Hazing Victims in Boulder County: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice
Hazing Isn’t Tradition—It’s Torture. And Boulder County Families Deserve Justice.
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Boulder County, you’re not alone. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston could happen right here in Boulder County—and it likely already has.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the systematic abuse that hospitalized our client with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t just a Houston problem—it’s a national crisis, and Boulder County students are at risk.
We’re here to fight for Boulder County families. You don’t have to face this alone.
What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Boulder County
The Reality of Hazing in Colorado
Boulder County is home to major universities and colleges where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, and others—have active chapters right here in Boulder County.
The truth is clear:
- Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines.
- Universities in Boulder County face the same oversight failures as UH.
- Fraternities in Boulder County operate under the same dangerous cultures.
- Boulder County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we’re providing in Houston.
The Bermudez Case: A Warning for Boulder County
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of torture disguised as “tradition”:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose—simulated drowning, a form of torture.
- Forced to perform 500 squats, 100+ pushups, and other extreme exercises until he collapsed.
- Struck with wooden paddles—physical assault with weapons.
- Forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to continue exercising.
- Another pledge lost consciousness during these workouts—yet the hazing continued.
- On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to exercise until he couldn’t stand without help. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—a life-threatening condition caused by muscle breakdown. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.
This didn’t just “happen.” It was allowed to happen.
Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their culture after Andrew Coffey died from hazing in 2017. The University of Houston had 8 years to implement real oversight after a student was hospitalized from hazing in 2017. Neither did anything meaningful.
And now, Leonel Bermudez is paying the price.
Why Boulder County Families Need Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now—and Winning
We’re currently litigating the $10 million Bermudez case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—it’s happening right now, and we’re bringing the same aggressive representation to Boulder County families.
We don’t just talk about hazing—we fight it in court.
2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense
Fraternities and universities will argue that your child “consented” to hazing. Texas law—and most state laws—explicitly say consent is NOT a defense.
Texas Education Code § 37.154:
“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.”
We know how to dismantle this argument and hold institutions accountable.
3. We Have Insider Knowledge of How Insurance Companies and Universities Operate
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how these institutions think, strategize, and try to minimize or deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for victims.
4. We Travel to Boulder County for Your Case
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Boulder County. We offer:
- Free video consultations for Boulder County families.
- Willingness to travel to Boulder County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
- Remote case management so you don’t have to come to us.
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. We Work on Contingency—$0 Upfront for Boulder County Families
We understand that cost can be a prohibitive factor in hiring a lawyer. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency—you don’t pay us unless and until you get paid.
Contingency Fee for Boulder County Families:
- $0 upfront.
- We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by calling us.
What Counts as Hazing in Boulder County?
Hazing isn’t just “roughhousing” or “harmless pranks.” Under Colorado and federal law, hazing includes any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
Common Hazing Activities in Boulder County:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion, extreme calisthenics, sleep deprivation |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking, chugging), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances (peppercorns, hot sauce) |
| Psychological Torture | Waterboarding, humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats of expulsion or physical harm |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure (forced to strip), heat exposure, confined spaces |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands, personal servitude |
Medical Consequences of Hazing:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) — as seen in the Bermudez case.
- Alcohol poisoning — a leading cause of hazing deaths.
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls.
- Hypothermia/hyperthermia — from exposure to extreme temperatures.
- Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion.
- PTSD, anxiety, depression — long-term psychological damage.
- Death — hazing has killed students across America.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Boulder County?
When hazing happens, everyone involved can—and should—be held accountable. In the Bermudez case, we’re pursuing 10 defendants, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing. |
| National Organization | Knew or should have known about hazing; failed to supervise; policies inadequate. |
| University | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property where hazing occurred; had power to regulate Greek life. |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it. |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities. |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability. |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability. |
The deep pockets:
- National fraternities and sororities have millions in assets and insurance.
- Universities have substantial endowments and insurance.
- This isn’t about suing broke college kids—it’s about holding institutions accountable.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Boulder County
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your child seems “fine,” hazing can cause delayed-onset injuries like rhabdomyolysis, concussions, or internal bleeding. Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately.
Symptoms that require emergency care:
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
- Dark or brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
- Vomiting or nausea
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (slow breathing, pale skin, unconsciousness)
- Any signs of head trauma
Document everything:
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
- Keep all medical records and bills.
- Request copies of hospital reports.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do not delete anything. Evidence disappears quickly, and fraternities/univerisities will try to destroy it.
What to preserve:
| Evidence Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Communications | Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails, WhatsApp messages |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries, hazing activities, locations, items used in hazing |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules, membership agreements |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid |
| Academic Records | Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships |
What NOT to do:
- Do not confront the fraternity/sorority or university alone—they will coordinate their story and destroy evidence.
- Do not post on social media—anything you post can be used against you.
- Do not sign anything from the organization, university, or insurance company.
- Do not give a recorded statement to anyone without your attorney present.
Step 3: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
The clock is ticking. Most states have a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.
