The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Families in Denver City and Across Texas

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: When “Tradition” Turns to Trauma

If you’re a parent in Denver City, Yoakum County, you’ve worked hard to give your child opportunities—maybe saving for college, cheering at high school games, and hoping they’ll find community at a Texas university. What you never imagined was receiving that call: your child is in the hospital after a “pledge event,” or worse, not coming home at all.

Right now, 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 what his Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers called “tradition.” He was hospitalized for four days, passing brown urine, after being forced through extreme workouts, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and subjected to humiliating rituals including carrying a “pledge fanny pack” with condoms and sex toys. This isn’t a story from years ago—this $10 million lawsuit was filed in late 2025, and we represent Bermudez as his fraternity chapter was shut down and university officials called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

For families in Denver City—whether your child attends school hours away at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas A&M in College Station, or any Texas campus—this case proves that dangerous hazing happens here, now, at schools you trust. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how experienced hazing attorneys help families in Denver City and throughout West Texas seek accountability and prevent future harm.

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

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

For Denver City families unfamiliar with modern Greek life, hazing has evolved far beyond simple pranks. Today’s hazing involves sophisticated psychological pressure, digital control, and practices deliberately designed to avoid detection while causing real harm.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
The most common—and most deadly—form involves forced consumption. At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter, pledges were forced to drink milk, eat hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately run sprints. This isn’t “partying”—it’s calculated abuse that led to Bermudez’s kidneys shutting down. Other patterns include “family tree” drinking games where wrong answers mean chugging, Big/Little nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, and coerced drug use.

Physical Hazing
The extreme workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park that hospitalized Bermudez represent one pattern: calisthenics pushed to dangerous limits (100+ push-ups, 500 squats in one session). Other physical hazing includes paddling, sleep deprivation during “hell week,” exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous “trust exercises” that are actually tests of endurance.

Digital and Psychological Hazing
Modern hazing happens in group chats before it happens in person. Pledges are required to:
-eceive and respond to messages 24/7, causing sleep deprivation
-Share live location tracking through apps
-Upload humiliating content to social media as “challenges”
-Participate in group chats where refusal is mocked and punished

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
The “pledge fanny pack” at UH contained condoms and sex toys for humiliation. Other chapters force nudity, simulated sexual acts, racial or sexist role-playing, and degradation disguised as “bonding.”

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Fraternities

While the Leonel Bermudez case involves a fraternity, Denver City families should know hazing occurs in:

Sororities (though often less physically violent, still psychologically damaging)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams at all levels
Marching bands and performance groups
Spirit organizations and tradition clubs
Some academic and service organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of group—it’s the abuse of power dynamics where older members control new members’ status through fear, tradition, and secrecy.

Texas Hazing Law: What Denver City Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that protect students at both public and private institutions. For Denver City families, understanding these statutes is crucial for knowing your rights.

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
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key Points for Denver City Parents:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreats all count
Mental harm qualifies equally with physical harm
“Reckless” conduct is enough—they don’t need to intend harm
This exactly describes what happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152)

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death (like Bermudez’s kidney failure)
Additional charges: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

The Critical Protection: Consent Is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155)
Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This matters when fraternities claim “he wanted to do it” or “everyone agrees.” The law recognizes that power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion make true consent impossible.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in deaths
In the UH case: Potential criminal investigation alongside our civil lawsuit

Civil Cases

Brought by victims/families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress
Why both matter: Criminal conviction isn’t required for civil suit; they proceed separately

Federal Laws Overlapping Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthen prevention programs
Maintain public hazing data (phasing in through 2026)

Title IX and Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault, alcohol, and drug violations.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadliest Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. His family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Multiple members were convicted of hazing-related charges.

What Denver City Families Should Understand:
The same Pi Kappa Alpha national organization operates chapters across Texas. When we see similar “Big/Little” drinking traditions here, we know national headquarters was aware of this deadly pattern but failed to prevent its repetition.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
The 18-year-old died during a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol level reached 0.495%. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Multiple members faced criminal charges; family settlements were substantial though confidential.

Pattern Recognition: The “drinking game” format repeats across campuses, with different names but same deadly mechanics. When we investigate Texas cases, we look for these familiar scripts.

