Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Waskom Parents and Families

The Nightmare No Waskom Parent Should Face

Imagine this: Your child, full of hope and excitement, heads to a Texas university to begin their college journey. They decide to join a fraternity or sorority, hoping to find community and lifelong friendships. But what starts as social bonding turns into something darker—forced drinking until they’re sick, extreme physical workouts that leave them injured, humiliating rituals captured on phones by laughing members, and a culture that prioritizes secrecy over safety.

When your child calls you from their dorm or the hospital, confused, injured, and afraid, you face the terrifying realization that the institution you trusted with their education failed to protect them. This isn’t just hazing—this is abuse that can cause permanent physical damage, psychological trauma, or even death.

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting exactly this kind of case. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The hazing included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion, and carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” 24/7. The chapter has been shut down, but the damage to Leonel is permanent.

If you’re a parent in Waskom, Marshall, or anywhere in Harrison County, this case proves that severe hazing happens right here in Texas—at universities where your children may be studying. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how our firm helps families across Texas, including here in Waskom, hold universities and fraternities accountable.

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

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

Modern Hazing Goes Beyond “Pranks”

For Waskom families unfamiliar with modern Greek life, today’s hazing is not just “boys will be boys” behavior. It’s systematic abuse that can cause permanent physical and psychological damage. Hazing in 2025 includes:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing:

Forced or coerced drinking games like “lineups” or “century clubs”
“Big/Little” nights where pledges must finish entire bottles of liquor
Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous mixtures
Mandatory participation in drinking rituals as “proof of commitment”

Physical Hazing:

Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) beyond safe limits—like the 500 squats and 100+ push-ups that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez
Paddling, beatings, or physical punishment
Sleep deprivation through mandatory all-night events
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting substances
Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments

Psychological and Digital Hazing:

24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Public humiliation on social media platforms
Forced social isolation from non-members
Constant verbal abuse and threats of expulsion
Geo-tracking requirements via apps like Find My Friends

Sexualized Hazing:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts as “initiation rituals”
Degrading costumes or positions
Recording of compromising situations for group “entertainment”

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

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

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets/ROTC programs at Texas A&M and other universities
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading)
Spirit Organizations (Texas Cowboys, Angelas, etc.)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the power imbalance between new and established members, and the culture of secrecy that protects abusers.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Waskom Families Need to Know

Where Waskom Students Attend College

Many Harrison County families send their children to nearby East Texas universities or major Texas institutions:

Local and Regional Universities:

East Texas Baptist University (just minutes from Waskom in Marshall)
Wiley University (also in Marshall)
Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, about 90 minutes away)
Texas A&M University-Commerce (under 2 hours away)
University of Texas at Tyler (approximately 90 minutes away)

Major Texas Universities with Strong Greek Life:

University of Houston (where our current Pi Kappa Phi case is unfolding)
Texas A&M University (College Station)
University of Texas at Austin
Baylor University (Waco)
Southern Methodist University (Dallas)
Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
Texas State University (San Marcos)

Waskom students also attend Louisiana schools just across the border, including LSU-Shreveport and Northwestern State University, where Texas hazing laws may still apply if Texas residents are involved.

The Hidden Network Behind Greek Letters

What most parents never see is the complex network of organizations behind every fraternity and sorority. Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—which tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros—we can identify every entity that might share liability when hazing occurs.

For Harrison County and East Texas families, relevant organizations include:

Texas-Registered Greek Entities (IRS B83 Records):

Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter, EIN 300517788, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter, EIN 452729519, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta, EIN 756041410, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
Epsilon Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity, EIN 756053083, Nacogdoches, TX 75961
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 352335400, Tyler, TX 75799 (University of Texas at Tyler)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 463831593, Austin, TX 78723 (Texas State University)

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Organizations (510+ total):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth, TX 76244
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation, Fort Worth, TX 76147
Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) national sorority headquarters in Dallas area
Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter, Denton, TX (Texas Woman’s University)

Houston Metro Organizations (188+ total):

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega graduate chapter, Houston, TX
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma graduate chapter, Houston, TX

These organizations matter because:

