Hazing Lawyer in Colfax County, New Mexico | Attorney 911
Protecting Students & Families from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
If your child has been a victim of hazing in Colfax County, New Mexico, you are not alone—and you have legal rights.
At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse, waterboarding, and forced exercise. The same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Colfax County, and the same risks exist for your child.
We serve hazing victims and families in Colfax County, New Mexico, and nationwide. If your child has suffered physical or psychological harm from hazing, call us now for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 www.attorney911.com/hazing
Why Colfax County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing. This case is happening now—and we bring the same aggressive representation to Colfax County families.
2. Nationwide Reach—We Serve Colfax County, New Mexico
While we are based in Texas, hazing is a national crisis, and we represent victims across the country. Whether your child was hazed at New Mexico Highlands University, Luna Community College, or another institution near Colfax County, we can help.
- Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York
- Willingness to travel – We come to Colfax County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Video consultations – Available for Colfax County families who cannot travel
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked as insurance defense attorneys before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how insurance companies, universities, and fraternities try to minimize or deny claims—and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
4. Proven Results in Multi-Million Dollar Cases
We have secured millions of dollars in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
- Multi-million dollar settlements in trucking, workplace injury, and wrongful death cases
- Criminal defense dismissals (showing our ability to dismantle institutional defenses)
5. We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Colfax County come from Spanish-speaking families. Our team is bilingual, ensuring no language barriers stand in the way of justice.
6. No Upfront Costs—We Work on Contingency
We understand that Colfax County families may be concerned about legal fees. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Contingency Fee: You owe us $0 unless we secure compensation for you.
What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in New Mexico & Nationwide)
Hazing is not harmless “tradition.” It is abuse, assault, and sometimes torture—and it is illegal under New Mexico law and university policies.
Examples of Hazing That Can Lead to Lawsuits in Colfax County:
✅ Physical Abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced Consumption – Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
✅ Waterboarding & Simulated Drowning – As seen in our current case
✅ Sleep Deprivation – Forced late-night activities, driving members at all hours
✅ Psychological Torture – Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, threats
✅ Sexual Abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Exposure to Extreme Conditions – Cold weather, heat, confined spaces
✅ Servitude – Forced cleaning, errands, or labor for members
Medical Consequences of Hazing (We’ve Seen It All)
Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – like our current client
- Acute alcohol poisoning – like the Stone Foltz and Max Gruver cases
- Traumatic brain injury – from beatings or falls
- Hypothermia or heatstroke – from extreme exposure
- Cardiac arrest – from forced physical exertion
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression – long-term psychological damage
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Colfax County, New Mexico?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Colfax County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same chapters operate near Colfax County |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have chapters near Colfax County |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite knowing risks | New Mexico Highlands University, Luna Community College, and others have Greek life |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Individual members can be sued personally |
| Individual Members | Participated in or enabled hazing | Each participant can be held accountable |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Many fraternity houses are university-owned or privately controlled |
| Alumni & Former Members | Hosted hazing at their homes | Premises liability applies |
We sue everyone responsible—because hazing is never just one person’s fault.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Colfax County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries can be life-threatening
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
📱 Save all communications:
- Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Emails from fraternity/sorority members
- Social media posts about hazing
📸 Take photos/videos:
- Injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Hazing locations (fraternity house, off-campus sites)
- Items used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, restraints)
📝 Document everything:
- Dates, times, and descriptions of hazing incidents
- Names of members involved
- Witness contact information
⚠️ DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Confront the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization or university
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- File a police report (hazing is a crime in New Mexico)
- Report to the university (Title IX office, student affairs)
- Report to the national fraternity/sorority organization
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Statute of limitations: You typically have 2 years to file a lawsuit in New Mexico
- Evidence disappears quickly – witnesses forget, messages are deleted
- Insurance companies will contact you – they want to minimize your claim
- Universities will protect themselves – not your child
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
What Compensation Can Colfax County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and families may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
| Type of Compensation | Examples | Colfax County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | We’ve seen cases with $100,000+ in medical costs |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships | Students often lose academic and career opportunities |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain from injuries, PTSD, anxiety, depression | Juries award millions for psychological trauma |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, fear of retribution | Many victims develop long-term mental health issues |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct | Awarded when hazing is especially cruel or intentional |
Precedent Cases Show Hazing Victims Can Win Millions
| Case | Fraternity | Injury | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death from alcohol poisoning | $10.1 million settlement |
| Max Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Death from alcohol poisoning | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Death from traumatic brain injury | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Death from alcohol poisoning | Confidential multi-million settlement |
| Our Current Case | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis & kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit pending |
These results are possible for Colfax County families too.
