The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Fraternity Accountability for Gary City & East Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You Are Not Alone

If you are a parent in Gary City, the moment your phone rings and your college student’s voice sounds different—strained, scared, or secretive—your entire world can change. Maybe they mention “mandatory” late-night meetings at a fraternity house in Nacogdoches. Maybe they show you unexplained bruises after a “brotherhood retreat.” Or perhaps, in the worst-case scenario, you’re rushing to a hospital in Tyler or Longview because your child collapsed during a “pledge workout.”

Right now, here in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. At the University of Houston, our client Leonel Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, he was forced through extreme workouts, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and made to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack.” His urine turned brown, and he was hospitalized for four days. This is happening today at Texas universities.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Gary City, Carthage, Marshall, and across Panola County and East Texas. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at universities where your children might attend—from Stephen F. Austin State University just 35 miles away in Nacogdoches to the major hubs in Houston and College Station—and what legal options you have when tradition turns to trauma.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted using techniques from our video on using your phone to document evidence
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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in East Texas

Many Gary City parents remember hazing as perhaps some silly pranks or excessive drinking from decades past. What’s happening today is different—more organized, more digitally documented, and often more dangerous.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

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

Digital control: Pledges required to respond instantly to GroupMe messages at all hours; location tracking via Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends
Servitude: Acting as 24/7 designated drivers for members, cleaning houses, running personal errands
Social isolation: Being told to cut contact with non-members or family during “pledge period”
“Optional” but mandatory events: Missing these means social exclusion or being denied a “Big Brother/Sister”

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Clear Abuse but Often Hidden)

Sleep deprivation: 3 AM wake-up calls for “study sessions” that are actually interrogation sessions
Forced consumption: Eating absurd amounts of bland food (gallon milk challenges, dozens of hot dogs) until vomiting
Extreme physical “conditioning”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, sprints in extreme weather
Public humiliation: Wearing degrading costumes around campus, performing embarrassing acts in public

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Criminal & Potentially Deadly)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mean chugging
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “walloping” traditions that leave bruises and broken bones
Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme cold/heat without proper clothing
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positioning

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH illustrates how quickly hazing escalates. What began as carrying a “pledge fanny pack” with condoms and sex toys evolved into forced overeating of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, then immediate sprints. Then came the hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” and finally the November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion. The result? Rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown that flooded his kidneys with toxins, leading to acute kidney failure and brown urine.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Corps of Cadets programs (especially at Texas A&M, with its own disturbing history)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer squads)
Spirit organizations (Texas Cowboys, Sweethearts, etc.)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic honor societies and service organizations

For Gary City families, this means your child could be at risk whether they’re in a fraternity at Stephen F. Austin State University, the Corps at Texas A&M, a spirit group at UT Austin, or a band at any Texas campus.

Texas Hazing Law: What Gary City Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protection

Texas has one of the clearer anti-hazing statutes in the country. Here’s what you need to understand:

Definition (Texas Education Code §37.151):
Hazing means 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 purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Points for Gary City Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb in Nacogdoches, a Tyler park, or a Houston fraternity house all qualify
“Consent is NOT a defense” (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
Mental health counts: Extreme humiliation, sleep deprivation, and psychological torment qualify
Reckless is enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just be reckless about known risks

Criminal Penalties in Texas

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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

Also Criminal:

Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer who knew about it
Retaliating against someone who reports hazing

The “Good Faith” Protection

Texas law (§37.154) provides immunity for those who in good faith report hazing or seek medical assistance in an emergency. This means your child won’t face charges for underage drinking if they call 911 for a friend in alcohol distress. This protection is critical—emphasize it to your student.

Civil Liability: Where Real Accountability Happens

While criminal cases bring justice, civil lawsuits bring accountability and compensation. Potential defendants include:

Individual students who planned, participated, or covered up the hazing
Chapter officers (president, risk manager, pledge educator) who knew or should have known
Local chapter housing corporation (often owns the house where hazing occurred)
National fraternity/sorority headquarters (sets policies, collects dues, oversees chapters)
University/Board of Regents (if they knew about patterns and failed to act)
Property owners of off-campus houses where hazing occurred

The Bermudez case names 13 individual fraternity members, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Gary City Families

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive directory built from IRS filings, university records, and public databases tracking over 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t theoretical; it’s concrete data we use to identify every entity that might share liability in a hazing case.

