The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Accountability for Chillicothe, Texas Families

If your child is heading to college—whether to a nearby campus like West Texas A&M or a major university like Texas A&M, UT Austin, or the University of Houston—you need to understand the modern reality of campus hazing. What starts as “tradition” or “team bonding” can rapidly escalate into life-threatening abuse, hidden behind Greek letters and institutional silence. Right now, in our own state, we are actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in the country: the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This case, unfolding just hours from Chillicothe in Harris County, reveals exactly how hazing operates in 2025: systematic, degrading, and medically catastrophic.

This guide is written specifically for parents and families in Chillicothe, Hardeman County, and across Northwest Texas. We will explain what hazing truly looks like today, how Texas law holds organizations accountable, and what you can do if your child has been harmed. Whether your student attends a local school, a major Texas university, or an out-of-state campus, the legal principles and institutional patterns we expose here apply directly to your family’s situation.

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. 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

For families in Chillicothe, hazing might still conjure images of harmless pranks or excessive partying. The reality in 2025 is far more systematic, digital, and dangerous. Hazing today is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining or maintaining membership in a group that endangers physical or mental health. The power dynamic—where new members desperately want acceptance—turns “consent” into coercion.

Modern Hazing Categories

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the leading cause of hazing deaths nationwide. It’s not casual drinking; it’s forced consumption rituals like “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor, “lineup” drinking games, or trivia where wrong answers mean rapid shots. In the current University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume excessive milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint.

Physical Hazing: This extends beyond paddling to extreme, punitive exercise designed to break down the body. We see “smokings” involving hundreds of push-ups and squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and exposure to extreme elements. Bermudez’s case includes being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” lying in vomit-soaked grass, and cold-weather workouts in underwear that contributed to his rhabdomyolysis.

Psychological and Digital Hazing: New in the digital age is 24/7 control via group chats. Pledges must respond instantly to messages at all hours, share their location via tracking apps, and endure public humiliation on social media. The “pledge fanny pack” rule in the UH case—requiring Bermudez to carry condoms, a sex toy, and humiliating items 24/7—is psychological warfare disguised as tradition.

Sexualized and Degrading Hazing: This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, and humiliating costumes. In the same UH Pi Kappa Phi case, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. These acts create trauma that lasts long after physical injuries heal.

Where Hazing Happens

Hazing is not exclusive to fraternities. For Chillicothe families, it’s crucial to understand it occurs in:

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

The common thread is a power imbalance, a culture of secrecy, and the dangerous belief that “what happens here stays here.”

Law & Liability Framework: Texas & Federal Law

For Chillicothe families navigating a hazing crisis, understanding the legal landscape is your first step toward accountability. Texas has specific laws, and federal statutes create additional layers of protection and obligation.

Texas Hazing Law: Education Code Chapter 37

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

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail).
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment.
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death—exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH.

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155): This is critical. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law recognizes that power imbalance and coercion negate true consent. This directly counters the first defense organizations always raise.

Good-Faith Reporting Immunity (Section 37.154): Students who report hazing or call 911 in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. This encourages saving lives over protecting “brotherhood.”

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA or prosecutor) to punish wrongdoing with jail, fines, or probation. In hazing cases, charges can include hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or even manslaughter in fatal cases.

Civil Cases: Brought by victims or their families to obtain compensation and accountability. These cases focus on negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, and institutional failures. The two can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to win a civil case. Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is a civil action seeking compensation for his catastrophic injuries and holding UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and individual members accountable.

Federal Law Overlay

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

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger, requiring universities to investigate and address the hostile environment.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes on campus; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol crimes that must be disclosed.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The hazing case currently unfolding at the University of Houston is not an isolated incident. It follows predictable, tragic patterns seen across the country. For Chillicothe families, these national cases provide crucial precedents and reveal how institutions respond when held accountable.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death 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. The case resulted in a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU) and criminal convictions against multiple members. This shows how national fraternities with deep pockets can be held financially accountable.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): During a “Bible study” drinking game, the pledge was forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. He died with a 0.495% BAC. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, strengthening felony hazing statutes, and resulted in a $6.1 million verdict for his family.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): The bid acceptance night involved extreme drinking, causing Piazza to fall repeatedly on camera. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours. This case produced one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history and led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): During a “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat, the blindfolded pledge was repeatedly tackled while weighted down. He suffered fatal head injuries while help was delayed. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark showing that organizations, not just individuals, face criminal liability.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over years. Multiple lawsuits led to the head coach’s firing and confidential settlements, proving hazing extends far beyond Greek life into multi-million-dollar athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Chillicothe Families

These national precedents establish that:

Forced drinking rituals are foreseeable, preventable dangers.
Organizations face massive financial liability (settlements from $1M to $14M).
National fraternities can be held accountable for local chapter conduct.
Delay in seeking medical help dramatically increases liability.
Universities face significant exposure when they fail to protect students.