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

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

Why This Matters for Texas:
Brain injuries, organ damage (like Bermudez’s kidneys), and permanent disabilities transform hazing from “disciplinary issue” to catastrophic injury case requiring lifetime care planning. We work with economists and life-care planners to ensure these needs are funded.

Institutional Cover-Ups and Accountability

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and confidential settlements. The case proved hazing extends beyond Greek life into athletic departments with massive budgets.

Takeaway for Denver City Families:
Powerful institutions—whether universities, athletic departments, or national fraternities—have sophisticated defense strategies. Our experience against billion-dollar defendants in BP Texas City explosion litigation prepared us for exactly these fights.

Texas University Focus: Where Denver City Students Attend

Understanding Denver City’s Educational Pipeline

Denver City students typically attend:

Local/Regional Campuses: South Plains College, Texas Tech University (Lubbock), West Texas A&M (Canyon)
Major Texas Hubs: Texas A&M, University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech often draw West Texas students
Commuting Patterns: Many Denver City families have students who live on campus but return home regularly

Our investigation approach accounts for this reality: evidence might be in Lubbock dorms, College Station fraternity houses, or group chats accessed from Denver City homes.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – Closest Major Campus

Campus Snapshot:

Major research university with significant Greek life
Over 40 fraternities and sororities
Strong regional draw for Denver City and West Texas students

Documented Hazing Incidents:
While specific recent public cases may be limited, the IRS B83 public records show multiple Texas-registered Greek organizations operating in Lubbock, including:

Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation (EIN 237359384) – 1812 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401
Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter (EIN 473967233) – 4640 Erskine St Apt B, Lubbock, TX 79416
Farm House Fraternity Inc – Texas Tech University Chapter (EIN 751565336) – 3 Greek Cir, Lubbock, TX 79416
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech Health Sciences (EIN 820644459) – 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430

Lubbock Metro Greek Ecosystem:
According to Cause IQ data, the Lubbock metro area has 59 Greek-related organizations. These include undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and honor societies that form the institutional network behind campus Greek life.

What Denver City Parents Should Know:
When a Texas Tech student is hazed, liability may extend beyond the undergraduate members to include these registered organizations that own property, collect dues, and exercise control.

Texas A&M University – Common Destination

Cultural Factors:

Corps of Cadets traditions sometimes blur with hazing
Strong Greek life with historical patterns
Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021): Pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe burns requiring skin grafts and a $1 million lawsuit

College Station-Bryan Metro Greek Presence:
Cause IQ reports 42 Greek organizations in this metro area, including:

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter (Texas A&M)
Omega Psi Phi – Tau Tau Chapter (Texas A&M)
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae Chapter

For Denver City Families:
The distance between Denver City and College Station (about 360 miles) doesn’t eliminate your rights or our ability to investigate. Digital evidence, witness interviews, and organizational research can be conducted remotely, with strategic travel as needed.

University of Texas at Austin – Academic Draw

Transparency Advantage:
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions—a resource we use in investigations.

Example Cases from UT’s Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with mandatory hazing prevention education
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault causing dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose; lawsuit sought over $1 million

Austin-Round Rock Metro Greek Density:
154 Greek organizations operate in this metro, including house corporations for:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp.
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter
Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta Chapter)

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

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records on Greek organizations that may be connected to cases involving Denver City students. This directory helps families understand the institutional networks behind campus letters.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records):
The IRS Exempt Organizations database shows 125+ Texas-registered entities classified as student fraternities, sororities, and related organizations. These aren’t just social groups—they’re legal entities with EINs, mailing addresses, and often property or financial assets.