For families in Gary City and across East Texas, understanding this landscape matters because the same national organizations operate at Stephen F. Austin State University, UT Tyler, Texas A&M, and UH. Here’s a snapshot of the public records we track:

East Texas & Nearby University Organizations

EIN 452729519 – Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter | 1936 N ST SFA STATION BOX 6159, NACOGDOCHES TX 75965 (IRS B83 filing – Stephen F. Austin State University chapter)

EIN 756041410 – Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta Chapter | 402 N STEEN DR, NACOGDOCHES TX 75965-1776 (IRS B83 filing)

EIN 756053083 – Epsilon Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity | 321 OLD TYLER RD, NACOGDOCHES TX 75961-4880 (IRS B83 filing)

EIN 352335400 – Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi | 3900 UNIVERSITY BLVD, TYLER TX 75799-6600 (IRS B83 filing – University of Texas at Tyler chapter)

EIN 300517788 – Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter | 316 E LAKEWOOD ST, NACOGDOCHES TX 75965-2521 (IRS B83 filing)

Major Texas University Housing Corporations

EIN 462267515 – Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO TX 75035-6629 (IRS B83 filing – This is the housing corporation for the UH chapter involved in the Bermudez case)

EIN 133048786 – Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION TX 77845-6681 (IRS B83 filing – Texas A&M chapter)

EIN 740555581 – Chi Omega Fraternity | 2711 RIO GRANDE ST, AUSTIN TX 78705-4018 (IRS B83 filing – UT Austin house corporation)

EIN 161675890 – Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc | 115 WILD WICK WAY, THE WOODLANDS TX 77382-1822 (IRS B83 filing – Zeta Rho housing corporation)

Metro-Level Organizations (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro – 510 total organizations)

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity | 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Cause IQ metro listing)

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation | Fort Worth, TX (Cause IQ metro listing – Kappa Sigma housing foundation)

Delta Tau Delta Fraternity – Gamma Iota Chapter | Austin, TX (Cause IQ metro listing – UT Austin chapter house)

Cross-Validated Brands (Appear in Both IRS & Metro Data)

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Appears in IRS filings in Waco (EIN 364091267) and Commerce (EIN 752609909), and in Cause IQ data for Houston and Beaumont chapters. This shows how we track national brands across Texas.

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi: Multiple IRS listings across Texas (Denton, Tyler, El Paso, Austin, Lubbock, College Station, Victoria) with corresponding campus chapters in Cause IQ data.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity: IRS listings in Prairie View (EIN 237279532) and Dallas (EIN 521278573) with Beaumont alumni chapter in Cause IQ data.

This directory represents just a fraction of the 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS B83 filings and the 1,423 organizations we track statewide. Why does this matter for your family? Because when hazing occurs, we already know:

The legal names and EINs of potential defendant organizations
Their registered addresses for service of process
Their connections to national headquarters and insurance carriers
Their presence across multiple Texas campuses

We don’t start from zero. We start with data.

Where Gary City Families Send Their Kids: Campus Hazing Realities

Gary City students attend universities across Texas. Some commute to Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches (just 35 miles away). Others attend UT Tyler (90 miles), Texas A&M (165 miles), or the University of Houston (190 miles). Each campus has its own hazing history and Greek ecosystem.

Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches)

For Gary City Families: SFA is your nearest four-year university, with many Panola County students attending. Its Greek life includes fraternities and sororities with national affiliations.

Documented Issues: While SFA hasn’t had the high-profile fatalities of larger schools, it has faced hazing incidents. The presence of organizations like Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter (EIN 452729519), Alpha Tau Omega Eta Iota housing corporation (EIN 300517788), and multiple other chapter corporations in IRS filings indicates an active Greek system with the same inherent risks as larger campuses.

Parent Action: If your SFA student is pledging, ask specific questions about “new member education.” Require them to maintain regular contact. Note that hazing at regional campuses often receives less media scrutiny but can be just as severe.

University of Texas at Tyler

For Gary City Families: UT Tyler attracts East Texas students with specialized programs. The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has a registered chapter here (EIN 352335400).

Greek Life Context: As a growing university, Greek life is expanding. With expansion often comes increased hazing risk as new chapters establish “traditions.”

Texas A&M University (College Station)

For Gary City Families: Many Texas families dream of Aggieland for their children. The Corps of Cadets and massive Greek system create multiple hazing risk environments.

Documented Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended for two years.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): A cadet alleged being bound between beds in a degrading position with an apple in his mouth during hazing. He sought over $1 million in damages.
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter is registered with the IRS (EIN 133048786), showing the formal infrastructure behind campus social organizations.

