Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Wylie Families

The Ugly Reality When Campus “Traditions” Turn Criminal

We’ve seen it too many times at The Manginello Law Firm: a call comes in from a family right here in our Texas community. Their voice shakes as they describe how their son or daughter—a bright student from Wylie who they sent off to college full of promise—is now in a hospital bed, psychologically shattered, or worse. The story often starts the same way: “It was just supposed to be bonding.” “Everyone goes through it.” “We thought it was tradition.”

Right now, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died from fraternity hazing. According to the Click2Houston report on the UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, Bermudez was forced through extreme physical abuse that caused rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he couldn’t stand without help, and he spent four days in the hospital facing permanent kidney damage. The ABC13 coverage details how Pi Kappa Phi members sprayed pledges in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced them to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made them run sprints immediately after.

This isn’t happening in some distant state. This happened at the University of Houston, just hours from Wylie. And if it can happen there, it can happen at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, Texas State University in San Marcos, or any of the dozens of Texas campuses where Wylie students pursue their education.

If you’re a parent in Wylie, San Saba County, or anywhere in Central Texas reading this because you suspect something has happened to your child, we want you to know three things immediately:

You’re not alone. We’ve helped families across Texas navigate this nightmare.
Time is critical. Evidence disappears within days—group chats get deleted, witnesses get coached, universities move to control narratives.
Texas law provides real recourse. Hazing isn’t just “bad behavior”—it’s a crime with civil liability.

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 if you need help right now. We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason.

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)
- Our video on using your phone to document evidence shows exactly how to do this properly
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

Understanding the Greek Ecosystem That Surrounds Wylie Families

When we talk about “fraternities and sororities” with Wylie families, we’re not just talking about social clubs. We’re talking about complex networks of legally registered organizations with insurance policies, house corporations, alumni foundations, and national headquarters—all of which can share liability when hazing occurs.

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed data on every Greek organization operating in Texas. Let us show you what this landscape really looks like for Central Texas families.

The Austin-Round Rock Metro Greek Network

While Wylie itself is a peaceful San Saba County community, your children likely attend universities in or near the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area, which hosts 154 Greek organizations according to our Cause IQ data. This network includes:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. in Austin (University of Texas chapter house corporation)
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter in Austin (University of Texas chapter house)
Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma in Austin (University of Texas chapter house corporation)
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta) in Austin (University of Texas chapter property)
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter in College Station (Texas A&M chapter)
Alpha Phi Omega – University of Texas Chapter in Austin (Service fraternity chapter)
Texas Rho Housing Corporation (ΣAE) in Austin
Texas Alpha Phi House Corporation in Austin (Alpha Phi UT chapter house corp.)

These aren’t just club names—they’re legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), mailing addresses, and often, insurance policies. When hazing occurs, we don’t just sue “the fraternity.” We identify every organization behind the letters.

Texas Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Wylie Families

If you’re a parent in Wylie, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are just 20 examples from the 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations we track through IRS B83 filings. These organizations—house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies—represent the legal and financial backbone of Greek life in our state.

Central Texas & Statewide Organizations:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU GAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN 273662583 | Lufkin, TX 75904
ALPHA TAU OMEGA HOUSING CORPORATION OF ETA IOTA CHAPTER | EIN 300517788 | Nacogdoches, TX 75965
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN 463831593 | Austin, TX 78723 (Texas State University chapter)
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN 475381060 | San Marcos, TX 78666 (Theta Iota chapter at Texas State)
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN 746084905 | Houston, TX 77204
KAPPA EPSILON CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN 751727080 | Arlington, TX 76013
SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN 752609909 | Commerce, TX 75428 (Mu Zeta chapter)
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN 756041410 | Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (Epsilon Zeta chapter)
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY ZETA ETA | EIN 756060974 | Commerce, TX 75429 (Texas A&M University-Commerce chapter)
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN 921490845 | Huntsville, TX 77340 (Kappa Xi chapter at Sam Houston State)

Major University Hub Organizations:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN 133048786 | College Station, TX 77845 (Texas A&M chapter)
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN 740555581 | Austin, TX 78705 (Chi Omega House Corporation at UT)
LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN 741130606 | Austin, TX 78705 (Alpha Mu chapter at UT)
TEXAS RHO CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY | EIN 741942292 | Waco, TX 76706 (Baylor University chapter)
ETA ALPHA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA DELTA SORORITY | EIN 742930349 | College Station, TX 77840
PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa chapter)
GAMMA IOTA CHAPTER OF GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN 751225585 | Wichita Falls, TX 76308
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN 900293166 | College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M University chapter)
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN 900293167 | Victoria, TX 77901 (University of Houston-Victoria chapter)
SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN 851262394 | Austin, TX 78703 (Beta Mu chapter)

This directory represents just a fraction of the 1,423 Greek organizations we track across 25 Texas metros. We maintain this data so families never start from zero when seeking accountability.