They often carry insurance coverage that can compensate victims
National headquarters may share liability if they knew about hazing patterns
Alumni associations and housing corporations own properties where hazing occurs
Multiple entities can be named in lawsuits, increasing chances of recovery

Texas Hazing Law: What Waskom Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Protects Students

Texas has some of the nation’s clearest anti-hazing laws under Education Code Chapter 37. For Waskom families, understanding these protections is crucial:

Definition of Hazing (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Key Points for Texas Families:

Location doesn’t matter—hazing at off-campus houses, retreats, or even other states can still violate Texas law if Texas students are involved
“Consent is not a defense” (Section 37.155)—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Mental harm counts—psychological abuse qualifies as hazing
Recklessness is enough—they don’t need to intend harm if they recklessly created dangerous situations

Criminal Penalties in Texas (Section 37.152)

Texas takes hazing seriously with escalating penalties:

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
Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters are separate misdemeanors

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153)

Organizations can face:

Fines up to $10,000 per violation
Loss of university recognition
Civil lawsuits for damages

Good-Faith Reporting Protections (Section 37.154)

Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. This is crucial—your child won’t get in trouble for reporting, even if they were drinking underage or initially participated.

How Texas Compares to Other States

While Texas has strong laws, some states have enacted even tougher measures after high-profile deaths:

Louisiana (Max Gruver Act): Felony hazing statute with serious prison time
Ohio (Collin’s Law): Hazing becomes felony when drugs/alcohol cause physical harm
Pennsylvania (Timothy Piazza Law): Enhanced penalties and transparency requirements

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH could prompt similar Texas reforms, which is why thorough litigation and public accountability matter.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021):
Pi Kappa Alpha pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night. He died from alcohol poisoning. Outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Multiple members convicted.

Max Gruver – LSU (2017):
Phi Delta Theta pledge died during “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol was 0.495%. Outcome: Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Chapter closed.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017):
Pi Kappa Phi pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” Outcome: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life. Multiple prosecutions.

Why This Matters for Texas Families: The same fraternities (Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi) that caused these deaths have chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor. The national organizations knew these “traditions” were deadly but failed to prevent them at new chapters.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013):
Pi Delta Psi pledge died during “glass ceiling” ritual—blindfolded, weighted down, and repeatedly tackled. Fraternity members delayed calling 911. Outcome: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State (2017):
Beta Theta Pi pledge died from traumatic brain injury after bid acceptance night with extreme drinking. Security cameras showed members delaying help for hours. Outcome: 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts. Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Why This Matters: These cases prove that national organizations can be held criminally liable for hazing, not just local chapters. This precedent supports suing national headquarters in Texas cases.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Outcome: Head coach fired, confidential settlements, multiple lawsuits.

Why This Matters: Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Texas schools with major athletic programs face similar risks.

What These Cases Mean for Waskom Families

Patterns repeat—the same fraternities, same rituals, same tragic outcomes
National organizations know the risks but often fail to prevent them
Universities can be held accountable for failing to protect students
Substantial financial recovery is possible—settlements often reach millions
Legal action drives reform—new laws typically follow tragedy and litigation

Texas University Spotlight: Where Waskom Students Face Hazing Risks

University of Houston: Our Current Battlefront

Campus Profile:
UH is where we’re currently fighting the Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case. As a large urban campus with active Greek life, UH has seen multiple hazing incidents.

Recent Hazing History:

2025: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter – Currently facing our $10 million lawsuit alleging severe hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
2016: Pi Kappa Alpha – Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep; one suffered lacerated spleen
Multiple other fraternities have faced disciplinary action for alcohol violations and hazing-related conduct

UH’s Hazing Policy:

Prohibits hazing on and off campus
Requires reporting through Dean of Students office
Provides some transparency about disciplinary outcomes

For Waskom Families with Students at UH:

Houston is about 3.5 hours from Waskom, but many Harrison County students attend
Cases involving UH students typically involve Harris County courts
UH has demonstrated willingness to suspend chapters when hazing is proven
Document everything and contact us immediately if you suspect hazing

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Campus Profile:
Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets culture and strong Greek system create multiple hazing risk environments.