The same fraternities involved in these national cases—Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi—have chapters at Texas schools. The patterns repeat because the institutional failures persist.

Texas Focus: Where Chillicothe Families Send Their Kids

Families in Chillicothe and Hardeman County send their children to a range of Texas institutions, from local universities to major statewide hubs. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is essential for prevention and response.

The Greek Ecosystem Surrounding Chillicothe Families

While Chillicothe itself is a close-knit community, your children may join Greek organizations at universities across Texas. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 fraternity and sorority organizations across 25 Texas metros. For example, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro (which contains many universities Chillicothe students attend), there are 510 Greek-related organizations. These aren’t just student clubs; they’re legal entities with insurance, property, and national affiliations.

Public Records Directory: Greek Organizations Serving Chillicothe Families

As part of our investigative approach, we maintain detailed records of Texas Greek organizations. For instance, IRS B83 filings show Texas-registered entities like:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845 – IRS B83 filing.
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 475370943) – 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204 – IRS B83 filing, Theta Delta chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785) – 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459 – IRS B83 filing.
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 – IRS B83 filing.
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905) – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204 – IRS B83 filing.

These entities represent the legal and financial backbone behind the Greek letters your children see on campus. When hazing occurs, these organizations—and their insurance policies—are potentially liable.

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX)

For Chillicothe Families: Located approximately 90 minutes from Chillicothe in Canyon, West Texas A&M is a regional university where many Hardeman County students begin their higher education. Its Greek life includes traditional fraternities and sororities.

Documented Incidents & Climate: While specific public hazing cases at WTAMU may not make national news, the patterns seen at larger universities exist here too. The university maintains hazing policies prohibiting forced drinking, physical abuse, and humiliation. However, like all campuses, enforcement depends on reporting and institutional will.

What WTAMU Students & Chillicothe Parents Should Do:

Report concerns to the WTAMU Dean of Students Office immediately.
Document all communications and preserve digital evidence.
Understand that hazing at regional campuses follows the same patterns as at larger schools.

Major Texas Universities Chillicothe Students Attend

Many Chillicothe students pursue degrees at Texas’s flagship institutions. Here’s what families need to know about each:

Texas A&M University (College Station)

Campus Culture: With one of the nation’s largest Corps of Cadets and extensive Greek life, Texas A&M has faced significant hazing challenges.

Documented Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages.

University Response: Texas A&M states it addresses hazing through Student Conduct and Corps regulations, but civil cases reveal gaps in prevention and oversight.

University of Texas at Austin

Transparency Leader: UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions—one of the most transparent in Texas.

Recent Sanctions Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Chapter placed on probation and required to implement hazing-prevention education.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. Student sued for over $1 million.

For Chillicothe Families: UT’s transparency is valuable, but repeated violations show ongoing systemic issues. These public records can be powerful evidence in civil cases.

University of Houston

Current Crisis: We are actively litigating Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu), a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit that reveals systemic failures.

Case Details:

Victim: Leonel Bermudez, transfer student and Fall 2025 pledge.
Hazing Conduct: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, enforced dress codes, overnight driving duties, extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, cold-weather exposure, being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting, and the Nov 3 workout of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats.
Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.
Defendants: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter Nov 6, 2025; chapter members voted to surrender their charter Nov 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement.

Media Coverage: This case has been extensively covered by Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

These private institutions have faced their own hazing challenges, often with less public transparency than state schools. SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order faced suspension for paddling and forced drinking incidents, while Baylor baseball experienced a 2020 hazing scandal resulting in 14 player suspensions.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus Chapters & National Histories

For Chillicothe parents, understanding that the local chapter is part of a national organization is crucial. National histories establish patterns that create liability.

Why National Histories Matter in Court

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, that shows foreseeability. National headquarters with thick anti-hazing manuals have that documentation precisely because they’ve seen these patterns before. In litigation, we use these national histories to prove that:

The organization knew the risks.
Their policies were inadequate or unenforced.
They failed to take reasonable steps to prevent predictable harm.

Organization-Specific Patterns

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): The national organization currently being sued in our UH case has a history including:

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” This led to FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ): Multiple fatal hazing incidents including Stone Foltz at Bowling Green ($10M settlement) and David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University ($14M settlement).

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ): Numerous hazing-related deaths and injuries nationwide, including the chemical burns case at Texas A&M and assault case at UT Austin.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Max Gruver’s death at LSU led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act and a $6.1 million verdict.

