Hazing Victims in Los Alamos County: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice

The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Los Alamos County

Los Alamos County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to grow. What no parent expects is for their child to return home hospitalized—or worse—because of brutal hazing rituals disguised as “tradition.” Yet this is exactly what’s happening at universities across New Mexico and the nation, including institutions near Los Alamos County.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and struck with wooden paddles—all as part of what the fraternity called “pledging.” He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. This didn’t happen in some distant state. It happened in Texas, and it could happen right here to Los Alamos County students.

The same national fraternities involved in this case have active chapters at universities near Los Alamos County. The same culture of abuse exists in New Mexico. And the same institutional failures that allowed this to happen in Houston are present at New Mexico institutions. Los Alamos County families deserve to know the truth: hazing is happening at universities near you, and it’s far more dangerous than most parents realize.

What Los Alamos County Families Need to Know About Hazing

The Reality of Hazing in New Mexico

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. It’s a systematic form of abuse that often includes:

• Physical torture: Waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, beatings with wooden paddles
• Psychological abuse: Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of expulsion
• Dangerous consumption: Forced drinking until alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting
• Sexual humiliation: Carrying sexual objects, forced nudity, sexual assault

In our current case, a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the university yet—a “ghost rush” in fraternity terms—was subjected to weeks of this abuse. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do extreme physical exercises until he couldn’t stand, and made to lie in vomit-soaked grass. The result? Severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring four days of hospitalization.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States. And 95% of students who experience hazing never report it.

Hazing at New Mexico Universities

While we can’t comment on specific incidents at New Mexico institutions without documented evidence, we can tell you this: the same national fraternities involved in our current case have active chapters at universities near Los Alamos County. Institutions like the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and others have Greek organizations with the same potential for abuse.

The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque has a significant Greek life presence with multiple fraternities and sororities. New Mexico State University in Las Cruces also hosts numerous Greek organizations. These institutions, like universities across America, face the same challenges in monitoring and regulating Greek life that led to our client’s hospitalization in Texas.

Los Alamos County parents should be aware that hazing doesn’t just happen in fraternities. It occurs in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and other student organizations. Any group that uses abuse as a form of initiation is engaging in hazing.

The Legal Framework: New Mexico Hazing Laws

New Mexico has strong laws against hazing, and victims have legal rights. Here’s what Los Alamos County families need to know:

New Mexico Anti-Hazing Statute

New Mexico Statutes § 29-1-11 makes hazing a crime. The law defines hazing as:

“Any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property of any school, college, or university, by one student alone or acting with others, directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a school, college, or university.”

This definition covers all the activities our client experienced—waterboarding, forced exercise, physical abuse, and more.

Criminal Penalties in New Mexico

Hazing is a misdemeanor in New Mexico, punishable by:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Both jail time and fines

If the hazing results in great bodily harm or death, it becomes a fourth-degree felony, punishable by:

• Up to 18 months in prison
• Fines up to $5,000

Civil Liability: Holding Institutions Accountable

Criminal charges aren’t the only legal recourse. Los Alamos County hazing victims can also file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries. In civil court, victims can sue:

1. The local chapter – The fraternity or sorority that organized the hazing
2. The national organization – For failing to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
3. The university – For failing to protect students despite knowing the risks
4. Individual members – For participating in or facilitating the hazing
5. Property owners – If hazing occurred at a private residence

Consent Is Not a Defense

One of the most important legal protections for hazing victims is that consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, New Mexico law explicitly states that consent does not excuse the conduct. This is crucial because fraternities often try to argue that victims “knew what they were getting into.” The law is clear: no one can consent to being abused.

What Makes Hazing Cases Strong: Lessons from Our Current Fight

Our current $10 million hazing lawsuit provides a roadmap for what makes a strong case. Here’s what Los Alamos County families should look for:

Clear Evidence of Hazing Activities

In our case, we have detailed documentation of:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced exercise: 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls
• Being struck with wooden paddles
• Forced consumption of food and milk until vomiting
• Sleep deprivation from driving fraternity members at all hours
• Psychological abuse and humiliation

Los Alamos County families: If your child experienced similar activities, document everything. Take photos of injuries. Save text messages. Record dates and details.

