Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Legal Guide for Wortham Families

Fighting for Accountability When “Tradition” Turns Dangerous

For parents in Wortham, the pride of watching your child head off to a Texas university can quickly turn to panic when you get that late-night call. Maybe your student at the University of Houston mentions mysterious “pledge activities” that leave them exhausted. Perhaps your Texas A&M cadet comes home with unexplained bruises they dismiss as “training.” Or your Baylor student seems increasingly withdrawn, spending late nights responding to group chat demands. The unsettling feeling grows: is this normal college life, or is my child being hazed?

Right now in Harris County, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring systematic abuse by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter—forced through hundreds of push-ups and squats, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” made to consume milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and subjected to humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rules. His urine turned brown before he was hospitalized for four days. This isn’t an isolated incident—it’s part of a dangerous pattern affecting Texas families from Wortham to Waco, College Station to Corpus Christi.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Wortham and across Freestone County who need to understand:

• What modern hazing really looks like at Texas universities
• How Texas hazing law and federal regulations protect (or fail) your child
• What we’ve learned from national tragedies like the Stone Foltz and Timothy Piazza cases
• The documented histories of fraternities, sororities, and campus organizations at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor
• What legal options Wortham families have when hazing injures their child
• How Attorney911’s Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine builds cases differently

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 your student insists they’re “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

Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains proper evidence preservation techniques for hazing cases.

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Wortham families unfamiliar with modern Greek life and campus culture, hazing has evolved far beyond the “hell week” stereotypes. Today’s hazing is often disguised as “team building,” “bonding,” or “tradition,” making it harder for parents to recognize.

The Three-Tier System of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The “Gatekeeper” Behaviors)
These behaviors establish power imbalance while seeming “harmless”:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Mandatory “study sessions” that interfere with academics
• Forced chauffeur duties at all hours
• “Pledge fanny pack” requirements (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case: condoms, sex toys, humiliating items)
• Geographic tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Social isolation from non-members

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The “Endurance Test”)
These behaviors cause real physical and psychological harm:

• Sleep deprivation through late-night meetings and 3 AM wake-ups
• Forced consumption of unpleasant substances (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns)
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) far beyond normal workouts
• Public humiliation and degrading costumes
• Food and water restriction
• “Voluntary” activities that are socially mandatory

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Breaking Point)
These activities risk serious injury or death:

• Forced alcohol consumption (“lineups,” “Big/Little” drinking games)
• Physical beatings and paddling
• Dangerous physical tests (“glass ceiling” tackles, blindfolded challenges)
• Sexualized hazing (forced nudity, simulated acts)
• Exposure to extreme environments (freezing rooms, outdoor exposure)
• Chemical hazing (industrial cleaners causing burns)

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 (particularly at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit Organizations (Texas Cowboys, Aggie Bonfire legacy groups)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread: any group where “earning” membership through endurance, humiliation, or risk creates bonding through shared trauma.

Texas Hazing Law: What Wortham Families Need to Know

Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership that endangers mental or physical health or safety. Location doesn’t matter—on-campus or off-campus activities both qualify.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing violations (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, retaliation against reporters

Critical Protections for Wortham Families:

• Consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code § 37.155)
• Good-faith reporters have immunity from civil/criminal liability
• Medical amnesty often applies when calling 911 for alcohol emergencies

Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued?

When hazing causes injury, multiple parties may face civil liability:

Individual Students:

• Those who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
• Officers who failed in supervision duties

Local Chapters:

• The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
• Housing corporations that own facilities where hazing occurred

National Organizations:

• Headquarters that set policies and collect dues
• Entities that knew or should have known about dangerous traditions

Universities and Governing Boards:

• Schools that failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Institutions with prior knowledge of dangerous patterns

Third Parties:

• Property owners where hazing occurred
• Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
• Security companies that enabled events

Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires universities receiving federal aid to:
Toughen hazing prevention programs (phased in by 2026)
Maintain public hazing violation databases
Increase transparency in reporting

Title IX Implications:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting and investigation requirements.

