If you’re reading this, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college, to grow, to experience independence. Instead, they were tortured, abused, and left with physical and emotional scars that may last a lifetime. Here in New Mexico, we are seeing the same devastating patterns of hazing that have plagued universities across the nation. We understand what you’re going through – the fear, the anger, the desperate search for answers late at night. We’re here to help families in New Mexico fight back.

We are Attorney911, and we are on the front lines of this battle. We are aggressively representing hazing victims, pursuing data-driven litigation strategies, and relentlessly seeking accountability from every entity responsible for these heinous injuries. No matter where you are in New Mexico, from the vibrant campuses in Albuquerque to the smaller colleges across the state, the nightmare of hazing can strike. But you do not have to face it alone.

The Unspeakable Truth: What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

For too long, hazing has been dismissed as “boys will be boys” or harmless “tradition.” The truth, as we see it unfold in our courtrooms, is far more sinister. Hazing today is systematic abuse, physical torture, and psychological warfare that leaves students with life-altering injuries and trauma. It is not about bonding or building character; it is about power, control, and degradation.

We have witnessed firsthand in our current cases the depths of this depravity. Imagine a student, full of hope for their college experience, subjected to:

• Waterboarding: Sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, simulating drowning. This isn’t merely a prank; it is a recognized form of torture when inflicted upon combatants. To subject a college student to this speaks to a profound level of cruelty.
• Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Made to consume large quantities of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomit, only to be forced to continue exercising while lying in their own vomit. This is a deliberate, calculated act of humiliation and physical abuse.
• Extreme Physical Punishment: Enduring hundreds of pushups, hundreds of squats, forced bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and running drills (“suicides”) until their muscles break down and their body gives out. We are talking about physical exertion beyond safe limits, deliberately pushed to the point of collapse.
• Physical Beatings: Being struck with wooden paddles. This is outright assault, plain and simple.
• Psychological Torture: Forced to strip to their underwear in cold weather, carrying fanny packs with sexually explicit objects, or witnessing other pledges hog-tied face-down with objects in their mouths. These acts are designed to humiliate, degrade, and break a person’s spirit.
• Sleep Deprivation: Driven to exhaustion by being forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, impairing their ability to function, study, or recuperate.

These are not isolated incidents of peer pressure gone wrong. These are deliberate, coordinated acts of abuse. And this is exactly what happened to our client, Leonel Bermudez, in a case that is now front and center in challenging hazing culture across the country.

The Landmark Case: A $10 Million Fight Against Hazing from Attorney911

The case of Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al. is not just another lawsuit; it is a clear declaration of our commitment at Attorney911 to aggressively fight against hazing. This is a $10 million lawsuit we filed in November 2025 in Harris County Civil District Court against Pi Kappa Phi (specifically its University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter), the national fraternity headquarters, the associated housing corporation, the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This case, ongoing right now, embodies everything we stand for: accountability, justice, and protection for victims.

This case happened in Houston, Texas, but the tragic elements are happening every day at colleges and universities near you, throughout New Mexico. The same national fraternities operate chapters at universities like the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, and smaller institutions and community colleges across the state. The same dangerous “traditions” and institutional negligence we are exposing in Houston exist at these campuses. If your child attends college near New Mexico, they face the very same risks. And if they are hurt, we will bring the same aggressive, data-driven fight to New Mexico that we are bringing to this landmark case.

Leonel Bermudez’s Story: A Warning for New Mexico Parents

Leonel Bermudez was not even officially a University of Houston student when this nightmare began. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer in the upcoming semester. On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. What followed was seven weeks of systematic abuse and torture.

As Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, recounted to ABC13 Houston:

“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.”

Leonel was hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, a classic sign that his muscle tissues were breaking down and poisoning his kidneys. He now faces ongoing medical monitoring and the potential for permanent kidney damage. His experience is a stark, terrifying example of what hazing looks like today.

Listen to what Lupe Pena, attorney at our firm, told ABC13:

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

The Hazing That Hospitalized Leonel: The Indictment

The lawsuit details harrowing acts of hazing against Leonel Bermudez:

• Simulated Waterboarding: Being sprayed in the face with a garden hose while performing calisthenics, especially when minimally clothed in cold weather.
• Forced Overeating: Compelled to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then ordered to continue sprinting despite his distress, even lying in his own vomit.
• Extreme Physical Exertion: Forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides,” bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls while reciting the fraternity creed. He was threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped. Another pledge reportedly lost consciousness during a similar forced workout just weeks earlier.
• Physical Beatings: Being struck with wooden paddles.
• Humiliation and Degradation: Forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

The senseless nature of this abuse, inflicted on a young person trying to find his place, is deeply disturbing. It is a profound betrayal of trust by an organization and a university.