The Corps Factor: The Corps of Cadets presents unique hazing risks with military-style traditions. Unlike Greek life, the Corps is officially part of the university, potentially increasing institutional liability.

University of Houston

For Gary City Families: UH attracts students from across Texas with its urban location and diverse programs. The current Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates severe hazing risks.

The Bermudez Case Timeline:

Sept 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu
Sept-Oct: Forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, degrading fanny pack requirements
Oct 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour
Nov 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats
Nov 6: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends chapter
Nov 6-9: Bermudez hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Nov 14: Chapter votes to surrender charter
Nov 21-22: Media reports on $10 million lawsuit

Key Defendants in the UH Case:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation (EIN 462267515)
13 individual fraternity members/officers

This case is active litigation our firm is handling right now. As reported by ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit, the alleged conduct included waterboarding-like tactics and forced overeating until vomiting.

University of Texas at Austin

For Gary City Families: UT Austin represents the pinnacle of Texas higher education for many families, with correspondingly large Greek and organizational systems.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page: Unlike many universities, UT maintains a public log of hazing violations. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Various spirit groups and organizations sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol hazing

Transparency vs. Reality: While UT’s public logging is commendable, repeated violations indicate ongoing issues. Organizations see probation as a “cost of doing business” rather than meaningful deterrence.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

For Gary City Families: These private universities attract Texas students with specialized programs and religious affiliations.

SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, and sleep deprived. Chapter suspended until approximately 2021.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation, illustrating that athletics programs carry similar risks to Greek life.

National Hazing Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

The same fraternities and sororities operating at Texas schools have national histories of hazing deaths and injuries. This isn’t coincidence—it’s pattern. When we represent Gary City families, we use these national patterns to show foreseeability and institutional knowledge.

Alcohol Hazing Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from university). This same national organization has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking. Died with 0.495% BAC. $6.1 million verdict against individual members. The “Max Gruver Act” made hazing a felony in Louisiana.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking, fell multiple times captured on chapter cameras, delayed medical care. 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts total. Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law enacted in Pennsylvania.

What This Means for Gary City Families: The “Big/Little” night, “Bible study” drinking games, and bid acceptance parties aren’t unique to those schools. They’re national scripts played out on Texas campuses. When we see these patterns in Texas cases, we can argue national headquarters knew the risks.

Physical Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): “Glass ceiling” ritual at retreat—blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled. Fatal head injuries, delayed help. National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Texas A&M SAE Chemical Burns (2021): Industrial cleaner poured on pledges causing burns requiring skin grafts. Shows physical hazing evolving beyond traditional paddling to include chemical components.

What This Means for Gary City Families: Off-campus retreats (to places like Lake Tyler or Sam Rayburn Reservoir) don’t eliminate liability. National organizations can still be held responsible. Extreme physical hazing continues despite decades of warnings.

Athletic & Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Sexualized, racist hazing allegations. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs.

What This Means for Gary City Families: If your child is an athlete at any Texas university, they may face hazing risks within their team. Athletic departments often receive less scrutiny than Greek systems.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery

When Gary City families contact us after a hazing incident, we immediately begin building what we call a “360-degree case”—identifying every responsible party and every category of damages.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing leaves digital fingerprints. We look for:

Group Chats (Most Critical Evidence):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads
Discord servers, Slack workspaces
Fraternity-specific apps
Screenshots showing planning, coordination, admissions

Social Media Evidence:

Instagram Stories showing events (disappear after 24 hours—must screenshot immediately)
Snapchat snaps and stories
TikTok videos of “challenges” or dares
Facebook event pages and Messenger threads

Deleted Message Recovery: Through digital forensics, we often recover “disappearing” messages and deleted content. As we explain in our video on using your phone to document evidence, proper preservation is critical.

Physical Evidence:

Clothing with stains (alcohol, vomit, blood)
Paddles or other hazing instruments
Receipts for alcohol purchases
Medical records showing injury progression

The Defendant Universe: Casting a Wide Net

In the Bermudez case, we sued 17 defendants across multiple categories. This strategy is intentional:

Individual Members (13 defendants): Those who planned, participated, or covered up
Chapter Officers: President, pledgemaster, risk manager who failed their duties
Housing Corporation (EIN 462267515): Owns/controls the physical location
National Headquarters: Sets policies, collects dues, oversees chapters
University & Board of Regents: Failed to protect students despite knowledge
Third Parties: Property owners, alcohol providers

Why sue everyone? Because insurance coverage often requires it. Different defendants have different insurance policies. By casting a wide net, we ensure compensation is available regardless of which defendant’s policy responds.

