The Complete Guide to Hazing Laws and Litigation for Families in Town of Sanctuary and Across Texas

A Message to Town of Sanctuary Parents Who Are Worried About Their College Student

The call comes late at night. Your child’s voice is strained, but they insist everything is “fine”—just “traditional” pledging activities. But the bruises don’t match their story. The exhaustion seems extreme. You notice they’re constantly checking their phone, anxious about missing group chat messages. For families in Town of Sanctuary, Parker County, this quiet worry can become a nightmare when hazing crosses from tradition into abuse.

Right now, just a few hours from Town of Sanctuary in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after allegedly being forced through extreme physical hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. And his story, detailed in a $10 million lawsuit, represents exactly what Texas parents fear most.

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)

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 used in hazing
Write down everything while memory is fresh
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Within 24–48 Hours: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2024: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Students

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Methods

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. For families in Town of Sanctuary whose children attend Texas schools, understanding the reality is critical. Modern hazing often follows predictable patterns that organizations have refined to avoid detection while maintaining control.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
The most common—and most dangerous—form involves forced consumption. At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter, Leonel Bermudez was allegedly forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to immediately sprint. This pattern repeats across Texas campuses with variations: “family tree” drinking games at Texas A&M, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, or “Bible study” sessions where wrong answers mean forced drinking.

Physical Hazing Disguised as “Conditioning”
What looks like “team building” or “workouts” can be dangerous physical abuse. In the UH case, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion—what became known as “the Nov 3 workout.” Other Texas cases reveal paddling, “smokings” (extreme calisthenics), exposure to extreme weather in minimal clothing, and forced physical competitions that push students to collapse.

Psychological and Digital Coercion
Today’s hazing extends into digital spaces. Group chats on GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord become tools for 24/7 control. Pledges must respond instantly at all hours. Social media becomes a platform for humiliation—forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, or compromising photos shared in private groups. The psychological pressure is constant: fear of social exclusion, threats of expulsion from the organization, and manipulation disguised as “building brotherhood/sisterhood.”

The “It’s Optional” Deception
Many organizations have learned to create legal cover by framing activities as “optional.” But the reality for pledges is clear: refusal means social exclusion, denial of “big brother/sister” assignments, or being labeled “not committed.” This coercion makes Texas law’s “consent is not a defense” provision critically important.

Where Hazing Happens Across Texas Campuses

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing occurs in multiple organizations:

Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs at Texas A&M and other military-style groups
Athletic teams including football, baseball, basketball, and cheer squads
Spirit and tradition groups like Texas Cowboys or similar campus organizations
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations

The common thread isn’t Greek letters—it’s power imbalance, tradition, and secrecy.

Texas Hazing Law: What Town of Sanctuary Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes designed to protect students. Understanding these laws helps Town of Sanctuary families recognize their rights and the obligations of universities and organizations.

Definition of Hazing (Section 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 a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization.

Key Implications for Town of Sanctuary Families:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats, or remote locations still qualify
Mental health harm counts equally with physical injury
“Reckless” conduct is sufficient—they don’t need to intend harm
The organization type is broad: fraternities, sororities, teams, clubs, spirit groups

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152)

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without 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

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153)
Organizations can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized, encouraged, or knew about hazing and failed to report it. Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus.

The Critical “No Consent” Defense (Section 37.155)
Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This directly counters the most common defense organizations use.

How This Applied in the University of Houston Case

The allegations against Pi Kappa Phi at UH demonstrate how Texas law works in practice. The forced physical exertion leading to rhabdomyolysis clearly endangered physical health. The activities occurred during Bermudez’s pledge period for initiation purposes. Even if someone argued he “agreed,” Texas law removes that defense. The severe injury (acute kidney failure) elevated the potential charges to state jail felony level.

Federal Law Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Beyond Texas law, federal requirements create additional accountability:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This new 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 approximately 2026)

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must investigate and address these complaints through specific procedures.

Clery Act Reporting
Colleges must report certain crimes in annual security reports. Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol crimes, or other reportable offenses must be included, creating public records families can access.

The National Hazing Crisis: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Alcohol-Related Deaths: The Most Preventable Tragedy

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A 20-year-old pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The case resulted in a $10 million settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, approximately $3 million from BGSU) and criminal convictions against multiple fraternity members.