The Medical Truth: Rhabdomyolysis – A Life-Threatening Consequence

Leonel’s symptoms and diagnosis were direct results of the extreme physical hazing. Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, which releases a damaging protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. This myoglobin can clog the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure and potentially death. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, dark or brown urine (due to myoglobin), and elevated creatine kinase levels (indicating muscle damage).

Ralph Manginello, drawing on his expertise in such cases, highlighted that this medical condition is something Attorney911 has litigated successfully before. This is not a new or unknown injury to us; we understand its severity and the long-term impact on victims like Leonel.

The Institutional Cover-Up and Admission of Guilt

The responses from both the Pi Kappa Phi national organization and the University of Houston speak volumes, even as they attempt to minimize their liability:

• Pi Kappa Phi National: On November 21, 2025, just seven days after Leonel’s hospitalization became known and mere hours after our lawsuit was filed, Pi Kappa Phi National announced it had “closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This is a public admission of wrongdoing and a desperate attempt at damage control. Their statement even said, “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” demonstrating a shocking lack of remorse and a readiness to resume operations once the attention fades. As our firm noted, “Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously” is a hollow phrase when an incident this severe just occurred again.
• University of Houston: A spokesperson admitted to Houston Public Media that “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards.” They also mentioned “potential criminal charges,” indicating the university itself believes criminal conduct occurred. Most damningly, KHOU 11 reported that the lawsuit alleges both the national organization and the local housing corporation “enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'”

Why This Case Matters to New Mexico Families

The details of Leonel’s suffering serve as a critical wake-up call for parents and students across New Mexico:

1. “Tradition” is Torture: This case shatters the myth that hazing is harmless. It is brutal, deliberate, and life-threatening. The same mentality exists in chapters across the nation, including those affiliated with New Mexico universities.
2. Universities are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the property where much of this hazing occurred. Universities in New Mexico have the same power and responsibility to regulate Greek life on their campuses. Their failure to act makes them liable.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National’s quick chapter closure proves they understand the severity of hazing and their own liability. These national fraternities have chapters at almost every major university in New Mexico. They know what’s happening.
4. Victims Are Silenced: Leonel Bermudez is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” a common fear among hazing victims. We protect our clients, ensuring their safety and empowering their voices. We know victims in New Mexico face similar fears.
5. One Brave Victim Can Protect Others: Every hazing lawsuit, like Leonel’s, sends a message and can help prevent future tragedies. Your case in New Mexico could be the one that saves lives.
6. $10 Million Sends a Powerful Message: The financial demand is a statement that torturing our children will have severe consequences, forcing institutions to prioritize student safety over “brotherhood” or “tradition.” New Mexico families can send the same message when their children are harmed.

Who is Responsible: Holding Every Liable Party Accountable in New Mexico

When hazing leaves a student injured or dead in New Mexico, it’s never just the actions of a few individuals. It is a systemic failure, and we believe every entity that contributed to that failure must be held accountable. Our strategy expands beyond the students directly involved to target the deeper pockets and institutional negligence that allow hazing to persist.

Here’s who we typically target in hazing litigation, and why:

• The Local Chapter: This includes the specific fraternity or sorority chapter operating in New Mexico. They are directly responsible for organizing and conducting the hazing activities.
• Chapter Officers and Leaders: Individuals like the chapter president, pledgemaster, or risk manager who directed, condoned, or even participated in the hazing. For example, in the recent Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was held personally liable for a $6.5 million judgment. New Mexico chapter officers face the same exposure.
• Individual Members: Any active or former members who participated in, permitted, or failed to report the hazing. If the hazing occurred off-campus, such as at a private home in New Mexico, the property owners (including spouses or parents) who allowed it can also be held liable for premises liability.
• The National Organization: This is the “deep pocket.” National fraternities and sororities, like Pi Kappa Phi, have a duty to supervise their chapters, provide anti-hazing education, and enforce strict policies. When they fail to do so, especially when they have knowledge of a “hazing crisis” nationally, they are highly liable. Many of these national organizations are headquartered outside of New Mexico, but our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue them wherever they are. Pi Kappa Phi, with 150+ chapters across America, had a responsibility to ensure all its chapters, including those near New Mexico, were safe. The fact that Pi Kappa Phi National had Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 as prior notice strengthens this claim.
• The University or College: The institution where the hazing occurred, such as the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, or other New Mexico colleges, often bears significant responsibility. They have a duty to protect their students, oversee Greek life, and enforce anti-hazing policies. If the hazing happens on university-owned property, as it did in the Bermudez case, the university also faces premises liability claims. Past hazing incidents at the same university, like the 2017 case at the University of Houston, clearly demonstrate institutional knowledge and a failure to act, setting a precedent that New Mexico institutions could face.
• The Housing Corporation: These entities often own or manage the fraternity or sorority houses. They have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their premises and can be held liable if hazing occurs on their property.
• Insurance Carriers: Behind every national organization, university, and often individuals, are insurance policies. These are the ultimate source of recovery for victims and their families. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring invaluable insight into how these companies operate, strategize, and attempt to minimize payouts. This insider knowledge is a critical advantage for our clients in New Mexico.