Documented Injuries

Our client suffered:

• Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Acute kidney failure
• Hospitalization for four days
• Inability to walk or stand
• Brown urine (classic sign of muscle breakdown)

Medical records are crucial. If your child was injured or hospitalized due to hazing, get copies of all medical records.

Pattern of Abuse

In our case:

• Another pledge collapsed and lost consciousness on October 15, 2025
• A different pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• The hazing occurred over weeks, not just one incident

Multiple incidents or multiple victims strengthen a case.

Institutional Knowledge

This is where many cases become particularly strong:

• The fraternity had a prior hazing death (Andrew Coffey at FSU in 2017)
• The university had a prior hazing hospitalization (2017 at UH)
• Both knew about “a hazing crisis” but did nothing

If the university or national organization near Los Alamos County had prior hazing incidents and failed to act, that significantly strengthens your case.

Premises Liability

In our case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. This means:

• The university was the landlord
• They collected rent
• They had the power to inspect and regulate
• They failed to protect students on their own property

If hazing occurred at a university-owned facility near Los Alamos County, the institution may share liability.

Who Can Be Held Liable: The Web of Responsibility

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants. Here’s who we’re holding accountable in our current case—and who could be liable for Los Alamos County victims:

1. The Local Chapter

The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing.

Why they’re liable:

• They planned and executed the abusive activities
• They created the culture of abuse
• They directly harmed the victim

2. The National Organization

The national fraternity or sorority that oversees the local chapter.

Why they’re liable:

• They have a duty to supervise local chapters
• They know about hazing risks (our case involves a prior death at a different chapter)
• They failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies
• They have deep pockets and insurance coverage

3. The University

The educational institution where the hazing occurred.

Why they’re liable:

• They have a duty to protect students
• They often own or control fraternity/sorority houses
• They have the power to regulate Greek life
• They may have known about prior hazing incidents

4. Individual Members

The students who participated in or facilitated the hazing.

Why they’re liable:

• They directly engaged in abusive conduct
• They can be sued personally for assault, battery, and other claims
• They may have personal assets or insurance coverage

5. Chapter Officers

The president, pledgemaster, and other leaders of the local chapter.

Why they’re liable:

• They had leadership responsibility
• They directed or allowed the hazing activities
• They can be held personally liable (in our current case, we’re pursuing the chapter president and pledgemaster)

6. Former Members and Alumni

Individuals who are no longer active members but who hosted or facilitated hazing.

Why they’re liable:

• They may have hosted hazing at their homes
• They may have provided alcohol or other resources
• They can be held personally liable

7. Property Owners

Individuals who own property where hazing occurred.

Why they’re liable:

• They have a duty to maintain safe premises
• If hazing occurred at their home, they may be liable for premises liability

What Los Alamos County Hazing Victims Can Recover

If your child has been hazed at a university near Los Alamos County, they may be entitled to significant compensation. Here’s what can be recovered in a civil lawsuit:

Economic Damages

1. Medical Expenses

   • Emergency room visits
   • Hospital stays
   • Doctor visits
   • Medications
   • Physical therapy
   • Future medical care (if injuries are permanent)

2. Lost Wages

   • Time missed from work during recovery
   • Lost internship opportunities
   • Future lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

3. Educational Damages

   • Tuition and fees for disrupted education
   • Cost of transferring to a different university
   • Lost scholarships

Non-Economic Damages

1. Pain and Suffering

   • Physical pain from injuries
   • Emotional distress from abuse
   • Fear and anxiety during hazing

2. Mental Anguish

   • PTSD from traumatic experiences
   • Depression and anxiety
   • Therapy and counseling costs

