Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Waelder Families Seeking Justice and Accountability

If you’re a parent in Waelder, and your child is away at college, the call you never want to receive is the one that starts with, “Something happened at the fraternity house.” Perhaps your student at Texas A&M or the University of Texas has become withdrawn, fatigued, or secretive about their new member activities. Maybe you’ve seen unexplained bruises or heard stories about “mandatory” late-night events that sound more like punishment than bonding. The line between tradition and abuse can blur in the closed world of Greek life, Corps programs, and campus clubs, leaving families in Gonzales County and across Texas feeling helpless and confused.

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history, representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are harrowing: a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items, forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” This conduct allegedly led to Bermudez developing rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospitalization with brown urine and critically high creatine kinase levels. This isn’t an isolated incident from years past; this is active litigation in Harris County right now, with the chapter suspended on November 6, 2025, and voting to surrender its charter on November 14.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Waelder, Shiner, Yoakum, and throughout Gonzales County. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, break down Texas and federal law, examine patterns from national tragedies, and provide clear, actionable steps to protect your child and pursue accountability. Whether your student attends a local college, commutes to a regional campus, or has ventured to a major university like UT Austin or Texas A&M, the legal principles and risks remain the same.

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:
  • 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. Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “hell week” paddling. For Waelder families with children at Texas universities, understanding these modern manifestations is critical to recognizing danger.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Under Texas law, “consent” is not a defense when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. The key question isn’t whether your child “agreed,” but whether they felt truly free to refuse without social or physical consequences.

Main Categories of Hazing Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and deadly form. It includes forced chugging, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, and “Bible study” trivia where wrong answers mean shots. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University, where a pledge was forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey, exemplifies this lethal pattern.

Physical Hazing: This includes paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics (“smokings”), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements. In the ongoing University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case, pledges were allegedly forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, leading to rhabdomyolysis. Another pledge was reportedly hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The Northwestern University football scandal revealed sexualized hazing within athletic programs, showing this abuse extends beyond Greek life.

Psychological Hazing: This includes verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, and public shaming. The constant psychological pressure can be as damaging as physical abuse.

Digital/Online Hazing: A modern evolution where pledges face group chat dares, “challenges” on Instagram or TikTok, and pressure to create or share compromising content. This creates a permanent digital record of humiliation.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Hazing is not limited to fraternities. In Texas, we see it in:

• Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some academic and service organizations

The common threads are power imbalance, tradition justifying abuse, and a culture of secrecy that prioritizes group loyalty over individual safety.

Texas Hazing Law: What Waelder Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that apply whether the incident occurs in College Station, Austin, Houston, or at a retreat far from campus. Understanding this framework is essential for Gonzales County families seeking justice.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health and occurs for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization. Key provisions include:

§ 37.151 Definition: The law covers both physical and mental harm. Location doesn’t matter—off-campus events are included.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default, but escalates to a Class A misdemeanor if it causes injury requiring medical treatment, and becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability: Organizations can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense: This critical provision states that victim “consent” is not a defense to hazing charges—Texas recognizes that power dynamics invalidate true consent.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from liability, encouraging bystanders to call for help.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (prosecutor) aiming for punishment (jail, fines, probation). Hazing-related charges can include furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and in fatal cases, manslaughter. In the Pi Kappa Phi UH case, the university has promised cooperation with law enforcement for potential criminal referrals.

Civil Cases: Brought by victims or surviving families seeking monetary compensation and accountability. These focus on negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, and emotional distress. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Our firm currently represents Leonel Bermudez in a civil lawsuit seeking over $10 million for his catastrophic injuries.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently and maintain public hazing data by 2026.

Title IX & Clery Act: When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes that often overlap with hazing incidents.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

• Individual students who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
• Local chapters as legal entities
• National fraternity/sorority headquarters that set policies and collect dues
• Universities and governing boards for negligence or deliberate indifference
• Third parties like landlords, bars, or event organizers

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, defendants include 13 individual members, the local chapter housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

These national tragedies established legal precedents and show patterns that repeat across campuses, including in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Died after bid-acceptance drinking, with falls captured on chapter cameras and delayed medical care. Resulted in the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Died during “Bible study” drinking game, leading to the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey, leading to a $10 million settlement ($7M from national, ~$3M from university).

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Died during “Big Brother Night,” leading to temporary suspension of all FSU Greek life.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Died during blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, coach termination, and confidential settlements.

