Hazing Victims in Catron County: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice
🚨 Hazing Happens in Catron County — And It’s Not “Tradition,” It’s Abuse
If you or your child has been hazed at a school, college, or organization in or near Catron County, New Mexico, you need to know: This is not harmless fun. This is not “building character.” This is abuse — and it’s illegal.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now in Texas. We’re representing a young man who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during fraternity hazing. The same fraternities operate in Catron County. The same universities have the same oversight failures. And the same abuse is happening to Catron County students.
You have rights. You have options. And you have allies — no matter where you are in Catron County or New Mexico.
🏢 Who We Are: Catron County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving Catron County
While we’re based in Texas (Houston, Austin, and Beaumont), we serve hazing victims nationwide — including Catron County. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Catron County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this landmark case.
Why Catron County Families Choose Attorney 911
| Advantage | How It Helps Catron County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Proven courtroom success — available for Catron County cases |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how defendants fight claims — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Catron County cases in federal jurisdiction |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Texas AND New York — strategic for national fraternity cases |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual support for Catron County’s Spanish-speaking families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies for Catron County |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless YOU get paid |
Our Approach for Catron County Hazing Victims
When a legal emergency hits — whether in Catron County, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, or anywhere in New Mexico — we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
For Catron County hazing victims, our team:
- Builds cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
- Preserves evidence immediately — texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
- Negotiates from strength — we’re currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing case
- Travels to Catron County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings when needed
- Provides remote consultations — Catron County families can video chat with our attorneys
If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Catron County hazing victims, we take it to court.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Catron County and New Mexico
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
The same national fraternities that operated at the University of Houston — where our client was hospitalized — have chapters at universities near Catron County. The same “traditions” that led to waterboarding, 500 squats, and wooden paddles exist in New Mexico.
Universities near Catron County with active Greek life include:
- Western New Mexico University (Silver City)
- New Mexico State University (Las Cruces)
- University of New Mexico (Albuquerque)
- Eastern New Mexico University (Portales)
- New Mexico Tech (Socorro)
- Northern New Mexico College (Española)
National fraternities with chapters near Catron County:
- Pi Kappa Phi (the fraternity in our lawsuit)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
These organizations have paid MILLIONS in hazing settlements nationwide. They have the same dangerous cultures in New Mexico.
What Hazing Looks Like in Catron County
Based on documented cases nationwide — and what we’re seeing in our current lawsuit — hazing near Catron County may include:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning, water torture, held underwater |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late nights, early mornings, disrupted sleep |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members |
The medical consequences can be severe:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — as seen in our client
- Acute kidney failure — as seen in our client
- Alcohol poisoning — common in forced drinking
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
- Hypothermia/Hyperthermia — from exposure
- Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
- PTSD, anxiety, depression — long-term psychological damage
- Death — multiple documented cases nationwide
⚠️ The Landmark Case: This Is Happening Right Now — And It Could Happen in Catron County
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
This case happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens at universities near Catron County. The same fraternities operate near Catron County. The same negligence exists at Catron County institutions. And we will fight for Catron County families with the same aggression.
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
The Hazing Activities:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics
- Forced eating until vomiting — large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns
- Extreme physical punishment — 100+ pushups, 500 squats, bear crawls, “suicides”
- Wooden paddles — struck with wooden paddles
- Psychological torture — carried fanny pack with sexual objects, hog-tied on table
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive members during early morning hours
- Threats — threatened with physical punishment and expulsion
The Medical Consequences:
- Severe muscle pain
- Difficulty walking
- Brown urine (myoglobinuria — sign of muscle breakdown)
- Very high creatine kinase levels (confirms muscle damage)
- Acute kidney failure (life-threatening)
- 3 nights, 4 days hospitalized
Why This Matters to Catron County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Catron County
- The same national organization that paid $24 million after Stone Foltz’s death oversees chapters where YOUR child might be pledging
- Universities near Catron County face the same Greek life oversight challenges that allowed hazing at UH
- If your child attends college near Catron County, they face the same hazing risks
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Catron County Hazing Victim
New Mexico Hazing Laws
While our firm is based in Texas, New Mexico has strong anti-hazing laws that protect Catron County students:
New Mexico Statutes § 29-1-1 to 29-1-6 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing (§ 29-1-1):
Any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property of an educational institution, by one or more persons acting alone or with others, that is directed against any other person, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that person for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a student or other organization.