This multi-pronged approach ensures that we pursue every possible avenue for compensation and justice, leaving no stone unturned in our fight for New Mexico families.

What Hazing Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for New Mexico Victims

Hazing lawsuits are not just about securing compensation; they are about forcing change and sending an undeniable message that these barbaric practices will no longer be tolerated. Across the country, brave families have stepped forward after unimaginable tragedies, and juries and settlements have spoken loudly: hazing costs millions. These precedents create a powerful roadmap for hazing victims and their families in New Mexico seeking justice.

These are just a few of the landmark verdicts and settlements that demonstrate what is possible:

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)

TOTAL RECOVERED: Over $10.1 Million
Stone Foltz died in 2021 from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event. His family’s relentless pursuit of justice resulted in:

• $2.9 million from Bowling Green State University.
• $7.2 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and several individuals.
• A $6.5 million judgment against Daylen Dunson, the former chapter president, found personally liable. This judgment, issued in December 2024, is one of the most recent and significant rulings, proving that individual officers cannot hide from personal accountability.
  This case, totaling over $10.1 million, is the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with successful hazing litigation of this magnitude.

Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta, 2017)

TOTAL RECOVERED: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died in 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning (with a BAC of 0.495, more than six times the legal limit) during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” hazing event. Pledges were forced to drink heavily if they answered questions incorrectly. His family’s pursuit led to:

• A $6.1 million jury verdict against the fraternity and individuals.
• The criminal conviction of a fraternity member for negligent homicide.
• The passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony.
  This verdict proves that juries are willing to award millions for hazing deaths and that these cases can lead to vital legislative change.

Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi, 2017)

TOTAL RECOVERED: Over $110 Million (Estimated Settlements)
Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old student, died in 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance “gauntlet” event where he consumed 18 drinks in 82 minutes, reaching a BAC of 0.36. He fell down a flight of stairs, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, but fraternity brothers waited 12 hours before calling 911. The entire harrowing incident was captured on security cameras. This led to:

• Confidential settlements estimated to be over $110 million from Penn State and Beta Theta Pi.
• Criminal charges against 18 fraternity members, leading to multiple convictions for involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and assault.
• The passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, significantly strengthening hazing legislation.
  The Piazza case demonstrates that clear, strong evidence can lead to truly massive settlements and widespread institutional reforms.

Andrew Coffey (Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi, 2017)

SAME FRATERNITY AS OUR BERMUDEZ CASE
Andrew Coffey died in 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” event.

• Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing.
• The FSU chapter was permanently closed.
• A civil settlement was reached with his family (amount confidential).
  This case is a smoking gun in the Bermudez litigation, proving that Pi Kappa Phi National knew about deadly hazing within its chapters eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This long-standing pattern of negligence is a crucial component of our argument for accountability and punitive damages.

These multi-million dollar outcomes send an unmistakable message to fraternities, universities, and national organizations that hazing will have severe consequences. And they tell families in New Mexico that powerful institutions can and will be held accountable. The same rigorous legal strategies and relentless pursuit of justice that achieved these results nationwide will be employed for hazing victims in New Mexico.

Texas Hazing Law Protects New Mexico Families

While our firm is based in Texas, the principles of hazing law, civil liability, and the types of cases we litigate extend nationwide. Most states in the U.S. have anti-hazing laws, and the civil claims we pursue are broadly applicable across jurisdictions, including New Mexico. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) give us the authority and flexibility to handle hazing cases anywhere in America, including for families in New Mexico.