3. Humiliation and Embarrassment

   • Shame from humiliating activities
   • Loss of dignity

4. Loss of Enjoyment of Life

   • Inability to participate in normal activities
   • Impact on social life
   • Disruption to college experience

Punitive Damages

In cases of particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. In our current case, we’re seeking punitive damages because:

• The fraternity waterboarded our client (simulated drowning is considered torture)
• They forced exercise until his muscles broke down
• They continued hazing after another pledge collapsed
• They knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing

Precedent Cases: What Los Alamos County Families Can Expect

Hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. Here are some key precedents that show what’s possible for Los Alamos County victims:

1. Stone Foltz Case – $10.1 Million

What happened: A Pi Kappa Alpha pledge at Bowling Green State University was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning.

Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement, including:

• $2.9 million from the university
• $7.2 million from the fraternity and individuals

Why it matters for Los Alamos County: This case shows that $10 million demands are reasonable and achievable. Our current $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent.

2. Maxwell Gruver Case – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

What happened: A Phi Delta Theta pledge at Louisiana State University was forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “Bible Study” event. He died from acute alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495 (more than 6 times the legal limit).

Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict

Why it matters for Los Alamos County: This case shows that juries will award millions for hazing deaths and serious injuries. The verdict also led to the Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony in Louisiana.

3. Timothy Piazza Case – $110+ Million

What happened: A Beta Theta Pi pledge at Penn State was forced to run “the gauntlet” and consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down basement stairs multiple times and died from traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911.

Outcome: Confidential settlement estimated at over $110 million

Why it matters for Los Alamos County: This case shows the potential ceiling for hazing damages when evidence is strong (security cameras captured everything). It also led to the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.

4. Adam Oakes Case – $4+ Million Settlement

What happened: A Delta Chi pledge at Virginia Commonwealth University died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink during a pledge event.

Outcome: $4+ million settlement

Why it matters for Los Alamos County: This case shows that even when criminal charges are dropped, civil settlements can still provide significant compensation.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Los Alamos County

If you suspect your child has been hazed at a university near Los Alamos County, time is critical. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Hazing injuries can be life-threatening. In our current case, our client’s rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) led to kidney failure. Other common hazing injuries include:

• Alcohol poisoning
• Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
• Heat stroke or hypothermia from exposure
• Internal injuries from forced consumption
• Psychological trauma

Los Alamos County families: Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms immediately.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases. Here’s what to preserve:

• Medical records: Get copies of all medical reports, test results, and bills
• Photos/videos: Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
• Text messages: Save all communications about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, etc.)
• Social media: Screenshot any posts or messages about hazing activities
• Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child
• Witness information: Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Financial records: Save receipts for medical bills, lost wages, etc.

Important: Do NOT delete anything, even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating. Deleting evidence can hurt your case.

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization

Do NOT:

• Contact the fraternity/sorority leadership
• Attend meetings with university administrators alone
• Give statements to the organization’s lawyers
• Sign any documents from the fraternity, sorority, or university

Why: They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, and intimidate witnesses. Anything you say can be used against you.

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

Critical warning: Do NOT post about the incident on social media. Insurance companies and defense lawyers will:

• Use your posts to argue you weren’t really hurt
• Use photos of you looking “fine” to minimize your injuries
• Use your words against you

What to do instead: Stay off social media until your case is resolved. If you must post, avoid discussing the incident or your injuries.

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

Hazing cases are complex and time-sensitive. Here’s why you need an attorney:

• Evidence preservation: We send immediate preservation letters to prevent destruction of evidence
• Statute of limitations: New Mexico has deadlines for filing lawsuits (typically 3 years for personal injury)
• Insurance negotiations: We handle all communications with insurance companies
• Case evaluation: We determine who can be held liable and what your case is worth
• Legal strategy: We build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation

Los Alamos County families: At Attorney 911, we offer free consultations. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Los Alamos County Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is ongoing, and we’re using everything we learn to help Los Alamos County families.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to minimize claims. We’ve seen their playbook—and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. Nationwide Reach with Local Impact