Criminal Penalties (§ 29-1-4):
| Offense | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Fourth Degree Felony | If hazing results in death or great bodily harm (up to 18 months prison) |
Organizational Penalties (§ 29-1-5):
- Fine up to $5,000
- Forfeiture of property
- Loss of recognition by educational institution
Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 29-1-3):
“The implied or express consent of the victim is not a defense to any prosecution under this act.”
This means: Even if a Catron County student “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter. The law says consent is not a defense.
Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued in Catron County
Catron County hazing victims can sue multiple parties:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; pattern of negligence |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their property |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- Local chapter
- University of Houston
- Individual members
- Housing corporation
- Former members and their spouses
Catron County families can pursue the same defendants.
Damages You Can Recover in Catron County
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Educational Damages | Tuition for lost semester, scholarship loss |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries, emotional trauma |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing |
There is NO CAP on pain and suffering damages in New Mexico personal injury cases.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions — Catron County Victims Can Too
These Verdicts and Settlements Prove That Hazing Cases WIN
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 Million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110 Million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ Million |
What This Means for Catron County:
- $10 million settlements are possible — even for non-death cases
- Juries award millions when they hear the facts
- Universities and fraternities both pay — they can’t hide behind each other
- Pattern evidence increases damages — if they knew about prior hazing, punitive damages apply
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a living victim with kidney failure. Catron County victims can seek the same.
📋 What Catron County Families Should Do Immediately
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Hazing Victims
If your child has been hazed in Catron County:
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seek medical attention | Document injuries; get treatment |
| 2 | Preserve ALL evidence | Photos, texts, social media, witness names |
| 3 | Do NOT talk to the organization | They will try to control the narrative |
| 4 | Do NOT post on social media | Anything you post can be used against you |
| 5 | Report to authorities | File police report; consider Title IX report |
| 6 | Contact an attorney | Free consultation; know your rights |
| 7 | Act quickly | Evidence disappears; statute of limitations applies |
Evidence Preservation Checklist for Catron County Families
PRESERVE EVERYTHING:
| Evidence Type | What To Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, ER visits, doctor notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages; hazing activities; locations |
| Communications | Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other victims, witnesses, bystanders |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid |
| Academic Records | Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships |
DO NOT:
- Delete ANY messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization
- Post about the incident on social media
- Give statements to university administration alone
🎯 Why Catron County Victims Choose Attorney 911
We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for You
1. We’re Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case
- We know how to build these cases
- We know how to hold institutions accountable
- We know how to WIN
- Catron County families get the same aggressive representation
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys
- We know how insurance companies think
- We know their playbook — and how to beat it
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
- We can pursue Catron County cases in federal court
- This gives us strategic advantages against national organizations
4. We Travel to Catron County
- For depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Distance is not a barrier to justice
5. We Offer Remote Consultations
- Catron County families can video chat with our attorneys
- No need to travel to Texas
6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
- $0 upfront for Catron County families
- We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid
- This levels the playing field against institutions with deep pockets
📞 Catron County Hazing Victims: Contact Us Now
You are not alone. You have rights. And you have allies who will fight for you.
Catron County Families — Call Now for Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Catron County hazing emergencies
We work on CONTINGENCY — $0 upfront for Catron County families. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
What Happens When You Call:
- Free Case Evaluation — We listen to your story
- Explain Your Rights — What you can recover; what to expect
- Evidence Review — What you’ve preserved; what we need
- Action Plan — Next steps to protect your rights
- No Pressure — You decide if you want to move forward
Catron County families deserve justice. We’re here to help you get it.
🔥 A Message to Catron County Fraternities and Universities
To fraternities operating near Catron County: We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Catron County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters near Catron County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
Universities in Catron County and New Mexico: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at Catron County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏆 Our Track Record: We’ve Won Millions for Victims Like You
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now.
