Hazing Victims in Broomfield, Colorado: Your Legal Rights & How Attorney 911 Can Help
Hazing Is Happening in Broomfield — And It’s Not Just “Tradition”
Broomfield, Colorado, is home to vibrant college communities, including nearby institutions like the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, Front Range Community College, and Regis University. These schools foster academic excellence, athletic pride, and student organizations — including fraternities and sororities. But behind the scenes, a dangerous culture persists: hazing.
Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s illegal.
Recent cases across the country — including our own $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — prove that hazing causes serious injuries, hospitalizations, and even death. The same fraternities operating near Broomfield have chapters with documented histories of abuse. The same universities near Broomfield have failed to protect students.
If you or someone you love has been hazed in Broomfield or at a nearby Colorado school, you have legal rights. And we are here to fight for you.
What Is Hazing? The Truth Behind the “Tradition”
Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in an organization.
It’s not just “boys being boys.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s not “paying your dues.”
Hazing includes:
| Activity | What It Really Is | Broomfield & Colorado Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Forced alcohol consumption | Alcohol poisoning, blackouts, death | Common at CU Boulder, CSU, and other Colorado schools |
| Extreme physical exercise | Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure | Our client was hospitalized after 500 squats |
| Waterboarding/simulated drowning | Torture — a war crime | Documented in our UH lawsuit |
| Beatings with paddles or objects | Assault and battery | Reported at multiple Colorado Greek organizations |
| Sleep deprivation | Mental and physical exhaustion | Common in pledge programs across Colorado |
| Forced eating until vomiting | Degradation and health risks | Reported at Colorado fraternities |
| Sexual humiliation or assault | Sexual abuse | Documented at Colorado universities |
| Psychological abuse | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Long-term harm seen in Colorado students |
These aren’t pranks. They’re crimes.
And in Colorado, consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law says: you cannot consent to hazing.
Hazing in Colorado: The Legal Landscape
Colorado Anti-Hazing Law (C.R.S. § 18-9-124)
Colorado has strong laws against hazing. Under C.R.S. § 18-9-124, hazing is a Class 3 misdemeanor — punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $750 fine.
But if hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a Class 4 felony — punishable by 2 to 6 years in prison.
Key points for Broomfield families:
- Hazing is illegal in Colorado, even if no one is injured.
- Consent is not a defense — the law explicitly says so.
- Universities and national organizations can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing.
- Individuals — including chapter officers — can be sued personally.
Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Damages
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims in Broomfield can file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Academic disruption
- Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)
In Colorado, there is no cap on pain and suffering damages — meaning juries can award millions in cases of severe hazing.
The Broomfield Hazing Crisis: What’s Really Happening
Broomfield is part of the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield metropolitan area, home to over 3 million people and multiple major universities. Greek life is active at schools near Broomfield, including:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) | Boulder, CO (~20 miles from Broomfield) | Major Greek system; multiple hazing incidents reported |
| Colorado State University (CSU) | Fort Collins, CO (~60 miles from Broomfield) | Active fraternities and sororities |
| Front Range Community College | Westminster, CO (~5 miles from Broomfield) | Smaller Greek presence, but hazing still occurs |
| Regis University | Denver, CO (~15 miles from Broomfield) | Private university with Greek organizations |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO (~20 miles from Broomfield) | Growing Greek community |
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters near Broomfield, including:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
These organizations have paid millions in settlements — yet the hazing continues.
The $10 Million Warning: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Broomfield
Our Landmark Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi
In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being hazed.
What they did to him:
- Waterboarded him with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck him with wooden paddles
- Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him run sprints
- Hog-tied another pledge face-down on a table for over an hour
- Another pledge lost consciousness during forced workouts
The result:
- Leonel was hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure
- He could not walk or stand without help
- His muscles broke down from extreme exertion
- He now faces potential long-term kidney damage
This didn’t happen in a vacuum.
- Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU)
- The University of Houston had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017 (Jared Munoz at Pi Kappa Alpha)
- They had 8 years to fix their culture. They did nothing.
Now, they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit — and so should any fraternity or university in Broomfield that allows hazing to continue.
Broomfield Families: This Could Be Your Child
Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even a UH student yet. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer. They hazed him before he was even enrolled.
Ask yourself:
- Is your child pledging a fraternity or sorority near Broomfield?
- Have they been pressured into “activities” that make them uncomfortable?
- Have they been threatened with expulsion if they don’t comply?
- Have they been forced to drink, exercise to exhaustion, or endure humiliation?
- Have they come home bruised, exhausted, or emotionally broken?
If the answer is yes, your child is being hazed. And it could happen to anyone.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Broomfield?
When hazing happens, everyone involved can be held accountable — not just the individuals who participated.