Where Wylie Families Send Their Children: The Campus Connections

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas who have children at various universities. For Wylie families in San Saba County, your children likely attend or consider:

Nearby Central Texas Campuses:

Texas State University in San Marcos (Hays County) – Just a few hours from Wylie
Baylor University in Waco (McLennan County) – Within driving distance for family visits
University of Texas at Austin (Travis County) – A top choice for Texas students
Texas A&M University in College Station (Brazos County) – Another major destination
Texas Tech University in Lubbock (Lubbock County) – Common for West Texas families

Other Texas Universities Wylie Students Attend:

University of Houston (Harris County)
Southern Methodist University in Dallas (Dallas County)
Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County)
Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches (Nacogdoches County)
Angelo State University in San Angelo (Tom Green County)

Each of these campuses has its own Greek ecosystem, its own history of hazing incidents, and its own institutional approach to handling abuse. What happened at UH with Pi Kappa Phi could—and does—happen at any of these schools.

National Organizations Behind the Letters at Texas Campuses

When we investigate hazing cases for Texas families, we don’t just look at the local chapter. We investigate the national organization’s complete history because patterns repeat. The same national fraternity that caused a death at Bowling Green State University in Ohio is operating chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Baylor. The same sorority that faced hazing allegations in California has chapters at SMU and TCU.

Cross-Validated National Brands Operating in Texas:
Our data shows clear overlaps between IRS-registered Texas entities and metro-based organizations. For example:

Beta Upsilon Chi appears in both IRS records (EIN 742911848 in Fort Worth) and Cause IQ data as an active fraternity in the DFW metro
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation (EIN 741380362) corresponds with the Kappa Sigma housing foundation in Fort Worth
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN 746064445 in Nederland) connects to the Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha in Houston
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears with multiple Texas EINs and corresponding chapters in Houston, Beaumont, and Waco

This overlap matters because it shows how we can track specific national brands across Texas campuses and metros without guessing. When a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at Texas State hazes pledges, we can immediately access data on Pi Kappa Alpha’s national history, insurance carriers, prior incidents, and legal patterns.

Texas Hazing Law: What Wylie Families Must Know

The Texas Education Code Chapter 37 Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that many parents don’t know about until they need them. Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37:

Hazing is a crime – It’s defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation into or affiliation with an organization that endangers mental or physical health or safety
Consent is NOT a defense – Section 37.155 explicitly states that the victim’s consent doesn’t matter
Serious injury or death = felony – While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death
Organizations can be prosecuted – Not just individuals, but the fraternity/sorority itself can face criminal charges and fines up to $10,000
Good-faith reporting immunity – Those who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith may have protection from prosecution

How This Applied in the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case

In the Leonel Bermudez case we’re litigating right now, Texas hazing law provides the foundation for both criminal and civil action. The forced consumption of food until vomiting, the extreme physical workouts causing rhabdomyolysis, the sleep deprivation and humiliation—all fit squarely within Texas’s hazing definition.

But here’s what many families don’t realize: The criminal case and civil case are separate. Even if local prosecutors in Harris County decide not to file criminal charges (though in serious cases like Bermudez’s they often do), the family can still pursue a civil lawsuit for damages. And as the Hoodline summary of the $10M UH hazing lawsuit shows, civil suits can demand significant accountability.

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

Texas law works alongside federal requirements:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently and maintain public hazing data
Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, additional federal requirements apply
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes on campus; hazing often overlaps with assault or alcohol offenses

For Wylie families with students at public universities like UT Austin or Texas A&M, these federal frameworks provide additional avenues for accountability.

National Hazing Patterns: What History Tells Us About Texas Cases

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

We see the same deadly pattern repeat across the country, and now in Texas:

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

Max Gruver – Phi Delta Theta at LSU (2017)
Forced drinking game during “Bible study”; died with 0.495% BAC. Result: Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Andrew Coffey – Pi Kappa Phi at Florida State (2017)
Given handle of liquor during “Big Brother Night”; died from alcohol poisoning. Result: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life.

Timothy Piazza – Beta Theta Pi at Penn State (2017)
Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; fell multiple times captured on chapter cameras; delayed medical help. Result: 18 members charged with over 1,000 counts total; Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Now in Texas, we’re seeing these same patterns. The Pi Kappa Phi case at UH involved forced consumption. Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Texas A&M faced allegations involving alcohol. Pi Kappa Alpha chapters across Texas have histories of alcohol-related hazing.