What This Means for Texas Families: The same Pi Kappa Alpha organization has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools. The national pattern of “Big/Little” drinking events creates foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known these events were dangerous.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Forced participation in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant excessive drinking. Gruver died with a 0.495% BAC. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Texas Connection: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. The drinking game pattern is transferable across states.

Physical Hazing With Lasting Damage

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
An 18-year-old pledge suffered permanent, severe brain damage after forced drinking during a “pledge dad reveal” night. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. The family settled with 22 defendants for confidential multi-million-dollar amounts.

Why This Matters in Texas: The same medical outcome—rhabdomyolysis leading to kidney failure—occurred in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case. When national organizations see certain hazing methods causing specific injuries repeatedly, their liability increases.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football Program (2023–2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over years. Multiple lawsuits followed, head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially, and the university faced intense scrutiny.

Texas Relevance: Major athletic programs at Texas schools carry similar risks. The culture of “team bonding” can mask abuse, and the financial stakes make institutions reluctant to intervene.

Texas University Spotlight: Where Town of Sanctuary Students Attend

The University of Houston: A Current Case Study

For Town of Sanctuary Families: While UH might not be the closest campus to Parker County, it represents a critical case study for all Texas parents. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi litigation shows how quickly hazing can escalate and how multiple entities share liability.

The Bermudez Case Breakdown:

Timeline: September 2025 bid acceptance → October-November escalating hazing → November 3 extreme workout → November 6-9 hospitalization
Specific Allegations:
- “Pledge fanny pack” requirement with humiliating contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
- Enforced dress codes and mandatory “study/work” blocks
- Forced chauffeuring duties at all hours
- Physical abuse including sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races
- Cold-weather exposure in underwear
- Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
- The “Nov 3 workout”: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, four-day hospitalization, ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter November 6; chapter voted to surrender charter November 14; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

UH’s Greek Ecosystem:
The university hosts multiple councils including Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, United Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters. This diversity means hazing risks exist across different types of organizations.

UH Hazing Policy and Reporting:

Hazing prohibited whether on-campus or off-campus
Reporting channels through Dean of Students, Student Conduct, and UHPD
Specific prohibition of forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment
Good-faith reporter protections

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersection

For Town of Sanctuary Families: As one of Texas’s flagship institutions, Texas A&M attracts students from across the state, including Parker County. Its unique Corps of Cadets culture presents specific hazing risks alongside traditional Greek life concerns.

Recent Texas A&M Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Lawsuit (2021)
Two pledges alleged they were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million. The fraternity received a two-year suspension from the university.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023)
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.

Why These Cases Matter:
They demonstrate that hazing at Texas A&M isn’t limited to one type of organization. Both Greek life and the Corps traditions carry risks. The severity of injuries—chemical burns requiring grafts—shows how dangerous these practices can become.

Texas A&M’s Greek Landscape:
With one of the largest Greek systems in Texas, A&M hosts:

Collegiate Panhellenic Council (14 sororities)
Interfraternity Council (19 fraternities)
Multicultural Greek Council
National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine organizations)

The scale increases both oversight challenges and pattern evidence opportunities when multiple chapters of the same national organization operate on campus.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database
Unlike many schools, UT Austin maintains a public online database of hazing violations. This transparency benefits families but also reveals ongoing patterns.

Documented UT Cases:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)
New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement enhanced hazing prevention education.

Texas Wranglers and Other Spirit Groups
Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices. These cases remind families that hazing extends beyond traditional Greek organizations.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, suffering a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The student sued for over $1 million. The chapter was already under suspension for prior violations.

What Town of Sanctuary Families Should Know:
UT’s public database allows you to research organizations your child might join. Patterns of repeated violations across years suggest systemic issues rather than “rogue individuals.” This evidence becomes powerful in litigation.

Southern Methodist University: Private University Considerations

SMU’s Greek Culture
As a private university with a strong Greek presence, SMU presents unique dynamics. The university’s response to hazing incidents may differ from public institutions like UT or Texas A&M.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter received suspension and recruiting restrictions until approximately 2021.

