Hazing Lawyer in Union County, New Mexico – Protecting Students and Holding Institutions Accountable

Hazing Happens in Union County – And It’s Not “Tradition” – It’s Abuse

Union County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities, fraternities, and sororities to provide a positive experience—not to subject them to torture, humiliation, or life-threatening abuse. But the harsh reality is that hazing happens at colleges and universities near Union County, New Mexico, just as it does across America.

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, ROTC program, or any other student organization in Union County or nearby, you have legal rights. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston have chapters at institutions near Union County. The same negligence that led to a $10 million lawsuit in Texas exists right here in New Mexico.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now. We represent a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Union County families.

If your child has been hazed in Union County, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

What Is Hazing? The Truth Behind the “Tradition”

Hazing is often dismissed as harmless “initiation” or “team bonding.” But the reality is far darker. Hazing is systematic abuse designed to humiliate, degrade, and sometimes physically harm students. It is not about building character—it’s about exerting power and control.

Common Hazing Practices in Union County and Beyond

Hazing takes many forms, but all are dangerous and illegal. Some of the most common—and most dangerous—hazing activities include:

The Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “roughhousing”—it can cause permanent physical and psychological damage. Some of the most severe medical consequences include:

• Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown that releases toxins into the bloodstream, leading to kidney failure (as seen in our current case)
• Acute Alcohol Poisoning – Can be fatal; often results from forced binge drinking
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – From beatings, falls, or being struck with objects
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia – From forced exposure to extreme temperatures
• Cardiac Arrest – From extreme physical exertion or electrolyte imbalances
• PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression – Long-term psychological trauma from abuse
• Death – At least one hazing death occurs every year in the U.S.

If your child has suffered any of these injuries due to hazing in Union County, you need to act now.

The Hazing Crisis in Union County and Nearby Institutions

Hazing is not a distant problem—it happens at colleges and universities near Union County. Some of the institutions where hazing has occurred or is likely to occur include:

Colleges and Universities Near Union County with Active Greek Life

While Union County itself is a rural area with no major universities, students from Union County often attend colleges in nearby regions where hazing is a known issue. Some of the schools with active Greek life and documented hazing histories include:

National Fraternities with Chapters Near Union County

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters at universities near Union County. Some of the most notorious include:

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Union County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

The Landmark Case: Why Our $10 Million Lawsuit Matters for Union County Families

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case is not just about one victim—it’s about exposing a culture of abuse that exists at fraternities and universities across America, including near Union County.

What Happened to Our Client

Leonel Bermudez, a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the University of Houston yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse that hospitalized him with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Here’s what he endured:

• Waterboarding – Simulated drowning with a garden hose while doing calisthenics
• Forced Exercise to Exhaustion – 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills), 100-yard crawls
• Wooden Paddles – Struck repeatedly with wooden paddles
• Forced Eating – Made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to continue running
• Sleep Deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion
• Psychological Torture – Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply; forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects
• Another Pledge Collapsed – On October 15, 2025, another pledge lost consciousness during a workout, but the fraternity kept going

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme exercises until he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was so sore he couldn’t move. The day after that, his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

Why This Case Matters for Union County

1. The Same Fraternities Operate Near Union County

   • Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at NMSU, UNM, and Texas Tech—all within driving distance of Union County.
   • If they hazed a student in Houston, they’re hazing students near Union County too.

2. Universities Near Union County Have the Same Liability

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
   • Universities near Union County also own or control Greek housing. They have the same duty to protect students.

3. They Knew It Was Happening and Did Nothing

   • Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU). They had eight years to fix their culture—and they failed.
   • The University of Houston had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017. They had eight years to implement real oversight—and they failed.

4. They’re Already Planning to Come Back

   • In their official statement, Pi Kappa Phi said:
     

     “We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”

   • They’re not sorry. They’re not changing. They’re just waiting for the lawsuit to go away.

5. This Is Happening Right Now in Union County

   • If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Union County, they are at risk.
   • If they’ve already been hazed, you need to act before evidence disappears and your legal rights expire.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Union County?

Hazing cases are complex because multiple parties share responsibility. When we sue for hazing, we don’t just go after the students who participated—we go after everyone who enabled the abuse.

Defendants We Pursue in Hazing Cases

Can You Sue a Fraternity for Hazing in Union County?

Yes. Hazing is illegal in New Mexico under NMSA 1978, § 30-34-1, which defines hazing as:

“An act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization.”

New Mexico law makes hazing a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. But criminal charges are just one part of the equation. You can also file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

If your child was hazed in Union County or at a nearby institution, we can sue:

• The fraternity or sorority
• The national organization
• The university
• The individuals who participated

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Union County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Here’s what you need to do right now:

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening and may not show symptoms right away.
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Do not delete anything.