The Physical Abuse Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Pi Delta Psi at Baruch College (2013)
Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual; died from traumatic brain injury. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (2023)
Lawsuit alleged cadet was bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth during hazing. Seeking over $1 million in damages.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Texas A&M (2021)
Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. $1 million lawsuit filed.

What These Patterns Mean for Wylie Families

When we take on a hazing case for a Texas family, we don’t treat it as an isolated incident. We investigate the national organization’s complete history because:

Pattern evidence establishes foreseeability – If Pi Kappa Alpha had deaths at Bowling Green and other campuses, they knew or should have known their Texas chapters posed similar risks
Prior incidents show notice – National headquarters that received prior complaints about chapters can’t claim “we didn’t know”
Settlement values reference national precedents – The $10 million Foltz settlement informs what similar Texas cases might be worth
Insurance carriers are often the same – National fraternities use the same insurance companies nationwide; we know how they operate

Texas Campus Specifics: Where Wylie Students Face Risk

University of Houston: The Active Case We’re Fighting

As the attorneys representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi, we have firsthand knowledge of how hazing operates at Texas campuses. The details from the ABC13 coverage are particularly telling:

Systematic abuse: From September through November 2025, Bermudez faced forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties
Physical torture: The November 3 workout involved 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under threat of expulsion
Medical catastrophe: Development of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring four-day hospitalization
Institutional response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter November 6; members voted to surrender charter November 14; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

For Wylie families with students at UH, this case demonstrates that even when a national headquarters claims “zero tolerance,” systemic abuse can still occur. It also shows how quickly evidence must be preserved—once a chapter knows it’s under investigation, group chats get deleted, witnesses get coached.

Texas A&M University: Corps and Greek Life Risks

Texas A&M presents unique risks with both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets:

Corps of Cadets Hazing Allegations (2023)

Lawsuit alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Cadet allegedly bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose
Texas A&M stated it handled matter under its rules
Seeking over $1 million in damages

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Chapter suspended for two years by university
$1 million lawsuit filed

For Wylie families considering Texas A&M, these cases show that hazing risk exists in both traditional Greek life and unique campus institutions like the Corps.

University of Texas at Austin: Public Transparency with Ongoing Issues

UT Austin maintains a public hazing violations page—more transparency than many schools—which shows ongoing patterns:

Recent UT Hazing Violations:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers: Multiple hazing violations involving forced workouts and alcohol
Various spirit organizations: Sanctions for alcohol-related hazing and punishment-based practices

What’s revealing about UT’s public data is how certain organizations appear repeatedly. For parents, this raises questions about whether probation and “anti-hazing education” actually change behavior.

Baylor University: Religious Identity with Greek Life Challenges

Baylor’s history with institutional accountability issues (the football sexual assault scandal) informs how it handles hazing:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Part of broader pattern of athletic program hazing nationally

For Wylie families valuing Baylor’s religious identity, it’s important to understand that Christian affiliation doesn’t eliminate hazing risk. National fraternity chapters at Baylor operate under the same national policies and insurance carriers as at secular schools.

Texas State University in San Marcos: The Nearby Campus Reality

For many Wylie families, Texas State in San Marcos represents a nearby, accessible university option. Our data shows active Greek life there:

Texas State Greek Organizations from IRS Records:

ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | Theta Iota chapter | San Marcos, TX
Various honor societies and Greek organizations registered with Texas addresses

While Texas State may not have the high-profile cases of larger universities, the same national organizations operate there with the same risks. The Sigma Alpha Epsilon that faced chemical burn allegations at Texas A&M has chapters at Texas State. The Pi Kappa Alpha with the $10 million wrongful death settlement in Ohio has Texas State chapters.

How We Build a Hazing Case for Texas Families

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing leaves digital evidence everywhere. We know how to find it:

Group Chats (Most Critical Evidence):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups
Discord servers, Slack workspaces
Fraternity-specific apps
Our video on using your phone to document evidence shows proper screenshot techniques

Social Media Evidence:

Instagram stories showing events
Snapchat snaps (must screenshot immediately)
TikTok videos of “traditions”
Facebook event pages and messenger threads

Recovering Deleted Evidence:

Digital forensics can recover deleted messages
iCloud/Google Drive backups may contain deleted content
Phone company records show metadata even if content deleted

Physical and Medical Evidence:

Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
Save clothing with stains or damage
Obtain complete medical records including toxicology reports
Document treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Identifying All Liable Parties

We don’t just sue the obvious targets. We investigate the complete liability chain:

Individual Students:

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Chapter officers with supervisory responsibility

Local Chapter:

The chapter as a legal entity (if incorporated)
House corporations that own properties

National Headquarters:

For policies, training, supervision failures
For prior knowledge of similar incidents at other chapters

University:

For negligent supervision
For Title IX/Clery violations
For prior knowledge of chapter misconduct

Third Parties:

Property owners where hazing occurred
Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
Security companies that failed to intervene

Insurance Coverage Battles

This is where Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney becomes invaluable. Fraternity and university insurers routinely argue:

“Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
“This policy excludes criminal acts”
“That defendant isn’t an insured under this policy”

We know these arguments because Mr. Peña used to make them. Now we defeat them by:

Identifying all potential insurance policies
Arguing negligent supervision (often covered) versus intentional hazing
Pursuing bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Damages: What Texas Families Can Recover

In hazing cases, families can pursue:

Economic Damages:

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Future medical care (for permanent injuries like kidney damage)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages:

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

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to family

Punitive Damages:

When conduct is especially reckless or malicious
To punish defendants and deter future hazing

The $10 million demand in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case reflects the serious nature of rhabdomyolysis and kidney damage—injuries that can have lifelong consequences.

Practical Guide for Wylie Parents: What to Do Right Now

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially if stories don’t add up)
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM “meetings”)
Chemical burns or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning even if your child doesn’t normally drink

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the group
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Fear of “letting the chapter down”

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes to attend “mandatory” events
Falling asleep in class from exhaustion

If You Suspect Hazing: 48-Hour Action Plan

HOUR 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

If injured/intoxicated: Get to ER immediately
Remove from dangerous situation
Screenshot any messages they show you
Photograph visible injuries
Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
Call us: 1-888-ATTY-911

HOUR 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

Help child preserve all group chats (do NOT delete anything)
Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
Request copies of all medical records
Write down names/contact info for other pledges, witnesses
Note any university communications (but don’t respond yet)

HOUR 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

Speak with experienced hazing attorney (that’s us)
Decide on reporting to campus/local police (with our guidance)
If university contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters without us
Backup all evidence to cloud storage

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages
What seems like “cleaning up” looks like obstruction of justice. Preserve everything immediately.

2. Confronting the Fraternity Directly
This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching. Let us handle communications.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
These often include liability waivers. Never sign anything without attorney review.

4. Posting on Social Media
Defense attorneys screenshot everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility.

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run.

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Recorded statements get used against you. Early settlements are lowball offers.

We cover these critical mistakes in detail in our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case.

Frequently Asked Questions from Texas Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure could support felony charges.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states: Consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. Time is critical—evidence disappears fast. Call us immediately.

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

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

“What about criminal charges vs civil lawsuit?”
They’re separate. Even if no criminal charges are filed, you can pursue civil damages. We can advise on both tracks.

Why The Manginello Law Firm for Texas Hazing Cases

We’re Fighting Texas Hazing Right Now

When you call us about a hazing case, you’re not talking to lawyers who just read about these issues. You’re talking to the attorneys actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas—the $10 million Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi. We know exactly how national fraternities and universities fight these cases because we’re in the courtroom with them right now.

Insurance Insider Advantage

Mr. Lupe Peña 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”
Lowball settlements hoping families will take quick money

We know their playbook because we used to run it. Now we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for Texas families.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello’s experience with BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrated our capability against billion-dollar defendants. National fraternities and universities have deep pockets and unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated because:

We’ve faced massive institutional defendants before
We have federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
We understand complex document discovery and expert testimony
We know how to trace institutional knowledge and cover-ups

Data-Driven Investigation

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine gives us an investigative advantage from day one. While other firms are starting from scratch, we already have:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
IRS records on 125 Texas-registered Greek entities
Campus-specific chapter rosters for major Texas universities
National hazing incident database with patterns and precedents

This means we can immediately identify all potentially liable parties, locate insurance coverage, and find pattern evidence showing prior notice.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability

Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise families on criminal reporting
Represent witnesses or former members with potential criminal exposure
Navigate the interaction between criminal and civil cases
Work with prosecutors when appropriate

Spanish-Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families in their native language. Se habla Español en nuestra firma.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If you’re a parent in Wylie, San Saba County, or anywhere in Texas reading this because you suspect hazing has affected your child, we offer a confidential, no-obligation consultation to:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (we work on contingency—we don’t get paid unless we win)
Help you decide on the best path forward for your family

No pressure to hire us on the spot. Take time to think. Everything you tell us is confidential.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services)

Serving families throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.

Whether your child attends University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas State in San Marcos, Baylor, or any Texas campus, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The university will have its lawyers. The fraternity will have its lawyers. You deserve lawyers who fight for you.

Call us today. We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website: 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