media
- Let your child delete evidence

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for comprehensive guidance.

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages

Why It’s Wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization Directly

Why It’s Wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to Do Instead: Document privately, call an attorney first

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Why It’s Wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often lowball
What to Do Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

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, statute runs
What to Do Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for Texarkana Families

Q: Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UT, A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

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

Q: What if my child “agreed” to the initiation?
A: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Learn more in our statute of limitations video.

Q: What if hazing happened off-campus?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major cases occurred off-campus.

Q: Will my child’s name be in the news?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

Why Attorney911 for Texarkana 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. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Texarkana and surrounding communities.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. He understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):
Ralph is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. His federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means he’s not intimidated by national fraternities or universities. As he notes, “We’ve faced defendants with deeper pockets than any fraternity. We know how to fight powerful institutions.”

Active Texas Hazing Case Leadership:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging some of the most severe hazing ever documented in Texas. This isn’t theoretical knowledge; we’re actively litigating against the same types of defendants Texarkana families might face.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs for catastrophic injuries. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Bilingual Services for Hispanic Families:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Spanish-speaking families throughout Texas, ensuring language is never a barrier to justice.

Our Investigative Approach

When we take your case, we investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. Our approach includes:

Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages, uncovering social media evidence
Organizational Research: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to track down all potentially liable entities
Expert Collaboration: Working with medical specialists, psychologists, economists, and Greek life experts
Institutional Discovery: Subpoenaing university and national fraternity records
Witness Development: Building relationships with reluctant witnesses who hold crucial information

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If hazing has touched your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The path forward begins with a confidential conversation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen Without Judgment: You’ll tell your story to attorneys who’ve heard it before and know how to help
Evidence Review: We’ll examine any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline your options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic Timelines: We’ll discuss what to expect and when
Cost Transparency: We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Immediate Assistance:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish Services Available:

Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Whether you’re in Texarkana proper, Nash, Red Lick, or anywhere in Bowie County, if hazing has impacted your family, you deserve answers and accountability. The institutions that failed to protect your child depend on silence and inaction. Don’t give them what they want.

Call us today. Let’s start the journey toward justice together.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency Fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com