Examples Relevant to West Texas and Statewide Campuses:

West Texas Region Examples:

Frank Heflin Foundation (EIN 203507402) – 9000 W Country Club Rd, Canyon, TX 79015 (Phi Delta Theta alumni fund serving West Texas A&M)
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association (EIN 752290669) – 7501 Alexandria Ave, Amarillo, TX 79118 (housing corporation for West Texas A&M chapter)
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter – Canyon, TX (West Texas A&M University chapter)
Alpha Phi Omega – Eta Tau Chapter – Canyon, TX (WTAMU service fraternity)

Statewide Organization Examples:

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN 746064445) – 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627 (national fraternity with Texas operations)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (statewide housing foundation)
Beta Upsilon Chi (EIN 742911848) – 12650 N Beach St Ste 114 PMB 305, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Christian fraternity with Texas chapters)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 364091267) – 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (historically Black sorority with Texas presence)

Why This Directory Matters for Denver City Families:
When hazing occurs, multiple organizations may share liability: the undergraduate chapter, the alumni board that owns the house, the national headquarters that collects dues, and the educational foundation that holds assets. Our pre-existing knowledge of these entities means we don’t start from zero when investigating your case.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Meet Texas Chapters

Why National Patterns Matter in Your Local Case

The violent hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez at UH didn’t happen in a vacuum. Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters had seen this pattern before—their chapter at Florida State University caused Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 through similar forced drinking rituals. When national organizations fail to reform after tragedies, they become liable for “pattern and practice” negligence.

High-Risk Organizations with Documented Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Multiple Fatalities

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021) – $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012) – $14M settlement
Texas Presence: Multiple chapters across Texas campuses
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, alcohol coercion

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Nationwide Problems

Multiple alcohol-related deaths nationally
Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021)
UT Austin assault case (2024)
Notable: SAE eliminated traditional pledging in 2014 after pattern of deaths, yet problems continue

Phi Delta Theta – Deadly Drinking Games

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017) – Louisiana felony hazing law named for him
Texas Chapters: Present at multiple universities
Pattern: “Bible study” and quiz-based drinking games

How We Use National Histories in Texas Cases

When we investigate a hazing incident at a Texas school, we:

Identify the national organization behind the chapter
Research their national incident history through court records, news databases, and internal documents obtained via discovery
Establish foreseeability: Show the national knew or should have known this specific type of hazing was likely based on prior incidents
Demonstrate inadequate prevention: Prove their policies, training, and enforcement failed to prevent predictable harm

This approach transforms a “local chapter problem” into an institutional liability case with deeper insurance coverage and greater accountability.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Evidence (Most Critical)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord—screenshot immediately
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook—even “disappearing” content can be recovered
Location data: Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps, geotagged posts
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” content

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
The “pledge fanny pack” rules, workout schedules, and threats were all communicated through digital channels. This digital trail proved the systematic, organized nature of the hazing.

Physical and Medical Evidence

Injury documentation: Photograph immediately and over several days to show progression
Medical records: ER reports, lab results (like Bermudez’s critical creatine kinase levels), hospitalization records
Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge manuals,” costumes

Witness Networks

Other pledges (often afraid initially but may cooperate later)
Former members who quit
Roommates, significant others, RAs
Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and damage to reputation

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages
In egregious cases where defendants showed reckless disregard or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to punish and deter future conduct. The systematic abuse in the UH case, with its documented patterns and cover-up attempts, exemplifies conduct that may justify punitive awards.

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Fraternities and universities carry insurance, but insurers often fight hazing claims using “intentional act” exclusions. Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers:

Value and undervalue claims
Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions

We navigate these battles by:

Identifying ALL potential insurance policies (chapter, national, university, homeowners)
Building evidence showing negligence (not just intentional acts)
Pursuing bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Practical Guides for Denver City Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, defensiveness
Secretive phone use, panic about missing messages
Sudden money requests for unexplained “fees” or purchases
Drop in grades or missing classes for “mandatory” events

Questions to Ask (Without Confrontation):

“How are you finding the social aspect of college?”
“Are the older members respectful of your time and studies?”
“What kinds of activities do they have new members do?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable but you feel you can’t say no to?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

48-Hour Action Plan:

Medical First: ER visit for any injuries or intoxication
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot everything before deletion
Documentation: Write down everything your child tells you
Legal Consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university officials
Strategic Silence: Don’t confront the organization or post on social media

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Are you feeling pressured or coerced?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Is the activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are you being told to keep secrets from university officials or parents?
Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do?

