🚨 Hazing Victims in Lea County: You Have Rights, and We Can Help
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in Lea County, you are not powerless. You have legal rights. And Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t just another case for us – it’s a mission. We’ve seen firsthand what hazing does to students and families, and we won’t stop until these institutions are held accountable.
🏛️ Lea County’s Greek Life Problem: What You Need to Know
Lea County is home to several universities and colleges where Greek life thrives. Institutions like New Mexico Junior College and nearby Eastern New Mexico University have active fraternity and sorority chapters. The same national organizations that have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others – operate right here in Lea County.
This means the same risks exist in Lea County that we’re fighting in Houston.
The Reality of Hazing in Lea County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. And in many cases, it’s criminal. In our current case, a student was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until his muscles broke down
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to lie in his own vomit
- Hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s happening in Lea County too. And it needs to stop.
Why Lea County Families Are Vulnerable
Lea County’s close-knit community and strong family values make the betrayal of hazing even more devastating. Parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. Instead, they’re being subjected to torture in the name of “brotherhood.”
Lea County parents deserve to know:
- The same fraternities with hazing deaths on their records operate in Lea County.
- Universities in Lea County have the same duty to protect students as UH – and the same liability when they fail.
- Your child has the same legal rights as students in Houston, Austin, or anywhere else.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Lea County Hazing Victim
Texas and New Mexico Law Protect Hazing Victims
While our firm is based in Texas, we can represent Lea County victims because:
- Many national fraternities are headquartered in Texas, making them subject to Texas jurisdiction.
- Federal civil rights laws apply nationwide, allowing us to pursue claims regardless of location.
- We have federal court authority and can litigate cases across state lines.
- We travel to Lea County for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
Key legal protections for Lea County victims:
| Protection | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Hazing is illegal | Both Texas and New Mexico have anti-hazing laws making hazing a crime |
| Consent is not a defense | Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter |
| Universities are liable | Schools have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm |
| National organizations are liable | They know about the risks and fail to prevent them |
| Individuals can be sued | Every person who participated or allowed hazing can be held personally responsible |
| You can recover damages | Medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and more |
Who Can Be Held Accountable in Lea County?
If your child was hazed in Lea County, we can pursue:
- The local fraternity/sorority chapter – they organized the hazing
- The national organization – they failed to supervise and prevent abuse
- The university – they allowed dangerous conditions to exist on campus
- Individual members – they participated in or facilitated the hazing
- House corporations/landlords – they controlled the property where hazing occurred
- Alumni – if they hosted or allowed hazing at their homes
💰 What Lea County Families Can Recover
Hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million. Here’s what that money can cover for Lea County families:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation, future medical care
- Lost wages – Time missed from work during recovery
- Educational costs – Tuition for missed semesters, transferring schools
- Therapy costs – Mental health treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain from injuries
- Emotional distress – Trauma from the abuse
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Impact on college experience and future opportunities
- Humiliation and shame – Psychological impact of hazing rituals
Punitive Damages
- To punish the defendants for egregious conduct
- To deter future hazing – Sending a message that this won’t be tolerated
- To force institutional change – Making it too expensive to continue dangerous practices
Recent hazing case outcomes:
- $10.1 million settlement (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million estimated settlement (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)
These same results are possible for Lea County victims.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Lea County
TIME IS CRITICAL. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply. Here’s what to do right now:
1. Get Medical Attention
- Take your child to a doctor immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Document all symptoms and treatments
- Ask for copies of all medical records
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications – texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Document everything – write down what happened, when, who was involved
- Get witness information – names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
- Save physical evidence – clothing, objects used in hazing
3. Report the Incident
- File a police report – hazing is a crime
- Report to the university – but don’t give a statement without legal counsel
- Report to the national organization – but expect them to protect themselves
4. Contact an Attorney
- DO NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal representation
- DO NOT sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
- DO NOT post about the incident on social media
5. Call Attorney 911 – 1-888-ATTY-911
- Free consultation – we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- No upfront fees – we work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
- 24/7 availability – hazing emergencies don’t wait for business hours
🏢 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Lea County Hazing Case
We’re Not Just Lawyers – We’re Fighters
While many firms might handle personal injury cases, we specialize in hazing litigation. We understand the unique dynamics of Greek life, the psychology of hazing, and the institutional failures that allow it to continue.