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing care)
Future medical expenses (physical therapy, psychological counseling)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (if permanent injury affects career)

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and loss of dignity

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly reckless or intentional conduct, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future conduct.

Insurance Coverage Fights

This is where Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney proves invaluable. Fraternity and university insurers routinely argue:

“Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
“This was criminal conduct, excluded under policy”
“The national organization didn’t know, so not responsible”

We counter by showing:

Negligent supervision claims are often covered even if hazing itself was intentional
Prior incidents created knowledge that should have led to intervention
Multiple policy layers may provide coverage (national policy, chapter policy, university policy, individual homeowner policies)

We don’t accept initial coverage denials. We fight them.

Practical Guide for Gary City Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight loss or gain
Injuries to hands/back from paddling or “workouts”

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organizational activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
Defensive when asked about the group
Constant phone checking for group messages

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events

Financial Red Flags:

Unexpected large expenses (“fines,” forced purchases)
Buying excessive alcohol for older members
Requests for money without clear explanations

Questions to Ask Your Student

“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?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets?”

48-Hour Action Checklist (If Hazing is Suspected)

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):
✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot any messages; photograph injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):
✅ Digital: Preserve all group chats, texts, social media (do NOT delete)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical Records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Witnesses: Write down names/contact info for others involved
✅ University: Note any communications but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):
✅ Legal Consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
✅ Reporting Decision: Decide whether/when to report (with lawyer’s guidance)
✅ University Response: If contacted, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters without lawyer
✅ Evidence Backup: Upload all screenshots to cloud storage

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Letting your child delete messages – This looks like cover-up and destroys evidence
Confronting the fraternity directly – They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence
Signing university “resolution” forms – Often waive your right to sue
Posting details on social media – Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Waiting “to see how the university handles it” – Evidence disappears, statutes run

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more guidance on what to avoid.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to it?”
Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations. Time is critical—call immediately.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship and knowledge. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Gary City Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Competitive Advantages for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background):
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
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when facing well-funded institutional defendants.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
25+ Years Experience: Handling high-stakes cases since 1998
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability

We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets. National fraternities and universities don’t intimidate us.

Active Texas Hazing Litigation (The Bermudez Case):
Right now, we’re leading the $10 million Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical—it’s current, active litigation. We’re in the fight today, developing strategies and precedents that benefit all Texas hazing victims.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
Our proprietary database tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. When you hire us, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

The legal names and EINs of potential defendants
Their registered addresses for service
Their connections to national headquarters
Their insurance carrier relationships

Spanish-Language Services (Se Habla Español):
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families across Texas with cultural understanding and clear communication.

Contingency Fee Basis: We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Learn how this works in our video explaining contingency fees.

Our Investigation Process for Hazing Cases

Immediate Evidence Preservation: Digital forensics for deleted messages, social media recovery
Defendant Identification: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to identify all potentially liable parties
Pattern Evidence Development: Researching prior incidents at same chapter/national
Expert Retention: Medical experts, psychologists, economists, Greek life culture experts
Insurance Coverage Mapping: Identifying all potential policy sources
Strategic Litigation Planning: Deciding which claims to bring where for maximum impact

What to Expect When You Hire Us

Initial Consultation (Free & Confidential):

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Answer all your questions about process and timing
No pressure to hire us – take time to decide

If You Hire Us:

Regular updates (at least every 2-3 weeks)
Clear explanations of each legal step
Strategic guidance on all decisions
Aggressive advocacy while protecting your privacy
Contingency fee basis – no upfront costs

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or your child experienced hazing at Stephen F. Austin State University, UT Tyler, Texas A&M, University of Houston, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you.

Families in Gary City, Carthage, Marshall, and across Panola County and East Texas have the right to answers and accountability. Whether your student attends school 35 miles away in Nacogdoches or 200 miles away in Houston, Texas hazing law protects them, and experienced Texas counsel can help.

Call us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct Lines:

Office: (713) 528-9070
-Attorney Ralph Manginello: (713) 443-4781

Email:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña (Se Habla Español): lupe@atty911.com

Website: https://attorney911.com

Service Areas: While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Gary City, Panola County, and all East Texas communities.

We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. You don’t have to face this alone.

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 to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on 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 | Se Habla Español: lupe@atty911.com