SMU’s Hazing Prevention Approach:

Anonymous reporting systems including Real Response
Specific hazing prevention education programs
Greek Life office oversight

Legal Implications for Private Universities:
SMU and Baylor (as private institutions) have different legal exposures than public universities regarding sovereign immunity. This can affect litigation strategy and potential recovery.

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Institutional History

Baylor’s Complex Landscape
Following high-profile scandals, Baylor has faced scrutiny over institutional responses to misconduct. This history affects how hazing cases are handled.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the early season. The incident highlighted that athletic programs carry similar risks to Greek organizations.

Baylor’s Greek System:

Panhellenic Council sororities
Interfraternity Council fraternities
National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters
Multicultural Greek Council organizations

Considerations for Families:
Baylor’s religious identity and prior institutional challenges create a unique environment. Understanding how the university balances its faith-based mission with student safety concerns is important when evaluating potential hazing situations.

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Texas Cases

Why National Histories Matter for Town of Sanctuary Families

When your child joins a chapter at a Texas university, they’re connecting to a national organization with its own history—often including prior hazing incidents across the country. These histories create “foreseeability” in legal terms: the national organization knew or should have known certain activities were dangerous.

Major Organizations with Documented Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): $10 million settlement after alcohol poisoning death
David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): $14 million settlement
Texas Chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, others
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking events, forced alcohol consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

Carson Starkey – Cal Poly (2008): Confidential settlement, family founded Aware Awake Alive nonprofit
University of Alabama TBI Case (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): $1 million lawsuit
UT Austin Assault Case (2024): Over $1 million lawsuit
Pattern: Physical violence, dangerous initiations, repeated sanctions

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Death from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025): $10 million lawsuit, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver – LSU (2017): Death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act felony hazing law
Texas Chapters: Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: Drinking games, “Bible study” formats

The Housing Corporation Layer

Many fraternities and sororities operate through separate legal entities for their properties. In Texas, IRS records show over 125 registered Greek organizations with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs). These include:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter housing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204

These entities often carry insurance and represent additional layers for potential liability in hazing cases.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Critical Evidence Collection for Town of Sanctuary Families

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category)

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat (screenshot immediately), TikTok, Facebook
Recovered Messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted content
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends sharing, Snapchat Maps

Medical Documentation

Immediate Care: ER reports, ambulance records, hospital admission notes
Lab Results: Blood alcohol content, toxicology, kidney function tests (critical for rhabdomyolysis)
Specialist Evaluations: Follow-up care documenting ongoing issues
Mental Health: Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Physical Evidence

Injuries: Photograph from multiple angles with scale reference
Objects: Paddles, props, alcohol bottles, “pledge packs”
Clothing: Unwashed items showing stains or damage
Locations: Photos of houses, rooms, parks where hazing occurred

Institutional Records

University Files: Prior conduct violations, probation letters, incident reports
National Organization Documents: Risk management policies, training materials, prior incident reports
Insurance Policies: Coverage information for chapters and nationals

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including long-term treatment for conditions like kidney damage or PTSD
Lost Earnings: Missed semesters, delayed career entry, reduced earning capacity for permanent injuries
Educational Costs: Lost tuition, forfeited scholarships, transfer expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Physical Pain and Suffering: From injuries and medical treatments
Emotional Distress: Humiliation, trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral and Burial Costs
Loss of Companionship and Support for family members
Emotional Suffering of parents and siblings

Punitive Damages
In cases showing particularly reckless or intentional conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future behavior. Texas has caps on these damages except in certain intentional tort cases.

The Strategic Advantage: Why Attorney911’s Experience Matters

Insurance Insider Knowledge
Our attorney Mr. Lupe 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 Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability against massive, well-funded defendants. Universities and national fraternities have similar resources and defense strategies.

Dual Criminal/Civil Understanding
Mr. Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise witnesses with potential criminal exposure and navigate cases where criminal charges run parallel to civil litigation.

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand Texas courts, procedures, and the unique aspects of hazing cases across different university systems.