Our Current $10 Million Hazing Case:
- Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez (hospitalized with kidney failure)
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, individual members
- Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating
- Status: Lawsuit filed November 21, 2025
- Media Coverage: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
Other Notable Cases:
- BP Texas City Explosion Litigation — Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort
- Ryan Mitchell Smith Case — High-profile criminal defense with ABC13 coverage
- Assault Family Member Case — Secured trial setting dismissal
- Civil Rights Litigation — Federal appellate experience
🎥 Educational Resources for Catron County Families
Attorney 911 YouTube Channel — Hazing and Personal Injury Education
YouTube: @Manginellolawfirm
Website: attorney911.com/youtube
Recommended Videos for Catron County Hazing Victims:
| Video Title | Duration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | 4:09 | How to preserve evidence with your phone |
| Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | 4:06 | What NOT to do after hazing |
| What Should I Do First After an Accident? | 2:28 | First steps after hazing incident |
| How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth? | 3:00 | Understanding your case value |
| What Is Comparative Negligence? | 1:56 | Defeating the “consent” defense |
| How Do Contingency Fees Work? | 3:00 | $0 upfront representation explained |
| Never Talk to the Insurance Company | Short | Protect yourself from manipulation |
| Don’t Post on Social Media | Short | Why social media can destroy your case |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Catron County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Catron County. Can you help us even though you’re in Texas?
A: YES. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Catron County. We have:
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Video consultation technology — meet with us remotely
- Willingness to travel — we come to Catron County for depositions and trials
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing? Can we still sue?
A: YES. New Mexico law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
New Mexico Statutes § 29-1-3:
“The implied or express consent of the victim is not a defense to any prosecution under this act.”
This means:
- Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter
- The law recognizes that peer pressure, threats, and social coercion negate true consent
- The fraternity/university cannot hide behind “he agreed to it”
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Catron County hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
How it works:
- We cover all case expenses upfront
- We only get paid if you receive a settlement or verdict
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33-40%)
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
This means:
- Catron County families can fight powerful institutions without financial risk
- We’re motivated to maximize your recovery
- You get experienced legal representation regardless of your financial situation
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Catron County?
A: Typically 3 years in New Mexico for personal injury cases.
New Mexico Statute of Limitations (NMSA § 37-1-8):
- Personal Injury: 3 years from date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 3 years from date of death
However:
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
- You should contact an attorney IMMEDIATELY after the hazing incident
In our current case, we filed the lawsuit within weeks of the hospitalization. This is how you protect your rights.
Q: What if the fraternity already suspended the chapter? Is it too late to sue?
A: NO — it’s not too late, and the suspension actually helps your case.
Why:
- Admission of Wrongdoing — They suspended because they knew hazing occurred
- Pattern Evidence — If they had prior incidents, this shows systematic failure
- Deep Pockets — National organizations have insurance and assets to pay claims
- Individual Liability — Members can still be sued personally
- University Liability — The university may still be responsible for oversight failures
The suspension is actually evidence that supports your case.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation if they speak out. What can we do?
A: We protect our clients from retaliation.
How we help:
- Confidentiality — We keep your information private
- Legal Protections — Retaliation is illegal; we can take action
- Evidence Preservation — We gather evidence without putting you at risk
- Remote Consultations — Meet with us without visiting our office
- Title IX Coordination — If the hazing occurred at a school, we can coordinate with Title IX protections
Our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13). We understand this fear and know how to protect you.
Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury? Can we still sue?
A: YES. Even without hospitalization, hazing causes significant harm:
Types of damages you can recover:
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, shame)
- Educational disruption (missed classes, failed courses)
- Loss of scholarships (if grades suffer)
- Medical expenses (therapy, counseling)
- Pain and suffering (from physical activities, even if no hospitalization)
Our current client was hospitalized, but we’ve represented victims with psychological trauma only. These cases are valid and valuable.
Q: Can we sue the university even if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: YES. Universities can be liable for hazing even if it occurs off-campus.
Why:
- Duty to Protect — Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm
- Oversight Responsibility — They oversee Greek life organizations
- Prior Knowledge — If they knew about hazing risks, they’re liable
- Failure to Act — If they failed to implement effective policies
In our current case, the hazing occurred at a university-owned fraternity house AND at a private residence. Both locations create liability.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a high school in Catron County?
A: YES, we can help. Hazing happens at all levels — high schools, colleges, military academies, sports teams.
High school hazing cases may involve:
- School district liability
- Coach or teacher liability
- Individual student liability
- Parental liability (if adults were involved)
The same legal principles apply. You have rights.
📢 Final Message to Catron County Families
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not building character.
It is abuse. It is assault. It is sometimes criminal. And it is always wrong.
If your child has been hazed in Catron County, you are not alone. You have rights. And you have allies who will fight for you.
We’re Attorney 911. We’re Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we’re fighting this battle right now — with a $10 million lawsuit that proves these cases can be won.
Catron County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
Call us. We’re here to help.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Catron County hazing emergencies
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid.
© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Catron County, New Mexico and nationwide
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