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Broomfield & Colorado Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | CU Boulder, CSU, Regis, FRCC chapters |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster) | Led the hazing; directed activities | Named in lawsuits; personal liability |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Can be sued individually |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. |
| University | Owned/controlled property; failed to prevent hazing | CU Boulder, CSU, Regis, etc. |
| Greek Life Advisors | Knew or should have known about hazing | University employees |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority house owners |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes | Premises liability |
In Colorado, universities can be sued for failing to protect students. If a school near Broomfield knew or should have known about hazing and did nothing, they share liability.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Broomfield
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- If your child is injured, go to the ER or urgent care
- Document all injuries (take photos)
- Get a full medical report
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked — some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms immediately
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
| Evidence Type | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Texts/Messages | GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp |
| Emails | Any communications about hazing |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house |
| Social Media | Posts, stories, comments about hazing |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules |
| Witness Info | Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders |
| Medical Records | Hospital bills, doctor notes, therapy records |
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
- Do not give statements to Greek life leaders
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not post about the incident on social media
- Do not confront the fraternity or university without legal counsel
They will try to control the narrative. They will try to minimize what happened. They will try to blame your child.
Protect your rights. Call us first.
Step 4: Report the Hazing
- File a police report — hazing is a crime in Colorado
- Report to the university (Title IX office, student conduct)
- Report to the national organization (if applicable)
- Keep copies of all reports
Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 — Free Consultation
We represent hazing victims in Broomfield and across Colorado.
- Free, confidential consultation
- No upfront costs — we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)
- We come to you — we’ll travel to Broomfield for meetings
- 24/7 availability — hazing emergencies don’t wait
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Why Broomfield Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- We know how to build these cases
- We know how to win
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are former insurance defense attorneys
- We know how insurance companies try to minimize claims
- We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability
- We use that knowledge against them
3. We Understand the Culture
- We’ve seen the locker room mentality that enables hazing
- We’ve seen the peer pressure that silences victims
- We’ve seen the institutional cover-ups
- We’re not intimidated by Greek life or university power
4. We Serve Broomfield & All of Colorado
- Headquartered in Houston, but we serve Colorado
- Federal court authority — we can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction
- Video consultations available — meet with us remotely
- We travel to Broomfield for depositions, meetings, and trials
5. We Speak Spanish
- Se habla español
- Many hazing victims are first-generation or international students
- We ensure no language barriers to justice
6. We Care About More Than Money
“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
We’re not just fighting for compensation. We’re fighting to stop hazing in Broomfield and across Colorado.
What Broomfield Hazing Victims Can Recover
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation, including:
| Category | What It Covers | Broomfield & Colorado Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | Kidney failure, rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, therapy for PTSD |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma | Waterboarding, beatings, humiliation |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Fear of retribution, social isolation |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or school | Academic disruption, job loss |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced alcohol poisoning, cover-ups |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship |
In Colorado, there is no cap on pain and suffering damages — meaning juries can award millions in severe cases.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Broomfield Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million | Same fraternities operate near Broomfield |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | LSU | $6.1 million verdict | Juries award millions for hazing deaths |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million | Strong evidence = massive settlements |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | FSU | Confidential settlement | Same fraternity as our UH case |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | VCU | $4+ million | Hazing deaths lead to major settlements |
These cases prove one thing: Hazing victims win. And so will you.
Broomfield Universities: The Warning Is Clear
Universities near Broomfield — CU Boulder, CSU, Regis, FRCC, and others — have a legal duty to protect students. When they fail, they face millions in liability.
If your child is hazed at a Broomfield-area school, we will hold the university accountable.
Fraternities Near Broomfield: We Are Watching
The same fraternities that have paid millions in settlements have chapters near Broomfield, including:
| Fraternity | Hazing History | Broomfield-Area Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey death (2017), Leonel Bermudez hospitalization (2025) | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple hazing deaths, chemical burns at Texas A&M | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death ($10.1M settlement) | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver death ($6.1M verdict) | Regis University |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death ($110M+ settlement) | CU Boulder |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple hazing lawsuits | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths | CU Boulder |
To every fraternity with a chapter near Broomfield:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.
If you haze students in Broomfield, we will find every liable entity. And you will pay.
Broomfield Parents: Protect Your Child
You send your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trust the university. You trust the fraternity. You trust that “tradition” won’t put your child in the hospital.
That trust is being betrayed.
What you can do:
- Talk to your child about hazing — what it looks like, why it’s wrong, how to say no
- Encourage them to report any suspicious activities
- Remind them that consent is not a defense — they can’t be punished for refusing to participate
- Save our number: 1-888-ATTY-911
If hazing happens, call us immediately. We will fight for your child.
The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing victims in Broomfield have legal rights, but those rights have deadlines.
- Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims
- Evidence disappears quickly — texts get deleted, witnesses forget, fraternities destroy records
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Attorney 911 today.
Broomfield Hazing Victims: We Are Here for You
Free Consultation — 24/7 — No Upfront Costs
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Broomfield, Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, and all of Colorado.
You are not alone. We will fight for you.