Here’s a look at the statutory framework in Texas that informs our approach, often mirrored in New Mexico and other states:

Texas Education Code §§ 37.151-37.157: The Anti-Hazing Law

The State of Texas defines hazing broadly to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. Our landmark Bermudez case directly meets multiple elements of this definition:

• Physical Brutality: The law explicitly lists “whipping, beating, striking, branding” and “electronic shocking.” Leonel Bermudez was struck with wooden paddles. The extreme calisthenics he endured also fall under this.
• Endangering Physical/Mental Health: This includes “sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm.” Leonel suffered sleep deprivation, cold weather exposure while minimally clothed, was sprayed with a hose, and the calisthenics led to his critical medical condition. The hazing also severely impacted his mental and emotional health.
• Forced Consumption: The law covers “consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance… that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm.” Leonel was force-fed milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited.
• Violations of Penal Code: The law includes activities that involve a violation of the Penal Code. Examples like waterboarding are forms of assault, which is a criminal offense.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154)

This is a critical provision that often surprises people and directly combats a common defense used by fraternities and universities:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

This means that even if a student “went along with it” or “didn’t say no,” legally, it doesn’t matter. The State of Texas recognizes that coercion, peer pressure, and the desire to belong remove genuine consent when it comes to hazing. We regularly dismantle this defense in our cases, emphasizing that you cannot consent to being a victim of a crime. This legal principle is vital for hazing victims across New Mexico and the nation.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152)

Texas law imposes serious criminal penalties for hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For engaging in hazing, soliciting it, or even failing to report it if you have knowledge.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes “serious bodily injury.” Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure absolutely qualify as serious bodily injury. This means the individual perpetrators could face up to a year in jail.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes death. This is why cases like Maxwell Gruver and Timothy Piazza often involve severe criminal charges.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)

Organizations themselves are held accountable:

“An organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.”

This means the local chapter, the national organization, and even alumni groups can face fines and be stripped of their permission to operate on campus. This provision directly supports our multi-defendant strategy, ensuring every linked entity in New Mexico is held responsible.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal charges punish the perpetrators, civil lawsuits empower victims and families in New Mexico to recover damages and ensure future safety. Our firm pursues a range of civil claims, depending on the specifics of the case:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and individuals had a duty of care to protect students, they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this breach directly caused the injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (as in the Bermudez case), they can be held liable for creating or allowing a dangerous condition.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when national fraternities fail to properly oversee their chapters or when universities fail to adequately supervise Greek life.
• Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators who physically harm or touch a student in an offensive way can be sued directly.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim applies when the hazing conduct is truly outrageous and causes severe emotional harm, such as the psychological torture Leonel endured.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, our firm represents families pursuing wrongful death claims, which seek compensation for the immense emotional and financial losses due to the death of a loved one.

These legal avenues provide robust pathways to justice for hazing victims in New Mexico, ensuring that those responsible cannot escape accountability by merely claiming ignorance or dismissing their actions as harmless.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for New Mexico Hazing Victims

When your child is harmed by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the complexities of these cases, knows how to fight powerful institutions, and genuinely cares about your family. Here in New Mexico, when facing such profound betrayal, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference.

We proudly serve hazing victims in New Mexico and nationwide from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas. Do not let distance deter you; we have the experience and resources to serve your family effectively, no matter where your child attends college in New Mexico.

Battle-Tested Experience: Over 25 Years of Courtroom Advocacy

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of battle-tested courtroom experience. He has successfully litigated complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants, including his involvement in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery explosion. This experience in challenging powerful adversaries is directly transferable to hazing cases involving well-resourced national fraternities and universities. His deep understanding of rhabdomyolysis injuries from prior hazing cases makes him uniquely qualified to represent victims like Leonel Bermudez.

Inside Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys on Your Side

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena spent significant parts of their careers working for the other side – as insurance defense attorneys. This is our “unfair advantage.”

• Ralph Manginello knows how insurance companies strategize, value claims, and attempt to minimize payouts because he used to help them do it. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
• Lupe Pena worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm. He learned firsthand the tactics large insurance companies employ to lowball victims, delay claims, and wear down plaintiffs. This isn’t theoretical knowledge; it’s battlefield intelligence. Whether it’s products liability, commercial litigation, or workers’ compensation defense, Lupe has seen every angle from the defense side. Now, every strategy they taught him to use against victims, he wields to empower his clients.

