Hazing Lawyers in Quay County, New Mexico | Attorney 911

Protecting Students and Families from Greek Life Abuse

At Attorney 911, we understand the devastating impact that hazing can have on students and their families in Quay County. As experienced hazing litigation attorneys, we are currently fighting a landmark $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for systematic abuse that hospitalized a young man with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This same pattern of negligence exists at universities near Quay County, and we’re here to help local families hold these institutions accountable.

Why Quay County Families Need Specialized Hazing Attorneys

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition – it’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that can cause severe physical and psychological harm. In Quay County, students at nearby universities face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. The fraternities operating in this region are part of the same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing incidents nationwide.

The Hazing Crisis in Quay County and Beyond

What Quay County Families Need to Know

Hazing incidents like what happened at University of Houston can – and do – occur at institutions near Quay County. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and serious injuries nationwide maintain active chapters at universities throughout New Mexico and the surrounding region. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority, they face the same risks that led to our client’s hospitalization.

Common hazing practices in Quay County-area institutions include:

• Forced excessive alcohol consumption
• Extreme physical exertion leading to medical emergencies
• Psychological abuse and humiliation
• Sleep deprivation
• Dangerous “initiation” rituals
• Physical violence

The Medical Reality of Hazing

Our client was hospitalized for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced to perform 500 squats, 100+ pushups, and other extreme exercises. This same medical emergency can happen to Quay County students when fraternities push pledges beyond their physical limits.

Other serious medical consequences of hazing include:

• Alcohol poisoning (potentially fatal)
• Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
• Heat stroke or hypothermia from exposure
• Broken bones and internal injuries
• Long-term psychological trauma including PTSD

Our Landmark $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

The Case That Shows What’s Happening to Quay County Students

We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized our client. This case demonstrates the exact type of abuse that occurs at universities near Quay County.

What happened to our client:

• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then continue exercising
• Another pledge lost consciousness during workouts
• Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Required four days of inpatient care

The defendants’ response?
Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter and stated: “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” This shows their complete lack of remorse and intention to continue the same practices.

Why This Matters for Quay County Families

1. The same fraternities operate near Quay County – Pi Kappa Phi and other national organizations have chapters at universities throughout New Mexico and the Southwest.

2. Universities near Quay County face the same liability – The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. Local institutions have the same power – and responsibility – to prevent hazing.

3. This isn’t the first time – Pi Kappa Phi had a hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at Florida State) and did nothing to change their culture. The University of Houston had a hazing hospitalization in 2017 and failed to implement effective oversight.

4. The pattern will continue – Unless institutions are held financially accountable, they will continue to prioritize reputation over student safety.

Legal Rights for Quay County Hazing Victims

What New Mexico Law Says About Hazing

While our firm is based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide including Quay County. New Mexico has specific laws against hazing that protect students:

New Mexico Statutes § 29-1-13.1 defines hazing as:
Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of that person, including:

• Physical brutality
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to the elements
• Any activity that could cause physical harm or psychological distress

Important legal principles:

• Consent is not a defense – Even if a student “agrees” to participate, hazing is still illegal
• Organizations can be held liable – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued
• Individuals can be held personally liable – Chapter officers and members who participate in hazing can be sued individually
• Criminal charges may apply – Hazing can result in misdemeanor or felony charges

Who Can Be Held Liable in Quay County Hazing Cases

When hazing occurs at universities near Quay County, multiple parties may be legally responsible:

1. The local fraternity chapter – Directly organized and conducted the hazing
2. National fraternity/sorority organization – Failed to supervise and enforce anti-hazing policies
3. University/college – Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority to regulate Greek organizations
4. Chapter officers – Leadership who directed or allowed hazing to occur
5. Individual members – Those who participated in hazing activities
6. Alumni/hosts – Individuals who allowed hazing to occur at their property
7. Insurance companies – Policies covering the organizations and individuals involved

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Quay County

Immediate Steps for Quay County Families

If your child has been hazed at a university near Quay County, take these steps immediately:

1. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation. Some conditions like rhabdomyolysis may not show symptoms immediately.

2. Preserve all evidence – Save:

   • Text messages and social media communications
   • Photos or videos of injuries or hazing activities
   • Medical records
   • Names and contact information of witnesses
   • Any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

3. Do not confront the organization alone – They will try to control the narrative and may intimidate witnesses.

4. Do not post about the incident on social media – Anything you post can be used against you.

5. Contact a hazing attorney immediately – Evidence disappears quickly, and there are strict deadlines for filing lawsuits.