What These Cases Mean for Waelder Families

These cases show common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing at their children’s universities are not alone—they operate in a landscape shaped by these hard lessons.

Texas University Focus: Where Waelder Students Attend

While Waelder students may attend various Texas institutions, several universities have documented hazing patterns and specific risks.

Texas A&M University – College Station

For Waelder Families: As a premier Texas university, Texas A&M attracts students from across the state, including from Gonzales County. Its Corps of Cadets and strong Greek life present specific hazing risks.

Campus Culture: Strong tradition-focused culture with active Greek life (approximately 60+ chapters) and the Corps of Cadets.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended for two years.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose. The lawsuit sought over $1 million.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: Texas A&M prohibits hazing and provides reporting through the Student Conduct Office and Corps leadership. The university maintains disciplinary records that can be critical in civil litigation.

How a Case Might Proceed: Cases may involve Texas A&M University Police Department and Brazos County authorities. Civil suits often name the university, national organizations, and individual members.

University of Texas at Austin

For Waelder Families: UT Austin’s size and Greek life presence (approximately 60 chapters) make it a potential site for hazing incidents affecting Central Texas families.

Transparency Advantage: UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions—a valuable resource for families and attorneys.

Documented Incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, resulting in probation and mandatory hazing-prevention education.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): An Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at a party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The chapter was already under suspension for prior violations.
• Multiple spirit organizations and fraternities have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, or punishment-based practices.

How a Case Might Proceed: Cases may involve UTPD and Austin Police Department. UT’s public violation records provide powerful pattern evidence for civil suits.

University of Houston

For Waelder Families: As a major urban university, UH serves students from across Texas, including those commuting from surrounding areas.

Current Major Case: Our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in the ongoing $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The detailed allegations include:

• “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
• Extreme workouts (100+ push-ups, 500 squats) leading to rhabdomyolysis
• Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
• Chapter suspension (Nov 6, 2025) and charter surrender (Nov 14, 2025)

Historical Context: Previous incidents include a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case where a pledge suffered a lacerated spleen.

How a Case Might Proceed: Cases may involve UHPD and Houston Police Department. The Bermudez case is currently in Harris County civil court.

Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

For Waelder Families: SMU’s private university status and affluent student body create unique dynamics for hazing incidents.

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, and deprived of sleep, leading to chapter suspension.
• SMU maintains hazing prevention efforts including anonymous reporting systems.

Baylor University (Waco)

For Waelder Families: Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over misconduct issues provide context for hazing responses.

Documented Incidents:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation.
• The university’s broader cultural challenges with accountability affect hazing response.

Regional Campuses Near Waelder

Waelder students may also attend:

• Texas State University (San Marcos): Active Greek life with approximately 40+ chapters
• University of Texas at San Antonio: Growing Greek community
• Texas A&M University-San Antonio: Developing campus organizations
• Blinn College (Brennan): Two-year college with student organizations

Each carries hazing risks, and Texas law applies equally regardless of campus size or location.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas Courts

National organizations’ histories create legal “foreseeability”—if they knew certain activities were dangerous based on past incidents, they have greater liability when those activities cause harm again.

Why National Histories Matter

When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got a chapter shut down in Ohio or Louisiana, that pattern shows the national organization should have known the risks and prevented recurrence. This supports negligence claims and can increase damages.

Organization Patterns with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

• Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, Texas Tech, Baylor, SMU, Texas State
• Legal Significance: National had prior warnings about “Big/Little” drinking events

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

• Multiple deaths nationally led to 2014 elimination of traditional pledge process
• Traumatic Brain Injury Case (Alabama, 2023): Ongoing litigation
• Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): $1M lawsuit, chapter suspension
• UT Austin Assault (2024): $1M+ lawsuit against chapter
• Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Alcohol poisoning death during “Big Brother Night”
• Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Current $10M lawsuit our firm is litigating
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, others

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death, Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, others

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

• SMU Chapter Suspension (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, Texas Tech, SMU, Baylor

How This Affects Texas Litigation

Pattern evidence from national incidents helps establish:

• Foreseeability: Nationals knew or should have known the risks
• Negligence: Failure to adequately supervise or enforce policies
• Punitive Damages: Willful disregard for known dangers

In the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi’s national history with the Andrew Coffey death establishes they knew the dangers of their “Big Brother” traditions.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Successful hazing litigation requires sophisticated investigation and strategic planning. Here’s what Waelder families should understand about the process.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok messages
• Preservation is urgent: Messages are often deleted within hours
• Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos & Videos:

• Content filmed during events
• Security camera or doorbell footage
• Injury documentation with scale and multiple angles

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
• National policies and training materials
• Emails/texts about “tradition” or “what we do to pledges”

University Records:

• Prior conduct files obtained through discovery
• Incident reports to campus police
• Clery Act reports

Medical & Psychological Records:

• ER/hospitalization records (crucial for rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez’s)
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Long-term treatment plans

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges, former members, roommates, RAs
• Coaches, trainers, or bystanders

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Diminished earning capacity for permanent injuries
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• For PTSD and psychological harm: Requires expert diagnosis and testimony

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional harm to parents and siblings
• Lost financial support over deceased’s expected lifetime

Punitive Damages: When defendants show reckless disregard or intentional harm, additional damages may punish and deter future conduct.

Insurance Coverage Complexities

Fraternities and universities carry insurance, but insurers often argue:

• Hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• Policies don’t cover criminal behavior
• Certain defendants aren’t insured

Our firm’s unique advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers fight claims, set reserves, and use delay tactics. This insider knowledge is invaluable when navigating coverage disputes. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Waelder Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Sudden weight loss/gain
• Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
• Secretive about activities, defensive when asked
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Grades dropping suddenly
• Unexpected financial expenses

How to Talk to Your Child:

1. “How are things with your [fraternity/sorority]? Are they respectful of your time?”
2. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
3. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
4. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
5. Listen without judgment – if they open up, document everything

If Your Child is Hurt:

1. Medical care first – even if they insist they’re “fine”
2. Preserve evidence immediately: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
3. Write down details: Who, what, when, where, witnesses
4. Contact an attorney before reporting to university or police

Dealing with the University:

• Document all communications
• Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
• Do NOT sign any “resolution” or “release” forms without legal review
• Remember: university interests ≠ your child’s interests

For Students: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Is This 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?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 – you won’t get in trouble for seeking help in an emergency
• Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Exiting Safely:

• You have the legal right to leave at any time
• Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
• Send an email/text to chapter leadership: “I resign effective immediately”
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” – that’s when pressure/retaliation happens

Evidence Collection:

• Screenshot everything – group chats, DMs, event photos
• Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent)
• Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
• Save all digital content – don’t delete even if embarrassed
• Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence: Messages may be embarrassing, but deletion looks like cover-up and can be obstruction of justice.
2. Confronting the Fraternity Directly: They’ll lawyer up, destroy evidence, and coach witnesses.
3. Signing University Forms Without Review: You may waive legal rights for minimal concessions.
4. Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility.
5. Waiting for University Investigation: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run.
6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you; settlements are lowball.

Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

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, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities have fewer protections. 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 it becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case involving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure would likely qualify for felony charges if prosecuted.

“Can my child sue if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. 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 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. The “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—call us immediately. Learn more in our statute of limitations video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. The Pi Delta Psi case (fatal retreat) and many others succeeded despite off-campus locations.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911: Why Texas Families Choose Us

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 offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including those in Waelder, Gonzales County, and across South Central Texas.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

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 claims, use delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is priceless when negotiating with insurers who think they can outmaneuver plaintiff attorneys.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Our firm was one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar corporations. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. We’ve taken on the largest institutional defendants and won. Learn more about Ralph’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

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

Dual Criminal + Civil Expertise:
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 potential criminal exposure.

Investigative Depth:
We maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with data on 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This includes IRS records on 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities, like:

• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (Theta Delta chapter), EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204

This database helps us identify all potentially liable entities immediately, rather than starting from scratch.

Current Active Litigation:
We’re not just talking about past cases—we’re actively fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing lawsuits right now. The Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates our commitment to holding institutions accountable in real time. Media coverage includes:

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

How We Work with Waelder Families

Free Confidential Consultation:
We listen to your story, review evidence, explain legal options, and help you decide the best path—with no pressure to hire us immediately.

Contingency Fee Basis:
We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Learn how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

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

Comprehensive Investigation:
We deploy digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, medical experts to document injuries, and institutional experts to trace policy failures.

Call to Action for Waelder Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, or any college in our state—we want to hear from you. Families in Waelder, Shiner, Yoakum, and throughout Gonzales County have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

• 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 or lupe@atty911.com (Spanish)

In your free consultation, we will:

• Listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options clearly
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• Answer questions about costs (no fee unless we win)
• No pressure to hire us on the spot

Whether you’re in Waelder or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for your child’s safety must be held accountable. Call us today.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas:

• Main website: https://attorney911.com
• Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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