Our Experience with Hazing Cases
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis cases – the same medical condition our current client suffered
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation – we know how these organizations operate
- Texas A&M hazing cases – familiarity with university oversight failures
- Wrongful death experience – if the worst happens, we know how to fight for families
Our Unique Advantages for Lea County Families
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Lea County Victims |
|---|---|
| Former insurance defense attorneys | We know how insurance companies try to deny claims – and how to beat them |
| Federal court authority | We can pursue cases in federal court, giving us more leverage |
| Dual-state bar licenses | Licensed in Texas AND New York – strategic advantage for national fraternity cases |
| Se habla español | We can serve Lea County’s Hispanic families in their preferred language |
| Nationwide reach | We represent hazing victims across America, including Lea County |
| Willingness to travel | We’ll come to Lea County for depositions, client meetings, and trials |
| 25+ years of litigation experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas |
| Multi-million dollar results | Proven track record of winning big for victims |
Our Approach to Lea County Hazing Cases
- Immediate Response – We act fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights
- Aggressive Investigation – We gather all available evidence, interview witnesses, and build the strongest case
- Expert Network – We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and economists to prove your damages
- Strategic Negotiation – We know how to force insurance companies and institutions to take your claim seriously
- Trial-Ready Preparation – If they won’t settle fairly, we’re ready to take your case to trial
- Compassionate Representation – We understand the trauma you’ve experienced and treat you with respect
🎯 The Attorney 911 Difference: We See the Human Behind the Case
We don’t just see dollar signs when we look at a hazing case. We see:
- A young person whose trust was betrayed
- A family whose worst fears came true
- A community that deserves better
- A system that needs to change
That’s why we fight so hard. Because we know that every case we win:
- Protects future students from going through the same thing
- Forces institutions to take hazing seriously
- Sends a message that this behavior won’t be tolerated
- Gives victims and families a voice
📞 Lea County Families: Your Next Step
If your child has been hazed in Lea County, you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Visit our website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs – you pay nothing unless we win
- Video consultations for Lea County families who can’t travel
- Willingness to come to Lea County for your case
The consultation is free. The call could change everything.
⚠️ Warning Signs of Hazing in Lea County
Lea County parents should be aware of these common hazing warning signs:
Behavioral Changes
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Sudden drop in academic performance
- Avoidance of certain people or places
Physical Signs
- Visible injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of alcohol poisoning
- Weight loss or gain
- Changes in appetite
Organizational Red Flags
- Your child talks about “pledging” or “initiation”
- They’re required to keep secrets from you
- They’re suddenly very busy with organization activities
- They mention “big brothers” or “big sisters”
- They’re required to carry certain items (backpacks, fanny packs, etc.)
- They’re required to wear specific clothing
What to Listen For
- “It’s just tradition”
- “Everyone goes through it”
- “It’s not that bad”
- “I can’t talk about it”
- “If I tell you, I’ll get in trouble”
- “It’s just part of joining”
If you notice these signs, ask questions. And if you suspect hazing, call us immediately.
📚 Lea County Hazing Resources
Local Resources
- New Mexico Junior College – (575) 392-4510
- Eastern New Mexico University – (575) 562-1011
- Lea County Sheriff’s Office – (575) 396-3611
- Hobbs Police Department – (575) 397-9265
National Resources
- HazingPrevention.Org – hazingprevention.org
- StopHazing – stophazing.org
- Gordie Center – gordie.org (alcohol education and hazing prevention)
- National Hazing Hotline – 1-888-NOT-HAZE
Legal Resources
- Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline – 1-888-ATTY-911
- New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission – cvrc.state.nm.us
📅 Lea County Hazing Statute of Limitations
TIME IS CRITICAL. Both Texas and New Mexico have statutes of limitations that limit how long you have to file a lawsuit.