Practical Guides for Town of Sanctuary Parents and Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue beyond normal academic stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family, non-member friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages

Academic Red Flags:

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

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate Steps:

Prioritize Safety: If there’s immediate danger, call 911
Medical Attention: Get professional evaluation even if injuries seem minor
Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates and details
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
Contact an Attorney: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for guidance before taking other actions

What NOT to Do:

Don’t confront the organization directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
Don’t sign anything from the university or insurance company
Don’t post details on social media
Don’t let your child delete messages or “clean up”
Don’t accept “we’re handling it internally” as sufficient response

For Students: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this 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?

If You Want to Leave:

You have the legal right to resign at any time
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation to chapter leadership
Don’t attend “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
Report retaliation to campus authorities immediately

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Mistake #1: Deleting Evidence
What Families Think: “I don’t want my child to get in more trouble.”
Why It’s Wrong: Looks like obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible to prove.
Better Approach: Preserve everything immediately—even embarrassing content.

Mistake #2: Confronting the Organization Directly
What Families Think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
Why It’s Wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses.
Better Approach: Document everything, then call an attorney before any confrontation.

Mistake #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What Universities Do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements.
Why It’s Wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below value.
Better Approach: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review.

Mistake #4: Posting on Social Media First
What Families Think: “I want people to know what happened.”
Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility.
Better Approach: Document privately; let your attorney control public messaging.

Mistake #5: Waiting for University Investigation
What Universities Promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.”
Why It’s Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative.
Better Approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions for Town of Sanctuary Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default but elevates it to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case at UH, involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, would qualify for felony-level charges.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly.

“What if it happened off-campus at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with successful litigation.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
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 Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Town of Sanctuary Families

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.

Right Now, We’re Leading a Major Texas Hazing Case
We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and individual fraternity leaders. This isn’t theoretical—we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases right now. We understand exactly what these cases involve because we’re in the courtroom fighting one.

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe 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
We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions
Mr. Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation proves our capability against billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. Universities and national fraternities deploy similar strategies—we’ve faced them before.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration. We understand how to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and catastrophic harm.

Dual Criminal/Civil Hazing Expertise
Mr. Manginello’s HCCLA membership means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise witnesses with potential criminal exposure and navigate cases where criminal charges run parallel to civil litigation.

Texas-Specific Mastery
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand Texas courts, sovereign immunity issues, and the unique aspects of hazing cases across different university systems. We serve families throughout Texas, including Town of Sanctuary in Parker County.

Our Investigative Approach

Digital Forensics Capability
We work with experts who can recover deleted group chats, social media messages, and digital evidence. In today’s hazing cases, the evidence is often digital—and often deleted quickly.

Network of Specialized Experts

Medical professionals understanding rhabdomyolysis, kidney injury, traumatic brain injury
Psychologists specializing in PTSD, trauma, and coercion dynamics
Economists calculating lifetime care costs and lost earning capacity
Digital forensics experts recovering deleted evidence
Greek life culture experts explaining organizational dynamics

Thorough Discovery Process
We use subpoenas and public records requests to obtain:

University disciplinary files showing prior incidents
National fraternity risk management records
Insurance policies and coverage information
Individual member communications and planning documents

Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family in Town of Sanctuary

We understand this is one of the hardest experiences a family can face. The confusion, fear, and anger are completely understandable. Our role is to provide clarity, options, and experienced guidance during this difficult time.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen: You tell your story without judgment or interruption
Evidence Review: We examine any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Options Explained: We outline your legal pathways—criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or alternative approaches
Realistic Expectations: We discuss timelines, potential outcomes, and what to expect
Cost Transparency: We explain our contingency fee structure—you pay nothing unless we win
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

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

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

Serving Families Throughout Texas

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas, including Town of Sanctuary in Parker County. Whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, we have the experience and resources to help.

Final Word to Town of Sanctuary Parents

Hazing thrives in secrecy and fear. By coming forward, you’re not just helping your own family—you’re preventing future harm to other students. The patterns we see in Texas cases are tragically predictable because organizations repeat the same dangerous behaviors until someone stops them.

Your child deserved safety. Your family deserves answers. And the organizations responsible deserve accountability.

Don’t face this alone. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you navigate this difficult journey toward justice and healing.

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 the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:
4. Using Your Phone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
5. Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
6. Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
7. How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:
8. https://attorney911.com