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Los Alamos County. Here’s how we help Los Alamos County families:

• Federal court authority: We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases nationwide
• Dual-state bar licenses: Texas AND New York, giving us strategic advantages
• Video consultations: Los Alamos County families can meet with us remotely
• Travel commitment: We come to Los Alamos County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote case management: We handle most aspects of your case without requiring you to travel

4. Proven Track Record in Complex Litigation

We have experience with high-stakes, complex cases:

• BP Texas City Explosion: Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation
• Wrongful Death Cases: Successfully represented families who lost loved ones
• Federal Court Cases: Active cases in U.S. District Court
• Criminal Defense: Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence

5. Hazing-Specific Expertise

Ralph Manginello has specific experience with:

• Rhabdomyolysis injury cases
• Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
• Texas A&M University hazing cases
• Hospitalization compensation claims

6. Compassionate, Aggressive Representation

We understand the trauma hazing victims experience. We treat Los Alamos County families with compassion while aggressively pursuing justice.

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” — Ralph Manginello, describing our client’s condition

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” — Lupe Pena

7. We Work on Contingency

Los Alamos County families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means:

• No hourly fees
• No retainers
• No financial risk to you
• We’re motivated to maximize your recovery

The Attorney 911 Approach to Los Alamos County Hazing Cases

When we take a hazing case from Los Alamos County, here’s what you can expect:

1. Immediate Action

• Evidence preservation: We send immediate preservation letters to all defendants
• Medical records: We obtain all medical records and consult with medical experts
• Witness interviews: We identify and interview witnesses before memories fade
• Photographic evidence: We collect all photos and videos related to the hazing

2. Comprehensive Investigation

• Pattern evidence: We research prior hazing incidents at the same chapter and university
• Institutional knowledge: We determine what the university and national organization knew
• Premises liability: We investigate who owns or controls the property where hazing occurred
• Insurance coverage: We identify all insurance policies that may provide coverage

3. Aggressive Litigation

• Multi-defendant strategy: We sue everyone responsible—the chapter, nationals, university, and individuals
• Expert witnesses: We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and economic experts
• Depositions: We depose chapter officers, national leaders, and university administrators
• Discovery: We demand all internal communications, policies, and records

4. Maximum Compensation

• Economic damages: We calculate all medical expenses, lost wages, and future costs
• Non-economic damages: We document pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment
• Punitive damages: In cases of egregious conduct, we pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers
• Settlement negotiation: We negotiate aggressively for the highest possible settlement
• Trial preparation: If necessary, we take your case to trial to secure justice

Common Questions from Los Alamos County Families

1. “My child signed a waiver. Can we still sue?”

Yes. Even if your child signed a waiver, it likely doesn’t protect the organization from liability for illegal activities like hazing. New Mexico law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

2. “The fraternity says it was just ‘tradition.’ Is that a defense?”

No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. Hazing is illegal regardless of how long it’s been practiced. In our current case, the fraternity waterboarded our client—a practice considered torture under international law. That’s not tradition; it’s abuse.

3. “The university says they didn’t know. Are they still liable?”

Possibly. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks, they can be held liable. In our current case:

• The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity
• They had the power to inspect and regulate Greek life
• They failed to act despite knowing the risks

If a university near Los Alamos County has similar knowledge or control, they may share liability.

4. “The national organization says they enforce anti-hazing policies. Why are they liable?”

Because their enforcement clearly failed. In our current case:

• Pi Kappa Phi had a member die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU)
• They knew about “a hazing crisis” (per lawsuit allegations)
• They failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies
• Eight years later, our client was hospitalized with kidney failure

If a national organization near Los Alamos County has a similar history, they may be liable for failing to protect your child.

5. “My child is afraid of retribution. How can we protect them?”