Fraternities & Sororities Near Colfax County with Hazing Risks
Many national fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Colfax County, including:
Universities Near Colfax County with Greek Life:
🏫 New Mexico Highlands University (Las Vegas, NM)
- Fraternities: Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Nu, others
- Sororities: Alpha Phi, Delta Phi Epsilon, others
🏫 Luna Community College (Las Vegas, NM)
- Greek organizations may have chapters or affiliated groups
🏫 Other Institutions Nearby:
- Eastern New Mexico University (Portales, NM)
- Santa Fe Community College (Santa Fe, NM)
- University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM)
Fraternities with Documented Hazing Histories:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Chapters Near Colfax County? |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017), Leonel Bermudez (2025) | ✅ (Potential chapters at NM universities) |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths, including at Texas A&M | ✅ (Common at many universities) |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021) – $10.1M settlement | ✅ (Common at many universities) |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver (2017) – $6.1M verdict | ✅ (Chapter at NM Highlands University) |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017) – $110M+ settlement | ✅ (Common at many universities) |
If your child is pledging any of these organizations near Colfax County, they could be at risk.
How We Build a Strong Hazing Case for Colfax County Families
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they keep all evidence
- Obtain text messages, social media posts, and fraternity communications
- Secure security camera footage from fraternity houses or campus buildings
2. Medical & Expert Documentation
- Work with medical experts to document injuries (rhabdomyolysis, PTSD, etc.)
- Obtain hospital records, therapy notes, and specialist reports
- Calculate future medical costs (dialysis, therapy, medications)
3. Pattern Evidence & Institutional Negligence
- Research prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university
- Prove universities and national organizations knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Show failure to implement effective anti-hazing policies
4. Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation
- Demand policy limits from insurance companies
- File lawsuits against all responsible parties
- Take cases to trial if defendants refuse fair settlements
5. Media & Public Pressure
- Expose the truth through local and national media
- Pressure universities to implement real change
- Hold fraternities accountable in the court of public opinion
What Makes Our Firm Different for Colfax County Hazing Victims?
✅ We Are Fighting This Case Right Now – Not just talking about hazing, actively litigating a $10M lawsuit
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how they try to deny claims
✅ Nationwide Reach – We serve Colfax County, New Mexico, and all 50 states
✅ Bilingual Representation – Se habla español for Spanish-speaking families
✅ No Upfront Costs – You pay $0 unless we win
✅ 24/7 Availability – We treat hazing cases as legal emergencies
Hazing in Colfax County: What Parents Need to Know
1. Hazing Happens at Universities Near Colfax County
- The same fraternities that hazed our client in Houston have chapters near Colfax County
- Universities like New Mexico Highlands University and Luna Community College have Greek life
- No university is immune—hazing happens everywhere
2. Universities Often Cover Up Hazing
- Many universities know about hazing but do nothing until someone gets hurt
- They may pressure victims to stay silent to protect their reputation
- Don’t let them silence your child—contact a lawyer immediately
3. Consent Is NOT a Defense in New Mexico
- Some fraternities argue: “He agreed to participate”
- New Mexico law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER
- Even if your child “wanted to join,” they did not consent to torture, abuse, or life-threatening injuries
4. The Statute of Limitations Is Running Out
- You typically have 2 years to file a lawsuit in New Mexico
- Evidence disappears quickly—witnesses forget, messages are deleted
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case
Colfax County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Hazing is not just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It is abuse, assault, and sometimes torture—and it is illegal.
If your child has been hazed at a university near Colfax County, you have legal rights, and we can help.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 www.attorney911.com/hazing
We travel to Colfax County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Colfax County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Hazing is a crime, and universities often protect the institution, not the victim. We can help your child understand their rights and options without pressure. Many victims fear retaliation, but we protect our clients and ensure their voices are heard.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Hazing is illegal on or off campus, and universities can still be held liable if they failed to prevent it.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented.” Can they still be sued?
A: Absolutely. New Mexico law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to join, they did not consent to torture, abuse, or life-threatening injuries.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay $0 unless we win your case.
Q: What if the university already punished the fraternity?
A: Universities often impose weak penalties (like temporary suspensions) to protect their reputation. A lawsuit holds them financially accountable and forces real change.
Q: Can we sue if my child was not seriously injured?
A: Yes. Even if injuries were “minor,” hazing can cause PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress—all of which are compensable.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In New Mexico, you typically have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident. Contact us immediately—evidence disappears quickly.
Colfax County Hazing Lawyer: Contact Attorney 911 Today
If your child has been hazed at a university near Colfax County, New Mexico, call us now for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 www.attorney911.com/hazing
We serve Colfax County, New Mexico, and nationwide.
No upfront costs. No recovery, no fee.
We fight for justice—and we win.
Serving Colfax County, New Mexico, and Surrounding Areas:
- Raton, NM
- Springer, NM
- Cimarron, NM
- Angel Fire, NM
- Las Vegas, NM (home to New Mexico Highlands University)
- Santa Fe, NM
- Taos, NM
- Albuquerque, NM (University of New Mexico)
- And all communities in Colfax County and beyond
Hazing is abuse. We stop it. 🚨