Clery Act Requirements:
Hazing incidents involving crimes (assault, alcohol offenses) must appear in annual security reports.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: Texas Hazing Litigation in Action

Right now, we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases, demonstrating exactly how these legal principles apply in practice. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered catastrophic injuries during his fall 2025 pledge period with Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter.

The Systematic Abuse

Beginning in September 2025, Bermudez was subjected to:

• Humiliating Requirements: 24/7 “pledge fanny pack” carrying condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
• Forced Labor: Overnight chauffeuring, hours-long “study blocks,” weekly interrogations
• Physical Torture: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races in vomit-soaked grass
• Waterboarding Simulation: Hose spraying in face while pinned down
• Forced Consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints
• Extreme Workouts: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion

Medical Catastrophe

After the November 3 “workout,” Bermudez’s condition deteriorated over several days until he was passing brown urine and unable to stand without help. Hospitalization revealed:

• Rhabdomyolysis: Severe skeletal muscle breakdown
• Acute Kidney Failure: Critically elevated creatine kinase levels
• Four-Day Hospitalization: With ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Defendant Universe

Our lawsuit names 17 defendants, including:

• University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Beta Nu Housing Corporation
• 13 Individual Fraternity Leaders: Chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and others

Institutional Response

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
• UH Statement: Conduct called “deeply disturbing,” promises cooperation with law enforcement

This case, covered extensively by Click2Houston and ABC13, shows how systematic hazing continues at Texas universities despite decades of “zero tolerance” policies.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: The Data Behind Accountability

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, campus entities, and institutional relationships that allows us to build cases with unprecedented precision. For Wortham families, this means we don’t start from zero when investigating hazing incidents.

The Greek Ecosystem Surrounding Wortham Families

Wortham students often attend universities across Texas, creating connections to Greek organizations throughout the state. Our public records research reveals the extensive network of registered entities:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records):

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN: 133048786) | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC (EIN: 161675890) | 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822 | Zeta Rho HCB, IRS B83 filing
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC (EIN: 201237505) | 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210-4202 | Beta Chapter, IRS B83 filing
• FRANK HEFLIN FOUNDATION (EIN: 203507402) | 9000 W Country Club Rd, Canyon, TX 79015-5815 | IRS B83 filing
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY (EIN: 237279532) | PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446-2142 | IRS B83 filing
• EPSILON NU HOUSING CORPORATION (EIN: 237359384) | c/o Patrick Simek 1812 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401-0000 | IRS B83 filing
• ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY (EIN: 262025321) | 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201-5816 | Mu Gamma Chapter, IRS B83 filing
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI (EIN: 263170920) | 411 Texas St Rm 219, Denton, TX 76204-0000 | Texas Woman’s University chapter, IRS B83 filing
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN: 462267515) | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 filing
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC (EIN: 475370943) | 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204-7005 | Theta Delta chapter, IRS B83 filing

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Greek Organizations:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity | Fort Worth, TX – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244 | Cause IQ metro listing
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation | Fort Worth, TX – Kappa Sigma housing foundation | Cause IQ metro listing
• Delta Tau Delta Fraternity – Gamma Iota Chapter | Austin, TX – Chapter house at University of Texas | Cause IQ metro listing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Texas Rho Corp | Austin, TX – House corporation at University of Texas | Cause IQ metro listing

Houston Metro Greek Organizations:

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity | Houston, TX – Alumni/house corporation | Cause IQ metro listing
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae | Houston, TX – Graduate chapter | Cause IQ metro listing
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter | Houston, TX – Undergraduate chapter | Cause IQ metro listing

Where Wortham Families Send Their Children

Wortham students typically attend universities throughout Central and East Texas:

Local and Regional Campuses:

• Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Waller County) – 45 miles from Wortham
• Navarro College (Corsicana, Navarro County) – 35 miles from Wortham
• Trinity Valley Community College (Athens, Henderson County) – 50 miles from Wortham
• Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, Hunt County) – 65 miles from Wortham
• University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, Smith County) – 85 miles from Wortham

Major Statewide Hubs:

• University of Houston (Houston, Harris County) – Where the Bermudez case occurred
• Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County) – Large Greek life and Corps presence
• University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County) – Transparent hazing violations database
• Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County) – Religious institution with Greek life
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Dallas County) – Private university with affluent Greek scene

Cross-Validated National Brands

Our research identifies organizations appearing in both IRS records and metro databases, confirming their operational presence:

• Beta Upsilon Chi: IRS EIN 742911848 in Fort Worth matches Cause IQ “Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity” listing
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation: IRS EIN 741380362 matches Cause IQ foundation listing
• Pi Kappa Alpha: Multiple IRS entities correlate with Cause IQ district and alumni listings
• Sigma Gamma Rho: IRS filings in Waco and Commerce match Cause IQ chapter listings in Houston and Beaumont

This interconnected data allows us to trace liability from local incidents back through alumni networks, housing corporations, and national headquarters.

National Hazing Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragedies affecting Wortham students don’t occur in isolation—they follow predictable patterns established in cases nationwide.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning. $10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university).

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; falls captured on security cameras; delayed medical care. Landmark prosecution with 18 members charged, leading to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
“Forced drinking during “Bible study” game; 0.495% BAC at death. $6.1 million verdict against fraternity, leading to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
“Big Brother Night” with handle of liquor; died from alcohol poisoning. Temporary Greek life suspension at FSU.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat; fatal head injuries; delayed help. National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
“Pledge dad reveal” drinking; severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see). Settlements with 22 defendants, multi-million dollar care needs.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Sexualized, racist hazing allegations; head coach fired; confidential settlements with multiple players and coach.

Western Kentucky Swim Team (2012-2015):
Verbal/physical abuse hazing; program suspended for five years; $75,000 settlement with former member.

What These Patterns Mean for Wortham Families

1. Forced drinking remains the deadliest hazing method – Texas chapters continue these same “Big/Little” traditions
2. Delayed medical care multiplies liability – The “don’t get chapter in trouble” mentality costs lives
3. National organizations have documented patterns – When Sigma Alpha Epsilon or Pi Kappa Alpha chapters haze in Texas, they’re repeating known dangerous behaviors
4. Transparency follows tragedy – Only after lawsuits and deaths do universities strengthen policies

Texas University Focus: Where Wortham Students Face Risk

University of Houston: Urban Campus Challenges

For Wortham Families: UH’s commuter/residential mix and active Greek life create unique hazing risks, as demonstrated in the Bermudez case.

Documented Incidents:

• Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025): Systematic physical abuse leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during multi-day event; chapter faced misdemeanor charges
• Multiple fraternities: Alcohol violations, “likely to produce discomfort” activities leading to suspensions

UH Hazing Response:

• Hazing prohibited on/off campus
• Reporting through Dean of Students and UHPD
• Some public disciplinary information
• Critical Gap: Less transparent than UT’s public violations database

How UH Cases Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: UHPD for on-campus, Houston PD for off-campus
• Civil Venue: Harris County courts
• Common Defendants: Individuals, chapters, nationals, UH, property owners

What UH Families Should Do:

1. Report to Dean of Students Office immediately
2. Document all communications with UH administrators
3. Request prior disciplinary records for involved organization
4. Contact Houston-based hazing attorneys familiar with UH procedures

Texas A&M University: Corps and Greek Traditions

For Wortham Families: A&M’s Corps culture and extensive Greek life create dual hazing risks.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (~2021): Pledges covered in industrial cleaner causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet allegedly bound in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth; sought over $1 million
• Multiple fraternities: Alcohol hazing, physical endurance tests

A&M Hazing Response:

• Separate processes for Greek life and Corps violations
• Student Conduct Office investigations
• Corps-specific regulations adding complexity

How A&M Cases Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: College Station PD, campus police
• Civil Venue: Brazos County courts
• Unique Factors: Sovereign immunity challenges for public university

What A&M Families Should Do:

1. Distinguish between Greek life and Corps reporting channels
2. Document Corps-specific regulations and violations
3. Consider both university discipline and civil litigation
4. Work with attorneys experienced in A&M’s dual systems

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

For Wortham Families: UT’s public violations database provides evidence of recurring patterns.