Notable Hazing Cases:

2021: Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. $1 million lawsuit filed.
2023: Corps of Cadets – Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position. Sought over $1 million.
Multiple other fraternities have faced suspensions for hazing violations

For Waskom Families with Aggies:

College Station is approximately 4 hours from Waskom
Both Greek life and Corps programs require vigilance
Texas A&M has extensive anti-hazing policies but enforcement varies
Early legal intervention is crucial as evidence disappears quickly

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

Campus Profile:
UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing reporting systems, publicly listing violations.

Recent Hazing Violations (Publicly Listed):

2023: Pi Kappa Alpha – New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: probation and mandatory education.
2023: Texas Wranglers (spirit group) – Hazing violations including forced activities
Multiple other organizations sanctioned for alcohol-related hazing, forced workouts, punishment-based practices

UT’s Public Hazing Log:
UT posts violations at hazing.utexas.edu—a valuable resource for parents to check organizations’ histories.

For Waskom Families with Longhorns:

Austin is about 4.5 hours from Waskom
UT’s transparency is commendable but indicates ongoing hazing problems
Prior violations on UT’s log can strengthen civil cases by showing pattern evidence
Document everything and check organizations’ histories on UT’s public log

Baylor University: Private University Challenges

Campus Profile:
Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over misconduct issues create a complex environment for hazing accountability.

Notable Incidents:

2020: Baseball Team Hazing – 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Multiple Greek organizations have faced disciplinary action
Baylor has faced broader cultural challenges following earlier athletic scandals

For Waskom Families at Baylor:

Waco is approximately 3 hours from Waskom
Private university status affects transparency and legal strategies
Religious branding doesn’t eliminate hazing risks
Early legal counsel is essential when dealing with private institutions

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Greek Culture

Campus Profile:
SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek presence create distinct hazing dynamics.

Notable Cases:

2017: Kappa Alpha Order – New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended until 2021.
SMU utilizes anonymous reporting systems like Real Response

For Waskom Families at SMU:

Dallas is about 2.5 hours from Waskom
Private university with less public transparency
Strong alumni networks can complicate accountability
Digital evidence preservation is particularly important

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Don’t Change

Why National Histories Matter for Your Case

When a Texas chapter hazes students, their national headquarters’ history becomes critically important. Courts consider:

Did the national organization know this type of hazing was occurring elsewhere?
Did they take adequate steps to prevent it at this chapter?
Does their training actually prevent hazing or just teach members how to avoid getting caught?

Organizations with Problematic Histories at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State University (2021)
David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois University (2012), $14 million settlement
Chapters at: UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, Texas Tech
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing traditions repeatedly cause deaths

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama (2023)
Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021), $1 million lawsuit
Assault case at UT Austin (2024)
Chapters at: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU
Pattern: Physical hazing and alcohol abuse across multiple chapters

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver death at LSU (2017), led to Louisiana felony hazing law
Chapters at: UH, Texas A&M, Baylor
Pattern: Drinking game hazing with fatal outcomes

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University (2017)
Leonel Bermudez injury at UH (2025), our current $10 million case
Chapters at: UH, Texas A&M
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing leading to hospitalization

Kappa Alpha Order:

SMU chapter suspension (2017-2021) for paddling and alcohol hazing
Chapters at: Texas A&M, SMU, Texas Tech
Pattern: Traditional physical hazing practices

How This History Strengthens Your Case

Foreseeability: National organizations can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
Pattern Evidence: Same organization, same hazing methods, same injuries
Negligent Supervision: Nationals failed to prevent known dangerous traditions
Punitive Damages: Willful disregard for student safety may justify additional penalties

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord messages showing planning, execution, or cover-up
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos of hazing events
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” content
Location data: Phone GPS and geo-tags placing students at hazing locations

Medical Documentation:

ER records showing alcohol poisoning, injuries, or psychological distress
Specialist reports documenting long-term damage (like nephrologist reports for kidney injury)
Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, or anxiety
Critical: Tell medical providers “I was hazed” so it’s documented in records

University Records:

Prior conduct violations for same organization
Internal investigation reports
Emails between administrators about hazing concerns
Campus police reports

Physical Evidence:

Photographs of injuries (take immediately and over several days)
Damaged clothing or belongings
Objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)
Receipts for forced purchases

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges who experienced same hazing
Former members willing to testify about traditions
Roommates, RAs, or friends who observed changes or injuries

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages:

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including lifelong treatment for permanent injuries
Lost educational costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings due to permanent disability
Therapy and counseling: Often needed for years after hazing trauma

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they once loved
Damage to relationships: Strained family and friend connections

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support and companionship
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering
Punitive damages in cases of extreme recklessness

The Insurance Battle

Fraternities and universities carry insurance, but insurers often fight hazing claims by arguing:

“Intentional acts” are excluded from coverage
They didn’t receive proper notice of the claim
Multiple policies conflict about who should pay

Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, use delay tactics, and fight coverage. We identify all potential insurance sources and navigate complex coverage disputes that overwhelm most plaintiffs’ attorneys.

Practical Guide for Waskom Parents and Students

Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight loss or gain
Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
Chemical burns or skin damage

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone checking for group chat messages
Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”
Sudden obsession with pleasing older members

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping dramatically
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Patterns:

24/7 group chat monitoring demands
Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages or browser history obsessively
Social media posts showing concerning activities

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate Actions:

Prioritize safety: If your child is in danger, call 911
Get medical attention: Even if they resist, insist on evaluation
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
Document everything: Write down what they tell you with dates and details
Contact us: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

What NOT to Do:

Don’t confront the fraternity/sorority directly
Don’t sign anything from the university or insurance company
Don’t post details on public social media
Don’t let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
Don’t trust “we’ll handle it internally” promises from universities

Students: Your Rights and Safety

If You’re Being Hazed:

You have the right to leave at any time, no matter what they told you
Calling 911 won’t get you in trouble in medical emergencies (Texas has good-faith protections)
Document everything: Screenshot messages, record conversations (Texas is one-party consent), photograph injuries
Report safely: Use anonymous systems if you fear retaliation
Contact us confidentially: We can advise you without revealing your identity initially

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 answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

1. Deleting Evidence
What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Organization
What families think: “I’ll 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 a lawyer before any contact

3. Signing University “Resolutions”
What universities do: Pressure quick settlements with lowball offers
Why it’s wrong: You may waive rights to fair compensation
Better approach: Never sign anything without attorney review

4. Social Media Posting
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 lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigations
What universities promise: “We’re handling this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Better approach: Preserve evidence now; consult lawyer immediately

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Litigation Against Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won”

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

We maintain proprietary databases tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas
Can identify every potentially liable entity (house corporations, alumni associations, nationals)
Access to prior incident reports and pattern evidence
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does”

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Proven track record in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
Experience with economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability”

Criminal + Civil Expertise:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Bilingual Services:

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Services available for Hispanic families across Texas

How We Investigate Hazing Cases

Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Digital forensics for deleted messages
- Social media evidence collection
- Witness interviews before memories fade
Organization Mapping
- Identify all potentially liable entities using our Texas database
- Trace insurance coverage across multiple policies
- Document prior incidents and patterns
Expert Collaboration
- Medical experts for injury documentation
- Psychologists for trauma evaluation
- Economists for damage calculation
- Greek life culture experts for context
Strategic Litigation
- Federal court experience for complex cases
- Experience with Title IX and institutional claims
- Settlement negotiation from position of strength
- Trial readiness that changes how defendants negotiate

Call to Action for Waskom Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether nearby at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall or at major universities across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Waskom, Marshall, Harleton, and throughout Harrison County have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact The Manginello Law Firm:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

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

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston Office

While our main office is in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Waskom and all of Harrison County. Distance doesn’t matter—we handle cases across the state and can coordinate with local counsel when needed. What matters is getting your family the justice and accountability you deserve.

Whether your child was hazed at a university 30 minutes or 300 miles from Waskom, Texas law protects them, and experienced Texas counsel can help. Don’t let geography prevent you from seeking accountability.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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 ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: 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 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