These national patterns don’t just inform litigation—they demonstrate that the problems at Texas campuses are part of systemic, organization-wide failures.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

When hazing injures a student from Chillicothe, building a strong case requires immediate action, thorough investigation, and strategic understanding of liability.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

In 2025, most hazing evidence is digital. Our investigators focus on:

Group Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and fraternity-specific apps contain planning discussions, incriminating messages, and post-incident cover-up attempts. In the UH case, digital evidence revealed the systematic nature of the hazing regime.

Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos, and Facebook posts often capture hazing in real-time before being deleted.

Recovered Data: Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics or cloud backups.

Medical Documentation: ER records, hospitalization reports, lab results (like the critical creatine kinase levels showing Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis), and psychological evaluations document the harm.

University Records: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, and internal investigations show patterns and institutional knowledge.

We educate families on preserving this evidence immediately. Our video “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” provides practical guidance.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

In hazing cases, damages fall into several categories:

Economic Damages:

Medical expenses (past and future).
Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships).
Diminished earning capacity for permanent injuries.

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering.
Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation.
Loss of enjoyment of life.

Wrongful Death Damages (when applicable):

Funeral and burial costs.
Loss of companionship and support for family.
Emotional suffering of parents and siblings.

In cases like Bermudez’s with permanent kidney damage, future medical costs and lifelong limitations constitute significant damages. Settlement values in serious hazing cases nationally range from $1 million to $14 million, with juries awarding substantial verdicts when cases go to trial.

Overcoming Institutional Defenses

Fraternities, sororities, and universities employ predictable defenses. Our experience from both sides of these cases—Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney before joining us—means we know their playbook:

Defense: “The Pledge Consented”
Our Response: Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing (Education Code §37.155). Power imbalance and coercion negate true consent.

Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter”
Our Response: National organizations maintain control through policies, dues collection, and oversight. Prior incidents at other chapters show foreseeability.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”
Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate liability when organizations sponsor, supervise, or benefit from the activities.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”
Our Response: Paper policies are meaningless without enforcement. We investigate whether prior violations were ignored or minimally punished.

Defense: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”
Our Response: Even if hazing was intentional, negligent supervision may be covered. We identify all potential insurance sources and fight coverage denials.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Chillicothe Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress.
Sudden secrecy about organization activities.
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal.
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring.
Financial strain from unexpected “fines” or purchases.
Academic decline from missed classes or exhaustion.

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize Safety: If in immediate danger, call 911.
Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates and details.
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items.
Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, get professional evaluation.
Consult an Attorney: Before reporting to the university or organization, talk to us to protect your rights.

For Students: Recognizing & Escaping 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 or university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend).
Send a clear resignation message: “I am resigning my membership effective immediately.”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur.
Document any threats or harassment.
Report retaliation to campus authorities and police.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Based on our experience handling hazing cases, we’ve identified common errors that compromise claims:

Deleting Evidence: Messages seem embarrassing but are crucial evidence. Preservation is key.
Confronting the Organization Directly: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.
Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often include liability waivers. Never sign without legal review.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility.
Waiting for University Investigations: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run.

Watch our video on “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” for more guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death—exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions apply. Evidence preservation is urgent. Watch our video on “Statutes of Limitations” for details.

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

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

Why Attorney911 for Chillicothe Hazing Cases

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 Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Chillicothe, Hardeman County, and across Northwest Texas.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña): Before joining our firm, Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, and fight coverage. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello): Mr. Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, facing billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That same experience applies directly to taking on national fraternities and universities. His federal court experience and HCCLA membership signal we’re not intimidated by institutional defendants.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience: We have recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We work with economists, life-care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force real accountability, not cheap settlements. Learn about our wrongful death practice at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Mr. Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association means we understand both criminal hazing charges and civil liability—crucial when cases involve both tracks.

Investigative Depth & Resources: We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas. We deploy digital forensics experts, medical specialists, and institutional policy experts. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Our Approach: Empathy, Accountability, Prevention

We know this is one of the hardest experiences a family can face. Our approach balances:

Compassionate Support: We listen without judgment and guide you through each step.
Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth.
Strategic Accountability: We identify every liable party—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities.
Future Prevention: We believe accountability today prevents harm tomorrow.

Call to Action for Chillicothe Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Chillicothe, Quanah, Childress, and throughout Hardeman County have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, review any evidence you have, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to expect in your free consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment.
Review evidence (photos, texts, medical records).
Explain options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations.
Answer questions about costs (we work on contingency—no fee unless we win).
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide.
Everything you tell us is confidential.

Contact Information:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: Hablamos Español—contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Whether you’re in Chillicothe or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same organizations, the same insurance companies, the same institutional cover-up tactics exist everywhere. We have the experience, resources, and determination to help you fight back.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Immediate help. We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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 Website & Contact:

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