This combined experience of more than 37 years fighting on the defense side ensures we anticipate their moves, expose their weaknesses, and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation your New Mexico family deserves.

Nationwide Reach and Authority: Unleash Federal Court Power

While we are based in Texas, hazing is a national crisis, and our legal reach extends far beyond state lines:

• Federal Court Admissions: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court authority allows us to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction, often providing strategic advantages against national organizations, regardless of where the incident occurred in New Mexico.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual-state admission provides a strategic edge when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered or incorporated in different states, like New York or other distant locations.
• Willingness to Travel: Distance is not a barrier to justice. We are committed to traveling to New Mexico for depositions, client meetings, and trials when necessary, ensuring you have the dedicated representation you need on the ground.
• Remote Consultation: For New Mexico families seeking immediate answers, we offer convenient phone and video consultations, allowing you to connect with our expert team from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Cultural Fluency: Se Habla Español

New Mexico is home to a rich and vibrant Hispanic culture. Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish and connects deeply with his Texas heritage, with roots tied to the historic King Ranch. This allows us to provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients in New Mexico, eliminating language barriers and ensuring that all families can access the justice they deserve.

Compassionate Advocacy: We Treat New Mexico Families Like Our Own

Our 4.9-star rating on Google My Business with over 250 reviews speaks to our unwavering commitment to our clients. Testimonials consistently highlight our communication, responsiveness, and genuine care:

• “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
• “Everyone was very professional and polite. I also got a very nice settlement. I will definitely use them again if needed.” — MONGO SLADE
• “Both Attorney Manginello & Leonore were both extremely nice, helpful, and made sure I was informed throughout the entire process. They’re the best!” — Devin Hebert

We understand the emotional toll hazing takes. Our first-person plural voice (we/us/our) reflects our team approach, and our consistent communication ensures your New Mexico family is never left in the dark. We see your child as a person, not a paycheck, and we are emotionally invested in fighting for justice.

No Upfront Cost: Contingency Fees for New Mexico Families

We understand that the financial burden of a hazing incident, coupled with the thought of hiring expensive lawyers, can be overwhelming for families. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis.

• You pay $0 upfront.
• We don’t get paid unless and until you get paid.

This arrangement ensures that access to justice is never limited by your ability to pay. We take on the financial risk, committing our resources and expertise to your case, aligning our success directly with yours. This levels the playing field, allowing New Mexico families to challenge even the wealthiest national fraternities and universities without fear of prohibitive legal costs.

A Proven Track Record Against Institutions

Ralph Manginello’s journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin instilled in him a tenacious investigative approach, which is crucial for uncovering facts that institutions often try to hide. His experience in high-profile criminal defense cases, including the Ryan Mitchell Smith case covered by ABC13, demonstrates his ability to handle sensitive, emotionally charged situations under media scrutiny while fiercely protecting client interests. This aggressive, evidence-challenging approach is exactly what’s needed in hazing cases where institutions attempt to hide, minimize, or destroy evidence.

In choosing Attorney911, New Mexico families are not just hiring lawyers; they are partnering with a team that has the experience, the insider knowledge, the national reach, and the deep personal commitment to fight for their child’s future.

What to Do Right Now if Your Child Was Hazed in New Mexico

If your child has been subjected to hazing in New Mexico, whether at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, or any other institution, the immediacy of your actions can significantly impact their case. We understand this is a deeply traumatic time, but taking these critical steps immediately can protect your child’s rights and future.