This is a common and valid concern. In our current case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13). Here’s how we protect Los Alamos County clients:

• Confidentiality: We protect your identity throughout the legal process
• Evidence protection: We preserve evidence without putting you at risk
• Legal protections: We can seek court orders to prevent retaliation
• Anonymous reporting: In some cases, we can file reports without revealing identities
• Support services: We can connect you with counseling and support groups

6. “How long will a hazing case take?”

The timeline varies, but here’s what Los Alamos County families can expect:

• Evidence gathering: 1-3 months
• Medical treatment: Until your child reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (could be months or years for severe injuries)
• Demand package: After medical treatment is complete
• Negotiation: 1-6 months
• Litigation: If necessary, 1-3 years

Important: The statute of limitations in New Mexico is typically 3 years for personal injury cases. Don’t wait—contact us immediately to protect your rights.

7. “What if the hazing happened at a private university or off-campus?”

It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens:

• On campus or off campus
• At a public or private university
• At a fraternity house, private residence, or other location

If your child was hazed at a private institution near Los Alamos County or at an off-campus location, you may still have a strong case.

8. “My child is an international student. Do they have the same rights?”

Yes. International students have the same legal rights as any other student. Additionally:

• Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation
• We can work with your visa status to ensure legal representation doesn’t jeopardize your student status
• We have bilingual staff who can communicate in Spanish and other languages
• We understand the unique pressures international students face in Greek organizations

9. “Can we sue if no one was physically injured?”

Yes. Even if there are no physical injuries, hazing can cause:

• PTSD
• Anxiety and depression
• Humiliation and embarrassment
• Academic disruption
• Loss of scholarships

These damages are compensable in a civil lawsuit.

10. “What if my child participated in some activities? Are they still a victim?”

Yes. Many hazing victims feel conflicted because they “went along” with some activities. Remember:

• Consent is not a defense under New Mexico law
• Hazing often involves coercion, peer pressure, and threats
• Victims may not understand the risks until it’s too late
• The law protects victims regardless of their level of participation

The Message to Los Alamos County Fraternities and Universities

To fraternities and universities near Los Alamos County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.

The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts in other states apply to New Mexico. The same national organizations that paid millions in other cases have chapters near Los Alamos County.

If you haze students in Los Alamos County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. We will hold every individual accountable.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter operates near Los Alamos County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

The University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and other institutions—if you own fraternity houses or have oversight responsibility, we will hold you accountable for failing to protect students.

To every chapter officer, pledgemaster, and member: The Stone Foltz case resulted in a $6.5 million personal judgment against a chapter president. Your personal assets are at risk.

This is your warning. Clean up your chapters. Enforce your policies. Protect your students. Because if you don’t, we will.

How Los Alamos County Families Can Get Help

If your child has been hazed at a university near Los Alamos County, we can help. Here’s how to reach us:

Free Consultation

Call us 24/7 at:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Or email:
📧 ralph@atty911.com

What to Expect

1. Confidential conversation: We’ll listen to your story in a safe, judgment-free environment
2. Case evaluation: We’ll assess the strength of your case and your legal options
3. Next steps: We’ll outline the best path forward for your family
4. No pressure: There’s no obligation to hire us

Why Act Now?

• Evidence disappears: Text messages get deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records
• Statute of limitations: New Mexico has deadlines for filing lawsuits
• Medical treatment: The sooner we document injuries, the stronger your case
• Prevent future harm: Your case could protect other Los Alamos County students

The Time to Act Is Now

Los Alamos County families: your child’s safety and future are at stake. The institutions that should have protected them failed. The organizations that should have nurtured them abused them. The culture that should have welcomed them tortured them.

But you have power. You have rights. And you have Attorney 911.

We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how the other side operates. We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit, and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Los Alamos County families.

We don’t just talk about hazing cases. We’re fighting them right now. And we’ll fight for Los Alamos County victims with everything we have.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. The case evaluation is free. And if we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win.

Together, we can hold them accountable. Together, we can protect the next student. Together, we can say to Los Alamos County fraternities and universities: Enough is enough.