Why Quay County Families Should Call Attorney 911

1. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case – We know exactly how to build these cases and maximize recovery.

2. We understand the medical consequences – Our attorneys have experience with rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and other serious hazing injuries.

3. We know how to fight the “consent” defense – Organizations will claim your child “agreed” to participate. We know how to defeat this argument.

4. We have former insurance defense attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know all their tactics.

5. We serve Quay County families nationwide – While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims across the country through federal court authority and travel commitments.

6. We work on contingency – No upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case.

7. We offer remote consultations – Quay County families can meet with us via video conference without traveling.

Our Approach to Quay County Hazing Cases

How We Build Strong Cases for Local Families

When we take on a hazing case for Quay County families, we:

1. Conduct immediate evidence preservation – Send legal holds to all defendants to prevent evidence destruction.

2. Work with medical experts – Document the full extent of physical and psychological injuries.

3. Identify all liable parties – From individual members to national organizations to universities.

4. Build pattern evidence – Show that this wasn’t an isolated incident, but part of a culture of abuse.

5. Calculate full damages – Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

6. Prepare for trial – While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to maximize settlement value.

7. Protect our clients – From intimidation, retaliation, and attempts to silence them.

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
• Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how the other side thinks and operates
• Federal court authority – Can pursue cases nationwide, including for Quay County families
• Dual-state bar admission – Texas and New York licensed, with experience handling national organizations

Compensation Available for Quay County Hazing Victims

What Your Family May Be Entitled To

Hazing victims in Quay County may be entitled to compensation for:

1. Medical expenses – Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future medical care
2. Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional distress from the hazing
3. Psychological treatment – Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression
4. Lost wages – Time missed from work due to injuries
5. Educational disruption – Impact on academic performance and future opportunities
6. Punitive damages – Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing

In our current case, our client was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure. Similar cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts.

Frequently Asked Questions for Quay County Families

Can we really sue a fraternity or university?

Yes. Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be held legally responsible when they fail to prevent hazing. In fact, universities often have more resources and insurance coverage than individual members.

What if my child “agreed” to participate?

Consent is not a defense to hazing. New Mexico law specifically states that even if a student agrees to participate, the organization can still be held liable. The law recognizes that peer pressure, fear of social exclusion, and power dynamics make true consent impossible.

How long do we have to take legal action?

New Mexico has a statute of limitations that typically gives you 3-4 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s important to act as soon as possible. In our experience, the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

What if the hazing happened off-campus?

Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. Fraternities often conduct hazing activities at off-campus locations, and they can still be held liable. In our current case, some hazing occurred at a private residence, and we’re suing the homeowners as well.

Can we afford a lawyer?

Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket

Will my child have to testify?

Possibly, but we prepare our clients thoroughly. Most cases settle before trial, but if your case does go to trial, we’ll make sure your child is prepared and supported throughout the process.

What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We take client protection seriously. We can take steps to protect your child’s identity and safety. In our current case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution,” and we’re taking measures to protect him.

Can you really help Quay County families when you’re based in Texas?

Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide through:

• Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
• Willingness to travel to Quay County for depositions and trials
• Remote consultation technology
• Experience handling cases against national organizations

Contact Attorney 911 for Quay County Hazing Cases

Free Consultation for Local Families

If your child has been hazed at a university near Quay County, contact Attorney 911 immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

Legal Emergency Hotline: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We offer:

• Free initial consultations for Quay County families
• Remote video consultations
• Willingness to travel to Quay County for important meetings
• Contingency fee representation (no upfront costs)
• Aggressive advocacy against powerful institutions

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Quay County Hazing Case

1. We’re currently fighting this battle – We’re litigating a $10 million hazing case right now, so we know exactly how to build these cases.

2. Former insurance defense attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know all their tactics.

3. Medical expertise – We understand the serious medical consequences of hazing, including rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

4. Nationwide reach – We can represent Quay County families regardless of where the hazing occurred.

5. Contingency fee representation – No upfront costs. We only get paid if we win.

6. Aggressive advocacy – We don’t back down from powerful institutions.

7. Compassionate approach – We understand the trauma hazing victims experience and provide supportive legal representation.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget details. Organizations destroy records. The sooner you contact us, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.

Quay County families: Don’t let the institutions that failed your child get away with it. Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.