Here’s our urgent guidance for New Mexico families:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is the absolute priority. Even if injuries seem minor or the full extent isn’t clear, get your child to a doctor or emergency room. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some severe hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, may not show immediate symptoms. Medical records are your most vital piece of evidence, documenting the injuries and linking them directly to the hazing incident. Delay in seeking treatment can be used by the defense to claim the injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by hazing.
2. Preserve ALL Evidence – DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Hazing cases are often won or lost based on evidence. We cannot stress this enough:
   • Text Messages & Group Chats: Take screenshots of every text, GroupMe, Snapchat, or other messaging app conversation related to the hazing, including threats, demands, schedules, and any communications discussing other pledges or incidents. Do not delete the original messages.
   • Photos & Videos: If there are any photos or videos of the hazing activities or your child’s injuries (at any stage of healing), save them securely. If anyone else has such media, ask them to save it without deleting it.
   • Social Media: Take screenshots of any relevant social media posts, stories, or profiles. Advise your child to stay off social media completely. Any posts, even seemingly innocent ones, can be twisted by the defense to discredit their claims or imply they were “fine” after the incident.
   • Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, emails, or other documents provided by the fraternity, sorority, or university. These often lay out the official guidelines that were blatant violated.
   • Witness Information: Gather names and contact information for any other pledges, witnesses, or even bystanders who may have information or observed incidents. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • Physical Evidence: If any objects used in the hazing were retained (e.g., specific fanny packs, paddles, items of clothing, containers from forced consumption), safely store them as potential evidence.
3. DO NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Alone:
   • No Statements: Do not allow your child, yourself, or any family member to give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership, university administration, or their lawyers without consulting with an attorney first. They are not on your side; they are protecting their institution.
   • No Signatures: Do not sign any documents from the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal review. You may inadvertently waive your rights or jeopardize your claim.
   • No Confrontation: Do not have your child confront the hazers or their leadership directly. This can escalate the situation, destroy evidence, or lead to further intimidation.
4. Understand the Statute of Limitations: Most states, including New Mexico, have a statute of limitations (a legal deadline) for filing personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, typically two years from the date of the injury or death. This may seem like plenty of time, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and the investigative process takes time. Waiting can jeopardize your case. Act now.

Attorney911’s Texas Hazing Intelligence Database: We Know Who They Are

One of our most powerful tools in fighting hazing is our proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Database. This isn’t just a collection of publicly available records; it’s a meticulously compiled and analyzed repository of information on over 1,400 Greek organizations across 25 metropolitan areas in Texas. While you are in New Mexico, this database is critical because the same national organizations operate there.

We maintain records on:

• Over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas, including their exact legal names (like Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas), their Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), and mailing addresses. These entities include house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies. This isn’t just about college kids; it’s about tax-exempt corporations with assets and insurance. When hazing occurs, we know exactly who to sue.
• All 96 Texas college campuses and their Greek life presence. This helps us understand the institutional landscape and how universities – including those students from New Mexico may attend – interact with these organizations.
• 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metro areas, showing the vast scale of Greek life’s corporate footprint. For example, the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area itself contains 188 Greek organizations.
• Cross-validated data showing overlaps between IRS and private intelligence firm records, confirming the legal identities of these organizations.

This database is part of our commitment to data-driven litigation. When your child is hazed in New Mexico, we don’t guess who might be responsible; we know. We identify every entity behind those Greek letters – the undergraduate chapter, the alumni oversight, the housing corporation, and the national headquarters – so we know exactly who we’re fighting and how to hold them all accountable. This is the difference between taking on a few college kids and taking on a multi-million dollar corporate structure.

New Mexico Families: Call Now for a FREE Consultation

If your child has been subjected to hazing at a university in New Mexico, you are facing a legal emergency. Do not wait. Do not let fear, shame, or loyalty to an organization prevent you from seeking justice. Your child deserves accountability, and your action could prevent future tragedies.

Our attorneys are aggressive, thorough, data-driven, and relentless. We are currently fighting the Pi Kappa Phi / University of Houston case, and we will bring that same level of expertise and aggression to your case in New Mexico. We have the resources, the knowledge, and the passion to fight for your family.

New Mexico Families – Immediate Help is Available 24/7:

📞 CALL US NOW: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Visit our Website: attorney911.com

FREE CONSULTATION: We offer free consultations to all hazing victims and their families in New Mexico. There is no obligation, and you will speak directly with an expert who understands what you’re going through.

NO UPFRONT COST: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Our goal is to make access to justice available to everyone in New Mexico, regardless of financial situation.

We Serve Hazing Victims Across New Mexico and Nationwide

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, our federal court authority, dual-state bar licenses, and willingness to travel mean we can effectively represent hazing victims across New Mexico and the entire country. We offer secure video consultations for your convenience, ensuring you can connect with our legal team regardless of your location.

Hazing is not confined to one state or one type of organization. We represent victims of hazing in New Mexico from:

• Fraternities and sororities at the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Eastern New Mexico University, and other colleges.
• New Mexico sports teams.
• High school and college marching bands in New Mexico.
• ROTC programs.
• Clubs and other student organizations across the state.

If it involves abuse, intimidation, or harm disguised as initiation, we are here to help.

The time to act is now. Let us be your first responders to this legal emergency. Let us fight for the justice your child deserves, send a powerful message to those who think hazing is acceptable, and help ensure that this never happens to another family in New Mexico.

New Mexico Families: Enough is enough. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.