We will:
- Provide a free, confidential consultation.
- Help you preserve evidence.
- Guide you on what to say—and what not to say.
- Begin building your case immediately.
What Damages Can Boulder County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, medications, physical therapy, future medical costs |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries or recovery |
| Lost Academic Investment | Tuition, fees, lost scholarships, delayed graduation |
| Future Earning Capacity | If injuries cause permanent limitations |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from hazing activities and recovery |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust, impact on relationships |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in normal activities, social life, or college experience |
| Punitive Damages | Additional damages to punish egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse) |
In wrongful death cases, families may also recover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of future earnings
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases do not settle for small amounts. Juries and courts recognize the severity of these cases and award multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | 2021 | $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity) |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | 2017 | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | 2017 | $110+ million settlement (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | 2017 | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | 2021 | $4+ million settlement |
These cases prove that hazing victims win big—and so can Boulder County families.
The Legal Process for Boulder County Hazing Cases
1. Free Consultation
- We evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
- We answer all your questions—no obligation.
2. Investigation
- We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain medical records.
- We identify all liable parties (individuals, organizations, universities).
3. Demand Letter
- We send a demand letter to the defendants outlining your damages.
- We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
4. Litigation (If Necessary)
- If defendants refuse to settle, we file a lawsuit.
- We handle all court filings, depositions, and discovery.
5. Settlement or Trial
- Most cases settle before trial.
- If necessary, we take your case to trial and fight for maximum compensation.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed every step of the way.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Boulder County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Actively Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case Right Now
We’re not just talking about hazing—we’re actively litigating the Bermudez case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we’re bringing that expertise to Boulder County.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think, how they try to minimize claims, and how to beat them at their own game.
3. Nationwide Reach—Including Boulder County
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Boulder County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.
4. We Travel to Boulder County
We come to you for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier.
5. $0 Upfront—We Work on Contingency
You don’t pay us unless we win your case. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
6. We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims come from Hispanic families. We provide bilingual legal services to ensure no language barriers stand in the way of justice.
7. We Care About Boulder County Families
We’re not just lawyers—we’re parents, coaches, and community members. We understand what’s at stake when a child is hazed, and we will fight for your family like our own.
Frequently Asked Questions for Boulder County Families
1. Can we sue even if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. Universities and fraternities can still be held liable for off-campus hazing.
2. What if my child “consented” to the hazing?
Consent is not a defense. Under Colorado and Texas law, you cannot consent to being hazed. Fraternities and universities will try to use this argument, but the law is clear: consent does not matter.
3. Can we sue the university even if they didn’t directly participate?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable for negligent supervision and premises liability (if they own or control the property where hazing occurred).
4. What if the fraternity has already been suspended or closed?
That doesn’t absolve them of liability. In fact, fraternities often close chapters to limit liability—but that doesn’t mean they’re off the hook. We can still pursue the national organization, individual members, and the university.
5. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Most states have a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
6. Can we sue if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries?
Yes. Psychological trauma—such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression—is a valid basis for a lawsuit. Hazing doesn’t have to cause physical injuries to be illegal.
7. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We understand that fear of retaliation is real. We protect our clients’ identities and interests. Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward, but speaking out can prevent harm to others.
8. How much is our case worth?
Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Egregiousness of conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption)
- Pattern of prior hazing incidents
- University or national organization’s knowledge of hazing
- Attempts to cover up the incident
Boulder County Universities and Hazing Risk
Boulder County is home to major universities where Greek life is active. The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide have chapters right here in Boulder County.
| University | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk |
|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder | Large Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities | High risk—Greek life is a significant part of campus culture |
| Colorado State University | Active Greek community | Moderate to high risk |
| University of Denver | Smaller but active Greek system | Moderate risk |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Limited Greek presence | Lower risk but not zero |
| Community Colleges (e.g., Front Range Community College) | Minimal Greek life | Lower risk but hazing can still occur in clubs/sports |
Fraternities with Hazing Histories in Boulder County:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Beta Theta Pi
- Phi Delta Theta
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Delta Chi
These organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. The same risks exist in Boulder County.
The Message to Boulder County Fraternities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating in Boulder County:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Boulder County, we will pursue every liable entity—the university, the national organization, the housing corporation, the alumni board, and individual members.
Pi Kappa Phi’s UH chapter? Shut down.
The national organization? Sued for millions.
The university? Held accountable for owning the torture chamber.
Your chapter could be next.
Boulder County Families: It’s Time to Take a Stand
Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “building brotherhood.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture.
And it has to stop.
If your child has been hazed in Boulder County, you have legal rights. You have the right to hold the people and institutions who hurt your child accountable. You have the right to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term consequences.
You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to fight for you.
Contact Attorney 911 Today
Free Consultation for Boulder County Families:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Boulder County and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you do.
Enough Is Enough. Let’s End Hazing in Boulder County.
Attorney 911—Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting Boulder County families. Fighting for justice. Holding institutions accountable.