UT Hazing Violations Database Examples:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; probation and education requirements
• Texas Wranglers (multiple years): Forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Ongoing investigations and sanctions

UT’s Comparative Transparency:

• Public website listing organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions
• More detailed than UH or A&M public disclosures
• Value for Litigation: Documented patterns support negligence claims

How UT Cases Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: UTPD, Austin PD
• Civil Venue: Travis County courts
• Strategic Advantage: Public violation records establish foreseeability

What UT Families Should Do:

1. Check UT’s hazing violations database for organization history
2. Use public records in demands and litigation
3. Document how university knew/ignored patterns
4. Leverage transparency in settlement negotiations

Southern Methodist University: Private University Dynamics

For Wortham Families: SMU’s affluent Greek scene and private status create different accountability challenges.

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended until ~2021
• Multiple organizations: Anonymous reports through Real Response system

SMU’s Private Status Implications:

• Less public transparency than state schools
• Different disciplinary procedures
• Discovery Strategy: Litigation often necessary to obtain internal records

How SMU Cases Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: University Park PD, Dallas PD
• Civil Venue: Dallas County courts
• Key Challenge: Obtaining internal documents without public records requests

What SMU Families Should Do:

1. Utilize anonymous reporting systems initially
2. Expect less public information than state schools
3. Prepare for discovery battles over internal documents
4. Consider media strategy due to private university reputation concerns

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Scandal History

For Wortham Families: Baylor’s recent scandals and religious branding affect hazing response.

Documented Incidents:

• Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
• Multiple Greek organizations: Disciplinary actions through student conduct

Baylor’s Unique Context:

• Recent Title IX and football scandal history
• Religious identity affecting policy enforcement
• Public Relations Pressure: Heightened sensitivity to negative publicity

How Baylor Cases Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: Waco PD, campus police
• Civil Venue: McLennan County courts
• Leverage Point: University’s reputation management concerns

What Baylor Families Should Do:

1. Document how religious identity affects reporting/compliance
2. Consider Title IX intersections with hazing
3. Leverage university’s recent history in negotiations
4. Work with attorneys familiar with Baylor’s unique culture

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord logs
• Social media DMs, posts, stories
• Deleted message recovery through digital forensics
• Location data, timestamps, participant identification

Photographic/Video Evidence:

• Injury documentation over time
• Event footage from participants
• Security camera/Ring doorbell footage
• Social media posts showing activities

Organizational Documents:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
• Chapter meeting minutes
• National policies and training materials
• Risk management files

University Records:

• Prior conduct violations
• Incident reports
• Clery Act reports
• Internal emails about organization

Medical Documentation:

• Emergency room records
• Hospitalization notes
• Specialist evaluations
• Psychological trauma diagnoses

Damages Recovery Framework

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational opportunities
• Diminished earning capacity
• Life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Family’s emotional suffering
• Parental and sibling therapy costs

Texas-Specific Considerations:

• Modified comparative fault (51% bar rule)
• Sovereign immunity challenges for public universities
• Punitive damage caps in many cases

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Fraternity and university insurance companies employ familiar defense tactics:

Common Insurance Defenses:

• “Intentional act” exclusions for hazing
• Coverage disputes between multiple policies
• Reservation of rights letters
• Lowball settlement offers early in process

Our Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us unique insight into:

• How insurers value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Delay tactics and pressure strategies
• Coverage argument weaknesses
• Settlement reserve setting

Practical Guide for Wortham Parents and Students

Warning Signs of Hazing

Physical Indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
• Extreme exhaustion beyond academic stress
• Weight changes from food/water manipulation
• Sleep deprivation patterns
• Chemical burns or unusual rashes

Behavioral Changes:

• New secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Defensiveness about organization
• Constant phone monitoring for group chats

Academic Red Flags:

• Sudden grade drops
• Missed classes or assignments
• Lost scholarships or academic standing

Digital Patterns:

• 24/7 group chat responsiveness demands
• Location sharing requirements
• Social media content control
• Message deletion anxiety