⚠️ WARNING: Fraternities and universities will try to destroy evidence as soon as they know a lawsuit is coming. Do not let them.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer

• They will try to minimize the incident and shift blame onto your child.
• They may ask your child to sign documents that waive their rights.
• They may try to record statements that can be used against your child in court.
• Anything your child says to them can be used against them in a lawsuit.

Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• New Mexico has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (NMSA 1978, § 37-1-8).
• The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:
  • Preserve evidence before it disappears
  • Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
  • Send preservation letters to defendants
  • Begin building your case

Call Attorney 911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Step 5: Report the Hazing to Authorities

• File a police report – Hazing is a crime in New Mexico.
• Report to the university – Schools are required to investigate hazing under Title IX.
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority – They may claim they didn’t know, but they’ll have to respond.

How Much Is a Hazing Lawsuit Worth?

Hazing cases can result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. The value of your case depends on several factors, including:

Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can recover substantial compensation. If your child was hazed in Union County, they deserve the same justice.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Union County Hazing Case?

Hazing cases are not like other personal injury claims. They require:

• Deep knowledge of Greek life culture
• Experience with institutional defendants (universities, national fraternities)
• Aggressive litigation strategies to overcome “tradition” defenses
• A willingness to take cases to trial if defendants won’t settle fairly

At Attorney 911, we have all of this—and more.

Our Experience Fighting Hazing

✅ Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability
✅ Federal court admission – We can pursue cases nationwide, including in Union County
✅ Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) – Strategic advantage for cases against national organizations
✅ Proven track record – Millions recovered for personal injury and wrongful death victims
✅ Se habla español – Bilingual representation for Union County families

What Sets Us Apart for Union County Families

1. We Travel to Union County

   • We don’t just serve Union County from Houston—we come to you.
   • We’ll meet with you in person for depositions, meetings, and trials.

2. We Understand the Culture

   • We know how fraternities and sororities operate.
   • We know their playbook for covering up hazing.
   • We know how to expose it.

3. We Don’t Back Down

   • Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers fighting to minimize claims.
   • We have 25+ years of litigation experience and aren’t intimidated.
   • We take cases to trial if defendants won’t settle fairly.

4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront

   • You pay nothing unless we win your case.
   • No hourly fees, no retainers.
   • We take the financial risk so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

5. We See Your Child as a Person, Not a Paycheck

   • We’ve seen what hazing does to families.
   • We’re not just fighting for money—we’re fighting for justice.
   • We’ll treat your family with compassion and respect.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Union County

1. Can I sue a fraternity for hazing in New Mexico?

Yes. Hazing is illegal in New Mexico under NMSA 1978, § 30-34-1, and victims can sue for damages. You can sue:

• The local chapter
• The national fraternity/sorority
• The university
• Individual members

2. What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

Consent is not a defense. New Mexico law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

3. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in New Mexico?

New Mexico has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (NMSA 1978, § 37-1-8). However, you should act immediately because:

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget details
• Fraternities and universities destroy records

4. What damages can I recover in a hazing lawsuit?

You can recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or school)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)

5. Can I sue the university for hazing?

Yes, if the university:

• Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about the hazing
• Failed to implement adequate oversight of Greek life

Many universities, including those near Union County, own fraternity and sorority houses and have the power to regulate them.

6. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowners (including fraternity alumni) can be held liable.

7. Will my child’s name be made public?

We protect our clients’ privacy. While lawsuits are public record, we can:

• File under seal in certain circumstances
• Use initials instead of full names
• Request confidentiality in settlements

8. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We take steps to protect our clients, including:

• Sending cease-and-desist letters to prevent harassment
• Filing restraining orders if necessary
• Pursuing claims against individuals who retaliate

9. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

At Attorney 911, we work on contingency. This means:

• $0 upfront
• No hourly fees
• We only get paid if we win your case

Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.

10. What should I do if my child was hazed at a school near Union County?

1. Get medical attention immediately.
2. Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, witness info).
3. Do not talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without a lawyer.
4. Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

The Time to Act Is Now – Before It’s Too Late

Hazing in Union County and nearby institutions is not going to stop on its own. Fraternities and universities have known about the dangers for decades, and they’ve done little to prevent it. The only way to force change is to hold them accountable in court.

If your child has been hazed, you have legal rights. You can:
✅ Recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
✅ Force the fraternity or university to change their policies
✅ Prevent this from happening to another Union County family

But you must act quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims in Union County and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier—we’ll travel to you, offer video consultations, and fight aggressively for your family.

Enough is enough. It’s time to hold them accountable.