| State | Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Personal Injury | 2 years from date of injury |
| Texas | Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death |
| New Mexico | Personal Injury | 3 years from date of injury |
| New Mexico | Wrongful Death | 3 years from date of death |
Important Notes:
- The clock starts ticking on the date of the hazing incident or the date of death
- Some exceptions may apply (minors, delayed discovery)
- DO NOT WAIT – evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire
🔍 How We Investigate Lea County Hazing Cases
When you hire Attorney 911, here’s what we do to build your case:
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand all evidence be maintained
- Work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted communications
2. Comprehensive Investigation
- Interview your child and all witnesses
- Obtain all available communications (texts, social media, emails)
- Collect medical records and bills
- Obtain police reports and university records
- Identify all potential defendants
3. Expert Consultations
- Medical experts – to document injuries and future medical needs
- Hazing culture experts – to explain the dynamics of Greek life abuse
- Economists – to calculate future lost earnings and damages
- Psychologists – to document psychological trauma
4. Pattern Evidence Discovery
- Request hazing incident reports from the university
- Request records from the national organization
- Identify prior incidents at the same chapter
- Identify prior incidents at other chapters of the same organization
5. Institutional Accountability
- Investigate university oversight failures
- Examine Greek life policies and procedures
- Identify all individuals who knew or should have known about hazing
6. Damage Calculation
- Compile all medical expenses
- Calculate lost wages and future earning capacity
- Document pain and suffering
- Calculate punitive damages
🏆 What a Win Looks Like for Lea County Families
When we win a hazing case, it’s about more than just money. It’s about:
1. Accountability
- Holding individuals personally responsible
- Forcing institutions to acknowledge their failures
- Ensuring those who participated face consequences
2. Change
- Pushing for stronger anti-hazing policies
- Requiring better oversight of Greek organizations
- Demanding transparency from universities
3. Prevention
- Sending a message that hazing won’t be tolerated
- Deterring other organizations from similar conduct
- Protecting future students
4. Justice
- Validating your child’s experience
- Giving your family closure
- Ensuring this never happens to another Lea County family
📢 A Message to Lea County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating in Lea County:
We know who you are. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. And we’re watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
If you haze students in Lea County, we will:
- Sue your chapter
- Sue your national organization
- Sue your house corporation
- Sue your alumni
- Sue every individual member who participated
- Pursue every available insurance policy
- Seek punitive damages to send a message
Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. $10 million lawsuit pending.
That’s what happens when you haze in Texas. And Lea County is next.
🏛️ A Message to Lea County Universities
To the administrators at New Mexico Junior College, Eastern New Mexico University, and other Lea County institutions:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail in that duty, you will be held accountable.
University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. They’re now facing a $10 million lawsuit.
The same liability applies to Lea County universities.
If you:
- Own or control fraternity/sorority housing
- Have prior knowledge of hazing incidents
- Fail to implement effective oversight
- Allow dangerous conditions to exist
You will be sued. And you will lose.
🌎 A Message to the Lea County Community
Hazing doesn’t just affect the victims. It affects all of us.
When a student is hazed in Lea County:
- It betrays our community values
- It damages our reputation
- It makes our institutions less safe
- It puts our children at risk
This is a Lea County problem. And it requires a Lea County solution.
We need:
- Parents to talk to their children about hazing
- Students to stand up and say no
- Universities to implement real oversight
- Law enforcement to treat hazing as the crime it is
- The community to demand change
Attorney 911 is committed to being part of that solution. We’re here to fight for Lea County victims, to hold institutions accountable, and to help create a safer future for our students.
📞 Lea County Families: The Time to Act Is Now
If your child has been hazed in Lea County, don’t wait another day. Every moment you delay:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Your legal rights are at risk
Call Attorney 911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Visit: attorney911.com
We’re ready to fight for you. Let’s send a message that Lea County won’t tolerate hazing.
🔥 Enough Is Enough, Lea County
This is our promise to Lea County families:
- We will listen to your story
- We will believe your child
- We will fight for justice
- We will hold the guilty accountable
- We will work to ensure this never happens to another Lea County student
Lea County deserves better. Your child deserves better. And we’re here to make it right.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.