Immediate Action Steps

48-Hour Crisis Response:

1. Medical Priority: ER evaluation even if “fine”
2. Evidence Preservation: Screenshot all communications
3. Documentation: Write detailed incident accounts
4. Legal Consultation: Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
5. University Reporting: Decide timing with attorney guidance

Evidence Collection Checklist:

• Group chat screenshots with timestamps
• Injury photographs from multiple angles
• Medical record requests
• Witness contact information
• Physical evidence preservation (clothing, objects)

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

1. Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” looks like cover-up
2. Direct Confrontation: Alerts organization to destroy evidence
3. Signing University Agreements: May waive legal rights
4. Social Media Posts: Inconsistencies hurt credibility
5. Delayed Action: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin injury cases for detailed guidance on avoiding common pitfalls.

University Navigation Strategies

When Dealing with Administrators:

• Document all communications
• Ask specific questions about prior incidents
• Request written copies of policies and procedures
• Note promises versus actions
• Involve attorneys before signing anything

Understanding University Motivations:

• Reputation protection often precedes student safety
• “Internal handling” rarely produces accountability
• Public relations concerns drive responses
• Legal liability minimization is primary goal

Why Attorney911 for Wortham Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Active Texas Case Experience:

• Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi: Current $10 million hazing lawsuit
• Multiple ongoing Texas hazing investigations
• Statewide service from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices

Complex Institutional Litigation Background:

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Multi-defendant case management expertise
• Learn more about Ralph Manginello’s background and complex case experience

Insurance Insider Advantage:

• Mr. Lupe Peña’s former insurance defense experience
• Knowledge of fraternity/university insurer tactics
• Coverage dispute resolution skills
• Learn about Lupe Peña’s insurance defense experience

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

• Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association membership
• Understanding of criminal hazing charges
• Witness cooperation guidance
• Parallel proceeding management

Our Investigative Methodology

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

• 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
• IRS B83 records, university databases, Cause IQ metro data
• Organization relationship mapping
• Pattern evidence documentation

Expert Network:

• Medical specialists (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, kidney injury)
• Digital forensics experts
• Greek life culture consultants
• Economists and life care planners
• Psychological trauma experts

Evidence Collection Protocols:

• Digital forensic recovery procedures
• University records acquisition strategies
• Witness interview methodologies
• Medical documentation systems

What Makes Hazing Cases Different

Institutional Resistance:

• Universities with unlimited legal budgets
• National fraternities with experienced defense teams
• Insurance coverage battles
• Reputation protection priorities

Evidence Challenges:

• Rapid digital evidence destruction
• Witness intimidation and coaching
• “Code of silence” enforcement
• Delayed reporting complications

Emotional Complexity:

• Victim shame and guilt
• Family trauma and confusion
• Community pressure and loyalty conflicts
• Privacy versus accountability balancing

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas university, time is your greatest enemy and your most valuable resource. Evidence disappears daily—group chats are deleted, witnesses are coached, universities begin damage control.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

1. Confidential Listening: We’ll hear your complete story without judgment
2. Evidence Review: Analysis of any documentation, photos, or communications
3. Legal Options Explanation: Criminal reporting, civil litigation, university processes
4. Realistic Assessment: Case strengths, challenges, and potential outcomes
5. Action Plan Development: Immediate steps and long-term strategy
6. Cost Transparency: Contingency fee explanation—no fee unless we recover
7. No Pressure Decision: Time to consider options before committing

Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work to understand our no-upfront-cost model.

Contact Attorney911 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

Spanish Language Services:

• Hablamos Español
• Contact Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com
• Consultas confidenciales en español

Online Resources:

• Main Website: https://attorney911.com
• Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense Experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Statute of Limitations Alert

Texas generally provides two years from date of injury to file hazing lawsuits, but:

• The “discovery rule” may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately known
• Cover-ups and fraud can toll (pause) the statute
• Immediate action is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 today

Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations for detailed guidance on filing deadlines.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez Case:

• Click2Houston investigation: 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 detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline case summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Evidence documentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency fee explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

• Contact and information: 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)
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