Safe Exit Strategies:

In immediate danger: Call 911 first
To leave the organization: Send a simple email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately.” No need for meetings or explanations.
If fearing retaliation: Document threats, report to campus police, consider protective orders
Medical amnesty: Texas law and most university policies protect those who call for help in emergencies

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” group chats looks like obstruction of justice
Confronting the Organization: Triggers their defense preparation and evidence destruction
Signing University Agreements: Often include waivers of legal rights
Posting on Social Media: Creates inconsistencies defense attorneys exploit
Waiting for University Investigation: Statute of limitations runs, evidence disappears, witnesses graduate
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you
Letting Your Child Attend “One Last Meeting”: Opportunity for intimidation or extracting damaging statements

Why Attorney911 for Denver City Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

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.

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value and undervalue hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Mr. Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants. That same experience applies when suing national fraternities with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by powerful institutions—we’ve beaten them before.

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability
Mr. Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise families when criminal charges are possible
Represent witnesses or former members needing criminal defense
Navigate the interaction between criminal and civil proceedings

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Denver City and West Texas. We understand:

Texas hazing laws (Education Code Chapter 37)
Sovereign immunity issues with public universities
Local court procedures across Texas jurisdictions
The educational pipeline from Denver City to various campuses

Investigation Depth Proved in the UH Case
Our work on Leonel Bermudez’s case demonstrates how we investigate:

Obtaining deleted group chats and social media evidence
Identifying ALL liable entities (13 individual defendants plus university, national, housing corp)
Working with medical experts to prove causation (rhabdomyolysis to kidney failure)
Building public record through media coverage to pressure accountability

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving Hispanic families in Denver City and across Texas who may prefer consultation in their native language.

Our Approach: Thorough, Ethical, Victim-Centered

We believe hazing cases require:

Comprehensive Investigation: Not just what happened, but why it kept happening
Institutional Accountability: Holding nationals and universities responsible, not just individual students
Prevention Focus: Using litigation to force policy changes that protect future students
Client Privacy: Protecting your family’s dignity while pursuing justice
Realistic Expectations: Honest assessments of challenges and timelines

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Free, No-Obligation Consultation
We’ll listen to your story without judgment, review any evidence you’ve preserved, and explain your legal options clearly. There’s no pressure to hire us immediately—take time to make the right decision for your family.

Our Consultation Process:

Initial Call (30-45 minutes): Understand what happened, immediate needs
Evidence Review: Guide you on preserving critical digital/physical evidence
Option Analysis: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic Assessment: Challenges, timelines, potential outcomes
Next Steps Plan: Immediate actions to protect your rights

Cost Transparency
We work on a contingency fee basis for civil cases: no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all investigation expenses and only get paid if we win.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today

For Immediate Assistance:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

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

Serving Denver City and All of Texas:
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. Distance doesn’t prevent thorough investigation or effective representation. Digital evidence, witness interviews, and organizational research can be conducted regardless of location, with strategic travel as needed for court proceedings or critical meetings.

A Final Word to Denver City Families

The road from discovering your child has been hazed to achieving accountability is challenging, but you don’t walk it alone. The same organizations that harmed your child have harmed others before—and will harm others after unless held accountable.

We’ve seen the patterns: the deleted group chats, the university statements about “internal investigations,” the insurance company delays, the national headquarters claiming “rogue chapter.” We know how to overcome each obstacle because we’re doing it right now in the Leonel Bermudez case.

Your child’s safety and recovery come first. Legal accountability comes next. Whether through confidential settlement or public trial, we pursue both with equal determination.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, achieve accountability, and prevent this from happening to another student.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) — “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

Published: November 21, 2025 | Authors: Bryce Newberry & Holly Galvan Posey
URL: 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 Eyewitness News (KTRK) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

Published: November 22, 2025 | Author: Nick Natario
URL: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline — “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”

Published: November 22, 2025 | Author: Alyssa Ford
URL: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

“📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”

Content: How to properly use smartphones to document evidence after injury or hazing
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

“Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”

Content: Texas statutes of limitations for personal injury cases
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”

Content: Common mistakes that damage personal injury claims
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

“📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”

Content: Contingency fee model explanation
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

Attorney911 — Main Website & Contact
. Full-service Texas personal injury and criminal defense law firm

URL: 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